Page 114 of Taming the Kraken

“I don’t like it,” Mikah admitted quietly. “I don’t like you throwing away your chance at happiness.”

“Well, I don’t like you throwing away yours. You won’t start a family because of your duties, even though the princess is well protected by her mate. Instead, you hide behind your duties, clinging to them. You use it as an excuse. Convincing yourself that you don’t want a family. Convincing yourself that you CAN’T have a family. When in reality you’re afraid to have one. Yes, I’ll be taking a mate out of duty. But at least I can admit it sucks. It’s hell. Do you think I want to be forced to be mated to a stiff my whole life? Forced to carry his child? Forced to share their bed with them? Hell no, I don’t want that. It sounds horrible.” She clenched her fists. “But this is my duty. You have yours, and I have mine.”

Mikah let out a sigh and nodded his head. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He balled one hand into a fist by his side. He couldn’t explain the emotions he was feeling right now. He wanted to rip Noah’s throat out for the possessive look he’d given Brandy. The idea of her taking him or any man as a chosen mate aggravated him. He didn’t want her melting into another man in bed. Her legs shouldn’t wrap around another man’s body.

Why was he feeling this way? It was wrong. She could take whoever she wanted or didn’t want as a mate. That was her choice. They weren’t in a relationship. They weren’t a couple. For all intents and purposes, Mikah was mated to his duties as a guardian. That was it for him. He wouldn’t have a mate. He couldn’t afford a mate. He wouldn’t risk not being there for Alexa when she needed him. He rationalized he was just feeling his primal hormones fogging his mind. As an apex predator, he didn’t share, and sleeping with Brandy was making him feel like she was his. Or so he tried to reason. The problem was he never felt like this before with his flings. So why was it different this time?

“Mikah, it’s alright.” Brandy forced a smile and shrugged. “Anyway, I have no intention of taking a mate right now. But if you’d rather us not hook up, that’s fine.” Mikah’s gaze snapped to hers and a cocky smile reached his lips.

“Oh, I don’t think so. You’re spending the night with me tonight. Even if I have to collect you myself. I’ll be gone for a few days, so tonight we won’t be sleeping. And I plan to punish you for leaving me right now without taking care of my problem.”

Brandy laughed and bit her bottom lip. “I’ll look forward to it.”

Mikah watched as Brandy walked away. He always watched her when she left, but this time, he felt pain in his chest. He wanted to run to her, to hold her. He wanted to keep her by his side where no one else could touch her. But that was silly. It was a ridiculous notion that he wasn’t going to explore further. He turned and walked back to the house. When he opened the door, he found two angry blue orbs staring back at him.

CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR

“Well?” Alexa folded her arms in front of her and lifted her chin, glaring at Mikah.

“Well what?” Mikah asked as he shut the door behind him, moving to step around her. She immediately stepped in front of him and placed her hand on his chest to stop him.

“Mikah.” Alexa took in a breath and tried to calm her anger. She loved Mikah, but he could be so stubborn. Deep down, she knew it came from his love for her. She would respect his decision, if it was what he really wanted. But she was certain that wasn’t the case. Brandy was right. Mikah was hiding from it. Maybe he was afraid of having a family and losing it? But Mikah had so much love to give, and she wanted him to have a full life. “What are you doing?” Her voice was soft as she gave him a faint smile. “You said you would think about it.”

“Lex … you eavesdropping little fairy.” Mikah prodded her nose and grinned. “This is my choice.”

“I think Brandy’s right. I think you’re hiding behind your duty. I think you’re afraid to have a family. That is why you never wanted to be part of mine. Why you never wanted to be officially adopted. Well, TOUGH! You are my family. We are family. And having a family isn’t a bad thing.”

Mikah chuckled and patted her head.

“Easy, killer. Brandy and I can’t be a thing anyways. Even IF I did want it. Which I don’t.”

Alexa rolled her eyes. “Are you really that dense? She wants you too. You both are in denial. Of course she will never voice it with you acting like you don’t want her. Why would she put herself out there and risk rejection? That would make her feel vulnerable and weak. Use that common sense I know is in that brain of yours.” Alexa’s frowned. “I want you to have someone, Mikah.”

“I have someone. It’s you and me.” Mikah smiled as Alexa nodded her head.

“It is always going to be us. But that doesn’t mean it has to be only us. I already added Ken. Why don’t you open yourself up to having something more?”

Mikah pulled her into his arms, hugging her tight and resting his chin on top of her head.

“Mikah …” Alexa whispered as she hugged him back.

“Lex, I appreciate you. You know I’m bonded to you on a deep level. I don’t want anything to ever ruin that bond. It’s how I protect you. It’s how I’ll always find you⁠—"

“But Mikah⁠—”

“I know, Lex. I understand your point. But this is what you want. Don’t make your wants my wants. I appreciate it. I know you want me to be happy. But let me figure this out on my own, okay?” Mikah stepped back and noticed her frown. He chuckled and ruffled her hair. “I love you to death for this, though. I know you’re just worried about me. And while I will do just about anything for you, I’m not about to take a mate to make you happy.”

“That’s the thing, Mikah. This is about you not allowing your happiness. If I am pushing you, it’s because I know you. I know you need this push. Because for some reason, you’ve locked the idea away. You’re acting like it’s some sort of forbidden fruit.” Alexa watched as he started to object. “I know what you’re saying, Mikah. It’s your choice, blah blah blah. I get it! Your destiny … okay, Skywalker. Just make sure it’s really your choice and not the pretend decision.” She smiled at him and shrugged. “If you change your mind, that’s okay. If you want it, don’t lose it. Because you only have a certain window of opportunity here. Remember, eventually, Brandy will take a mate. Think about that. How would that make you feel? Just give this the consideration it deserves.”

“Alright, master Yoda.” Mikah grinned. He glanced behind Alexa and sighed. “It’s about time you got here.” He glanced at Ken, who snaked his arms around Alexa.

“She isn’t wrong, you know,” Ken smirked as he listened to Mikah chuckle. “I know from experience. I was an idiot.”

“Was?” Mikah grinned as Ken arched a brow at him. “You still are.”

Ken chuckled. “I don’t care what I am. I have her. And that’s all that matters.” He kissed the side of Alexa’s head and inhaled her scent. “You know, Mikah … I can keep her safe just as easily as you can. And I can teleport to her instantly. There’s no reason you can’t take a mate. I mean, let’s be honest. I want you to think about this.” He raised his head and stared into his blue eyes. “You aren’t celibate.” He watched as Mikah shook his head with a laugh. “Well, why is there time for that but not a mate? That would be the most vulnerable time you’d be away from Alexa. And most of those times she’ll be with me.” He felt Alexa’s elated emotions in his mind. She liked where he was going with this. And normally he wouldn’t pry, but he felt how important it was to her.

“The bond you have with Alexa will never change, even if you take a mate. And this is different. It isn’t like before, where the fairy princess only had the guardian’s strength. Alexa has me. If something can happen to her under my watch, it can happen to her under yours. Even more so.” He saw Mikah looking down, quietly taking in everything.