Page 12 of Taming the Kraken

“Now I know you’re lying. I mean, my face and body are gorgeous. Even Mikah wants a piece of this.” Brian raised his head, the familiar smile back on his face.

Mikah snorted in response but continued to eat his food. There weren’t a lot of things that would stop him from eating. It was like this with most of the bears in her family.

Brody, Chelsie, and Raine walked back out from the kitchen. Brody looked over at Brian and gave him a reassuring smile. “She’s fine. She was just in a bit of shock. But other than that, she’s fine.”

“What’s wrong with me?”

The doors behind them opened, and they all turned their heads to see Reiya, Levi, Xander, and Lila walk into the room.

“Dad, my aura is starting to burn Gerty now. What is going on?” Brian watched as his father closed his eyes, slowly taking a controlled breath.

“Brian. Alexa. We would like to speak to you two in private. Please come with us,” Reiya said, her tone soft and calm.

“Nuh-uh.” Mikah stood and positioned himself protectively near Alexa. He took a moment and wiped his mouth before pinning his eyes on the group at the far end of the room. “I go where she goes.”

“Mikah, she’ll be with us. This is a private matter.” Reiya watched as Mikah’s eyes grew dark.

“Alexa is my concern. If this is something that will affect her physically or mentally, I need to know about it.”

“For now you don’t need to be present,” Levi simply said. A quiet, low growl rose from Mikah. This guardian had a lot of gall. Levi chuckled and looked at the werebear. “Easy, little bear. She may be your charge, but she’s my daughter.”

“Mikah.” Alexa turned and placed her hand on his forearm. “It’s okay.” She looked at him curiously. Mikah had never reacted this way toward her parents before.

“No, it isn’t. I can feel the tension and concern from them.” Mikah growled lowly and pulled Alexa behind him.

“Okay. Okay. Just wait a minute.” Brody walked up, standing between Mikah and the others. “We all know there are no secrets here. Whatever this is, we’re all going to know about it, right? I think Mikah is right. Let him be with Alexa. You four are acting weird. You’re on edge.”

“This isn’t a secret from anyone. But—” Xander stopped talking as he looked at Brian and Alexa. They wanted to give them a moment to hear the news without everyone around. However, maybe it would be better to have others there too. “If you are to come, we want you there silently only. We don’t want anyone else to voice their opinion on this matter besides Alexa and Brian.”

“Shit. Brian, what did you do? Better let me know so I know how to cover for you,” Alexa teased as he chuckled quietly.

“I was about to ask you the same thing. I guess they finally found out we were the ones who stole the chocolate cake out of the kitchen ten years ago.” Brian looked up at the serious faces and felt a sense of dread. Whatever this was, it looked like it was serious. Maybe even a new war starting?

“Follow us to the conference room then.” Reiya turned and walked out of the room, Lee at her side, studying her curiously.

You’re hiding something from me. He arched his brow and watched a small smile reach her lips. You aren’t going to tell me, are you? My fairy, we don’t keep secrets between us.

But my love, you already know what’s on my mind … don’t you?

So I guess we’re both thinking the same thing. Lee placed his hand on her waist. You know this is extreme, right?

It’s how we do things. She shrugged and watched a cheeky smile reach his lips.

It’s how you do things, my fairy. And you have just corrupted me along the way.

Reiya leaned into Lee as they all filled up the conference room. Some things didn’t need to be said between them, and this was one of them. He knew her too well.

Brody closed the door and went to take his spot beside Chelsie and Raine.

“Brian.” Xander looked at his son with a small frown. “We have information about the burning aura. Unfortunately, my son, it isn’t good news. The aura will only get stronger.” Xander explained the situation with Shiva and the curse. He watched his son’s face pale as the realization hit him. “My son … you will not be able to be with your fated mate. In fact, there will be very few who can even be around you. And there isn’t anything we can do about it. If there is a solution out there, we don’t know about it.”

“Alexa,” Reiya finally said in a calm voice as she looked at her daughter. “There is only one female dragon that we know of who will be able to stand Brian’s touch. And that, of course, is you.”

“So what are you saying? You want me to take Brian as my mate?” Alexa laughed and her smile soon faded. She glanced over at Brian, whose eyes widened, then back to her parents. “That is what you’re saying, isn’t it?”

“For the dragon kingdom … for Brian … you need to become his mate.” Levi’s voice came through crisp and clear. The room echoed with silence, and all eyes were now on Brian and Alexa.

CHAPTER EIGHT