Page 13 of Taming the Kraken

Brian stepped closer to Alexa and nodded his head toward her. “You want me to have sex with your daughter?” he said tersely, making Mikah snort behind them.

“What?” Brian looked at the shocked faces in front of him. “We can talk about this, right? After all, you’re suggesting that I mark and mate with your daughter. You’re bringing it up so nonchalantly, like we’re discussing the dinner menu. So, let’s discuss this dinner menu.”

A low, dangerous growl came from the deity standing in front of him. Brian knew he may have taken things a bit far, but he found how casually they spoke of mates infuriating. He watched as Reiya gripped onto Levi’s arm, and with a small twitch of his lips, he calmed down. Thank goodness for Reiya. However, he could see his father was at a boiling level. And he wasn’t sure if his mother would be enough to calm him down.

“You aren’t saying this as a suggestion. You’re saying this as a matter of fact.” Alexa immediately put the attention on her. “What about Ken? What about my fated mate?”

“He hasn’t shown himself to you. He doesn’t intend to take you as his mate.” Levi closed his eyes for a moment before redirecting them at his daughter. “This isn’t a decision your mother and I came to lightly. We’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

“Thanks for putting a lot of thought into my life and Brian’s. I feel privileged that the dragon deity has decided to start playing matchmaker now.” Alexa clicked her tongue and folded her arms over her chest.

“Careful with that tone, Alexa.” Levi’s tone had shifted into that of an authoritative parent.

“We aren’t exactly children. You can’t force this on us,” Alexa spat out as she felt Brian’s shoulder against her. They were creating a united front.

“Lex, I see how strongly you feel about this. How about we make a deal then?” Reiya’s lips curled upward as she tilted her head toward Alexa.

Xander and Lila both turned to look at Levi and Reiya curiously. This wasn’t something they’d discussed with everyone else.

Alexa looked up at Brian before turning her gaze back to her parents. “A deal?”

“You want Ken, am I right?” Reiya asked, and her daughter nodded. “Okay then. You need to first meet him face to face. We’re presenting you with an opportunity for that.”

“I’m listening.” Alexa gazed at her mother as she waited for her to continue.

“If Ken is around, you need to lure him out. Can you think of a better way than for him to think you’re going to take another mate? This is why Brian should mark you at the upcoming dragon party. If Ken is out there and he wants you, he will not allow for you to be marked. However, if he doesn’t show up, we know what that means. So this is what we propose. You agree to be Brian’s mate. If Ken shows up for the acceptance kiss, you get your fated mate. However, if he doesn’t show up, you allow Brian to mark you and you move on with your life, with Brian as your mate.”

“Consider this one last, desperate attempt to attract Ken’s attention. If Ken wants you, this is his last chance to claim you. If he doesn’t show himself, then you can help out the West Dragon Kingdom. Lex, without you …” Levi trailed off, his blue eyes focused on her.

Alexa stood there quietly. She knew what her father was trying to say. Without her, Brian would end up alone. She didn’t want that for him. But she had Ken out there. The stubborn ass better show himself. It was the moment of truth. If by some chance he didn’t show up, then it would mean he didn’t want her as his mate. If she couldn’t have Ken, then she could at least do the right thing and remain by Brian’s side. This was also an issue their parents were not going to let go of.

“Now wait just a minute—” Brian growled but Alexa grabbed his arm, stopping him.

“Fine.”

Brian looked at Alexa like she’d grown an arm out of her forehead. “What do you mean fine? You realize what this would mean? And what we would be expected to do?”

“What? The daughter of a deity not good enough for you?” A wry grin spread over Alexa's face.

“They aren’t asking us to just be roommates, Alexa. They will want you to produce an heir. And you recall how those are made, right?” Brian rubbed his temples and squinted at Alexa. “Not that you aren’t beautiful and amazing, but, um, I’ve always looked at you like family.”

“We aren’t saying you have to go straight into the intimate part of a relationship. Only to allow room for love to grow where it needs to. The only intimate moment we’re pushing is the marking.” Xander sighed and shook his head. “Son, I know this isn’t ideal. But we need to think of the future of the kingdom here. You will need an heir.”

“And if the Kraken does come for Alexa, then what?” Brian didn’t like where this was heading, no matter what the outcome was.

“Then we will continue to search for an answer.” Lila was hurting for her son. She wished she could take the curse upon herself.

“Then let’s do that first. Let’s look for the alternative answer first. Let’s hunt down this Shiva. Or search for those who can tolerate my aura.”

“We can’t just pick anyone who can tolerate your aura. It has to be someone worthy of being the next queen. And we already explained about Shiva. The dragon party will be the perfect time to announce Alexa as your mate.” Xander watched his son scowl angrily.

“Okay, all things considered, Brian and I need to talk. So if you don’t mind, we’re going to take a walk.” Alexa eyed Mikah. “Alone.”

Mikah let out a low growl but nodded his head. After all, there would be times when he couldn’t follow Alexa. Like into her bedroom with her mate.

“I think talking about this seriously is a good first step. It may take time before you’re ready to take the relationship to the next level. But you both have plenty of time for that.” Xander nodded his head, looking over at Levi.

“Plenty of time indeed. Alexa wasn’t supposed to be immortal, but somehow fate has given this to her. And dragons live a very long time. Just look at the Great Sage. He is over a thousand years old.” Levi looked into his daughter’s eyes and motioned for her to go.