Page 140 of Taming the Kraken

“Damn it, Levi! How could you be so weak?! How could you allow someone like me to kill you?” Mikah spat out as tears streaked down his face.

“Alright, enough of this. We have to head back.” Ken snorted and turned to look at the door.

Mikah snapped his head in Ken’s direction. “We aren’t leaving him here like this!”

Ken clicked his tongue. “Of course not. It’s time to leave.” He stepped up to Levi and swung his foot, kicking him in the side. “Get up. I can’t believe you finally developed a sense of humor, and it is morbid.”

“Ouch!” Levi coughed out and opened his eyes. “Well, I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed. I thought you would finally call me dad,” he said as he sat up, smiling slightly. “Sorry about that, Mikah. I know that was wrong to do. I was honestly so exhausted, I just needed a minute to recharge, and —” Mikah crashed into Levi, wrapping his arms around him. Levi smiled and patted Mikah’s back. “It’s alright, son. I’m okay.”

“Luckily!” Ken snorted. “He’s only alive right now because of a miracle.”

“Because of my fairy.” Levi smiled, looking up at Ken. “My fairy magic woke up and it connected me to Reiya. Her powers entered into me, healing me. I’m sure it completely drained her.”

“Fairy magic … it’s pretty clever, isn’t it?” Ken smirked at Mikah. “Smarter than our puddle pirate.”

Mikah pushed away from Levi and wiped his eyes. “Thank you both for coming for me.”

“Of course. We will always come for you. Besides … Alexa can’t live without you.” Ken chuckled, and then he saw Levi’s eyes widen.

“Alexa …” Levi heard Reiya’s voice in his mind. “We have to get back to Elysia. Now!”

CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT

Lita slowly walked down the hall, leaving Alexa and Reiya still talking about Mikah. She sighed as she tucked her hair behind her ear. The future could go either way from here.

“Toots!”

Lita turned her head to see Asher’s cousin Kristen coming up beside her. She took her arm and they continued walking down the hall. Kristen was the first female friend Lita had ever made, and they’d remained close ever since.

“Asher, Grayson, Caden, Caspian, and Garrett are acting like children again. They’re out there bumping chests with your kids and grandsons.” Kristen eyed her closely. “What’s wrong?”

“Sometimes it’s hard having to do the right thing.” Lita gave Kristen a sad smile.

“I told you. You’re too sweet to be the rough one. Make Asher do it. What was it?” Kristen kept her gaze on her as they stepped outside into the garden.

Lita shook her head and let it go. “It’s nothing.” She looked up at Grayson and Brody arm wrestling. The men were all surrounding them, cheering them on.

“I’m next!” Garrett cheered as he eyed the match.

Asher suddenly lifted his head and looked around. His gaze met Lita’s, and he swiftly walked in her direction. He could feel her pain before he knew her thoughts. He could see the hurt in her eyes. He walked up to her and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. He rubbed her back in soft circles as he tried to comfort her.

“I’ll go and see what Rosa and Merida are up to,” Kristen whispered as she left to give the two of them some privacy.

Asher kept Lita tucked under his arm as he walked with her away from everyone. “You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re doing what you must. Alexa must have her own protection.”

Lita leaned into his side and nodded her head as Asher sighed, following her thoughts.

“This isn’t about Mikah. This doesn’t mean you don’t care. We both know what’s at stake. You’re still getting the premonitions about Erebus … Lita.” Asher spun her around in his arms and tilted her chin up to him. He smiled as he looked into her eyes. In times like this, words weren’t necessary. It was much better since their souls were connected. He rested both his hands on her back and pressed her closer to him.

“You couldn’t have been soft about this one, Leet. Alexa is the fairy princess and must be protected. We just have to hope they can get him back.”

“Last night … the premonition I had about Mikah. And of the future … our hope …”

“Lita.” Asher held her tightly and buried his nose in her hair. “We already know our role in all of this. We will protect our family the best we can. And we will provide a sanctuary for magic. That is our fight. Right now, we have to concentrate on the present. You know that’s why you had the premonition last night. They’re going to find him, and we’ll be ready. Together. No matter the outcome.” Asher cradled her head against his chest. He could feel her fear and anxiety. But he also felt her love, loyalty, and courage.

“I love you, Asher.”

“I love you forever, Leet. Even death won’t stop my love for you.”