Page 157 of Taming the Kraken

“Let me see.” Lita’s voice rang out clearly through the room. She walked toward Mikah with Asher and Grayson. Her face was drawn and her body was tired, but she would complete her tasks and do whatever she could to ensure everyone’s safety. She walked up to Mikah, cupped his cheeks, and stared into his eyes, searching for the lifeforce of the sprite.

“He’s right. The sprite no longer exists inside his body.” Lita dropped her hands and then turned to look at Alexa. “We have a lot to fill you in on, but you look tired. You’ve been through a lot. Why don’t you rest?”

“I’m taking her to my home to rest. When she’s feeling better, we’ll come back here.” Ken looked at Levi, who reluctantly nodded his head and frowned.

“She could rest here too,” Levi said, and Ken chuckled.

“I was going to take her straight to my place, but she insisted on seeing everyone here first. I was just going to send you a mental message that she was safe.” Ken turned his head slightly to look at Mikah. “I told you the sea slug would have something to say.”

Levi scoffed and Mikah grinned. “I think his reaction was pretty mild, considering everything that happened.” Mikah elbowed Ken lightly. “You’re not the only one who loves her … and she wasn’t the only one who loved you.” He grinned widely as Ken shoved him.

Terra stepped forward with Jasper by her side. “I’ve decided to stay with Jasper if that’s⁠—”

“Stay with your mate, Terra. You deserve happiness.” Ken watched as she smiled, and Jasper rested his arm around her.

“I know there’s a lot to talk about. I’ll be back in a day or two. Will you still be in Elysia?” Alexa looked at her mother, who nodded her head.

“Yes, your father and I are moving to Elysia. It’s something we can talk more about when you return.” Reiya squeezed her daughter tightly before she released her.

Ken reached for Alexa, who stepped into his embrace. He kissed the top of her head gently and brushed his nose in her hair. She was exhausted and needed to rest. He understood that her family needed to not just hear that she was safe. They needed to see it. He looked up at everyone in the room.

“I’ll bring her back after she’s rested,” Ken said and Lita raised a hand.

“Wait. Before you go …” Lita handed a scale to Alexa and Mikah. “Take these. They will prevent the nembrant glass from affecting you in the future.” Just then, a baby started crying and Alexa turned her head in shock.

“Did someone have their baby already?” Alexa looked over at Lucie now, finally noticing the baby she was holding despite still being heavily pregnant.

Lucie smiled and shook her head. “We’re all still pregnant here.” She rocked the baby slowly until she fell back to sleep. “I think the baby is something else we can talk to you about after you’re rested.” She glanced at Reiya, who nodded her head.

Alexa let out a tired sigh and leaned into Ken. After being held captive, fighting against Erebus, and recovering from her wounds, she was exhausted. It was finally creeping up on her. Ken knew this through their connection. He was also exhausted after the search for her, having barely slept. Right now, they needed to rest. Everything else could wait. The immediate danger was over.

Ken nodded at everyone, and a moment later, the three of them were standing in the main room of their home.

Mikah watched as Ken lifted Alexa up and carried her up the stairs. He headed to the kitchen to grab a quick snack before he headed to bed himself. His thoughts weren’t entirely on sleep, though. He was thinking about Brandy. When he saw one of the servants, he decided to ask about her.

“Is Brandy still here?”

“No, she is due to make a delivery tomorrow morning, though.”

Mikah nodded as he gathered some snacks in his arms. He felt a wave of disappointment wash over him as he made his way back to his room. He couldn’t deny what he was feeling. Suddenly, his body was screaming at him to find Brandy. As if she was his and belonged to him. Maybe it was just the anticipation of seeing her again? Or … it was something more. He would know when he saw her tomorrow morning.

In the morning, he would make an important decision about his future.

CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX

Mikah was up before the sun. He had a restless night of sleep and finally rolled out of bed, excited to see Brandy. He headed to the back door and leaned against the wall. The sun finally made its excruciatingly slow appearance, a light blue hue covering the sky.

Mikah was shifting from side to side as the minutes slowly ticked by. He was becoming increasingly impatient as his eyes continuously scoured over the horizon. The sun was finally throwing its orange light into the air, bringing its warmth. He kept his focus in front of him as he waited. She should be arriving any moment now.

Finally, he heard the sound of someone walking up the path. They looked like a dark silhouette at first in the blinding light of the sun. As they got closer, Mikah felt his shoulders drop in disappointment. It wasn’t her.

It was a man that looked to be around his age. He wasn’t as large as Mikah nor as muscular but was still toned. The man was carrying a large wooden box that was filled with various items.

“Who are you?” Mikah asked as the man approached. He looked over him with a discerning eye.

“I’m just here to make a delivery.”

“Where’s Brandy? Isn’t this her route?” Mikah asked with a raised brow.