Page 16 of Taming the Kraken

Reiya clicked her tongue and grinned at him. “Well, if you’re afraid you might lose this time, my love, I can spare you.” She listened to his warm, light chuckle.

“You just love trying to provoke me, don’t you?”

Reiya bit her bottom lip and raised her shoulders. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“Xander and Lila are already with them. They’re in the fellowship room. Are you two coming?” Brody tilted his head and nodded in the other direction.

“Should we let Alexa know they’re here?” Lee asked. At the same time, footsteps rushed toward them, coming from the other direction.

“Nick is here!” Alexa squealed as she dashed past her parents.

“I think she knows.” Reiya giggled as she intertwined her fingers with Lee’s, and they walked down the hall together.

Alexa sprinted through the castle. She saw Brian, Mikah, and Raine talking with two other people. One of them was Jared, who looked a bit irritated. She imagined he was well aware of the mating situation. But it was the other young man that Alexa had her eyes on.

“Nick!” she squealed.

“Sexy Lexy!” Nick reached out and lifted Alexa, spinning her around. “Damn, you get more gorgeous every time I see you. I hear you’re taking Brian as your chosen mate. You know, I’m pretty sure you would have a much better time with me. Think about it.”

“How could I rob you from all the dragon ladies who will be after you during the dragon party? I could never do something like that,” Alexa teased playfully as her parents walked up.

“Nicolai, it’s been too long, young man. You really should come and visit more before you take on the heavy burden of the crown.” Reiya arched her brows up at him and folded her arms over her chest.

“Aunt Lila and Uncle Xander already scolded me over it. I promise I will visit more.”

“Good. Make a point to do so.” Reiya giggled and looked past them at the closed door. “Jade and Weston in there already?”

“Yep, Mom and Pops are in there with Uncle Xander and Aunt Lila.”

“You kids have fun but stay out of trouble,” Brody said as he opened the doors, letting Reiya and Levi walk in first. He followed them in, closing the doors behind them.

“Well, he said to have fun first. And we need just a bit of trouble for that.” Alexa grinned as she listened to Mikah’s low growl. “Don’t worry, Mikah, it’ll be fun trouble that you’ll participate in as well.”

“Great. Can’t wait.” He snorted and rolled his eyes.

“Lex.” Jared’s eyes met hers, a small frown forming on his face. “Can we talk?”

CHAPTER TEN

Alexa followed Jared to a private area of the castle. She watched him stop and stand there, facing the wall in front of him. He stood there for a moment before he quickly turned around, pulled her into his arms, and held her tightly. A small smile rested on his face before he pulled back to look at her.

“Lex, you’re amazing. Brian told us everything. I can’t tell you how much I admire you. That you’re willing to stay by Brian’s side so he isn’t alone. This is why I love you. It does really suck, though, and I feel like a piece of my heart is shattered. But at the same time, I have so much admiration for you.”

“Wait, Brian did explain that if Ken shows up first, I⁠—”

“Yes, but he hasn’t shown up all this time. Sweet, wonderful Alexa, you deserve someone who would destroy the world just to be by your side.” He let his arms drop from her and stood back. “I just wanted you to know that my love for you isn’t shallow. I’m here for you no matter what. I just want you to be happy, and I hope that you will be. I just hope that destiny will bless me with someone like you. Maybe not as stubborn and more compliant.” He grinned and winked down at her.

She smiled back at him. She knew he was hurt, but he was doing his best to show his support. He was a true friend. He was best friends with Nick growing up and always joined him when he visited. He put his heart on the line, and she never wanted to hurt him. She appreciated his attitude about this. But she didn’t really expect him to handle it any other way. Jared was always a noble man of high standards. It wasn’t in his character to act differently.

“Thank you, Jared. I appreciate your friendship.”

“You’ll always have it.” Jared’s eyes lifted up behind Alexa and a cheesy grin spread across his face. “Looks like we have an audience, my love.”

“Jared you should drop the ‘my love’ right now. Alexa is my mate now, and I will treat her as such.” Brian walked up and tugged gently on Alexa, pulling her into his side. “Sorry for eavesdropping. I …” He glanced over at Alexa and raised his shoulders slightly. “I hope I’m allowed to be protective.”

“Me too. I wasn’t about to hear her get berated.” Mikah stepped out, followed by Nick.

“Yeah, it was unBEARable for him to just wait around.” Nick snickered to himself, patting Mikah on the back.