Page 17 of Taming the Kraken

“Oh Nick … you’re better than that.” Alexa frowned.

“Hey, Brian, this’ll be just like when Reiya first came to the dragon kingdom. You’ll take on the role that Xander did and I will take on my father’s role. And Cole will take over for Dex and Troy for Mason. This will be Operation Keep the Fairy Princess Away From Other Dragons.”

“Dude, you sound lame.” Mikah stepped away from him as if the dragon was contagious.

“Dex and Ciana will be arriving soon. Try not to provoke Anna so much this time, okay?” Brian arched his brow at Nick, who held his arms out in innocence. Anna and Cole were Brian’s cousins from the North Dragon Kingdom. They were the prince and princess, though Cole would be the one taking over as the next ruler.

“It’s not my fault. She always picks on me,” Nick said, defending himself.

“You two are like kids fighting because they don’t know how to show affection. She is a potential love interest …” Alexa grinned, biting her lower lip.

“HA! Don’t you dare put that voodoo on me. Sure, Anna is beautiful, but she has so many ideas. She thinks and has opinions. It’s a lot.”

“Nick would rather have a blowup doll as his mate.” Brian chuckled and was joined by everyone but Nick.

“Eeewww, I don’t want to know about Nick’s private, um, hobbies.” Alexa scrunched up her nose.

“Now Lex, don’t get jealous of those dolls. They mean nothing to me. Not like you do.” Nick gave her a cheeky smile.

“Hey, Nick, that is my mate you’re flirting with.” Brian tilted his head, looking at his cousin with disapproval.

“Geez, all these new rules now. I can’t adjust this quickly. Where is my buddy Raine at? I can at least flirt with her.” Nick looked around, not seeing her anywhere.

“She will be back in a couple of days. She’s visiting her grandparents in Elysia.” Mikah frowned and grumbled under his breath. “Something we should have done too. It’s going to be so noisy here.”

“Aww, look, it’s Grumpy Bear,” Nick teased, receiving a murderous glare from Mikah.

“You know, I’ve had frog legs before. I bet dragon legs are just as tasty slathered in butter.” Mikah smirked, turning to face Nick fully.

“Shall we see if bear meat all ground up tastes just like a hamburger?” Nick chuckled, taking the challenge.

“Nuh-uh. Nope. We have a party we’re getting ready for, and we can’t have you two children ruining anything. So, if you want to battle, better make it a cook-off or a dance-off.” Alexa listened to the two men groan in protest. They were always doing this sort of thing. They couldn’t wait for a chance to spar against the other. It was all in good fun, but it was destructive.

“How about a duel at Mario Smash Brothers?” Nick smiled smugly and watched as Mikah’s lips curled upward.

“If you want to taste humiliation, then by all means.” Mikah chuckled.

“I’m in!” Jared stepped forward. “Of course, you both know you don’t stand a chance, right?”

“Oh, look who lost his training wings and is trying on his big boy ones.” Nick nodded over at Jared while looking at Mikah.

“Go get it set up, Mikah. I’ll show you children how to really play the game. But I want to talk to Lex here for a moment. Alone.” Brian cleared his throat a bit.

“Let’s go, Mikey. The new love birds need a moment.” Nick turned around and looked at Brian. “Use protection bro. If you need the love, use the glove.”

“Gods, Nick. I wonder why we’re friends sometimes.” Jared walked past him, followed by Mikah.

“Oh come on, guys. Wait up! That was a good one.” Nick trailed off as he jogged after them.

Alexa shook her head and looked up to meet Brian’s serious eyes.

“Brian?” she asked, tilting her head, a small smile on her face.

He leaned his head down on top of hers and let out a loud sigh. “Are you ready for this? The act we’re going to have to put on?”

“My mother did it. Your father did it. I think we can manage. This isn’t weird for me. Is it for you? I mean, okay, so the acceptance kiss will be a bit⁠—”

“Awkward?”