Page 31 of Taming the Kraken

“He called Raine a dirty mate that was most suited to a deserter dragon.” Brian’s shoulders began to rise and fall as he took deep breaths.

Alexa tensed as her grip on Brian tightened. “I see.” She steadied her breathing and listened to the low growl from Mikah. No one wanted anyone saying anything about Raine and Ryker. However, Brian was on the verge of burning the dragon alive, which was maybe a bit over the top in this situation. “That merited being reprimanded. I don’t think this is a burn-them-to-ashes situation though, do you?” She pushed back to look at him, giving him a side grin.

Brian nodded his head. “I didn’t … I didn’t mean for that to happen. I didn’t even launch flames at him.”

“Yeah, the guy just suddenly caught fire while Brian was looking at him. Brian never touched him, though,” Misty chimed in on his behalf. She was shocked to see the flames but immediately switched her focus to holding Brian back. His aura then increased to a level that began to burn her. It was the first time she’d ever been burned by the aura of another dragon.

“Well, he’s going to be just fine. I think he got a good scare, and let’s hope he learns something from the incident.” Alexa giggled and bumped Brian’s side. “Don’t let it get in your head. There is no problem here, okay?”

“What if you wouldn’t have come when you did? I don’t⁠—”

“Brian, let’s not play the what-if game, okay?” Alexa watched him slowly nod his head but could see the worry on his face. “Hey. I’m here, Brian. I’ve got your six.” She smiled as she bit her bottom lip, hoping to see him crack a smile.

Brian nodded his head as he stared off in the distance. “I’m a bit tired. I think I’m going to go lay down for a bit.”

“Oh no, you’re not.” Alexa wrapped her arm around his. She knew he was a little depressed, and she wasn’t about to let him have a self-pity party. “You’re staying with me.” She sent a frosty wave over his body and grinned up at him devilishly.

“Do you want to play hot and cold? Let’s see who wins. Your hot versus my cold?”

Brian finally chuckled and looked down at her. “I guess I should have napped when you napped earlier. You’re full of spunk now, aren’t you?”

“Yeah she is, and there is no way you’re leaving me on my own to babysit her.” Mikah folded his arms over his chest and looked at Brian.

A genuine smile spread over Brian’s face as he looked at the three people in front of him. “Alright, you guys win.”

“Oh, Brian … that’s sweet. You really thought you had a choice, didn’t you?” Misty teased.

“It’s adorable when he thinks like that. But we know better, don’t we?” Alexa said, continuing to tease Brian.

“Brian filled me in on the juicy stuff, but I’m going to need to hear it all from you. Maybe if we end up seeing Raine tonight, we can have a slumber party.” Misty listened to Mikah grunt in objection.

“Veto. I’m sleeping with Alexa for the time being. So you’ll have to get your gossip time in before bedtime.”

“I’m so jealous. Lex has all the men wanting a piece of her,” Misty teased with a drawn-out fake sigh. She knew that Brian was just pretending to be Alexa's mate and that Mikah was just being protective. Still, she wouldn’t mind having all the male attention too. The four of them walked toward the recreation room and Misty inwardly sighed with longing. Maybe she would meet her mate, or at the very least get some male attention of her own.

Alexa walked next to Brian, her arm linked with his. She reached up and touched her necklace, feeling its familiar warmth. She wondered how Ken was and what he was doing right now.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It had been a couple of days since Ken had visited her. She couldn’t help but think about him. Was he alright? Her fingers unconsciously brushed over the warm gem resting on her neck. What if he needed her? She had no way to go to him. She wasn’t a deity, but she was a demigod and still strong. She wanted to be with him. She didn’t care if she was fighting by his side or curled up on a couch with him. As long as she was beside him, she would be happy.

Alexa sat on the couch with her feet tucked under Brian and her head on Mikah’s shoulder. Nick and Misty sat on bean bags in front of them as they watched a movie. Nia and Troy sat cuddled up together on the single chair. Their arms were wrapped around each other, and they could care less about the movie. Jared had left to go get snacks for everyone mid-movie, which meant he couldn’t take the upcoming scenes. Jared was always squeamish when it came to ghost movies.

She hadn’t seen Raine and Ryker since they’d found out they were mates. Her aunt Chelsie was happy for her, but her uncle Brody was pouting about his baby girl finding her mate. He was happy she would be remaining in the West Dragon Kingdom, though.

“Lex, your feet are ice cold.” Brian grunted and squirmed, trying to edge away from her feet.

“Hey, do your job and keep my feet warm. Or I’ll show you what cold really feels like.” Alexa gave him a devilish smile and listened to him chuckle.

Brian grabbed her ankle and sent a warm sensation over her feet. He winked at her as a cocky smirk spread across his lips.

Misty and Nick suddenly tensed in front of them. They looked around in confusion, lifting their noses and taking in small whiffs.

“What is it?” Brian asked, straightening up to look around. He turned his head to see his cousins from the North Dragon Kingdom walk in, Anna and Cole, Dex and Ciana’s children. They both halted abruptly and stared into the room, an intense look on their faces.

Nick and Misty both turned around and their eyes met with Anna and Cole.

“Mate,” they all said simultaneously.