Page 37 of Taming the Kraken

“I can’t believe we wasted the Alabaster crystal on you.” Taric sneered at the woman in disgust. “Just do what I need. Get it done.”

“This isn’t a task that can be done overnight. I need time. You’ll have to wait for those results.”

“JUST DO IT!” Taric roared. “Get the bitch out of here!”

Terra watched the two demons escort the woman out through another set of doors. A hand came around her mouth as a voice entered her mind.

Terra, what the hell are you doing here? You left Alexa?!

She turned her head to see angry orbs staring down at her.

Ken, it’s Alexa. Erebus sent her a message. He told her to let Brian mark her or else he would kill one of her family members.

The green, angry eyes widened and turned dark with rage. His face turned a deep shade of scarlet as he bared his clenched teeth. That damn bastard. He glanced down as he watched the demon Taric sit down on the couch. He was so close … but he couldn’t wait around any longer. He needed to go to Alexa.

Let’s get out of here, Ken growled mentally to Terra.

Mikah kept glancing between Alexa and Brian. There was an aura of awkwardness between the two of them over what had just happened. Alexa and Brian’s bodies were more tense. They were unnaturally keeping their distance as they walked along in silence.

“I should have grabbed a snack before we left.” Mikah chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Neither Brian nor Alexa acknowledged him as they navigated farther and farther away from the dragon kingdom. “Oh, come on, you two. We can’t keep this up the whole way. Perhaps we should talk about the elephant in the room.”

Alexa and Brian both stopped and turned, pinning their gazes on Mikah.

“Alexa and I are both trying not to think about it, Mikah.” Brian shook his head in annoyance.

“If we could just pretend it didn’t happen for now, that would be great.” Alexa inhaled sharply and then glanced up, meeting Brian’s gaze for a moment, and Brian rubbed the back of his neck.

“I’m not sure what I should say now. I think I’m supposed to say something about the acceptance kiss making me all hot, but it didn’t. I felt⁠—”

“Repulsed?” Alexa blurted out, and then clasped her hand over her mouth. She regretted using such a harsh word because she didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

Brian chuckled and nodded his head. “It’s okay, Alexa. It was nauseating. I was afraid I was going to puke.”

“Oh my gosh, me too! It was one of the most vile things I’ve ever experienced.”

“Thank the gods it wasn’t just me. I mean, you’re beautiful, Lex, but⁠—”

“Right, you are a handsome guy, Brian. It’s just⁠—”

“Gross,” they both said in unison and then began laughing heartily.

“See? Now, isn’t that much better? No no no, no thanks necessary. I know I’m amazing.” Mikah smirked, looking between the two. “Look, you both talked about this. You already knew going into it how you would feel. You didn’t have to pretend to feel differently to spare the other’s feelings.”

“Saying it is one thing. But then afterward … I mean, that is an intimate moment, one that should have had meaning behind it. It felt wrong to feel so repulsed by it.” Brian squinted his eyes as he shook himself in disgust. “Gods, and to think our parents wanted us to have kids together.”

“Yeah, that’s not happening.” Alexa chuckled dryly and winced, like the idea itself caused her pain. It was honestly a moment she wished she could block out of her mind. If there was a potion that would just erase that memory, that would be great. The feeling of his hot lips and tongue against her neck … she cupped her hand over her mouth as she gagged loudly.

Brian chuckled. “Don’t worry, my mate. The feeling is mutual.”

“I’m sorry, Brian.” She glanced up at him with watery eyes and a tired smile on her face.

“Hey, don’t. I was never the one meant for you. It’s okay. This is why we talked about all of this before. You know, communication is the key to a healthy relationship.”

“So is sex,” Mikah said, a devious smirk resting on his lips.

“Mikah!” Alexa clicked her tongue, twirling her wrist and shooting ice daggers at him. Well, she didn’t want to hurt him, so they were soft snow daggers that smashed against his skin. Still, she got her point across. She and Brian laughed while they looked at Mikah.

Mikah chuckled and brushed the white, cold snow off his body. “I’m just glad to see real smiles on your faces.” He looked at both of them. He felt better now that the awkwardness was finally gone.