Page 41 of Taming the Kraken

“I see. You think you’re suddenly entitled to a note?” Mikah growled, stepping forward.

“Mikah—” Alexa began, but Mikah held his hand up to stop her. He looked into her eyes.

“This is between me and the puddle pirate.” Mikah watched as Ken’s eyes flickered with humor.

“Well, with all due respect, whose watch was she under when she ended up getting cursed?” A smirk rose over Ken’s face as he watched Mikah’s eye twitch.

“Who’s hungry for calamari?” Mikah’s eyes narrowed at Ken.

Alexa was anxiously flipping her gaze between them. They were both very important men in her life, and this was going horribly. She was about to say something when the sound of both of them laughing soon rumbled loudly.

Mikah reached his hand out and Ken clasped it as wide grins spread across their faces.

“Calamari? You read too much fiction. I’m not a squid. I’ll show you some time, though.” Ken released Mikah’s hand. “Thank you for watching over her. I’ll try to be around more often.”

“Please do. As you can see, she is a handful. Look at the bags under these eyes. They’re because of her.”

“Wait a minute. Why do I feel like I’m missing something? Since when are you two best friends?” Alexa asked, looking in confusion between the two men.

“Lex, I’ve seen him without his shirt on. We are bro bonded. Though next time you’re giving away necklaces, don’t leave me out.” Mikah chuckled as Ken cleared his throat and shook his head.

“Mikah and I both have the same goal in mind. And that is keeping you safe. Plus, I like his attitude.” Ken then turned his head, pinning his gaze on Brian. He gave him a small nod, which Brian returned. Alexa had explained everything to him and he knew Brian didn’t have any romantic feelings for her. There were some words he wouldn’t utter now for safety reasons.

“Terra.” Ken turned his head to look at the girl. “Let the water guppy know that his daughter is with me and to stay put. We’ll be back soon.”

“Water guppy? You mean my father?” Alexa arched her brow at Ken as a crooked grin spread over his lips.

“Trust me. He likes being called that.” Ken winked at her and chuckled. “Terra, wait a minute.” He glanced at Alexa. “Can you send a messenger fairy? I actually have other work I need to put Terra on.”

“Do I have to?” Alexa sighed as she scrunched her nose up.

“Lex, do you know how worried they’ll be when they find out you aren’t there? Let them know you’re with me. That’s all they need to know. Don’t worry.” He smiled at her as he cupped her cheeks. “They’ll have to go through me if they plan on scolding you.”

“You’ll be around when they scold me?” Alexa watched his green eyes soften.

“Yes. I need to speak with your parents about a lot of things.” Ken looked over at Terra. “Are you willing to go back to where you found me in the demon realm? There is more information that we need from there. It’s not without its risks, but⁠—”

“Consider it done,” Terra said, bowing her head slightly.

The next second, she flashed, disappearing in the darkness.

“Will she be okay?” Alexa asked, glancing up at Ken.

“I wouldn’t have sent her if I thought she wouldn’t be.” Ken glanced around. “Let’s get that message sent so we can get rid of this curse you’re harboring.”

“When you kill Erebus, could you make it particularly painful? It’s the only way I’ll be able to sleep at night.” Mikah snorted angrily. The very thought of his princess having a curse placed on her was beyond infuriating.

“Is there any other way to kill him?” Ken smirked, and a grin raised over Brian’s lips.

“Okay, I like him.” Brian shrugged. “I didn’t think I would. But don’t get too comfortable just yet. I haven’t decided if you’re good enough for her.”

“I’m not.” Ken’s green eyes met Brian’s hazel ones. “I’m not good enough for her. I don’t think anyone is. But she’s mine, and I want her.”

“Damn it. Give me something to work with,” Brian whispered, shaking his head. If he could say something like that, then he was good enough for her.

Alexa stopped abruptly and turned to face Ken. She folded her arms over her chest and glared at him. “I’m the one who will decide who’s good enough for me. I’ve already decided. And I’m not about to let anyone speak about my mate like that.” She lifted her brows, challenging him.

Ken stared into her beautiful ocean eyes. Hearing her say those words about him filled him up inside. However, he couldn’t accept her answer to that yet. Not completely. Not until she knew about all of him and saw the monster that he was.