Page 5 of Taming the Kraken

Alexa stood up and held out a hand to the boy. “Let’s see how it feels now.” She grabbed onto his shaking hand and helped him to his feet. “Does it feel alright?”

The boy nodded shyly, looking down at the ground. He was clearly overwhelmed by the celebrities of the kingdom surrounding him.

“You don’t have to feel nervous around us.” Alexa tried to pry him out of his shell a bit, to no avail.

“Thank you. I’m sorry for causing you all trouble,” the boy said in a muffled voice.

“What is your name?” Brian asked.

“Elwin.”

“Elwin, remember that we must protect ourselves. Trying to force your shift could cause permanent damage, and you don’t want that. You’ll know when you’re ready. Your dragon’s heart will call to be set free. Until then, just try to wait.” Brian watched the boy slowly nod his head. This wouldn’t be the end of it. He planned to search out Elwin’s father and settle this issue.

“Thank you once again,” Elwin whispered as he slowly backed away, then turned and sprinted off.

Alexa took down Brian’s snowy veil and grinned at her parents. “The shield worked perfectly.”

“Brian, are you alright?” Reiya asked, looking at his slightly distressed face.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He smiled unconvincingly and then shrugged. “It’s getting stronger, you know. Why is it still growing? I haven’t even been crowned the king yet. It will get even stronger then. What if … what if it makes it so no one will be able to be near me? I don’t understand it.”

“Like I said, your fire will never be stronger than my ice.” Alexa smiled and nodded at her parents. “And you’ll never be able to burn my father either. But that isn’t what you’re really worried about,” she said with a wry grin. “You’re afraid your mate won’t be able to be near you.”

“Well, it’s a legitimate concern.” Brian rubbed the back of his neck slowly. “I mean, my grandmother died because of my father’s aura.”

“Something like that would never happen now. Not with me around. I can protect her if something like that actually happens. You’re making up a scenario. You haven’t even met your mate yet. Will you relax?” Alexa walked up to him and sent a cooling layer of frost over his body. It instantly melted, but there was relief in his eyes.

“Lex is right. You’re borrowing trouble from tomorrow. Don’t overthink it. Grandpa Sage is looking into the strange phenomenon now. And your father has been searching for clues as well. They’ll figure out what’s happening to you.” Reiya leaned into Levi, who nodded his head slowly.

“I don’t remember this ever happening before, at least not like it has with you. But I’m certain there’s a reason for it. And I’m still wondering if Alexa has something to do with it. Having her presence around you all the time may have been simmering your heat. The Sage also agrees this might be a possibility. And don’t worry. Your mate will be able to withstand your heat, because she will be the one made just for you. Just like how your father found Lila.” Levi rubbed Reiya’s shoulder delicately. It was also just like how Reiya was the one made just for him. No one else could have ever been good enough. Or perfect enough. She was everything he needed and more. Your mate completed you, and that was the way it was supposed to be.

“Yeah, you’re right. Alright … time for some sparring.” Brian looked over at Alexa with a wide grin. “I’ve got some new moves to try out today.”

“Ugh … can’t we have an easy day today?”

“No way. You’re the only one I can spar with at full strength who doesn’t pummel me to the ground like Dad does. Come on, ice princess. Let’s make it rain!” Brian chuckled as he flexed his muscles.

“Okay dear, have fun. Mikah, keep her in check. I better get back before Brody and Chelsie panic.” Reiya smiled, knowing that Brody wouldn’t stay put for long. He was still just as protective over her as he’d always been, even though she had a deity by her side, watching over her always.

“Alexa, you be careful. Don’t strain yourself, and⁠—”

“Oh, Lee. She’ll be fine. Quit being overprotective. Let her spread her wings a little,” Reiya scolded playfully. She grabbed his hand as they began to walk away. “Give him hell.” She winked back at her daughter before completely turning to leave.

The women in their family were in no way damsels in distress. All of them had a lot of fight and spunk in them. They’d all been a handful for their mates. Well, except for her, since her mate refused to come to her.

In a sense, she could relate to Brian’s worries. His worry was whether he would be able to be with his mate. He was afraid of burning his, and she was afraid hers would keep hiding from her.

Most of the time, when someone is hiding from you, they’re secretly watching you from their hiding place. Maybe Ken was also watching her. And if so, she could maybe use this to her advantage. She needed to think of a plan. It needed to be good, because she wouldn’t get another chance to flush him out.

“Alright, Lex! Battle stations!” Brian cheered happily.

Of course, she would need to wait to think of a plan after sparring with Captain Try Hard. But no matter what … she had to meet Ken at least once.

CHAPTER FOUR

Hot. Cold. Hot. Cold. Two very different types of burning sensations that were both deadly.

“Heat Miser! Snow Miser!” Mikah growled as Brian and Alexa returned to their human forms.