Page 55 of Taming the Kraken

“Like a dinner and a movie date?” Bella asked in childlike excitement.

Brian felt his chest flutter. Could she be any more adorable? “Anything you’d like. Mikah is right. This would be a great way for us to connect … for now.”

“Of course, there is one problem.” Mikah tapped his chin. “Deity psychopath. You have a role to play.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll continue to play my part. I will protect Alexa no matter what. All that means is Bella and I can’t act like mates in public, which won’t be a problem for her since she doesn’t feel the pull.” He let out an airy chuckle. “But I can still date her behind closed doors.” He looked at Bella. “I want to know you. I want to know everything and for you to know me.”

“Aww. It must be so nice to have someone wrapped around your finger like that. Use that power, girl!” Shiva grinned and then looked at Brian. “Speaking of using power, this is the perfect time for you to get acquainted with yourself. With my ice magic here as a safety net.”

Brian blinked and looked at Shiva. He just wanted to focus on Bella right now. He wanted to hold her in his arms, or at least be close to her. But she didn’t feel the mate bond, which was worse torture than the pain he had just gone through.

“Well? Let’s see it. I know you can feel it surging through you. Focus on calling it forward and sending it back. You must learn to control it. And you need to learn this now before you leave. You have to be able to retract it in case you have an outburst.” Shiva moved over to her icy throne and raised her brows at Brian.

Brian stood there for a moment as he struggled to bring his new power forward. Mikah walked past him and smirked as he leaned in toward his ear.

“Just think about another man slobbering on your mate’s neck,” Mikah whispered in an inaudible breath.

That did it. A red aura surged from Brian, sending a rippling ring out from him. Mikah crossed his arms in front of his face as he pushed his own aura out to protect himself. The two rushing energies collided, and a massive gust of warm wind swirled around them angrily.

Shiva sat up straighter as a crooked smile slowly spread over her lips. “Interesting.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Aspiraling wave of heat circled Brian as Mikah held it in place. It was like he’d placed a clear barrier around Brian, holding the deadly aura in lockdown.

“How are you doing that?” Shiva asked as she leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. “What I really mean is, how did you know how to do that?”

Mikah turned and looked at her like she had said something insane. “How does an elementalist know what to do? How does a shifter know how to shift?” He lowered his shield as Brian’s fiery aura pulled back inside him.

Shiva clicked her tongue and glared at Mikah. “Instinct. The answer you’re looking for is instinct.” She stood up and walked over to him. “Do it again. But around me.”

“I can’t just—” Mikah interjected, but Shiva shot a surge of ice at him, making him react naturally.

Shiva reached out to touch the invisible sphere around her, brushing her fingers through it as she closed her eyes. The energy was not what she’d expected. What she had been almost certain of before was suddenly clouded with doubt. She parted her lips as a new realization hit her.

“Take it down,” Shiva whispered. She studied Mikah’s blue eyes as he withdrew the barrier. “Can you tell me about anything before the dark elves? With certainty?”

Mikah furrowed his brow and shook his head. “No. It’s all a blur. I only remember my life with the dark elves.”

“Who told you your parents were killed in the demon war?” Shiva pinned her gaze on him, and he shrugged his shoulders.

“The dark elves.” Mikah shook his head. “I’m not sure what the point of this is.”

“Brian,” Shiva said, her voice quiet. “Go stand next to Bella, please.” Her eyes flipped up to Mikah as Brian eagerly did what she asked.

“Defend yourself!” Shiva ordered and began launching frozen bursts at Mikah.

Mikah didn’t hesitate, effortlessly blocking and evading the attacks of the goddess. They hit with a force he’d never experienced before. As the attacks continued, he found it harder and harder to fully evade them. This was when he decided to switch tactics and go on the attack.

Shiva shot an icy blast, and Mikah reacted, pressing into it and sending it back to her. He followed the attack at a blurring speed, reaching Shiva quickly. He grabbed her wrist and spun her into him, immobilizing her.

“I see,” Shiva muttered, her brow furrowed. “Well? Why are you still holding onto me?” she snapped, stomping her foot and sending a crashing wave of snow over Mikah. She pursed her lips as she walked away, then glanced at Brian and snorted. “Well? Get back to practicing.”

“Well, she’s certainly in a mood.” Brian chuckled, winking at Bella before he made his way back over to Mikah.

“Alexa has been gone a long time.” Mikah sighed, his lips pulled into a frown.

“Relax. She’s with Ken. She’s okay.” Brian patted Mikah on the shoulder as he walked by him.