Page 56 of Taming the Kraken

“She’s probably tasting his beast right now.” Shiva laughed and then shuddered at the same time. “Oh, I just grossed myself out.”

Brian and Mikah glared over at Shiva and then shook their heads. This was one of those topics that was off the table for them.

“Mikah, that was something else. I’ve never felt that much power from you.” Brian looked at Mikah, who only shrugged.

“She was going easy on me. I just took advantage of the situation so I could end it quickly.” Mikah listened to Shiva snort, and a smirk reached his lips. It seemed the goddess didn’t like being beaten.

“Well? Get back to work!” Shiva hissed as the smirk on Mikah’s face grew.

The two men worked tirelessly under Shiva’s watchful gaze. Brian was adjusting quickly, becoming more and more familiar with his new power. It was finally beginning to feel like second nature. He could shut the power down instantly, and even Shiva nodded her head in approval.

“Good.” Shiva yawned. “The challenge will be you controlling it when your emotions are out of control. Like something happening to Bella. Be mindful of your triggers and constantly work to control yourself. Keep in mind this is no longer the fire you remember. One wrong move, and ashes to dust …” She watched as his gaze continued to linger on Bella.

“Go! Talk to her. I can’t stand the drooling any longer.” Shiva clicked her tongue and sighed loudly.

Brian walked over to Bella as she licked her lips nervously. He rubbed the back of his neck. “I just want to be close to you … if that’s alright. I know you don’t … feel this. And that’s okay. I … I need to at least be close to you. And we can talk?”

“Ask her for her shirt to soothe your beast. That’s what Ken gave Alexa.” Mikah grinned as Shiva snorted in a fit of giggles.

Bella looked over at Mikah and then tilted her head at Brian. “Do you want me to give you my shirt?”

“Sweetie. I don’t think him having your shirt will have the same effect it did with Alexa. I think it would only work him up, not calm him down,” Shiva chimed in. Brian turned his face away from Bella as a shade of red crept up his neck.

“I …” Bella started and then stepped forward to grab Brian’s hand.

Brian felt a soothing wave wash over him, and the tension vanished. The beast inside him curled up in contentment, and he turned his gaze to her gray eyes.

“Does this help?” Bella asked in a soft whisper.

“Yes. Thank you.” Brian smiled at her and let out a breath he’d been holding.

“Brian, why don’t you tell her more about the kingdom and the acceptance kiss? And about Alexa and you. Fill her in on the important details.” Mikah watched Brian nod his head.

Brian walked to the other side of the room with Bella, where he would have a bit more privacy.

“Alright. What do you know about me?” Mikah turned and glared at Shiva as a wry grin spread over her face.

“Know something? Me?” Shiva shrugged innocently.

“You know something. I’m not stupid.” Mikah growled and watched as the goddess narrowed her eyes at him.

“I need some more time. But I will come and visit soon. After I confirm a few things.” Shiva chewed on her inner cheek as she began to mull over her thoughts. Mikah had her guessing, which was unusual. What she had thought not long ago about him was no longer the case. She was shocked to feel the foreign energy from Mikah. It was not what she was expecting at all. But now it made more sense why the fairy magic chose him.

“And you don’t feel the need to elaborate on this now?” Mikah watched as her icy gaze met his.

“I don’t feel the need to do anything I don’t want to do. And I don’t appreciate the tone in which you are speaking to me.” Shiva listened to the low chuckle from Mikah as he shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t really care what you appreciate and what you don’t. I’m not beholden to you. Tell me. Don’t tell me. Whatever.”

Mikah turned his head as soon as he detected Alexa’s scent. She appeared along with Ken just a few feet away.

“Lex!” Mikah sighed with relief. She immediately ran up to him and hugged him tightly, which was exactly what he needed. He smiled and rested his head on top of hers. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay, Mikah. I’ll explain everything to you. I just needed a moment to calm down.” Alexa stepped away from him and was back in the arms of her mate.

“You deflowered her, didn’t you? You are a beast.” Shiva snorted as Ken shot daggers at her. She grinned and shrugged. “Were you letting her sample your beast?”

“No,” Alexa said clearly as Shiva’s eyes met hers. “I was the one taming his beast.” She grinned and tilted her head up to see crimson stains seize Ken’s neck and ears.