Page 62 of Taming the Kraken

The sound echoed off the marble walls as the reddening mark appeared on his face. Erebus only smirked and grabbed her hand.

“I anticipated as much,” Erebus whispered as he moved closer to her neck once again. “Maybe I should leave you with something to think of me … until we meet again.” He flicked his tongue over her skin as she fought to be free of his grip. He chuckled and pushed his lips into her skin, kissing her gently. “I’m afraid you’re much weaker here.”

“I don’t care if I am weaker here. I’ll fight you anyway,” Alexa growled as she tried to squirm out of his embrace.

“Now now. I’m not going to force anything on you.” Erebus let go of her and frowned. “I won’t force you, Alexa. I’m going to do right by you.”

“And the best way to a woman’s heart is threatening to kill her family,” Alexa snorted angrily as she backed up on the bed.

“That is just to protect you from Ken. My fiery treasure, Ken is dangerous. You think I am threatening, but you have no idea what kind of beast he really is. Until I can kill that mate of yours, I need to ensure that you stay away from him. I don’t want to hurt you of course …”

“You didn’t mind hurting my cousin Lucie.”

“That was before I knew you. I want to be better for you. Change me, Alexa. Stay by my side and show me your light.” He moved his hand over the silk sheets toward her.

Alexa shook her head and sighed. “You’re like a spoiled child who gets everything they want. If they see another child has something they want, they think they can simply take it. Even though the spoiled child has everything, he isn’t as happy as the other child with their toy. I won’t be the toy you take to try to fill your void. You don’t want me. You don’t know me. You want me because someone else wants me.”

“I’m not good enough for you, is that it?” Erebus growled and listened to Alexa’s airy chuckle.

“You have ears. Use them. Did you not hear what I just said? It’s a competition for you. I am not going to be the prize you’re competing for. Ken is my mate. No one could ever complete me like he can.” Alexa listened to the low, deadly snarl from Erebus as he snatched her hand and pulled her beside him.

“I’ll save you from yourself, Alexa. I won’t let him ruin you. You are blinded by the mate pull. You’ll see clearer after he is dead.” Erebus frantically tried to reason with her as his hand sifted through her hair.

“You think I’ll forgive you if you kill him? If you kill him, you’d better kill me, because I will make it my life's mission to destroy you,” Alexa snapped at him coldly. He pulled her backward, his hands entangled in her hair, holding her in place as a dark chuckle escaped his throat.

“You see, my treasure? We aren’t so different after all.” A cruel grin spread over Erebus’ face as he tugged her head toward his lips. She tried to pull back, wincing as his grip on her hair tightened.

“Stop it! Let go of me,” Alexa pleaded as his lips inched toward hers.

“Just let me taste you. Be a good girl and hold still.”

She felt his hot breath on her lips as she struggled against him. Tears welled in her eyes as a small whimper escaped her lips. He held her captive with a fist full of her hair as his other hand gripped her arms. Her heart was racing as panic began to set in. She didn’t want this man’s lips on hers. She didn’t want to be so close to him.

Please … someone … anyone … help me. Alexa inwardly begged.

The room suddenly began to shake violently, and Erebus looked up, growling loudly.

“That bastard. He is always interrupting us.” Erebus turned and glared at Alexa. “You want him to come and save you, don’t you? You want to see his face.” His eyes widened, and he bared his teeth at her in a vicious grin.

“Yes … that’s what I’ll do. I’ll send you back to your mate, who is desperately trying to wake you up.” Erebus pushed off and pinned Alexa down on the bed. “But first … I’ll leave a message for the Kraken.” His eyes were wild as his face inched closer to hers.

Ear-piercing screams filled the silent room as crimson drops seeped into the silk sheets.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Ken woke up as he felt the shivering next to him. Alexa’s breathing was erratic, her heart racing. His first thought was that she was having a bad dream, probably from being so exhausted. She was safely beside him, so nothing else could have happened to her. His aura was protecting her.

“My love,” he called to her gently as he rubbed her arm. She continued to shudder and a quiet whimper left her throat. “Alexa.” He spoke loudly as he lifted her upright.

She squirmed yet was unresponsive, her face contorted. He squeezed her tightly in his arms and leaned his head into hers. He realized this wasn’t just a normal nightmare. Impossible.

Ken could hear the faintest of whispers in his head.

Please … someone … anyone … help me.

Ken felt desperate and tried to mindlink her, but he hit a solid mental barrier. He beat against it with all his godly might, but the barrier still held. It couldn’t keep him out for long, but he was desperate for any extra help he could get. Alexa needed help.

Mikah! Something is wrong with— Ken didn’t even finish the thought when Mikah burst into the room.