Page 65 of Taming the Kraken

“Lex.” Ken’s voice was gentle as he studied her, her eye twitching slightly when she looked at him. She shouldn’t have to force herself. “You don’t need to condition yourself to get used to this face. Honestly, it’s the last face I want you to feel at ease around. I don’t mind covering my face when I’m around you. It’s for the best.”

Alexa listened to the change in the tone of his voice when he said “when he was around her.” She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. “When you’re around me? What does that mean exactly?”

“Lex, I’m still going after Erebus. I also need to check on Terra.”

“But you promised you would be with me every night.” Alexa clenched her fists as she slowly closed her eyes. “Will you?” she whispered gently.

“Lex …” Ken sighed and looked down. “I don’t think that’s a good idea now. Just hear me out. What if you’re half awake and you see this face?” He motioned over himself with disgust. “It will terrify you. I could sit with you all night with a bag on my head⁠—”

“But his time would be better spent tracking Erebus down,” Levi said. “I want to join in on the search too. Enough is enough. If Ken and I join forces …” He frowned and looked down at Reiya and Alexa. “The problem is I don’t want him coming for you if I’m not here.”

Mikah can protect her. Ken mindlinked to Levi, who looked at him in confusion. We have a lot to talk about. But Mikah can detect Erebus. And he can hold him off. Alexa still has the necklace and I can get to her instantly if she breaks it.

And I can come to Reiya the moment she summons me … Levi glanced over at Mikah curiously.

Actually, there is something else you need to do. You need to find Gaia and talk to her about Mikah. If Shiva is correct, Gaia will know about Mikah. I’ll explain more later.

Levi nodded and returned his gaze to Reiya.

“Lex … are you in any pain?” Mikah asked, and Alexa shook her head.

“I’m fine, Mikah.” Alexa gave him a weak smile. Sure, physically she was fine. But inwardly, she was hurting. Why must everything be so rocky when it came to her being with her mate.

“Reiya, can you speak with Bella? I’m going to go and find the Great Sage. Let’s get this in motion immediately.” Reiya was struggling to leave Alexa, and Lee reached out to her in support. Reiya noticed Ken’s pained expression and knew he needed to talk with Alexa, and this would give them a moment of privacy.

Mikah placed his hand on Alexa’s head. “Want me to make you some of my famous tea?” This was his way of asking her if she needed him to stay with her. Because if she didn’t feel comfortable being alone with Ken, he would stay by her side. He would guard her against anyone, and that included her mate.

“Thank you, Mikah. That sounds great.” Alexa smiled at him in appreciation as he ruffled her hair up. Mikah followed her parents out of the room, shutting the door behind him. “Ken …”

“Close your eyes and think of me.” Ken’s voice was soft as he walked over to her. He slid down against the wall and wrapped his arm around her. He needed to hold her, and she needed him as well. Sparks tingled between them, and he felt relief touching her. “I don’t want you to open your eyes. I don’t want that sicko’s face to ever be associated with my comfort. Just listen to my voice and breathe in my scent.”

Alexa turned her head, burrowing into his chest and keeping her eyes closed. She breathed in his relaxing scent and gripped his shirt. “This isn’t fair …”

“We will get through this, my love.”

“I know, but …” Alexa sighed as she frowned into his chest. “I finally have you. I’ve been waiting for you for so long.”

“I’m here, Lex.” Ken placed his chin on her head and inhaled her scent. His fingers slowly traced her bare arm, sending little tingles wherever he touched.

“I want to feel your lips too. And you promised me⁠—”

“Not with you seeing Erebus’s face. I won’t have you accidentally looking and seeing his face in an intimate moment like that.” Ken squeezed her tighter. “I’m sorry, Lex. I’m so sorry. I know you’re hurting. I …” He couldn’t stand it. He was right beside her, and he couldn’t protect her. Erebus kept getting to the most precious existence in all the universe. He kept failing her.

Alexa felt his fingers dig into her slightly as his voice trailed off. This was the moment she felt the pang of guilt. She could hear the pain in his voice. He was hurting too … he was hurting for her.

The corner of her lip curled up as she traced her fingers over his chest. “You know … you could always blindfold me.” She giggled when she heard him choke.

Ken chuckled and nuzzled his nose into her hair. “My love, we will bring the blindfolds in later. But now isn’t the time for them. I want you to see me pleasure you. I want my face ingrained in your mind during those moments. And I want to see the passion in your eyes.”

“I’m sorry, Ken. I’m not usually so … well, like this. It’s just⁠—”

“Shh. My love, I like you like this. Please be vulnerable around me. Show me all the parts of yourself. I want to know when you’re hurting. Don’t ever hide it. Let me mend your heart when you need it. You can be strong and fierce, just never hide your pain from me.”

“Ken …” Alexa gnawed on her bottom lip. “I’m nervous about Erebus.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I keep failing to protect you. I’ll work harder. I don’t want you to live in fear of him getting to you again⁠—”

Alexa chuckled and shook her head against his chest. “I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about you. It seems he is well prepared. It’s a game to him now. I’m afraid you’ll fall into some trap he is cleverly setting up by blinding you with your rage.” She felt the slow rising of his chest as he stayed quiet.