Page 66 of Taming the Kraken

“You don’t need to worry about me. Thank you for pointing that out, though. You’re right. Erebus is trying to provoke me. He is placing breadcrumbs for me to follow. It isn’t that I’m finding them all of a sudden. It means he’s letting me find them.” Ken sighed in irritation. Erebus was very clever. He would give the bastard that. He knew he could trigger Ken by provoking his rage, which meant he would need to change tactics. “Thank you for your insight. I was letting him lead me around. Tonight, I’ll stay here. I don’t have to stay in your room, but I’ll keep an eye on things.”

“Please stay in my room. We’ll work it out. I’ll sleep better with your scent close to me. I’ll wear a sleeping mask. Will that work? That way you can keep your face free.” Alexa listened to the small protest in his voice, so she switched to a dirtier tactic. “I’ll be really sad if you don’t stay with me.”

A low chuckle rumbled from him as he leaned his forehead against her. “Are you trying to manipulate me?” Ken was grinning as he moved his nose in her hair, breathing her scent and brushing his lips against her. He loved her so much. He couldn’t describe the pain he felt over something happening to her under his watch. If something happened to her, there would be no point in him existing. As far as he was concerned, his life would forever be connected to her fate.

“I’m just stating facts,” Alexa replied innocently, her lips curling upward.

There was a slight knock at the door, and then someone pushed it open. Mikah walked in holding a cup of steaming tea and a brown paper bag in his other hand.

“I made something for each of you.” Mikah grinned as he held up the brown paper bag with a small slit in the front for sight.

“Is it just me, or is he enjoying this?” Ken raised his head and frowned, looking at the bag.

“You don’t have to wear that,” Alexa interjected quickly, but Ken held her head against his chest and grabbed the bag with his other hand.

“It’s for the best, my love.” Ken scowled at the paper bag before he put it over his head. He released Alexa, who finally turned to look at him.

Alexa laced her fingers with his. Behind her, she heard a small snort, and glanced back to see Mikah’s face completely red as he struggled to hold in his laughter.

“It’s Frodo BAGgins.” Mikah belted out loudly through rolling laughter. “I need a phone. We’re going to need pictures of this later, when you two can appreciate the humor.”

Alexa smiled, then turned her head back to Ken. “I can’t wait until this is a memory we can laugh about.” He squeezed her hand and nodded his bag head, making Alexa snort this time.

“Looks like some of us can laugh about it now.” Ken chuckled. They might have had a rocky start with all the bumps in their relationship, but Mikah was right. One day these moments would become memorable to them. They would laugh about these flashes of their lives. As a deity, Ken knew far too well how short this moment would be compared to their eternity together.

“Say cheese!” Mikah chuckled. “Ken, you’re going to have to give me more to work with.” He listened to the low growl. “Perfect!” He started taking pictures as the brown-bag-faced man lunged for him.

“Run! It’s the headless horseman!” Mikah laughed as he continued to dance backward and take pictures.

Alexa smiled as she watched Ken chase after Mikah. Mikah had the right idea. She wouldn’t be sad. She would find a way to just enjoy having Ken around. He was still here with her. She had his voice, his scent, and the heavenly sparks between them. One day, this would be a distant memory … a fun story they could share with their future children. One day.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Xander, Lila, Brian, and Bella were looking at Reiya intently as she finished explaining everything that had happened to Alexa. She turned to Bella, meeting her gray eyes.

“I know it’s a lot to ask. Do you think you can try to help? My Lee is talking to Grandpa Sage about it. He’ll be the one to train you on what to do.”

Bella nodded her head without hesitation. “Of course. This won’t be dangerous at all for me. However, there is risk for Alexa.”

“I agree. Brian, can you help with her body temperature again?” Reiya watched as a smile spread over his lips.

“I should be able to help her better now that I don’t have a barrier around my inferno.” Brian could see the appreciation in Reiya’s eyes. “How is she?”

“Putting on a brave face like she always does.” Reiya listened to Xander snort.

“Just like her mother. You always acted like you were fine when you were hurting.” Xander gave her a crooked smile and Reiya only shrugged her shoulders.

“I guess she gets it honestly.” Reiya smiled softly. “Brody and Chelsie went to speak with my mother about this. We also wanted to warn them about Erebus, since he is threatening my father’s life.” She sighed and shook her head. “Just a normal day for our family.” A wry smile spread over her face. They had to laugh off these moments, because her family was always going through some sort of trial.

Xander laughed. “Your family always has things to deal with. Remember, right after the demon war, Hunter had to leave again to deal with the packs in the north?”

“Yeah, I remember. There was a brutal war with a species called the sheya. I don’t remember all the details, but I know it was a big enough problem that the northern packs all joined forces. The Alpha’s Council up there reached out to my brother for advice. They had found a werewolf pup at one of the enemy camps and weren’t sure what to do with it.” Reiya smiled. “Hunter went up there and ordered the packs not to kill the baby, and he tasked the largest pack up there with its care. I think it was the Sulfur Pack. It’s been over twenty years now. I need to ask my brother if he ever heard any more about that situation. I know it was a big mess. And let’s not forget Lucie’s fiasco with Beryl and Erebus.”

“Well, Bella, you were bored before, right? You will never be bored again.” Brian laughed as he flashed her a bright smile.

“I just wanted people to talk to … but excitement sounds fun too.” Bella smiled with a small shrug.

“Were you incredibly lonely?” Lila asked softly.