Page 69 of Taming the Kraken

“If you ever remember, no matter what it is … will you tell me about it? Even if you think I’ll be sad or hurt. Promise me you’ll tell me everything. That way I won’t feel like there’s a wall between us.”

He smiled softly. “I promise, Raine. No matter what, I will tell you. I don’t want there to be anything between us. And that includes this annoying fabric on our bodies.” Ryker nipped at her finger and pulled it into his mouth. He could smell her arousal and let out a low growl. “We need to get back to our room … now.”

Raine twisted herself in his arms so she could wrap her legs around his torso, her arms around his shoulders and her head at his neck. She ran her tongue over his nape and listened to his low, strangled growl as he began to practically run with her.

“Ryker,” Raine whispered as she began to nip and tease his sensitive skin. “I’m ready now.”

“What? Here in the hall?” Ryker asked, not understanding her. Well, if that’s what she really wants …

Her sweet giggle filled the air. “No!” she scolded playfully and nibbled at his ear. “I’m ready to mark you as my own.”

Ryker let out a stifled moan as his hands gripped her tightly. “Gods, Raine, that sounds hot as hell.”

“I was hesitant before. I felt the need to but couldn’t go through with it because …” Raine pulled back as he stopped running. She looked into his eyes as a faint smile spread over his lips. He nodded his head in understanding.

“You were afraid of marking me and me leaving you.” Ryker could see the guilt in her eyes.

“The idea terrifies me. I feel nauseous when I think you might have another mate out there somewhere. And the moment you remember, you’ll leave me for your past. That’s what held me back.” Raine inhaled a deep breath. “I’m not going to hold back anymore. I don’t want to regret later that I didn’t give you every part of me. So—so that no matter what, I would have given my everything to us.”

Ryker slid her down his chest and pushed her against the wall, his hand resting on her face. He stroked her cheek with his thumb and gazed into her captivating green eyes. “We don’t know if those memories will ever come back. I don’t want you to feel like you’re competing with a ghost. I guess we both have some insecurities in this relationship. I’m always worried I don’t deserve you, and that something from my past will make you discard me.” He leaned his forehead into hers and closed his eyes.

“Raine,” he breathed out, opening his eyes to look into hers. “Bind us together in every way possible. Let’s drop the insecurities and embrace each other for the rest of our lives. Be my partner, my home, my rock, and take my heart. You are the reason my flame burns and are the future mother of my children.” Ryker kissed her nose lightly.

“Let me be the person you trust and depend on the most. I’ll keep your secrets and always be by your side. I’ll be your shelter that welcomes you with loving arms. I’ll share your burdens and lighten your load. I will love you unconditionally and will forever be your family. I promise I won’t hold back anymore, and I’ll put my trust in us.” Raine felt his soft, molten lava lips searing hers. He moved against her passionately as they poured all their emotions into the kiss.

This kiss felt different from the ones before. It felt like they’d promised their souls to each other, and somehow it was more than being fated mates. This … was their promise and connection to each other as a couple. Not because of the mate pull. It was their bond to mend their gaps.

“I love you, Raine.” Ryker panted against her lips.

“I love you, Ryker.” Raine squeaked as he lifted her up again, placing her legs around his torso.

“I need you, Raine. In every way possible.”

“Hmmm, I wonder where I should mark you ... maybe I need to taste you all over to be sure,” Raine whispered and listened to the low growl of approval from Ryker.

“You can mark my whole body. I won’t complain.” Ryker chuckled as he sprinted to their room. He wasn’t sure why, but it felt like a burden was lifted from his shoulders. For some reason, their promises to each other meant so much more than being fated mates. Or maybe it was the combination of their words and their fated mate bond. But he felt a weight lift off his chest, and for once, he didn’t think about his past, because that didn’t change who he was now.

He was Ryker, the dragon loyal to the Prince of the West. And the man who was irrevocably in love with Raine.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Mikah began cutting out different shapes on paper bags in her bedroom while Alexa watched. Ken had left her to go speak with her father. She didn’t like the level of secrecy that was going on. Ken told her he would fill her in on everything later. At least the two of them were actually talking. She wanted them to eventually get along like the rest of her family. Hopefully, they would get there.

“Look!” Mikah smiled and spread the bags out on Alexa’s bed. “We have his mad face, his happy face, his sad face, and here is his Squidward face.”

“I see you’re having fun.” Alexa giggled, and an evil grin spread over Mikah’s face.

“You know, if you say you made these, he will definitely wear them.” Mikah watched as Alexa’s mouth dropped open.

“I am not going to tell him that! I feel bad for him having to swallow his dignity like that anyway.” Alexa looked at the brown bags on her bed with a frown.

“I guess that shows how much he loves you. Not even pride will stand in his way.” Mikah gathered the bags together. It took him a while to calm down earlier after everything. He was working hard to keep his focus on other things … like making paper bag faces for Ken.

“Is it hard for you … with Ken around?” Alexa had been curious how Mikah felt about it. He’d always had instant access to her, and soon this wouldn’t be the case.

“No. Actually, it’s a relief. He’s another strong protector for you. Just in case anything ever happens to me, I know there’s someone more powerful watching over you.”

She snapped her head toward him. “Why would you say that?” Alexa watched a small smile play on his lips.