Page 7 of Taming the Kraken

“I’m glad that wasn’t what it seemed.” Mikah sighed with relief, a small smile on his face.

“Yeah … me too. Me too.”

Alexa looked at the corners of Brian’s lips, which were curled down. She hopped up on her feet and walked over to him, placing her hand on his shoulder and giving him a small smile. “What is it?”

“I don’t want to have to depend on advisors like my father had to most of the time. It’s no way to handle things. Dad was lucky because he has Reese. But I don’t really have someone that I trust like him. Not like I trust you guys.” He chuckled. “The dragon elitists would die hearing something like that. That I trust someone that isn’t a dragon the most.”

“That isn’t entirely true, though. I mean, I’m a dragon too. In fact, being close to me is probably heavily favored, since I am your deity’s daughter.” She giggled and shrugged. “You also trust the other dragon princes and princesses. I guess in your own kingdom, we are the closest to you. But I don’t see a problem with that. I think us having this close bond is a great thing. And because of this relationship, you’re always welcome in Elysia. I am like the dragon’s fairy.”

Brian chuckled. “You are definitely our fairy. I consider you more ours than the fairies.”

“THERE YOU GUYS ARE!” Her black, curly hair bounced as she stormed toward them, her green gaze flicking between the three of them.

“Raine, I take it you were looking for us?” Alexa chuckled as her cousin came closer. Raine was Brody and Chelsie’s daughter. She had a unique power that just came about with this generation, something she and their cousins Justice and Destiny shared. They used magical swords to channel their powers. None of them could shift, and it was almost like they were evolving into a species of their own. Even though Raine was part kelpie and part werebear, she didn’t have a feral animal she shifted into. Instead, she could materialize a magical sword out of thin air. They were all sure there was a reason behind this, but they would have to wait to find out what it all meant.

“Why didn’t you get me for sparring too?” She frowned, folding her arms over her chest.

“We were afraid your cute little curls would get all frizzy and you wouldn’t be able to manage that hair for the rest of the day.” Brian chuckled as he listened to Raine snort.

“Don’t listen to him. It was early. I didn’t even want to get up. So I thought you could at least get to sleep in.” Alexa watched Raine look around the area and then she clicked her tongue.

“Well, I think you destroyed another training ground. So where will we be sparring next?”

“Where indeed?” Alexa smirked as she looked over at Mikah who grunted, folding his arms over his chest. “Well, this place is already destroyed. How about you try out some of those sword powers on me?”

“Lex … I’m still trying to get a handle on it. I don’t want to⁠—”

“Don’t you start too. Come on, let’s see it.” Alexa started walking out into the field.

“I’ll spar with her,” Mikah growled out angrily.

“I’m already out here and I can’t hear you, la la la.” Alexa shook her head, laughing quietly. “Alright, let’s go, Raine.” She watched as a shining blue sword materialized in Raine’s hand, feeling the power it emitted. The sword grew in strength, just like one would when training. Raine said it felt like her sword had a life of its own. That she could feel it and its will.

“Alright … if you’re sure,” Raine said, her voice uncertain. She watched Alexa nod her head and heard Mikah’s sounds of disapproval. She would do her best to keep the attacks on the lighter side. But sometimes she didn’t have full control of the sword.

A bright blue light shot toward Alexa, and she deflected it with her ice magic, but barely. As Raine’s attacks continued, they became stronger and different. It was as if the sword was learning and adapting to attack her.

They heard a loud scream as two children played nearby. They ran right out onto the field after Raine had already fired off another attack. Alexa put an ice barrier around the children, then crossed her arms in front of her to take the brunt of the attack. She went flying backward into the ground.

She laid there panting with her eyes closed. If she hadn’t fortified herself with her ice magic, she would have been in real trouble. She could hear the muffled, panicked yells coming her way, but her head was buzzing.

Yuki began whimpering and pacing in her mind. This wasn’t like her quiet wolf at all.

Yuki? Yuki, what is it?

Our mate … Our mate is near.

CHAPTER FIVE

Wait, our mate? Where? In what direction? It was quiet on Yuki’s end for a moment before Alexa heard her snort. Alexa stayed perfectly still, even though she could hear the panicked voices around her.

It was only for a moment. I felt him for a split second when you were hit. But it’s gone already. I can’t feel the pull at all. There isn’t even a remnant of his scent. But he was here …

Alexa groaned inwardly. But this did tell her something important. He was here, and he was watching her. And this made her think that maybe he did this often. She didn’t want him to know she’d noticed him. Nothing to put him on alert. She needed to pretend she noticed nothing. Inhaling deeply, she opened her eyes and furrowed her brows as she looked at the sets of worried eyes above her.

“Raine, I’m glad you’re on our side.” Alexa smiled as she began to sit up.

“Lex.” Mikah swung his arms around her, pulling her into his chest, one hand cradling her head against him while the other rested against her back.