Page 72 of Taming the Kraken

“Right now, we don’t know anything. But we suspect there is more. We all have different theories at this point. We’re looking for answers, though. And this time, I promise, when we have an answer, we will tell you.” Levi reached out and put his hand on Mikah’s shoulder. “Mikah, I love you, son. I have watched over you and am proud of the man you have grown up to be. You might not have let us adopt you, but we did anyway, in our hearts. You’re important to me. I want to protect you.”

Mikah’s eyes watered in response as he stood there, too choked up to respond. Instead, he pursed his lips and nodded his head. It was true that Mikah had rejected the idea of being adopted. Levi’s words touched him, though. While he wasn’t Levi and Reiya’s son, they were two people he cared about. He loved them too. This, however, also frightened him. What if he ended up becoming a monster and disappointing them? Or worse … what if he ended up hurting them? His gaze moved past Levi and met Alexa’s. She was smiling at him warmly. He felt himself respond to her as she gave him strength.

Mikah was determined to protect Alexa and her family. If he could sense Erebus, then he could help Ken locate him. Erebus had to be taken care of so that his family would be safe. One way or another, he was going to protect them. He felt his beast stir in agreement as his energy swirled within him. Even his guardian powers were screaming to answer the call.

All guardians had a lethal power at their disposal, but it was a power that claimed their lives as well as their opponents. Mikah had a bloodthirsty sprite inside him that could end up hurting others, but it also gave him more power. Maybe this was the reason he was Alexa’s guardian? He had the power to protect her. He had the power to take down Erebus in exchange for paying the ultimate price.

A price he would willingly pay …

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Ken and Mikah stood in Alexa’s room, staring at her. Levi had left hours ago to go back to Reiya and it was now late. Everyone had returned to normal except for the paper bag situation Ken was still dealing with.

The group was now getting ready to turn in for the night. Mikah insisted on staying in the room with Alexa. The extra bed was still in her room, and Ken had agreed it would be an extra level of protection. However, Alexa was not amused and was pouting about it. She was hoping to make Ken give in to temptation and give her a steamy treat before bed. But all of that was ruined if Mikah stayed in there overnight.

“Mikah, it isn’t necessary. Ken will be right here watching over me.”

Mikah snorted. “Ken said he doesn’t plan to touch you now, so I don’t see why me staying in here is a problem.” Mikah looked over at the paper bag on Ken’s head, searching for his eyes in the peepholes. “Right?” The paper bag nodded its head.

“Well, that’s what Ken says now. But he would be singing a different story if I stripped off my clothes in the middle of the night and—” Ken coughed and Mikah slapped his hand to his forehead.

“See? I told you, man. She is trouble. You can’t trust her. Yep, best I stay in here and protect your virtue,” Mikah teased and Alexa snorted.

“Too late, Mikah. I’ve already tasted him, and I want another helping.” Alexa grinned as Ken took in a sharp breath.

“Lex, why do you have to be so perfect for me?” Ken shook his head. There was no way he could resist that temptation. It was definitely for the best to have Mikah with them. “Mikah, put the blindfold on her. You’re staying with us tonight.” He could hear the pouting protest as Mikah put the sleep mask over her eyes. The moment her eyes were covered, Ken removed the paper bag. “I can breathe.” He inhaled the fresh air.

Ken walked over to Alexa and scooped her up into his arms, walked her over to the bed, and eased her down on it. He ran his hand through her hair and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “My love, right now, your safety is the most important thing, and Mikah has a unique ability when it comes to sensing presences. But I love how open you are about your feelings.”

“Well, will you at least hold me?”

He chuckled. “Of course, my love.” He turned to look at Mikah. “Do you have some clean clothes I can change into?”

“I don’t know. My shirts might be too big for you.” Mikah smirked as Ken chuckled.

“Are you really trying to compare chest sizes?” Ken tugged his shirt off over his head and flexed his muscles. “I’m a deity, Mikah … this isn’t a challenge here. The expression ‘body of a god’—there’s a reason for that.”

“Well, I must be a god then.” Mikah grinned as he yanked his shirt over his head.

“You guys aren’t doing what I think you’re doing?” Alexa had a feeling she was missing an interesting show. She couldn’t care less about Mikah’s body. She saw him shirtless all the time. But watching Ken flexing his muscles would be mouthwatering. Especially in the spicy mood she was in.

“We’re comparing penis sizes.” Mikah teased. “Mine is bigger. Do you want to compare that next?”

Ken scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous, little bear cub. My arms clearly have more diameter than yours do. And I don’t think that is the only thing with more diameter …” Ken rolled his arm out with a smug, victorious smile.

“Not by much.” Mikah walked over and held his arm out. “I think they’re about equal …”

“You guys!” Alexa whined. She was left to her impure thoughts about exactly what was going on in the room. Pretty soon, she was going to take the mask off. A woman could only take so much.

“We’re bro bonding, Alexa. This is what men do. It’s like how you girls grab each other’s breasts in the shower.” Mikah listened to Alexa’s snort.

“What movies are you watching? We don’t do that. You must be watching a show about Candy and Buttons that airs at x-rated o’clock. Spanktravision?” Alexa mocked. She was hating the restricting eye cover more and more. All joking aside—she missed Ken’s face, and it had only been a day.

“You watch your shows and I watch mine.” Mikah shrugged and Ken turned his head to look at Alexa.

“Your shows?” Ken looked at her with amusement as she giggled.

“Not the same as Mikah’s shows. And Brian and Mikah watch them too.” Alexa shrugged her shoulders. She watched series shows and reality tv. It was not the same thing that she was insinuating that Mikah was watching.