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A surge of fierce determination shoots through me and I jet toward her with all the speed I can muster. My arms wrap around her gently but firmly, pulling her body to mine. With a powerful thrust of my body, we break through the surface, gasping for air in the storm-ravaged night.
My body thrums with an unexpected energy where it connects with Rey’s, a sensation so profound it seizes my breath.
I realize something I once thought was intangible for me—it can only mean one thing: We share an intimate bond written in the stars and sealed by destiny—she’s my fated mate, the one the Moon Goddess chose for me.
My chest heaves as I gasp for air, but my eyes never leave Rey, my concern solely focused on her safety.
A sensation like no other courses through me, a raw, potent energy that makes every cell in my body buzz with electricity. The sensation is strongest where my skin touches hers—a symbiotic vibration, a shared heartbeat.
But that reality brings with it a chilling realization. She had been in danger and I hadn’t known, hadn’t been there in time to prevent it. My mate, my other half, could have been lost to me before I had a chance to know her, to love her.
A wave of guilt washes over me as I replay the past few hours in my mind. How could I have failed the Moon Goddess like this? How could I have let the first human guest of the resort almost drown under my watch? The repercussions of such a disaster would have been unthinkable.
Shame coats my being, and I tighten my grip on Rey protectively. Her eyelids remain closed, but the steady rise and fall of her chest provides a measure of relief. She’s alive, clinging onto me with a strength that’s surprising and heartening. Her fingers dig into my skin, each puncture a comforting sting, a reminder that she’s here with me.
The storm rages around us, the blackness of the night punctuated by intermittent flashes of lightning. Thunder reverberates in the distance, the gusty wind howls in my ears, and monstrous waves crash all around us. The only constant in this chaos is the rhythmic blink of her bracelet—a beacon in the darkness guiding us toward safety.
I tighten my hold on her, vowing to myself and to the Moon Goddess that I will not let her go, not now, not ever. No storm, no sea, no force of nature will stand in my way.
I am a kraken, the protector of these waters, and I will not let Rey be claimed by the stormy sea.
As I keep Rey close to my body, the skies overhead roar to life, while Drax, our fierce dragon, swoops down from above. He is a sight to behold, an electric storm beast known for his raw power and control over the elements. His mighty roar reverberates through the sky, sending a clear signal to everyone at the resort.
“Need a lift?” Drax calls, wings beating against the onslaught of the storm.
I shake my head, not ready to let Rey out of my grasp. The thought of Drax dropping her, however unlikely, sets my nerves on edge. “No, we’re fine. I’ve got her.”
Despite Drax’s immunity to lightning, Rey doesn’t share that attribute. I wouldn’t risk her getting hurt. Drax, understanding my concern, decides to assist differently. “I’ll shield you then,” he promises.
Finally, we reach the shore. Zero and his orc guards are there, their solid figures a welcome sight amidst the chaos. Svea is waiting, her worried gaze flicking between me and Rey. Beside her stands Medic Eaen, a birdman with vibrant feathers who serves as our resident healthcare worker. Nearby, Zoe huddles with her mate, Sage, the Naga Head Gardener, their faces etched with concern.
As Drax lands, he unfurls his wings, creating a makeshift canopy to shield us from the pelting rain. The crowd surrounds us as I carry Rey ashore, their concern palpable in the air.
“What happened?” Svea demands, her eyes wide with worry. There’s a momentary silence, her question hanging in the air.
Zoe steps forward, her eyes wide as she takes in the sight of Rey in my arms. “I came as soon as I got the emergency alarm from her wristband.”
Guilt gnaws at me as I confess to Svea. “I was overseeing the security preparations for this week’s fireworks. I… I didn’t notice the storm brewing. I lost track of her.”
My fingers tangle in her damp hair, pushing the soaked strands off her face as I lay her gently on the sand. My eyes soften as her hand refuses to loosen its grip on one of my tentacles. The sight fills me with a sense of pride. Even in her unconscious state, she seeks my comfort, a profound connection already forming between us.
“We need to check her vitals,” Eaen speaks up, stepping forward, his medical scanner in hand.
But a sudden possessiveness surges within me. I don’t want any other touching her, even if it’s for her welfare. Without thinking, I growl at Eaen, shifting Rey away from his reach. “She’s mine,” I snarl, my voice uncharacteristically hostile.
Eaen jumps back, feathers ruffling and beak opening in surprise. In the light of the storm, his eyes are wide and filled with surprise. He might be the resident medic, but right now, all I can think about is protecting my mate. And no one touches my mate but me.
His gaze jumps from me to Rey, then back to me, his beak clicking shut in understanding. But beneath the surprise, I see something else—respect.
Zoe edges forward, kneeling beside Rey’s prone form. Water droplets trail down her fogged glasses from the rain as she looks up at me, her eyes as wide. “Is she...is she your fated mate? Is she the one?” she stammers, her voice a quiet tremor amidst the storm.
I close my eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of her words sink into my being. When I open them again, my focus zeroed in on the woman in my arms. I simply nod, clearing my throat before I speak up, unable to hide the truth.
“I believe she is,” I admit, my hand instinctively moving to rest over my chest, over the strange sensation stirring within me. “There’s a heaviness here that wasn’t before. Our skin… it tingles wherever we touch. And I… I feel an undeniable pull toward her. An unexpected possessiveness.”
Sage, who had been watching the scene unfold, finally moves to wrap his tail protectively around Zoe. His green eyes meet mine, reflecting a deep understanding. “That’s exactly what I felt when Zoe tripped over my tail,” he shares, a knowing smile on his face. “I was drawn to her in a way I’d never experienced before. And I knew I couldn’t leave her.”
I stare at him, my mind racing to process his words. “I… I feel the same,” I admit, my gaze returning to Rey. “But… how can this be?” The question escapes me before I can stop it, the reality of the situation beginning to feel overwhelming. I gaze at Sage, searching for answers.
