“Really?” he whispers.
“Yeah. One day, I’ll properly lock you down, but until then…” I shift and wrap a tentacle around his shoulder. “I hope you have fun dating this sea monster single dad.”
He chuckles and pecks me on the cheek. “You’ve been my favorite for so long. Thank you, Reed. For making my wildest dreams come true.”
Emotion floods my throat. I want to say ‘screw it’ and ask him to marry me right here and now, but I’m distracted by the crowd to my right. One lion shifter man points out at the water, and Skyler also turns around.
Whales! Several humpbacks breach the surface in succession, and it’s beautiful. Everyone fawns and takes out their phones to record them. I, however, choose to take a step back.
The majestic creatures are nothing compared to the man with the massive camera to my right. His eyes almost gleam as he takes as many photos as possible. I’m honored I got to help make this dream come true for him. While the whales are glorious, it’s Skyler that takes my breath away.
I lean forward and rest my head on his shoulder as my tentacles wrap around his waist. I breathe his scent as it mixes with the salty ocean air. As the whales reach the surface, I can’t help but think this is the beginning of something beautiful. I get to go on vacation, my nephew is safe, and I’ve found a man who loves my kraken form. There’s not much more a sea monster needs in life than this.
EPILOGUE- REED
I’M HUFFING ASI bound up the stairs to MM Institute. When I reach the door, I try to straighten out my suit and breathe in the late summer air. School has just started for Aisen?I can’t believe it’s his sophomore year?but I’m here for his extracurricular activity. It’s a big deal, and I’m glad Skyler was able to drive him here. Now I get to witness his important day.
After making my way through the doors, I quickly stride to the entrance and pay the admission fee. Then, I walk through the dark aquarium area and get to the large tank. Several patrons are ambling about, pointing at fish. I spot Skyler looking extra handsome in the blue glow of the tanks, so I slide up to my boyfriend. “Hey, sweetheart. Did I miss it?”
Kissing him on the cheek, he pushes up his glasses in that adorable way. “No, he’s about to start. But I can’t believe you made it. I thought you had work.”
“I had a couple of metaphorical fires to put out. But it’s a Saturday; the minutia of the hospital can wait until Monday. This is important.”
“Well, all his little friends are here.” Skyler points to where a few of Aisen’s classmates—some monster and some human—are waiting. “So we have a good turnout.”
“Oh, I hope it all goes well,” I say. I nervously scan the large tank before us. “And I hope he doesn’t get embarrassed by his old uncle being here.”
“You’re not old. And just say it, you’re his old man.” Skyler kisses me, and I cuddle up to his side. It’s hard to believe a yearago I was holding back from asking out this sexy, intelligent man.
A moment later, his pocket buzzes, and I break apart from him. Skyler rolls his eyes and picks up the video phone. “Hey, guys.”
“Oh, did we miss it?” The unmistakable sound of Mama Dillinger’s voice fills the air.
“No, Mom.”
“Did Reed make it?” I know it’s his dad’s voice, so I lean into the view of the phone.
“Hi, Mr. Dillinger,” I say with a grin.
“Oh, it’s Reed!” Mama Dillinger says.
“How are you, son?” I notice Gramps and Skyler’s sister in the background. The four of them are crowding into the view of one phone, and I think it’s sweet. Skyler still thinks they’re embarrassing, but they love and support both of us, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.
“I’m well. I didn’t think you’d want to watch Aisen’s show.”
“How could we miss it?” Gramps says.
“I see my brother hasn’t scared you away yet,” Eartha says with a facetious smirk.
“Eartha,” Skyler replies in a warning tone.
“Not happening,” I say, cuddling closer to him.
“That’s a relief. You deserve a win, little brother.” Eartha smiles, and the whole family is in awe of us.
Before I can say more, the lights in the large hallway dim. “It’s starting,” Skyler whispers into the phone. He turns around his screen and, after taking out my phone, I gaze up at the large tank. In seconds, a familiar red octopus floats down from the very top of the twelve-foot wall of glass.
Aisen juggles some seashells in the water, then shifts into his human form, my fifteen-year-old nephew in a wet suit. After waving, he shifts into his kraken form and proceeds to swimaround the tank. He picks up some horseshoe crabs to show off to the audience, puts them down, and swims to the top and pokes his head out.
