Rey’s eyes brighten at the idea. “I would love that, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”
“Trouble? Not at all!” Sora exclaims as she flips her hair back over her shoulder. “Come to the lagoon after breakfast, and I would be delighted to style your hair with the help of my friends and sisters.”
Rey turns to me, wide eyed. “Should I be worried?”
I can only chuckle at her question. “Not at all. Merfolk takes their hair very seriously. Sora won’t let anyone mess it up.”
Sora nods, clearly appreciative of my support. “That’s true. We love styling hair, no matter the species. I want to do it as a thank you for your help.”
Rey’s face softens, and she takes another bite of her sushi, her eyes closing in delight as she savors the flavors. “I’d be happy to help out as much as you need, Sora,” she says once she swallows. “And I definitely want more of this.”
Sora beams at her, her tail twitching in excitement. “How about I arrange for some of our MerSushi Rolls to be delivered to your villa whenever you want?”
With a smile, I explain to Rey how the resort operates. “You can place orders on the vidtablet to any of the resort’srestaurants and have the food and refreshments delivered, if you’d like.”
Rey mulls over my words as she takes a bite of her sushi. “That would be nice on a rainy day,” she admits, swallowing and nodding. “But I think I’d prefer to see the restaurants in person. I want to experience everything I can at this resort.”
My heart swells at her words, a warmth spreading through me. “Of course,” I tell her, a fond smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “I’d be more than happy to guide you anywhere you’d like to go.”
Sora gazes at Rey with a fond smile. “Being mated to a Kraken,” she begins, her voice light with laughter. “You are going to have a fun time.”
My gaze is drawn to Rey. Her eyes are wide and her cheeks are painted a lovely shade of rose. Unable to resist, I extend my tentacle and gently touch her hand, seeking comfort from her touch. She turns her hand palm-up, allowing my tendril to wrap around her fingers. Her acceptance sends warmth flooding through me.
“Why do you say that?” Rey asks, biting her lip as she glances my way. “Are they known for having special mating practices or something?”
“They love fiercely, Rey,” Sora replies, grasping her hands together wistfully. “My boys… they never let a day go by without reminding me of their love. They’re protective, but they understand the importance of personal space and freedom. They respect me, cherish me. And they would move oceans for me.”
As she speaks, Rey’s cheeks redden, but she maintains eye contact with Sora, hanging onto every word. “And that’s different from other monsters?”
Sora nods. “Kraken females are fierce hunters. They often hunt in tangles with other local Kraken, gone sometimes for days at a time, whenever they aren’t in mating heat. It’s up to themales to protect and care for the young, and manage the upkeep on the home, making sure everything is flowing well.”
“So they are the caretakers?” Rey stares at my tentacle in her hand and gives it a light squeeze.
“Yes, and they do it well.” Sora nods. “And Zethe? He’s one of the best. He’s dedicated, reliable, caring… and so damn charming. I’ve seen how he treats everyone here—with kindness, respect, and fairness. If he says he’s your fated mate, believe me, he won’t stop at anything to ensure your happiness and safety.”
A warm smile graces Sora’s lips as she gestures to her cooking raft. “He even helped us build this restaurant, volunteering his time off to aid in setting it up. We are forever indebted to him.”
Rey’s voice is soft, and she looks at me with a new light in her eyes. “Thank you, Sora, for the information. I’ve seen the same qualities in Zethe too.”
It’s as if a massive weight has been lifted off my chest, but it’s quickly replaced by another as Sora turns her gaze onto Rey, her tone suddenly serious.
“And Rey,” she says, her voice earnest. “Please, do not break his heart. He is a good male, one who deserves a chance at love.”
There’s a certain pleading in Sora’s eyes, as if she’s been in this position before. Or perhaps she’s seen a lot of hearts broken at her restaurant and doesn’t want the same for me.
But still, even as touching as it is for her to come into my defense and speak of my worth, it is also embarrassing. I should be able to prove myself to Rey, without anyone’s interference and aid.
Rey’s response comes soft and steady, her gaze never leaving mine as she answers Sora. “I think… I think we both deserve a chance at love.”
I feel a warmth spread through me, the joy of her words filling every corner of my being. She believes we both deservelove, a chance to make our relationship blossom into something beautiful. It’s a thought that both soothes my nerves and emboldens my resolve.
I reach out, taking Rey’s hand in mine. I hold it gently, my thumb brushing over the smooth skin. “I am glad you think so,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper, our shared connection humming between us. “Because I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
“Well, I’ll take this as a sign that I’ve done my part and will leave you both to enjoy the rest of the meal in private.” She casts a glance at her mates,who are hard at work in their floating raft kitchen. “It’s about time I go back to work and assist my mates with the rest of the lunch rush.”
“Thanks for the meal, Sora,” I say, relieved that Rey and Sora were able to meet and appear to get along. “And tell the chefs it was fantastic, as usual.”
Rey flashes me a radiant smile, turning her attention to Sora. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
