The question isn’t whether I can make this life work; the question is whether I should.
Would it be insane to leave everything I know behind for a Kraken?
It sounds crazy, but the more I think about it, the less insane it seems.
Zethe has never given me any reason to doubt him in the short time that I’ve known him. He has shown me respect, care, and a desire that matches my own. If he wants me, then what’s holding me back?
I’m his fated mate, and I can feel the all-consuming connection as well, so why should I reject what feels so natural?
The sound of the ocean waves lapping against the shore fills the room, a gentle reminder of the life that could be mine. I snuggle closer to Zethe, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. I close my eyes, letting myself imagine a future here, with him.
Maybe—just maybe—this could be my new beginning that I need.
The sudden chime of the door startles both of us awake. Zethe leaps from the bed, his body instantly taut and ready for a fight, while I scramble to pull the blankets over myself.
Through the blur of sleep, I watch as Zethe approaches the wall screen, revealing our unexpected guests. An embarrassed Naga in a white gardener’s hat and brown gloves is standing next to Zoe, who is frowningand seems upset.
Zethe’s voice is curt as he asks them what they want.
“I need to speak with Rey,” Zoe announces. Her gaze doesn’t shift from me, making me squirm uncomfortably beneath the blanket.
Zethe’s tentacles flex and curl as he replies, “You can come back later. Rey’s not ready for visitors.”
Zoe’s frown deepens as she asks, “Is she okay?”
Pushing the sheets away, I scramble out of bed and quickly throw on a bathrobe. Zethe watches me, his tentacles twitching restlessly as he moves to block the wall screen.
“I’m okay, Zethe,” I assure him, padding barefoot toward the door. “But I need to know what’s wrong.”
When Zethe opens the door, Zoe, the resort’s human ambassador and her Naga mate, Sage, the resort’s Head Gardener are standing there, their expressions filled with worry. Zoe is wringing her hands, her eyes flicking to me as she tries to look past Zethe.
“Rey!” Zoe blurts out. “We were so worried about you! Can we talk?”
Zethe moves forward, his enormous frame imposing. “Rey is fine,” he tells her firmly. “I haven’t left her side, and yesterday, I made sure Eaen checked her over first thing in the morning. But she’s not ready for guests at this time. Can you come back later?”
Zoe’s worried gaze flits between us. “But… what’s going on, Rey? You haven’t checked in with me, and… and I’ve been concerned about your health.”
I feel a pang of guilt at her words, knowing I’ve let her worry. I step around Zethe and put a hand on Zoe’s arm. “I’m sorry I worried you,” I say, meeting her gaze. “I’ve been so preoccupied with exploring the resort and getting to know Zethe. With everything that happened, I forgot to check in with you to let you know my first night went okay.”
“Zoe, it wasn’t our intention to make you worry.” Zethe steps closer, a tower of support at my back. “Rey has been doing well. I make sure to check her oxygen levels between activities. We’ve just been too caught up exploring the resort… and getting to know each other.”
There’s a subtle emphasis on his last words, a hint of a deeper meaning that stirs something within me. I blush at the implication, glancing up at Zethe’s inscrutable gaze. There’s a warmth there, a gentle affection that reminds me of the truth—we’re fated mates, brought together by a happy accident.
Zoe looks between us, her eyes still full of worry, but now tinged with a hint of curiosity. “I understand that,” she says finally. “But I was hoping we could spend some time together too. You’re the first human guest the resort had. I know this resort like the back of my hand and would love to be able to show you around. Hoping to see your thoughts on things so I can make notes and make improvements before we have more human guests.”
“I think it’s an excellent idea, but I’d really enjoy that.” I beam at her, touched by her concern and offer. I look back at Zethe and see a nod of agreement in his eyes. “But Zethe was right, we just woke up, and I haven’t had a chance to freshen up for the day. How about in a few hours we meet up for lunch? That’ll give me enough time to get dressed. Do you have a suggestion for where we should eat?”
“Coral Cove,” Zethe suggests, giving a light squeeze with the tentacle wrapped around my waist, silently reassuring me. “They have the best pizza and popcorn on the resort.”
Zoe’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise, mirroring my own. She gives a hearty laugh, relief blooming on her face. “Coral Cove it is, then. Who knew Krakens had a taste for cheesy bread?”
Zethe chuckles, a deep, resonating sound that sends shivers up my spine. He wraps a protective arm around me, pulling me closer to his side. The warmth radiating from his body is a comforting presence.
“That sounds like a plan, then,” I say, giving her a warm smile. “See you soon!”
Zoe nods eagerly. “Perfect. I’ll see you both there.”
Before she turns to leave, she steps forward and gives me a quick hug. “Thank you, Rey,” she murmurs into my ear. “For answering the door… and taking time to talk to me. I was worried you might have been upset about what happened to you since you didn’t check in with me. I wanted to make sure you were fine, and if there was something I could do to correct any mistakes that happened.”
