I wrap my arms around her, hugging her back. “Of course, Zoe. I appreciate you checking in on me, and I’m sorry for worrying you.”
As she walks away, her steps lighter than before, I feel a sense of satisfaction.
I watch as Zoe, with Sage dutifully following, disappears from view. The once bustling doorstep is quiet again. The warm, early afternoon sun sends streaks of light through the trees around my villa, casting a beautiful dance of shadows on the ground.
Stepping back inside, Zethe’s aggressive attitude lingers in my mind. “Why were you so aggressive with them?” I ask, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
Zethe looks back at me, his eyes reflecting the concern he usually keeps hidden. “I just… I don’t want anyone to bother you while you’re in bed,” he says, his voice vulnerable. “I was merely protecting your privacy, Rey.”
It’s an honesty that makes my heart flutter, reassuring that he cared so much about my privacy and was trying to place boundaries to guests wanting to speak with me.
“But from Zoe?” I press, eyebrows raised. “She’s my travel representative, and the resort’s human ambassador. She wasn’t here to harm me. It’s most likely part of her job description to check on me because I haven’t spoken to her since I arrived, and I nearly drowned.”
His gaze softens, and he takes a slow, steadying breath. “I understand that,” he says, coming back to sit on the edge of the bed. “But it’s still early, and you were… well, not dressed. I didn’t want her to see you like this. She isn’t your healer, and I know humans are typically protective of their nudity.”
A soft chuckle escapes my lips at his explanation. “It’s not like she hasn’t seen a woman in her underwear before, or in a swimsuit. We’re at an exotic monster resort where monsters are walking around naked. Humans, rather than you guys, are the odd ones out when it comes to clothing.”
“I know, Rey,” he responds, his voice firm but his expression soft. “But it’s different. You’re… mine, and I didn’t want you to feel overwhelmed by their presence and in your current position.”
His admission makes my heart flutter. Even though I’ve been aware of his feelings for me, hearing him say it out loud is a different thing altogether.
“And besides,” he continues, a shy smile playing on his lips. “I like the fact that I’m the only one who gets to see you like this. I’m having trouble reigning in my possessive instincts when it comes to you.”
I roll my eyes, but there’s a warm feeling in my chest, a small flame that sparks every time he says something sweet. “You’re uncontrollable,” I tell him, trying to hide my smile. “Now, help me find something decent to wear for lunch.”
“Maybe I would rather keep you like this…” Zethe chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrates through the room, and nods in agreement with a wickedly handsome smirk. “And keep you all to myself.”
“We can’t.” I laugh and then bite my lip, shaking my head at his flirting. “I’m afraid they’ll send a search party if we don’t show up.”
“Unfortunately, you’re right,” he concedes. “With Zoe trying to make sure your stay is perfect.”
“I have no complaints.” I give him a warm smile. “Ever since I’ve woken up in your arms yesterday, you’ve done nothing but pamper me, and make sure that I was okay.”
“I’m glad to hear.” He leans forward and presses a kiss on my forehead. “Now you better get ready, or I may throw you back on the bed and explore you more with my tentacles.”
Grinning, I kick off my sandals and take Zethe’s hand as I lead him to the bed. I notice a towel in the spot where I awoke, and realize Zethe must have cleaned up after what happened last night while I was unconscious.
As we set about getting ready for the day, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve made the right decision, that being with Zethe is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Beyond the knowledge I’ve gained from monster biology in school, there are some differences between us that I must sort out. Things they didn’t go into great detail about, such as how Kraken mating practices are typically dangerous due to their natural instincts to conquer and claim their partner. Or how their suctions and stav can produce an electric shock, causing their partner to be overwhelmed by their pulsing sensation.
I need to understand everything that has happened between us in order to prepare for the future, especially if our intimacy becomes more intense.
“Zethe,” I begin, wrapping my arms around his thick neck, looking into his deep, dark eyes. “I want to understand more about your… Kraken nature, but this is still new to me. I feel like we are in different leagues when it comes to physical intimacy,” I confess, biting my lip nervously.
His eyes soften, and he pulls me closer, one of his larger tentacles curling around my waist protectively. “You don’t have to worry,” he says, his voice a low rumble. “We took a step together last night, a step that I enjoyed just as much as you did.”
I blush at his words but can’t help but feel a little bit of relief. “You’re sure?”
His smile is gentle, reassuring. “I’m sure,” he says. “You know, male Krakens… we’re used to being the… less dominant ones. Female Krakens are larger, stronger… and far more aggressive when it comes to… mating. It’s a test of our worthiness. And if we pass, we are honored with the act of mating.”
I swallow, processing his words. “So, last night…”
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Last night, you conquered me, Rey,” he says. “And believe me, I enjoyed every moment of it.”
“But… you didn’t…” I blush again, finding it hard to say the words.
He tilts my chin up gently, meeting my eyes. “I didn’t need to enter you in order to climax,” he says. “Just being with you, tasting you… it’s more than enough for me.”
