“Conspiring,” I say, casting a glance toward my friends, their eager faces flushed with anticipation and a touch of alcohol. I turn back to Rey, her lovely face soft with curiosity. “We were just discussing an idea for the resort.”
Rey raises an eyebrow at me, her gaze flitting between me and my companions before finally settling on me. “An idea? For the resort?”
The question hangs in the air, and I feel my heart skip a beat. How will she react? Can she bring this wild dream to life? Is she willing to?
I see Svea gently nudging Rey with a soft smile, and I find the courage to spill out the idea we had cooked up. “Yes, an idea,” I say, meeting Rey’s eyes. “We were wondering if you could help us develop an app, something to help people find their fated mates and invite them to the resort.”
Rey stares at me, her gaze penetrating as if she’s trying to see if I’m joking or not. When she realizes I’m serious, she blinks and then smiles. “That’s quite an idea. You’re right, it might help a lot of people find their fated mates.”
“I’m happy for you and Zethe, as well as Sage and Zoe,” Zero says solemnly. “But I want what you have. I’d like to find my fated mate and possibly have a horde of children with them.”
Rey’s reaction is immediate, her features scrunching up in surprise and amusement at the mention of a horde of children.
“What if your future fated mate wants none?” Rey’s words echo my own thoughts, and I watch as Zero’s gaze softens, his eyes full of understanding. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, his voice steady and sincere.
“If my fated mate doesn’t desire children, I will respect their wishes without hesitation,” he begins, his tone gentle yet resolute. “Having a family, whether it’s a horde or not, is not the essence of what I seek. What truly matters to me is finding the person who completes me. The number of children does not define the love we share. It is the bond we forge, the support we offer, and the joy we find in one another.”
The room goes quiet. What started as a conversation among friends about the resort’s future had spiraled to a suddenly deep conversation about children.
Something that Rey and I hadn’t spoken about and will need to in the future.
But right now, I’m fine enjoying my time with her. If she craves children, or never wants any, it’s up to her. I’m just happy that I’ve found her.
It seems that, despite our differences, there’s something we all crave: companionship, love, and the sense of belonging that comes with finding your fated mate.
Eli finally breaks the silence, changing the subject back to what it was. “Rey, can you do it? Can you create this app?” His voice is hopeful, the edges tinged with a certain vulnerability I rarely see in the Orc brothers. I can tell the two of them are hoping that she can help them find their fated mates.
Rey ponders for a moment, her gaze drifting to the glowing, neon sign of the Cursed Crab. She bites her lower lip, a gesture I’ve come to recognize when she’s deep in thought. Finally, her gaze returns to us, a spark in her eyes that mirrors the hope in ours.
“I’ve never designed a dating app before,” she confesses, “But I have designed other kinds of apps. It might take some time, but… I don’t see why I can’t do it.”
Svea, standing nearby, chuckles and wraps an arm around Rey, her voice filled with appreciation. “Well, good thing I hired you, Rey. You’ve got the skills and the heart to make this happen. We’ll support you every step of the way.”
The room buzzes with excitement as our monster resort family gathers to celebrate Rey’s new role as a staff member. Congratulations and words of appreciation fill the air, each member expressing their joy and gratitude for her willingness to take on the task of creating the fated mates dating app.
“You don’t know how much this means to us, Rey,” Eli says, his deep voice trembling slightly with emotion. The Orcs, for all their rough exterior, have always been sensitive souls, and the hope of finding their fated mates hits them hard.
“Here’s to finding our fated mates,” I raise my glass, and everyone follows suit. The sound of clinking glasses fills the room, the promise of a better future echoing in every note. “To finding love, family, and home.”
“And to Rey,” Zero adds, his gaze lingering on the brilliant woman who is going to make this possible. “Our miracle worker.”
Our voices rise in unison, a chorus of hope and gratitude. “To Rey!”
Twenty-Three
Zethe
Gently, I guide Rey, her eyes covered by a blindfold, toward the beachfront outside ofourhome. It’s a beautiful, clear night, the stars painting a glittering canvas above us. The soft sound of waves lapping at the shore creates a soothing rhythm.
“What are you up to?” she giggles, the sound ringing clear in the calm night.
“Just a little further,” I assure her, my grip on her hand firm but gentle. We tread lightly on the sandy shore, heading toward a secret place I’ve prepared for her.
A blanket waits for us on the beach, surrounded by solar LED candles flickering in the dark, casting a soft, enchanting glow. Tropical flower petals scattered around add a touch of color and fragrance to the night.
I settle down on the blanket, pulling her onto my lap. My tentacles wrap around us, providing a cozy, intimate space. I hold her close, my heart pounding in my chest.
“I’m so happy you got the job with Svea,” I confess, my voice barely a whisper above the lapping waves. “That you’ll be moving in, and within a month, working here at the resort with me. I… I appreciate you, Rey. And everything you’ve done to help our relationship.”
