Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

Levi

I watch Rose cradle the small octopus in her hands, her eyes wide with wonder. The creature’s tentacles curl around her fingers, exploring this new territory. My tongue feels stuck to the roof of my mouth, and I can’t seem to find words.

Most people get squeamish around octopuses. They find the creatures creepy and slimy. But not Rose. She’s cooing over it like it’s the most precious thing she’s ever seen. It makes me wonder… could she accept my other kraken half?

The thought sends a shiver down my spine. It’s ridiculous, of course. I’ve known her for less than a week. But there’s something about her openness, her easy acceptance of the strange and unusual, that makes me hope.

“We should probably return it to the pool,” I suggest after a few minutes, reluctantly breaking the spell.

Rose looks up at me, her eyes still shining with excitement. “Can I do it?”

“Of course,” I reply, smiling.

I help Rose into the tide pool, keeping one hand on her elbow as she leans over to release the octopus. The water laps at our legs, cool despite the mild spring weather.

Rose giggles as the octopus wraps around her finger, seemingly reluctant to let go. “I think it likes me,” she says, her voice filled with delight.

I give a single click of my tongue, telling the creature to move on. It’s not exactly communication – my kraken people have an affinity for octopuses, but we can’t truly talk to them. Still, I can usually get my point across.

As if understanding, the octopus finally releases its grip on Rose’s finger and slides into the water. We watch together as it darts around the pool, its skin changing color and texture to match its surroundings.

Rose is entranced, her eyes following the octopus’s every move. When it suddenly darts out and catches a small crab, she lets out a quiet cheer. I can’t help but grin at her enthusiasm.

“I think we could use a meal, too,” I suggest, realizing how much time has passed. “How about we stop at the Fish House on our way to the lighthouse? It’s on the drive.”

Rose nods eagerly. “That sounds great! When I went the other day, I tried a lobster roll, but their fish and chips were tempting.”

As we make our way back to my truck, I can’t help but notice how Rose’s eyes keep darting back to the tide pools as if hoping for one last glimpse of our tentacled friend.

The drive to the Fish House is short but pleasant. Rose asks questions about the local marine life, and I’m more than happy to share what I know. Her genuine interest warms something inside me, a feeling I’m not quite ready to acknowledge.

When we enter the restaurant, the familiar scent of fried fish and salt greets us. We’re quickly seated, and Cali, a siren I know in passing, approaches with menus.

“Hi, Rose,” Cali says with a smile. “Good to see you again!”

Rose returns the greeting warmly, and I’m struck again by how easily she seems to fit into our little community. We quickly order drinks and food – Rose gets her fish and chips while I order the Captain’s Feast.

When our food arrives, I hide a grin as Rose’s eyes widen at the sheer amount of food on my plate. The Captain’s Feast is no joke – a heaping platter of various seafood that would challenge an average human’s appetite. But for someone with kraken blood? It’s just right.

Rose’s eyes get even bigger as I steadily work through the mountain of food. I can almost see the questions forming in her mind, but she doesn’t voice them. Instead, she focuses on her meal, making appreciative noises as she bites into the crispy fish.

After we finish eating and I’ve paid the bill after waving away Rose’s attempts to contribute, we head back to the truck for the drive to the lighthouse. As we travel along the coastal road, I can’t help but steal glances at Rose. She’s glued to the window, her eyes drinking in the ocean view and then the lighthouse as it comes into sight.

“You’re so lucky to live in such a beautiful place,” Rose murmurs, her voice filled with awe.

“Is it nice where you live?” I ask, realizing I don’t know much about Rose other than that she’s an artist, lives in New Mexico, and looking at her makes my palms sweat.

Rose nods. “Yes, the desert is beautiful – almost in the same desolate, dangerous way that the ocean is,” she says thoughtfully. “But it’s also so different that the two don’t even compare.”

“I can imagine. I’ve never been more than a few miles away from the ocean,” I reply, grinning at the shocked look on her face. What I don’t tell her is that I can’t live far from the ocean, that being a kraken means being bound to the water. “What’s it like living in a desert?”

Her eyes take on a faraway look, and a small smile plays on her lips. “In New Mexico, the sky feels endless. Almost every night, the sunsets paint the entire horizon in shades of orange and pink that you wouldn’t believe. And at night? The stars are so bright and numerous, it’s like you could reach out and touch them, though I don’t think they’re as bright as they are here.” She pauses, her smile growing wider. “I live in Santa Fe, and there’s this incredible mix of art, culture, and nature. The air always smells of sage and pinyon. It’s a different kind of magic from what you have here, but it’s magic all the same.”

“Pinyon?” I ask, curiosity piqued.

Rose’s eyes light up. “It’s a type of pine tree native to the southwest. It’s the tree that produces pinenuts – which are delicious – but what I love most is how it smells. It’s like a pine tree but sweeter almost and the smell when the wood burns is amazing.”

As we pull up to the lighthouse, I see George, the man who maintains the building and gives tours, waiting for us at the door. I introduce him to Rose, and he immediately launches into his usual spiel about the lighthouse’s history and architecture.

We begin the long climb up the spiral staircase. Though this is my first tour as a guide, I’ve heard George’s stories countless times – the older man never misses a chance to share his beloved lighthouse’s history. But today, I find my attention drawn to Rose as she climbs the stairs ahead of me. The view is… distracting.

I force myself to look away, not wanting to get caught staring.

When we finally reach the top, Rose gasps at the view. I hang back, letting her and George continue their conversation. Rose mentions that she has a tattoo of the lighthouse, based on a painting by Maris Richards.

George’s eyes light up. “Maris was a friend of mine! She used to always come to the lighthouse with her husband,” he says. “They were locals, you know.”

Rose’s excitement is palpable. “You knew her? That’s amazing! She’s one of my favorite artists!”

They launch into a discussion about Maris’s art, with George sharing anecdotes about the artist’s visits to the lighthouse. I watch Rose roll up her sleeve, showing George the tattoo on her shoulder.

The realization sneaks up on me. It’s everything about her – the lighthouse tattooed on her skin, her kindness to George, her reaction to my kraken form, the way she drinks in every moment like she’s storing treasures. My heart clenches as the truth hits: I’m falling for this woman who views the world with such wonder. And in ten days, she’ll be gone.

The thought leaves me feeling hollow. I’ve known from the start that her stay here was temporary, but somehow, I’ve let myself forget that fact. As I watch her animated conversation with George, her face lit up with joy, I wonder how I’m going to say goodbye when the time comes.

I’ve always been a loner, keeping people at arm’s length – even before I was attacked and chased away from the kraken stronghold by my people. It’s easier that way, safer. But with Rose, it’s different. From almost the first day we met, talking to her has felt easier than usual. She’s slipped past my defenses without even trying, her warm smile and genuine interest chipping away at the walls I’ve built around myself. I tell myself it’s just her friendly nature, her ability to make anyone feel at ease. But deep down, I know it’s more than that. There’s a connection here that I can’t explain, and it both thrills and terrifies me.

But for now, I push those thoughts aside. We still have over a week left, and I intend to make the most of it.

I join Rose at the lighthouse’s viewing platform as George’s history lesson winds down. Together, we gaze out at the awe-inspiring New England coastline. The late afternoon sun casts a golden glow over the landscape, the light dancing on the waves below. Rocky cliffs stretch out as far as the eye can see, their rugged beauty a stark contrast to the endless blue of the ocean.

However, my eyes are continually drawn to Rose instead of the view. The way she leans forward, hands gripping the railing, her entire being focused on drinking in the vista before her – it’s captivating. A stray breeze sneaks through the windows, stirring wisps of her hair, while the warm light bathes her face in a soft glow. She looks… radiant.

Rose turns, catching me watching her. For a moment, our eyes lock, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through me. A blush creeps across her cheeks, painting them a delicate pink that fascinates me. She offers a shy smile before returning to the view, but I notice she stands a little closer to me now, our shoulders almost touching.

We stand like that for a while, sharing the view in companionable silence while George hangs back and lets us savor the view. The late afternoon sun bathes everything in golden light, making the moment feel magical and ordinary all at once. When George finally announces it’s time to head down, I almost wish we could stay up here longer.

As we begin our descent from the lighthouse, Rose’s eyes are still sparkling with excitement. She turns to me, a broad smile on her face. “Thank you so much for bringing me here, Levi. This has been another incredible day.”

I return her smile, ignoring how my heart skips at her words. “The day’s not over yet,” I remind her. “We still have the sunset to look forward to.”

Rose’s smile grows even wider, if that’s possible. “I can’t wait.”

As we leave the lighthouse, Rose pauses, closing her eyes and tilting her face toward the sky. I watch her, mesmerized by how the light plays across her features.

“You know,” Rose says, opening her eyes and turning to me, “I came here looking for inspiration for my art. I never expected to find… all of this.” She gestures broadly, encompassing the lighthouse, the ocean, and maybe, I hope, me.

“Lublin Harbor has a way of surprising people. It’s a special place.”

Rose nods, her eyes meeting mine. We stand there for a moment, the air between us charged with something that feels like potential. Then she looks away, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.

“So, where’s the best place to watch the sunset?” she asks.

I grin, grateful for the distraction. “I know just the spot. Come on.”

As we walk back to the truck, I am hyper-aware of Rose’s presence beside me. The brief distance between us feels charged, like the air before a storm. I wonder if she feels it too.

I drive us to a small, secluded beach not far from the lighthouse. It’s a local secret, rarely visited by tourists. As we park and get out of the truck, Rose’s eyes widen at the view.

The beach is a crescent of soft sand, bordered by weathered rocks on either side. The water stretches out to the horizon, already starting to turn gold with the approaching sunset.

“Oh, Levi,” Rose breathes, “it’s beautiful.”

I nod, taking in the view myself. “It is. But as beautiful as the sunset is, the sunrise here is even more spectacular.” I gesture towards the horizon. “The sun rises over the water, painting the whole sky and sea in incredible colors. It’s like the world is being born anew each morning.”

Rose turns to me, her eyes sparkling with interest. “That sounds amazing. I’d love to see that.”

“Maybe we can arrange it. If you’re willing to get up early enough, that is.”

She grins, a challenge in her eyes. “Oh, I’m willing. Just say when.”

My mouth dries at the way Rose says ‘willing’, and I shake my head before I say something embarrassing.

Instead, I make myself grin back. “It’s a date, then.”

I grab a blanket from the back of my truck, and we make our way down to the beach.

As the sun begins its descent, I keep stealing glances at Rose. The fading light softens her features, giving her an almost ethereal glow. She looks… right here, as if she belongs on this beach. Or maybe that’s just my wishful thinking.

“What piece are you working on right now?” I ask, breaking the comfortable silence that has settled between us.

She looks over, surprise and pleasure mingling in her expression. “Really? You want to know?”

“Of course,” I say, genuinely curious. “It’s why you came here, isn’t it?”

She laughs softly. “Well, yes, I suppose it is. I’m currently working on branding for a client – logos and such. But I’ve also been doing some sketches of the marina, and I want to start a piece on the lighthouse. I took some inspiration photos from my kayak the other day.” Her voice grows warmer, more animated. “There’s something about the way the light hits the water here… it’s so different from anything else I’ve painted.”

“I’m glad that the lighthouse photos turned out well,” I manage, throat tight with emotion. “Though perhaps next time you could choose a less dangerous way to get your inspiration?” I try to sound stern but can’t entirely hide my smile. Her reckless bravery had given me something I’d never dared hope for – a human who saw me and didn’t react with disgust and horror.

Our eyes meet, and I feel like I’m drowning for a moment. The urge to tell her everything – about what I am, about the magic hidden within Lublin Harbor’s borders, about how I’m starting to feel about her – swells within me, almost overwhelming. But I hold back. It’s unfair to burden her with my secrets – or the town’s – when she’s leaving so soon.

The guilt of my silence weighs heavy on me, but I push it aside. This isn’t the time for revelations that could complicate things.

Rose shivers slightly. The sun has almost disappeared below the horizon, and the temperature has dropped. Without thinking, I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

She stiffens for a moment, surprised, then relaxes into my side. “Thanks,” she murmurs. “You’re warm.”

She fits perfectly against me, her body soft and trusting, and she leans into my embrace. Her hair tickles my jaw when she shifts, sending little sparks of awareness down my spine.

One by one, stars begin to dust the darkening canvas above us. As the evening chill settles in, she nestles closer, her free hand idly sifting through the cool sand beside our blanket, letting the grains trickle through her fingers.

“I don’t want to leave,” Rose says suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

My arm tightens around her involuntarily. “Then don’t,” I say, the words escaping before I can stop them. She turns her face to mine, and I feel caught in her gaze.

Rose laughs, but it’s a sad sound. “I have to. My job, apartment, friends… my whole life is back in New Mexico.”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Of course she needs to leave. I know that. But hearing her say it makes it real in a way it wasn’t before. I feel like an asshole for pushing.

“But,” she continues, her voice stronger now, “I am truly enjoying my time here, and especially my time with you. I want to savor every minute.”

She turns to face me fully, and I can see the intensity in her eyes, even in the dim light. “Levi, I… I don’t know how to say this. The past few days have been amazing. You’ve been amazing. And I can’t help feeling like there’s something… more here. Between us. Am I crazy?”

My heart is pounding so hard I’m sure she can hear it. “You’re not crazy,” I say softly. “I feel it, too.”

Rose’s smile is brilliant, even in the growing darkness. “So what do we do?”

I take a deep breath, knowing my next words could change everything. Part of me wants to tell her everything, to bare my soul and secrets. But the rational part of me knows better. “I don’t know,” I admit. “You’re leaving in a week…”

Rose nods, her smile turning wistful. “I know. It’s not enough time for… well, for anything serious.”

“No,” I agree, even as my heart protests. “But maybe… maybe we don’t need to define it. Maybe we can just enjoy the time we have?”

Rose’s eyes search mine for a long moment. Then she nods. “A vacation fling?” she suggests, a hint of mischief in her voice.

I chuckle, ignoring the pang in my chest. “Something like that.”

“I think I can handle that,” Rose says softly. Then she leans in, her eyes fluttering closed. As her lips meet mine, a jolt of electricity courses through my body. Her lips are soft and warm, tasting faintly of salt from the sea air. The kiss is gentle at first, almost tentative, but it quickly deepens as we both lean into it.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer. She’s so warm against me, her body fitting perfectly against mine. One of my hands finds its way to the small of her back, while the other tangles in her hair, softer than silk between my fingers. The world around us fades away until there’s nothing but Rose – her feel, her scent, and the soft sigh she makes as she parts her lips.

As I hold her close, emotions rush through me like a tidal wave. Desire, yes, but also a deep, aching tenderness that catches me off guard. The softness of her skin under my fingertips, the way she trembles slightly as I pull her closer, the taste of her lips – I’ll treasure every detail, storing them away like precious gems to revisit when she’s gone. A part of me wishes desperately that this could be more than just a fling. But I know better than to hope for too much. Dreams have a way of getting crushed – I know that better than anyone.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathless. Rose’s cheeks are flushed, her lips slightly swollen, and her eyes are bright with something that makes my heart skip a beat. She grins up at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You know,” she says, her voice husky in a way that sends shivers down my spine, “I think I just found the perfect inspiration for my next painting.”

I raise an eyebrow, unable to resist teasing her. “Oh? Are you asking me to pose nude?” I ask, keeping my tone light and playful.

Rose cracks up, her laughter ringing out across the beach. A deeper blush spreads across her cheeks as she laughs, making her look even more beautiful in the fading light. When her laughter subsides, she looks up at me with a sly smile that makes my heart race.

“Maybe,” she says, her tone deliberately coy. The single word is filled with promise and possibility.

I laugh, pulling her close again, partly to hide my answering blush. “Happy to be of service,” I murmur against her hair, my voice rougher than I intended.

“Want to walk down to the water?” I ask softly, and she nods.

The sand is cooler now as we make our way down to where the waves kiss the shore. Rose lets out a small gasp as the first rush of water swirls around her ankles, but she doesn’t step back. Instead, she moves closer, letting each gentle surge wash over her feet. As we stand there, the waves lapping at our ankles and the stars twinkling overhead, I silently thank whatever twist of fate brought Rose into my life, even if only for a short time. And while I know our time together has an expiration date, I can’t help but feel that these next few days will be some of the most memorable of my life.

The drive back to Rose’s houseboat is quiet, but it’s a comfortable silence. Our hands rest intertwined on the bench seat between us, and every now and then, Rose gives my hand a gentle squeeze as if reassuring herself that this is real.

As we pull up to her houseboat, I kill the engine but make no move to get out. Rose turns to me, her eyes shining in the dim light from the dock.

“Thank you for today, Levi,” she says softly. “It was perfect.”

I smile, bringing her hand to my lips and pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “The pleasure was all mine.”

Rose laughs, a sound that sends warmth spreading through my chest. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” she teases. Then, her expression turns more serious. “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away,” I assure her.

After one last kiss, Rose slips out of the truck and makes her way to her houseboat. I watch until she’s safely inside, then turn off the engine and head into my place. As I’m about to head inside, a light flicks on in her bedroom. Through the shaded window, I catch a glimpse of Rose’s silhouette moving past. The sight makes my thoughts splinter, and I find myself frozen, unable to look away.

After a moment, I shake myself out of my trance and head inside my home.

I watch moonlight spill across the harbor through my bedroom window, painting a silver path on the gentle waves. The sight tugs at something deep inside me, an invitation I rarely refuse. After a day like this – after that kiss – the water calls to me even more strongly than usual.

I check carefully to ensure Rose is safely tucked away in her houseboat before making my decision. Usually, I’d head far out to the deeper waters, but tonight, I want to stay close to the harbor. Close to her. Just a quick swim, I tell myself, just enough to feel the cool embrace of the sea while keeping her twinkling houseboat lights within view.

I slide silently into the water and transform into my scout form. I swim lazily around the harbor, staying far enough below the surface to avoid disturbing it or being seen. As I glide through the cool water, I hear noise from Rose’s houseboat and swim closer.

Rose exits her houseboat with a sketchbook tucked under her arm. She moves gracefully across the deck, her bare feet padding softly on the wooden planks. Finding a comfortable spot at the edge, she settles down and lets her legs dangle over the side, her toes skimming through the water, creating gentle ripples.

I stay below the surface but move closer until only a few mere feet separate us. From this vantage point, I observe as Rose shifts slightly, getting comfortable. She opens her sketchbook, balancing it on her lap. With a look of concentration on her face, she begins to draw.

The darkness makes the water black and impenetrable to human eyes, so I allow myself the pleasure of watching Rose as she works. Her hand moves across the paper with confident strokes, pausing occasionally as she looks up, perhaps seeking inspiration from the moonlit harbor around her. I am mesmerized by the rhythmic movement of her feet in the water and the intense concentration etched across her features as she creates.

Suddenly, Rose goes still. Her feet, which had been creating waves in the water, hang motionless. She leans forward, gazing intently at where I drift beneath her. For a moment, fear grips me, but I realize by the look in her searching eyes that she can’t see me. However, I think that she must somehow sense my presence.

I watch, fascinated, as she scoots closer to the edge of the deck and lowers her foot closer to where I’m hidden, swishing it nearer and nearer. Unable to resist, I gently brush one of my tentacles along the bottom of her foot. I expect her to jerk away, maybe even scream, but instead, she looks hard at the water with a slight grin.

As much as I long to reveal myself, I know I can’t. So I remain hidden, savoring this secret closeness, this silent communication between us. Eventually, Rose withdraws her foot and returns to her drawing, but the smile lingers on her face.

I stay a while longer, watching her create before finally slipping away into the harbor. As I swim, I’m filled with a mix of joy and longing. Tomorrow is another day, another chance to be with Rose as Levi. But for now, I cherish this moment of connection in my true form, a perfect end to a perfect day.