Chapter 11

I'm wrapped up in the warmth of Zethe's arms; his steady breathing in my ear is calming as I try to gather my thoughts. The intimacy of the moment makes my heart flutter. He slept around me, holding me close in a gentle embrace, his long tentacles wrapped around my body.

I feel safe, cherished, and so incredibly satisfied.

A sense of belonging washes over me, a feeling I've never experienced before.

As an employee of a massive corporation, I've always felt like a cog in the machine. A nameless, faceless worker among thousands.

But here, with Zethe, I feel seen. I am Rey, the woman he rescued, the woman he desires. I feel like I matter.

The thought of staying here, of making a life with Zethe, scares me. But it's a thrilling kind of fear, not a terrifying one. I know I could do my job remotely. With the resort's robust internet connection, I could attend meetings virtually, and travel only when necessary for conferences.

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."

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."

"But I want to make you feel good too," I say softly.

"You do." His grin is sly as he leans in, whispering in my ear. "All you need to do, Rey, is squeeze my head in between your thighs. You don't need tentacles to make me lose control."

A giggle escapes me, and I press my legs together with desire in response to his words. But I have to admit, I like the idea of driving Zethe as crazy as he does me.

I find myself blushing at his frankness, his dark eyes sparkling with humor and a hint of desire. His confidence is catching, and I lean into him, gently running a hand up his arm.

"So…" I begin, letting my words trail off as I lean forward, cupping his face in my hands. His eyes light up, a gleam of anticipation twinkling within their depths. "Does this mean that I can kiss you anytime I want?"

His grin is wide, his teeth almost luminescent against his gray-blue skin. "Absolutely," he confirms, pressing his forehead against mine. "Never hesitate. I want to feel your lips on mine, as often as you're willing."

I can"t contain the grin that forms on my lips, the happiness that bubbles up within me. I lean in, pressing my lips against his in a sweet, lingering kiss. His lips are warm and welcoming, the taste of him familiar and comforting.

I feel a warmth spreading through my chest, growing stronger with every heartbeat. It's almost alarming how quickly I've grown to care for this… Kraken. His gentle care and fierce protectiveness have managed to do something that I didn't think was possible—they've awakened a desire within me.

A desire to belong, to be wanted… to be loved.

As we pull away, I whisper, "You have no idea how much I want you, Zethe."

"I have an inkling," he murmurs back, his tentacles sliding around my waist and pulling me closer. "And trust me, the feeling is mutual."

I giggle, nuzzling my face into his chest. It's a wonderful feeling, this sense of intimacy, of being cherished. And as I gaze up into Zethe's glowing eyes, I realize that this is only the beginning of our journey together, a journey on which I am eager to make lasting memories.

Leaning up on my toes, I press a soft kiss to his lips. It's a promise, a silent confirmation of my feelings for him. When I pull away, he's looking down at me with an intensity that makes my breath hitch.

"Because I don't want anyone else. Only you."

His declaration leaves me breathless, my heart pounding in my chest.

This is what I want. Him. Us. Together.

Despite my earlier worries, I'm starting to think that I could make a life here with Zethe.

He gently pulls me against him, wrapping his strong arms around me. "Let's go, Rey," he says softly, his lips brushing against the top of my head. "We have a lunch date to attend."

And as we head out the door, hand in hand, I feel like I found where I belong, with Zethe.