Chapter 15

Iwake up to the delightful symphony of birdsong outside, the soft rays of the morning sun filtering through the window and warming my skin. A sense of contentment fills me, but as I stretch out, I realize that I am alone in the bed. Confusion flickers across my features as I wonder where Zethe has gone, especially after the passionate night we shared.

The mouthwatering aroma of freshly squeezed orange juice and sizzling bacon fills the air, tempting me to check it out. I follow the scent to the kitchen, my eyes widening in awe at the sight before me. Zethe is a flurry of activity, his tentacles deftly managing multiple tasks at once. One is flipping pancakes, another tending to the bacon, while another stirs the scrambled eggs. Zethe himself is focused on crafting some morning mimosas, a concentrated expression on his face.

I clear my throat softly, announcing my presence. "Good morning," I greet him, my voice raspy from just waking up.

He glances up, his eyes meeting mine, and a smile lights up his face. "Good morning," he replies, his voice warm and inviting. "Breakfast is ready, and I was hoping you'd join me outside at the table. We can watch the sunrise together and enjoy some mimosas."

My heart flutters at his suggestion, the tenderness in his eyes making me feel cherished. "That sounds amazing," I respond, my voice laced with excitement. I grab the offered mimosa and make my way outside.

The scene that greets me steals my breath away. The sky is a canvas painted in hues of pink and purple, the colors reflecting on the calm surface of the ocean. It's a breathtaking sight, made even more magical by the distant flock of Birdmen gracefully gliding through the sky, their wings dancing with the clouds.

As Zethe settles into the chair next to me, the warmth of the rising sun kissing my skin, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. The world feels quiet and still, as if it's just the two of us existing in this serene moment. Zethe's presence beside me is a comfort, his touch on my hand grounding me.

I take a bite of the delicious food before me, pleasantly surprised by the flavors that dance on my tongue. A contented sigh escapes my lips before I take another bite. "Zethe, you can cook for me every morning, and I'll happily do the dishes. Deal?"

He chuckles, his laughter like music to my ears. "That sounds perfect," he replies, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm a morning Kraken, and I love making breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day, after all."

I offer him a grateful smile, truly touched by his thoughtfulness. "Thank you for this delicious meal," I say, my voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I can't believe I'm so lucky to have someone like you in my life."

His expression softens, his gaze filled with affection. "Rey, it's my pleasure to take care of you," he replies, his voice gentle yet sincere. "You deserve nothing less than the best."

As I finish my meal, a question lingers on my lips. "What are the plans for the day?"

He considers for a moment, his eyes focused on mine. "Well," he begins, a hint of excitement in his voice. "We can start by moving your luggage to our house, and we can make arrangements for your things at your old house to be moved here."

With a sheepish smile on my lips, I confess, "I don't have much to bring. I'm hardly ever home, and most of my belongings are already second-hand. I'm thinking of donating them since this house is already so beautifully furnished."

Zethe nods, his expression understanding. "It's completely up to you," he reassures me, his voice filled with warmth. "Just let me know what you decide, so I can prepare accordingly."

A thought crosses my mind, and I ask, "Do you have any other plans for the day?"

A mischievous grin spreads across Zethe's face, and he replies, "Actually, I was thinking we could go swimming in the ocean."

I tilt my head, a playful glint in my eyes. "But Zethe," I tease, "I can't breathe underwater."

His grin widens, and he leans closer, his voice a low rumble. "Don't worry, Rey. I have a solution."

I can't contain my curiosity as I look at Zethe, anticipation bubbling within me. "What is it?" I ask, my voice brimming with excitement. "What's the surprise?"

A mischievous glint dances in his eyes as he replies, "One of my Mermaid friends owes me a favor, and you'll understand once we get there."

The curiosity intensifies, but I trust Zethe enough to let the surprise unfold naturally. I won't press him any further, content to let the mystery unravel in its own time.

"When do we leave?" I inquire, excitement lacing my words.

Zethe's eyes sparkle with excitement, mirroring my own. "We can go right now," he responds, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "The more light we have the better."

A surge of exhilaration courses through me as I leap to my feet. "All right," I exclaim, a wide smile spreading across my face. "I'll get ready. How should I dress?"

Zethe's gaze sweeps over me, his voice carrying a playful tone. "Wear a swimsuit, and if you have any water shoes, bring those too."

With a nod of understanding, I quickly make my way toward the bedroom. I retrieve my swimsuit, slipping into it with practiced ease, and wrap a towel around my waist.

As I slip into my sandals, a thought occurs to me. We need to swing by my villa to gather my things.

I return to the kitchen, ready to embark on this adventure, only to find the space spotlessly clean. Confusion flashes across my face, and I voice my surprise. "Zethe, the dishes… I was supposed to do them."

He meets my gaze, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "I took care of it," he says, his voice warm and reassuring. "I wanted to ensure that the house is clean before we get back. Besides, if you did the dishes, it would have taken longer for us to reach the ocean."

Understanding washes over me, realizing that this small act of kindness is meant to make our time together more enjoyable. I nod, a soft smile tugging at my lips. There's no need to argue over something as trivial as dishes this one time.

With excitement coursing through my veins, I take one last look around the house before locking the door behind me. Hand in hand, Zethe and I make our way toward my villa, the anticipation of the surprise stirring in my chest.

We cross the threshold into my villa, the beach sand still clinging to our feet.

Grabbing my pineapple-themed suitcases, we start to fill them with the colorful clothes I'd strewn across the dresser.

As I fold a floral-print sundress, I find myself glancing at Zethe, curiosity gnawing at me. "Zethe, do you have any family?" I ask, watching his expressive eyes for any sign of emotion.

He hesitates only a moment before answering, "I'm an only child. My parents… they work for an oceanic recovery company. They're called to action whenever there's a water disaster, whether it's retrieving lost items or helping rescue survivors."

His eyes take on a distant look, as though he's recalling countless memories. "They're often traveling, going from project to project. That's something they've been doing for as long as I can remember."

"Sounds like they have important jobs," I say, trying to offer a supportive smile. But the weight of his solitary upbringing tugs at my heartstrings. "It must have been tough though, growing up with them away so often."

He meets my gaze, the hues of his eyes swirling like the ocean in a storm, full of emotions I can't quite decipher. "It was," he admits, his voice a low rumble, "but it taught me independence and the importance of being self-reliant."

I nod, understanding blooming within me. The strength in his character, his steadfast determination, it all makes sense now. His upbringing might have been challenging, but it shaped him into the powerful, caring Kraken he is today. And somehow, I find him even more endearing.

Zethe's gaze on me is unwavering, a silent question lingering in his eyes. "What about your family, Rey?"

I take a deep breath, folding my last piece of clothing. "My parents," I begin, "They've always been… unconventional." I smile at the thought, the familiar warmth of their love wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.

"My father is a successful businessman," I continue, "Always seen in a suit and tie, always armed with a strategy." I glance up, catching Zethe's curious gaze. "And my mother… well, she's a well-known courtesan. A woman of elegance, charisma, and intelligence."

His eyes widen slightly, intrigued by the unusual combination. "And they're together?"

I nod, laughing lightly. "Yes, and they adore each other. Their relationship might be unique, but the respect and love they have for each other are unshakeable. They taught me that love isn't confined to a mold."

I feel a twinge of anxiety as I share this with Zethe. But I swallow it down, finding courage in his unwavering attention. "Because of them, I've learned that not everything in this world is black and white. Life is full of shades of gray, and it's those nuances that make it interesting." I gesture between us, adding, "Like us, for example. A human and a Kraken, fated mates. It's unexpected, but I'm open to exploring this connection with you. After all, my parents taught me to embrace the unexpected."

Zethe is silent for a moment, his hands expertly folding clothes with the aid of his dexterous tentacles. I watch in awe, fascinated by the precision and care in his movements.

"I always wanted a fated mate," he admits quietly. "But, being a Kraken lifeguard, bound to the shore… I knew it wouldn't be easy to find her. Most Kraken seldom venture so close to land, and while I was protecting others, my own chances of finding my fated mate were diminishing."

His voice is soft but resolute. "But I wanted to make this resort the best it could be. If by some miracle, fate decided to bring my fated mate to these shores, I wanted to be ready. I wanted to be worthy."

His words touch a deep part of me, and I find myself whispering, "But it's because of your duty as a lifeguard that you were able to save me, your fated mate."

A warm smile spreads across his face. He looks at me with a kind of reverence, his gaze soft yet intense. He gently places me onto the bed, his touch sending shivers down my spine. He cups my cheek, his eyes never leaving mine.

"You are a blessing from the Moon Goddess," he tells me, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe. You have my word." His promise fills the air around us, a vow that I know he'll keep, now and always.

"Our pasts and families are important, but they don't define us. They've shaped us, but they're just parts of who we are now. What really matters to me, Rey," he says, "is you. The woman right here in front of me and the future we can build together."

His words light a fire in me. "I want us to work," I say, meeting his gaze.

"We don't need to worry about our differences," he reassures me, his voice steady and firm. "We'll work through them together. All I care about is you, your soul."

His words stir something deep within me. I reach up, my fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer until our faces are inches apart. "I care about you too, Zethe," I confess, my eyes searching his. "I see who you are, deep inside."

With an intensity that steals my breath, Zethe leans in, closing the distance between us. His gaze, a deep, mesmerizing blue that mirrors the ocean he guards, remains fixed on mine, holding a promise of the passion about to be unleashed.

The cool touch of his mouth against mine sends a jolt of electricity through me, igniting a warmth deep in my core. There's a desperation in the way his mouth moves against mine, a raw need that mirrors my own. I gasp, granting him the permission he sought. His response is immediate, his tongue probing, exploring, tasting.

His tentacles come to life, wrapping gently around me, each touch a mixture of tenderness and strength that amplifies the kiss. One glides along my spine, raising goosebumps in its wake, while another curls around my waist, pulling me even closer into his embrace.

The world beyond us fades away, leaving only the sensation of his kiss, his touch. The kiss is everything. It's the taste of him, the scent of him, the feel of him.

There's a subtle power to him, a promise of protection, of love, of everything I ever hoped for in a partner.

We break apart for air, our foreheads resting against each other. I'm breathless, my heart racing, my body tingling from the intoxicating sensation of his kiss. "Zethe," I breathe out, my voice shaky, "I want… I want to try to make this work."

His eyes, as deep and mysterious as the ocean he's bound to, meet mine, the intensity in his gaze making me shiver. "We'll figure it out, Rey. I have no doubts," he says, his voice low and filled with a promise. "Because I am yours, as you are mine."