Chapter 21

The office is grand and plush, filled with a sleek black marble desk and an elegant bar lined with an array of colorful bottles. The ambiance is tastefully extravagant, with an air of authority that seems to fill every corner.

Across from me, Svea, the resort's owner, welcomes me with a warm smile. Her long black hair cascades down her emerald skin, highlighting her commanding presence.

"Would you like something to drink, Rey?" she asks, gesturing toward the assortment of bottles.

"What do you suggest?" I reply, intrigued by the choices before me.

Svea lifts a glass bottle of water adorned with the resort's logo. "Many enjoy our fresh water, tapped directly from the resort's grounds," she says. "However, if you're in the mood for a cocktail, I'd recommend a virgin Sex on the Beach, or perhaps a virgin Mint Mojito."

"No drinking allowed on the job?" I chuckle and smile at her.

She lets out a hearty laugh that fills the room. "It takes quite a lot of alcohol for an Orc to feel anything," she admits. "But I didn't want to pressure you into having a drink."

"I appreciate that," I reply, feeling more at ease. "A virgin Sex on the Beach sounds good."

She nods and I watch as she expertly mixes our drinks, the ease of her movements revealing her familiarity with the task. As she hands me my drink, she gets straight to the point. "Now, what can I do for you, Rey? I've heard some rumors, but I'd rather hear it directly from you."

Taking a calming sip of my drink, I gather my thoughts. "I'm a web developer," I start, putting my drink down on the table. "I work for a company that provides services to other businesses rather than being directly employed by a corporation. I was wondering if you have someone already handling that for the resort or if you might need my services?"

Svea leans back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. "I hired a firm," she admits, "but I've been less than impressed with the service they provide. They keep increasing their fees and decreasing their quality. It's not what this resort deserves."

Relief and hope bloom in my chest. It feels like a possibility is opening up. A way for me to contribute to the resort, to have a purpose here beyond just being Zethe's mate. "I think I can help," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Pulling out my vidtablet, I unlock it to reveal my portfolio. I slide it across the table toward her. "This is some of the work I've done. I can revamp the resort's network, upgrade your website, and improve your ordering system."

Svea looks down at the tablet, her eyes scanning the screen. "I'd also be willing to work directly with the owners of the restaurants and services on the resort," I continue. "I can provide them with a customized system that suits their specific needs."

My heart is pounding in my chest as Svea remains silent, her attention focused on the tablet in front of her. All I can do now is wait and hope she sees the potential I see.

Svea fixes me with a piercing gaze, the kind that seems to see right through a person. "Why offer this?" she questions. "I was under the impression you were here on a break between projects, not looking for a job."

Her gaze is steady, probing, and it's clear that she knows more than she's saying. I feel a rush of determination to be honest with her, not wanting to leave anything to misinterpretation.

"I want to stay," I confess, holding her gaze steadily. "When Zethe saved me from the water, we discovered that we were fated mates. We've spent my whole vacation exploring that connection, and… I want to keep exploring."

Her expression remains unchanged, but there's a new curiosity in her eyes. "Fated mates," she echoes thoughtfully. "That's a very powerful bond. And what are your plans? Are you leaving tomorrow, or staying?"

The question gives me pause, but my answer is immediate and sure. "I'm staying. I've fallen for Zethe," I admit, my cheeks heating up. "I love the way he makes me feel, and I want to continue exploring this connection. I've accepted him for who he is—a Kraken—and I want to build my life here."

Svea remains silent, still studying me. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to say next.

"I'm not going to force him to leave this place he loves so much. There's an endless amount of water here, and he wouldn't get that anywhere else. As for me, I'm flexible. I can do my work from anywhere. I want to reroot my life here, so he can continue doing what he loves… I'm hoping you'll have something for me to help you achieve your resort goals."

The words hang heavy in the room for a moment before Svea leans back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. I sit, holding my breath, waiting for her to respond. After what feels like an eternity, she's on her feet, a wide grin on her face as she extends her hand toward me.

"I believe you have exactly what we need to make this resort successful, Rey," she says, her voice brimming with conviction. "You can start as soon as you're ready."

The relief that washes over me is indescribable.

Her words ring in my ears, and I take her hand, shaking it firmly.

"I'll need a few weeks," I tell her. "I need to move my things into Zethe's place, clear out and close my apartment. And I want to give my old employer a month's notice, let them reassign my upcoming projects to my old coworkers. Would starting in a month be all right? If I finish early, I can start sooner."

Svea's nod is enthusiastic, her grip strong and reassuring. "A month sounds perfect, Rey. It'll give you time to settle in, get to know the resort better." She winks at me, her amusement clear. "And I'm sure you'll want to explore more of Zethe, too."

A blush heats my cheeks, and I laugh despite my embarrassment. "Thank you, Svea. I can't wait to get started."

"Welcome to the Starlight Resort team, Rey," she says, her voice warm. "We're lucky to have you."