Chapter 7

Istand before the mirror in the bathroom, scrutinizing my reflection. My hair is a tangled mess, and I can still smell the salty tang of the ocean on my skin. I can't believe Zethe finds me attractive in this state. But then, he's a creature of the sea. Maybe to him, the scent of saltwater is as appealing as a fine perfume.

There's a pull toward him I can't ignore.It's sudden and something I can't put into words, but somehow, I'm okay with that.

My heart flutters at the thought of his strong arms wrapped around me, of his tentacles caressing my skin, of his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss.

The male saved my life. I owe him everything.

Brushing off the wild thoughts, I step into the luxury shower. The warm water relaxes me as I work the knots out of my hair and cleanse myself of the remnants of the sea.

Once I'm clean and dry, I slip on a lightweight sundress, perfect for the day ahead.

As I step out of the bathroom, my heart skips a beat at the sight of Zethe. His eyes darken with desire, and he tosses his vidtablet onto the freshly made bed. There's a predatory grace to his movements as he approaches me.

He towers over me, his gaze intense. There's no fear in me though. Instead, a warmth spreads through my chest. "I want to kiss you," he murmurs, his voice low.

A sudden thrill shoots through me, and I can't resist the urge to tease him. "Then why don't you?" I challenge, lifting my chin to meet his gaze.

As the words leave my lips, the air in the room becomes electric. My heart pounds in my chest like a drum, and my breath catches in my throat.

The anticipation of his touch sends an electric shock through me, but I stand my ground, awaiting his next move.

I see the desire flare in Zethe's eyes, and for a moment, I wonder if I've gone too far.

But then he closes the distance between us. His hand finds my waist, his touch searing hot through the thin fabric of my sundress. His tentacles twitch in what I assume is anticipation. An involuntary shiver courses through me. His other hand cups my cheek, his touch gentle despite his strength.

"Rey," he murmurs, his voice husky with longing. He leans down, closing the space between us. His eyes flicker to my lips, and I find myself holding my breath.

The connection between us is palpable, an electric current that ignites a fire deep within my core. I need to know how it feels to kiss him, if his touch sends a comforting pulse through me.

A tentative step forward, closing the distance between us, my eyes never leaving his. My voice is barely above a whisper as I confess, "I need to know… I need to feel you."

His gaze intensifies, his desire mirroring my own. Without hesitation, he closes the remaining space between us, his hands gently cradling my face. I feel his touch, warm and electrifying against my skin, and I lean into it, craving more.

His lips meet mine in a sweet exploration, each brush of our mouths a new revelation. It's a soft kiss, filled with a promise of something more. His tentacle tightens around my waist, pulling me flush against him. His touch is tender, reverent even, making me feel cherished in a way I've never known before.

Every part of our skin that touches send soft electric shocks through me, as if we're two magnets joining as one.

As the kiss deepens, I find myself lost in him, in the taste of the sea and the firm yet gentle press of his lips, filled with heat and promise.

His large hand cups the back of my neck, holding me close as his other hand glides down to my waist, pulling me closer. I gasp at the contact, at the electricity that crackles between us. He deepens the kiss, his tongue exploring the recesses of my mouth in a way that leaves me breathless.

My hands find their way to his hair, running through the silky strands. He responds by pressing me closer, his hand tracing the curve of my waist. His suckers grip my skin lightly, a strange but exciting sensation.

But then I feel something else. Something that sends a jolt of awareness through me. It's one of his tentacles, sliding up my leg, trailing a cool, thrilling path up my thigh beneath the fabric of my sundress. The suckers lightly attach themselves to my skin as they move, as if giving me tiny kisses, sending shivers up my spine.

A small whimper escapes me, and Zethe takes the opportunity to explore my mouth further while it"s open. The tentacle continues its leisurely journey upward, its cool, smooth skin contrasting deliciously with the heat of our bodies.

I clutch at Zethe's shoulders, gasping into his mouth as his tentacle's suckers grip my thigh, sending a wave of pleasure crashing over me. It's a feeling unlike anything I've ever experienced, both strange and exciting at the same time.

As the kiss deepens, and his tentacle caresses my thigh, I surrender to the sensations. Zethe's mouth is addictive, his kisses potent. But the tantalizing touch of his tentacle, the way it teases my skin with its suckers, it's driving me wild.

The passion intensifying, I return the kiss with everything I have, pouring all my growing attraction into it. His tentacles wrap around me further, pulling me closer, and the world fades away.

There's just him and me, locked in a kiss that seems to stop time itself.

When we finally part, we're both panting, our eyes locked on each other. Zethe's eyes are like a storm, full of lust, and his tentacles are still entangled around my thighs. There's a promise in his gaze, a promise of more, of endless nights filled with passion and intimacy.

He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead before releasing me.

I want to explore more, to experience more of what he has to offer. And most importantly, I want to do it all with him.

My fingers lightly touch my tingling lips as I blink, slowly returning to the present. His kiss was nothing short of electric, a jolt of warmth spreading through my veins. "I… wow, Zethe."

He chuckles, his body rumbling with the sound. "That's a good reaction, I think." His eyes darken, a tentacle moving to curl gently around my waist. "As much as I'd like to keep doing this, we better get out of the villa before my tentacles get any ideas."

I laugh, a light, airy sound that echoes around the room. "Is that so?" I playfully ask, leaning up to nip his ear. "Well, I am famished. Lead me to your favorite food place."

"Whatever you wish, my starfish," he replies, a promise hidden in his words.

"Starfish?" I ask, tilting my head, my eyes scrunched in confusion. "How come you called me that?"

"I heard humans like to call each other endearment terms, so I thought I'd try one out for you instead of calling you ‘Babe,' ‘Love,' or ‘Mate.'" He looks away, scratching the back of his head. "You appeared like a starfish when I rescued you, clinging to me for dear life."

His explanation warms my heart. "It's a cute name… But if you're going to call me that, then I'll need to find something to call you in return."

He snaps his head toward me, his gaze threatening to suck me in like two whirlpools. "You can call me whatever you want, and I'll gladly accept it."

"Anything?" I tilt my head, biting my bottom lip. "I'll have to think about it."

"You have time," he murmurs as his gaze falls to my lips. "There's no need to rush."

I sigh and nod, my mind whirling from everything that has happened since I arrived.

I can't believe that on my first day here, I nearly drowned and was rescued by this Kraken. Not to mention the part where he declared me his fated mate the moment I woke up with him in my bed.

Looking down, I notice my sandals next to the bed, not where I left them yesterday on the beach. I glance at him, the question clear in my eyes. He shrugs, a smirk playing on his lips. "Zoe, Sage, and Drax came over to help me carry you back. Zoe took the liberty of gathering your sandals and towel. The towel's with the cleaners."

My heart swells at his attention to detail, at the fact that he cared so much for my comfort. "You guys are too sweet," I tell him, slipping my feet into the sandals. "I owe Zoe and Sage a big thank you then." I look up to meet his gaze. "And you too, of course. You've gone above and beyond already."

His dark eyes are warm, the barest hint of a smile playing at the edges of his lips. "For you, Rey," he says, a strange intensity in his voice. "I would do anything."

The words cause an unexpected flutter in my stomach, and I look down to hide my blush. "Well," I say, my voice surprisingly steady, as I try to focus on anything other than being alone with this devilishly handsome Kraken, "let's not keep my stomach waiting. Lead the way, my oh gallant lifeguard."

His rich laughter fills the room, causing another flutter in my stomach. This is new, different, but not unwelcome. I could get used to this.

As we step out of the villa, the cool sea breeze greets us. The sun is high in the sky, the waves lap gently against the shore, and the scent of the salty air fills my lungs.

It's a perfect day for an adventure.

Zethe hovers protectively near me, moving in an alien and fascinating manner. His tentacles ripple across the ground, propelling him forward with grace. They curl and extend in a rhythmic, mesmerizing dance. I'm impressed by his strength and the ease with which he moves in comparison to his large body structure.

As we stroll through the resort, I find my gaze drawn back to Zethe. He's like nothing I've ever encountered before—a lifeguard, a rescuer, a gentle soul wrapped in a body that isn't human at all.

"So, where are we headed?" I ask, blushing. "I hope it's somewhere with a great view."

Zethe gives me a mischievous grin. "Oh, I think you'll like it."

He leads me along the resort, taking me on a scenic route. We pass by the pristine pools, the bustling restaurants, the lively bars, and the myriad of shops, but we don't stop. Zethe has a particular destination in mind, it seems.

As we stroll along the stone walkways, the salty breeze tickling my face, Zethe breaks the silence. "So, Rey, what do you do for a living?" His voice is deep, resonant, his words pulling me back from my thoughts.

"I'm a web developer. I work for a company that provides services to other businesses instead of working directly for a corporation," I respond, licking my lips. "I know it's nothing exciting like what you do here."

"What are you talking about?" Zethe declares. "I've never met anyone who works in technology. There have been many guests who work in business and marketing, but not in building or design. What made you want to work in your field?"

"I've always been fascinated by technology," I confess, glancing at him. "Even when I was a little girl, I was the one always fixing the computer or helping my parents with their vidtablets. Trying to figure out how things worked. I guess it was just a natural progression for me.

"I fell in love with coding in high school. It's like solving a puzzle, you know? Every line of code, every function, it all needs to fit together perfectly to create something beautiful and functional. It was the perfect blend of creativity and logic, and I just… fell in love with it."

His eyes light up as I talk, showing genuine interest in my words. It's a simple thing, but it warms me from the inside out. I can't remember the last time someone was genuinely interested in what I did for a living.

Most just zone me out once I start talking about it, which is why I usually avoid talking about what I do.

"It sounds like you really love what you do," he comments, and I nod in agreement.

"I do," I confirm. "It's challenging and frustrating at times, but the satisfaction I get when I see a website I've created live and working? It's an amazing feeling. Plus, it allows me to work remotely, so I can travel and work at the same time. I'm here for vacation, but I'm also here for a change of scenery between work projects."

"What about you?" I ask, turning the question back on him. "How did you become a lifeguard?"

He seems to ponder for a moment, his tentacles making patterns in the sand as we walk. "There isn't that much an aquatic monster can do on land, and I like interacting with land and sky species. Being a lifeguard allows me to be in my element while also helping others. It's fulfilling in its own way, and it gives me an opportunity to interact with people… like you." His gaze softens as he looks at me, making my heart flutter.

I feel my cheeks heat up, a nervous giggle escaping my lips. "So, what do you normally do as the resort's lifeguard?"

He grins at my question. "It's not all rescuing beautiful females from the sea, if that's what you're thinking," he teases, his tentacle curling around my waist. "I ensure that everyone follows the safety rules, I patrol the swimming areas, handle any disturbances, and occasionally, I get to show guests around the resort. In my spare time, I create sand sculptures. One of my favorite hobbies."

His words touch something deep inside me. His dedication, his passion for his job… it's all so attractive. There's a quiet strength to him, a sense of purpose that's absolutely magnetic. It"s impossible not to be captivated by him, not only for his attractive appearance, but also for his compassionate nature.

"Sand castles?" I ask, my head tilted. "I'm sure you can create amazing things quickly with all of your tentacles."

"You're right, sand sculptures." He bends down and scoops up a handful of white sand, lifting his hand in front of us and slowly releasing the sand as we watch it drift in the wind. "This resort has a wide variety of sand, as well as other natural debris, shells, and stones, which allow me to add decorations. Every piece is one-of-a-kind, and it brings joy to both resort residents and our guests whenever they pass by."

I give him a small smile, reaching out to gently squeeze his hand. "You're a gentle soul. Even though we've only just met, I can tell."

He looks at me, surprise clear in his eyes. But then he smiles back, his gaze warm. "Thank you," he murmurs, his voice low and soft. "That means a lot coming from you."

As we continue walking, our fingers intertwined, I can"t shake the thought that maybe, just maybe, giving us a chance was the best decision I've ever made.

If things don't work out, I have the option of leaving at the end of the week. So far, I haven't seen any red flags, let alone orange ones.

I'm afraid I'll start to fall for him, only for him to be discouraged by the fact that I'm human, his fated mate.

Before now, I had never encountered a Kraken, not even through virtual means. Usually, monsters reside on remote islands, unlike most sea creatures who are confined to the ocean"s depths. The only ones I"ve come across in college were part of unique student exchange programs and appeared more humanoid, like Catmen, Werewolves, and Fae.

But now that I've met and kissed Zethe, I see that everything I've heard about them is correct. He is strong, observant, and capable, as well as caring and supportive.

I just hope male Kraken aren't as aggressive or territorial as their female counterparts… because Zethe appears to be everything but.

Zethe leads me away from the bustling heart of the resort and toward a structure that looks like a picturesque seaside cottage, though it's clearly much more substantial than that. It's a two-story building with a large wraparound porch that extends to the second floor, providing an inviting, shaded area on both levels. The pale blue of the walls harmonizes beautifully with the sandy hues of the roof, echoing the colors of the beach nearby. The overall design is that of a traditional beach house, complete with white-trimmed windows and doors, but there's an almost grandeur to it that sets it apart.

It looks warm, welcoming, yet professional.

"What is this place?" I ask, my eyes taking in the sight of the structure.

"This is the resort's medical center," Zethe answers, guiding me up the porch steps. "Our head medic, Eaen, lives on the second floor. It makes it easier for him to respond to emergencies, even when he's off duty."

I raise an eyebrow at that. "Isn't that exhausting? Being on call all the time?"

Zethe grins, shaking his head. "We don't really have many injuries here on the resort, and the ones that do happen tend to be minor. Most are healed by the end of the day."

"But humans don't heal as quickly as monsters," I counter, looking back at the impressive building. "If you're planning on attracting more human guests, maybe Eaen could use a bit more help?"

Zethe tilts his head, considering my words. There's an open-mindedness to him that I appreciate. He doesn't dismiss my concerns outright, but actually considers them.

"You're right, Rey. We're in the process of hiring more medics to accommodate our growing human clientele." His hand tightens around mine. "But I promise you, while you're here, you'll be in safe tentacles."

His cheeky grin lightens the conversation, and I can"t stop myself from laughing along with him.

Zethe guides me into the medical center, and I'm immediately struck by the interior design. The floors are a beautiful marble, gleaming under the soft light that filters in through the large windows. The walls and furniture, crafted from rich, dark woods, are carved with intricate patterns and scenes, the craftsmanship so detailed that it's like stepping into a piece of art. It's a balance of elegance and comfort, soothing and luxurious at the same time.

"Looks like the assistant is out," Zethe observes, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious room. He steps toward a desk, pressing a button on a sleek console.

A moment later, the back door bursts open and an astonishing figure steps into view. A hummingbird-like Birdman, no taller than my shoulder, flutters in, an array of vibrant tropical feathers fanning out around him. Hues of blue, purple, yellow, and green decorate his plumage, sparkling as if coated in iridescent dust. Each flutter of his small wings creates a soft humming sound, a gentle reminder of his avian nature. His features are human-like, yet softened and enhanced by his avian characteristics—a curved beak-like nose, large expressive eyes, and the mesmerizing feathered crest that adorns his head.

He's unlike any Birdman I've ever seen. I lose the struggle not to stare, utterly captivated by this vivid display of otherworldly beauty.

Zethe introduces the two of us, his deep voice filling the spacious medical center.

"This is Eaen, our head medic," he tells me, his tentacles gesturing toward the colorful Birdman.

"And Eaen," he continues, his eyes glancing over to the Birdman, "this is Rey."

The Birdman medic, Eaen, flutters his wings at the introduction, a sound akin to a soft coo emanating from his beak. It's a melodic sound, soothing and harmonious.

"Rey," he trills, his voice much like his coo. "A pleasure to finally meet you."

His words are welcoming, and I feel special, as if he treats me as a member of the community here. If I don't count the sleepy Catman I accidentally woke up yesterday, this community has shown me nothing but kindness.

"We're here for a check-up," Zethe informs Eaen, "we want to make sure Rey is in good health before we continue our day."

Eaen nods, a flurry of colors as he circles the desk. He retrieves a medpack and scanner, his wings humming softly as he moves.

"How are you feeling, Rey?" he asks, his eyes, bright and attentive, looking at me.

"Hungry," I admit. "And a slight heaviness in my chest, my muscles are aching too. But otherwise, I feel fine."

He nods, his feathers rustling softly. "Must be from swallowing some water before you were rescued," he muses, his gaze meeting mine. "Take it easy while you're here. Don't overwork yourself and make sure to stay hydrated. Lots of electrolyte drinks will do the trick."

I nod, the advice making sense. I may have been rescued from the water, but it seems I still have a little way to go before I'm back to one hundred percent.

But with Zethe at my side, I know I'm in good hands… and tentacles.

"If your condition worsens or you feel dizzy or have trouble breathing, you must call me or come here as soon as possible," Eaen instructs me with a sincere look in his bright eyes. His words have a tone of insistence, but his voice remains soft and calm.

"I'd rather check you out and have it be a false alarm than let you continue your day not feeling well and potentially causing permanent damage," he adds, an edge of concern in his trilling voice. It's clear that he takes his role as the head medic very seriously.

Zethe nods in agreement beside me, his concerned eyes never leaving me. He seems intent on memorizing every word, every instruction. "I will make sure nothing else happens to her," he promises Eaen, his voice firm and resolute. Then, he turns to me, his gaze softening, "And I'll make sure to page you right away if anything changes."

The Head Medic seems satisfied with Zethe's assurance. He nods, his brightly colored feathers rustling with the movement. "I hope you have a wonderful remainder of your stay, Rey," he tells me, his tone genuine. "And it was a pleasure meeting you."

"Thank you for your time," I say gratefully. His advice and attention have already made me feel better.

"We'll keep in touch," Zethe adds as we turn to leave, his tentacles propelling us toward the door.

Eaen's melodious farewell follows us out, but I hardly notice. All I can focus on is the feeling of Zethe's tentacle wrapped protectively around me, his eyes on me with a level of care and attention I've never known.

I wonder what he has planned for us the rest of the day… and the rest of my trip.