Page 83 of Not Your Ordinary Shifter

Or the time he gave me a private “swimming lesson” that had nothing to do with proper stroke technique and everything to do with how long he could hold his breath. Spoiler alert: a very, very long time.

Tonight, we’re at another fancy sports event. The ballroom is all crystal chandeliers, champagne flutes, and a heady mix of designer perfumes almost making me dizzy.

I’m wearing a dress that costs more than my old annual salary - midnight blue silk that whispers against my skin with every movement. Jay’s in a tailored suit that does sinful things to his fucking perfect body, the fabric stretching amazingly across his broad shoulders.

His is hand warm on my lower back. His touch sends a shiver up my spine, a stark contrast to the cool air conditioning. “You look gorgeous.But I’d rather be in the ocean, naked, with you.”

I snort. “Behave, Mr. Lafayette. We’re in public.”

His eyes flash, and he winks. “Never.”

Chapter

Eight

JAY

Ican feel Zora’s anxiety rolling off her in waves as we drive along the coastal road. Her scent, usually a calming mix of jasmine and vanilla, is tinged with a sharp note of worry that makes my tentacles twitch under my skin.

“Babe, relax,” I say, reaching over to squeeze her hand. Her skin is clammy against mine, betraying her nerves. “They’re gonna love you.”

Zora gives me a weak smile, her usual warm brown eyes clouded. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the human crashing into a family of kraken-shifters.”

My family’s estate comes into view. A big mansion facing the ocean. The crash of waves against the rocky shore below fills the air, a soothing rhythm that calls to my kraken nature.

Despite her nerves, Zora gasps in awe, her eyes widening. “Holy shit, Jay,” she breathes, the salty breeze whipping her dark curls around her face. “You grew up here?”

I grin. “That’s home sweet home, baby. And wait till you see what’s underwater.”

We pull up to the ornate iron gates, and I punch in the code. As we drive through the property, the scent of salt and seaweedintensifies. I can already feel the pull of the ocean, my skin tingling with the need to shift. My tentacles itch to break free, responding to the proximity of my ancestral waters.

“So,” Zora says as we park, her voice small, “any last-minute advice before I meet the Lafayette clan?”

I turn to her, taking in her nervous smile, the way she’s playing with the hem of her dress.

“Just be yourself,” I say, cupping her face gently. Her skin is soft under my calloused palms, and I can feel her pulse racing. “You’re amazing, Zora.”

She smiles softly, some of the tension leaving her body. “My hero.”

We’re barely out of the car when the front door bursts open. A blur of movement comes running towards us, the air filled with the scent of excitement and youth.

“Jay-Jay!”

I brace myself as my little sister, Jade, launches herself at me. I catch her easily, spin her around, her giggles mixing with the cries of seagulls overhead.

“Hey, kid,” I grin, setting her down on the gravel driveway. “Miss me?”

Jade rolls her eyes. “As if. Oh, is this Zora?

I pull my mate close, my arm wrapping possessively around her waist. I can feel the tightness in her body, and my tentacles instinctively emerge and cocoon her. “J., meet Zora. My mate.”

Jade’s eyes widen, then she breaks into a wide grin. “Finally! I was starting to think Jay-Jay would never find anyone who could put up with his big head.”

“Hey!” I protest through a chuckle.

Zora laughs, the sound a bit shaky but genuine. She relaxes against me, her warmth seeping through my clothes. “Gotta admit, it is pretty big.”

“Oh, I like her,” Jade declares. She grabs Zora’s hand. “Come on, I’ll give you the tour. And tell you all of Jay’s embarrassing stories.”

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