Page 90 of The Kraken Games

And that’s when Kai knew that before the day was up, he had to confess his true feelings.

That he’d fallen madly in love with Luna Storm.

And that the only fight he was prepared to engage in now was the one he would have to wage with his own people, to be with her.

CHAPTER 30

Luna sensed they were dawdling on the way home, making the most of their time together. Holding hands and squatting down to look at small creatures in clear rock pools, swimming in lagoons, and marveling at the myriad sea life. Afterward, they would sit and warm themselves on the rocks, chatting about their amazing time in Merinda, and devouring the delicious food the Mer folks had packed for their journey.

But as they got closer to Motham, Luna sensed Kai was troubled, that he was experiencing the same heaviness she felt in her own soul. Even though she tried to be in the present moment, the fact that they only had twenty-four hours left together seemed to hang in the clear blue sky like a dark cloud. Increasingly, there were silences, the air heavier as the day drew on, and they swam and trudged through sand and over rocks on their journey home… Except that word didn’t fit. Motham, the marshes, her job on the docks… None of that felt likehome. Never had, really. And now… She gritted her teeth, kicking herself for not asking Brooke about Tom’s gills and how he’d acquired them. Was it the fear of going after what she wanted? True happiness, with the guy who lit up her life. That maybe she didn’t believe she deserved him?

Was she going to let Kai return to Thedaka, never knowing that they may have had a chance.

Yeah, Luna thought sadly, home was where the heart was. And hers was not in that big dirty metropolis, but here with Kai.

Shehadto say something. But already her pulse sped up, her nerves fraying at the thought of raising it.

Because if he said he didn’t want this to go any further, she’d be devastated.

But you’d still have Tom.

That helped. A little.

As they climbed to the top of a sand hill, finally, they could see Motham laid out ahead, the smog hanging like a mantel over the East Quarter and the docks. Here, the air was still clear, and looking at the crescent of beach below them, Luna gasped. There were the hot pools, right ahead. She hadn’t recognized where they were, coming from this direction.

She sensed Kai had seen them too. Was he remembering their night here just before the games?

Luna forced herself to chirp, “Wow, nearly there. We could push on and make Motham tonight.”

He looked at her sharply, a frown pulling his brows over brooding eyes.

“Is that what you want?”

She shrugged, flapping her arms. “I… I…” What was the point of lying? “No, no it’s not what I want.”

He didn’t ask her to elaborate, just said, “Then we should put up here for the night, by the pools.”

“Okay,” she replied airily.

As they settled and shared the last of their Mer folk rations, he said softly, “Remember meeting me here the night before we fought?”

She smirked. “I was so mad at you. At all your people.”

“You just ran off and left me.” He huffed a laugh. “You did a fair bit of that in the beginning.”

“I won’t tonight, I promise.” How could she, when she had to treasure every last moment with him?

As she dusted off the crumbs and made to go get her pack and find her bedding, he suddenly burst out, “Shall we take a spa together?” Her eyes flew to meet his, and the unspoken message in their darkness made heat stir in her belly. “Just for old times’ sake.”

“Sure, okay.”

For some reason she felt stupidly shy. Like a virgin almost. Ha, Luna Storm all timid and virginal, that was kinda funny. After slipping off her clothes she sank up to her neck in the deepest pool. Then she gave a little squeak, because Kai was already there, arms and tentacles outstretched. The sight of him, so ripped and beautiful, made her juices flow. Her breasts felt full, her nipples peaking with anticipation and longing.

Please, if this is our last night together,Luna begged the heavens,let it be truly magical.

As Kai moved toward Luna, ready to take her in his arms and kiss her, he felt a change in his energy. Already he was unbearably aroused, just from watching her descend into the pool, her nipples hard little peaks on her upturned breasts, the little tuft of blonde hair over her mound, her supple thighs that he would soon be thrusting between… His cock was almost painful between his legs… Except… except, wherewerehis legs, his arms?

“C’m over here,” she husked.

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