Page 42 of Jewel of the Sea

She stared at him; the hardness she’d noticed in his features that first night had returned. Understanding dawned on Aymee at that moment.

“It won’t be enough until one side is dead,” she said.

He nodded. “I’m not going to ask you why you really went to the beach. But I am going to tell you:be careful. If this all escalates…I don’t think I can stop it.”

Her heartbeat accelerated. Randall knew. He knew she’d gone to the beach the night before, that she hadn’t returned until now. He knew she was up to something and had inferred it was related to the kraken.

But he hadn’tseenArkon, or else he wouldn’t be here talking to her. The dread in her gut eased, if only slightly.

She took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Like I said, Randall, I went to the beach for some time alone.”

There was scrutiny in his gaze, but it was somehow gentle. “Have a good day, Miss Rhodes.” Randall turned and walked away, adding over his shoulder, “And be careful on that jungle road. Could be dangerous creatures around.”

Aymee watched until he was out of sight. By the time she got home, her nerves had only further frayed, and she thrummed with anxiety.

She stepped through the door and stopped short, nearly colliding with her father.

“Aymee!” He pulled her into a tight hug. “Where were you? You didn’t come home last night.”

She embraced him, meeting her mother’s worried eyes over his shoulder. “I was with Arkon.”

“All night?” Jeanette’s eyes widened. Unspoken words lingered in her expression; while Aymee’s parents held no prejudice against the kraken, it didn’t mean they were without reservations.

Aymee pulled back and smiled. “We were perfectly safe.”

“Aymee…” Kent ran a hand through his gray-streaked blonde hair. “It’s not safe for either of you.”

“I know.” Aymee sighed and rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands. “I know! Everything was fine untiltheyshowed up. Now…”

Kent took hold of her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Just be careful.”

But I am going to tell you: be careful. If this all escalates…I don’t think I can stop it.

“I am. I’m trying.”

Jeanette stepped closer. “Maybe it’s time to stop. Macy has moved on, and I know it will hurt to let her go—”

“No!” She stared at her mother, chest constricting, but it wasn’t Macy on Aymee’s mind.

“Just for now,” Jeanette amended. “Until the rangers leave.”

“They mightneverleave!”

“If they go long enough without finding anything, they will,” Kent said. “They’re not going to stay if there’s nothing to hunt.”

“And every time you meet with Arkon, you’re putting him in danger,” Jeanette added gently, rubbing her palm along Aymee’s arm. “I’m sorry it has to be this way, but we don’t want anyone hurt, especially you.”

Aymee blinked, tears dripping down her cheeks.

She never cried, but God, this hurt. She felt like her entire world was shattering, the pieces falling around her feet. Worst of all…her parents were right. Aymee knew they were. She’d known from the moment she first saw Randall on that stage, and she’d still foolishly, selfishly continued to meet Arkon.

“Aymee…” Kent wiped tears from her cheek.

“I know. You’re right.” She drew in a shaky breath. “We meet in two days. I’ll tell him that it’ll be the last. I’ll tell Macy.”

“I’m sorry,” Jeanette said.

“Do you want to stay home today?” Kent asked.

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