Page 22 of Hunter of the Tide

He could not speak to her underwater, and he could not sign like a kraken, but the light in his eyes said all Rhea needed to know.

She’d waited weeks for this moment. Randall’s worth had been apparent to Rhea from the beginning, but her word would never have been enough. He had to prove himself capable to the other kraken. Had to prove that he could provide, that he could contribute. This would serve as that proof for most of her people.

More importantly, it would serve as proof to Randall.

Regardless of what any of them thought, Rhea wanted him.

Drifting closer to him, she placed a hand upon his chest, slid an arm around his neck, and coiled a fore tentacle around each of his legs. She tilted her head forward and pressed it against his mask, locking her eyes with his.

The tip of his tongue slipped out and trailed over his lips as he placed his hands on her hips. Heat flared within her core. She swayed her hips, rocking them back and forth to brush her closed slit against his hardness.

His grip on her tightened.

Were he kraken, he’d know what her movements meant. He’d already be sliding into her, connecting their bodies as he joined in the mating dance. But he was human, unable to survive in the water without his suit, and he knew little of their ways.

Rhea would show him what she could.

She moved her tentacles up his back and over his body as she continued to gyrate her hips. Randall’s lips parted, and his chest rose and fell rapidly, swelling against her breasts. His blue eyes darkened in desire.

His brows fell suddenly, and he gritted his teeth. His mouth moved as though he were speaking, but Rhea couldn’t hear anything. Shaking his head, he gently broke the contact between their bodies, took her hand, and pointed toward the door.

Rhea tilted her head and flashed maroon.

Randall nodded and gestured to the door again, tugging her toward it.

She grinned as excitement crackled through her. Turning away, she sought Melaina, finding the youngling and the prixxir beside Dracchus. Rhea signaled the large kraken.

Watch them?

Dracchus nodded and glanced at Melaina, motioning for her to follow. Accompanied by Ikaros, they hauled the kill toward one of the alternate entrances.

The light above the Facility’s main entrance flashed green and the door opened. Randall led Rhea inside, drawing her closer and wrapping an arm around her waist as the door closed and the water began to drain from the chamber. Once his head was above water, he tore off the mask and pulled the hood down.

“Finally.” Randall claimed her mouth in a scalding kiss.

Rhea wrapped her arms around him, returning the kiss with equal hunger, craving his taste.

His mouth left hers to trail along her chin and jaw, moving toward her siphon. The stubble on his cheeks scraped her skin, but it only heightened her arousal. Her breath quickened.

“Randall,” she rasped.

Keeping one arm around her waist, he moved his other hand to the side of her neck and placed his thumb along her jaw, tilting her head back to access the place between her neck and shoulder. Shivers ran over her flesh, and her breasts and sex ached with need.

When he bit, she gasped, eyes flaring wide, and nearly crested from the shock of pleasure-pain. His tongue followed, soothing the spot. She grazed her claws over his back and pulled him closer.

“Pressurization complete,” the computer said, but the words were muted through Rhea’s haze of lust.

Randall slapped the button beside the interior door and didn’t break contact with Rhea as they moved through. They stumbled; Randall’s back hit the wall, and she fell against his chest, but he recovered quickly and guided her into another kiss.

“A room,” Randall said against her mouth.

Rhea growled in frustration, inwardly cursing humans and their need for privacy. But it was warranted now — if another female were to come upon them and so much as glance at Randall, Rhea would be tempted to gouge out that female’s eyes.

She pulled away from him and hurried down the hallway, passing countless doors and wishing his den were closer.

Randall abruptly grabbed her hand and tugged her into a darkened room. Pushing her against the wall, he pressed his body to hers. Rhea released a startled breath.

“I can’t wait any longer,” he rasped.

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