Page 14 of Lover from the Waves

In sixty years, he’d only seen a tiny, insignificant portion of the ocean—a tiny, insignificant portion of theworld. Ector had been uncertain the first time Dracchus had led the kraken people to The Watch, with no real notion of how the first true encounter between his kind and the humans at large would go, but that uncertainty had been underrun by the same sort of eagerness he felt now. There was a thrill in pushing past the artificial boundaries the kraken had created for themselves and exploring the unknown.

His tentacles twitched and curled over the surface of the dock involuntarily, itching to move in response to his anticipation. Forcing them to still required more willpower than he would’ve guessed.

Though he’d often admonished Jax for his wanderlust, Ector had come to understand it well in the last couple years. He’d come to sympathize with it. And now he was gladly giving in to it. He felt like a youngling about to partake in his first hunt.

Yet he couldn’t deny that the company he’d enjoy was even more alluring than the journey ahead.

Despite his increasingly introspective mood over the last several months, he’d not taken much time to contemplate his attraction to Kathryn. He didn’t need to. The significance of his wanting her was immense after decades of doing his duty for his people and mating with any female who chose him. As much as he’d enjoyed mating, he’d never wanted any female like he wanted Kathryn—and he could accept that for what it was. There was no need to overanalyze it.

A grunt from behind called Ector’s attention away from the endless sea. He turned to see Breckett standing in the small boat he’d prepared for Kathryn, fussing over the ropes securing the supplies. Ector couldn’t help but smile; between Breckett, Dracchus, and Kronus, grunting was a language all its own, as expressive and complex as both human speech and kraken sign language. Ector wouldn’t have been surprised if the three males could have entire conversations without speaking a word.

“I imagine it is just as secure as it was the last time you checked it half a minute ago, Breckett,” Ector said.

Breckett straightened and buried the fingers of one hand in his thick beard, tugging it absently. He grunted again. “Yeah. Just need something to do while I wait. Don’t ever feel impatient or anxious when I’m out on the water, but anywhere else…”

“I understand. The patience of a hunter does not necessarily extend to other endeavors.”

“Something like that.” Breckett stepped out of the boat, his heavy boots thumping atop the swaying dock. He moved closer to Ector and met the kraken’s gaze, frowning deeply. “You’re going to keep her safe, right?”

Perhaps when he’d been younger and more hotheaded, Ector might’ve taken that as a questioning of his competence and prowess—reason enough for an immediate challenge. But Ector understood Breckett’s concern. Even if Ector hadn’t grown up knowing the sorts of friend and family relationships the humans did, he’d experienced enough of it lately to sympathize with this man.

Ector placed a webbed hand on one of Breckett’s burly shoulders, gave it a squeeze, and nodded. “I was not lying when I said I would protect her with my life if necessary.”

Breckett’s frown deepened, and he nodded, placing his own hand on Ector’s shoulder. “I know. I’m not sure ifmanis the right term, but you’re a good man, Ector. It’s just that Kat is like a sister to me. And when Madeline and I lost our daughter”—his eyes shimmered, and he dropped his gaze—“Kat was there for us, even though she was still hurting from Colin’s passing. She’s…good people, is what I’m trying to say.”

Ector pressed his lips into a tight line. Breckett was a big, strong human, in so many ways the ideal specimen—and he regularly wore his feelings on his face. This man had helped Ector learn one of his most important lessons since coming to The Watch—emotions, especially emotional connections to others, didn’thaveto be private, and they weren’t a weakness. And however brief, this little story spoke of an inner strength Kathryn possessed that Ector had guessed at. He couldn’t help but admire it deeply.

“She is,” Ector said. “And while we are out there,shewill be my purpose. You understand what I mean by that, as a kraken?”

“I do. Ever since Jax saved my Macy.” Breckett lifted his hand briefly and gave Ector’s shoulder a pat before stepping back. “Couldn’t ask for a better person to look out for Kat.”

Ector chuckled. “I am not quite as fast as I used to be, and my bones ache a bit more than I remember, but the sea has not yet reclaimed me. I will have fight in me until the very moment it does.”

Breckett smiled, displaying white teeth that were in startling contrast to his dark beard. “I don’t doubt that. Hell, I even get why she wants to do this. I still don’t think she should, but…here we are.”

Grinning, Ector nodded. “Here we are.” Movement from the shore caught his eye, and he looked past Breckett to see Kathryn walking down the stone ramp that led to the dock. His grin widened. “And here she is.”

Her silver hair was pulled back into what Ector believed was called aponytail, and she was dressed in a simple button-down shirt and durable looking pants not unlike what many of the fishermen usually wore to work—her attire was nothing like the dresses or skirts he’d seen her in previously. Though her clothing hid the pale flesh of her shapely legs, the smile on her face, which was apparent even from this distance, more than made up for it. She had a big backpack slung over her shoulders and a hand grasping each strap.

As she neared, Ector couldn’t help but notice that her excitement was shining in her bright blue eyes, making them even more radiant than before. The tightness in his chest flared. Beautiful seemed too mild a word to describe her.

“Good morning, Kathryn,” he said.

“Morning, Kat,” said Breckett.

“Good morning,” she replied, her already flushed cheeks darkening further when she met Ector’s gaze. She turned toward Breckett and chuckled. “Oh, quit looking at me like you broke your favorite fishing rod.”

Breckett raised a hand and leveled his finger at her. “This isn’t a time for joking, Kat. You need to be careful out there.”

Kathryn stepped closer to Breckett, rose on her toes, and pressed her lips to his cheek—a kiss. “I will be careful. I promise.”

An uncomfortable pang briefly soured the anticipation thrumming in Ector’s chest. Despite his knowledge of Breckett and Kathryn’s history, despite knowing that their relationship wasn’t romantic, despite having witnessed with his own eyes that such kisses between humans could be entirely innocent gestures, he couldn’t help that flare of jealousy.

She is mine.

The realization struck Ector hard and knocked the strength out of his jealousy. Somewhere deep inside, he’d already recognized Kathryn as his mate, and it didn’t matter if it was instinctual or not. He’d already claimed her. All that remained was for her to claim him…and he’d have time to show her why he was worthy during their journey.

Breckett nodded and took a step back from Kathryn. “I hope you find what you’re looking for out there.”

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