Page 11 of Lover from the Waves

“Kat, I will have someone stand watch on this dock day and night if I have to.” Breckett tipped his head toward Ector. “He’s experienced, and I trust him with my life. Ector and his people have made a big difference out there. We haven’t lost anyone in the last couple wet seasons thanks to them. I still think this is crazy, but at least knowing Ector is with you will put me a little at ease.”

“I do not mean to impose, Kathryn, but Breckett is correct,” Ector said. “It will be safer if I am with you. We can look out for one another.”

Kathryn looked between the two of them. They were right, no matter how much she wanted to protest—going by herself would be foolish. Her gaze settled on Ector. There was an eagerness in his gaze, in his posture, suggesting he wanted nothing more than for her to sayokay.

Though this was a very personal trip for her, what was the harm in having the kraken join her? She had no reason to mistrust Ector, especially if Breckett trusted him so wholly. And…it would be nice having some company along the way. Wasn’t she already lonely enough?

Kat glanced at Breckett with an expression that saidyou winbefore focusing on Ector again. “Thank you, Ector. I would love for you to join me.”

Ector grinned wide, displaying those sharp teeth of his. “I consider it an honor, Kathryn.”

A flicker of heat sparked within her, and she grasped the sides of her skirt. A few years ago, such a smile might have sent chills through her—she wouldn’t have known if he was being friendly or if he wanted to eat her. Now… Well, himeatingher didn’t seem so bad, did it?

That heat within her flared just a little hotter.

What the hell am I thinking? It’s just a smile. Focus, Kat!

“Give me a couple days to get a boat ready,” Breckett said. “How long a trip are you planning, Kat?”

Kathryn swallowed thickly and tore her gaze away from Ector to look at Breckett. “I’m not sure.”

Breckett muttered something to himself, beard bobbing as his mouth moved. “It’s not too late to change your mind, Kat.”

That sobered her. “I don’t plan to. I want this, Breck. I just don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

“I just don’t want it to be forever,” Breckett said in a low, tight voice.

Kathryn smiled softly. She stepped closer and slipped her arms around Breckett. His burley arms enfolded her in an embrace. Kathryn had grown up with five siblings, all of them sisters—though they’d all moved away with their parents to a town in need of competent hunters shortly after Kat and Colin had joined. Breckett was basically the brother she never had. He and his wife, Madeline, had been there for Kat when Colin had died; they’d been a solid, sturdy presence that kept her grounded. Kat wasn’t sure that she would’ve made it through those first few years as a widow were it not for Maddy’s help with the girls.

“And it won’t be, my old friend. I need some time away, but Iwillbe back.” She released him and stepped back, turning her smile toward Ector. “Ector will help make sure of it.”

Ector dipped into a shallow bow. “I will protect you with my life, Kathryn.”

Her eyes flared briefly at the conviction in his voice. “Oh. Um, let’s not let it come to that, shall we?”

As he rose, Ector’s lips took on a mischievous slant that complimented the gleam in his eyes. “Of course not. I have confidence in our ability to overcome the many dangers of land and sea with minimal injury.”

Breckett grunted; Kat could hear his frown falling impossibly lower in that sound.

Kathryn bent toward the kraken slightly and lowered her voice to a playful whisper she was sure Breckett could hear. “That’s not helping, Ector.”

Ector chuckled, his grin widening. “Perhaps this is one of the rare cases when I would do best to stop talking?”

She returned his grin. “Yes, I think so.” Kat turned her face back toward Breckett. “So, I have a boat, then?”

Breckett narrowed his eyes and muttered, “Against my better judgment, yes.”

Excitement spread a wave of warmth through Kathryn’s body, and she caught her lips between her teeth to keep from grinning like a damned fool—oreven morelike a damned fool, at least. She had a feeling that if she let too much of her anticipation show, Breckett would think she really had gone mad and change his mind.

“Should be ready in two or three days,” Breckett said. “I’ll let you know, Kat.”

Kat forced herself to remain still, to keep her feet grounded when all she wanted to do was dance up and down dock. “Thank you, Breck.”

He let out another heavy sigh. “Thank Ector. He’s the only reason I’m giving in to you. You can thank me when you’re back here safe.”

Kathryn looked at Ector. His eyes were still upon her, and they still contained that glimmer of heat that had been haunting her thoughts since yesterday. “Thank you, Ector.”

He nodded, and one of his tentacles slid a little closer to her feet. She could help but remember how it had felt against her skin.

---