Page 59 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
I don’t know what he can sense that I don’t, but I squint intently at the water.
I can’t believe I’m going to get to meet the actual Nessie!
I’m practically vibrating with excitement when the water begins to lap more powerfully against the shore, and farther out, I notice the surface starting to churn.
That’s when several large tentacles rise up from the depths and thrash around.
So, there aren’t many movies that my dad and I watch regularly together—he isn’t really into them like me and Mom—but one exception is Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringstrilogy. We usually find time to have a marathon movie fest of all three films at least once a year.
What I’m seeing right now, is delivering the Watcher in the Water outside the Mines of Moria realness.
“Holy tentacle tornado,” I whisper as I try not to shit my pants.
I also desperately want to take some pictures, but my indecisive fight-or-flight instinct has apparently frozen me to the spot.
“Meet the kraken of Loch Ness,” Elryk rumbles. “He’s a big fucking show-off.”
“Oh, my freaking gods—Nessie is a kraken?!”
“Aye,” Elryk says, seemingly unperturbed. “He’s being a total twat right now. Loves to do this song and dance to scare the newbies.”
I’m gobsmacked as I stare at the enormous creature that rises from the water.
“Oi!” Elryk yells. “Quit being an eejit and get out here now.”
The enormous kraken uses his tentacles to give a rather impressive version of a middle finger before diving back under the depths.
“Wha–” I begin to ask, but then the roiling waters subside, and I gasp when a human head breaks the surface and glides closer to us.
I stare as a strikingly handsome man with long dark hair and deep bronze skin emerges from the loch with an almost preternatural grace. His eyes gleam a golden color in the dark that’s both eerie and mesmerizing.
Once he sets his bare feet on the rocky shore, he struts toward us—completely and utterly naked.
Do I look?
You bet your ass I do.
I may have a supersexy Goliath-esque gargoyle for a fated mate, and he is by far the hottest of the hot, but Mr. Kraken Man is no slouch in the looks department—or the impressive package department. The guy also clearly knows it from the cocky grin on his face.
“Elryk DarkWing, it’s been a while since I last saw you.” His voice is rich and sensual as he turns his golden gaze on me. “And who is this delectable human you have with you?” The kraken’s nostrils flare and his eyes seem to glow even brighter. “Ah, a Conduit. Mmmm. Don’t you smell delicious.”
He licks his lips.
Elryk growls. “Nasser, watch your tongue. This is my fated mate, Noah Price.”
The kraken’s eyes widen in surprise. “No shit?” He drops the seductive routine and grins broadly, flashing a hint of some very long and pointy canines. “Good on you, mate. Congratulations.” He steps forward and pumps Elryk’s hand and then mine.
I’m a little bit dazed but just decide to go with it. After all, I have a million questions.
The very handsome and very naked kraken puts both hands on his hips and beams at me. “I’m Nasser.” He winks. “Also known as Nessie, but that’s just my public persona to keep the tourists coming.”
I glance up at Elryk, and he rolls his eyes. “Now you see why he and Braewyn are rarely allowed to meet.”
Nasser throws back his head and laughs. “How is my good friend Braewyn?”
“He told us to say hi,” I offer.
Nasser flashes us a deadly grin. “I don’t suppose he gave you the money he owes me and still hasn’t handed over?”
