Page 51 of Kiss for My Kraken
Nina didn’t see Sam as she raced back to her shack, so she hurried inside, locking the door behind her with shaking hands. Ozzie gave an excited woof as he trotted over to her side, his stubby tail wagging happily. She’d brought him back to the cabin earlier that day because of the constant bustle of people and activity. She picked him up and hugged him, taking comfort in the small warm body as he tried to lick her nose.
A splash outside caught her attention and she rushed to the window.Oh, thank goodness. Sam was pulling himself onto the dock, water streaming from his powerful form.
“Sam!” she called, hurrying outside with Ozzie.
He looked up as she raced down the steps to the dock, surprise flashing across his features before concern took its place. In two swift bounds, he reached her, his still-wet hands grasping her shoulders.
“What’s wrong, little minnow?” he asked, his eyes scanning her face.
“He’s here,” she gasped, the words tumbling out in a rush. “Jed. I saw him in the town square. With someone else from Haven’s Grace. They’re looking for me, Sam.”
His expression darkened, the markings along his neck flaring bright blue with emotion. “You saw him?”
She nodded, shivering despite the afternoon warmth. “He didn’t see me. I ran. Came straight here.”
His grip on her shoulders tightened fractionally, then relaxed as he visibly controlled himself. He transitioned into his land form with shocking speed, then led her back up to the shack. Once inside, he retrieved a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders. She clutched it gratefully, even though she wasn’t physically cold.
“They had the same van. And Jed looked exactly the same—so stiff and righteous.” Her voice broke on the last word.
He knelt before her, taking her cold hands in his warm ones. “How many?”
“I saw Jed and one other in the square. But Flora said they’ve been circling for days so I’m sure there’s more.”
He nodded grimly. “Eric reported strangers who were asking questions about newcomers.”
The thought of Jed methodically hunting her through town made her feel physically ill. “What if they find me? What if they try to take me back?” The possibility terrified her.
“It won’t happen,” he said with absolute conviction. “I won’t let them take you.”
Looking at his fierce expression, she almost believed him. But fear, once awakened, was not easily silenced.
“You don’t understand,” she whispered. “Jed always gets what he wants. Always. If he can’t persuade someone, he finds leverage. Pressure points. Weaknesses.” A horrible thought struck her. “What if he hurts you? Or Ben? Or anyone else in town trying to help me?”
His expression softened slightly. “Nina. Look at me.”
She met his gaze, finding strength in those brilliant blue eyes.
“Fairhaven Falls is not Haven’s Grace,” he said slowly, emphasizing each word. “There are Others here who are both powerful and united. We are not weak and we are not afraid.”
Some of her panic started to recede. He was right. This wasn’t the isolated, powerless situation of her past. Here, she had allies. Friends. And Sam—strong, brave Sam who would face his own deeply ingrained fears to protect her.
“The Festival,” she said suddenly. “It’s Saturday. Everyone will be there. What if Jed uses the crowd as cover to find me?”
He nodded, having clearly considered this. “Eric is prepared. There will be watchers and patrols.” His thumb stroked her cheek. “And I will be there, by your side.”
The image of Sam standing beside her in the town square while Jed looked on, was simultaneously terrifying and oddly comforting.
“Are you sure you want to show yourself so publicly?”
“For you,” he said simply. “Yes.”
The depth of devotion in those three words broke through the last of her paralyzing fear, replacing it with a surge of fierce love. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face against his shoulder.
“I don’t deserve you,” she murmured.
His arms encircled her, strong and secure. “You deserve everything, little minnow,” he said roughly. “All the good things.”
They stayed like that for a long moment, and then she stroked her hand down over his chest. In his land form, his sheath was easier to find and she teased the long ridge until it began to swell beneath her fingers. He took a sharp breath, and looked down at her, his eyes glowing.
