Page 13 of Party With the Kraken
Similar circular setups are spread out at intervals along the beach, creatures of all kinds helping with various tasks to bring the vision to life—all with giant smiles on their faces.
Something warm ignites deep in my stomach at the sight of an entire community coming together with such infectious joy, and a sudden wave of longing to be part of it washes over me.
Doc Calla is first to spot us, and I quickly drag Viggo toward her before she has to walk all the way across the uneven sand to get to us.
“Happy birthday, Doc,” I say and bend down to wrap her in a warm hug.
“Thank you, dear Juniper. I’m so glad you made it,” Doc Calla replies with a tight squeeze. When we lean back, she keeps onehand on me. “I see you met Viggo.” I can appreciate her attempt at keeping her tone neutral, but I note the teasing inflection.
Viggo straightens up and squares his shoulders, his cheeks darkening in the most charming way. “Yes, we met at Cape Easton harbor. I gave Juniper a ride on my boat.” At Doc Calla’s quirked brows, he clumsily adds, “Not that kind of ride. I mean, she was on my boat. Along with other guests. I brought them all here. Then I took Juniper around the island to, you know, show her all the good spots and such.”
Doc Calla tries to bite her smile back, but her eyes twinkle with delight. “Have you now? That’s really kind of you. I’m sure our Juniper appreciates that personal touch.”
There’s no hiding my own blush at that tone. She definitely knows something’s up.
Well, what did you expect? You walk onto the beach hand in hand with a sexy kraken after he so generously tentacle-fucked you. Oh shit, don’t think about tentacles, that’s just going to make me horny again. Change the topic. Anything, Juniper. Quickly. Think.
“Goose!” I blurt out. “What did you name your goose?” I shake my head to clear the fog of my thoughts. “Bodin told me you named him but didn’t tell me what it was.”
Doc Calla’s lips curve into a perceptive grin. “I’m so glad he didn’t say anything, because I’d like the honor of telling you myself. My gentleman is called Mr. Gander Quacksalot.”
I subconsciously lean into Viggo, instantly at ease again. “That’s lovely and suits such a distinguished gentleman as himself.”
“I agree. Viggo dear, you’ll have to stop by sometime to meet my goose.”
Viggo frowns, clearly not understanding what we’re on about, but willing to play along. “Sure. He sounds nice. Good nametoo.” The fact that he so easily accepts this goose conversation makes my heart melt a little.
Remembering Doc Calla’s present, I say, “I made you something for your birthday.” I reach into my purse for the gift I specially designed for her.
Doc Calla takes the box from me with a gentle smile. “You really shouldn’t have.”
“No, I wanted to. I made…” The words die on my tongue as I realize what I did. I quickly place my hand on top of the box, halting her from opening it. “Uhm, on second thought, maybe I’ll make you something different and give it to you next time you’re in the city.”
Narrowing her eyes as she works through that explanation, Doc Calla says, “Well, now you have me curious. What did you make? Can I look?”
I contemplate how much to say, but settle on a partial truth. “Earrings. But I dyed them.”
“You dyed them?”
I cringe and my shoulders climb up to my ears as Viggo goes stockstill next to me. “I bought a special dye but this might be awkward considering all parties involved know each other,” I say hesitantly and tilt my head ever so slightly toward Viggo.
Doc Calla’s large hazel eyes widen even further and she lets go of the box. “Oh, I see. It was a very kind gesture, dear, but maybe it’s best if you keep those earrings for yourself. I’m sure they’d look lovely on you with your purple hair and the… well, you know.”
I nod frantically to keep her from continuing those thoughts out loud, then place the box back in my purse, making sure the latch is firmly in place. “Yes, I do.”
Just before we can lapse into an uncomfortable silence two beautiful females join us.
The one with the curved horns and a mischievous smile holds out a perfectly manicured hand for me to shake. “Hi, I’m Calixta. This is my wife Beryl.”
Doc Calla smiles fondly up at them. “These are my daughters.”
At my obvious confusion, Beryl explains calmly, “Ma adopted me and Bodin. I married Calixta, he married Tilly. We’re all her kids now. Two orcs, a succubus, and a human.”
Viggo places a hand on my shoulder and introduces me with what I detect is pride in his voice, “This is Juniper.”
Beryl grins warmly as she shakes my hand. “Juniper from Treasure Hunters! We’ve heard lots about you.”
Calixta takes my hand to inspect my nails and her mouth settles into a cheeky grin. “I can’t say I’ve ever seen this color on nails before, and I run a beauty shop. It looks very lovely. Do you know where I can get some?”
