Page 14 of Party With the Kraken
Doc Calla pokes Calixta with a pointy finger. “Don’t scare Juniper off. We like her and we want her to like us.”
Calixta’s expression quickly turns apologetic. “Sorry. I’m a succubus and my jokes can get a little horny. I’ll rein it in. For now. If you stick around then I’llcomeat you with all that I’ve got.”
I giggle at her. “No worries. I might just challenge you to a pun-off.”
Before she can respond Viggo pulls me back against him and lays an arm across my shoulders. “It was nice seeing all of you, but I’m going to take Juniper somewhere peaceful where we can have some lunch. We’ll see you guys later when the party starts.”
Ooo, protective and assertive Viggo is hot. Where did he come from? Me likey.
“Take good care of our Juno,” Calixta calls as we slowly walk backward, away from them and toward the western side of the cove. “We promise we’ll try to behave when we see you next.”
“I promise I’ll take very good care of her,” Viggo replies, the salacious implication very clear.
My pussy pulses in anticipation but I ignore her as we say our goodbyes then head down to the beach.
Different creatures call out greetings to Viggo and myself as we pass them. Everywhere I look there’s evidence of joy, the emotion seeping into my very being.
Never before have I felt so easily accepted, so instantly welcomed, as I have today. I even got a new nickname from Calixta.
How can I go back to a cold city when I’ve seen what life could be like here? Where I can be part of a community that truly and deeply cares for each other.
I can’t give up my shop, though. I’d never be able to do that.
But leaving tomorrow, never seeing Viggo again, the thought spears my heart.
Is there a possibility that I could have it all?
Do I even dare to dream?
Chapter 8
Viggo
Juniper is deep in thought as we wander down the beach, away from the bustling activity and toward a special spot I want to show her. I know this cove better than any place on the island, so I’m using my home field advantage to make a good impression on her.
I tighten my fingers around her hand to get her attention. Jutting my chin to a small pool up ahead, I ask, “What do you think of sitting over there with our feet in the water?”
Juniper squints up at me, her lips set in a relaxed curve like any possible worries she might have had are erased. “Feet? Or tentacles?”
“You’d be okay with me shifting out here?” It’s one thing to summon a single tentacle for playtime, but so much more to be lounging around with all eight tentacles out.
Juniper shrugs good-naturedly. “More than. I want you to be comfortable around me. I’m guessing if you’re touching the water, it might be more natural for you to be in your kraken form.”
I stop walking and cup her face with my free hand. “You’re an absolutely magnificent creature,” I whisper reverently.
Juniper blinks up at me as a pleased smile spreads across her lips. “So are you.”
It takes every last bit of self-restraint from pulling her body flush to mine and kissing her until we’re both breathless. But I want to hold back a little, really get to know her, find out everything I can about her, before we fully surrender to this tension simmering between us and become our most carnal selves.
Pressing my lips to her forehead, I take a fortifying breath then step away. “How about a fish-and-prawn pie to start with?”
“Yes, please. That sounds delicious. I’m starving,” she says as we walk the final distance.
“Can’t have that now, can we? You’ll need all your energy tonight.”
“Will I now?” Juniper’s tone is playful, but I also don’t want to pressure her into anything.
“Only if you want to,” I add hastily.
