Page 66 of Bind Me

“Why make funny noises?” Chowder asks.

“I’m not,” I grumble, though my heart rate is still off the charts.

Chowder scrambles back into Sasha’s bag, his head popping back out in seconds. He reclines like he’s in heaven, the little shit.

“And you like flying, I suppose?” I ask Sasha, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.

“You bet. There’s something incredible about being so far off the ground. Like, I can never fly, but this is the closest to knowing what it must feel like.”

I resettle in my seat, trying to look composed. “Well, I’ll stick to swimming. The ocean doesn’t drop you out of the sky.”

The plane jolts again, and I grip the armrests tighter, feeling the tension coil in my gut. Sasha keeps her hand on mine, her touch grounding me as I count the minutes until we land.

By the time we finally come down with a loud thump, I’m so wound up, so tense, I’ve accidentally ripped one of the armrests completely out. Sasha’s eyes widen in shock at the sight, and Chowder tsk-tsks me.

I tuck the armrest down beside me. “Let’s get out of this tin can. I’ve done my time being confined.”

“I have to admit, you handled that better than I expected,” Sasha teases. “I expected you to create more damage.”

“Next time we’re swimming.”

She chuckles. “We’ll see about that.”

In no time, we’re heading toward the terminal. I’m ready to meet the king and officially get those fucking mercenaries off my back. Then back to tracking down whoever backstabbed my grandfather.

Outside, a sleek black car waits, the driver opening the back door for us. I climb in while Sasha has a small conversation with him, then joins me. The spacious interior is a welcome change from the cramped flight. I stretch out, lounging comfortably in the back seat with Sasha beside me and Chowder still in the backpack.

“This is more like it,” I mutter, gesturing to the luxurious car. “You should request this vehicle from your work.”

She rolls her eyes. “I doubt my work will supply me with a limo. Do you know how rare these things are in this world? I guess Billie has connections with her important fated mates to actually source a limo.” Her attention turns out the window.

I reach over, placing a hand on hers. Her skin is soft and warm under my touch. Before I know it, Chowder is scrambling out of the bag, his tiny paw resting on top of my hand as if staking his claim. I stare at him, and he stares back, leaning up against Sasha.

“Seems we’re back to this old game,” I mutter, though I can’t help but smile at the little furball’s protectiveness.

The scenery outside is mesmerizing—rolling hills, dense forests, and hardly any vehicles on the road. Finland is every bit as beautiful as Norway, maybe even more so.

Noting the tension in her shoulders, I ask, “Are you all right?”

“Yeah, just excited and nervous,” she admits, her voice soft. “I haven’t met Billie’s mates yet. She said they were happy to have us stay with them, but you just never know.” Her gaze is filled with uncertainty. “They’re half-gods! That’s slightly intimidating.”

“It’s not that impressive,” I reply, straightening my posture. “I’m the last of my family line, and from my understanding with my grandfather, we’re the largest kraken of any family line left alive. He also hinted that our family was unlike any other. Now, that’s impressive.”

She studies me, her brow furrowed. “It’s not a competition, you know.”

“I know it’s not.” I raise my chin, and she grins, shaking her head.

“Anyway, let’s just, you know… act normal in front of them. I’m certain they’re all polished and perfect.”

She’s put these men on a pedestal, but no matter how far up the chain you are, there’s no such thing as perfect. If anything, it’s the opposite.

“You’re overthinking this,” I tell her gently. “We’ll be fine.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

Sunlight filters through the window and dances across her face. She’s absolutely beautiful, and every day I spend with her, I find myself losing my head to her.

“You’re staring,” she teases, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

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