Page 92 of Hoarded By the Dragon

Kalos’s golden eyes glow with intent.

“I promise.”

30

KALOS

“I needto speak to the proprietress of this place. I won’t be long.” I allow myself one more caress of Katarina’s oiled skin.

She makes a soft sound. It’s been a long time since I’ve given a full body massage, but I still have enough skill to leave the mother of my young as practically a puddle. Her head rests on her folded arms at the edge of the soaking pool, keeping her head above water while she dozes.

Our daughter draws a lot on Katarina’s energy even with the heat I feed her. That, combined with our activities, and Katarina deserves a nap. I couldn’t keep my hands from going through the motions of pampering her if I tried. It’s my honor—and pleasure—to try to alleviate any discomfort she’s in because of me.

I kiss her shoulder, and her lips curve in a satisfied smile.

Her body is lush and tempting, skin heated and supple from the water. The memory of the emerald-jeweled end of the plug between her cheeks is a vision that I ache to replay over and over again. That’s a toy that we’re keeping.

This thief has stolen my peace of mind, among other things I didn’t know still existed in my craven soul, and I need to make sure it’s a neat job for her. No loose ends that will leave our lives unraveling in distress.

To that end, I must meet with the soul witch that runs this place.

It’s quick work to dry myself off and redress. I take the key with me, locking the wards behind me as I go. The security of the bathhouse is impressive.

I turn toward the lobby but pause. The light scent of citrus that signals the matchmaker leads me in the other direction. I follow it down the low-lit hallway before coming to an open doorway. A man’s voice rumbles under a soft feminine laugh.

I enter and clear my throat at the sight of the redheaded witch I seek in the arms of a dark-haired man.

The man’s aura strikes a familiar note.

“Gideon,” I greet him. We don’t know each other well, but immortals are few in this modern age. I spare a glance at the matchmaker’s pregnant stomach and tuck the detail away. I’d assumed that krakens didn’t breed, but I’m obviously mistaken.

Rose pushes away from the kraken, but he doesn’t release her immediately.

“Kalos. What do you want?” he asks, narrowing his eyes at me.

“He needs to speak with me,” Rose says, poking his chest. I don’t question how she knows that. The glance she’d given me earlier tonight made it clear that she senses my issue.

“Your mate can stay,” I say. I prefer if he didn’t. I enjoy my privacy, but if the roles were reversed, there’s no way that I’d leave my pregnant mate in the presence of a powerful immortal.

I’m here asking for help. It does me no favors to make demands to shield my weaknesses.

“I hear that you work with soul threads,” I say.

Rose nods and pushes away from Gideon again. This time he lets her go and takes a place leaning against the wall. I ignore his watchful stare while his mate rounds the table heading to the cabinets.

“I do work with soul threads. Tea?” she asks.

“No thank you,” I force out, swallowing the discomfort down. Tea from a witch like Rose Love means talking and comfort… it means bad news.

Rose’s shoulders drop, and she turns back toward me. “Right to it, I guess.”

“I would prefer that.”

Rose approaches me, halting two steps away at the sound of disagreement from her mate’s throat. She rolls her eyes.

“Touching him will let me see everything, Gideon,” she says.

Gideon’s jaw clenches as I stiffen. I don’t want to be touched by another woman. She clocks my reaction.

---