Page 79 of The Kraken's Queen

“And if any of those bastards try to use the sea, my crew will take care of them,” Atina says. “Those bastards won’t make it far in my waters.”

“I think I have a girl crush on her,” Hettie whispers loudly to Rip’s cousin, Tallie. Both women laugh as Rip glares at his wife. Atina only smirks.

“Lycan Forest and Dragon’s Keep have both been free of Nephilim,” Rip continues. “But we’ve heard reportsthat a great number are headed toward the Demon’s Clan and Pixie Cove.”

“Gadreel is not amongst them,” Malix says, his voice deep and foreboding.

“Who is Gadreel?” I ask, not having heard the name before.

“He is the leader of the Nephilim. Arguably the most dangerous,” Allarick explains.

“We believe he is sending his people out to keep us distracted so we don’t attempt to locate him,” Malix says. “I have sent word to the demon king, Oziel, to inform him of the invasion of his territory.”

“Did he heed your warning?” Allarick asks.

Malix shrugs. “I don’t know. Oziel is notorious for his lack of communication to outside kingdoms. He doesn’t exactly play well with others.”

“Neither do you, my love.” Rose chuckles. Malix smiles down at his pregnant wife, so much love and adoration in his expression.

“What is needed from the merpeople?” Allarick asks the table.

“Stay vigilant. The war is far from over. And hope The Guardian can provide assistance once again,” Malix says, tearing his eyes away from Rose.

Rip scoffs. “Yeah, he has his work cut out for him with Oziel. He’s one cunning bastard and an asshole to boot.”

“Uhm, you were the biggest asshole when we first met. You told me I smelled like a dog.” Hettie narrows her eyes at Rip. “If The Guardian canfind someone to love you, then I’m certain he can find someone for the demon king.”

“He said you smelled like a dog?” I ask incredulously, unable to stifle my laugh.

Luckily Hettie isn’t offended. She just smiles and nods. “Yup. Isn’t that romantic?”

“You’re going to have to tell me all about it.” I smile, desperately wanting to know more about the lives of the two human queens from Grym Hollow.

“You know, unless we are needed for more of this meeting, I think it would be nice if the ladies have lunch together in the dining room while the menfolk grunt and glare at each other,” Hettie says.

“We do not grunt and glare,” Rip grunts while glaring.

“Sure you don’t, babe.” Hettie rolls her eyes.

“I think that’s a lovely idea. I could use some girl time,” Rose says. “What about you, Erin? Want to join us for lunch?”

Before I answer, I turn to my husband. He’s smiling at me and leans down to press a gentle kiss to my lips. “Go, sweet girl. Have fun. I’ll be here when you’re ready to leave.”

“It won’t be for a while because we are going to get wasted.” Hettie scoots her chair back and stands up, grabbing Tallie’s hand.

“Not all of us are,” Rose says, standing up with a hand over her belly. “But Erin will drink for me, won’t you?”

“I don’t drink,” I admit, trying not to bring down the mood.

“Honestly, I don’t either,” Hettie says, “But we will get wasted with dessert.”

“Oh, that I can get behind.” I laugh and stand. Allarick lets go of my hand, and I wave goodbye to him. “Love you,” I whisper.

“Love you, my queen.” He winks at me.

Rose then hooks her arm through mine and leads me toward the door. “I have so much to ask you about living under the water. I can’t even imagine.”

True joy blooms in my chest. For the first time in my life, I have the ability to make true friendships. The three of us are bonded by our choice to leave Grym Hollow. For me, it was the best choice I’ve ever made for myself because I found purpose and the love of a man I didn’t know I deserved. Along the way, I found myself again.

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