Page 41 of Kept By the Kraken

He kisses me through it, pumping his hips and filling me with his cum. That sets me off again, and I shake and clench at the feel of his seed inside me, holding on as my body lets go.

When the tremors have subsided, he cradles me against him, laying me on top of him. His knot stays in place and the fullness of it settles deep in my soul.

“Love you,” I say softly, resting my cheek against his chest.

I listen to the steady, rhythmic sound of his heartbeat as he caresses my skin in long soothing swipes that lull me to sleep.

Chapter 22

Bjorn

When Penelope’s ex arrives in the evening a few days later, it doesn’t come as a surprise. My Beast alerts me of his presence in our territory and I brace myself for whatever comes next, protective instincts on high alert. Penelope and I have agreed on how to let this play out, but if Daniel tries anything stupid again, all bets are off.

“He’s here.” I wipe my hands on a kitchen towel and go to her.

The morning after his attack, we discussed the possibilities and decided that our plan was one of denial. After all, what could he prove happened? I insisted on going with her to the lab that morning, unable to let her get too far, but he was long gone and hasn’t shown up since. Nor has there been any talk at the facility about anything unusual.

Penelope looks up from where she’s working at the small table in the living room, her eyes wide. “Okay.”

She lets out a long breath, wrapping her arms around my waist and resting her head on my stomach. I run my hands through her hair and tug until her violet eyes meet mine. I push reassurance through the bond, let her see my Beast in my eyes.

“No matter what, I’ll keep you safe.” I brush my lips against hers, tracing the line of her necklace with my fingers as a reminder of my claim.

“I know,” she murmurs between kisses.

The rumble of an engine outside lets me know he’s arrived, followed by the sound of a door slamming and heavy footsteps. An insistent knock sounds at the door.

Penelope gets up and I follow her, my palm resting in the center of her back. She takes a deep breath and opens the door. Her ex-husband looks worse for wear, his clothing stained and rumpled, his eyes sunken and clouded by shadows, and his body bowed with pain. It probably shouldn’t be satisfying, but it is.

He takes me in, a shiver racing down his spine before he collects himself, his arrogance returning. My ink may have distorted his memories, made it so he doesn’t understand what happened, but his body knows that I’m a predator and he’s prey. He can posture all he wants, but this isn’t going to end like he thinks.

“Pen.” He says the shortened version of her name as though it owns her and the sound of it bristles, chafing against my skin.

I hold myself still, assessing.

“Daniel. What are you doing here?” Penelope’s voice sounds surprised, and I squeeze her hip in praise. Nothing about her sounds off, even though her anxiety pulses within the bond.

“You were easy to find. It’s not like you kept the affair secret. The locals pointed me right here.” He takes me in again, this time all false bravado and superiority. “Heard you shacked up with the first man who would have you. A local and the town recluse. Did she mention the part where she was married?”

I can feel Penelope’s anger, and my own grumble sparks in protest. She does not belong to him; she never really did. The urge to hit him is overwhelming, but I force my instincts back, letting this play out as we planned.

“We’re divorced. Which you seem to have forgotten. Why are you here, Daniel?” Penelope’s voice is cold, detached.

“I came all this way. Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Her ex leans against the doorframe, crowding into her space.

“You’re not taking one step inside our house. You got something to say, it can be said right here,” I say, the words low and full of menace.

“Why are you here, Daniel?” Penelope asks again.

“I wanted to see you, make sure you were okay.” He ignores me and my Beast pushes to the surface, eager to teach him some manners. “I talked with Luz and came as soon as I knew you were hurt.”

“As you can see, I’m fine. You, however, look like shit. Worry less about me and take care of yourself, Daniel.”

His eyes narrow and his jaw tics. “Did you locate the artifact?”

“There is no artifact. I already told you that. It was a silly mistake. Go home, Daniel. Whatever you’re looking for, you won’t find it from me.” Penelope moves to shut the door on him, but he steps closer.

That’s it. I tuck Penelope behind me and stomp onto the porch, forcing her ex to back away.

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