Page 12 of Taken By the Alien Kraken King

“Stay in the pod,” I instructed. “If any of the creatures approach, touch here and here,” I pointed. “The pod will move. Once you’re moving, press this area, and it will take you back to the palace.”

Horror etched over Kendall’s face. Drone creatures used for the express purpose of destruction carved through our reef walls. Weapons unleashed shockwaves of electricity against our protective barriers. “I have to go. Remember, I…” I stopped. I couldn’t say I loved her, or could I?

Kendall pressed a finger against my lips. “I know. I feel the same. Now, go kick some Trench creature’s ass.”

With a nod, I barreled into the fray, my tentacles working in tandem to dismantle the front line.

Ahtu appeared at my side, inclining his head in greeting. With his trident, he gestured toward a creature commanding the invaders. Together, we headed for the leader in an ambush. It fought us valiantly, but Ahtu pierced its head with his weapon. The decapitated creature hit the ground, and the creatures it commanded scattered in varying directions.

Ahtu and I gripped hands in celebration, before heading toward the pod where I left Kendall. As we approached her position, a crab-like creature mixed with an electric eel emerged from the rift.

“Kendall?” It called. “I thought you were dead.”

Kendall’s mouth dropped open. “How do you know my name?”

Shit. I wouldn’t make it to her in time. The device I’d placed behind her ear wasn’t working. Fuck. Maybe my venom hadn’t fully changed her?

“I’m here to take you back to your people.”

“No,” Kendall whispered. “You’re trying to control me.”

My hearts soared. Maybe the device was working. Or maybe Kendall was strong enough to withstand the mind control. I tried to send her a telepathic message that I was on the way, to hold on, but I encountered a block.

“Kendall, I want to bring you home.”

“No. I already am.”

I froze. She’d decided. And she’d chosen me.

Bournecarriedatrayfull of a variety of foods into his chambers. Our chambers. That would take some getting used to.

“I didn’t know what you wanted to eat.”

“Tell me about my options.” I changed into a light green tunic from my brand new wardrobe and sat at the table for two Bourne had ordered for his room. He might not outwardly say that he cared, but his actions proved to me he took my comfort seriously.

Bourne launched into a description of the different foods, but my eyes glazed over after the fourth option. I opted for pickinga sample of each of the foods. The first tasted delicious, and I ate the whole piece. The second smelled funny to my nose, but I took a tentative bite. “Nope, this is all yours big guy.” He waited patiently until I’d had my fill before clearing the tray.

“What happens now?” I asked.

“Regarding?”

“I came into your life unexpectedly. I’m sure you have responsibilities and can’t abandon them to hang out with me.”

“Nonsense. My word is law.”

“I don’t want your people to hate me. Bourne, I’m not the kind of person who is happy to lounge around all day doing nothing.”

“Would you like to see what I do all day? One day, when you’re accustomed to our ways, you’ll rule beside me. My only wish is that you are happy here. I will do whatever I can to make you want to stay.”

Bourne brought me to his counselors who graciously allowed me to attend some of their meetings as an observer. Once those ended, he took me into their science laboratories and introduced me to their lead scientists. At first they shied away from answering my questions, but with Bourne’s silent encouragement, I shared my broken tablet. Once the first scientist learned of my desire to contact the other women, we delved into brainstorming potential solutions for blending our technology in order to get it to work again.

So interested in solving the problem, I didn’t notice Bourne left. I headed to the cafeteria with the scientists for a late lunch, and Eta, the lead, escorted me back to the central hub of the palace.

“Would you like to join us again, my queen?” she asked.

“Please call me Kendall. I would love to.” I reached out to give her a hug. “I had a lovely time today. Thank you.”

Eta glowed with happiness. “You are welcome anytime, my… I mean, Kendall.”

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