Page 13 of Taken By the Alien Kraken King

“Did you enjoy yourself?” Bourne asked when I entered our private quarters.

“I did! Eta is amazing. She’s so intelligent. I’m going to go back to work on more projects with them soon.”

Bourne smiled. “You looked right at home in the laboratory. I hope you don’t mind that I left. You were entranced with your work, I didn’t want to disrupt you in case you were making progress on getting the communicator to work.” He held out a deep purple-black tunic. “If you’re not too tired, there’s a place I think you’d enjoy.”

I did a little twirl. “I’m so happy I feel like I could work on projects for hours!”

He laughed. “I will meet you outside our chamber.”

I emerged a few minutes later having changed and fixed my hair. Kraken didn’t wear makeup, so I’d pinched my cheeks to get a bit more color in them. Bourne hadn’t said where we were going, but I assumed it was a date. His attempt at one anyway.

Bourne and I ventured beyond the palace walls in the opposite direction of the Trench. He led me into the heart of the city, to a bustling park-like area under a natural dome. “Welcome to the grotto,” he said.

Dozens of groups of kraken and merpeople milled around. Some huddled together, deep in conversation.

“What is it?” I asked. “Is it a park?”

“Perhaps. There’s a central marketplace, and three natural pools. We tend to gather here for social events. On occasion musicians will perform along with some actors.” Bourne pointed in the direction of some couples wandering. “See them?”

I nodded.

“They’re most likely headed to the farthest pool to reflect and bond. The grotto is a place for all kraken, young and old.”

I marveled at the space. Glowing algae grew on vines that dripped from stalactites above. Their light cast shimmeringpatterns across the three pools, with a majority of light centered on the farthest pool. The sound of water lapping against the stone was soothing, meditative even.”

“Do you like it?” Bourne asked.

“Very much so. I feel comfortable here.”

“Good. Join me.” He led me to the farthest pool, dropping in with practiced grace. His hands reached for mine, and he lifted me down onto his lap. Bourne’s arms wrapped around my shoulders. “Watch the light,” he murmured. “Most people whisper here, though there are no rules about speaking volume.”

“It seems only right. Like talking at regular volume would break the peace here.”

“You feel it too.”

“I do.”

I sat in silence watching the light flicker across the water in a sensual dance. When I turned, I caught Bourne watching me, his eyes glowing softly, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You’ve changed,” he said quietly.

“So have you.”

“I suppose. I was raised to see outsiders as invaders. Enemies. But you, you’re different. You’ve made me question that. You challenged me.”

“And you saved me,” I said.

“I’d do it again.” He brought my hand to his lips. “I don’t know what lies beyond the tide for us, but I know I want to face it with you.”

Since other couples occupied the pool as well, I leaned in to whisper in Bourne’s ear. “You don’t scare me anymore.”

His touch moved gently along my arm, the texture of his skin both alien and strangely comforting. “And do I intrigue you?”

I laughed softly. “More than you know.”

In the next moment, my lips brushed against his in a soft kiss. His tentacles shifted me on his lap, the thin one parting my legs slightly to tease my folds.

“Be quiet,” he hissed. I rested my head on his chest as I lifted my hips to grant him entrance. The blunt head rubbed small circles around my clit. He took care to keep his motions slight enough the water didn’t ripple. The suction cup attached and began to pulse. He took time to tease an orgasm from me, and when bliss rolled through my body, I sighed against his chest.

He rose with me in his arms and brought me back to our rooms. For the longest time we lay on the plush bed, staring up at the light shifting on the ceiling. “Do you think we can make this work?”

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