Rising from the Depths

by Tiffany Roberts

  Randall looked at Rhea, brows raised. “What is it?”

  She smiled widely, took his hand, and placed it over her abdomen.

  For a moment, Randall’s features were drawn with confusion, and then his eyes widened. “You mean… We’re going to…”

  “A youngling,” she said and reached up to caress his cheek. “Ours.”

  “I’m going to be an aunt again!” Larkin yelled with a whoop.

  The ensuing excitement and celebration were overwhelming to Kronus; he’d only seen a similar situation once before, after the kraken had come to The Watch to make peace with the humans. This was far more intimate. He felt like an intruder on the moment, but he cast that aside.

  A new youngling was always a cause for joy. Rhea was a fierce mother, and Randall, despite being physically slower and weaker than a kraken, was a skilled hunter and an unwavering protector of his mate and her daughter. It had never seemed to matter to Randall that Melaina had been sired by another male.

  A warm, tingling sensation sparked in Kronus’s chest and slowly spread outward. It took him several moments to guess at its nature.

  He wanted this. He was watching family, a group of people who’d come together under less than ideal circumstances and forged bonds stronger than any kraken ever had before. They…loved each other, would fight and die for one another if necessary, would support each other without hesitation or fail.

  What would it be like to have Eva as his mate, his mate forever, to share in this companionship and passion and joy? What would Eva look like with her belly rounded with his youngling?

  “Now can we return to our den?” Dracchus asked.

  “You are now free to have your wicked way with me,” Larkin smirked.

  Kronus hadn’t realized just how quickly kraken could move on land until Dracchus sped off with Larkin. Dracchus had been searching for something while they were speaking of human females, and now Kronus understood what — who — he’d been looking for.

  Anticipation burned in Kronus’s belly; though he still had many unanswered questions, he’d been given a starting point. The thought of exploring his female, of discovering her clitoris and every other spot she liked to be touched, was exhilarating. His blood heated; he wanted to please his female the best he could — no, even better.

  “Kronus?”

  He shook off his thoughts abruptly and turned his head to see Macy standing nearby, wearing a patient smile.

  “When is Eva supposed to join you?” she asked.

  “The day after tomorrow.”

  Macy nodded. “Let me know before you leave, and I’ll grab the basket of stuff I threw together before Larkin and Rhea showed up. I’ll bring more by your house tomorrow morning, and if you want, I can go with you into town and show you where to get anything else you need.”

  Gratitude swelled in his chest, but the words to express it — those deceptively simple words —lodged in his throat. He swallowed thickly and forced them out.

  “Thank you,” he said gruffly.

  It suddenly felt like a weight had been lifted off him.

  Chapter 13

  Eva stood back as Kronus opened the door to his home — their home. Her arms and legs were sore after the trip from the clinic; it was by far the longest distance she’d walked since the attack, and she was grateful for her choice to take both crutches well before she’d reached the halfway point. Her prosthesis was amazing, and she was beyond happy with it, but her body needed time and practice to adjust.

  She was essentially learning to walk all over again.

  A pair of Kronus’s tentacles latched onto the inside of the doorframe, and he drew himself inside, twisting his torso to fit the basket containing her belongings through along with him. He hurriedly set the basket down and turned toward her.

  Eva stepped closer to the threshold and paused. This was it. As soon as she entered, her old life was gone forever. Whatever waited for her beyond this point would be new, unknown, and…exciting.

  Nervous, she met Kronus’s gaze. His brows were drawn, and there was a frown on his lips. What was he thinking?

  If you would throw away your life, then I will claim it as mine.

  She wasn’t entirely sure of what he’d meant by those words. Though they made her belly flutter in anticipation, she wasn’t quite ready to explore their depth or reflect upon their implications.

  One step at a time.

  Eva snickered. That phrase didn’t really simplify anything anymore, did it?

  Planting the crutches on the ground just outside the doorway, she stepped through. But as she took her next step, the foot of her prosthesis caught on the threshold. She attempted to adjust her crutches to salvage her faltering balance, but the tip of one caught on the door jamb, and she teetered through the doorway.

  Kronus was an orange blur, darting forward to catch her in his powerful arms before she hit the floor. She followed her immediate instinct and abandoned the crutches to throw her arms around him and anchor herself; they clattered loudly on either side of her as they fell.

  He clutched her against him, one large hand spanning over the center of her back and the other over her backside. The familiar scent of land and sea enveloped her, and Eva closed her eyes to breathe him in, absently squeezing him a little tighter.

  “I guess I need more practice,” she said.

  “I think you have had enough for today,” he replied. His warm breath tickled the side of her neck.

  “I agree.”

  He rose slowly, drawing her upright along with him. One of his tentacles slid beneath her long skirt to brush over her right shin. She barely suppressed a pleased shiver.

  Without further delay, Kronus swept her into his arms, pushed the door closed with a tentacle, and carried her deeper into the house. Eva looped her arms around his neck and studied his profile. As usual, it was hard to guess at his thoughts. He hid his emotions behind a seemingly displeased mask, but she’d caught glimpses of warmth through the cracks.

  Kronus turned and gently sat her on a wooden chair with a soft cushion on the seat. She sensed reluctance in him as he drew back.

  “Are you all right?” he asked after several moments.

  “Tired, but otherwise fine,” Eva replied distractedly as she studied the room.

  It was a modest space, with everything contained in one room — save the bathroom, which looked to be through a doorway near a corner. She was sitting at a table, which itself was situated beneath a window that looked out on the ocean. For a moment, she stared at the rolling waves, the sound of which set a faint but unmistakable undertone even inside. She’d have that sound lulling her to sleep each night.

  The bed was positioned against the wall to her right; it looked freshly made. The front door was straight ahead, with a fireplace, counter, and cabinets in the corner to the left of it. A narrow door at the end of the counter likely opened on a pantry. Immediately to her left, an armoire stood against the rear wall. A large, rectangular woven rug covered the floorboards in the open central space. The furnishings were sparse, but it was…cozy.

  Kronus lingered nearby, the tips of his tentacles flicking restlessly. For once, he seemed nervous instead of agitated, and that difference piqued her curiosity.

  “What’s wrong, Kronus?”

  “Nothing is wrong,” he replied, a tad too quickly. He shook his head. “I just…” He scowled, and his brow fell low over his eyes. “Is everything to your liking? Should you require more…”

  Eva reached out and placed a hand on his forearm. His muscles twitched beneath her palm. She looked up and met his gaze. “I like it.”

  “We can put your clothing in that,” he said, gesturing toward the armoire with his free hand. “Macy gave me extra clothes she thought would fit you, if you need them. And hangers, too.”

  “You asked someone for clothes for me?” Her gaze caught on the harpoons and spear leaning against the wall between the door and the fireplace. Wadded netting and at least two canvas sa
cks lay on the floor beneath them. The objects had the look of things set down by someone who didn’t know where else to put them. It warmed her heart to know he’d gone out of his way to accommodate her, that he’d displaced his own belongings to give her room.

  When she looked back at Kronus, he nodded, his lips pressed into a tight line.

  She could only imagine how uncomfortable he must’ve been doing that; Kronus didn’t come off as someone who asked for anything, but he’d done so — for her.

  She tugged on his arm, silently requesting him to lean down. He obliged. Reaching up with one hand, she cupped his jaw, shifted forward, and pressed her lips to his cheek. They lingered there before she placed another kiss next to the corner of his mouth.

  “Thank you, Kronus,” she said, releasing him.

  He didn’t straighten; he remained still, pupils dilated to black, fathomless pools and face slackened by awe. His gaze dipped to her lips. Before she realized what he meant to do, his hand was on the back of her head, and his mouth crashed down upon hers.

  Her eyes flared at the suddenness of it, but her surprise swiftly faded as fire ignited within her. She moaned, her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned into the kiss, her hands sliding over his shoulders to wrap her arms around his neck. His lips were firm but yielding, savage but gentle, and the clumsiness of his efforts were more than made up for by his eagerness and passion.

  His other hand curled around her hip and tugged her closer until she had no choice but to spread her legs and allow him to wedge himself between them. Her hardened nipples rasped against his chest through her shirt, sending tingles of pleasure straight to her core. Her lips parted in a soft exhalation. She nipped at his bottom lip, first capturing it between her teeth, then soothing it with her tongue.

  A long, low groan resonated from his chest, vibrating into her. His hands tightened; the sting on her scalp and the pricks of his claws on her waist only heightened her desire for him. Liquid heat flooded her, dampening her underwear, and her sex clenched with need. She kissed him harder, tasting the sea upon his lips, and beckoned him with her tongue to open his mouth.

  She wasted no time when he parted his lips, sliding her tongue between them to dance delicately, teasingly, along the peaks and valleys of his teeth.

  But Kronus seemed to be nothing if not a quick learner. He swiftly took charge and reciprocated her attentions; soon, his tongue was exploring her, moving with strength and confidence. What would that tongue feel like elsewhere on her body? This kiss alone had her on the edge of an orgasm, and the thought of his head between her legs nearly sent her over.

  Her skin prickled, craving more of his touch. Then she felt it — the gentle kisses of his suction cups as one of his tentacles brushed the inside of her thigh, having worked its way under her skirt. She panted against his mouth as the tip of his tentacle moved higher, until, finally, it settled over her sex. The thin layer of fabric separating his skin from hers made no difference when his suction cups moved over her clitoris.

  Her climax was swift, overwhelming, delicious. To feel again — to be wanted — after all she’d been through was more exquisite than her wildest imaginings. Eva cried out, tearing her mouth from his as her body stiffened. Her arms and legs tightened around him as though she could draw him into herself. All she could do was breathlessly cling to Kronus until the final, blissful tremor subsided. And yet her body thrummed, eager for more.

  “I need more of you, female,” he growled as a second tentacle slid up her leg to join the first. His hold on her was firm; she could sense his restraint in the tension of his muscles. He dipped his head and pressed his lips to her neck, flicking his tongue over her skin. “I made my claim on you. Do you accept it?”

  The tentacles between her legs stroked her sex as though fighting each other for access. The tip of one wriggled beneath the fabric, delved through her wet folds, and entered her.

  “Yes!” Eva rasped, hips bucking against him. She didn’t think — couldn’t think — not when her mind and body were floating on a euphoric high.

  “Your scent, female.” His voice was a low rumbling in his chest.

  Two more of his tentacles rose and shoved her skirt up, exposing her legs, and he dropped both hands to her thighs. His palms were scalding hot as they moved up to her pelvis. His claws slipped into her underwear. There was pressure, and the waistband bit into her skin for a moment before the fabric tore. All the while, the tentacles at her sex never stopped, never slowed, stroking her inside and out. Eva’s nails sank into his skin, and she bit her lip as another climax stirred within her.

  “Kronus,” she moaned, tilting her head back.

  His hands shifted to her backside, and his tentacle suddenly withdrew from her sex. Her eyes flashed open, and she was about to protest when Kronus pulled her off the chair and onto him. She gasped as his cock sank deep inside her. He stretched her, filled her, and that sharp bite quickly turned into something more, something tantalizing and pleasurable.

  She met his feral, heated gaze and held it, losing herself in its depths.

  He coiled his tentacles beneath her and slid his hands to her hips, providing her strength and support as he raised her and slammed her back down. Eva released a choked cry. He pumped again and again, impaling her deeper and deeper with each upward thrust. Blistering pleasure speared her, building ever higher, but she kept her eyes open and locked with his.

  “Give me everything,” he growled, lips drawing back to bare his teeth. The points of his claws pricked her flesh, and his movements grew more powerful, more demanding.

  Eva was helpless but to obey. Sensations both agonizing and rapturous surged through her, stealing her breath, her sight, her very self. Her cries filled the room as her body tensed. She writhed upon him and clawed at him, desperate to get even closer as her sex contracted around him, flooding them both with liquid heat. Something stroked her clit; each flutter created a fresh wave of pleasure, prolonging her climax.

  Several of Kronus’s tentacles curled upward to grasp Eva’s waist and legs as he pulled her down a final time; he burst in that moment, releasing a roar as his body hardened and his hot seed filled her. He maintained his hold on her as, with ragged breaths, he shallowly pumped his hips. His cock thrummed inside her. Whatever had been stroking her clit continued to do so, its movements more leisurely but no less pleasing. She shuddered and moaned, resting her head upon his shoulder.

  As she caught her breath, Eva brushed her fingertips over Kronus’s velvety skin and listened to the strange, rapid rhythm of his heartbeat. Her left leg ached, and her limbs were weak. Her clothing clung to her, irritating her sensitive skin, and sweat trickled between her breasts. His tentacles idly stroked her bare flesh, leaving those little kisses in their wake.

  She waited for the guilt, the regret, for the feeling of wrongness…but none of them came. This moment felt…right. Being with Kronus felt right.

  She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when he finally drew back from her. His movement reminded her that he was still deep inside her.

  His eyes dipped. “Next time, these will come off, too,” he said, tugging the fabric of her shirt and skirt with his hands.

  Next time.

  The way this had happened, the way they had come together, was unreal to her. Given everything that had occurred over the last couple weeks, sex had been the furthest thing from her mind when she came here.

  But that’s not true, is it? I’ve been looking at Kronus…noticing him. Wanting him.

  Despite the unexpected nature of their lovemaking, it was exactly what she’d needed — the perfect way to make this place feel like home. It was proof that Kronus accepted her, completely and undeniably, as she was.

  She grinned at him, feeling suddenly bashful, which was absolutely insane since they’d just had sex and his cock was still inside her with whatever-they-were stroking her sex.

  “Yeah, they will,” she said. What would he think of her body once it was bare? She hadn’t even
fully seen him; his cock certainly hadn’t been visible before.

  His lips curved upward in a smile — only the second real one she’d seen from him. It paired well with the passion smoldering in his eyes. She stared at his mouth, raised a hand, and brushed her thumb across his lower lip.

  “You should smile more,” she said. “I don’t think you do it enough. It suits you.”

  “I have had little reason to before you,” he replied.

  The raw honesty in his tone pierced her heart; what kind of life had he lived prior to their first meeting? “I can’t imagine your time with me has been all that joyful.”

  Kronus trailed his claws through her hair. “You are a worthy female with a strong will and a strong heart. I can imagine little as fulfilling as helping you see that.” He settled his hands on her hips. “Come. You have had a long day, female. I will bring you food, and then you may rest.”

  Before she could answer, he rose; gravity pushed her down on his erection, which didn’t seem to have diminished at all, and elicited a startled gasp of pleasure from Eva. He gently lifted her off him, sliding his shaft free. She felt immediately bereft. His tentacles guided her feet to the floor, but he did not release his hold on her even after she was standing upright. His seed, combined with her essence, ran down her inner thighs.

  “What would you prefer to eat?” he asked. The pads of his fingers trailed over her skirt at her hips. “We have fish and krull meat, and many plants I do not know the names for.”

  She squeezed her thighs together to slow the flow of liquid. “Um…can I clean up first?”

  He tilted his head and lowered his brows as though she’d asked the strangest question in the world. “What do you need to clean up?”

  “Um…”

  She glanced down, meaning to look at the slick on her thighs. Instead, her eyes trekked along Kronus’s muscled torso, past the point near his waist where his skin darkened and caught on his exposed erection. Her heart leapt.