Page 1 of Rescued By the Kraken
CHAPTERONE
REY
“Welcome to Starlight Resort.” The woman with the brown hair smiles warmly and extends her hand to shake mine. “A place where our extraordinary monster staff tends to your every need.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” I say, swallowing the nervousness that is seeping into my tone. “Is it really okay for me to be here? I mean... aren’t we the only humans?”
I try to sound nonchalant, but my eyes give me away, darting back and forth as I take in all the otherworldly creatures milling about the resort.
Zoe chuckles and adjusts her glasses, a warm smile lighting up her face. “Rey, honey, trust me. The resort is an inclusive place. All species are welcome. These monsters,” she sweeps her hand around to indicate the guests, “are here for the same reasons we are—to relax, have fun, and maybe find a little romance.”
“I came here for an escape,” I correct her, looking at Eli, who is staring at us with an amused expression as he carries my rainbow pineapple-print matching luggage with both arms. “The last thing I want to do is cause trouble while mingling with the resort’s staff and guests.”
She nudges me with her elbow and winks, an action that has me blushing.
“Oh, you’re definitely in for a treat! Now, you’re going to love this.” She takes my hand and leads me away from the pull up driveway, peering over her shoulder at the Orc limo driver. “Eli, could you please put her luggage in her room, so it’s ready for her when I’m finished showing her around?”
“You don’t want to repeat what happened to you, do you?” He chuckles, deep and rumbling, and gives us a wide grin. “It won’t be a problem. I’ll do it right away and notify Svea that you have her.”
“What happened to you?” I ask, my gaze shifting between the two of them as I try to decipher their hidden meaning. “Should I be worried?”
“There’s nothing to be concerned about.” She waves her hand as if trying to wipe my worries away. “Just know that everyone here will take care of you if you ever need help.”
Eli grunts. “If that’s what you’re calling what happened—”
“Hey!” Zoe tilts her head and glares at him. “Unless you want all the details about my love life with your best friend, we’re not going to talk about how Sage and I met—”
“No!” Eli shudders and turns away. “I don’t need to hear what the two of you do when you’re alone. As it is, I have to be cautious about going too deep into the gardens...”
“No one informed me that this resort was dangerous...”
“It isn’t!” Zoe takes both of my hands in hers and gently shakes them, drawing my attention to her and locking her brown gaze onto mine. “Believe me. Eli is just jealous that the resort’s gardener and I are together, and he can’t have him all to himself.”
“Ah!” I nod. “I see. Some guys can’t stand anything getting in the way of their bromance.”
“Exactly!” She grins. “Anyway… Don’t listen to him; instead, recall what I told you over the vidtablets. This resort is completely safe, and it is packed with fun and exciting activities for you to enjoy!”
“I can’t wait!”
“I can’t wait to show you around.” She lets go of my hands and leads me down a path that leads to a large beach with soft white sands. “This is the main beachfront of the resort, where you can swim safely under the supervision of our lifeguards.”
My heart thrums in my chest as I take in the pristine waters, lapping gently onto the shore. There’s a rush of cool wind that carries the tang of the salty sea, refreshing and calming.
And then, my eyes land on him.
A Kraken lifeguard surfaces from the water, shaking his head and spraying a shower of droplets in his wake.
Standing tall against the cerulean waters, his skin a swirling mix of deep blues and purples that matches the ocean itself. Eight powerful tentacles ripple beneath him in the water, a sight straight out of a smutty monster romance novel.
He turns, and our eyes meet. His gaze is sharp and intense, almost predatory, and something deep within me stirs at the sight.
My heart thrums in my chest as I take a step closer, unable to tear my eyes away from him.
“Oh… That’s Zethe. He’s our head lifeguard. The best we have.”
My cheeks warm as I realize I’ve been caught staring for far too long. I tear my gaze away from Zethe and clear my throat. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” she confirms. “He’s saved countless lives. Despite his intimidating appearance, he’s gentle, kind-hearted, and responsible. A true guardian of the sea.”