yet. Because, dammit, even though I’d shored the walls of hope, a crack appeared. One that might just spread, given I’d accidentally married the one woman who might be able to end my curse.
6
Sasha: He’ll be gone in a few days.
The Future: So will the ninety cent special at Taco Hell.
My plans to go for a swim ended with the sighting of a tentacle. It emerged from the water, a monstrous appendage that transfixed me for a moment.
Surely it was just a coincidence that a sea monster appeared. I mean, the tropical waters must be full of them. Except I knew that to be false.
Kraken were rare. Which meant that might have been Killian Kraken in the water. Obviously not content to leave me alone. Following me.
Probably determined to force me to marry him.
Never.
His curse wasn’t my fault. Why should I give up my future for a stranger?
That strong sense of self-preservation was why I ducked behind the witch from breakfast. I would have winced when the tentacle took her in my stead, except I’d seen the future. She lived.
I, on the other hand, fearing what might happen, fled to the safety of the ship. I could only hope the kraken wouldn’t destroy the vessel while trying to find me.
Someone needed to tell the captain about the impending danger. Rather than head to my room, I beelined for the security desk manned by a steely-eyed woman, her blond hair held back in a braid, the ax on her hip impressive.
“I need some help.”
“What’s wrong, ma’am?” The woman, whose nametag read Valaska, head of security, lifted a clipboard and pen.
“There’s a sea monster outside.”
“We’re aware.”
“He tried to kidnap me.”
The glacial eyes glanced at me. “That seems doubtful given you aren’t even wet.”
“Only because I escaped. It took another passenger.”
“We’re aware. Rest assured, it’s being handled,” she said coolly.
I wasn’t as even-tempered. “Handled how? Are you going to kill it?” I’d seen the giant harpoon.
“What? No.” Valaska frowned. “He’s harmless.”
“He?” I grabbed onto the pronoun. “I don’t suppose you know his name.”
“The identity of other guests is private.”
“He’s a guest?” I might have squeaked. “Fuck me. This can’t be happening. You have to tell me. Was that Killian Kraken in the water?”
“I’m afraid I can’t—”
“Let’s pretend it is Killian Kraken. I know how we can make him leave. Tell him I’m already married.”
“Ex-boyfriend problems?” She noted it on her clipboard.
“No. More like unwilling betrothed. Ancient curse, yadda yadda. He wants to marry me. I don’t. Plus, I’m already married.”
“Is your husband aboard?”
“Yes. He’s a passenger.”
“I see.” She made more notations.
“See what?” Because I couldn’t see a goddamned thing.
“We’ll need to increase the security for him in case your jilted fiancé decides to make you a widow.”
The very idea rounded my mouth into an o of surprise. “You think he’ll murder Ian?”
“You’re the one running in here freaking and claiming your ex-boyfriend is looking for vengeance.”
“He’s not my ex-boyfriend.”
“Then I’m not sure I see what the problem is.”
“Am I the only one concerned with the fact that there’s a kraken travelling with us?”
“And?” Valeska snapped. “Do you have a problem with sea monsters? Because I happen to be good friends with a few.”
“You can’t be friends with monsters!” I exclaimed.
The woman’s lips pinched. “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to return to your cabin and take a valium because you are overwrought.”
“There’s a fucking sea monster on this ship who wants me. I’d say my hysteria is perfectly warranted.” I leaned over her counter.
And got a very clear image of Valaska yanking me over it and dragging me to my room by my hair.
Since I preferred to walk, I retreated. “Never mind. I’ll handle it myself.”
I spun on my heel and took off at a run for my quarters. Knowing the kraken was aboard frazzled my nerves. A valium sounded like a great idea. I didn’t have any in my cabin, but the room service menu offered it. I ordered some and thus expected the knock.
Immediately, my heart raced, probably because I was about to toss back a few happy pills.
Could also be fear. Nah. Because even I knew a kraken wouldn’t knock. He’d punch through my window and drag me out before I could even scream.
I inched towards the door and didn’t say a word. But someone on the other side knew I was there.
“Sasha. It’s me, Ian. We need to talk.”
Ack. My husband. Who didn’t sound any happier than I did.
“Go away. I’m…” I cast around for an excuse