Chapter Fourteen
Nic
Nic wanted to feel Luc’s tentacles tangled with his own more than he wanted his next breath.
He wanted to wrap his arms around the slender Sage and see just how he looked under all those clothes.
Which desire was stronger? He couldn’t say, but there was something about Sage’s impassioned plea that touched his heart.
His kraken had already warned him that sending Sage to Iceland alone, without them, was not a good idea. This could very well be the warning the Oracle was giving us, the time limit she mentioned. Nic knew that the only way he could be sure that Sage would be safe was for them to go as well.
Was he gutted that Sage was putting the needs of a sick creature before them?
Yes, but that was a shifter way of thinking.
Nic could also appreciate that Sage genuinely cared for all creatures, natural or shifter.
At least, the shifter part was Nic’s assumption.
But a man who would fly six hours to tend to a giant squid, probably wouldn’t turn his back on an injured shifter either.
The way Sage spoke so passionately touched a part of Nic’s soul that he thought long dead.
That didn’t mean Nic didn’t want to get his own way.
Sage mentioned logistical issues - Nic had thought of a few more.
He listened as Sage explained getting an email from a researcher in Reykjavik.
How they had found a creature semi-washed up on the shore who had appeared to have been injured, possibly by a boat propeller or something similar.
That was extremely rare because squid were known for sticking to the deep water.
But something had clearly happened to the squid, and they had called in Sage because he was an expert in his field.
That gave Nic a bit of pride, thinking that their mate was respected not for having tentacles, but for what he could do for tentacled creatures.
“So you see,” Sage said, “I have had experience in these matters. And then there’s also the case of trying to transport the creature back to a depth of water where he would be safe after he’s healed.
They have him in what they consider a stable condition, but I need to assess those wounds for myself.
If he were to get attacked again while he was in a weakened state, that would be so incredibly unfair. ”
Or a fact of life, Nic thought, but clearly Sage didn’t see things that way, and he wasn’t going to be an asshole and mention the circle of life concept.
“All right. So we have a plane. And while you’re thinking about the fact that Luc and I could claim each other, unfortunately, there’s a good chance our pool is already filled with people enjoying our New Year’s Eve party.
It’s not likely that they’re going to leave much before four or five in the morning, and I’m sure we’d all prefer to get some sleep.
The plane can take off as early as you like in the morning. ”
“I’m going to need some sleep as well.” When Sage frowned, he got three cute little furrows between his eyes. “I just…I feel this night needs to be special somehow. You two have waited for so long. It’s New Year’s Eve. A time for new promises, new futures, new beginnings.”
Sage’s smile was back. “I would just feel so much better if you two could claim each other at least. And then, when my mind’s not full of other tentacles that don’t belong to you, then maybe you can claim me too? Do you two have to claim each other in the water?”
“That’s the way it’s usually done,” Luc said. “As I said, Nic and I both have a half-shifted form. The pool upstairs isn’t big enough to take our full-shifted forms, not both of us at the same time anyway. So we’re usually in a half-shifted form when we’re upstairs.
“The whole point is that by being in the water, our minds, hands, and mouths can be sharing in the joy. But it’s the entangling of tentacles, the mere act of rubbing them together, entwining them together – it’s a very precious, private, and intimate thing.
Two krakens only entwine tentacles when they’re claiming each other. ”
Nic could see the heat in Luc’s eyes as his mate was watching Sage closely. “When our krakens come to claim you, there’ll be tentacles involved as well. Our appendages will be entangled with your limbs, stroking over your skin - if that’s not distasteful to you.”
“Beyond a handsy octopus, tentacles on my skin is not something I’ve experienced before.” Sage’s blush was so pretty on his cheeks. “I’m not opposed, but we can worry about that when we get to it. Is your pool not usable at all because of the party?”
“I’m not usually keen on getting in it for at least a couple of days after the party.” Nic shuddered. “Let’s just say a combination of booze and water causes some people to lose their inhibitions and body fluids.”
“We have the whole pool cleaned immediately after the New Year,” Luc added.
“The water has to be changed, filtered, and then brought back up to our specifications, which can take up to a week some years. But that’s fine.
We can wait another week or so. By the time we’ve gotten to Iceland and taken care of your sick squid, well, by the time we come back, the pool will be clean, the penthouse will be empty, and then it would just be the three of us. ”
“That’s a sensible idea, but would I be wrong if I thought that you two really wanted to claim each other now. You do, don’t you?”
Nic just had to look at Luc, and he knew what he was going to say. “Yes.”
He felt compelled to add, “I want to claim Luc all the time, and now we’ve met you, I want you in our lives too. Honestly, we know how to wait. We’ve had a lot of practice.”
“I think it’s sweet that you’d want to, and were prepared to wait for me.
But what if I could arrange somewhere for you two to be together tonight?
” Sage looked down at his hands and then back up again.
“My position as a research scientist gives me access to restricted areas. I know of a tank that might be a suitable replacement for your pool. I’m almost certain it would be big enough for you two to claim each other. ”
My gods, is our third an angel in disguise? Nic wondered if he should be looking for wings underneath Sage’s suit.
“That sounds absolutely incredible,” Luc said. He was getting excited. Nic could tell. “But if you know of a tank that would be suitable for us to be together, then why can’t you be in the pool with us?”
“I think this is a case of me thinking with a definitely human brain,” Sage said.
“I’m not going to make any apologies for that.
For one thing, the tank is at one of the places I work.
It’s only one of many locations, and I do know no one else will be there.
Everyone has gone away for the holidays.
But I would just feel very weird about stripping off at work, so to speak. ”
Nic laughed. “That’s something Luc and I do all the time. We own this place and live and work here.”
“I don’t own the research facility. I just have access to it. There is one other reason…” Sage trailed off.
“You can tell us,” Nic said quickly. “You can tell us anything at all. As Luc and I found out, we should never have secrets from each other. That’s how misunderstandings happen.”
“Communication is really important between mates, most definitely,” Luc agreed.
“Fair enough. You two get written about a lot, and before you say anything, I know a lot of what was reported had little basis in fact.” Sage shrugged.
“I’d just like to see you in your half-shifted or fully shifted forms for myself before I commit to swimming with you.
I need time to process this life-changing revelation. ”
“The statues that used to be in the foyer were a good indicator of what we look like in our half-shifted form.”
Nic could tell that wasn’t enough for Sage, and he was right.
“They were made of metal. They weren’t flesh.
They didn’t move. You are real people. Call me weird – honestly, you wouldn’t be the first to call me that - but when I think of the fact that the two of you have waited for fifty years to tangle your tentacles…
You were waiting for me, and personally, I would be so honored if I could get a chance to see you two claim each other before the plane takes off in the morning.
Your offer of the plane is a huge benefit for me, and I’d love to be able to do something for you two in return. ”
Nic, in that moment, was prepared to give Sage anything.
This sweet man, someone Nic had been prepared to write off because he was wearing glasses – I was such an ass – he didn’t know Nic and Luc at all, nothing about their backstory or anything else.
And yet, just by virtue of the sort of person he was, he was doing his best to give Nic and Luc their hearts’ desire.
Nic’s in particular. A chance to have a few hours in the arms/tentacles of the man he’d craved for so long.
Sage watching them? Nic was sure the heat he could see in Luc’s eyes was reflected in his own.
Yes, they’d let their tentacles be played with by others, but Nic and Luc’s focus had always been on each other.
This time, with their tentacles completely free to tangle with each other…
Sage being there would be a bonus Nic had never imagined he’d want.
“I don’t have to watch – I realize this is something you’ve longed for between the two of you and should probably be done in private.
I just thought, if I did watch, then let’s just say this year could be the first time I make a New Year’s resolution – to tangle with some tentacles of my own.
” Sage laughed, clearly nervous, and worried about what Nic and Luc might be thinking.
Nic leaned against Luc’s shoulder. “Is this something you’d be interested in doing?” he asked quietly. “I know the idea of the three of us being equals is something you’re very passionate about. If you’d rather wait until we get back from Iceland…”
“Oh, my gods, mate.” Luc’s arms around Nic’s middle sent his tentacles tingling.
“I have wanted you so badly for so long. Sage has offered us an amazing gift - somewhere private we can claim each other, in water which we know is going to be suitable for our shifted form because our mate is a really intelligent and respected researcher. Throw in the idea that we’d be claiming each other in front of our third, which would be a wonderful way to show our lovely Sage what our forms are capable of, without any pressure for Sage to respond. ”
Luc smiled in Sage’s direction. “I am well aware we have just met, and technically, Nic and I are your bosses until seven in the morning. But you, Sage, have given us the gift of understanding and that means more than you could know.”
“I always read that mates did things for each other,” Sage said quietly. “To know you waited for me, from before I was born… that’s mind-blowing in so many ways.”
“He’s perfect, isn’t he?” Sage might think that Luc was asking a lighthearted question, but Nic understood why.
“Absolutely perfect in every way.” Nic could see that now. “Okay, Mr. Scientist. Where do we have to go to access this water of yours? Because I’ve got to admit, I’m having a bit of trouble keeping my tentacles in my pants.”
“That’s not a sentence I hear very often,” Sage said with a laugh. “Most tentacles I’ve seen don’t come with pants.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” Nic could barely contain himself he was so excited. “Not to brag or anything…”
“Show, don’t tell, babe. You’re always known to over-exaggerate.” Luc laughed as he gave Nic’s waist an extra squeeze before he stood up. “Let’s order some coffee and snacks to take with us, and head out for a bit of a road trip.”