Epilogue
Mao
Twelve weeks later…
Wandering down to the beach, Mao let out a happy sigh as he plopped his butt on the warm sand, watching the sun slowly descend toward the horizon.
The sea was a brilliant blue. The air was clear.
There were no sounds around except birds, the light breeze through the trees, and the faint strains of whatever music Ekon was listening to back at the house.
For the moment, there was peace, and Mao just wanted to breathe it all in.
After the big “revelation”, which was how Mao was thinking about the whole boat trip and kraken magic incident, the krakens had suggested that Ekon would benefit from at least being around the other krakens and their families for a while.
It was understandable, given that Ekon carried the essence of the krakens’ mother, the other krakens wanted to get to know him, and his mate, better.
They were at the compound about three weeks or so, when Mao noticed a few times when Ekon’s smile was more forced than genuine, and he realized he was doing the same thing.
It wasn’t easy living in a compound full of loud and often dominating personalities.
And no, I’m not just thinking about you, Alexi, Mao thought with a grin, knowing the man was often prying to see they were all right.
Mao and Ekon had been through so much since the moment they met, and sometimes a cat shifter just needed space to breathe and relax in the sun.
Mao did appreciate that when he and Ekon did get to have five minutes to themselves, they were able to talk—not about the eternal fae, the records, or even that Ekon carried kraken magic.
They snatched moments between cute kids, Todd’s questions, Marvin’s “you’ve just got to see…
” and Alexi’s suggestions, to talk about themselves as people.
Mao learned that Ekon loved to sing, and he had a beautiful voice.
He was also loved of all sorts of music.
They both enjoyed different kinds of food, and they talked about the favorite places they’d visited before—all the normal stuff two men in love would find out about each other before they did the whole “I love you” business.
Mao and Ekon were now getting the chance to find those things out in their own time. That was special, and Mao would never take it for granted.
Three weeks after the revelation, Mao took Ekon to meet Ben, Teilo, and Nico on their island.
And it was while they were there that Ekon wistfully said something about how he wished they could have an island of their own.
He quickly assured Mao that he wasn’t suggesting they live in isolation or privacy forever.
Mao did have a loving family back in Paraguay, and the krakens had already made it clear they saw Ekon and Mao as family, too. Giving them many options to split their time between families.
Mao was quick to agree to the island idea when family could be overwhelming on their time.
The thought of them being able to live without any expectations on them from anyone else and to just be…
It was the perfect dream. And apparently, krakens were canny about things like that, because barely a day later after the discussion, Markov called, letting them know there was an island available for sale roughly an hour’s boat ride, or thirty-minute swim kraken style, from their own, if Ekon and Mao were interested.
It came complete with a house… a livable house Mao and Ekon could make into a home over time, and they agreed after the first visit.
“Sometimes we just need space away from the chaos to just be ourselves,” Ekon had said quietly as he signed the papers back in Alexi’s office, and Mao, adding his own signature, couldn’t have agreed more.
It seemed kraken money also came with kraken authority, and just a few weeks later, Mao and Ekon were all moved in. Now, I have stunning views, a peaceful sea, and a mate…
Mao glanced over his shoulder to see Ekon skipping down to sit with him.
The pearl still shimmered at the base of Ekon’s neck, but Mao was more struck by the only item of clothing Ekon was wearing.
They were the shortest pair of cutoff shorts in existence.
His mate had put on weight, was tanned, and looked healthy, and more importantly, he was happy.
“Please tell me you’re not bored with our island hideaway already,” Ekon said with a laugh, sitting down beside him and draping his arm over Mao’s shoulder.
“I’m just appreciating everything we have,” Mao replied with a wide grin, “and now you’re here, everything is just perfect.”
“My goodness, you’re in a romantic mood.” Ekon was smiling as he tilted up his face, offering a kiss Mao was happy to take.
Because, at least according to his brother, when you’re on a deserted island, and the sun is setting across the beautiful sea, and somewhere in the back of your awareness krakens are singing, it’s always a good time for a kiss.
The End.