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Maeve pottered around the kitchen with no real task in mind, she was procrastinating.

That, and she was hoping to bump into their new consultant, AKA Kracken girly as Bas liked to put it.

She had told a little white lie when she had asked Will to get Binky to escort her to the Hollow.

Maeve’d had ample time, but she had wanted to see Dave first. Since Maximus’s death and Brutas being mated, and the fact Dave could now shift to human form, she worried about him.

They all did. Brutas had mentioned one night during dinner, when Dave had gone off on his own, that the younger Kracken was now approaching his final growth spurt.

This wasn't normally due for a good many years but the magic that had made it so Dave could shift, had also altered other key evolutionary moments of the Kracken’s life span.

Brutas was concerned that Dave would not be able to handle what was to come, especially when a mate was also not on the cards.

Maeve also worried about the Hollow. Yes, they had housed Krackens at the Hollow for centuries. It had always been a haven to all paranormals, but never a mega Kracken. Maeve chuckled to herself. That was the nickname Binky had given Dave, and it wasn’t because of his Kracken form.

Dave’s other attribute came when he was in human form, one that had the men jealous and the women both concerned as well as curious.

Dave was, in short, a well-hung gentleman with a third “tentacle” that would rival an elephant.

Maeve couldn't stop the smirk that curved her lips. Dave had become legendary, and he hadn’t even tried.

Still, ever since that spell had ripped through the Hollow, all sorts of strange things had started to happen.

Her mate was now not the only ghost that could solidify, unfortunately the manwhore that was Blackbeard was one of those lucky beings and he was using it to his full advantage!

Maeve had had to issue an order that pirates should be always clothed in public.

It said something when you were getting tired of seeing someone's junk.

Maeve was so intently wiping the same area of the worktop that she almost screamed when the front door finally opened.

First, she heard the slightly arsey comments of her familiar, he had developed a very judgy attitude and, boy, was he using it.

Maeve smiled at the little bird, he may be an arsehole at times, but he was her arsehole.

Next to round the elaborate wooden door was their cryptozoologist guest. Maeve had spent ages researching about the Krackens, but when she just couldn't get to grips with everything, Jessica's name was the first to come up…

and it came up highly recommended. She was an expert in the realm of mythological creatures, and they a needed extra body to help with what the girls now called an army of Krackens.

“This is the Hollow… TWAT,” Binky explained, having still not noticed Maeve yet. The bird and his lazy eye had missed her in their peripheral vision, so Maeve had little choice but to wait for him.

Their new helper spotted her first and went to say something, only Maeve shook her head and grinned. Slowly, she walked right up to Binky on his bad side, bent down, and whispered not so loudly.

“BOO!”

Maeve was not disappointed, Binky flew through the air like a fucking rocket, feathers fluttered, and his scream reverberated around the Hollow making the very cottage groan in response.

“FUUUUUUUCKKKKKING HEEELLLLL BASTARD!”

Ignoring the frantic cries of her familiar, who was always dramatic, she held her hand out.

“Good morning, Jessica. Welcome to Kracken’s Hole and the Hollow, I’m Maeve. Apologies for not meeting you. I had an errand to run.”

Maeve instantly liked this female; she was very pretty, with long auburn hair that was tied back in a tight braid, and stunning green eyes. Only, it was the little purple dragon in Jessica’s arms that made her pause.

“Oh shit, I didn't mean to scare your… dragon… is that a dragon?”

Surprisingly, Jessica laughed and held up the little bundle of scales and horns.

“Nice to meet you, Maeve, I totally get it. You guys seem to have your hands full. This is Edith, she can be cranky but she’s a good egg.

” Jessica laughed again. “She is a draconian parvulus.

I found her in the crater of a dormant volcano.

Her mum had long since gone and she had gone into hibernation.

So, I took her home and we've been together ever since.”

“That’s so amazing, I’ve never seen a dragon before,” Maeve admitted, she was desperate to stroke her but didn't want to be rude.

“She can be a bit sassy, but she's been my companion now for many a year and we have had so many adventures together.”

Maeve smiled. “Please come in and let's get you settled. Your bags arrived before you did, and I’ve had them placed in your room. Would you like me to show you?”

“Actually, and please don't think me rude, can I see the eggs?” Jessica asked, and Maeve watched as the female's eyes lit up with excitement. Maeve didn't need her magic to tell her they had made the right choice inviting Jessica, it was like her soul lit up.

“Of course, let us head there now.” Pausing in front of the wooden door that marked the passageway down into the grotto, Maeve turned to Jessica.

“I do ask for your discretion with what you are about to see, my family has been charged with guarding the grotto for a long time. So, I ask you to speak of it to no one.”

With a nod, Jessica answered. Maeve didn't expect the vow as she knew that Jessica was not a practicing witch, but her action put her worry to rest.

“So, it be done, upon the moon and sun.”

Jessica bowed her head along with Edith her dragon.“Thank you.”

Maeve smiled.“Let me show you the heart of Kracken’s Hole.”