Page 61 of Tentacles Are Coming to Town

He wrapped me in a tentacle cocoon as I watched the cryptid supper, far superior to the DaVinci painting.

“Are you okay, kitten?”

Melting into his embrace, I nodded against his chest, inhaling the ocean breeze, and the honey sweetness of his natural scent. “This is what family feels like. I haven’t even mingled yet, and I already know that they won’t judge me.”

“They would never. Not for who you are at your heart. Some may judge you if you’re late or may comment on your sense of style or music taste, but all in jest. No one would put you down in this family.” He kissed the top of my head.

“I wish I was a part—”

“Welcome to the family, Kaos!” Scylla, Spiro’s mom, appeared in front of us with open arms.

I stepped into them, enveloped in warmth and acceptance. Something broke inside me, and tears ran down my face. It was all too much but beyond perfect.

“He’s okay, Mom,” Spiro said behind me and stroked my back.

I pulled away and swiped the back of my hand over my eyes. “I’m just so happy.”

“I’m glad my son is being a good boyfriend then.” Scylla held me at arm’s length and smiled at me.

“He better, or he’d learn the wrath of the ocean.” The booming voice preceded the entrance of a purple-tentacled lady who tenta-waddled past us. “Make yourself at home, Kaos.” She patted my cheek and nodded at Spiro.

“You weren’t kidding.” I turned to Spiro with wide eyes. “Your grandma can put the fear of all the gods in anyone.”

“Kaos! Spiro, you’re here! A devil-looking krampus in booty shorts and a crop top skipped into the room.

Kert was a force of mischief. I’d learned that by chatting to him throughout the year. We’d hit it off in the Hali family group chat and continued a separate conversation about the relatives and important traditions. Spiro had missed the holidays party last December. I’ve been told that the family had forgiven himbecause he’d spent the time falling in love, and as a result brought me here today.

“As the newest adult member of this crazy bunch, let me introduce you to Chad’s moonshine.” Kert hooked his arm over mine and led me away.

“Dad’s elixir can be dangerous!” Spiro yelled after me, but I was already following Kert, eagerly awaiting meeting everyone else.

“I also arranged VIP stage-side seats at Madison Square Garden next month.” He grinned. “We’re seeing Swimming with the Sharks in Style. Oh! Wanna see a sneak peek of the new album’s cover? Marin has been working on it this week.”

“Fuck yes!” All anxiousness left me, replaced by pure excitement.

Falling in love with Spiro earned me the best boyfriend anyone could wish for, as if he was custom-tailored to me. Having a family who accepted me with open arms was a bonus I’d never anticipated, but realized I desperately needed in my life.

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To read Spiro’s brothers' stories, check out: Tentacles Rock, a standalone book 1 from the Tentacled Christmas series. In it you’ll meet Ner on his trip to Miami, where he meets a hot and broody rockstar, Rick.

Tentacles All the Way is book 2, where Marin reunites with Kert, his best friend from uni and spends Christmas with him in NYC.

You can check out my other books (all on KU) on my Amazon author profile: author.to/KCCarmine

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You can check out my other books, free reads, and character art on my website: kccarmine.com.

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