Todd #3

By JP Sayle and Lisa Oliver

Book Three: Paranormal Gay Romance / MMM / Two Alphas / One Omega/ Fated Mates / Brothers Security Team / Mpreg / Missing Dragon eggs / High Steam / Lots of Tentacles.

Were the Fates wrong giving Todd two mates, or will the two dragons be able to redeem themselves and win his heart?

Todd Thalassa is the youngest of five krakens and the only omega. When he discovers he has not one, but two fated mates, it sends him and his overprotective brothers into a tentacle spin. Todd has to navigate being part of a triad and stopping his brothers from interfering while working against the clock to find stolen dragon eggs ─ simple.

Lucas Benenati and Kijina Damaris have always known they were meant to be together, along with a third. A mission to find missing dragon eggs leads them to their fated mate. Unfortunately, they don’t make the best first impression on Todd or his brothers.

While searching for the missing eggs, the mates discover a despicable pattern that puts others at risk. Can they navigate a new relationship that’s full of revelations and surprizes while keeping everyone safe?

Todd #3 is a paranormal gay romance, with two dragons who find out that their kraken omega is one badass. This is the third book in the Tangled Tentacles Series. Each book in this series will deal with a new couple, therefore while the HEA is guaranteed. The Epilogue for each book will lead into the next title and the series should be read in order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jayne Paton
• Release date: Jun 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005376345

JP Sayle

Let me introduce myself, I’m JP or Jayne. I’m a lady of a certain age (cough, cough over 50 but I embrace my inner child often). I’m an identical twin and I was born in the Isle of Man; this makes me Manx (not British or English). I’ve lived in several places over the years but I returned to the island 1998. I love the sea and now it’s only a stone’s throw from my home.I quit my nursing career recently to follow my dream to write full time. I published my first book in 2018 and since then I’ve managed to publish further twenty-plus books. I gave myself a 12 book challenge for 2020, and I’ve written 14 so far!!My island is steeped in folklore and I have used some of this in my writing, particularly the Manx Cat Guardian Series, it’s paranormal with a twist. But I’m an eclectic girl and I’ve spread my wings a little. The tropes vary from Daddy Kink, BDSM, age gap, Billionaire romance, Smalltown friendships, friends to lovers, out for you, sweet romance, they all have a little angst (or a lot). I tend to write in series (shakes head). The list is below!Manx Cat GuardiansThe AppThe Flamingo BarBillionaire PlaygroundLa Trattoria Di AmoreDark River Stone CollectiveThe PlayroomPotter Creek(The app and flamingo bar are connected, as in the boys get a book in the app and their conclusion in the flamingo bar series)Writing has unleashed a beast in my mind and now I can’t switch it off. So with that, I now have to try and keep my unruly boys in check while they vie for my attention, and currently, it’s who shouts the loudest. But, I’m okay with that now that I have the time to let the words flow!

Book preview

Todd

The magic of the day clung to Todd’s skin making it feel unusually weird. He was putting that down to why he couldn’t settle to anything. He roamed around his apartment, listening to the quiet of the middle of the night. Everyone had gone back to their apartments after Danik and Alexi were settled with the babies sleeping. For how long, was anyone’s guess.

In all the research he’d done around birthing krakens, there’d been nothing to help. Alexi had no memory of his brothers’ births. Being the eldest, Todd had hoped he’d be able to unearth a memory, or his kraken. There’d been nothing that they could tell Todd that was helpful. However it was over five hundred years since Todd’s birth, so he understood it was a long time to think back to.

He’d been surprised when Zale had shifted in the water from kraken to baby. Had Todd been the same? Had his brothers? It was fascinating. Though Todd wasn’t sure he liked the idea of being pregnant. Danik’s body had gone through a lot. The healing they’d done after the birthing gave each of them some of the pain to carry for a brief time.

Todd shivered at the thought of having all the pain. Being the omega, he wasn’t a hundred percent sure that if he found his mate, he’d be the one getting pregnant.

He ran his hands through his already messy hair and tugged. What was it with him tonight? He didn’t have a mate, and yet here he was worried about who would carry babies.

Was it the odd sense of waiting that was coming from his kraken, setting him off? Or was it just being part of Danik and Alexi’s babies’ birth? He wasn’t like his brothers in that he didn’t feel the need often to let his kraken out. Today had been wholly different. The second Alexi had called out to him, his kraken had been wild to be set free. That was a first for Todd, and he’d barely made it to the pool where he’d been greeted by Kelvin. Markov was absent and his kraken hadn’t liked that at all. The pull had been impossible to resist. Todd had no clue how Markov coped alone with those raging kraken feelings.

Back to pacing, Todd worked to figure out what was setting off his kraken. Was being in his kraken form for so long after months of not letting his animal spirit out the issue? Today his kraken had made sure to remind Todd of the simple pleasure of letting go. Of being one with his animal spirit.

Being the only omega, Todd had always felt like the odd man out or maybe odd kraken out was more accurate. He was the smallest, and his shape was slightly different to his brothers. His body was symmetrical, whereas his brothers weren’t. He’d had years to notice the differences and no amount of research he’d done suggested he should be different. Krakens were all supposed to be the same regardless of whether they were alpha or omega. Nothing explained why with him that had changed. He was an anomaly, and he wasn’t sure after nearly five hundred years whether he liked it or not.

You’ll give me a headache if you start with that again. Why do you have to constantly pull everything apart and put it into an ordered pattern?

Seriously. You are me, and I am you. We are the same!

I beg to differ. If we were the same, we’d be in the pool more often or taking trips to the sea like your brothers. When was the last time we swam in the ocean?

That’s right, throw that at me. You know how hard I work.

All work is not good for you or me.

You aren’t going to start insisting I take a holiday again? We have a huge amount of data to go through to figure out who started the fun little kidnapping and selling rings.

I understand your need to avenge those taken. Azim suffered, and those responsible should pay. That doesn’t mean you can’t take more than a few minutes to breathe, to stop, to rejuvenate yourself.

Todd huffed out a breath and went back to pacing in front of the window staring occasionally out into the darkness.

For an intelligent human, you have no common sense.

Todd stopped pacing. What’s that supposed to mean? he said aloud angrily. Todd blamed the tiredness of the last few weeks for his crankiness with his kraken.

He’d worked non-stop with barely an hour of sleep here and there to help figure out what and who was taking the paranormals and selling them. So, he supposed some of what his kraken was getting at was right. But his blood boiled at the total disregard of those who’d been taken after being ordered up like a takeout meal.

You know. The sulky tone was one Todd recognized, and he resisted hunching.

Todd twisted around towards the door when there was the sound of the bell from the main front entrance to the building coming from his security monitor by his front door. They weren’t expecting anyone. He walked silently over to the monitor, one he’d rigged up, so at night he was the one disturbed due to his nocturnal habits.

He stared at the screen, his innards twisting until the earlier feeling of being unsettled returned full force. Two pairs of dark eyes stared at him from the tiny screen. They couldn’t see him, but it sure as hell felt like they were watching him.

The one nearest the door’s lips moved and he grinned at the monitor with a devilish grin that set fire to Todd’s body in a way he’d never experienced. He rubbed at his hot forehead. Was he getting sick?

The bell sounded again.

Blushing at standing like an idiot, Todd pressed the button so he could speak into the intercom. Can I help you?

Hope so, said a deep husky voice, we’re looking for the Shadow Commander. This was the address he gave us.

A memory of the first day that the Cassius had arrived flittered through Todd’s mind. Two of the team had been delayed, hadn’t that been what Cassius had said? Shit, had Cassius forgotten to tell them they were finished here? Sorry, Cassius left a few days ago.

Fuck, we’ve been on radio silence. The one at the back said, his voice gruff.

Quakes ran through Todd, ones he wasn’t sure he liked, not when his kraken started to push at him to open the door and go down to greet the strangers.

We’ve been traveling for several days. Any chance we can come in and get something to eat? The town doesn’t appear to do anything twenty-four-seven here. This came from the first guy whose grin had returned.

Dithering, something Todd never did, he wasn’t sure what held him back. He wasn’t defenseless but his warning bells were firing off in ten different directions. And his kraken was doing something very bizarre, preening of all things.

The first guy’s grin widened, and the light from the camera caught a flicker of amusement before he asked, You still there?

More heat crept up Todd’s neck and he was glad he was alone so his brothers couldn’t witness his dorky behavior. Oh yeah, sorry. Give me a minute and I’ll be down.

Todd glanced down at the old sweatpants he’d thrown on and the scruffy T-shirt that had seen better days and shrugged. His kraken, on the other hand, was grumbling repeatedly about him needing to change.

What is it with you today? If being in the water makes you like this, I don’t think I’ll bother again for a year.

The threat was met with a snort, one that spoke to how his kraken would and could change regardless of whether Todd went to the pool or not. He’d changed once before in the shower. Todd had learned his lesson after that. His brothers had laughed at how he’d got wedged, and they’d had to take out the wall to get him out when his kraken refused to turn back into his human form.

The elevator glided silently to the lobby, and the lights switched on automatically as he stepped out. The brightness made it impossible to fully see the two imposing figures who were standing in the dark shadows. They had both stepped back out of the range of the camera. A slither of unease slid down Todd’s back, and he debated if he should reach out to one of his brothers.

The men he could see now were as tall as his brothers and as wide. All the times his brothers had taken over and not given him credit for taking care of himself sprang through his mind. Todd rolled his shoulders back and made use of every inch of his height. He swallowed the sigh at the reality both men towered over him by a good foot.

He pressed his palm to the biometer lock to open the door and then quickly stepped back. There were two loud grumbly roars of mine as the scent of limes and chocolate assaulted Todd’s senses. Before he registered his kraken’s reaction, Todd was swept up into the arms of the closest man… not man but something else. Large biceps lifted him easily against the dark combat clothing that was scented with limes. Todd’s mouth watered for a taste, and he struggled to swallow while his brain seemed to have gone on the blink.

The other was there a moment later, and Todd was squashed between two sexy and strong chests. The scent of dark chocolate added to the issue with his mouth and getting it to swallow. Even as his kraken sang and his lips puckered longing for a kiss that was sure to come, Todd was suddenly aware that there was kissing, but it wasn’t him. The men were kissing each other, fondling each other, groping each other, leaving him like a squashed sandwich in the middle of them both. A nudge here, an elbow there, getting free wasn’t as difficult as Todd thought it might be, but then the two men were so damned focused on each other they probably wouldn’t notice if the building was on fire.

They said ‘mine’, his memory and kraken persisted, and Todd was pleased he hadn’t dreamed that part of things. But the two men, who smelled so amazing, only had eyes, hands, and lips for each other. Clothing was getting ripped, and the rutting was enough to make Todd fan himself. It was seriously hot, or it would be if Todd didn’t feel so excluded. I’m sure I’m meant to be in there somewhere. Todd started looking, judging angles, trying to find a gap where he could insert himself between the two again – maybe he could get a kiss or two?

What the hell! A deadly voice came from behind Todd. Are you two porn stars or something? Who the hell are you to be making out in front of my little brother? And that’s when all hell broke loose.

Lucas

Lucas and Kijina broke apart, Lucas rested his hands on his knees. He was panting hard enough to put a racehorse to shame, the brain fog he had going on, slowly starting to clear. It’s finally happened was quickly followed by what the fuck? Lucas found his voice. Who the hell are you to disturb a moment of passion between me and my mate?

The huge man facing them had a snarl on his face and the tiniest baby resting on his shoulder. Lucas could sense a power coming from the man – one as strong, if not stronger than his – but with Kijina and…

I own this building, ass wipe, and while I’m a huge fan of fated mates myself, that doesn’t excuse you making out in front of my younger brother. Now, who the hell are you, and what do you want? Can’t you see I’m trying to get my baby to sleep?

Alexi, maybe you need to calm down? Lucas turned to source of the voice and was stunned all over again. The beauty, the little beauty, the one he and Ki had been waiting for… I can take care of this. You take Zale and go back upstairs to Danik and Marin.

Todd! The bigger man, Alexi, did a lot of eye flashing at his younger brother.

Alexi! The smaller man, his name is Todd, was holding his own.

There was a long pause – did the two share some kind of link? Then Alexi burst out, They still haven’t said why they’re even here.

They’re the two missing team members from Cassius’s lot. Remember? Due to turn up probably a week ago and have finally got here… Todd’s glance in their direction was hard to interpret.

Lucas Benenati and Kijina Damaris, both Shadow Team members, and originally from the Garandorn Clan. Lucas piped up helpfully. Ki appeared struck dumb, and Lucas wasn’t sure if it was because they were finally in the presence of their mate, Todd, or the baby. Ki had been broody for years.

Shut up, you. Alexi held up his hand in Lucas’s direction, his focus still on Todd. Cassius isn’t here, his asshole lot have gone. These two can follow him straight back out that door. Simple.

Asshole lot? Lucas shot a look at Ki. Cassius was usually respected wherever he and the team went. It was why he and Ki had been with the team for so long.

You can scent it, Todd persisted, although he didn’t sound happy. "They’ve been traveling a long time. They can spend the night and we can talk about stuff in the morning. They’re no danger to you, Danik, or the babies, and everyone else here can look after themselves, including me. Now, go on. Upstairs."

This is not a hook-up motel! Alexi’s eyes were bugging out. They can take their horniness somewhere else.

Todd’s gaze shifted towards them. Yes, well, I have things I want to talk to them about, Lucas’s heart jumped up to his throat, "in the morning, so they can take the apartment Cassius had. They’d probably appreciate food as well."

Ki spoke up at last. In the morning? But shouldn’t we three…

There was no three when you walked through those doors and started tearing each other’s clothes off. Todd came nearer, his voice low. A quick glance showed Alexi was fussing with the tiny baby. Lucas wanted to groan as Todd’s scent got stronger. "There was no three in your kissing games either. You two clearly have history, and that’s fine – that’s between you two. But Alexi and his son are going to bed. I’m going to bed, alone. You two can sort your shit out in the apartment we’re offering for one night. Understood?"

But… Ki looked desperately upset, and Lucas could understand the feeling, but clearly they’d fucked up enough for one night, and Todd was offering them a respite as such.

That’s appreciated. Thank you. Ki and I will look forward to our chat, in the morning. Lucas grabbed Ki’s hand, noticing how Todd was watching every move. If you could show us the apartment, and maybe let us know the nearest take-out place that might deliver this late?

The apartments are all stocked with plenty of food – readymade and raw ingredients. It might have been wishful thinking, but Lucas was sure Todd wanted to say so much more, but instead, he turned his back, and tilted his head slightly at Alexi. Are you still here? Danik is not going to be impressed if he has to shift his furry ass off his cushions to come looking for you and Zale.

"I still don’t know why they have to stay. Alexi was grumbling but he was also heading towards the stairs. It’s been a long fucking day."

Don’t swear in front of Zale, Todd said quickly. He might not be able to talk yet, but he’ll be picking up every word you say.

Alexi’s sigh was from a man who was choosing his arguments. Staying silent, and still holding Ki’s hand, they followed Alexi and Todd upstairs – not the elevator, Lucas noted.

Lucas couldn’t help looking around – it was habit. The place gave off the vibe of being a business office on the ground floor, but when they turned at the top of the first flight of stairs, it was as if there were living quarters there too.

Alexi, his son still on his shoulder, continued on up the next flight of stairs, but Todd turned off, leading them down a short hallway. Lucas could still pick up traces of Cassius and his team in the air. Pushing open a door, Todd indicated they should go through it, but he stayed by the door.

Todd. Lucas turned reaching out, but Todd backed up and Lucas dropped his hand. "You