by Piper Rayne
"I guess the normal things like why do people have legs? Do they ever wish they had a tail? And how do they keep their curly hair from drying into a massive knot? And food, what is so appealing about burgers? The meat makes my stomachache, the bread is dry, and that green stuff looks weird."
Xander leans against the wall, rolling his head towards me, and there goes that smile again.
"I guess we have two legs instead of four to distinguish us from other land roaming species. As for your hair, I'm sure a good conditioner could help you maintain the curls without the knots. The burger one has me. I can eat burgers twenty-four seven."
"I know." I groan. “I’ve had burgers daily and I’m sick of them.”
He laughs. “I’ll bring you the menu and you can order what you like. What else?"
This is how we spend our night. I remain in the tub, changing the water several times. Xander sits with his legs stretched out, rocking his boot covered feet.
I have another series of questions, but I'm not expecting him to answer, because unlike the others, they concern him and are personal.
Ask. He takes a sip of his wine.
"How can you read my mind? You defy every rule I've been taught."
"Yeah, that seems to be my specialty." He takes another drink and I watch the way his throat moves. "Want to try?"
I wag my head.
"You sure, I think you might like it. Try a little." Xander extends the glass. "Wait, how old are you?"
"Twenty-seven."
"Is that the same in human years?" He asks.
"I'm sure it's similar. We don't count by years but seasons."
He nods and I take the glass.
"What is it?" I ask, smelling over the rim of the funny shaped glass.
"Wine. A fermented grape juice."
"Fermented?"
"Taste it, princess."
It’s been days since he used that tone with me. And to get him to continue this conversation, I drink. Coughing a little as I pass the glass back.
"I like pop better. It reminds me of the bubbles underwater."
"What's up with you and bubbles?"
"Nothing's up with it. Are you avoiding my question?"
His head tilts a little. "What was the question again?"
"You know the question. How can you read my mind?" I reach for his glass to try a little more. "You're not a family member. You're not a member of my kingdom. You're not royalty."
"How do you know that?"
I take another sip. I might enjoy this beverage. "Nothing about you says royalty."
"What does my presence say to you?" He drinks, placing his lips exactly where my lips were.
"Dangerous. Loner." I search the depths of his eyes, searching for the other word that overtakes my heart every time our eyes hold. "Sad."
"That sounds depressing, princess."
He doesn't refute my assessment. "So..."
"I'm a hybrid."
"And your tribes?"
"I don't have a tribe." His nose flares.
Hybrids are sometimes ostracized, caught between two independent but dependent units in a massive system. I can't count the number of times mother pointed out either a royal merman or one from one of the original settlers in our kingdom. Because no one wants to exist outside the parameters dictated by the Dakes.
“Are you avoiding my question?”
“My mother was Pesoh and my father is Issataur."
"Chroniclers and centaurs. Powerful combination.”
I take the glass, seeking its calming effect. The intensity in Xander’s eyes and the nature of this conversation have me a little on edge. However, knowing his tribe identification gives context to everything that’s transpired.
Chroniclers hold the history of our kind, it’s as if the Creator etches thousands of years in their DNA. Every tribe has an active chronicler. But there are thousands of keepers on earth with the ability to move from their dormant status in the Dakexon Empire.
The myth of centaurs doesn’t compare to the beauty they exemplify in the Empire. Thanks to my endless time in the library. So, according to my studies, Xander can read minds, manipulate emotions. He’s strong and fast and loyal. And I know for a fact he teleports.
Every keeper is different. It’s probably wise to add this to my notes.
“So, do you shift?”
“Yeah. But rarely.”
“I guess that’s why you didn’t freak out when I transitioned.”
He nods.
That’s one of our greatest fears to transition from what people expect to something they can’t truly define or categorize. No one expects to see a mermaid lounging in a tub, no matter what plane of the multiverse you call home.
“But for your records, I’ve never seen anything or anyone as beautiful as you.”
“Your travels must be limited.”
“I’ve seen most of this country and many of the kingdoms overseas. You, Talia, are one of a kind.”
“What’s it like? Seeing the world?”
“Liberating and eye opening. To see that we all are the same, yet different. But little compares to home.”
Home. The thought used to give me such peace.
“Princess… Are you still here with me?”
“Yeah.” I swallow.
He passes the glass back. "How much do you know about the Dakexon Empire?”
“More than most due to my title."
Uh oh. This is when my conversations with men become awkward. I chew on the inside of my mouth and taste the bitterness of the wine.
“Tell me about it.”
I shake my head.
“I can skip your version and read your thoughts.”
“Don’t!”
“Then tell me.”
“I wasn’t always the pick for replacing my mother since I have five sisters. But slowly they found love or matched to other mermen. Then Bianca announced her engagement. From the moment, I’ve had this anxiety knowing I’m it. The last princess standing. One day I will be queen of Malawi.”
The responsibility of thousands of merfolk will rest on my shoulders.
I sigh, flapping my fin. “So, I’ve researched every shred of documentation about the Dakexon Empire, my kind, and how past queens have ruled over my kingdom. But the more I research the more I realized how inadequate I am for the role.”
My fear of utter failure is crippling. Mother tells me I’ll grow and develop my own style of leadership. However, she never explained how a queen expands her love for her people to the point of operating selflessly. That her every decision and move isn’t about her but the good of her people.
The failures of all my training pursuits hang like a black cloud, and here we are captive. So much for my leadership abilities.
It will come in time.
I look over at him. “How do you do it?”
He shrugs. “I’m not sure. This is the first time I’ve had such a connection.”
“With someone outside your tribe?”
“With anyone ever.”
I rest back, not sure if this is good or bad. “Can you hear my heartbeat?”
“What do you mean?”
“I feel your heartbeat.” I place a hand over my heart and he’s there.
He sits forward and falls silent. Suddenly the faint thump of his heart drums louder. Xander looks up and something changed as a light of awareness lingers in his eyes.
“What is it, Xander?”
“How about I explain over dinner tonight?”
I stare at him, unsure of his intent. But my growing feeling jump at the chance to learn more about him and hopefully find a way out of this mess. “Together?”
He nods. “I’ll do my best to answer your questions, and I promise not to bring a cheeseburger.”
I chuckle. “Then yes, I’ll have dinner with you.”
7
Kaden spared no expense when securing this suite. We occupy the entire top floor of the hotel, which gives us privacy. The kitc
hen serves food around the clock, the concierge service fulfills every request without question. But neither can speed up the time.
Three days stuck in this suite with Gunner and his troop is too long. I’m using my powers to oversee the troop and to keep the princess safe, and I’m about to explode. More than once I’ve asked myself is it worth it, then I see my father’s face. His freedom is worth this minor sacrifice.
I grab the menu. Eating tonight away from the barbaric thoughts of the others feels like an oasis in a dry land.
Talia doesn’t want a burger. I keep that at the front of my mind after she sent the last burger flying across the room. We’re all restless. The suite spans over four thousand square feet. However, I’m not the only one itching to get out. Gunner’s men are anxious, and we still have four days before intercepting the Walker. The more they pace the floors, the more I must keep Talia close.
I order a little of everything–steak, chicken, chocolate cake, french fries. I passed on the fish and I can’t believe they don’t have ice cream. Who has chocolate cake and no ice cream?
“Plan to have a little fun?” Gunner asks.
“Nah, man. Taking a quick shower then have dinner. Why don’t you take your troop down to the pier? Let them have a couple of beers and relax. You need them fresh and alert for your meeting with the Walker and his guards.”
“We’ll handle them.”
“You sure about that. They almost cracked trying to take down a few mermen. How will they handle trained vampires?” I walk past him to my room.
We have the mermen housed in the backroom outside the princess’ range. Neither seems willing to move without the other. The men don’t fight. Their only concern is whether Talia’s she’s safe.
She seemed to handle it well until she openly flirted with me in nothing but her exotic tattoos and her curly hair hiding full breast.
The sight nearly blinded me.
“And you?” Gunner asks.
“Eat dinner and keep her calm.” I toss fresh clothes on the bed. “Let me state the obvious. We are playing with fucking fire. I have the princess under control. Your concern is on how you plan to address the Walker and close this deal.”
“I can close the deal with the princess and the Walker.” He smiles.
“Touch her and the mission is over. Remember, I have a quarter of a million dollars in my account.”
“We’re not the only ones defying the Dakes. You’ll be on their shit list with us.”
“That’s where I live. Only I’m smart enough to leave them alone.”
“You sure about that? Seems to me you’re sitting around waiting on the Walker’s appearance too. We want autonomy, you want money. Seems like we’re in the same boat.”
“But I’m not asking for their permission, you are.”
I enter the bathroom and slam the door. Gunner has a point. But my father’s fate means more than exposing myself. It’s my fault he’s there.
Standing before the Walker with them could terminate my unspoken agreement with Asaad. Then it hits me. That’s why Kaden agreed to pay me a million dollars. I sit on the edge of the counter. Because Asaad owes me.
I helped him with a side project a few years back, and he agreed to turn a blind eye if I stayed out of trouble.
“Damn. How did Kaden know about that agreement?”
The doorbell rings and I call out to the guys to get the food. “Leave it on the table.”
Dinner’s here. I’ll be there in ten minutes. I tell Talia.
Hurry, I’m hungry.
You wouldn’t be hungry if you ate the burger. I just need to jump in the shower.
Who eats the same thing every day for days?
More questions, princess? I climb in the shower, continuing our conversation.
Yes. How else will I learn?
I have a question for you. What’s up with you and Colt?
Wow, you went straight in. He’s my guard. Why do you ask?
I throw on a pair of sweatpants and a shirt. The merman has more than diplomatic feelings for the princess.
Why do you ask? She asks again.
Curious.
I pick up the service tray, walking across the suite. The princess occupies the master bedroom. It’s the only room on the far end. I push my chair aside, I might make a pallet tonight because my ass is tired of sitting on that chair.
I push the door open and almost lose our dinner. Talia stands in an orange fitted dress.
Do you like it?
Maybe this isn’t a good idea. The color was made for her golden skin. I’ve never met a woman like her and to know she feels this odd connection has me entering the unknown. Is it worth it?
Yes.
Get out of my head, I tease, staring into her chocolate brown eyes. I remove the food from the tray, arranging it as best I can onto the small round table near the window.
“You did some redecorating.” Talking is better than letting her roam the dark spaces in my mind. The table originally sat near the wall. Now it overlooks the pier.
“People watching.” She sits in the chair across from me. “I’m accustomed to a castle full of merfolk. Several hundred thousand subjects. I’ve never spent a single day alone. Sitting here makes it feel…less alone, I guess.”
The sadness in her voice ignites an ache, reminding me of the man I was before. I was never the boy next door, but my work changed me. This life changed me. The ache in her voice reminds me of my humanity, the part of me I don’t express because my life has no room for it. Civility could get me killed with men like Gunner. But Talia deserves more.
My shield covers the suite, preventing her escape, and she’ll never leave without her men. Knowing this, I walk over and open the patio door. The noise from the pier—live music, the chatter of people conversing and laughing from enjoying the warming than normal fall night—fill her room.
Talia stands beside me. I don’t need to look over to see her because I feel her. Right in the middle of my chest. Right in the core of my being and for a man that prides myself on not giving a fuck, I give several fucks.
This woman is doing something to me, and she’s never asked for anything but my assistance. To help her escape her fate. But helping her means leaving my father to rot in the Dakes Reformatory. Can I do that? Can I leave him and set her free?
No.
My heart stops and I look down into her beautiful eyes.
Tell me about him.
She doesn’t belong in this world with her black frames, compassionate heart. You will be an excellent queen.
No, I won’t. Because I’ll die before I let them use me against my kingdom.
Talia…
Tears glisten in her eyes, but she doesn’t relent.
I’d rather pretend tonight. That I’m just a woman and you’re just a man. And in four days, the Creator will have his way.
She walks to the patio and leans against the banister. The lights from the pier shine bright.
“Have you ever been up there?” She points to the gigantic Ferris wheel.
“No.”
She glances back. “No? It must make people feel on top of the world. Like a bird without wings.” She smiles and I join her.
“I’ll never know because I can’t swim.”
“Yes, you do.”
“I don’t.” I turn my back to the world to see the lights in her eyes.
“Horses are natural swimmers. People know how to swim from birth. Both mean you, Xander, can swim. You just have to let go. Let the water take you to another world.”
“Is that how you feel, in another world?” I reach for a curl. I had the concierge send up several bottles of conditioner and I notice the difference.
“Of course, we have an entire world. Shops and schools. We have concerts and events. We live full lives underwater. The lake is my home, my world.” Her eyes stare at my lips.
“I can’t. Once was a mistake.”
“In my world, denying me would sentence you to death
.” She faces me, resting her body against mine. A seductive smile crosses her face and a soothing wave of desire spreads through my body. It’s her.
Princess, we should get to our dinner.
Her radiant blue eyes hold me captive. Then her head tilts and the scent of her arousal fills my nose and my cock springs to life. Her lips call to me, the curve of her hips begs for my touch. The urge to spread her legs and fill her, to hear her whispering my name consumes me.
What are you doing?
Seducing you.
Talia returns to the room, and suddenly I can breathe. I fall back, not trusting myself. Fuck dinner, I’ll gladly eat her like a five-course meal. But this assignment is a matter of life and death—my father’s. Giving in to my desire to have her is not a choice. I look at the woman standing at the table. Her delicate hand cradles her chin and I lift my shield and join her at the table.
She examines the spread, and I examine her. Full hips, a handful of ass, and thick legs. I could love on her body from her beautiful toes up, but it’s the beat of her heart that unglues me.
Will you hide all night?
I freeze, How’d you get around my shield?
The same way I feel you here. She places that same hand over her heart. What is this, Xander? What does this mean?
I stand.
This is a mistake.
“Enjoy your dinner, princess. I’ll be outside.”
Xander… “Xander! Don’t leave.”
I lock the door, ignoring her pleas. Leaving before I rip her clothes off, throw her on the bed, and tell her the truth.
That the Creator is sick.
I lift my shield higher, raising it to the point of canceling every external thought and emotion until I’m numb, stalking away from the woman he made just for me.
How the fuck did I get into this mess?
8
The past two days have been hell. Talia has the troop running in sexually frustrated circles. No wonder Kaden sent me. She would have had her way and slipped out of their grasp without lifting a finger.
I’ve stayed away from her because I know I fucked up. I let my shield down and let her in, violating every rule it takes for me to survive.
