Riptide [Kismet Cove] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Susan Hayes

  “This is me,” she breathed in awe. “I can feel it.”

  “She had to have taken this from you when you were only a child.” Evan sighed. “You probably don’t even remember changing.”

  Jess blew out a long breath. “How does this even work? Was I born human or…” She lifted the pelt slightly. “This?”

  Rory explained. “Pups are born with the same form as their mother at the time of their birth, and then they stay in that form for the next six years or so. Seal-form selkies just need to imagine a human shape and the pelt comes off. For human-form selkie children, it’s the reverse.

  “The change from human to seal is instinctive, especially when we’re in the water. Take a selkie child of the right age out into the water and tell them to imagine their seal form while playing and splashing around, and it usually doesn’t take very long for them to change forms. After that, the pelt is hidden in a safe place and the child learns to summon the change at will.”

  “What do you mean, hidden?” Jess asked, feeling lost. “Don’t we need it to transform? I don’t understand.”

  Rory answered her. “A selkie doesn’t need to have their pelt physically with them to transform. It’s more a symbol or a talisman than an actual pelt we wear. We just need to summon the power it holds.”

  “Power,” Jess breathed the word. “You’re talking about actual magic again. Do you have any idea how hard it is to accept all this?”

  “We know,” Evan murmured. “You just keep asking questions, Jess. I promise, this is all real. We’re really selkies, all of us.”

  “So why can’t I change?” she asked, looking at Rory.

  “Well for starters you didn’t know you could. How could you summon an ability you didn’t know you had? Plus, your pelt was contained inside an iron box.”

  “And that was enough to stop the…magic?” Jess stumbled over the last word.

  “It would be enough to stop any of us from being able to transform,” Evan chimed in. “You’ve read the legends, right? Sometimes humans would find a selkie’s pelt and use iron to block the magic so the selkie couldn’t transform and effectively became a slave to the one who possessed their pelt.”

  So we hide our pelts very carefully.” Rory explained. “We keep ours tucked away in a fireproof safe. We’ll keep yours there too, when you’re ready.”

  “I think that’s a good idea.”

  Both of them leaned in close and Jess basked in the warmth of their presence, grateful they were here with her. Her mother had to have known that by sending Jess back to Tofino, all of this would have come out eventually, and Jess was thankful that she had Rory and Evan’s love and patience while she muddled her way through all these revelations.

  Jess unfolded her pelt so she could see the silver and charcoal coloring more clearly, and a folded note fell onto the floor. Her name had been clearly written on it in her mother’s elegant handwriting.

  “Mom.” She whispered the single word and felt tears pricking at her eyes again. “She always did like getting in the last word.”

  I think you’ve spent enough time kneeling on the floor.” Rory was already moving and helping Jess to her feet as he spoke.

  “I’m just going to make sure I didn’t burn dinner. Give me a minute.” Evan kissed her cheek and then jogged back to the kitchen.

  Rory settled her in the middle of the couch and sat down beside her, drawing her up against his chest and curving one strong arm around her waist. “How are you holding up?” he asked and she heard the concern in his tone.

  “All things considered, I’m doing pretty well. I haven’t run screaming out into the woods just yet, so I’d say I’m coping nicely.”

  “When you’re ready, Evan and I will help you learn to take your other form. Now that you know what we are, there are so many things we can tell you that we couldn’t before.”

  “Just remember that after today, we’re not allowed any more secrets. I don’t think I can take any more dramatic surprises in this lifetime.”

  “I think we’ve covered all the big ones. The rest we can show you as you get used to the idea that you’re not who you thought you were.”

  Evan came around the couch and joined them, cuddling up close to Jess. “Read the letter, sweetheart. Then we’re going to put this soap opera on hold and go have something to eat.”

  Jess laid the pelt in her lap and unfolded the note.

  My darling Jess,

  I hope that by the time you are reading this, you’ve already found at least some of the answers to the questions you always wanted to know. You always wanted to know where I was born, who my family was, and why you never saw any of your relatives. I’m sorry that I never gave you the answers you deserved. At the time I believed it was for the best, but now I know I should have given you at least some of the answers you wanted. Now it’s too late and I fear you’ll have to find out for yourself.

  Once you’ve read this letter I want you to go find Emma Frazier. She lives just up the road from your cabin in a place called Kismet Cove. There was a time when she was my dearest and closest friend, and I know she will be able to help you make sense of what I’m going to tell you.

  Before I married your father, my name was Mara Silk. My parents were Jack and Alicia Silk. They are very likely still living at Kismet Cove. Before you go to speak to them, please, talk to Emma and show her this letter. She’ll understand what is needed.

  Jess, be wary of your grandfather. Don’t let him try to take control of your life in any way. He is the reason I left home all those years ago, and he may still be a threat to you now. He ordered me to marry against my wishes, and when I refused to agree to the marriage he beat me and made it clear to me I had no choice in the matter. I was already in love with your father, and rather than face a lifetime of unhappiness with my father’s choice for me, I ran to your father’s cabin and begged him to take me away. We eloped that night.

  I had to keep you safe, and to do that I made decisions that weren’t really mine to make. I denied you your heritage, and I will always regret that I wasn’t brave enough to tell you the truth. I hope one day you will forgive me for keeping secrets from you, but I truly believed it was necessary. Be happy, my beautiful daughter.

  Love always,

  Mom

  Jess read the letter and then read it again, and when she was done there were several tearstains on the paper. “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about granddad trying to order me around like he did mom. I have you two to protect me from him.”

  Rory reached around and took the letter from her and handed it to Evan. “I read it over her shoulder, but you really need to read this, too,” was all he said to Evan before turning his attention back to Jess.

  “Baby, your grandfather passed away a few years ago, so you’d be safe from him no matter what. Your grandmother and her other mate, Michael, are still alive and living here, though. They’ll be very happy to meet you, they’re good souls.”

  Evan sucked in a breath and handed the letter back to Jess as he finished reading it. “It’s what everyone suspected was happening back then. I guess now we have proof.”

  “Proof of what?” Jess demanded.

  Evan was the one who answered. “About the time your mom took off, other younger members of the colony started disappearing, too. Rory’s grandfather and some of the other parents of the time were obsessed with improving the bloodlines. There was a lot of talk of forced pairings and other nastiness, but the ones who were involved all left the colony so there was no one to confirm anything. Instead of improving the bloodlines, the colony lost nearly half a generation. We’re still recovering from that imbalance.”

  “So my mom wasn’t the only one.”

  “No, she wasn’t. But that exodus is one of the reason’s my father is so hung up on our mating to someone of the right bloodline. He’s better than my grandfather, but he was still influenced by the bastard. When it’s my turn to lead, things are going to be different.” Rory mad
e the last line sound like a vow, and Jess turned her head to kiss his cheek. “Yes, we will.”

  “Spoken like a true princess-in-training,” Evan said approvingly and patted her knee. “So, can we please eat now? Jess still needs to sop up the last of that tequila, and I’m starving. Breakfast was a long time ago.”

  “I think food is a great idea.” Jess sat up and smiled at her two men. “Then I want to take you two to bed so you can make me forget all about this day, selkies, and most especially Renee.”

  “Yeah, about her—” Rory started to speak and Jess put a finger to his lips to silence him.

  “I know you didn’t sleep with her, no matter what she said. I know my boys, and she was not even close to your type.”

  “So what is our type?” Evan helped her to her feet and then hauled her into his arms for a slow, lingering kiss before she could answer.

  When he finally released her she took an unsteady step backward and bumped into Rory, who turned her around and kissed her just as intently as Evan had just done. By the time he lifted his head to breathe Jess’s head was spinning and she knew the answer to Evan’s question.

  “I’m your type. And I happen to be one of a kind.”

  Chapter 19

  After dinner Rory waved them off, claiming that since Evan had done the cooking, it was only fair someone else do the dishes. Evan sent his blood-brother a silent message of gratitude and snagged Jess’s hand, leading her away from the kitchen before she could even consider offering to help.

  He led her down the hall to the bathroom and kicked the door closed behind them. He’d been waiting for his moment to get Jess alone, and he wasn’t going to waste the time Rory had given them.

  Evan tugged her into his arms and held her close, letting her soft warmth and soothing scent ease some of the anxiety he’d been feeling since he first realized she’d run away from them, hours before. He knew her upset was his fault, and every time he looked back at the scene at Darius’s home he wished he could go back and undo the moment he’d gloated over confirmation Jess was a selkie.

  “I’m sorry I was an idiot before. I should have found a way to tell you what we suspected about your family. Vows of secrecy or not, I will never forgive myself for the way you found out about everything.”

  “You mean the way you cheered and did a victory dance?” Jess’s asked, her tone at its drollest.

  “Uh, yeah. I’m aware that wasn’t my finest moment. I am really sorry, sweetheart.”

  “So sorry you’re currently apologizing to me in the least romantic room in my house?” Jess’s crystal-blue eyes were dancing with mirth and Evan knew she’d forgiven him. “Well, I figured as part of my apology I’d offer to wash your hair for you, starting at your toes and working my way up.”

  Jess inhaled sharply and he got to watch as a wave of desire transformed her expression from humored to aroused between one heartbeat and the next. Her skin flushed and her sweet mouth parted just a little so that the tip of her tongue could dart out to lick her lips. The pulse point at her throat started to visibly jump, and Evan felt his cock thicken and swell in response to every signal her body was giving his.

  “You are so beautiful.” Evan felt the heat of his desire merging into the deeper warmth that was his love for Jess and he leaned in to kiss her. Her lips were still sticky with traces of maple syrup and he paused to savor the sweetness, nibbling at her lower lip until she grew impatient and stretched upward to kiss him fully on the mouth. That simple act set Evan’s blood blazing and he hauled her up against his body as he let his mouth brand and plunder hers. He needed this, to be lost in the scent, the flavor, and the feel of the woman he and Rory had found and intended to claim forever.

  Jess moaned as she ground her soft body against his dick, her fingers already working to unfasten his pants and free him from the too-tight confines of his briefs. As her warm hand wrapped around his cock Evan shuddered and rocked his hips, pumping his dick in and out of her grip.

  “This is not what I had in mind,” he murmured against her lips and then lifted his head, backing up a half a step so he could try to regain control of the situation. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you, but I’d rather we got naked and wet first.”

  Instead of answering, Jess followed him and grabbed a hold of his shirt so she could lean up and kiss him. The moment he responded to her Jess closed her teeth on Evan’s lower lip and sucked it into her mouth and Evan felt his determination waver as all his willpower and most of the blood in his body raced to his dick.

  She released his lip and fisted his cock before finally whispering, “We could skip the shower and go straight to bed instead.”

  Evan pondered for a moment, and then pulled away from her with a shake of his head. “Nuh-uh. There’s something I’ve wanted to do with you since I first saw this incredible shower, and now’s the perfect time.”

  “Now you have my attention.” Jess smiled up at him, her eyes glowing with a heady mix of lust and love that made Evan’s head spin. Mine. The single word reverberated through to his very soul.

  “Ours.” Rory’s mind touched his, rife with amusement and the faintest hint of reproof.

  “Nosy bastard, get back to washing those dishes,” Evan grumbled and then realized he’d spoken aloud.

  “What was that about?” Jess demanded.

  “Uh, that was Rory.” Evan’s mind raced as he tried to figure out a way to explain things without upsetting her yet again.

  “I gathered.” Jess released his cock and snuggled herself back into his arms. “I was right, wasn’t I? You two can talk to each other without speaking.”

  “It’s part of the bond we have, yes. And once you’re fully bonded with us, you will be able to do it, too.”

  “I want to do that soon.”

  “What, the telepathy thing? You will, sweetheart.”

  “I want us to be bonded and the sooner the better. I don’t want any more surprises or any other women trying to claim my place. I want both of you.” She looked up at him and her face was full of determination and there was a stubborn set to her jaw. This was a woman who knew what she wanted, and Evan rejoiced at the fact that what she wanted was a life with him and Rory.

  “Rory’s the next leader of the colony, sweetheart. There is going to be one hell of a party the day we’re formally bonded. It’ll take a few weeks to get organized.” He brushed a kiss over her lips and grinned down at her. “I promise we’ll keep you very busy in the meantime. We need to move you in with us and get you a car, and you and Emma need to plan everything. And I need to get my family back here. You haven’t even met them yet. Oh yes, you’re going to need all that time just to get prepared.”

  “I’m going plan this?” She grinned back at him. “Oh, no. We are going to plan this. I’m not doing this alone, buster.”

  “If you can get Rory to help pick out flowers and a menu, then that will be proof positive that you are the perfect partner for us.”

  Jess smirked and started skinning off Rory’s T-shirt. “I have ways of convincing him that you don’t have at your disposal.”

  “Like what?” Evan asked and then lost his train of thought as Jess cupped her breasts in her hands and toyed with her nipples until they were swollen to hard nubs.

  “Like this.”

  “Brat!” Evan swatted her on the ass and laughed as she squealed and backed away from him. “Go get the shower turned on. I need to get naked here and then I’m going to show you what happens to bratty mates.”

  Jess deliberately wiggled her ass at him as she turned on the water and adjusted the temperature. “I thought Rory was the one with the thing for spankings?”

  “He is. But there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”

  Or in this case, tease a pussy.

  Evan shucked his clothing and left it in a heap on the floor. The only thing he was interested in right now was getting Jess’s naked body wrapped around his. He stepped into the shower with her and slid his hands around her wai
st, one hand cupping the heavy weight of her breasts while the other dove straight down to part the lips of her pussy so he could stroke her clit. Hot water streamed down over them both and he held her there, her back pressed to his chest as he buried his face against her neck and inhaled.

  “I am never going to get tired of the way your scent makes my dick hard.”

  “Is that a selkie thing? Because the way you and Rory smell makes me feel like I’ve come home.”

  “It’s because we’re true mates. We’re perfectly matched. It means that you, Rory, and I were meant to be together.” Evan ground his hips against Jess’s backside, letting his cock run up and down the seam of her ass. “It’s rare, because not everyone is lucky to be as compatible as Rory and I. The elders have to take their best guess and hope.”

  Evan bit down on her shoulder and the taste of her skin, warm and sweet, filled his mouth. “You taste good, sweetheart, but I need more.”

  He turned her around and backed her up against the wall of the shower, ignoring her hiss of complaint when her body hit the cool tiles. He reached up blindly and grabbed the shower nozzle, moving it over so that the steady flow of steamy, hot rain fell over them in their new position. Only then did he indulge himself in a long, slow tour of Jess’s body, starting with her lips and working his way down to her breasts. She moaned and arched herself against him and he turned his head to suckle one plump nipple into his mouth. As he nibbled and sucked at one breast his hand worked its way slowly lower, until his fingers were resting in the patch of trim curls that guarded her cunt. Jess’s entire body shuddered and she rolled her hips, rubbing herself against his hand as her fingers tangled into his hair and tugged his head closer.

  “Evan, I need you.”

  He let her breast go with a slight pop and looked up to grin at her. “I can see that, sweetheart.” He dipped his fingers into her pussy and rubbed over her slick folds. “I can feel it, too.” He worked his hand further between her thighs and stroked the length of her pussy, deliberately avoiding her clit.