She pushed him back and stalked out of the tiny shower area. “I fucking hate that movie.”
She ransacked his space until she found a comb, and then, she sat on the bunk, starting at the bottom of her hair and working her way up to the top. She had a hairball the size of her fist when she was done, but her hair was an even cascade down her back.
She picked up the shirt he had given her and grinned before she tore it in two and used her talent to shape it into a bandeau with a strap to support her breasts and a wrap skirt. Both were easy enough to move in and discard if she wanted to swim.
She left Adam’s quarters and headed to the galley. He had a tray in his hands, and she could smell the coffee. Lorai snagged the coffee and headed for the deck. “I need some fresh air.”
He followed her up the steps, and she took a seat on one of the benches in the aft, looking out over the open water.
Adam sat with her while she ate, and when she set the last bowl down and put her empty cup on the tray, he took her hand.
“So, while you were out, did you miss me?” He smiled.
She sighed. “I did. My dreams were of my mother, and the weather was cold and bitter.”
“Where is she?”
“I don’t think it has a name. It is on the edge of the northern sea where the wind howls and tries to pull her from her cliff. She stands firm.”
“You mentioned that she is against the rocks. Is she sleeping?”
Lorai squeezed his hand. “She is doing what the lone giants have always done when their mates die. She is becoming part of the earth again. I think she might be trying to become mobile again, but that might be more hope than truth.”
“May I meet her one day?”
She smiled. “Yes. She is looking forward to it.”
He shook his head. “You really love her.”
“Of course. I was raised primarily in the sea. My father showed me how to change shape, and my mother showed me the mysteries of the land. It was just us and other fey until humans came into our area.”
“Your mother didn’t swim?”
Lorai chuckled at the memory. “She walked on the bottom of the sea. She sank. Everywhere she went with us, she had to walk or my father would carry her.”
“She was stone?”
Lorai tried to describe it. “It is more like hardened rubber. The calcification occurs once the giant stops moving.”
“How large is your mother?”
“In her normal form, she is eleven feet, but in her human form, she is about my standard height.”
“You can change your height as well?”
She laughed. “Of course. I can’t change my mer form, but I can change my human one. I am only ten feet tall in my giant form. You probably have one, too. You just didn’t know it.”
He looked at his hands and tried to get taller. She could tell by the way he stuck his neck out.
“Wait until we are on the land. You need the contact with soil to manage it.”
He slumped in disappointment. “Tease.”
She laughed. “Thank you. It has been years since I have had someone to taunt.”
“How many years?”
“Well, the last time I took a lover, pantaloons had laces.”
His eyes widened. “Right. How much of a lifespan do you think we will have?”
She shrugged. “Anywhere from two hundred to two thousand years. There haven’t been too many of my particular type of fey, and I still talk to my grandfather on occasion. He can’t move, but if I have a decade, he can tell a joke.”
“Wow. That is a whole different outlook on time.”
“Change is the most difficult thing. This last century has been a whirlwind, and I have needed to keep myself tethered to the human world, which means they have had me in their sights.”
“Was it hard?”
“It was trying. I was attempting to make a living, and they would come in to take pictures with me, paw at my merchandise and leave. Their laughter gave me my youth back, but it was a hard price to pay.”
“Wait, what? Your youth back?”
“Oh, right. Well, I suppose you should know. After my mother died, I lost interest in the world and began to wither into a sea hag. I was nearly dead and pulled myself up onto shore to let the elements have me. I was rescued by some women, and they hid me from their husbands and brought me food. Their joy in being able to help me restored my youth and urge to survive. In return for their help, I made them clothing that was sturdy and protective with my hair woven into the fabric. If they needed me, I would come.”
“Did they?”
“Once or twice. I was called, and I pulled on my giant form and the waves were at my beck and call as I told the man that if he ever raised his hand against his wife or child again, I would tear him limb from limb. I believe there was another time when I had to return.”
“And you have no problem killing men.”
She shrugged. “Most merfolk think that a life lost to the sea is an honourable death.”
Adam nodded. “How did you find us?”
“I followed your directions on your GPS system, and when I noted you were not in an area that would yield treasure, I scrolled back to see your path. That is the kind of motion that is being controlled by someone without patience, and we both know that isn’t you. I knew something was up, and since you have to publicly file your salvage plans, I suspected pirates. I shifted and got myself to you as fast as I could. Apologies for not being faster.”
“You arrived in time. I was having a helluva time blocking my pain from the handfasting link.”
She blinked. “Could you feel me through that link?”
“It was a cool blank with flashes of affection.”
“Damn. I didn’t think to look for you.”
“It is all right. You had other things on your mind.”
She smiled and looked out at the ocean. It was calling to her. “Where are the guys?”
“They are taking a trip to the mainland on the zodiac. They will be back tomorrow.”
Lorai grinned. “In that case, did you want to go on a treasure hunt with me? We can be back to the ship in a few hours.”
“Hours? The ship is under us.”
She laughed. “Not this one. There is a far older vessel just a few miles from here. Come on.”
Lorai got to her feet and stripped before walking to the railing and jumping into the sea. The splash next to her spoke to Adam’s ability to strip at speed.
She smiled at him, kissed him quickly and shifted into her mer form.
Under the surface, he flicked his tail and grabbed her, holding her close as they twisted through the water. She steered and he provided propulsion. It was a balance she was delighted to strike.
Chapter Eight
Four months later, Lorwella’s face had taken on a more malleable texture. When Lorai and Adam walked up to her, she smiled. “Welcome, daughter. You are glowing.”
Lorai grinned. “Thank you, Mother. It is good to see you again.”
Adam bowed. “Lady Lorwella, I greet you on behalf of myself and the Srim family. I am Adam, and I am your daughter’s mate.”
Lorwella smirked. “As she is obviously pregnant, I am glad she has a mate who can match her in all elements.”
Lorai chuckled. “It took some doing, but his giant form is now suitable for your inspection.”
Adam had worked at it and was now a stately twelve feet tall.
He stood with his left arm behind Lorai’s right, backing her up and framing her. It was a pose suitable to the giant community, as the men were usually taller and blotted out the women if they didn’t literally stand behind their mates.
Adam had studied her peoples’ cultures, and she had studied the ways of the dolphin shifters. They were both equipped for any family events that came up.
“Adam, what is your profession?”
Lorai snickered.
“Lady, I am a treasure hunter and a dive instructor.”
“Very.”
“What will you do if my first grandchild is a girl?”
“Laugh with glee and call my sisters. I have grown up in a matriarchal family. My people listen to the eldest female of the clan, and in our family, that will be Lorai.”
“Suitable answer. When are you due, Lorai?”
“If all goes well, two seasons from now. I am due at the end of summer.”
Lorwella frowned. “I will not be free by then.”
“I know, but the baby will come in its own time. I will take a picture of you and show it to the child until you can make it to us. Also, I will bring it here when it is old enough for the journey.” Lorai walked to her and pressed a hand to her mother’s cheek. “You will not be forgotten.”
Her mother leaned her head into the touch. “You are giving me a reason to remain in the world.”
“I know. Aren’t I a bitch?” Lorai grinned and her mother laughed.
They talked for an hour more, and Adam stood there in his giant form, his cloak whipping about him in the brisk wind. Lorai looked back at him several times, and her heart flipped in her chest. Her mate. He was worth the wait.
They hung their cloaks and clothing in the small shelter built of stone that Lorai had constructed after her mother went to the cliff. The era of waterproof plastic made it unnecessary to keep her clothing ready for her visits, but it was a habit she wasn’t ready to break.
Adam looked uneasy about removing all of his clothing before walking into the icy ocean, but Lorai had faith in his ability to swim back to the water gate to the Crossroads.
They came out of the water at the Isthmus, and their families greeted them. In lieu of her parents, her distant cousin Altion represented Lorai.
Altion held out a jewelled robe, and he wrapped it around her as she climbed the water steps onto the paved ceremonial space. “Are you ready, cousin?”
“I am. Everything has been done, and our engagement has been witnessed by the human world. This is the last step.”
Adam was wearing a silvery wrap, and his mother was fussing with his hair.
Lorai had seen a few barbarians in her time, and with the short wrap and the wild black hair, she was delighted that she was getting to keep this one.
The justice of the peace that had been procured for the occasion watched as everyone took their places.
Lorai smiled at her bridesmaids. Four of Adam’s sisters had volunteered happily to be on her side. The other three were with their brother.
Altion took his place at one side of the podium, Adam’s mother, Veema, was on the other side.
Adam’s groom’s maids lined up, the cascading music began, and he was next to them, smiling down the path.
Lorai smoothed the jewelled robe into a gown as the first of her maids took the wander down the bride path. When her hands caressed her belly, she smiled. It was nice to have the baby there for the wedding.
Melwiss was in the crowd, looking bright and cheerful and far better than she had a year ago. Life in the Isthmus seemed to have stabilised her, or perhaps it was her companion. She looked happy and that was what mattered.
After Elle, Rachel and then Maia and Lettice, finally, Lorai was able to walk down the path and stand next to Adam.
The ceremony started, and she held his hand while she looked into his eyes. One year together and she wished it had been a hundred. She wanted him with her forever.
The honeymoon was not strictly necessary, but with Lorai’s dress shop in good hands and the treasure museum under construction, it was a sound place to spend a few weeks.
She stood next to Adam while the permanent residents of the Crossroads and Isthmus came by to congratulate them on the pregnancy.
Lorai smiled as he answered a few questions for her. It was a relief. She had told seventeen people that she had visited her mother and gotten her approval for the match, now he was telling them about meeting her mother.
It had been an eventful year, and a break was definitely in order.
Juno came over. “How are you enjoying the party?”
Lorai smiled. “I am having a pretty good time. I can’t believe that Dira brought the babies.”
“They are over a year old now. Nearly walking. Their crawling has exceptional speed and strength, so watch out. They have bowled more than one of us over in the last year.”
Lorai chuckled. “There are a lot of girls around. I am almost hoping that I have a boy. The odds for him finding a mate are pretty good.”
“Well, I am hoping that mine is a girl. If she can find a guy half as perfect for her as Derix is for me, she will be a very happy woman.”
“Congratulations!” Lorai hugged her. She knew that they had been trying. Derix’s soft smile as he looked at them showed that he was relieved and delighted with the occurrence.
“Juno, how far along are you?”
“Four weeks. Your little one will be along quite a bit before mine.” She smiled. “You will have to tell me about what labour actually feels like. Everyone has these fantastical descriptions, but I get the feeling that you will be far more practical about things.”
“Usually, but I have waited a long time to have a mate, let alone a child. I might just wax poetic after it emerges.”
Juno laughed and winked. “The honeymoon suite is ready when you are. Ask for anything you want and the tower will provide it. It is looking forward to your stay. Most couples fuck and run.”
Lorai laughed, and Dira, Teebie and Spike joined them. It was a meeting of the married and surprisingly fun.
Adam carried her up the stairs of the tower and over the threshold of their suite. “Mrs. Srim, I am delighted to have the chance to carry you over the threshold.”
She grinned. “Why thank you, Mr. Srim. You are doing an excellent job.”
Their door opened at their approach, and he triumphantly carried her over the threshold.
She laughed in relief and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Finally.”
He chuckled and released her legs to slide her down his body. “I thought that time didn’t mean much to you.”
Lorai looked into his beloved face. “It didn’t. Now that I have you and my little guppy here, each moment is precious.”
Adam ran his hand through her hair, and their kiss shared the sparks of the first time.
Lorai drew back. “That is different.”
He chuckled. “Derix mentioned that the tower had a gift for us. I am guessing that this is it.”
She leaned back, out of his embrace. With a smile, she extended her hand to his, and their handshake carried the crackling energy of their first contact.
“This is going to be fun.” She smiled and stroked her other hand down his body, an inch from his flesh.
The crackle of energy caressed him without her touching him.
The column of his throat tensed as her hand moved over his groin without touching. His cock rose under his wrap and elevated the fabric.
Not one to be outdone, Adam ran his hand above the bodice of her gown, spearing prickles of sensation through her breasts and the surface of her skin.
Unsatisfied with the lack of contact, Adam unfastened her gown and eased the heavy fabric from her shoulders.
She returned the favour on his wrap, and he backed her up to the bed.
A glance at the headboard made her smile. “I don’t remember them from the first time.”
Adam looked at the cuffs and chains. “They look too large for you.”
“Oh, they are.”
He looked from the cuffs to her. “You are serious?”
“I am. As much as I love being pinned under you—and I do love it—I think a little experimentation for our new start is in order.”
Adam grinned and lay on the bed; Lorai straddled his chest and buckled the cuffs into place. She chuckled at his attempts to reach her breasts and leaned down to let him suck and bite at her flesh while her body prepared a welcome.
Her eyes closed as her senses took over. The crackling power between them was more intense now that she knew every part of him and him her.
She slowly slid back and raised her hands above his skin, skating the sparks of power over him and watching the telltale marks of jumping muscle and tightening skin.
He groaned as she backed up until she was across his thighs and his cock was standing up between them.
With care and focus, she placed her hands on either side of his erection, and she ran the sparks through the engorged flesh under her control. He stiffened, arched his back and precum began to seep from the flared head.
Lorai laughed and bent forward, licking at the salty drops while her lover shuddered and pulled at his restraints. It was far less than she wanted to do, but it was enough.
She raised herself up and moved forward until he was nudging at her slit. She was wet and ready and eased down on him with a smile.
He groaned, and she heard the creak of the restraints. He could get loose; she didn’t care. The feel of riding him with the energy crackling along her skin was enough for the moment.
Sweat coated her as her ride slid him in and out of her with delicious slowness. She shivered as her body tightened around him. She wanted his hands on her, and as she wished it, it happened.
The cuffs snapped loose, and Adam gripped her hips, sliding his hands around her waist and up her belly to her breasts.
She rode him faster, and he slid a hand between them, stroking her clit with the rhythm she liked, and she exhaled and then jerked upright as her orgasm struck.
Lorai gripped his hands and held on for dear life as her body tried to shake apart.
When she was slumped against him, she looked up and met his gaze. He grinned. “My turn.”
He rolled her to her back and then to her side. He wrapped himself around her back, lifted her thigh to her chest and slid into her.
He rocked into her, cupping her breasts and kissing her neck.
When he started to run his tongue around the edge of her ear, she began to shake again. His thrusts slid against the front wall of her channel, and when he picked up speed, the friction sent her into a world of sensation as the caress of seldom-touched nerves blinded her senses.
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