by Rinelle Grey
Cari stared at her father, willing him to agree. It seemed like the perfect solution. Surely he could see that?
But her father didn’t look impressed. “The way we live has protected our people from being discovered by the humans. If we change, we risk them finding us and hunting us down.”
His fears weren’t unfounded. Cari had heard Rowan’s brothers and sister talking of the humans struggling to accept them. But all she had to do was look at Rowan to know all humans weren’t like that. Besides, it wasn’t like they had many other options.
“If we don’t change our kind are going to die off,” Cari insisted. “You know that. Why are you being so stubborn?”
The look on her father’s face could only be described as mutinous. “I’m an old man, Cari. This is too much change for me.”
Then, to Cari’s surprise, he sighed and waved his hand. “You do it. You’re mated now. I can only assume you are who you are meant to be. So do it. Go be queen and save our people.”
Cari couldn’t believe it. She was sure her mouth was hanging open as she stared at him. “You’re just going to hand everything over to me? You’re not going to protest me moving our people? Really?”
“Of course not,” her father said as though she should already know this. “Cari, I’ve been waiting for years for you to be ready to take over. I always thought you would be the one to save our people, and though I admit I didn’t think this would be the way you’d do it, what do I know? I’m just an old merman who wants to get to see his grandchildren.”
Cari stared at him, but he seemed to be entirely serious.
Suddenly, the weight of Laquaria rested on her shoulders. But it didn’t feel heavy or unbearable. It felt right. And with Rowan by her side, she knew she could bear it. She reached out and took her mate’s hand.
“Are you okay with this?” Cari asked him privately. “It would mean spending a lot of time away from your family, helping me with my people. That is a lot to ask of you.”
“It’s not a problem,” Rowan said immediately. “It would be an honour to be able to be by your side as you help your people.”
And true to his word, Rowan stood beside her, holding her hand, as Cari made the announcement to her people—they would be leaving the deep, dark caves and returning to the surface to find mates and create a future for her people.
Even though she knew it was the right decision, Cari was a little surprised at the volume of cheers that erupted at her announcement.
Cari knew it would be a long hard road ahead for her people, but with Rowan by her side, she knew she could manage it.
Together, they could manage anything.
The End
I hope you enjoyed reading Mermaid Dreams. If you did, please consider leaving a review. Even a few sentences help.
Mermaid Dreams is the last story in the Escape to Dragon Island series, but it's not the last we'll hear of the mermaids. I have a new series coming about Cari's sisters. Join my Dragon Clan to hear when it's released.
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In the meantime, if you haven't already, read Calrian and Rylee's story in Trusting the Dragon Prince.
When a dragon shifter prince and a single mum bond accidentally, it could be deadly, for both of them.
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Fun & Flirty
Mermaid Dreams is part of the Fun & Flirty line by Shifters in Love. Fun & Flirty is a multi-author line containing a variety of paranormal romance series on the lighter side! HEA guaranteed!
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About the Author
If you read a Rinelle Grey story, you can trust in a happy ending. Love will always triumph, even if it seems impossible… Rinelle Grey writes feel-good romance usually in science fiction or fantasy settings. Her heroines are independent and headstrong, and her stories are hard to put down.
She grew up in a remote area of Australia, without power, hot water, or a phone, but now lives with all of those and her (happily ever after) husband, daughter, chooks, ducks and veggie garden.
She loves to receive e-mails at [email protected], or follow her on facebook or twitter.
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