by Devyn Quinn
I wasn’t there when she needed me, came his dark thought. Not that she’d needed him. Even now he couldn’t forget the aura of power and majesty that had surrounded her when she’d stepped out to challenge Magaera.
Needing answers, he glanced up. On the opposite side of the bed, Gwen sat quietly over the crystals cupped in her hands. A calming bluish green glow emanated from the stones. Blake hovered nearby, keeping a protective eye on his fiancée.
Mason hated to disturb her meditation. He cleared his throat, trying not to be too damn intrusive. “She will be all right?”
“She sent out a lot of energy, fast and furious. It’ll take a bit to recharge.” Gwen swept a hand across her younger sibling’s forehead, smoothing away the damp strands of hair. “But she’s young and should recover pretty quickly.”
Mason looked at Addison again. Although he didn’t know where she’d gotten such a thing, the bejeweled breastplate she’d worn had left its mark on her flesh; her shoulders and chest were scorched. More blisters ringed her wrists, both lightly bandaged. “You’re sure?”
Setting her crystals aside, Gwen nodded. “Of course. All she needs is rest.”
He shook his head. “We should have done more to help her.”
“Your men did help us,” Gwen countered softly. “Several of them gave their lives to stand beside us. Their deaths honor our battle and prove we weren’t wrong to stand against a tyrant.”
Mason felt his throat tighten. All he could do was mourn the dead and take pride in the fact that the men serving under his command had enough courage to put their lives on the line to defend what they believed in. “Thank you,” he said quietly. “That will mean a lot to their families.”
Gwen smiled gently. “They were there when we needed them. We never could have stood against Magaera alone. Their sacrifice gives the Mer people a freedom they’ve long been denied.”
Trying to block his reaction to her reply would be futile. “Then it’s true—Addison is queen?” Cold awareness rushed over him even as the words slipped past his lips.
A flash of pride crossed Gwen’s face. “Absolutely. And when I think back on all we’ve been through, I know this is the way it was always been meant to be.”
“How so?”
“It took us a long time to discover who we really were and where we came from. We had no real identity. It was wrong, I think, to try and hide the truth. In a way, I guess we owe Jake for his obsession with rediscovering Ishaldi.”
“In the end it all came around and bit him on the ass. When Magaera had no more use for his services, she disposed of him.”
Gwen lowered her head. “I’m sorry he had to die such a cruel death.” Her gaze caught his. “Does Tessa know?”
Mason glanced over his shoulder. Tessa lay nearby, practically smothered by her husband. Even as the others were scurrying to abandon the rapidly disappearing floe of ice, Kenneth had headed toward the island with one thing in mind: recovering his pregnant wife. Whittaker, Hawkins, and Jovon had accompanied him. The Mer soldiers had offered no resistance. He had even managed to reclaim his wife’s stolen soul-stone, miraculously undamaged. Fortunately, Magaera hadn’t been wearing it when she died, having left it in her private chambers in the keep of her lady-in-waiting.
He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
Gwen’s lips thinned. She gestured for Blake to join them, pulling him down to whisper a few things in his ear.
After a quick, hushed conversation, Blake straightened. “I’ll tell Kenneth,” he said. “It would probably be better coming from him. From what I gather, she had a pretty tough time in captivity.” He went to pull Tessa’s husband aside.
Gwen watched her fiancé walk away. The depths of her eyes sparkled with pride. “I can’t think of what I would do without that man. Every day I thank the goddess I found someone who’s so good to me.”
Mason felt a twinge of envy. The expression on Gwen’s face was one of pure love and appreciation for her mate. He wondered what it would feel like to see that same light in Addison’s eyes.
A few minutes of silence passed between them, each lost in his own thoughts.
“I imagine being taken by Magaera wasn’t easy for you, either,” Gwen finally ventured.
Mason didn’t want to think about it. He still felt as if he’d been through hell and hadn’t fully comprehended the trip. “I’ll survive.”
Gwen looked at him and cocked her head. “I hope so, Captain. As for you and Addison… I know what happened between you two. Although it’s probably not my place to say so, I want you to know that my little sister really cares about you. So don’t be an asshole. If you don’t love her, let her go.” Rising from her seat, she brushed the wrinkles out of her blouse. “Excuse me while I check on my other sister.”
Watching her go, Mason shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Gwen’s warning, however subtle, hit its mark. Once she woke up, Addison had a lot to face—a restless nation and a curious world, not to mention learning how to be a queen.
And what would that make him? Some kind of prince consort, a man standing in her shadow, destined forevermore to walk two steps behind?
If he was going to walk away, now would be the time.
Just get up and go, he thought. And don’t look back.
But he couldn’t, and he didn’t. The hold Addison had on him was too damn strong.
There had to be a way to make their lives mesh. As one accustomed to the protocol of military service, surely he could make the adjustment to the rites and rituals of diplomacy. Those who could not bend under pressure were destined to break. He could be flexible…
“How is she?”
Lost as he was in his thoughts, the sound of a new voice startled him. Recognizing a superior officer, Mason tensed and rose to his feet.
Vice Admiral Dalton returned the gesture. “At ease, Captain.”
Mason allowed himself to relax. “Thank you, sir.”
“How are you holding up?”
Mason rubbed his hands across his face. “I’m not sure. I’ve never lost anyone under my command.”
Dalton’s face took on a grim cast. “You never get used to it.” He tilted his head. “It’ll stay with you until the day you die. But their deaths weren’t wasted, and you can take pride in that.”
Mason clasped his hands together. Though his heart had ceased to pound in his chest, his brow was still clammy. And the taste of rage and bitterness was strong in his mouth—rage at his own helplessness and rage over the loss of the valiant men who’d fought and died. “It doesn’t seem to be enough.”
Dalton’s expression softened. “That’s the reality of our situation, Captain.” His gaze turned toward Addison. “How is she?”
Mason forced himself to swallow the acid rising from his stomach. It would be easy to turn his anger toward the Mer people. But he couldn’t do that. Not when he loved Addison so damn much. “According to Addison’s sister, she’s going to be fine. She just needs rest.”
Dalton eyed the unconscious woman. “She did a brave thing.” He shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Incredible doesn’t even begin to describe the scope of what these things are capable of.”
Mason stared directly in his superior’s eyes. “With all due respect, sir, the Mer aren’t things.” He looked down at Addison, an ember of warmth growing stronger in his heart. “I made the mistake of thinking the Mer don’t belong in our world. But they’re just like us. They think, they feel, and they love the same way we do.”
Dalton’s brows knitted. “I misspoke,” he allowed. “And my apologies. It is my hope that we will be able to help the Mer expand their horizons in the near future.” His gaze moved back and forth between Addison and Mason. “Correct me if I am wrong, Captain, but I take it you two have become very close.”
It was a fact Mason couldn’t deny—not that he wanted to. “That’s right,” he allowed. “In the time I have known Addison, I’ve come to admire her skills, both in and out of t
he water.”
Dalton nodded. “You’d better make sure she’s what you want, Captain. Despite what happened here today, it won’t be easy facing a future with her.”
Mason bristled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Dalton’s expression turned grave. “I’m saying there are still a lot of people who aren’t as welcoming to their kind. Once the new element wears off, it’s going to be tough bringing them into the twenty-first century.”
Mason held his gaze for several long seconds before answering. “I’ll be there, right beside her.” The decision had been made. He’d charted his course. And he intended to follow it, as he promised, every step of the way.
The older man released a grunt of approval. “You’re a good officer and a better man, McKenzie.” He shook his head in admiration. “Somehow I think you’ll make it work.”
“I intend to, sir.”
Dalton laid a hand on his shoulder. “I know you will.” Without another word, his superior turned and walked away.
Mason watched him go. Although he wasn’t really sure what had gone on after he was nabbed, he had a feeling that Dalton had played a large role in the coup d’état against Queen Magaera. Whether the vice admiral had acted in conjunction with Washington was something he had yet to find out. When push came to shove, Dalton was known to be somewhat of a wild card.
Mason scrubbed a hand over his jaw. Everything in his life had suddenly been turned upside down, and he was still struggling to catch up.
His gaze traveled back to Addison, lying so pale and still. He’d always believed true love was a myth. He’d always believed himself to be smarter than that, unwilling to confuse the needs of the physical with those of the heart.
But he’d been wrong, damn it—entirely wrong. Since making love to Addison, she was all he could think about, night and day. He couldn’t imagine being with any other woman ever again.
Taking his seat, Mason bent closer and pressed her hand between his, silently willing his strength into her weakened body. Even though he felt absolutely wasted, as empty and dry as a husk in the desert, he would give every last ounce to help Addison. She was all he wanted now—deeply, and without reserve. Open your eyes, honey. Please…
As if in response to his silent prayer, Addison’s eyelids fluttered. Fighting for control, she tried to raise her head. “Mason?” she mumbled half audibly.
He reached out, stroking Addison’s cheek. Her skin felt so icy. “Welcome back.”
She gasped painfully, swiping her tongue over papery lips. “F-fancy meeting you h-here.” Her voice was strained, barely above a whisper.
Mason drew a deep breath of relief. He felt wholly exposed to her. “You’re going to be all right.”
Addison tried to raise herself but fell back with weariness. “Magaera…”
Mason hushed her. “She’s gone. It’s over.”
His words did little to calm her. She shivered. “And Tessa… Is she all right?”
Mason leaned forward, narrowing the distance between them. The only thing he wanted to do was put his arms around her and hold her close. Just thinking about all he wanted to say made his heart beat faster. “Your sister is fine. You can see her in a little while.” He allowed a smile. “I think Kenneth’s hogging her attention right now.”
“Thank the goddess,” she murmured. “I never want to go through anything like that again.”
Tightening his grip on her hand, he nodded. “What you did was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like that before in my life.”
Staring at him pitifully, she shivered again. “I don’t w-want to be queen,” she mumbled weakly.
Mason stared at her in silence for a moment. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes and the fear hovering just beneath her calm façade. In one momentous event, everything about her life had changed. She was no longer just Addison Lonike, an EMT who happened to be a mermaid. She was Queen Addison of the Tesch dynasty, and her life was no longer her own. The Mer people would need a steady head to guide them as they rejoined the modern world.
“Well, damn it, you are, so you’d better get used to being called Your Highness.” As he spoke, need jolted through him. Damn it. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d kissed her. He’d make up for that, as soon as he could.
Addison stared at him in confusion. “I don’t want to be”—her breath caught—“without you.”
Mason briefly shut his eyes. Before Magaera’s soldiers had grabbed him, he’d made a resolution to tell her exactly how he felt. Now was that time. “You won’t have to. Whatever arrangement you might have with Jovon, it’s done. Call it off.”
She gave him a strange look. “It was never on to begin with,” she admitted.
Somehow he’d misjudged the situation. Badly. “And you never gave it a moment’s thought?” he asked, just to make sure.
“Not one single minute.” Despite her exhaustion, a twinkle lit up the depths of her eyes. “So tell me—do you think you’ll have any problems being a queen’s consort?”
Mason couldn’t answer right away. He felt a lump in his throat; it was an immense and completely unfamiliar sensation. It had to be love, as there was no other word to describe the emotions welling up inside his soul.
He managed a laugh. “Can you live on a navy captain’s salary?”
Without warning Addison blinked. “That’s a lot to ask.” Her voice sounded surprisingly strong as a smile tilted her lips. “But I’ll try. Real hard.”
Mason smiled back. “And so will I,” he murmured. With all my heart.
She pushed herself upright. “So I guess this is the moment where I should say those three magic words.” Though her expression was serious, her gaze danced with mischief.
Mason lifted his brows. “Oh? And what would that be?”
Addison angled her lips toward his ear. “I love you.” Her words were spoken in a hot, breathy whisper.
Unable to resist, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. “I love you more,” he breathed before sealing his words with a kiss. She nipped back, playfully catching his lower lip between her teeth.
Oh, yeah. Addison was going to be just fine. He’d make sure of it. With his entire being, he knew a single kiss would never be enough to satisfy his need for her.
Their lives lay ahead of them now, a path that wouldn’t be an easy one. Nevertheless, it would be one they would travel together, walking always hand in hand.
As for the Mer, a new day had dawned and the future of Ishaldi and its citizens lay ahead. And not only were there the Mer to be dealt with, but there were also the Nyx who wished to return home. Although it would take much time and patience for diplomatic ties to be established, one thing was certain: The mermaids had returned to the waters they’d once called home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Devyn Quinn lives in the scenic Southwest, though she has called several other states home. She is a huge fan of dark gothic music and shoot-’ em-up action movies. But reading is her first love, and Devyn spends too much time with history books, as well as feeding her addiction for celebrity biographies. She especially enjoys reading books on Hollywood before the 1960s and is crazy about Marilyn Monroe, her legend and her myth. Visit www.devynquinn.com for more information.
Read on for a sneak peek at the first novel in
the Vampire Armageddon series,
Darkness Descending
Available from Signet Eclipse.
Jesse Burke crouched beside the grave of Candace Ackerman. Her gaze raked the freshly turned soil, her grip tightening around her flashlight. Its weight felt solid, reassuring in her hand. A good thing, too. Her heart pounded so fiercely, she could barely think straight.
Her breath caught as a wild thought popped into her head. What the hell am I doing?
Most people didn’t sit in cemeteries after dark waiting by a grave the way someone would wait for a bus. Most people, even bereaved family members of the recently deceased, had the good sense to go home afte
r the sun set. And most people didn’t believe the dead would awaken, return to walk again. After all, the deceased were no longer alive.
Jesse believed. Because she believed, she’d traveled to the Metairie Cemetery to do one thing and one thing only—to slay her first vampire.
No matter if she died in the process. As far as she was concerned, she’d passed away months ago and just didn’t have the sense to stretch out in a coffin herself. No matter if she had to endure a lot of pain to make it happen. She wasn’t leaving until one of them stayed put.
Permanently.
She’d already examined the temporary metal plate marking the grave several times with the beam of her heavy Maglite, reading and memorizing the brief stats of the occupant.
CANDACE DENISE ACKERMAN.
BORN 1984. DIED 2006
The girl had been only twenty-two years old. Found wandering in a delirium, she had appeared to be uninjured save for a few bruises and ragged punctures dotting her throat and arms. Feverish and vomiting, she’d died shortly thereafter. The source of her strange wounds and sudden onset of illness was unknown. Whispers about the plague were beginning to spread among the population.
Remembering the newspaper’s retelling of events, Jesse felt chills scrape up her spine. Beneath her feet lay Candace’s body, occupant of the nice satin-lined coffin her grief-dazed parents had recently purchased.
“All the signs are there,” she said aloud, as if saying the words made them true. “This means only one thing.” The cult that had taken her and her twin was on the move again, recruiting new members to its ranks. Barely a month had passed since the identical death of a twenty-one-year-old man.
Memories she couldn’t easily suppress rose to the forefront of Jesse’s mind. Bitter acid welled in the back of her throat as strange, distorted faces swam out of her mind’s dark corners. Soulless eyes stared; they were empty, terrible things. Taut ruby red lips were drawn back over sharp white fangs.
