Realms and Rebels: A Paranormal and Fantasy Reverse Harem Collection

by C. M. Stunich

  “Harun.” He stops to clear his throat. “Harun’s strength is also amazing. You’re right, there’s plenty of magic in humans, too.”

  But he still sounds unhappy. Slowly, I reach up to cup his cheek. “You are magical, too, Neo. Or did you already forget I praised your speed?”

  Startled, he turns his head to face me, and our noses bump together. Even in the darkness, I can see his wide eyes, the way his mouth parts with surprise. His breath drifts across my lips, warm and inviting. Hesitant, I lean forward, my eyes drifting shut.

  “I have something for you,” Neo says, a soft edge to his voice.

  Startled, my eyes fly back open to find Neo looking down, his hand in his pocket. Did I misread the moment? Embarrassed heat floods my cheeks, and I settle back onto my heels, glad the night hides my fumbling attempt at romance.

  He lifts a folded cloth square from his pocket. “We wanted to give this to you earlier, but all the beachgoers were shoving presents at you, and then your sisters, and, well, it didn’t seem like the right time.”

  Curious, I take the cloth from him. It’s soft and heavier than I expected. I lift it close to my eyes, but can’t make out the color. Is it a handkerchief, like some humans carry? It’s too small to be a scarf. Perhaps a hair wrap? They must have noticed I have no comb.

  As I lower it to my lap, I glance back at Neo. “Thank you. I’ll treasure it.”

  He laughs, a rich rumble of amusement, and his hands cover mine. “You haven’t even opened it yet.”

  “But it’s so tidily folded,” I protest, not wanting him to see my ignorance if I unfold the cloth now and still don’t know what to do with it.

  He tugs on one corner. “But you can’t see what’s inside if you don’t open it.”

  My thumbs smooth over the center, and I find the hard lump inside. I peek at Neo through my lashes, then peel back one corner of the cloth. When I only find another layer, I gently roll it in my hand, unwinding the rectangle until three hard lumps land in the palm of my hand. As my fingers find the smooth edges of stone, they glitter in the starlight. I pause when I discover indents on either side of one.

  “Sorry, I should have waited to give them to you in the morning.” Neo lifts my arm, the calluses on his fingers rough as he pulls the bow free on the ribbon around my wrist. “With you here now, I got too impatient. But you can’t see what they are in the dark.”

  “They have a delightful feel to them,” I rush to reassure him. “I’m sure they’re lovely.”

  With my ribbon in one hand, he takes the stones and nimbly threads the ribbon through them. “We thought, since you liked the ribbon so much, that you should have something pretty to go on it.”

  “The ribbon was pretty on its own,” I protest.

  “Does that mean you don’t want the gift?” His voice holds a light, teasing tone, and he moves the ribbon and stones farther away, as if to keep them for himself. “Perhaps you have too many gifts already? This one is too boring for you?”

  “You know I don’t. My sisters took all those trinkets.” I give his shoulder a playful shove, then extend my arm imperiously. “Return my gift, sir.”

  He ties the ribbon back in place with far more finesse than Harun displayed, then takes hold of my hand, his palms warm. “They shouldn’t have done that.”

  Instantly, I regret bringing it up. I squeeze his fingers. “It doesn’t bother me. The gifts given by those people...” I struggle to find words that will convey my feelings without making me sound callous. “They don’t know me. All they see is another nereid, and so their gifts are...”

  He shifts closer until his leg presses against mine, and his voice drops. “Thelsa, when you come to the beach each morning, you make the day brighter. When you stay away, we can’t help but search for you. We protect the town because we’re watchmen, but we volunteer for beach duty in the hopes of seeing you more often. That you now trust us enough to come out of the water, that you even want to help us keep the town safe...”

  He leans forward, and my breath catches in my throat. My heart beats so loudly it sounds like the crash of waves in my ears. “Neo, I—”

  “It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way,” he interrupts. “You’re used to far finer courters than us. But if our company can make you even a little happier—”

  I cut him off by pressing my lips to his. He remains frozen for only a moment before he surges forward, his mouth soft and gentle as he learns the shape of mine. He tastes the corners and nibbles my lower lip. Our noses bump together as he tilts his head, one hand cupping my cheek. Warmth suffuses my body, and I yearn to be closer to him, to press my body to his hard muscles.

  He pulls back, his breath ragged, and rests his forehead against mine. “Thank you for this gift.”

  “I should be the one saying that.” I lift a hand to press his palm more firmly against my cheek. “You have given me so much tonight. I wish to give you something in return.”

  “Just keep coming to the beach.” Reluctant, he shifts away from me, then climbs to his feet. “I should head home before I’m tempted to stay the night.”

  My lips part, ready to invite him, but I hold back the words. We have time, and rushing now may break this fragile magic that builds between us.

  I slip back into the sea, the water cold as it surrounds my body. “Sleep well, Neo.”

  “You as well, Thelsa.” He reaches out a hand, and I lift back out of the water far enough to touch my fingers to his.

  My skin tingles from the contact, and I sink back into the wave’s embrace. As he turns away, I lift my fingers to my lips to preserve the warmth left by his skin. Next, I press a kiss to each of the stones on my ribbon.

  The need to answer this gift with something of equal value pushes at me, and my gaze shifts to the star speckled sky. I already yearn to see them again, to step out of the waves and into their embrace.

  That night, I dream of the guys. They join me beneath the waves, their bared, toned muscles caressed by the water’s current. Together, we swim to the sacred gardens of Aphrodite, hidden deep within the palace walls. Hesitation and uncertainty are thrown aside, and our bodies twine together, supple muscle against soft curves, hands and mouths slipping against skin.

  When I wake, my body thrums with unfulfilled desire, and I stare up at the surface of the water, far above me, waiting for the sun to rise.

  7

  As soon as the water lightens with the first rays of daylight, I flip my kelp blanket back, and a piece of my coral comb pokes through the weave. I slip it free, then I gently tap down the rest of the blanket, searching for the remaining pieces. After several minutes, I find two more pieces. Providence is with me as I cradle the three purplish-blue discs in my hand. I have a gift for the men, but I need to figure out how to present it to them.

  Once I tuck the pieces away in my bodice, I straighten my area and venture out to search for breakfast. All I want to do is see the men again, but I pause to catch my breath because, I’m afraid I’ll appear too anxious. Slowing my pace, I finish eating and comb through my hair. The blue is more vibrant than it’s been in ages because my body reacts to the joy of being part of something. I haven’t felt this way in a while. Until recently, I didn’t realize my relationship with my sisters was deteriorating. Looking back, all the times they’ve pushed me aside or used me for errands reminds me I’m not an equal member anymore.

  I purse my lips. Their actions should upset me, but I’m comfortable being the nereid I am. I don’t want to be like them, causing panic and taking random trinkets to make myself feel better.

  Now that I won’t appear too eager to find Neo, Kaveth, and Harun, I emerge from the water, confident they’ll be waiting. Just as I hoped, the three of them stand vigilant, scanning the water for any sign of me.

  Kaveth spots me first and strides forward to meet me as I step onto the beach. The warmth of his body wraps around me as he pulls me into a hug. “Good morning, Thelsa.”

  When his lips brush acr
oss my temple, warm spikes of pleasure race through my body. I tilt my head up and meet his green eyes. Suddenly bashful, my eyelashes flutter a few times before I respond. “Good morning, Kaveth.”

  His fingers brush my long hair back, adding to the tingles already racing through me. “Did you sleep well? I’m sorry we couldn’t spend more time with you last night.”

  “Once I fell asleep, my dreams were pleasant.” My breath catches as one of the night’s memories emerges of Kaveth swimming with me. His naked, toned form next to me as we danced through the water. I force myself to breath normally and focus. “How was your evening?”

  Kaveth kisses my nose. “What aren’t you telling me? Your rosy cheeks just brightened a shade.”

  Biting my lip to avoid looking guilty, I wiggle out of his arms. “I haven’t had a chance to greet Neo and Harun yet.”

  I slip past Neo, running into Harun’s arms. My face can’t handle any more confessions about nocturnal activities.

  “Good morning!” Harun’s chest shakes as he pulls me into him. His infectious laugh allows me to slowly calm.

  His shirt smells of cedar and smoke. Inhaling deeply, I lose myself in the warmth. It’s not until a throat clears that I remember we aren’t alone. Pulling back, my eyes dip to focus on our feet.

  “Morning,” I say in a small voice. Now that I set aside my sisters’ prejudice over humans, I’m drawn even more to the charms of each man, but their feelings remain a mystery.

  Neo grasps my hand and spins me until I’m wrapped in his arms. He dips me low enough for my long, blue hair to brush the ground. His black hair falls forward, but not enough to hide the brightness on his face. Leaning in, his lips graze my cheek, and sparks jolt through me as I relish in his touch once more.

  “I’m glad you slept well.” He strong arms steady me as I stand back up. Dizzy from the sudden movements, and also from the guys’ touches, I briefly lean against his chest.

  “I had something happy to wake up to.” I flash my wrist to show off the stones, each one a deep cobalt. “Thank you for the gift. This means more than I can explain.”

  “Your smiling face is thanks enough.” Kaveth joins Neo and Harun next to me. Human closeness used to suffocate me, but these three do the opposite. I can almost forget the ocean beckons behind us.

  Kaveth links hands with me as we walk over to my spot. After settling in, I lose myself in the rhythm of their daily routine. Harun counts off the exercises, then directs them to the next one, their flow natural and in sync, like the sway of the reeds in shallow waters.

  Once they finish, each rest near me, basking in the warm morning sun. The silence brings us together, comfortable in being close to one another.

  I stretch my legs out and slide my hands back to place myself at the perfect angle to absorb the sun. My head tips back, and I close my eyes. The draw to the land is intoxicating. Life under the sea has its beauty and warmth, but lying here, I realize all the small things I’ve never done or tried. After thousands of years, my eyes are finally open to new possibilities.

  Hands draw my foot up and out of the sand. Tiny circles massage the arch of my foot. I groan as the delicate movements release the rest of the pent-up anxiety I hadn’t realized I held.

  “Thelsa.” Neo’s caress of my name causes my eyes to flutter open. “Will you join us at the fountain tonight? There will be games, food, music, and dancing.”

  After my recent revelations, I nod. “I’d love to.”

  Instantly, panic surfaces at the idea of traveling so far from the water. My fingers dig into the sand to stop from changing my mind. I want to spend more time with them. They’ve been limited to only seeing me at the beach. I should try to make time for things they like.

  Neo rests his forehead against mine before quickly pecking me on the cheek. “I can’t wait to show you around. You’ll have so much fun.” He hops up and brushes the sand from his legs. “I have to go check on the preparations. I’ll talk to you later tonight.”

  As Neo steps back, Kaveth takes his place. His hand brushes down the side of my cheek. As his fingers caress my lips, chills spread through my body.

  “Until later.” He kisses my temple before he stands back.

  I glance at Harun, but he remains seated, still rubbing my foot. He winks at me, then switches feet.

  “Bye. I’ll see you later,” Neo says, and Kaveth waves. They jog off together, leaving me alone with Harun.

  Harun continues with the massage, making no attempt to leave. It’s rare, like last night, to find one of them alone. I absorb each touch; my mind spins back to my dreams. The guys swimming with me, diving through the tall waves, and floating around the sacred gardens of Aphrodite.

  After several minutes, he stops, but keeps his hands wrapped around my calf. “I know you’re planning on joining us later, but do you want to walk with me through the vendor areas?” Excitement fills his voice, and he smiles broadly. “The games are located closer to the fountain, but vendors from all over set up on the other side of the dunes. They sell things from roasted peanuts to jewelry. My sister has a booth where she sells her taffy.”

  I scoot back and sit up, sliding my foot from his hands. My insides shake. Being away from water to dance at the fountain later will be hard enough. I’m not sure I should do it twice. Harun looks so excited, though. I don’t want to crush his feelings.

  My sister’s voice fills my ears. They’ll try to lure you away, to make you mortal.

  As if he senses my uncertainty, his smile dims. “It’s not far. If you listen, you can hear the crowds already forming. We don’t have to stay long if you don’t want. I just thought you might enjoy the scenery change.” Harun tries to stay upbeat, but disappointment fills his voice.

  I shake off my sister’s warnings. I want to live life by my own choice. The ways of my sisters depress me. And Harun’s right, the calls of the vendors drift to us from nearby. We won’t be far from the sea if something happens.

  Determined to enjoy myself, I smile, and Harun brightens instantly. “That sounds fun. The gods and goddesses used to have extravagant festivals where people gave away food. There were archery games, games of strength, and games of wit. The three of you would have enjoyed those.”

  Harun stands and pulls me to my feet. “Do you need shoes? The lane is paved with rock and dirt.”

  My shoulders slump with embarrassment. Shoes are normal, something every human owns. But nereids weren’t meant to walk on paved streets. Cold shame slams against my chest, and I consider running for the safety of the water. I clench and unclench my hands before I peek up at Harun.

  Concern shrouds his brown eyes as he waits for a response.

  As quickly as possible, I squeak out, “I don’t own any shoes.” I fight the urge to bury my naked feet into the sand. “I’ve never needed them. We stay close to the beach. When we would go inland before, it was always with one of the gods. The grass was soft and springy. We didn’t need shoes.”

  “Oh. Well, we’ll buy you some sandals.” The tension in his faces lessens, leaving him with only the crinkles around his eyes from when he smiles. “I don’t know much about fashion, but I’m sure we can find something you like.”

  “I don’t want you to buy me anything. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” The men have already done so much for me. I can’t ask them to do more.

  “If we come across a vendor selling shoes and you see some you like, we can stop and look at them. If not, then we’ll head back here if your feet hurt.” He wraps his fingers around mine and helps me up the dune closest to us. “You may want them for tonight, though.”

  As soon as we crest the dune, my heart races, and I freeze in place.

  Children of all sizes dash in and out of the booths lining the gravel road. Peals of laughter ring through the air as they’re caught by other children or by a parent. Hawkers announce their wares to entice people to their booths. Bright colors dot the area as people try to stand out from those around them.

  How did I
not know this was so close?

  The same worry that etched Harun’s voice earlier returns. “Are you all right? Is this too much? We can head back.”

  I pull my attention from the wonders before me to stare up at Harun in amazement. “Those children are like the schools of fish that fight to get close to the majestic animals of the sea. Their laugher reminds me of the sirens, who would probably stay far away from the small creatures.”

  My mind opens up to the joy around me. This is what I’ve been missing all these years. This is what fun should be.

  “Let’s walk down and look around. Just tell me if you want to head back.” Harun gives my hand a quick squeeze before helping me down the sandy dune.

  My mouth pops open at some of the items being sold. The gods themselves wouldn’t have come up with such elaborate contraptions. Some of these people must be descendants of Daedalus.

  We travel past several places that sell shoes. I shy away and move to the opposite side of Harun. They all seem impractical, with hard leather covering the entire foot. Twine is laced through tiny holes to keep them on. I wouldn’t be able to swim in those.

  Harun slows down, and a petite blond woman runs at us. I duck behind him, fearful of her quick approach.

  Harun’s deep laugh brings the woman to a halt. “Sister! I wasn’t sure where your booth was. I’m glad we found you.” Harun tugs me back to his side, his hand still entwined with mine. “Thelsa, this is my sister, Mara. Mara, this is Thelsa.”

  She darts forward to give me a hug, then pulls back quickly. She folded her hands in front of herself as if unsure she should have done that. “I’m sorry. I’ve heard so much about you, I feel like I know you. It’s lovely to meet you.”

  Quietly, I respond, “It’s nice to meet you, too. You make delicious treats.”

  “You liked them?” She bounces on the balls of her feet. “That is so great. Here, I have more.”

  When she rushes back to her stand, Harun and I follow her.

  Dozens of jars full of different colored taffies fill her counter. She reaches into a few and pulls out some candies, placing them into a waxed paper bag. “Here you go. I grabbed you some of each.”