by Ciara Lake
“It’s lovely beyond words.” A calm settled over her. He held her as she examined their reflection. Her eyes were brighter, almost glowing. “I look different, exotic.”
“Yes, my mate.” He brushed her arm.
Finally, she inhaled. “I’m breathing, I think.”
“Yes, you’re doing fine. Now, push the water out you swallowed.” Jax demonstrated.
“How’s this possible?” She did as instructed. The water she took in flowed from her mouth, mixing with the ocean.
“It’s Mer magic. In magic, there are often no explanations, it’s just so. All immortals can endure this, but they don’t have all of our extra gifts which make the sea more enjoyable for us. I have shared all I have with you. You have the powers of my demi-godhood, and of course you know my father is the god of the seas. Plus, whatever powers of your own which linger within you, may now awaken.”
“This is surreal.” She turned her head to look up at him.
“Let’s swim.” He kissed her lips. “I’ll show you some of the most beautiful places on this entire planet. Places ordinary man will never see.” Jax sprung up from the ocean floor. He propelled himself several feet away from her. Rotating back, he beckoned to her. What appeared to be flippers materialized on his feet. “Come, let’s swim. Jump up, push off.”
Tabitha pointed to two large fish headed in their direction. “Look, there are two huge. . .they look like sharks coming our way. We have to get out of here.” She turned to go back inside the palace. When she turned Jax was standing in front of her, between her and the barrier, right in the way of escape.
“How did you get here?”
“I’m fast.” He grinned. “They won’t harm us. We can even call them to us. They’ll do our bidding. Please trust me.”
For several moments, she watched him. “Okay.”
This time he held her hand and did not let go. He sprung up, pulling her along. Flippers appeared on her feet too. The two whale sharks stopped to watch them.
“See, they don’t dare offend us. They’re respectful. All the rules you’ve known have changed. In fact, I’m willing to bet, you were already protected by your father’s gifts. There’s nothing which can harm you in this sea, except another immortal or a god. Not a human, not a sea creature. Not the temperatures or the water. You belong here. We’re the masters of these seas.”
Leisurely, they swam. Jax showed her incredible sights. Tabitha became more comfortable. She was amazed by the colorful coral with all its animal residents. Sea life of all species greeted them. Creatures were drawn to them. They even allowed her to touch them. In fact, it seemed that they sought her touch.
The whale sharks had been following them for some time. Jax nodded toward them. “They’re merely curious about us.” He motioned for the sharks to approach. They seemed reverent, adoring. “You can touch them too.” Jax demonstrated, and Tabitha followed his example, rubbing them.
“Their skin’s so smooth.” She patted their flat heads. Playfully, they nodded their heads up and down. After Tabitha was done visiting with them. Jax issued a nonverbal order for them to go back to swimming at a distance.
After swimming for a while longer, Tabitha noticed a slight change in the water’s temperature and the vegetation was different. “What’s happened?”
“I slipped us to another place. We’re near Australia. See, over there’s a school of dolphins.” He waved them over. They raced to them, seemingly skidding to a stop in front of them.
“Hello, our prince.” The eight dolphins nodded excitedly.
“It’s good to see you,” Jax replied.
“You have a playmate? We like to play.” The dolphin who communicated moved closer to Tabitha.
“This is Orven.” Jax pointed to the largest one. The other dolphins circled them.
“Let’s play. Let’s play merman.” Orven swam around as if dancing. “We want to play with our prince and his lady.”
“I can’t believe they can communicate with us.”
“Yes, dolphins are smart. They have a lot to say. We can communicate with all the animals, but some aren’t able to understand much or answer. But these guys are smarter than some humans.” He winked.
“Yes, we’re smarter than others and we play with our friends.” They shook their tails and flippers. They were full of energy.
“My friends, this is my mate, Tabitha. She’s also called Talise, daughter of Zale.”
“Hello.” Tabitha nodded.
“Oh, we know Zale, the Sea Jin. He plays with us too. You’re his child?” The dolphins stopped dancing to look harder at her. They floated closer.
“Yes, she’s his daughter. Do you know where we can find Zale?” Jax asked.
“No, he comes and he goes. Sometimes we see him near the Enchanted Sea, but we haven’t seen him in a while. He’s nice to us. He doesn’t like bad people. He protects us from bad people,” Orven explained. “If we see him we’ll tell him we met his Talise.”
“Thank you, Orven.” Tabitha reached out to touch him. He moved closer, enjoying her caress.
After some more general conversation, Jax bid the dolphins goodbye.
“They’re very social.” Jax waved to them. They flipped their tails in reply.
“I can’t believe I talked with dolphins.”
“You’re so lovely when you smile like this. You’re lovely all the time.” He kissed the back of her hand. “Let’s swim fast.”
Schools of fish surrounded them as they began to swim again. “I feel like I’m in a National Geographic movie.” Tabitha climbed on Jax’s back, hugging him. As if super turbo charged, he took off, the water rushing by them. Some of the scenery blurred as they traveled. Tabitha laughed out loud, then closed her mouth quickly. She expelled the water she’d taken in.
Jax grabbed her legs which encompassed him. He swirled, twisting around and around. Tabitha hung on for dear life. Gaining momentum, he raced toward the ocean’s surface. Breaching the water, he propelled them high above the surface like a fountain. With a swift rotation he dove back into the water. Tabitha clung to him as if they were one. When they were back within the deep, Jax slowed.
“This is so much fun. How did you know the surface was clear?” she asked.
“I can sense if there’s anyone on the surface. I don’t want to run into a ship. That might hurt them. Also, I made us invisible to humans, just in case.” They floated in the water, resting. He pulled her around in front of him and pressed his mouth to hers. He kissed her ravenously. “I’m much older than I appear.”
“I don’t care if you’re an old man. You still look good.” She played with his hair.
“Gee, thanks.” He grinned. “I’m telling you this to say that I’ve known much in my long life. I’ve seen more than you can imagine. Known thousands of humans, immortals, and gods. I know my mind.”
“I know you’re pretty amazing.” Tabitha pulled him closer, kissing him again.
“I love you, Tabitha. You’re my Talise, my beautiful waters, my heart.”
“I love you too, Jax.” She hugged him tight. “All of this is so sudden, so unexpected. But I can’t deny my feelings.”
“Me either.” He kissed her forehead.
“Is it possible to cry under water?” Tabitha glowed blue, and it spread to Jax.
“Why do you want to cry?”
“I’m emotional.” She wiped her eyes. “I hope I don’t turn blue at work when I’m emotional, it would raise a lot of questions.”
“Let’s have something to eat. I’m hungry,” he said, changing the subject. “I’m going to take you to the most romantic city in the world.”
“Where, Paris?” She caressed his back. His penis pressed against her.
“I want you.” He playfully nipped her ear as he bumped her.
“Here?” She glanced around.
“No, we’ll wait until we have a bed. Let me take you to Venice. It’s made for lovers.”
“Italy?”
“Yes, I love to eat at a café there. They have excellent bread, pasta, and desserts. I like sweets.” He kissed her. “You’re my favorite sweet of all time.”
“You’re sweet too. I’m having so much fun. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much or been happier.”
“Wonderful, that’s my plan.” He smacked her bottom. “We can enjoy Venice. Have you been there before?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
“I’ll take care of everything.” They playfully rolled in the water. “I have an apartment in Venice, we’ll slip there and get dressed. We’ll eat then we can go shopping if you like or do whatever. I want you to have fun and remember this time forever. It’s our special time to enjoy our mating.”
“Like a honeymoon?” She winked.
“No. That’s another time. And we’ll have that time.” He kissed her again.
“You think so?” She grinned. “You’re very confident.”
“I know so.” He playfully covered her face with kisses. “Tomorrow I’ll take you to the Enchanted Sea. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. It’s unique, beautiful beyond words. Maybe we’ll hear more about Zale too.”
* * * *
The water fell away, they were completely dry, standing on cool tile floor in their bare feet. Tabitha’s hair hung dry, free, and curling around her face. A soft breeze blew. They were inside an enclosed patio.
“This is my apartment,” Jax said. “I share it with my sister Ula. She’s not here right now, so we’ll have plenty of privacy.”
“Good.” Tabitha leaned into him.
“Yes, it’s very good.” Jax led her to the patio doors, they opened for him. “Ula has a wardrobe full of clothes—she and my mother love to shop. You’re welcome to wear any of them.”
“Ula may not like me wearing her clothes. Women are funny about those things. I don’t want to offend her.”
“She won’t mind at all. We’re generous with each other and now you’re her sister.”
“Sisters mind.”
“Really, it’s okay. If you don’t like what she has, I can create something you do like. Let me show you her collection.” He led her inside.
“This apartment’s gorgeous too.”
“It’s very comfortable.” He nodded. He took her into a bedroom, then to a walk-in closet. The closet was half the size of the large bedroom.
“Oh, she does have a lot of clothes.”
“These are only a few of her things. She has closets all over the globe. She loves fashion.” He laughed. “Fashion from all eras. This is her twenty-first century collection.”
Tabitha looked through the clothes. Some still had tags. “Ula has great taste. And look at all of these shoes and handbags. Wow, this is better than shopping at Macy’s.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased. Let me show you our room.” Jax ushered her down the hall into the master suite. It was plush with a noticeable Italian flare. There were glass doors leading out onto the patio. “Come.” He opened another door that led to a luxurious room with cobalt blue tiling and an enormous sunken tub. “Why don’t you take a long, warm bath and then get dressed? It’ll relax you. I’m sure I’ve worn you out. I want you to be well rested for this evening.”
“Haven’t I been in enough water?”
“There’s nothing like a hot, freshwater bath, even to a Mer. Even though you’re dry, you may have a salty residue on your skin. The fresh water will clean it off and be soothing to you. I’ll be right back. I have an errand to run.”
“You’re going to leave me here, by myself?”
“You’ll be fine. If you need me, just yell my name, even in your mind. I’ll hear you. Mates normally hear each other’s calls.”
“So you aren’t leaving the apartment?”
“Yes, I am, but I’ll still hear you if you should call.” He kissed the side of her face. “There’s a robe on our bed for you to wear until you’re dressed. Relax, I’ll be back shortly.”
Tabitha took his advice and ran a bath. She enjoyed it tremendously and relaxed to the point that she nearly fell asleep. Rousing herself, she forced herself to climb out of the warm water. “I’m beginning to really love water.” She giggled. “I guess it’s only normal.” After drying off, she put the robe on.
On her way to Ula’s closet, she passed through the bedroom and switched on a radio. Instrumental music played soothing tones. Humming along, Tabitha continued to Ula’s closet.
“It must be nice to be so rich.” Tabitha looked through over a hundred dresses. Finally settling on four, she took them to try on. She headed to Jax’s room, happily swaying to the music.
“Talise,” an unfamiliar male called.
Tabitha jumped, gasping, and dropped the dresses in surprise. A tall man dressed in a black and gold robe stood at the other end of the hallway, watching her. His attire made him appear as if he were from ancient times.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m Nereus, Jax’s uncle. I’m pleased Jax has found you and you have mated.” He stepped closer. “Fear not, niece. I mean you no harm.” His voice was calm and smooth. He appeared non-threatening, but nevertheless when he stepped closer to Tabitha she backed away. “Please, my dear, I only wish to speak with you.”
“What about? Why not visit me when Jax is here? Surely you know he isn’t here.”
“Yes, I do know. I’m here now because I wanted to speak with you privately.”
“What about?” Tabitha knew she was being curt.
“You’re a feisty one. I like that.” He grinned. “Shall we go to the living room?” He turned to lead the way. He stopped and looked back at her. “Please follow me. The living room will be more comfortable for our visit. I’ll be brief.”
She followed him at a safe distance. I’ll see what he wants. I can always call Jax if I need to.
“Have a seat.” Nereus motioned to the sofa. Tabitha sat down, and he sat across from her. “I wanted to meet you, Talise.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re about to make changes. You’ll change the dynamics of this ongoing war among the immortals.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you’ll bring a different message to the rebellious vampires misled by the wicked Amuliana.”
“When am I going to do this?”
“You’ll know the time. It may not be now, but it is to happen. You and Arianna, the mate of the dragon, will work together with another. You women will have powers to overcome the dark goddess.”
“That’s amazing news.”
“Yes, it is, or will be, to millions. I can’t tell you more as it needs to happen without interference from me. But know this. . .trust your mate, he’s forever bound to you with his heart, soul, and body.”
“Does he want to be?”
“Yes, my dear. You’re Jax’s happiness. He is learning how much and will learn even more soon enough.”
“That sounds strange.”
“No, not strange, it’s merely the truth. Recognize the friendship you’ll one day have with Arianna, the dragon’s mate. Allow your heart to direct you, to lead you to those you should align yourself with, and to point out those you should be wary of. You have a gift which allows you to make good choices. That’s why you didn’t call for Jax when I arrived, you decided to listen to me.”
“Okay, thank you for the compliments.” Tabitha shrugged.
“Jax needs you. I’m pleased you have provided what he needs. He’s been burdened for too long with loneliness. It was his destiny to find you, both for himself and for what you’ll bring to others. Jax is also a great man, he has all the best of his father and mother. He’s worthy of his place beside you.” Nereus stood. “I won’t keep you any longer, Talise.” He held her gaze. “I would appreciate it, if you keep this meeting between us, for now.”
“Why would I keep this from Jax?”
“Because I ask it of you, and it’s best for now.” He steppe
d closer, reaching for her hand. Reluctantly, she gave it to him. “You’re a child of three realms. I offer you my blessing, as The Old Man of the Sea, a powerful Titan.” He cocked his head to the side. “You look surprised?”
“I’m puzzled by your blessing, I guess. There’s so much I’ve had to accept in such a short time period. My emotions have been all over. And now I’m meeting a Titan, who is giving me his blessing.”
“You’re strong, nothing has happened to you that you cannot deal with or accept. You deserve my blessing. You are worthy of it and much more.”
“I’m truly surprised Titans exist, despite what I’ve been told and have seen. All of this I’ve experienced seems out of this world.”
“Yes, Titans do exist, we merely play a different role from the other deities. At another time, I’ll fully explain our history to you.” He smiled down at her. “Know that you are an amazing being as well. And all of the deities and immortals come from outside of the mortal realm, so, yes, we are out of this world.” He chuckled.
“I’m a being?” She smiled.
“You’re far more than human or immortal. The blood which flows through your veins, combined with the magic Jax has shared with you, my blessing, and Poseidon’s protection, makes you all the more remarkable. The sea is your servant in every way.” He kissed her hand. Energy passed through her like heat. It was different from what she experienced with Jax, but it was equally potent. “When you need its cooperation the sea will obey you.”
“It will?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “Indeed you’re lovely. Your father will be so proud of you.” Nereus vanished.
“My father?” Tabitha stood up. “Tell me about my father. You can’t start to tell me things then leave.” She turned around, trying to find him. He was gone. “Don’t do this, come back and answer my questions. I hate cryptic messages and unanswered questions.”
Chapter 10
Jax held his fork out, it was full of creamy tiramisu. “Here, have the last bite.” He rubbed Tabitha’s thigh with his other hand. She leaned in and he gently placed the fork in her mouth.
“It tastes good.” She licked her lips, cleaning the cream off. “It’s so yummy.” She gave Jax a peck on his lips. “You taste absolutely delicious too.”
