by Ciara Lake
“Not as good as you.” He quickly kissed her back, and his hand moved further up her leg. “I’d like to put this cream all over you, then I’d lick it off.” He grinned. “Let’s remember to try it later. Or maybe you can lick it off of me. I have an idea where I’d like the cream.” He rubbed her leg in a circular motion. “You’re so beautiful, especially when you blush.”
“You’re a bad boy.” She gently slapped his hand as it traveled higher up her leg. She moaned, and added, “But we can try it later.”
“It’s a plan. And I’m not bad, I’m very good.” He winked. “At least that’s what you whispered in my ear when we made love.” Jax kissed the corner of her lips. Tabitha giggled.
“The wine has really gone to my head. I feel so bubbly.” Tabitha fanned her face. “I’m hot too.”
“Nah, it’s me, I’ve made you bubbly and I know you’re hot. You’re so hot!” He kissed her with more passion.
“Get a room, you two.”
Jax pulled back from Tabitha and looked up into his best friend’s smiling face. “Neithan, you rascal.” Jax stood up, patting him on the back.
“It looks like you’re the rascal to me. It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too. What’ve you been up too? Where’s Eva?” Jax glanced behind Neithan. “You’re hardly ever without her.”
“She’s shopping in Rome with Ula. I left them to come here for a bite to eat. I love this place.”
“You were in Rome and came here to eat?” Tabitha asked.
“Yes, I had a desire for this place, so I slipped here for dinner.” Neithan looked her over, his gaze quizzical.
“It is good.” Tabitha nodded. “The best pasta and dessert I’ve ever had.”
“I love their coffee too.” Neithan waved to the waiter as he looked around for an empty chair. “The girls should be here soon. At least they told me they’d be quick.”
“Figures they’d be shopping.” Jax shook his head. “I told you Ula loved to shop. She does at every chance.”
“Wait.” Neithan put his hand up to interrupt Jax. “I can feel mating magic between you two.” He glanced back and forth, watching them both. Neithan’s smile grew bigger, and he raised his right eyebrow. “Congrats, my old friend. She’s lovely, just beautiful. I’m so pleased to see you finally found the one. It’s about time. Has your good old dad met this prize yet?” Neithan spotted an empty chair and pulled it up to sit across from Tabitha.
“No, he hasn’t yet. My mother hasn’t either. We’re newly mated.”
“How wonderful for you. I guess I’m interrupting your private time together?” He grinned.
“Yes, but it’s fine.” Jax winked at Tabitha.
“So introduce me to your lovely mate.” Neithan’s eyes were dazzling bright blue.
Jax sat back down. “Neithan, this is Tabitha Lock. Tabitha, this is my best friend as well as my first cousin, Neithan.”
“It’s good to meet you, Tabitha.” He cocked his head to the side, looking her over. “You have a unique magic. I can feel it. What I feel from you is unusual, indeed. I feel a touch of Forsaken in you as well.”
“Neithan is sensitive to magic. It’s one of his talents.”
“Oh, interesting.” Tabitha smiled. “You can tell I’m a Forsaken?”
“You were a Forsaken. Yes, I can sense it. You’re an interesting mix. I’m not as familiar with what else I’m feeling from you.”
“Tabitha’s the daughter of Zale, a Sea Jin. Her father named her Talise.”
“Amazing. You’re truly the daughter of Zale?” Neithan’s eyes were wide with surprise. “How wonderful.”
“Yes, I’m his daughter.” Tabitha nodded.
“I’ve heard a lot about Zale.”
“You have?”
“Yes, but I’ve never seen him. It’s said that he’s more powerful than Zeus.” He lowered his voice. “He lives in a realm hidden from all but other Jins.”
“Are there many Jins?”
“No, from what I know, there’re only a few. There are Jins of the sea, the air, the earth, and of fire. The originals, or the rulers of the Jins, are brothers. You are no doubt rare.”
“I’m rare?”
“Yes, like a flawless diamond. The Jins do not procreate often. I’ve heard a child of theirs is much celebrated.” Neithan smiled. “The Jin’s way of life and powers are far different from those of the gods or immortals. I hope I’ll get to meet Zale one day. Perhaps I will now that his daughter is my cousin.”
“I hope so too. But I’ve never met my father.” Tabitha finished her coffee then stared down into her cup. “You’ve told me more than I knew.”
“Oh?” A waiter handed Neithan a menu then poured him a cup of coffee.
“It’s a long story.” Jax pointed to his and Tabitha’s coffee cups, silently requesting that the waiter refill them. “We’ll tell you all about it another time.”
“Hello, are we interrupting?” Ula and Eva appeared out of nowhere. No one else seemed to notice their sudden arrival. “It seems there’s not enough room at the table for us all.”
“There’s always room for you two.” Jax jumped up and grabbed two more chairs from a nearby table. “We’ll squeeze in, we’re family.”
“Wow, are you acting happy.” Ula stared at Jax. “What happened to my old grumpy brother?” She glanced around the table, and her eyes settled on Tabitha. “I see. Are you what happened to my overly serious brother?”
“Yes, she is.” Jax placed the extra chairs at the table, putting one next to Neithan for Eva to sit in. “Ula and Eva, this is Tabitha.”
“Tabitha Lock?” Ula grinned.
“Yes, this is Tabitha Lock, my mate.”
“You’ve mated?” Ula looked astonished. “How wonderful. I knew it. You should have listened to father long ago. You’re so stubborn.”
“Knew what?” Tabitha asked.
“I knew a mate was in my brother’s near future.” Ula appraised Tabitha. “The dress looks wonderful on you.”
“I’m sorry, it’s your dress. Jax said you wouldn’t mind if I wore it.”
“I don’t mind. I’m pleased to see Jax happy.” She smiled. “And I have more than enough clothes. In fact, I have so many I bet you wonder how I even knew it was my dress.” Ula laughed.
“I’m more than happy with my mate, I’m thrilled.” Jax kissed Tabitha’s hand. “She’s perfect. Isn’t she?”
Tabitha blushed. “Jax, you’re embarrassing me.”
“Yes, she’s perfect. Again, you should listen more to your elders, and a lot sooner.”
“She’s the daughter of Zale.” Neithan hugged his mate, then nodded in Tabitha’s direction.
“Zale’s daughter? Really, you’re the Sea Jin’s daughter?” Ula’s eyes turned silver for a brief moment. “I’ve met him. He’s amazing and very handsome.” She smiled widely, looking even closer at Tabitha. “I didn’t know he had a child.”
All eyes turned to Ula.
“You’ve met him?” Tabitha asked. “You’ve met my father?”
“Yes, I know his brother, Zephyr.” Ula looked down at the table.
“You do?” Jax leaned closer to her. “How would you know him?”
“We’re friends.”
“Friends?”
“Yes.” Ula shrugged.
“You’re friends with a Jin and I don’t know about it? We don’t know about it?” Jax gestured to the others at the table.
“Yes, we’ve spent some time together.”
“Since when do you associate with Jins? And why do none of us know? I didn’t even know Jins existed until recently. How did I miss such a thing, yet you’re spending time with them?”
“Jax, you’re not a beautiful, immortal woman.” Neithan winked at Ula.
“Jax, you don’t have to know everything I do or everything there is to know in the universe. You aren’t Father and you’re not my keeper either, you’re my brother.”
“I know who I
am. Never mind.” Jax waved his hand. “Just tell us when you saw Zale last.”
“I’m not sure. You’re way too bossy. I hope this young woman can stand you.” She nodded toward Tabitha. “It would be a shame if she felt stuck with you forever. Forever’s a long time, especially for an immortal who’s always believed she was mortal.”
Jax look at her suspiciously. “You’re trying to change the subject. What are you not telling me about the Jins?”
“Why do you think she’s not telling you something?” Tabitha touched his hand.
“Because I know Ula very well. She’s hiding something from me.”
“Jax, stop it, you’re going too far. I’m not hiding anything.” She shook her head, her long hair moved around her face. “I have met Zale because I’m friends with his brother. Zale seems lonely, or sad. He was nice to me. I know nothing more. Now, I’m going to go, I have an appointment.” She looked at Tabitha. “It was great meeting you. I hope to spend more time with you.”
“Thank you. I hope to as well. If you see your friend Zephyr again, or Zale, could you tell him I exist? I would like very much to meet him.”
“Yes, of course, my new sister.” Ula smiled kindly and reached for Tabitha’s hand. “I’ll be visiting with you soon, without my brother around, so we can chat.” She lightly squeezed Tabitha’s hand.
“Sounds like a great idea. Please, if you get a chance, tell my father or my uncle, my name is also Talise.”
“I will, if I should happen to see them.” Ula nodded. “There’s much to celebrate, and Mother as well as our sisters would love to treat you to a fabulous party. I’m really happy for the two of you. Just be patient with my dear brother. He has been a bachelor for far too long, even for an immortal. He’s set in his ways. Have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow, Eva.” She smiled then vanished.
“Damn, why does she do that? Mortals can see her just disappear.” Jax frowned. “Ula can cause so much trouble. I bet it was her idea just to pop in here too. What am I going to do with her?” He shook his head and gazed at Eva. “Be careful, Eva. She’s a bad influence at times.”
“I will.” Eva giggled. “Hopefully, one day she’ll have a mate to worry about her, and you won’t have to. But I do think she’s keeping something from us. She’s been odd lately.” Eva turned her attention to Tabitha. “Hello, Tabitha. I’ve not had a chance to say anything to you. It’s nice to meet you. I’m happy to see Jax so lighthearted.”
“Thank you, it’s nice to meet you too.”
“I’m glad we ran into you both.” Jax stood up. “But I’m taking my mate back to our apartment. I need some more alone time with her.” Jax took her hand. “Tomorrow we’re going to the Enchanted Sea. We need to rest up.”
“Right.” Neithan winked. “You need your rest. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of sleep tonight.” He chuckled.
“You’ll absolutely love the Enchanted Sea,” Eva told Tabitha. Her face was fully animated with excitement. “You could never dream of a place more incredible. One day Jax should take you to the Enchanted Forest too. Words cannot describe those remarkable places. It’s truly an amazing adventure. You may even see Poseidon. . .his horse’s stables are located there.”
“Under the water?”
“Yes, his famous mount is Sthenios. He’s a fierce stallion fit to carry a great god. The horses came from the sea as they were a gift to man from Jax’s father.”
“Really? You mean, when I saw horses come out of the sea on Oceanside’s beach, they were real? I wasn’t dreaming?”
“Yes, they were real.” Jax nodded. “That was my father and his warriors you must have seen.”
“I am. . .each moment further amazed by what is in this world.”
“Wait until you see the pastures and the green trees under the water in the Enchanted Sea. And it always looks like late springtime.”
“A forest under the water?”
“Yes, and the trees can speak as they do in the Enchanted Forest.”
“The trees talk?”
“They sure do, but only if they like you. The water is so clear, it’s almost as if it isn’t there. And its temperature is perfect. There’s a light unto itself in the Enchanted Sea. During the daylight hours it is bright. Then at night a silver light shines as if there were a full moon.” Eva cast her gaze to Neithan. “I’ve really enjoyed my time there. The Enchanted Sea is endless too. No one knows its size. It’s truly an enchanted place.”
“It sounds like it.”
“I hope I didn’t spoil it for you.”
“No, it makes me more excited.”
“Good. I’ll let Ula know I wish to help with your celebration. If that’s okay?”
“What celebration? And of course it’s okay.” Tabitha nodded.
“A mating ceremony and-or a wedding, or both.” She grinned. “I had both. Mers love to celebrate. We take advantage of every opportunity to have a party.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate your friendliness.”
“As do I.” Jax helped Tabitha out of her chair. “Let’s walk home. It’s such a pleasant night.”
“Sure, I’d love to.” Tabitha leaned into him.
“Good night, young lovers.” Neithan pulled Eva closer to him. “We’ll eat our dinner and be on our way too. We’re going to Greece to visit Eva’s sisters. I’ll be seeing you both soon.”
“Yes, you will.” Jax took Tabitha’s hand and led her outside. The warm air blew her hair back. “You’re lovely, and you made a wonderful impression on them.”
“How do you know?” The breeze had a salty scent as it blew her dress, molding it to her legs.
“Because you did, how could you not?” He hugged her closer. “You’re fabulous.” They silently walked toward the Piazza San Marco. A few other couples passed them, walking hand in hand.
“It looks different at night.” Tabitha held her head back to look up at the sky. “I do like it here. Thanks for bringing me here too.”
“You’re very welcome. I love sharing my favorite places with you.”
Jax led her out of the square and down several side streets. The moonlight spilled between the buildings. Its silver rays shimmered against the cobblestones.
“It’s a little walk to the apartment. Are you okay walking? You’re not too tired, are you?” He looked down at her, then kissed her forehead. “I don’t want to wear you out. Even an immortal needs to rest.”
“No, I’m good.” She rose up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “I’m better than good, I’m great.” She swung her arm while holding his hand.
“I know you are, my love.” Catching her off guard, he swung her around in a dance step. Tabitha moved right into a fluent dance with him. In the distance, string instruments were being played. “They love to dance here. I love to dance too.” Jax held her, swaying to the music. He dipped her, making her giggle.
“I do too. You’re a good dancer. I should’ve known.” She nuzzled closer to him as they moved. “The music and our dancing makes this night even more perfect.”
“Please stop, you’re killing the pigeons with your sickening romantic talk.” A woman interrupted the beautiful sounds of the violin. “Jax, aren’t you going to introduce me to your Forsaken mate?”
Jax stopped dancing and moved Tabitha behind him. “Amuliana, leave us alone. You’re not invited.”
“Not invited? How unfair.” Amuliana was dressed in a scarlet dress which hugged her every curve. Her black hair was in ringlets down her back. She looked like a gypsy with large gold hoops hanging from her ears and rings on every finger. “That’s not very nice of you.”
“What do you want?”
“To congratulate you both.” Her ringlets floated around her head like Medusa’s snakes as she sauntered toward them.
“I’m warning you, Amuliana, leave us alone. You’re not welcome.”
“Warn me?” She stopped and laughed. It was shrill. “You warn me?” She pointed to herself. “You’re a disrespectful pup. Yo
u may be the big P’s son, but you’re still not a god, as I am. So shut up, and let me become acquainted with my Forsaken bitch.” She stepped closer.
“She’s no longer forsaken. She’s the mate of the big P’s son, so stay back or face his wrath. My father has wanted to zap you for a long time. You deserve much worse.”
“Such insolence.” An invisible hand shoved them back. They nearly fell, but before they did, Jax righted himself and caught Tabitha. “So, who is this female? What’s your name?”
“I’m Tabitha.”
“Don’t answer her. She does not need to be answered.” Jax growled deep in his chest and bared his teeth at Amuliana.
“Tabitha?” Amuliana put her hands on her hips as she studied them. “Hmm, is she the one your father sent you for?” Her eyes traveled over Tabitha. “What’s so special about this one?” She stepped closer still. “Stop blocking me, you stupid merman.” She glared at Jax. “I can feel your barrier to my powers. You do have some nerve.”
“Let’s go.” Jax attempted to slip back to their apartment, but instead of his power working, he was riddled with pain throughout his body. He groaned loudly, bending over and grabbing his stomach.
“Sorry, Jax, I’ve delayed your departure. Don’t be disrespectful by slipping away while I’m talking to you, that’s rude. You shouldn’t be rude to your goddess.” Closer yet she approached them. Her eyes became black orbs.
“Are you a demon?” Tabitha asked.
“A demon! You idiot child of a bloodsucking vampire. I am not a demon, I’m a goddess, the goddess of immortality. You should bow down, worship me.” She threw her arms up into the air above her head. “Worship me, you insect. I’m glorious.”
“I know you’re not a demon. At least not really. You just resemble what I’d picture one to be like. I’ve been told about you.”
“What has your mate told you?”
“It’s not what he’s told me.”
“Really? Do tell.”
“My mother warned me.”
“Don’t tell her anything else,” Jax said to Tabitha. “She’ll use it to hurt you.”
“Again, shut up or I’ll shut you up. I allowed you to treat me badly last we met, and I’m still steamed. You’re lucky to be standing. I do want to give you payback for your intolerable disrespect.”
