Enchanted Waves

by Ciara Lake

  * * * *

  “This is the Enchanted Sea,” Jax said. “It’s a magical world within our world.”

  Tabitha’s heart fluttered. It showed in his expression that he was excited about what he was showing her. His excitement, mixed with the morning light, enhanced his handsomeness.

  “We’re under water, but it hardly feels like it.” Tabitha moved her arms around.

  “In a magical world things aren’t always as one expects.”

  The light shone through the clear water, brightening the entire environment. Diamonds appeared to be floating in the water above them, sparkling. Tabitha jumped up, trying to catch one. They vanished when she tried to snag one. Then they reappeared out of her reach.

  “You can’t catch the butterfly crystals. They won’t let you.” Jax chuckled. “Trust me, when I was a child, I tried.” He grinned as she tried again. “But you are special.”

  “I caught one.” Excited, she carefully showed him. One rested on the palm of her hand. Its wings moved, but it remained in her hand. “See, I caught a diamond butterfly. Go now, be free.” She held her hand up, and it flew away.

  “Why did I doubt you?” He shook his head.

  “I can’t believe there are trees here.” The trees swayed in the water as if a spring breeze blew through their leaves. Tabitha looked up into the green canopy. “All of this is so beautiful. It’s dreamlike.” In the distance, she could see green pastures. In the far distance there were mountains.

  “Are those horses?” She pointed to the horses. They were leisurely grazing.

  “My father’s mount is probably at his stable.” He smiled down at her.

  “This place is a true miracle. It’s like heaven.” Tabitha twirled around.

  “It’s enchanted by the most beautiful magic.”

  “Who spoke to us?” Tabitha grabbed Jax’s arm. She looked all around.

  One of the trees moved toward her, its branches moved closer too. “I spoke to you.”

  “You’re a tree?”

  “Yes, Jin’s child, I’m a tree. Welcome to our wood beneath the sea.” The tree moved its branches again. “This is a realm of marvelous enchantment. It’s hard to explain magic such as this, as there is no explanation, or at least none you could comprehend. It merely is, as it is.”

  “I see.” Tabitha nodded.

  Her hair was again in small braids held back with the jeweled band. She touched the band, playing with it. Jax watched her, his eyes aglow with happiness.

  “This is all very wonderful. Thank you for showing me.” She took his hand.

  “Not far from here is one of Poseidon’s magnificent castles. Jax should take you there to spend time.”

  “Yes, I would love to see the castle.”

  “His parents are pleased to hear of your mating. Try to not speak of the evil goddess in this place. She ruins all good things.”

  “I agree. Thank you, great wood, for greeting us.” Jax bowed his head. “I’m happy to hear my parents are pleased.”

  “She’s a fine mate, Jax. Her soul is loving.” The tree came closer. “We approve of your union.”

  “I’m happy you do.” Jax grinned, looking up at the great trees.

  “Now, go about your romantic time together.” A leafy branch pointed in the direction of the pastures. Far beyond the vibrant green pastures were majestic snowcapped mountains. On the side of the mountains were clusters of trees.

  “Everything is picturesque,” Tabitha said.

  “If you walk far enough, you’ll find the entrance to our sister realm, the Enchanted Forest. You are welcome there as well.”

  “I just realized we can speak aloud here. It’s not like under the other oceans. I’m not swallowing gobs of water when I talk to you. We can hear each other as if we are on dry land.” She laughed.

  “The magic here is extraordinary. You’re welcome here, now and forever. We love it when your father Zale graces us with his glorious presence. However, we’ve not seen Zale in some time. It was nice meeting you.” The tree moved back to stand with the other trees.

  “Let’s take a walk through the wood.” Jax lead her along a pathway.

  “The grass is soft.” Tabitha stopped to more fully enjoy the texture of the grass between her toes. “It’s like silk.”

  “Come on.” From behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Let’s keep going.” He kissed her ear. Tabitha leaned back into him and for a while they stood quietly admiring the scenery and the tranquility of the paradise.

  “I do love this place.” She sighed.

  “There’s still much more I want to show you.” They continued to walk under the green shade. Golden rays of light peeked through the leafy roof, casting shadows.

  “Look how beautiful the light is on the water coming through the trees.” Tabitha pointed.

  “It is indeed.”

  “Where are you taking me now?” She gazed up at him.

  “I want to show you my mother’s flower garden. It’s something you’ll truly love.” Jax put his arm around her.

  “I love flower gardens.” Tabitha cocked her head to the side. “Listen, do you hear that hum?”

  “Yes, the trees are singing for us. They often hum or sing.” The humming got louder.

  “It sounds beautiful.” Tabitha stopped to listen.

  “The trees like us together.” Jax gently touched her face. “They are romantic souls. Look, there in the clearing.” He turned her and pointed.

  Enormous flowers in full bloom filled an entire meadow. They stood taller than Jax. There were rows and rows of flowers of all varieties. “They’re so big and colorful. It’s a garden for giants. I’m truly in a fairy tale.”

  “My father made them large so my mother could enjoy them more. I guess he figured the bigger the better.” Jax chuckled. They strolled hand in hand between the rows. He paused. “Inhale the water. I know you’re not used to doing so under the water, but you can here.” Jax demonstrated. “Enjoy the flowers’ lovely aroma. It’s like the most expensive of fragrances.”

  Tabitha did as he suggested. Slowly, she inhaled. The water filled her nostrils, causing no discomfort. “It’s a sweet scent.”

  “Yes, it is sweet.”

  “How can we smell under water?”

  “Like the wood said, this is an enchanted place.”

  “Can Amuliana find us here? I’ve been worried about her.” Tabitha covered her mouth with her hand. “I guess I shouldn’t speak the vile woman’s name.”

  “No, she can’t bother us here.” Jax shook his head. “This is the safest place for us.” He brushed a loose braid away from her face. “Evil cannot enter enchanted places. Evil isn’t tolerated, and the wood knows the heart of each who enter. Plus, I doubt Amuliana wants to tangle with you again.” He winked. “I’ve never seen anyone defeat her in such a way. She’s truly a coward and stays out of the way of those more powerful than her.”

  “I hope so.” Tabitha bit her nail. “She’s scary.”

  “Don’t let that bitch interfere with our happiness.” He kissed Tabitha’s forehead. They walked in silence for a while longer. “Jax, I dislike mentioning this.” Tabitha stopped.

  “More unhappy subjects?”

  “I have to return to work in a couple of days. I was supposed to be available by phone during my time off. I guess I haven’t been, so I’d better go back sooner. There are people depending on me. And I have to feed my cat.”

  Jax frowned. “I know. You are very important.”

  “Not really.” She shrugged. “I just have a job.”

  “Sure you are.” He hugged her. “By the way, I fed your cat yesterday.”

  “You did? When?”

  “When I left you at the apartment, I slipped back to Oceanside. I’m happy to say, the weather has improved.” He smiled. “Your cat was happy to be fed.”

  “Thank you for taking care of him.” Tabitha hugged him. When she released him, he pushed up off the ground and started swimming.<
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  “Come on.” Jax waved his arms. “No need to walk, when there’s water, it’s faster to swim.” He glanced back at her. “Bet you never thought you could swim through the woods.” He laughed. She sprang up and swam after him. “Let me show you where the sea angels live.”

  “Sea angels?”

  “Absolutely, you said this was like heaven. What’s heaven without angels?” Jax swam faster. “Can you keep up with me?” He dodged the trees as they traveled. Tabitha followed him, pushing hard to keep up. Finally, Jax slowed to take her hand. “I don’t want to alarm them, they’re flighty creatures. We’ll only look at them from a distance.”

  “What are they doing?”

  “They mine precious gems.”

  “Precious gems?”

  “Yes, like the ones on your band.” Jax touched her hair.

  “Do they have wings?”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “Let’s walk, we’re close to their village.” They rounded a cluster of trees. “See?” Jax pointed.

  “The town’s gorgeous. Their homes and streets sparkle. It’s really miniature, like a doll village.”

  “I knew you would like to see this.”

  She gasped. “They’re illuminated beings with golden wings.”

  “Angels have wings.” He winked. “Their illumination makes them excellent miners.”

  “They’re lovely.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Yes.” Tabitha nodded. “I’m tired too.”

  “Me too.” He kissed her hand. “And I’m having a hard time keeping my hands off you. Let’s go to my father’s castle and relax. We can slip there, it’s a distance from here. We’ll spend the rest of our time at the castle. Then we’ll go back to the mortal world to face our responsibilities.”

  Jax slipped them to the edge of the wood. As they approached the meadow, the trees lifted their branches, parting for them. “Welcome home, son of Poseidon.”

  “Thank you.” Jax looked up into the branches.

  “The castle and its staff awaits you both.” In front of them was a carpeting of violet flowers.

  “Let’s walk up the path.” Jax led Tabitha to a shiny footpath.

  She tapped her foot on the pathway. “It’s shiny.”

  “It’s made of mother of pearl. It leads to my father’s castle.” Jax pointed. Tabitha looked in the direction he indicated, and her mouth gaped open. Before her was an Arthurian style castle made of a light purple stone.

  “It’s like Camelot under the sea.” Tabitha giggled.

  “Camelot is fiction.”

  “And this isn’t.” She bent over, laughing.

  “No, this is very real.” He started to laugh too. “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing. . .everything.” She waved her arms. “I’m happy is all.”

  “Good.” Jax smiled. “I want you to be happy, always. Do you want to walk or shall I slip us inside? I brought us here because I wanted you to see the castle from here.”

  “We can slip inside.” She nodded. “I’m worn out and—” Before she could finish her sentence, they were standing in the center of a large entryway which opened to a grand room.

  “Welcome to my parents’ home.”

  “It’s dry in here.” Tabitha touched her clothes, she was completely dry.

  She looked around the room. Several crystal chandeliers with hundreds of lit candles hung from the ceiling. It was a lavish castle filled with ornate furniture and art. Plush carpeting met the marble floor at the entrance to the grand room. At the far end of the room was a fireplace.

  Jax led her into the room, toward the fireplace. “Please sit down.” He gestured to a red velvet chair. Tabitha did as requested.

  “Thank you, sitting feels nice.” She sighed, leaning back in the chair. She smiled up at him. “I’ve had a perfect day.”

  For several seconds, Jax stood gazing at her. There was an abundance of emotion in his blue eyes, and then they flashed silver. “I’ve enjoyed my time with you so much, Tabitha, my Talise.”

  Her heart started to pound. “I have too, more than I can ever remember.”

  “I’m glad.” His silver eyes were glossier than usual. Then to her surprise, Jax bent down on his knee in front of her. He captured her hands in his. His eyes focused on hers. “For mates, the attraction as well as the deeper emotions are nearly instant, as we’re meant to be together. Our mating was foretold ages ago. The gods were right in pairing us together. I love you.” Jax reached for something on the table next to her. “This is for you, my love.” He opened a silver box, inside was a sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds. It shone brightly, twinkling up at her.

  “Oh my!” Tabitha put her hand over her heart. It was beating wildly. “It’s lovely. I’ve never seen a ring so stunning.”

  “It’s not as lovely as you. This was created by a friend of mine, Axel Venrick, a troll.”

  “A troll made this gorgeous ring?”

  “Yes, Axel is the most talented craftsman. He crafted this for my mate. Now that I have found you, it is yours. This ring is to signify my loyalty to you and my undying love.” He took the ring out of the box. Tabitha held out her hand, she trembled. Jax placed the ring on her finger all the while looking into her eyes. “You are my mate, will you also be my wife?”

  Large tears rolled down her face. She wiped them with the back of her other hand. “Yes.” She sniffed. “Yes, I’ll be your wife.”

  “Then why do you cry? I mean for you to be happy with the ring, and especially with me.” He caught a tear with the tip of his finger and tasted it. “Salty, like my beloved sea.” He smiled so tenderly, she burst into more tears.

  “I am happy.” She leaned forward, hugging him. “I’ve never been happier.”

  Jax grabbed her up into his arms, and the next thing she knew they were in a bedchamber, naked beneath silky sheets.

  “I love you so much,” Jax said as he kissed her shoulders, her neck. Settling between her legs, he filled her with a quick thrust.

  Tabitha moaned, wrapping her legs around him. “I’ve never been happier.”

  Chapter 12

  Jax pulled his car up to the curb in front of Tabitha’s law firm. She grabbed the door handle, but he stopped her. “Wait, woman. Where are you going so fast?”

  “Woman?”

  “What?”

  She shrugged.

  “I’m acting like a twenty-first century human.” Jax grinned. “How am I doing?”

  “I’d give you an average score.” She giggled.

  “Thanks, at least I’m passing.” He put his hand on her thigh and rubbed her leg. “Kiss me before you leave. It’s a requirement from now on.”

  “Of course it is.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Is that all I get?”

  She kissed him again, this time on his lips. “When will you come for me this evening?”

  “I’ll be calling you, so have your phone turned on. Do you think I could get away with slipping into your office for a quickie?” He winked.

  “You’d better not try. Jessica’s clever, and she seems to know everything that goes on in the office. So if you want to visit, you’d best come through the front door.”

  “Okay.” He frowned. “The human way can be so boring, and it takes too much time.”

  “Sorry.” Tabitha shrugged. “I’m used to using the front door.”

  “I’d better go, Joel’s waiting on me. But I should be here around six to pick you up. I’ll come inside to get you, the human way.”

  “That works.” She nodded. “I have a lot of makeup work. I could probably stay even later, so don’t worry. Just let me know.” She leaned toward him and kissed him again. “I love you, and I’m gonna miss you today.” She opened the car door and stepped out.

  He rolled down her window. “I love you more.”

  * * * *

  Tabitha walked through the lobby, then ducked down the back hallway, trying not to be noticed. She managed to make it all
the way to her office without being spotted. I wonder where Jessica is.

  Without any interruptions, Tabitha was able to return several phone calls and answer a few emails. She checked her watch. “Wow, it’s nearly noon.” Tabitha stood up and looked out the window. Someone knocked on the door. She turned toward the door and called, “Come in.”

  Jessica walked in, her expression sad.

  “Hello, Jessica. It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you. I have so much to tell you.” Tabitha moved around the desk to greet her. She was about to give her a hug when Jessica stepped out of the way and placed some papers on the desk.

  “Good morning. Here are some memos for you to sign. Once you do, I’ll send them out. Also, Mr. Lammon wants to see you in his office in an hour.”

  “Hey, Jessica, why didn’t you call me?”

  “Why would I call you?” Jessica shrugged then walked back toward the door.

  “I called you two times last night.”

  “You did?” Jessica looked surprised. “I’ll have to check my cellphone.”

  “Sit down a moment.” Tabitha gestured to the chair in front of her desk. “I have a lot to tell you. Do you want to order lunch and have a bite with me?”

  “I’m sorry.” Jessica shook her head. “I already ate my lunch, and I have a lot to do. I’ll bring in those custody motions later today for your signature.” Jessica put her hand on the doorknob.

  “Wait, Jessica, don’t rush off. I want to thank you for getting so much work done for me while I was gone. Guess what?”

  “What?” Jessica gave her a weak smile.

  “I’m getting married.” Tabitha held her hand out for Jessica to see the large gem. “Isn’t it beautiful? Jax gave it to me. I’m glad you gave me the nerve to go out to lunch with him. My life is forever changed and so quickly.”

  “It is, for sure. Too quickly, if you ask me.” Jessica frowned.

  “I had an amazing time. That’s why I didn’t call in. I guess he kept me busy.” Tabitha winked. “I’m sorry, I should have called you.”

  “Well, perhaps you can explain it to Mr. Lammon. The ring is gorgeous.” Jessica came a little closer. She took Tabitha’s hand and brought it closer to her face. “It’s very nice. It’s no ordinary ring.” She dropped Tabitha’s hand, turned, and walked to the door.