Damarian (A Merman's Kiss Novel)

by Dee J. Stone

  Cassie says we are to play a game. I am to take one of these popcorns and aim it at her mouth. She will attempt to catch it. I take one and position it in a direct line of her mouth. Then I throw it. She manages to catch it in her mouth! How intriguing. “I must attempt this.”

  I am not as talented as her and do not catch it in my mouth. We both laugh. It is an intense laugh I have not experienced often and causes my stomach to hurt. Cassie urges me to attempt the game a few more times, but I am not successful. She seems quite amused by this. I grab as many of these popcorns as I can and hurl them at her. She continues to laugh, causing me to laugh as well.

  She and I have closed the distance between us. Her laughter ends and she gently pushes my shoulder. “Who exactly is going to clean all this up?”

  Something tickles my cheeks. I bring my hand to my left one and study my hand. “Water.”

  “You don’t see tears in the ocean,” she says, wonder in her voice.

  “I know tears. But I did not know they were as so.”

  All the times I held Zarya as she cried in my arms, all the times I lay in my oyster shell and cried over my future—this was the result. But naturally I could not see them. Now that I see they have a real form, I realize how important tears are. They are evidence of the emotion one feels inside.

  “Taste them,” Cassie says.

  I do and feel my eyes grow large. “Salt.”

  “Yep.” She lowers herself on the floor and begins cleaning the popcorn. She peers up at me. “Damarian?”

  “Yes?”

  “I…” She stares at the floor. “I haven’t really had this much fun in a while.”

  “Neither have I.” I join her on the floor and assist her with the cleaning. “I am exhausted.”

  “Yeah, it’s been a long day. We’ll head to bed after this.” Her body grows still. “I mean, we’ll each head to our own beds, because…you know, we both have our separate beds…”

  An image of the two of us sharing an oyster shell or human bed enters my mind. Her soft and warm body nestled against mine, my arms wrapped around her, listening to her heart beat in a steady rhythm. Inhaling her divine human smell.

  I internally shake my head. “Of course.”

  We head upstairs, to the room I shall sleep in. My eyes immediately notice the royal bed. “I am to sleep here?”

  “Yep.” She rearranges the cushions.

  “And you?”

  “I have my own bed in my room.”

  My hand rubs my hair as I look at the bed. The last thing I want to feel like is a king. “I am not fit for a royal bed.”

  “It’s okay. I already told you it’s not for royalty. You’ll sleep really comfortably here. You’re my guest and I want to make you feel at home. If you need anything, my room is right down the hall. Just knock on the door. Okay?”

  I do not wish to be a burden to Cassie. If she wishes for me to sleep in this king’s bed, I will abide. “Yes. Thank you.”

  She looks at me and I look at her. Then she smiles before closing the door.

  My eyes move to the bed and I lower myself on it. It is soft and buoyant. It will most likely be a pleasure to sleep here.

  I stand again and walk to the door that barricades me from Cassie. She told me her quarters are down the hall. A voice tells me to head over to her room. To tell her—what? I do not understand the sensations passing through my body. But I wish to spend every moment with her. Every second I am with her causes me such bliss.

  I walk back to the bed, lie down, and close my eyes. I know it will not be long before slumber arrives, for I am quite exhausted.

  Chapter Fourteen

  When my eyes open, I am momentarily confused by my surroundings. I then remember I am in Cassie Price’s house.

  My stomach grumbles. I raise myself off the bed and leave the room. Cassie’s room is located down the hall. The door is closed—does that mean she is still asleep?

  My stomach grumbles again. I climb down the stairs and enter the kitchen, walking to the device that holds the cold food. Ah, yes, the refrigerator. I hope Cassie does not mind if I were to eat something.

  I taste item after item, marveling at how delicious everything is. I never imagined how wonderful life on land was. But while all this is scrumptious, the object I desire most at this moment is fish. I lower myself to my knees and rummage through the wooden object Cassie obtained the fish from the other time I was here.

  “Good morning,” her voice says.

  As I attempt to stand, I am hit in the head. I rub the painful area and return the greeting. “Forgive me for the disorder. I have tried locating the delicious fish I ate the other day, but I cannot seem to find it.”

  She joins me and searches through the storage areas. “I guess you finished the last one. Sorry. I can make breakfast, if you want. Scrambled eggs?”

  I do not know what that is.

  She walks to the refrigerator and produces three odd-looking balls. They appear oval in shape.

  “May I be of assistance?” I ask.

  She says words I do not recognize—onion, knife, whisk. I am not certain what I am doing, but I am glad that I am helping. I am glad she and I stand side by side.

  When the food is prepared, we sit at the table and eat.

  “Any plans for today?” she asks.

  Yes. I wish to learn all I can about Cassie. But I do not want to seem too eager, therefore I shrug.

  “I have my surfing class in an hour. Do you want to come with me to the beach?”

  Yes. I wish to join her in every aspect of her life. And I would very much like visiting the beach and seeing the sea. How I miss it.

  “I was thinking last night,” she says. “It might be best for you to swim in the pool twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. That way, we’ll be assured you’ll be okay.”

  There is no limit to the kindness Cassie has in her heart. “That is a smart solution. Thank you.”

  I follow her to the sink, where we place our dishes. When Cassie turns around, she collides into me. She slowly raises her eyes to me. My hand reaches for her hair and I gather a strand between my fingers. “You have not bound your hair.”

  “No.” Her voice is weak, as though there is something caught in it.

  “Thank you for all you have done for me. For providing me with a bed fit for a king. For this magnificent breakfast. For your kindness.”

  Her breathing has become strenuous.

  “I enjoy being near you,” I whisper.

  Her gaze lowers to my lips. Without a second thought, I gently grab hold of her waist and push her against the sink. I press my lips to hers.

  Her hands come around me before they move higher and desperately clutch my hair. She pulls my face closer to hers, and our lips move over each other’s eagerly, as though this is something she has also greatly desired.

  Gentle moans leave her mouth, causing my hands to tighten on her waist and my lips to move even more eagerly. Her lips are warm, and she tastes lovely.

  My actions come to a halt as thoughts force their way into my head and shove aside the wonderful sensations I am feeling right now. I cannot kiss her in this manner. We are not mated.

  I wrench free. “Forgive me.” I turn away and bury my fingers in my hair. “Forgive me, Cassie. That was most inappropriate.”

  “No, it was wonderful.”

  I turn around and look into her eyes. She is not offended by my actions? It seems she enjoyed it very much. But we cannot continue in this manner.

  “Perhaps we shall head for the beach,” I say.

  She swallows and blinks numerous times. “Yeah. We should go.” She places the remaining dirty dishes in the sink. I remain in my place with thoughts constricting my mind. These intense sensations in my body…I do not know what to make of them. They cause me to feel things, to wish to act upon them. When I placed my lips on hers, it was the most wonderful feeling I have ever experienced. Intense, profound, and very, very frightening. I do not wi
sh to cause Cassie any discomfort. I wish to…I do not know. She is a human and I am a child of the sea. We are of two different worlds. I did not fully ponder this.

  I cleanse the dishes while Cassie goes upstairs to change into the garments she is required to wear for her work. Many thoughts and questions begin to enter my head—what exactly are my intentions here on land? I have shirked my duty and have abandoned the crown and the princess. A child of the sea does not behave in that manner. I am a coward. I am a disgrace to my race.

  But then I see Cassie’s face before me. Her exquisite eyes the color of land, the smile that causes my chest to feel warm, the powerful sensations she stirs within me. I cannot abandon the opportunity with her, can I? Will I be able to continue with my life without exploring this?

  She returns and informs me we will need to leave soon. “Want to go for a swim in the pool?”

  She does not look directly in my eyes. Her emotions are evident on her face. She is hurt by my actions. I have kissed her and then I behaved in a detached manner. And while she is upset with me, she is so utterly kind to suggest I swim in the pool.

  I walk over to her and caress her cheek with the back of my fingers. Her eyes close and a breath exits her mouth. “Forgive me for my behavior, Cassie.”

  Her eyes slowly open. She raises her hand to my cheek and strokes it in the same manner. “It’s okay. I’m glad you kissed me again.”

  My eyes lower to her lips that are so inviting. Every part of me yearns to press myself close to her body, to gather her in my arms and capture her lips with mine, to experience the incredible feeling again. But I must take control of myself. “I am glad as well.”

  ***

  As soon as we near the beach, I feel the salt touch my skin. It causes my entire body to rise in eager anticipation. I miss the sea so very much. Have I been behaving in a foolish manner? Here with Cassie Price, I am happy. I do not recall ever being this way. But my family is in the sea. If I am to explore what may be with Cassie, have I abandoned my family as well?

  Cassie must sense I am having troubled thoughts because she takes hold of my hand and squeezes it. There has never been another being other than Mother, Doria, and Zarya who was able to sense when I am upset. Cassie and I have a connection. I am not certain whether I can have it with someone else.

  We are standing in an area on the beach where human fry are running about, many of them carrying that surfing device. These are the fry Cassie educates. She tells me to explore the beach while she works, but all I wish to do is watch her. It is apparent that she has a lot of love for surfing and I wish to be part of it. It also feels special to me because while she surfs, she is in the sea. She is part of my world.

  I sit down within great distance from the water so that I will not shift into a child of the sea. I smile as I observe Cassie interacting with the fry. She seems quite happy, and it seems the fry love her very much. She does not enter the water, though, merely remains with the fry on land. I admit I am slightly upset about that, for I would love to see her sail the sea again. The day I saved her, she appeared so carefree and beautiful. So blissful.

  Once she has finished with the fry, she hurries to me. “May I observe you sailing on the sea?” I ask.

  “Sure.” She takes hold of her surfing device and dashes into the sea. I move a little closer and watch her, feeling my lips tug into a smile. I cannot see her face, just her form, but I can sense how much joy this brings her. And that brings me joy as well. I only wish it were possible for her to share this activity with me.

  I have never sailed on a massive wave like that. Humans do not cease to amaze me.

  When Cassie returns, she quickly dries herself so that the seawater does not touch any part of me. She wears a large smile on her face, and her chest rises and falls rapidly. Then her eyes move past me, and her smile transforms into a frown. I turn around. A male human stands a short distance away, holding a surfing device. He has hair as black as the waters of the Deep, and his shoulders are quite broad. I glance back at Cassie. “Are you all right?”

  She removes her eyes from the male. “Yeah. I’m cool.” She continues to dry her body, being extremely thorough. Just as I am about to once again thank her for her kindness, she mumbles, “Damn,” which I do not know what means, but it seems to be an expression of irritation. I look back at the male and discover him approaching us.

  “Hey, Cass,” he says.

  Cassie focuses on wiping her legs. “Good morning, Kyle.” Her tone is unfriendly.

  His eyes examine me from the top of my head to the fingers on my feet that are buried in the sand. “Who is this?” he asks.

  “Why do you want to know?” Cassie demands.

  The male stretches out his hand toward me. “Hey, I’m Kyle. Cassie and I used to be together.”

  I do not believe I understand that phrase. And why does he hold his hand…? Ah, yes, I recall what I am required to do. I take hold of his hand and shake it.

  “What’s your name?” he asks.

  My gaze hurries to meet Cassie’s, alarm beginning to overwhelm me. She nods and moves her lips. It takes a second or two for me to understand what word she is forming. “I am Damian,” I inform the male called Kyle.

  He smiles. “Damian.” His eyes sweep over me again. “Cute couple.”

  Cassie tosses her towel onto the sand. “What do you want?”

  The human Kyle moves around me, still examining every inch of my being. Does he suspect I am not what I seem to be? Have scales appeared on my legs?

  He hits me on the shoulder. “Well, see you two around.” And he runs away with his surfing device.

  I do not understand what has just occurred.

  “We used to date,” Cassie says.

  Date? I do not understand that word. But if I am not mistaken, it appears as though this male human and Cassie have at one time been extremely close. Have they mated? Humans do not mate for eternity like children of the sea.

  I feel an acute pain in my chest at the thought of another male having Cassie. But then I notice the expression on Cassie’s face as she observes him sailing the sea. She is furious. She does not love this human Kyle. Relief washes over me.

  She brings me to a small house she refers to as a shop, where humans may purchase food and liquids. We sit at a long, rectangular table. Cassie’s friend Leah is on the other side of the table, wearing identical garments as the other humans who are on the other side of the counter as well. I understand they are going to provide us with the food and liquid.

  Cassie tells her she wants something wild for me. I am not certain whether I should be afraid or whether she is being humorous. Leah turns toward a device behind her and holds out what looks like a cup. An orange and green liquid pours out of the device and into the cup.

  “We met Kyle a few minutes ago,” Cassie tells her.

  “Uh oh.”

  “He acted like a total jackass in front of Damar—I mean, Damian.”

  What is a jackass?

  Leah returns to the table and lowers the cup filled with the orange and green liquid, placing a covering on top of it.

  “Jackass how?” Leah asks.

  “Checking him out. Poking fun. Calling us a cute couple. I even think he dissed Damian’s name.”

  What is a dissed?

  Leah waves her hand. “He’s just jealous. Ignore him.”

  “Jealous how? I mean, he’s the one who broke up…” Cassie’s words come to a halt as she looks at me. “We’ll talk about this another time. Sorry, Damian. That guy drives me insane.”

  I do not appreciate that this human Kyle is causing Cassie distress. But I am very glad that she does not hold positive feelings for him. “It is not a problem, Cassie.”

  Leah smiles widely at the both of us. “You guys do make a cute couple, though.”

  Cassie shifts in her chair.

  Leah obtains a thin, clear object and pierces it through the covering of my cup. “Here ya go. Our bestseller this month.”

/>   “Thank you.” The liquid seems quite tasty. But how am I to drink this if she has covered the top? I raise my eyes to Cassie.

  Cassie moves closer to me and instructs me how to drink from this odd cup. I attempt it, and it is not long before I taste the liquid.

  “Oh my God, he’s delicious,” Leah says.

  She is referring to the liquid, is she not?

  “How’s the smoothie?” she asks.

  “Scrumptious.”

  “He’s a keeper,” she says in a musical tone. “What do you want, Cassie?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Would you like to share with me?” I raise my cup toward her.

  Cassie eyes it for a little bit before bringing her eyes to mine. At first she appears hesitant and a little frightful, as though this is meant to be an intimate act. Have I offended her? But she smiles. “Okay, thanks.”

  She pierces her clear object into the cup and leans forward to suck in the liquid. We are in very close proximity to each other. I inhale her scent and feel her arm brush against mine.

  When we have finished our liquid, Cassie pays for it and then she and Leah start exchanging many words. They are talking quite rapidly and making odd gestures with their hands.

  After a few minutes, Cassie glances at me. “Sorry. This is what we call ‘girl talk.’”

  “Girl talk.”

  “Yeah. When girls get together and talk about guys and clothes and things that would drive a guy insane.”

  Ah, yes. Girl talk seems to match Doria perfectly. She and Hareta, and some of the other females in the clan, are constantly swimming off, talking and laughing. It is intriguing that human females behave in this manner as well. “I am familiar with this concept,” I inform Cassie and Leah. “My sister and her friends engage in this activity quite often.”

  Cassie appears somewhat astonished by this. Perhaps she, like me, is happy to learn of more instances where humans and children of the sea are similar.

  “Want to check out some sights?” she asks.

  I want to learn as much as I can about land, about humans, about Cassie. But being near the ocean and thinking of my family causes my limbs to ache. I need to return to the sea. I left without saying goodbye. What if they are worried over me? What if Zarya thinks I have abandoned her?