by Brenna Zinn
She clutched the coral necklace in her hand and closed her eyes. I love you, Kronnos.
A current of water shoved her, then something pulled her forward. She opened her eyes.
Through the murky haze of the ocean she saw him. Kronnos's blue and green tail flapped beside her in the water. He grabbed her shoulders and kissed her on the mouth.
Breathe. You can breathe. His commanding voice was loud and clear in her head.
She nodded and sucked in salt water. Her chest expanded, and her body shuddered. She doubled over, convulsing. A horrible shock of pain sliced through her lower body.
Thinking her legs had been cut with a knife, she looked down. In the shadowy waters, a long fish tail extended from her hips, it's blue and purple scales iridescent and glistening.
She twitched her hips and what had been her feet. Her tail swished, sending a rush of water to her side.
Kronnos pulled her to his chest and kissed her again. I have missed you, my pearl.
Kronnos? Her heart swelled. What's happening? How can I hear you?
He smiled and pointed to his forehead. We communicate through thoughts.
She stiffened. Could you read my thoughts the entire time we were together in Mexico?
He shook his head. Only the thoughts you care to share are sent.
She thought for a moment then pulled away from his embrace. Why did you leave me? I looked for you every day in Cancun after you changed back to a merman.
Because I needed to be here. His eyes brightened. A grin spread across his handsome face. The oracle said I would find my lifemate in the warm waters of the Caribbean, but my mate would not be mine until she came to me in the cold of the Atlantic.
Are you saying you knew all along I would be here? Indignant, Shelly flapped her tail. What if I never got over my fear of water?
I have learned to trust the oracle, the way you now trust me. Kronnos pulled her close and covered her mouth with his.
The kiss seemed to last forever, and a fuzzy glow warmed Shelly's blood. After finally breaking the liplock, she snuggled into his arms. So what else did the oracle say about us?
He squeezed her tight against his broad chest. You have the next five hundred years to discover for yourself.
* * *
Visit www.thewildrosepress.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
