SAGE (Tales of the Merman Book 1)

by E. M. Leya

  "Why didn't I know this?"

  Everest shrugged. "Randy mentioned it to me one day when he was here."

  Sage pinched his nose. As next in line for the throne, he was the only one who would have a chance of standing up to his father, but if he could get his brothers to back him, side with him, maybe they could get his father to listen. "I'll talk to Randy when I get home. We'll call Barron back and see if he has any ideas. I'm not sure that Father will bother listening to anything I have to say if he is already thinking I've started turning on him."

  Everest nodded and took a long drink of his water before clearing his throat. "So what about Gary? He saw you in the water?"

  Sage started to pace the small shop. "There was a young human boy who was about to drown. He would have if I hadn't…" Sage looked over at Everest. "I know I shouldn't have got involved, but he was so little and I just happened to be swimming in the area. I rescued him once he went under and brought him up to Gary as he searched for the child. Gary didn't see my true form, only my head. None of the others even saw me in the water. I told him I was swimming. He believed me."

  "Father doesn't know?"

  "Hell no. If he found out I got close to any human, even a child in my true form he would have me killed."

  "Father would not kill you."

  "You so sure about that? You just said he was talking about sending Balick to find me."

  "Balick would have only forced you back."

  Sage took a long breath. "I just don't know anymore."

  "So are you going to do about Gary?" Everest stood as a couple entered the shop and started looking around.

  "What can I do? I'm going to have to end things. There is no way we can make it work. Today he wanted a phone number. What happens when he wants to see my home and I don't have one I can take him to? No matter how attracted I am to him, it was a mistake to pursue it. I should have never sought him out after that one day."

  "Can you?"

  "Can I what?" Sage moved behind the counter as the couple neared them.

  "Let him go?" Everest met his stare.

  Sage sighed. Could he? Could he really just walk away? Yes, but he didn't want to. He now understood why the others broke the law and hid relationships from his father. If he wasn't the king's son, he might just do the same thing. But being who he was, it not only put his life at risk, it put Gary at risk. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

  Everest clasped his hand on Sage's shoulder. "There are always choices. I know I haven't seen you date in a long time and what I saw this morning was more than just a casual fling. If you want my opinion, there are emotions on both sides."

  "Which is why I need to end it now. I can't let this go on." Sage shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned back against the wall. "I can't risk him."

  "You can fight for him. Fight for all of us who wish to have change." Everest lowered his voice. "You think you aren't meant to be king, but many of us hope for the day when you are. This will only help you understand why we need the change."

  Sage rolled his eyes. "I'm not meant to sit behind a desk all the time."

  "Who says you have to? Once you ascend, you will be able to run things how you want. Not the way he has for years." Everest brushed his long hair back over his shoulders. "This is but one issue. Many others plague our people. You can change all that. You can bring us forward. Bring about the change we all desire."

  The couple left without purchasing anything and both Sage and Everest relaxed.

  "And what if we are wrong and Father is right? What if allowing this only leads to trouble. What if someone fucks up and humans find out about us?"

  "Do you really think our secret has never been out there? Have you seen the myths and fables? The drawings of us? They already know. I know of two humans who know of us, but have remained trusted and silent."

  Sage frowned. "People are telling them what they are?"

  Everest nodded. "And the humans accepted it. They understand why the secrets must be kept."

  Sage didn't know how to feel about this. The thought of coming out to humans scared him. The risk to his people and their way of life was huge. He thought about Gary, wondering how he would react, if he could even trust him with the truth. All it took was one person to cause a stir. Sure, some might suspect his race existed, but they didn't have proof. It was something he would have to think about. Pushing away from the wall, he glanced at the clock on the wall to his left. "I better get home before Balick does show. Will you be home this evening?"

  "I will be there. Good luck today. I know Heath is waiting for you. You won't have to face father alone." Everest nodded to the back room. "You need a bag?"

  Sage shook his head. "I have everything I need at the hotel room I got. Thanks though. I will see you tonight." He gave Everest a tight hug. "Thanks for having my back."

  "Always, my King," Everest teased.

  Sage laughed as he tossed his empty water bottle at Everest's head as he walked out the door.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Gary tried to concentrate on the painting in front of him, but his mind was on Sage, not on work. He glanced at the clock as he wished the day over. It wasn't even noon yet and he was ready for it to end. Sage's refusal to give him his number rubbed him the wrong way. It was as if he wanted him to be part of his life only at his convenience. Several times over the last few days Gary had offered to go with him to his place to get clothes and Sage had insisted on going alone while Gary worked.

  The relationship was new, he understood that, but why wouldn't Sage allow him to have his phone number or go to his home with him? It made no sense, unless he had something to hide. The time they spent together, everything was perfect. Gary bit his lip. Could Sage be married? Could he have a wife and family somewhere? He didn't seem like the type to cheat, but it was the only explanation he could think of.

  He tossed the paintbrush down and stood. He went to the other side of the room and booted up the computer. Maybe there was something about him online. Gary tried to recall Sage's last name or the name of his company and realized that while he had given Sage his full name, Sage hadn't given him any other information about himself.

  He tried searching just Sage, but there were too many hits, even when he added in the location and tried random searches using terms like salvaging and shipwrecks. Nothing added up. Why so many secrets?

  Gary tried to force the questions from his mind. He didn't want the doubt to ruin the relationship if he was wrong. He just needed to sit down with Sage and ask him straight up what the deal was.

  Leaning back in his chair, he made a mental list of everything he did know about Sage and frowned when so little came to mind. He thought about Everest, realizing that he had never heard Everest's last name either. Did he dare go down the street and ask?

  It was childish to go digging and use Everest for information that should come from Sage. He didn't need to involve Everest in this. He didn't know how close the two really were and how much Sage would want Everest to know about their relationship.

  Could he even call it a relationship? They acted as if they were a couple, talked of doing things together months from now as if it was a given that they would be together. Still, with all the questions and lack of information Sage was willing to share with him, he couldn't help feeling like he wasn't important in Sage's life.

  He typed in Everest's name and the Coral shop and pulled up the website, hoping that there would be some kind of information there. He groaned when all he got was the address and phone number of the shop. There was nothing there about the owner or who to contact.

  Standing, he went back over to the painting. He needed to keep busy. Stop thinking about Sage and worrying about things he really had no right to worry about. It wasn't like they were engaged. Hell, they hadn't even talked about being exclusive, though Gary considered them that way. He didn't want anyone else and he sure didn't like the thought that Sage might be with someone else.

  Reaching for the paint
brush, he went back to work on the waves he had already started to paint, his mood quickly changing the painting from a calm summer evening to a raging storm brewing over the water. He let his emotions carry into the painting and pull him away from reality and into his work.

  Two hours later, the sound of the bell above the front door dinging caused him to jump. He glanced at the painting, shocked at how much he had done. He reached for a towel and headed out front, as he wiped his hands. "Can I help you?"

  A younger black man turned toward him. "Hi, I hope so. I just got licensed and was hoping to buy my own gear so I don't have to rent it anymore."

  Gary took in the man's dark brown skin and short brown hair. It wasn't often that a black man caught his attention, but as the man looked at him, his breath caught as he stared at the most brilliant blue eyes he'd ever seen. Trying not to stare, he made his way to where the man stood. "Sure, I can help you get set up. You need everything?"

  "Yeah. I just moved here from Nevada several months ago. I've always wanted to learn how to dive, but never had the chance till now. I'm hooked." He grinned. "You dive, right?" He turned to face Gary.

  "I've been diving most my life. My father was an avid diver and taught me as soon as I was old enough." Gary smiled, remembering his first few dives.

  "Then you understand." The man reached out his hand. "Derrick Fisher."

  "Gary Pershing. Nice to meet you." Gary shook the man's hand noticing how even a stranger shared his last name with him. "So let's get you set up." He moved to the wetsuits. "Do you have one of these?"

  Derrick nodded. "Yeah but it was used. I want a new one. I meant it when I said I need everything."

  "Okay then. I assume you want something that will work no matter where you dive so I suggest you go with the three-millimeter thickness." Gary looked the man up and down trying to guess his size. Derrick was well built and it was obvious he worked out. Gary pulled his gaze away from the man's body and got to work setting him up with everything that he needed.

  A half-hour later, the counter was cluttered with items, and Derrick and Gary both laughed as they talked about diving.

  "So what brought you here from Nevada?" Gary set an underwater light on the stack of other items.

  Derrick leaned against the counter. "I moved there out of college with my boyfriend. When we broke up there didn't seem any reason to stay. I found a good job here and made the move."

  Gary tried to hide his shock at hearing Derrick was gay. "That's good. Jobs are hard to come by right now. You were lucky to get something."

  "I'm a graphic artist. I got a job with a small advertising company." Derrick fingered his credit card as he looked at Gary. "So would you like to go diving sometime? I met a few people at my class, but I really don't know that many other divers."

  Gary's head snapped up, shocked at the invite. He thought of Sage, but it was just a dive. He shifted, as he debated on what to do.

  "Hey, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Derrick held up his hand. "I just thought it would be fun and you have experience I don't. I really don't want to go out with a bunch of beginners."

  Gary shook his head. "No. I would enjoy it. In fact, I'm planning to go with a friend on Sunday. He and I have been going for years. If you want to join us, you would be more than welcome."

  Derrick flicked his credit card against his hip. "You sure I won't be in the way?"

  "Not at all. If you want to meet me here at noon, I plan on going straight from here over to his boat. You can ride with me." Gary went behind the counter and started to add up everything.

  "That would be fantastic. Thanks."

  "No problem. I think you will fit right in with us. We are pretty laid back and just have fun. No stress." Gary took the credit card Derrick handed him. He swiped it, pleased with the nice profit for the day. "I think we got you everything you need. If you need to exchange anything bring it back before you use it." He handed the card back to Derrick with his receipt.

  Derrick took it and then shook Gary's hand again, holding it for a long moment. "I look forward to getting to know you better, and I really appreciate the chance to dive with you." He caressed his finger over Gary's wrist.

  It was such a simple gesture that it could have been taken for nothing, but the way Derrick stared at him as he did it, and the slight hesitation at releasing his hand said much more.

  "I look forward to it, too. Like I said, you have any problems I'm here every day." Gary cringed inwardly at his words. He shouldn't be inviting Derrick to just drop in, let alone go diving with him. He had Sage. He wanted Sage. He shouldn't encourage Derrick in any way.

  "Thanks." Derrick took his bags, smiled and turned for the door. "I will see you Sunday, if not before."

  Gary waved as he sat down on the stool telling himself it was just a dive. There was no reason to feel guilty. There was no harm in going out with friends, even a new one. He would just warn Derrick off and everything would be just fine.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Sage made it to his room without seeing his father, but it wouldn't be long before word of his arrival got back to him. Sage dreaded the conversation they were about to have. Fight was more like it. If his father had thought about sending Balick, it sure wasn't going to be a peaceful how-are-ya.

  Changing into his royal robes, he untied his wet hair and combed the wetness from it. He was procrastinating, and that would probably piss his father off even more. But so be it. He wasn't in the mood to deal with him in the first place and this would be on his terms, not his fathers.

  He hadn't been lying to Gary when he said he'd taken a lot of time to think things over. It was now time to take a stand. If his father wanted him to be king, then he would do it his way. He was more than ready for banishment or to be killed. Whatever might happen, he would accept his fate, but he was done bowing to the craziness that was slowly destroying the clan.

  "I tried to keep him calm." Heath stepped into his room.

  Sage set the brush down as he turned to face him. "I know you did. He's become unreasonable. Everest and I were talking today that it's time to make a stand." Sage bound his robe tighter. "He thinks we should call Barron. See if he can help Father see the need for change."

  Heath sucked in a breath. "You think he would come? He and Father have never gotten along."

  "He would come for us." Sage stared at his brother. "Everest said Randy has been in contact with him. I will ask tonight for him to get word that we need him here. Until then we won't mention it. The four of us need to meet and plan before we take any action. For now, we will continue as we have."

  Heath fell into step beside him. "You want me with you when you see Father?"

  Sage shook his head. "There is no reason for you to suffer more. I'm sure you've done enough trying to cover for me."

  "Is he worth it?" Heath grinned.

  "Who?"

  "This human that Everest tells me has stolen your heart."

  Sage laughed. "He's hardly stolen my heart. I just enjoy his company. We both know it can't go anywhere."

  "Unless you change the laws."

  Sage shook his head. "It could take years for that to happen and already he's asking for things I can't give. It won't be long before he is asking more questions that I am unable to answer."

  "So you will sacrifice your happiness because of this?"

  "What else can I do, Heath? You saw what happens when I try to take time away. If Father finds out about him, both his life and mine would be at risk. I can't put him in that danger."

  "Father wouldn't kill you." Heath frowned.

  "Maybe not, but he would Gary, and if that happened I would be as good as dead." Sage stopped several feet from the Royal Office. "Thank you for all you did while I was gone. I will handle things from here."

  Sage met his brother's stare for a long moment, before they both sighed, and Sage strode into the office.

  "Sage." His father stood behind the large stone desk as if he was waiting for him. "It
is about time you returned."

  His father appeared calm, but Sage saw the slight twitch of his eye and the way he rung his hands together, giving away his anger.

  "I told you I would be gone several days, Father." Sage stepped to the desk as he met his father's hard gaze.

  "This is not how the future king acts. You have work to do here." His father pushed a notebook toward him. "Three others have gone missing. There are rumors they have left for another clan. We must hold a meeting and demand loyalty from the others. We cannot expect to prosper if our people keep leaving the way they are."

  Sage hadn't wanted to get into this conversation so soon, but his father had really left him no choice. "Father, have you thought anymore about what we discussed? About changing the laws, lessening the rules and penalties for others to live among the humans?"

  The King's face turned crimson. "You know how I feel about that. It only takes one human to know of our existence to bring a full out war on our people and an end to our race. What do you think the human's will do if they knew about us? Would you like to be the first to volunteer to be studied or dissected?"

  It was the oldest argument and yet the strongest one. How would humans react if they knew? Could they trust a select few with their secret or would they have to tell all? Sage didn't have an answer. "It might not go so bad."

  "And yet it might. I am not willing to have the blood of our entire species on my hands. I am calling a meeting for Sunday. All of the clan must be there. Those who do not show will no longer be welcome. We are enforcing the laws. Reminding them what happens if they put the clan at risk. I will send messengers to the other clans restating how serious this matter is."

  Sage took a deep breath before speaking. "Father, what do you think will happen if you start to banish people? They will go out on their own and seek out the females anyway. Isn't it better to work with them here so that you still have some kind of control over things. So that we are aware what is going on? If they live away from the clan, do not honor you as their king, then what reason do they have to hold our secrets any longer?"