SAGE (Tales of the Merman Book 1)

by E. M. Leya

  Barron turned and looked at him. "I've seen a lot during my travels. A lot of our people fall in love with humans. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

  "I'm not ashamed."

  Barron returned to the bed. "Then why is it over?"

  Sage sat up and glared at his brother. "Can't you leave me alone?"

  "No." Barron sat down beside him. "Now tell me why it's over. According to Everest things looked pretty serious when he saw you two."

  Barron wasn't one to give up. He would end up telling him anyway. "He wanted my phone number, my address. He wanted to go camping in the mountains. When I told him I didn't have a phone or address to give him, he walked. I'd already hurt him when Father had us arrested by not keeping in touch, now, with this, he just wasn't willing to deal with it. Thinks I'm lying to him."

  Barron touched his brother's shoulder. "You could get a place inland now that Heath is king."

  "It's too late. He won't listen to me. I've hurt him too much." Sage shook his head. "It would never work anyway. The lies just build. I can't go camping for days. I can't be away from the ocean. He would want to travel, do things I can't."

  Barron took a deep breath. "Have you thought about telling him?"

  Sage turned so fast that he his hair came free from its bind. "I couldn't."

  "Why not? It's not like you would be the first to tell a human. I met with several humans on my travels who know about us. They are trusted and keep our secret. Do you trust your human, Sage? Trust him to keep quiet if he knew?"

  Sage stared at his brother. He couldn't believe they were having this conversation. "I can't tell a human about us. It's against the laws."

  "You think Heath will have him killed?" Barron rolled his eyes. "Now answer me. Do you trust him?"

  "Yes." Sage didn't even have to think about it. "I trust him."

  "Then tell him. Don't lose him because of this. Love is too rare. If you love him, if you trust him, tell him."

  Sage closed his eyes. Love. Did he love Gary? Had it got to that already? Sage rubbed his chest and thought about the pain as he watched Gary walk away from him. That was his answer. That pain was his love.

  "And if he freaks out?"

  "Do you think he will?"

  "I don't know, maybe at first."

  "They all freak out at first." Barron laughed. "So would you if you suddenly found out a myth was real. The question is, once he thinks about it. Remembers that he loves you. That you are really no different than he is, will he care? Will he still want you?"

  Sage bit his lip until he expected to taste blood. How would Gary react? He didn't know. It could go either way. "I can't risk his life. If he doesn't take it well, we have no choice but to kill him to keep the secret."

  Barron nodded. "That's why you must be sure."

  The little bit of hope Barron was giving him eased his pain, but was it enough. Could Gary forgive him for everything? Accept him for what he was? Would he still want him?

  "I have to talk to Heath about this. I won't do it without his knowledge."

  "Because he is king or because he is your brother?" Barron glanced over at him.

  "Both." Sage stood.

  "You're going to do it?"

  "I don't know yet." Sage retied his hair back. "I will see what Heath says and decide from there. It will put Everest at risk as well. Gary knows he is my brother."

  Barron took Sage by the arm. "Let's go talk to Heath then."

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  The noise from the TV did nothing to distract Gary from his thoughts. Thoughts he couldn't seem to escape. He missed Sage. It didn't seem to matter how many times he reminded himself that Sage didn't want him in his life, the pain was still there.

  He couldn't even sleep in his bed anymore. Memories of all the time they shared together seemed to haunt him there. Not that the couch was much better, or the kitchen table, the shower, the shop. There didn't seem to be a place they hadn't made love.

  And that was exactly what it had been. Making love. Gary wasn't even going to try to deny that he had somewhere along the way fallen in love with Sage. He let him touch a part of him that no other man had ever touched. He let him in his heart.

  He sighed as he brushed his fingers through his uncombed hair. He hadn't even bothered to go open the shop today. It was Sunday and he probably lost a few sales, but he just couldn't bring himself to move off the couch. One day wouldn't kill him.

  So many times over the last three days, he wondered if he made the right choice when he walked away. What if Sage was telling the truth? But in the end he still couldn't justify the secrets that Sage seemed to keep from him. Something didn't add up and he owed it to himself to know the truth, especially if they were talking long term things like living together.

  He reached for the glass of water on the coffee table wondering if it would ever get easier. After three days the pain only seemed to grow, not ease. He found himself sleeping just to escape the memories and his own questions as to why Sage couldn't let him into his life. Because that was really what it came down to.

  The sound of the doorbell caused him to jump. He turned off the TV and tossed the remote on the couch as he stood and made his way to the door. Peeking through the peephole, he cursed when he saw who it was.

  He opened the door a couple inches as he stared at Sage standing in front of him. "What?"

  "I was worried when you weren't at the shop. Are you okay?"

  "I’m fine." Gary went to shut the door.

  Sage shoved his foot forward, stopping the door. "Wait, I want to talk." His black eyes stared at Gary with a pleading, hopeful look.

  "There's nothing to say."

  "Please, Gary. Let me explain." Sage covered Gary's hand with his own as he held the door. "I'm miserable without you."

  Gary sucked in a breath, trying his hardest to think clearly with Sage so near. "Nothing is going to change. You willing to give me an address? A phone number?"

  "No, but at least give me the chance to tell you why."

  Gary stared at Sage for a long moment before stepping back from the door and turning away. He left the door open and walked to the living room.

  He heard Sage shut the door and follow him. "Thank you. I just want to explain. What you decide once I tell you is up to you. I will understand if you can't forgive me, but I had to at least try." Sage stepped in front of Gary and took both his hands into his. "I love you."

  Gary gasped as he stared at Sage in shock. "What?"

  "I love you. I want this to work between us. I know I messed up, but hopefully once I explain everything you will forgive me."

  Gary pulled his hands from Sage's. "Explain."

  "Not here. I can't here. I need you to come with me. I need to show you." Sage looked almost desperate.

  "I don't want to go anywhere. Just tell me." Gary moved back to the couch and sat down.

  "Gary, I can't just tell you. You won't believe me. Please. If you ever cared about us, if there is any chance of us working this out, please come with me." Sage knelt down beside him. "Please."

  He stared at Sage, seeing the plea in his eyes, the desperate crease of his forehead, the black circles under his eyes. He shouldn't go. This was only going to cause him more pain. "Fine. I'll go. But no more lies. I can't do it, Sage. If you're going to lie to me, then just forget it now."

  "I've never lied to you Gary. I might have kept secrets from you. Not been as forthcoming as I should have been, but I never lied. You will understand when you see."

  He wanted to believe Sage, but he stared at him doubtful. "Let's just get this over, okay?" He pushed up from the couch and headed down the hallway, calling over his shoulder. "Give me a minute to dress."

  Once in his bedroom, he shut the door and fell back against it with a loud sigh. His hand shook and his pulse raced. He needed to be strong. Just because Sage was here and willing to try to explain, didn't mean the explanation would be enough.

  As he dressed, he heard Sage's words again in
his mind. Did he really love him? Would he lie to him if he loved him? Refuse to allow Gary into his life if he really felt that way about him? Gary buttoned his pants and slid on a pair of flip-flops before heading back out into the living room.

  Sage still stood where he had been, his hands fisted at his side as he looked up nervously. "I don't have a car. Do you mind driving?"

  Gary shook his head. He wanted to drive. It would give him a quick escape should he want to leave. "I don't mind." He grabbed his keys off the table. "Let's get this over."

  Sage frowned. "I wish you would trust me a little?"

  "Why when you've given me no reason to?"

  "It's not what you think?"

  "You won't tell me anything more, so what am I supposed to think?"

  "Let's go. The sooner we get there, the sooner you will understand." Sage moved past Gary and opened the front door. "It's about ten minutes from here."

  Gary followed him out of the apartment and locked the door. He watched as Sage walked to the car, never looking back. Gary frowned, remembering how just days ago they would have been hand in hand everywhere they went.

  He had to admit he was curious what Sage had to show him. There was nothing he could think of that would explain why he wouldn't have a phone number or an address. He got in the car and started it, glancing over at Sage. "Where am I going?"

  "North. It's near the museum if you know where that is. If you get there, it's just a few streets away." Sage folded his hands in his lap and turned away to stare out the passenger window.

  "I know where it is." He put the car in reverse and backed out.

  As he drove, he glanced at Sage. He tried to think of something to say, but conversation seemed hard to come by with the stuff hanging between them. He wanted to ask questions, demand answers, but figured he might as well wait and see what Sage showed him first.

  Ten minutes later, Gary approached the museum. "Which way?"

  "Turn left on the next street then make a right on the next one." Sage didn't look at him as he spoke.

  The neighborhood was a rich one. One that Gary could only dream of ever living in. The houses cost more than he would probably make in his lifetime. He watched the large gated yards pass by as he turned down the street.

  "Third house on the left with the black gate." Sage pointed. "Code for the gate is fifteen-forty-two."

  Gary was shocked that Sage would give him the code. "Is this your place?" He glanced up at the large mansion that sat back a few hundred feet from the gate.

  "No. It's my clan's safe house."

  "Clan? Safe house?" Gary was even more confused. He punched in the code and the large gates opened.

  "I'll explain it all after. There's a lot to tell, but I want to get the worst of it over with first. We can talk about it all later if you still want to after I show you."

  Gary's stomach tightened as he wondered what Sage could show him that would be so bad. He'd never seen Sage so nervous. He pulled up the long driveway and parked beside the house. He shut off the car and turned to look at Sage. "You okay?"

  Sage nodded. "I will be. I'm just scared of your reaction." He took a deep breath. "I need you to promise me something though. What I am about to show you has to stay between you and me. You can't tell anyone."

  Gary raised a brow.

  "Seriously, Gary. This is life and death for many people. Very few people know anything about what I am about to show you. I am literally trusting you with my life here." Sage met his eyes with a hard stare. "If this gets out, many could suffer."

  "What are you involved in, Sage?" Gary started wondering if he wanted to do this.

  "Nothing like that. It's nothing illegal. Nothing bad. Just promise me you will keep my secret if I show you." Sage reached for his hand. "I'm trusting you with something I have never trusted anyone else with before."

  Gary could hear the worry in Sage's voice and it scared him. "I promise, Sage. I will keep your secret."

  Sage let out a long breath and nodded. "Come on. Let's go inside before I chicken out." He shoved the car door open and got out.

  Gary followed, pocketing his keys as he followed Sage up the front steps onto the large wrap-around front porch. The double doors were huge before him as he waited for Sage to unlock them.

  Sage pushed the door open and stepped inside. Gary followed and waited for Sage to shut and relock the door. He glanced around the huge entryway, thinking the furnishings alone cost more than Gary had ever thought about having. He was in awe.

  "We need to go to the pool." Sage moved past him and started toward the back of the house.

  "The pool?" Gary was confused.

  "Yeah. You'll see."

  Sage quickened his pace and Gary rushed to keep up.

  "You live here?" Gary asked.

  "No. I've spent a few nights here, but I don't live here. I'll explain where I live once I show you this." Sage glanced at him.

  "Okay." Gary bit his lip. It was clear he wasn't going to get any answers until Sage did whatever it was he needed to.

  He followed him through the long maze of hallways and rooms until they stopped at a door. Sage stopped and turned to face Gary and for the first time since they had met, he saw fear in Sage's eyes.

  "What is it?" Gary reached out and touched Sage's arm, wanting to ease his fear.

  Sage shook his head. "Just remember, no matter your reaction, I love you. I never wanted to hurt you. I just couldn't stay away from you. I should have never come back after we saved the child, but there was such an attraction, I just couldn't ignore it."

  Gary nodded. "I felt it, too. I don't regret anything, Sage. I just want honesty between us."

  Sage smiled weakly. "After today, there will be no more secrets between us. The question is, will you still want me once you find out." He pushed the door open and stepped inside.

  The room was pitch black but the smell of salt water was strong. Sage moved to the side and flipped a switch and suddenly the room lit up and Gary stared at a large indoor pool. He looked around, shocked to find no windows in the room.

  "It's a salt water pool. The water is almost a match to the ocean." Sage walked to the edge of the pool and looked back at Gary. "I don't think I've ever been so scared."

  Gary moved to stand beside him. "I don't understand."

  Sage started to strip off his clothes. "Just promise me you will try to understand. Nothing is different. I love you, no matter what."

  "What are you doing?" Gary watched as Sage tossed his shirt aside and kicked off his shoes.

  "Getting ready to show you." Sage pulled off his socks and then pushed his pants down and stepped out of them. Once he stood naked, he reached out and touched Gary's cheek. "Please don't leave me." Sage turned and jumped into the water.

  Gary blinked as water splashed at his feet. He watched as Sage dove deep before coming back up to the surface, he smiled once at Gary and dove again. This time there was a slight glimmer of light from the water, almost blurring Sage from his view. When it faded, Gary gasped as he stared at Sage.

  Sage swam under the water expertly, but it wasn't the swimming that had Gary's attention, it was the fin that had replaced his legs. He blinked several times, sure he was imagining what he was seeing. Memories of their first meeting rushed to his mind. The fish he had seen under the water, the brilliant silver and gold fin his hand brushed.

  He stared at Sage's body. The fin was the same. Brilliant and bright as it flowed through the water, pushing Sage forward.

  Gary fell to his knees, his pulse racing as he reminded himself to breathe. He'd never seen anything so beautiful, but the knowledge of what he was seeing scared him. It wasn't possible. He leaned over the pool's edge as Sage swam toward him, slowly coming to the surface with a cautious look on his face.

  Gary moved back as Sage neared, unsure what to think.

  "It's still me." Sage stared at him.

  Gary stared back, taking in the change in Sage. The first thing he noticed was the doubl
e rows of what appeared to be razor-sharp teeth. He inched back a bit more as Sage watched him.

  "Don't be scared. I could never hurt you."

  "This can't be real." Gary shook his head as he watched Sage splash his tail fin in the water. "It's a costume right? A joke?"

  Sage frowned. "No. It's real." Sage ran his hand down his tail fin. "You want to see?"

  Gary shook his head. "I…" He what? He didn't even know what to say. He continued to stare at Sage, trying to accept what he was seeing.

  "This is why I couldn't give you any of the information you wanted. I don't have a phone or an address. Most the time I would just give out Everest's shop information, but I couldn't do that with you. I never lied, Gary. I just couldn’t tell you."

  "But now you can?" Gary still kept his distance, watching the sharp teeth closely as Sage talked.

  "I shouldn't. It's against the rules. I talked to my brothers. They agreed that we could trust you. They know how I feel about you. It would kill me to lose you, Gary. I needed you to know. It was the only way we could try to make this work between us."

  Gary backed away. "I don't know if I can deal with this." He pushed up from his knees and stood, never taking his eyes off Sage. "This is a bit much." His hands shook and he fisted them at his side to try to control it.

  "Please don't be scared. I'm the same person as I was ten minutes ago."

  Gary pointed. "You're not. The teeth, the fin… You're a mermaid."

  "Merman. There are no such thing as mermaids." Sage gripped the edge of the pool. "I want to explain everything. Answer all your questions, but if you can't deal with this, I don't know if there is a point."

  Could he deal with this? He couldn't believe he was still standing here. His mind told him to run and never look back. He stared at Sage, seeing the dark tan skin, the thick black hair, and deep black eyes staring back at him. He looked the same for the most part, sounded the same. Still he was a fish. Gary shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around it. "You live in the water?"

  "Underwater caves that lead up to dry land. We make our homes in those caves."

  "So you live in which form?" Gary titled his head as he tried to understand.