Chapter 3 The Kiss

Chapter 3 The Kiss

"Neptune, can you tap into their underwater body cameras ?" I asked as Niklaus and I watched her screen flicker and then we saw all four cameras on Neptune's monitor.

We could see Abatrose, his men, and Teianna swimming ahead of them, the power in their strokes was impressive their speed was incredibly fast.

I mindlinked with them *How's it going* I asked.

Kie was the first to answer, *It's cold at these depths, but Abatrose says we're almost there* 

We waited with bated breath and then we saw her! She was majestic and beautiful in her glory.

We watched in awe as they swam up to her, Abatrose was right she was massive! But beautiful!

*Abatrose what is that color?" What is the ship made of?"

*It's of extraterrestrial origin, my Queen,* Abatrose replied, his voice filled with wonder. *The color adapts to its surroundings, allowing it to blend in. We only discovered it by chance, as it was fully camouflaged initially. Now, its cloaking ability is faltering.*

 *We're not sure why* he explained. there was some flickering on the screen. *Why are the cameras acting up?*  I asked, growing concerned for their safety.

*It's interference from the ship's protective barrier.* he said.

I issued a swift command. *Get a clear shot of the door and hand lock, then return immediately, I don't like this*

We saw the door come into view, we were struck by its size as if designed for a giant. Yet, the hand lock seemed surprisingly normal, proportioned for our own size. The screen flickered wildly, and I turned to Neptune. "Can you filter out the video noise?" I asked.

"I'll try," Neptune responded, her processors humming. "I have access to off-world data storage, which might aid in our analysis. I'll attempt to retrieve relevant information on the locking device."

My eyes widened in surprise at Neptune's revelation, and I leaned in, eager to learn more. "Go ahead, Neptune. See what you can uncover."

Neptune's processors hummed as she delved deeper into the data. "It appears this locking device is widely used throughout the Orion Galaxy." Somehow this information didn't surprise me. I had always suspected that our planet's ancient cultures had been influenced by Orion's civilizations.

"Do you think Atlantis was from that galaxy?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Neptune's response was measured. "I'm not convinced of that. They may have acquired the locking device through trade or other means. The cloaking ability, however, suggests a different origin altogether." Her words only added to the mystery, and I felt myself drawn deeper into the enigma of the ancient ship.

I noticed that Niklaus was not with me "Neptune, locate Niklaus" 

"He is sleeping next to the twin's bassinet," she replied.

I walked upstairs to check on them and they were indeed fast asleep.

With nothing else to do, I decided to take a stroll to the shoreline to greet the others as they returned.

As I walked, I saw Kie and Leilani emerge from the water first, laughing and chatting. Then Brent and Naki followed, their faces beaming with excitement. Finally, Abatrose emerged from the waves, his piercing jade-green eyes with gold flecks fixed intently on me. His powerful physique and massive muscles were evident even from a distance. Standing at 6'5" with a commanding stride, he exuded authority and power. His full lips seemed to beckon me to kiss them, and his long, dirty blonde hair flowed down his back like a golden mane.

As the others bid us goodnight and headed home, Abatrose joined me on my walk, his smile warm and endearing. "You look stunning tonight, my Queen," he said, his eyes shining with sincerity.

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Thanks," I replied, our footsteps synchronizing as we strolled.

"I'm glad we have a chance to talk," he said, "there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."

We entered the cabana, and I settled into the familiar comfort of my old front porch swing from Nola. The gentle sway and the ocean breeze carrying the sweet scent of tropical flowers created a serene ambiance.

As we sat together, the swing creaking softly, I turned to Abatrose and asked, "What's on your mind?"

I asked in a whisper, unaware that I was tapping into my siren voice. Abatrose's eyes shifted colors as he leaned in, his whisper sending shivers down my spine. "I love you, Raven."

I watched, entranced, as his lips formed the words. Before I knew it, I was savoring their taste, sweet and delicious. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his lap, and that's when it happened – the mate bond kicked in it was like a power rush of pure love that hits you hard.

I whispered, "Mate!" Abatrose echoed my words, his voice barely audible. "Mate!"

In that moment, our connection was sealed, our love binding us together with an unbreakable bond.

I pulled away, my thoughts racing to Niklaus. "I can't do this right now," I said, a hint of panic in my voice. "I need to talk to him."

Abatrose's smile was reassuring. "It's going to be okay, love. Niklaus isn't a jealous man. He understands what it means to have a Siren as a wife. I've seen our future, and we're all happy and content together. I would never come between you and your King, my love."

His words soothed my heart, but I needed to confirm it with Niklaus, my King and the love of my life. I needed to hear it from his lips, to ensure that our bond was secure and that he was willing to accept this new aspect of our relationship.

"I understand my Queen," Abatrose said, his voice gentle as he placed me back on the swing. He stood up, bowed to me, and smiled, "Thank you for the kiss I will have something to dream about tonight" his eyes shined. His smile, alluring.  He lingered for a short time, then turned and walked away.  I watched, entranced, as he dove into the ocean, his powerful physique disappearing into the waves. The moonlight danced across the waves rushing to our shores. . I could still taste his kiss on my lips, and my thoughts wondered....