Natasha
I make it back to the tent where Hayden is resting. I'm still angry after my encounter with Aiden, or as I like to call him, "Mr. Dickface" and I angrily prepare the seashell necklace for Hayden.
"I met this unbelievably infuriating asshole while I was searching for your seashells..."
Hayden twitches when I hang the necklace around his neck. The magical glow turns more brilliant, and I jerk back in startlement when the merman abruptly opens his eyes.
Never in a thousand years did I expect the magic to heal him so quickly, and my heart climbs up into my throat when Hayden sits up. He doesn't say anything, and sudden fear claws at me when he turns around.
His eyes narrow, and I press my back against the tent when he approaches me with a glare. Every muscle is on display. He isn't wearing any clothes, and his flexing arms make my mouth go dry.
Did I do something to piss him off?
"Uh..." I lick my lips. "Hello?"
Hay
Natasha I watch the waves push up on the beach while smiling. Today, I'm a morning person enjoying the warm breeze, and I love every minute of squinting up at the sun. My toes curl in the sand, and an uncharacteristic giddiness enters my body. I want to leave this island behind since being here makes me restless. Zafira seems to enjoy playing in the waves, but I'm bored out of my mind on this island. I'm also worried about Roger. Did he die? I need to see New Tortuga and find out. Hayden is no longer injured, and although there is a scar on his body, I know he is powerful enough to swim. My heart picks up pace as images of Hayden in his enormous, scary merman form enter my mind. Is it safe to let him take me away from here? I'm not sure what we are—friends or lovers? Regardless of the answer, Hayden seems different after his recovery. We talk less, and it feels like there is some distance between, and yet, whene
Natasha Hayden is staring down at me like a creep. He is like a pimple in the butt I can't quite reach. And while I might find him stupidly handsome, I'm irritated enough to run him over with a train. After many minutes of silence, the man speaks. "Are you seriously going to row back to New Tortuga?" I don't meet his eyes. I'm too pissed and angry with him. The man won't promise me he won't eat anyone close to me, so I keep building my raft while secretly hoping Hayden will slip and fall. "Did you hear my question?" "Yes," I swallow the urge to yell at him to leave me alone. "I heard you perfectly fine, and yes—I am building a fucking raft." "Even though I could take you there in no time?" "I rather not ride with the guy who can't promise he won't hurt those closest to me." Frustration makes Hayden laugh. He rakes his fingers through his hair and kicks away a seashell. "Because it would be stupid to promise something I
Natasha The sun is about to set, and it's soon time for bed. I'm heading back to the village, pissed and tired of confusing, gorgeous men, such as Hayden and his twin, Aiden. They both keep calling me their mate, and honestly, I wouldn't mind if they treated me like it. But I'm not that lucky—Hayden can't promise me he won't eat anyone, and Aiden is purely annoying. Sighing, I clutch my Victoria's secret bag tighter and keep walking ahead with a clouded mind. Too many thoughts are circling my head, and my heart is heavy. I wish I had never fought with Hayden because I'm probably about to end up finding him drunk— "You smell like my brother." I stop dead in my tracks, staring up at Hayden, who is basking in the sun with his colossal tail splashing in the waves. He is lying on his stomach, arms crossed and his head resting over his arm to eye me. Everything beneath his torso is in the water. My eyes trail his muscular, tanned bic
Hayden I stare up at the blinking stars, unsure of who I am now that I've fully merged with Tide and no longer hear his voice. I'm not the old Hayden anymore, and that's a relief. Stress no longer courses in my veins, and although the hotel and the business are still close to my heart, it's no longer the reason I'm still breathing. A tiny flicker underneath my hand brings my eyes down to the human sleeping on my chest. Natasha passed out after our session. She is terrified of my merman form, so I had to hypnotize her to indulge in sexual affairs with me. I should probably feel guilty, but I don't—I had to have her at least once, hold her, and treat her as if she is mine. And one day, she might be. "Cold..." Natasha mumbles in her sleep, hugging her arms to her frail, delicate body. "Hayhay..." My lips curve slightly at her mentioning my name, and I pull my hand over her like a blanket. Her weight is barely noticeable; she is as
Natasha I hate my life. Even more, I hate the giant merman in my life. No matter how hard I struggle, I can't break free from the tree trunk-sized fingers resting over my stomach. They are holding me in one place like those seats inside the carousels I rode as a child. And where the hell is Zafira?! She should be helping me! "Fucking Hayden..." I mutter and growl in pure frustration when the merman whistles through his nose. He is sound asleep, and I'm flipped on my back like a cockroach, fighting to escape him. Of course, my struggles go unnoticed. The merman doesn't move, doesn't stir no matter what I do—I'm the angry wind, trying to move mountains to no avail. Frustration is letting loose, and I desperately try to wriggle out of Hayden's hold. Sadly, I don't move an inch. "ARGGGHHH!" I'm panting like a dog, pissed-off, until the merman chuckles in what seems to be a half-asleep state. I've com
Natasha My head is spinning. Part of me feels sad for Hayden, but the more logical part of my brain is terrified of his merman form. "I will not stick around for when you turn into a giant sea monster, Hayden. No offense, but I don't trust you—not after you forced me to indulge in sexual activities with you!" "Forced you?" Hayden tilts his head, grinning faintly. "I removed your fear, but whatever was left was all you." "It was disgusting." "Yet you came multiple times." I blush. "And? If people knew—" "Do you usually share information about what you do in bed with your friends and family, Natasha?" My insides are boiling. I hate that Hayden is right, and his amused lips and stupid pretty-boy face make it hard to leave him on the beach. His arms are parked underneath his mighty chest, and I sigh in defeat. "You can turn into your leviathan form, but you won't be moving an inch, and neither will you talk. I need peace to
Hayden "You know what you need?" Natasha beams up at me. Her smile is more dazzling than the freaking sun. "A saddle!" She can't be serious. I like her, a lot actually, yet I won't downgrade myself and allow her to ride me like a horse! "I'm not going to wear a fucking saddle!" Although I raise my voice, Natasha doesn't back down. She wears that inspired expression, which tells me nothing will come between her dreams. I admire her persistence, but I still have my pride! "Then how are you going to transport me? I'm all ears." Natasha crosses her arms over her chest and glares at me, parting her sexy swollen lips, and I lose the ability to resist thinking about her in ways I can't have her. Fuck. Don't think about kissing her, Hayden. Stay calm. Her determined eyes focus on mine, and I fight like hell not to think about how soft her skin is beneath my fingertips, and god, her scent—remembering it makes me
Natasha We are swimming at a slow pace. Half of Hayden's face is above the water's surface, and I'm dangling my feet down into his forehead. Blonde, thick strands act like safety ropes in my palms, a precaution so that I won't tumble down into his focused face. "Do you want to see the harm done to New Tortuga before we find someplace to steal a ship from?" Hayden doesn't reply. If he would, his face would no longer be half-submerged in the water, and I would probably fall from the throne I've made on his head. Zafira is exploring underwater, and I'm alone with Hayden. I silently peer down at his face, stop on his lips, and hot heat circles around my senses like a snake. Stop, I try telling myself. Hayden is a beast, and I shouldn't think back on our nefarious activity—but I can't deny how insanely good it felt! I lose track of time as I think about a million reasons I shouldn't be in a relationship with a merman and shriek when
John Epilogue Many years later, I still wake up wanting to see my wife first thing in the morning. Kitty Kat and I have been together forever, but something about merman genes and the mate-bond keeps us from aging. We do age, only much slower. Not that I mind—it only means I get more time to spend with the love of my life. She makes it a true blessing to wake up every morning. I peer down at my left palm, smiling at the human who uses one of my fingers as her body pillow. I'm not much larger than I was ten years ago, but since Kat was attacked by a group of dire wolves last year, my resolve to protect her has grown. Kat is prohibited from sleeping without me, and I want her around me all the time, even if she is a loud snoring lady. I find it amusing when she sounds like an airplane, so I haven't told her about it. As I hover above her, I stroke a finger down her petite back, biting my lower lip when she smiles in her sleep. My
Katja I wake to the sound of tropical birds and the blazing sun trying to kill me with its light. I roll over with a groan, only to almost slip down from John's muscular neck. Ah, that's right. I was nuzzling John before we fell asleep, talking about favorite songs and music before dozing off on top of him. His neck, dark hair, and pulse felt warm, and the merman promised he wouldn't move in his sleep, so I stayed. A loud voice yawns. "Morning..." John reaches for me with one hand, and I slide into his palm. His sleepy blue eyes become my beautiful sky, and he breathes a laugh through half-curled lips. "You have bed hair..." John says. His eyes are warm, filled with affection before he kisses me with those lips I can't run away from—not that I want to. A flock of doves swarms my stomach, and I laugh as his soft lips cover my body's upper half. I don't remember ever putting on my clothes after our love-making or when my pants di
Katja My eyes are caught on the moon while my heart is trying to pound through my ribcage. I'm nervous. John is the more experienced one, the older, hot guy who has had his fill of plenty of women. I've seen women throw themselves at his feet, but I can't precisely blame them. John is hotter than hell, and I grow self-conscious of that insight. His large, manly hands are on my thighs, tongue licking me between my legs. I see his dark hair and mountainous shoulders move when I lower my gaze, and my insides throb with need. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I want him. But what if my vagina looks weird or something? A hundred thoughts are racing through my skull. But then an involuntary moan slips out through my parted lips, interrupting me. Oh-my-god, John is the devil—merciless as he sucks my clit! My fingers grab his hair, twisting it, and I can sense John smiling in satisfaction against my skin. "Enjoying ourselves, are we?"
Katja After John has pulled up the shipwreck on the shore, and we have made sure nobody died, I'm left with the giant merman holding me in his massive paws like I'm a delicate treasure. In some ways, I am, at least compared to John. He is absurdly monstrous, but he isn't like Hayden. My sister and her boyfriend are adrenaline junkies, and they are never careful. On the other hand, John is sweet and gentle in a way that makes my insides sizzle like bacon in a frying pan. I lie flat in his palm, turning my head toward his large, brilliant eyes. He is staring at me. I blush, asking softly. "So, are you ever going to change back into a human?" His lips pull into a smile. I try to look away from him―to act like I don't notice the fire in his gaze, but I can't help it. He looks like every fantasy I've ever had come to life, merman perfection with a hint of cockiness to match. His stark blue eyes gleam in the moonlight
Katja A violin, paced and furious, plays a melody of fear through my bones. It's awakening my senses and making me see black. John's lush lips are so close, and there isn't a sign of his kind soul within those dark eyes. Yet I have to reach him. I can't give up. His tongue flicks out, ready to devour me, and I move while held by his tentacle, fighting my better judgment. I know my idea is stupid, yet I do it—I grab hold of his upper lip. He is trying to throw me into his mouth, but I lean in, giving him a peck of a kiss. My eyes close on instinct, and I try to convey everything: love, hope, despair, and the will to be with him through my lips. I know I'm smaller than him and that he probably can't physically feel me, but the emotions within my heart feel so large. I love John, and he needs to know. I think back to the times we bickered in the kitchen and the lustful glances we sent each other. Tears prickle behind my eyelids, a
Katja My eyes are glued to John. His transformation is different this time, probably painful if I'm to judge from his screams. Those tentacles are giant now, and his height is downright terrifying. I don't think I've ever seen a kaiju or a merman so big. John is putting even Hayden to shame. Dark hair hangs over his muscled back, and his tentacles are black with a white underside. He knocks down the tree above me without warning, and I shriek in fright. It falls in the other direction, and I lift my chin. John seems about ready to move, and while I know it's foolish trying to follow a monster rivaling Hayden's size, I can't stay on this island. John's face is darkened, eyes glazed over, and nothing seems to happen inside his thick head. Scarlett has taken control. John is now a threat and danger to everyone on our ship. Since Hayden isn't at home, John will have a simple time battling us. Because let's face it, no one on the ship could
JohnMy chest is warm, and my heart beats an entirely new rhythm. Kat is in my arms, watching me apprehensively. Her lips attempt a smile, but I can smell small traces of fear in the air.I get it—I'm a sea monster, much bigger than Kat and capable of hurting her even by accident. We aren't mates, and there is no reason for her to trust me other than because we used to be close friends in the past.But I wouldn't hurt her, and it hurts acknowledging that idea seems to have rooted itself into Kat's brain.She appears terrified of my every breath, and her face is rapidly turning pale as she absorbs my features.It saddens me. Even with no romantic feelings involved, Kat is my best friend, and I wouldn't hurt her, not willingly. Scarlett wants me to kill her, but I'm fighting the throbbing command within my blood.I focus on the warmth and the butterflies instead. Kat hesitantly lifts her chin to meet my eyes, and I smile."I'm not
Katja"So you don't mind my scars?" John asks while we both stare up at the starry sky. His eyes flicker to mine, and I feel them like a physical weight on my shoulder. "You can be honest with me, Kitty Kat. I won't get offended."What is he talking about?I don't mind his scars at all!I have to tell him, but I'm too shy!A flustered smile spreads over my lips, and I nervously brush my hair behind my ear. I'm experiencing heart palpitations around John. I've never been on a date before, and this must count as one.And knowing this is a date, how am I supposed to stay calm? Being with him is the rush of a lifetime—every time I take him in, I feel my heart skip a beat again. I'm drowning in these warm bubbles of joy.I'm seriously hyperaware of John, and I'm afraid. I don't want to screw things up between us by acting weird, but I'm this smiling, giggling mess around him because nothing can stop the butterflies from swarming my c
JohnI've been with plenty of women in my lifetime. Pretty ones, loud ones, blondes, brunettes, big boobs, small breasts, ladies who won't stop talking, and the kind that makes you laugh. Yes, I was a manwhore in the past, never once settling for one person.I determined love didn't exist; never once did I expect my heart would pound for one person—oh, how stupid I was!A few seconds ago, Kat told me she likes me, and my world did an instant backflip, and now I can't think. I can't breathe. I mean, why? How can a pretty girl like her want to be with a monster like me?I stare at her, take in her features, and wait for the punchline. There must be one! She can't honestly like me—I don't deserve her!And shit, my master, Scarlett, ordered me to kill Kat, and here I am, daydreaming about our future wedding. I can hear wedding bells, and a dumb smile spreads to my lips when I notice Kat is blushing."Aren't you going to say anything?