Natasha
We make it to an island by nightfall. The dark sky is filled with twinkling stars, and I climb out of the boat. It feels great having sand between my toes again, and I stretch my legs.
"We are finally here!" I smile with my eyes closed. "I can't wait to grab a proper meal!"
While still smiling like a fool, I scan the area.
It seems we have found a lovely little pirate town. Lanterns are swaying in the calm winds, lighting up something resembling New Tortuga, and parrots are croaking out into the night.
Palm trees are dancing, and the houses are tiny—some have roofs made of leaves, meaning the islanders are practical.
I wonder if their food is good?
I inhale deeply, smiling when I can smell the ale. It's a pirate town, alright—I can already imagine the burly men partying and celebrating on the street, talking about how they survived their latest raid.
My mouth waters, and I'm forced to lick my lips repeatedly as
Natasha I chug down an entire beer and brush my mouth with the backside of my hand. The man who thought I couldn't get it down like a man is clapping his hands. His smile is growing, and he places a coin on the bar desk in front of me. "Nice job, lass," the bearded man says. He must be in his fifties, way too old for me, yet it doesn't stop him from flirting. He winks at me. "Tell me, where are you sleeping tonight?" I resist the urge to punch him. "Not with you." The bartender stifles a laugh, and I pick up the coin, ordering another beer while the bearded man gapes at me. He appears offended by me turning him down, but he backs off when I lift a questioning eyebrow. "I wouldn't dare fight with captain Roger's daughter," the bearded man mutters, glaring down at me. "Your step-father is the most bloodthirsty pirate that I've ever met. He would kill me if I attempted anything." I meet his eyes. "Have you seen captain Roger around this i
Natasha My heart wants to spend the night with Hayden. I like him, and my gaze swirls into his green eyes as if it's their home. We stand facing each other in silence, staring as if it would magically give us all the answers needed to solve our problems. Realizing I'm being weird, I straighten my shoulders and force my heart back into rhythm. Only I can't make the pounding stop. Every nerve, every goddamn brain cell yells at me to throw caution to the wind and sleep with Hayden, but I can't. My eyes find him again. Mistake. I think my knees buckle. I'm not sure because my brain has screeched to a halt and died. Holy hell, Hayden is beautiful. Heat and stamina swirl around him in waves, and his intense stare makes me sway a bit. There is no oxygen left in my lungs, and a smile spill out over my lips. "She is super drunk," Hayden walks forward, and with gentle movements, he picks me up into his arms. He smells fantastic—l
Natasha I have this jarring feeling in my gut that something terrible is about to happen when I walk down to get breakfast. But I probably imagine things since I'm safe with Hayden and Aiden around. Scylla will have to beat two sea monsters to get to me. While wearing a smile, I grab some juice and bread. The hotel is empty, and I don't see any other guests, but I'm not worried. I prefer the peaceful silence in the morning. I only wish Hayden was here. He is still sleeping in the hotel room, and I swear the view of him sprawled out over his pillow will stick with me to the grave. He had this smile on his lips while his blonde fell into his face, and I didn't have the heart to wake him. I'm also conflicted and still turned on from seeing the massive bulge in his boxers as he lightly snored. Hayden was rock hard this morning, and I had to fight like hell not to jump over him like a wolf over a sheep. Sexy merman. A smile graces m
Hayden I wake up confused and alone in bed. Light seeps in through a crack in the curtain, and although there is the sound of birdsong, something feels wrong. The place where Natasha slept is empty, and my heart goes cold. Why didn't she wake me up? I pout while putting on clothes. "Didn't Natasha want to eat breakfast with me?" My heart squeezes. I thought we were making progress yesterday. We joked and laughed, and Natasha accidentally called me her boyfriend. I was in such a state of shock I stopped breathing. Her words warmed my heart, and the blush that spread over her skin like a rapid forest fire was endearing. But now I don't know what to believe. I'm disappointed Natasha she didn't push me awake. I would have grabbed her and forced her to cuddle with me. I'm soft in the morning and would have loved to inhale the scent of her hair. But perhaps Natasha would have hated that? Where is she, anyway? With Aid
Natasha I’m exhausted, and my lungs are burning from all the crying, screaming, all the sounds I’ve made during the journey here. “Some woman you are!” Aiden pulls us up on some golden beach, and I’m already halfway into the grave when he throws me on top of the sand. I’ve fought him during the entire way here, and the siren is furious with me. “I can’t believe you fucking bit me! And that was after you punched me in the eye—in the eye! I’m probably already blind! Is that what you want? A blind mate? Because I can’t hunt anything if I’m blind, Natasha! And who will feed you then? Huh?” Aiden keeps yelling at me, but I tune him out and focus on the birds circling in the cloudless sky. I can barely see them. My eyelids are swollen and bruised and battered. It’s a miracle that I’m still breathing. I’m not sure what came over Aiden, but he acts like a psychopath. After I tried to escape from his stupid neck where he had placed me, he grabb
NatashaI passed out after Aiden beat me, and now I steer my tired eyes toward the fire he has breathed to life. Night has fallen, and we are still on the beach. It's freezing."You're such a hard woman to deal with..." Aiden mutters into the flames, probably not even aware that I'm awake. "But I will shape you..."I close my eyes because fear is rattling my bones.Aiden is the sickest person I've ever met. He took me from behind earlier, and the pain made me blackout. I'm still sore from it, and my eyes are swollen from the tears I shed. Anal sex isn't for me.I hate Aiden.If I possessed enough strength, I would flee from him.But my only weapon, the necklace, is gone from around my neck. I tried to reach for it in our fight, but oddly enough, the pearls wouldn't respond to me. No matter how I cried or wrapped my fingers around them, nothing happened—I don't understand what I did wrong!A thousand thoughts race through
Natasha I squint my eyes, barely able to see. The pain in my limbs is excruciating, and I think death would be a kinder fate than to keep breathing through heaving lungs. My skin is on fire, and the two glowing orbs belonging to Hayden study my physical state. "I know you're afraid of me, but if you meet my eyes, I could remove that ugly fear from your heart." "No, don't take my fear," I say, despite being afraid. My voice is weak and exhausted, but it's honest and filled with emotion. "I'm tired of running. It's everything I do. When things get hard, I find a way out..." Hayden is silent for a while, then he inhales. "You don't want that anymore?" "No," a giggle slips out through my lips, and I meet his eyes, smiling with genuine feelings not caused by hypnosis. "You frighten me, but maybe that's because I like you. I've feared what other people will think, terrified of—" I hesitate. My head is spinning. I know what I want to say, but
NatashaWe are swimming through the ocean in the rain. Safira is playing with her dolphin friends while I'm holding on to Hayden's soft hair. He has been sweet during the entire journey.My feet and arms are tangled in blonde curls as I'm lying down, keeping myself warm by the heat coming from his scalp. Fear is still there, but it's slowly fading away.Hayden is big, but he is quite the teddy bear with me. We have been talking about life and other things."So, what is your dream?" I ask.Hayden continues to paddle, humming. "I want children, but I'm not sure if I can have them. Vivian lost our daughter and blamed my mutated genes. So it might be a lost cause.""I'm so sorry for your loss," I tap his head, hoping it will offer some comfort. "But Vivian might be wrong. Trying doesn't hurt.""True, you're not on the pill now, are you?"I laugh. "No.""And would you like to have children?"I blush. "Well, I think it'
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?