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Chapter Eight
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Galene loved the off-campus studio. She was back in California at the UCLA School of Arts and preparing for her first official exhibition. Three years of hard work led to a taste of gallery life, and she refused to disappoint herself or her professors.
She had her last year of college ahead and needed to focus on direction and narrative within her art. Crossing the quiet street, she glanced at the old industrial warehouse and smiled. Ten of her fellow students shared this massive space with multi-level studios. Yes, the old building seemed unaccommodating to the average person, but it felt eclectic and welcoming to art students. Old sofas and messy studios sat next to a make-shift pottery space. They also had a lithographic and printing room, a sculpture space filled with stone, wood, metals, and a workshop and welding area. The sounds of artists working always motivated Galene to try harder to translate her passion onto canvas.Pulling out her security pass, she swipedRelated chapters
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Stralath watched the entrance to the warehouse, hoping his intel was correct. The new SUV was a luxurious brand, and he appreciated the warm leather smell as he reached for the box sitting on the center console and snapped it open. The Hublot watch cost twenty grand and matched his outfit and car. The NIRL had provided a generous budget for the mission, and Stralath wasn't complaining. "Why don't we just rely on Bobby's father—what's his name—to relay a message to the fisheri? That's way easier." Drusdor asked from behind. "There's little trust between the pods, and the fisheri will think it's a trap. I'll need to speak to Vigtor Norvegius myself. At least we now have a name." Strapping on the watch, he glanced at Cleona and scowled. "I can't believe you actually shaved your head." "I hate human hair." She ran a hand over her cropped cut. "I feel free. Such annoying shit. And apparently, I had to wash it with fancy bottled soap just for hair. No thanks.
Tidal Souls Chapter Ten
Galene needed to get her shit together. How had she lost her favorite paintbrush? The stiff hog bristle brush was what she needed for her background blend. And now, she'd gone in search of a similar tool, begging fellow students to lend her theirs. She'd buy a new brush later that evening. Grumbling at how much time she'd wasted, Galene raced back to her studio and headed straight for the open tin. Dipping the broad brush into bright green paint, she turned to her new canvas and, with an arched swipe, let loose. Green globs struck white canvas as she dipped the brush again and raised her hand."What in the living hell!" The deep voice behind the easel had her freezing as a large man stepped into view.He clutched his paint-splattered jacket like he'd been stabbed and gaped at her in shock."O
Tidal Souls Chapter Eleven
Galene put aside the brush and stretched her back. She'd worked all afternoon and had finally finished two of her works. After lining them against the wall, she refrained from squealing. Her excitement grew, knowing that she was only weeks away from a gallery opening. The art critique session had gone well earlier in the day when three of her fine art professors gave her constructive criticism and praise. Having tapped into her base emotions for inspiration, she was on the right track. "If I step through this door, is it safe?"Galene whirled to face a smiling giant, and her mind went blank. The same investor from the day before leaned against the wall. He wore more appropriate clothing—a grey Henley shirt and loosely fitted jeans. Somehow, he seemed more lethal. Perhaps it was how the shirt hinted at the carved torso beneath. Hands in pockets, he pushed away from the wall and strolled towards her. Galene circled away from his predatory vibes and strived for calm.
Tidal Souls Chapter Twelve
After helping Liam at the sculpture bay, Galene paused by a large window and stared out onto the quiet street below. The feeling of being watched hadn't subsided over the past few days. Perhaps she felt paranoid with the lack of privacy—now she had another person living in the apartment and a handsome investor watching her while she worked. Both men affected her focus. Had she been too harsh earlier with Mr. Stralath Rey? She called him a trafficker. Galene winced. At least he'd left her alone after her tirade, and the afternoon had been productive. Now, the sun had almost disappeared, and the warehouse slowly emptied. Her stomach growled, and Galene decided to call it a day. What did she want to eat? She thought of the restaurants she'd pass on the way home and decided on Mexican. Needing exercise, this morning, she'd walked to work, and now she regretted that decision. It would take a good thirty minutes to walk home, but she'd take the scenic route. She hummed a
Tidal Souls Chapter Thirteen
He'd revealed a glimpse of his true form. Only his golden, glowing eyes. But, that had been sufficient enough to scare Galene's assailant away. Stralath didn't regret the decision. The knife in the bastard's hand had sat too close to her skin.He glanced at Galene as they walked towards the alley exit. He took his time and asked once more to see her head. The NIRL vehicle was not parked in the street—he'd followed her on foot. Luckily, Cleona drove their transport to the restaurant, and he needed to buy time. Cleona had used the Gamneda to look up the restaurant owner's name and background, which helped with Galene's interrogation."We're almost there."His teammate's words rang in his head."I'll call the police." He pulled
Tidal Souls Chapter Fourteen
Humans are stupid.Humans are weak.Humans are prey.The mantra ran through Kalder's head as he rang the doorbell and waited. A least there weren't any humans in the apartment. He held a bag of donuts as a tempting lure, hoping she'd open the door. Surely she could sense her kind? They came from different pods but, essentially, were the same.The doors cracked open, the safety lock in place, and Kalder forced a smile. "Galene? Isn't that your name? Hello." He waved the paper bag in the air."Who are you? Oh right—Harper's couch boyfriend from the other day. Harper isn't home—she has an exam."
Tidal Souls Chapter Fifteen
Galene took a deep breath before ascending the pebbled stairs. Was she overdressed for the Grecian-themed affair? She touched the knee-length sky blue floaty skirt. She'd picked up the 1950s dress in a vintage thrift store. The ruched bodice nipped in at the waist, and the wide neckline revealed her pale collarbone, which made her feel slightly self-conscious.Aside from the fact that she never wore a dress—dungarees, jeans, and overalls made up most of her wardrobe. Many of which she'd ruined with her paints. But, at least she wore comfortable shoes—silver ballet pumps that matched a simple chain necklace. The tiny gemstone encrusted paint palette pendant was a gift her mom had given her for Christmas, and they now both had matching pendants.Galene's thick hair annoyed her. A pale flaxen strand blew across her chest, and she s
Tidal Souls Chapter Sixteen
He'd lost time while watching men flock to the siren's side. And could he blame them? Galene had looked like an ethereal vision—a sparkling gem—amongst the LA elite. Stralath couldn't look away and knew he was screwed. He also cursed his human skin which attracted females and caused a hindrance to the mission. Drusdor trailed behind Stralath, playing the perfect role as his assistant, but the asshole could whine about everything."Why do humans wear so many clothes," Drusdor muttered as they circled towards Galene. "I mean, it's as hot as Venus, and we're strolling around in numerous layers. Naked is better.""Don't you dare shed your clothes." Stralath pinned his friend with a deadly stare. "I miss the forest," Drusdor grumbled. "And snow. My peaceful time in the Himalayas. And the deep snowdrifts—reaching up to my chest and I ain't no small—""Enough, Yeti Jackass." Stralath raised a hand and dropped it when Galene met his gaze. He smil
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Galene felt his warmth everywhere… his body heat… his hard chest as he leaned in and nibbled her ear… warm breath on her skin. The hunger was contagious, and she wrapped her hands around his neck and allowed him to explore with his mouth. He nipped her throat before sliding up her shirt—his large hands easily cupping her ribcage. Welcoming Stralath's touch felt like coming home. She lived in a world devoid of physical affection. Although her human parents loved her, she'd also felt like an outlier, grateful for any attention that came her way. She'd never dated at school—the kids had viewed her as the eccentric weirdo and must've sensed that she was different. Aside from Liam, Gelene didn't have any friends and never let anyone close. Until now. Stralath's touch felt like bliss, and she lifted her arms as he pulled off her shirt. He stilled, and she took in his intense stare. His reverence gave her joy, and she watched as he gently traced a finger along her lacy lavender underwear.
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Nine
“Drusdor and Cleona found Vigtor's land lair.” Coco handed Stralath her tablet, and he scrolled through the footage. "Vigtor has good taste." Stralath approved of the sprawling villa, which offered privacy, surrounded by high walls."Pacific Palisades is a sleepy town in comparison to Los Angeles." Coco rose from her desk and reached for a file. "His sprawling mansion also has good security. How long do you want him under surveillance?""While Vigtor chooses to remain on the land." Stralath passed the device back to Coco, and she handed him the physical file. "He has to decide on the fate of his pod before he swims back to fisheri territory. We'll send over a few obvious drones—let him know we're watching him.""Alien drones?" Coco grinned. "Your favorite toys?" Stralath returned her smile and suppressed a yawn. He hadn't slept well after dropping Gale back home. And he'd then spent the whole day at headquarters. He glanced at his watch—seven in the evening. A NIRL surveillance team
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Eight
"I need my legs! Hurry." In full panic mode, Galene hefted herself onto the rocks. She couldn't hear the conversation this far off, but she knew from Stralath's aggressive stance that the fisheri were not here to play. "Calm down." Miro crouched beside Galene. "Deep breaths.""Don't give me that zen bullshit! What do I do aside from dragging this heavy-ass tail meat out of the water.""Visualize the transformation.""I'm visualizing so hard my brain is about to explode. Go and help him?"Miro grinned. "Help who? Stralath or Darghelm.”"Being an indecisive bitch isn't a joke." Galene jabbed a finger at the beach. "They're about to declare war.""I won't leave you unprotected during a shapeshift.""Fine." Galene could do this. She closed her eyes and focused on having legs. All she could hear was a buzzing in her ears. Nothing worked, and Galene tried not to freak out. At Stralath's war cry, her eyes snapped open. He would shapeshift any second.Without thinking, Galene rolled herself
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Seven
Stralath watched from the other side of the fence. Galene now sat in a distant rock pool, and he'd given her space. She'd seemed upset earlier, and thanks to his sharp Mesophinean senses, he'd knew Galene had spoken with her human father. Should he approach her or guard her from a distance? Feeling restless, he scanned the periphery for danger. Stralath sensed dark energy coming from the water, and mind made up, he leaped over the fence and jogged towards the rocky shore. The high tide had filled rock pools and crevices, and Stralath wound his way to his target. Approaching from behind, he paused to take a breath. This lost siren unnerved him, and Stralath had never felt this way before—even with females from his species. "Stop hovering." Galene waved a hand. "I need your help—I'm freaking out."She'd know he was there—her fisheri senses had grown in strength. Stralath swallowed hard and walked to her side."I have a tail." Galene looked mortified. Stealth's eyes widened, peering
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Six
Kalder watched from his BMW as Galene climbed the low fence, hopping onto private land. The intel he'd received over the past week had confirmed his curiosity. The Norvegious family was now on out of the ocean—all vulnerable to attack by the vibrio pod. Both an injured daughter and her rebellious sibling who refused to swim away to safety. Would that mark the end of Norvegius's rule? And now that Galene had begun to heal, Kalder had picked up on her silent energies. Her invisible siren aura vibrated with the same pure energy as her sister. He wondered if she'd make a full recovery—or would the pale-haired fisheri forever be banished to the land. To Kalder, that was a fate worse than death. He enjoyed spending time out of the water—taking advantage of capitalism. But the salty depths always called his name. Instead of walking along the sand, Galene made her way to the rocky water line, and Kalder decided to take a closer look and would approach her from the sea. He left his phone an
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Five
“My brother is coming over.”Galene nearly dropped her knife as her gaze shot to Harper. “What? I thought he’d gone back to your parents.”“Relax. Kevin is staying with friends on campus.” Harper closed the fridge and eyed Galene’s sandwich. “What’s with the sudden tuna obsession?”“I’m not comfortable around him.”“Well, he’s not here to see you. You can’t stop me from seeing my brother in my home.”“Fine. I’ll leave. When will he arrive?” Galene felt annoyance at having to evacuate the premises. After a long week, she craved her bed and the familiar.“In about thirty. Let Kevin apologize and forgive him. He’s getting professional help.”Galene’s stomach turned. He scared her on some level, and she’d rather avoid contact. It’s a beautiful evening—I’ll head to the beach.”“You know I hate the smell of fish,” Harper grumbled. “You baked sea bass last night. What’s that?” She pointed at the Halibut defrosting in the corner. “Tomorrow’s meal. I don’t tell you what to eat.”“Yeah—but fis
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Four
Stralath had underestimated her. Resisting the urge to glance at the siren seated at his left, he focused on Galene's father instead. Now that the NIRL had Vigtor Norvegius sitting across the table, it was time to negotiate the accord. The influential leader wouldn't bow down quickly, and Stralath needed to know what motivated the merman. What did he want to accomplish on earth?Would the fisheri continue to hide from humans? Or were they preparing for the eventual confrontation? A war between humans and fisheri? Who would win? The siren pod was an advanced poisonous species capable of camouflage and telepathy. Unlike humans, they were comfortable both on land and in the water. But, there were far fewer of them on the planet. And they didn't have access to tanks, weapons, and troops. Or did they?"How many fisheri reside in the ocean?" Stralath asked bluntly. He'd already laid out his brutal terms, and Vigtor was not happy. "None of your business." The leader shot back. "Tens of t
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Three
Galene glanced at her sister as they made their way through the NIRL facility. The building's design worked on Galene's nerves. For a brief, surreal moment, she wondered how she'd ended up in a covert facility, layered with security and surrounded by alien friends and family. What was Miro thinking? The mauve-haired beauty hadn't said much on the trip over.Galene would finally meet dad number one. Would the ruler of the fisheri species embrace his lost daughter warmly? Did she want that embrace? No. Galene wanted to turn and run in the opposite direction. Stralath had given her a choice. She didn't have to meet her siren father, yet she'd agreed to the inevitable. "Vigtor won't take me away, will he?" She asked the question for the tenth time. Stralath touched her waist as he guided her into an elevator. "He'll have to fight the NIRL soldiers and me first."Soldiers indeed—Galene glanced at the two armed men who stood at the rear—guards on every corner. A chill ran down her spine
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Two
Kalder waited in the shadows. Hoping he'd guessed correctly, he shifted to get comfortable. The soft sand encouraged sleep, and he rolled back onto his knees while scanning the dark beach. This location was where the male fisheri had entered the water eight days ago, and Kalder had scouted the area for days, waiting for his return. Kalder had other vibrio informants stationed along the coast. Some cautiously swam the shallows, looking for the fisheri warrior. Movement within the species always indicated opportunity. The fisheri and vibrio were Calder's target market—fish who would buy his product. Kalder needed pod citizens to choose the land. What a world that would be—a new dominant species who could control the humans and exploit their businesses and resources. Only three percent of all sirens had become land walkers. Kalder wanted a new world for his kind. Imagine catering to land-walking pods—everything from preferred foods to skin products, salt water spas, and pod-designed
