The Rare Pearl (Broken Water Series Book 1)

by Jennifer W Smith

  “Down!” she commanded the cat, who licked away excess saliva produced when the call to fight had sent her to her master’s side. At Catori’s giggle, the cat trotted off, giving them privacy.

  “Are you spying on me?” Finn’s face was inches from hers, his weight pressing her into the sharp grass.

  “I came to find you,” she challenged, arching her back, but she couldn’t dislodge him. “What were you doing?”

  “What did you see?” he asked nonchalantly, tracing his finger up the bridge of her nose, across the arch of her eyebrow, down the curve of her jaw, and then across the fullness of her lips.

  “Ouch!” He yanked his finger from between her teeth, shaking it a couple of times.

  Catori licked the blood that dotted her lip. He growled at her and captured her lip between his teeth. She sucked in a sharp breath and locked eyes with him. His teeth released, and his tongue lashed out, dipping into her mouth. He kissed her until her eyes fluttered closed. She made a growling sound deep in her throat as his hands roamed her body. He felt her nails dig into his backside as she drew her knees up around his waist.

  Feeling the splat of fat raindrops, Finn rolled Catori on top of him. He lifted his arm and circled his wrist.

  Catori paused from kissing him to see what was so distracting. The rain fell around them, but they lay in a perfectly dry spot. Through the clouds, like the eye of a storm, they could see blue sky. They were in a pocket; the air gently swirled around them, keeping the rain out. Before she could comment, Finn turned her face back to his, recapturing her mouth and making her forget about her surroundings.

  Just months after his initial tumble with Catori, the tribe was concerned they’d not had rain. The crops planted in outlying fields were turning to dust and they were forced to manually water kitchen gardens. This was a clear sign their god was angry. But why?

  Finn suspected it was because of what he’d done that day in the tall grass with Catori. He altered the weather. Suijin wasn’t the only god-like being in this realm.

  He secretly learned to use his ability, but wasn’t sure what he was capable of. No one else seemed to have this remarkable gift. He only toyed with his power—he’d drawn in distant rain clouds, summoned a fog, and made fun, but dangerous, funnel clouds—just small ones. He didn’t dare unleash a tornado if he wasn’t sure he could control it. So on that day, when the people were preparing to pay tributes to the water god, asking for rain, Finn strode onto the bridge’s highest point. With his energy, he gathered rain clouds, and as the crowd watched in awe it began to rain and continued to do so for the rest of the day. They celebrated with arms outstretched and faces lifted as the deluge poured on the thirsty city.

  Later, in Nakoma’s rooms with Catori at her side, he confessed he knew of his strange ability for some time. That’s when he found out Catori already told their chieftain about what had happened months earlier, when he shielded them from the rain all afternoon. He’d never forget Nakoma’s words. “Gale has truly given me a gift.”

  Finn forgot about giving Harmony a demonstration of his abilities as he held her. Her warmth strangely comforted him. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll take you back. We will figure something out.”

  23

  Binda helped Harmony slip into a gauzy white dress. The halter style fastened at her neck, the empire waist flowing to her ankles. Binda braided and coiled her hair like a golden crown on her head, tucking tiny white flowers in its folds. She worked the flowers into just the right places and then leaned back to be sure they were disbursed evenly. Nodding, she stated, “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you. So do you.” She smiled at Binda, who was dressed in an embroidered tunic.

  Binda hesitated a moment, her eyes cast down. “Harmony, I want to say I’m sorry about how I’ve treated you. Now that I’ve gotten to know you… Well, if you grew up in this realm I think we would have likely been close. Also, although this wedding is born of necessity, rushed, and without Calder to share his wisdom, I think Kodi will make a good husband, in case you can’t return to your realm.”

  Harmony’s smile waned. “Do you think we are making a mistake? When Kodi started this, I don’t think he had any intentions of going this far. We haven’t had any opportunity to escape. He’s making a big sacrifice by allowing this ceremony to happen.”

  “Kodi knows what he is doing. Besides, I’ve known him since boyhood and he feels something for you. But understand, Harmony, it is forbidden for Aquapopulos to cross if they are not a Linker.”

  “I understand,” She said solemnly. She dared ask, “Once I go back…will I, maybe, see you someday? Will you come to the human realm?”

  “It would be a good thing, having a friend from beyond this realm. I’ll definitely find you if I decide to cross.” Binda nodded, the corners of her mouth turning up. Harmony wrapped her arms around the smaller girl, who patted her back awkwardly. Amadahy entered, and Binda stepped back from their embrace.

  “These are for you.” Amadahy handed Harmony a bouquet of exotic white and violet flowers.

  “You remembered! Thank you, Amadahy!” Harmony hugged the servant girl. In the pool last evening, she explained traditional human weddings. Amadahy said she loved the idea of carrying flowers. Since this wasn’t a traditional item among the tribe, which preferred a ceremonial arrow and dagger, it meant so much to have something small from her human traditions. This was one more reason Harmony liked the gentle-natured girl, which made her realize not all tribal members were aggressive.

  Amadahy announced, “It is time for the ceremony.”

  Harmony’s tension grew as she headed to the ceremonial pool. Nakoma paused to speak with her in the outer chamber. The chieftain’s dress was a patchwork of animal hides and her headdress emphasized her strength with a crown of horns. She glanced down at the flowers but said nothing. Instead she nodded her approval of Harmony’s appearance.

  “You will honor our city today. Having a human and an Aquapopulo marry is monumental. You will be written about in our history books.” She flashed Harmony a toothy smile that sent chills down her spine.

  Harmony swallowed hard as the chieftain and her cat strolled away. The others followed suit, glancing over their shoulders at the human who was making history in their city.

  A great gathering of onlookers crowded around the ritual platform and others filled open windows above. At the pool’s center a floating stage attached to a stone bridge. An appointed councilwoman stood wearing a ceremonial headdress, Kodiak by her side. Kodiak’s tunic was edged with fur and elaborate stitching. He shifted his feet as Harmony approach.

  Never had Harmony imagined being in another realm—and getting married in one felt dreamlike. She glanced down at the bracelet her aunt gave her before this fantastic journey and wished Nami were here. She stepped next to Kodiak, her recently discovered cousins seated behind her. Standing by his shoulder, she cocked her head to the side, looking up at this fairytale prince. She allowed her thoughts to drift… If only this were a true marriage, Kodi and I in a loving relationship… She had no one, and he made her feel something.

  Their eyes were locked, but his flitted away as the officiate spoke.

  Nervous, her gaze dropped to his chest and she focused on the rapid rise and fall of it. Doubt set in: should she go through with this? She would leave him and return to the human realm. It doesn’t matter. He’s just doing this to get us out of this city. Her feelings had to be put aside, although a longing for more from him brewed in her heart.

  Even though the words were different, the ceremony was similar to the human version. The joining of souls, the blessing of offspring, and of course eternal love… When Kodiak slipped her grandmother’s pearl ring onto her finger, she gasped. Her amber eyes sparkled with tears. It was symbolic, even if it wasn’t for real.

  Binda, who sat on the outer ring of the platform along with the chieftain and the other high-ranking council members, stood. She took Harmony’s bouquet and
handed her a gold band to place on Kodiak’s finger. Once she slid it into place they observed one another, feeling the gravity of the moment.

  They were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Kodiak Night. Huh, I’m Mrs. Night. Mrs. Harmony Night.

  After they were announced, he bent to kiss her. Damn, his kiss feels real. Harmony was overwhelmed. As cheers and well wishes rose, she couldn’t help but smile. Everyone smiled.

  Rio slapped Kodiak on the back. “Treat my cousin well.”

  Kodiak led her to a secluded lagoon beyond the ceremonial pool as the others left them alone for their water joining.

  “Where is everyone going?” she asked. When Kodiak stripped off his clothing, she panicked. “What are you doing?”

  “It’s time for our water joining.” He flashed a smile, his eyes mischievous. “It’s the custom after a wedding ceremony for the newlyweds to mate in the blessed waters. It’s good luck, helps you conceive your first child.”

  She shook her head and started to protest, but he pulled her close. “It’s okay. We will swim for a while.”

  “How deep is it?” Her voice was shaky.

  “Harmony, I’ve got you.” He reached behind her. With two quick motions her dress fluttered to the ground. She clamped her arms over her chest, and then quickly advanced into the water, giving him an exasperated look. He followed her with a wolfish grin.

  They swam far enough out so no one could overhear them, although the thick brush gave the illusion of privacy. Harmony soon realized the lagoon was man-made and the walls were stone. She could touch the bottom if she stood on her tiptoes. This bonus helped her relax, but Kodiak kept swimming right up to her, so she was forced to keep moving. She played the cat-and-mouse game well, until he simply disappeared underwater.

  Damn him! It was twilight but she felt exposed to his viewing underwater. She swam to the farthest edge and backed against the wall, waiting…waiting. She resolved to swim the length of the lagoon and get out when he surfaced in front of her, blowing air out of his nose and shaking excess water from his dark hair.

  She splashed him, squeaking, “You startled me. What were you doing under there for so long?” At his devious grin her cheeks flushed. She regarded him, remembering the last time they were in the water alone together, when he washed her hair, massaged her skin, and then intimately grabbed her bottom.

  “I was thinking.” He glanced beyond her shoulder at the thick foliage, as if searching for movement.

  “About what?” She’d been thinking too—about him and being alone with him, not only now in the mating pool but later in their honeymoon suite.

  His copper eyes returned to hers, their coloring reminding her he was otherworldly.

  “We need to come up with a plan to get away, in case Nakoma tries something. I don’t trust her, or Finn.”

  After tomorrow their debt would be paid. Binda would have served her three days of services and they were free to leave, supposedly.

  “Right. I don’t trust Nakoma either, but I wish you would reconsider about Finn. He is innocently caught up in her plans.”

  “Finn is not innocent.” He stood and pulled her chin up. “Forget him.”

  The jealous demon reared its head again, and it made her tingle. What was it that drove him so crazy when she defended Finn? Could he truly be jealous, thinking she might possibly choose Finn over him?

  “He deserves a chance to go home, Kodi.”

  “With you?” he asked hoarsely.

  She pulled her chin from his grasp and answered, “No, not as you think. My feelings are not for him.”

  He cupped her cheek and she leaned into it. “I wish you didn’t have to return. I wish...”

  “Kodi…” she stopped his words, wishing he hadn’t gone there. She was relieved he didn’t finish his sentence, because it caused her deep anguish. Damn it! She wasn’t going to like him, but she couldn’t control how she felt. Stretching her hands, she stroked his skin, glided them up and down his torso. “Kodi, you could return with me.” She dared to put her thoughts out there, but she hated what his answer had to be.

  “You know I can’t go. I’m not a Linker. It’s not permitted.”

  “If you want to go, I know Calder would help you. Especially now that we’re married. And,” she tried to entice him, “there are many pearls and treasures under the human seas for the taking.”

  “You tempt me.” His smile became a laugh. She giggled. He cupped the nape of her neck and drew her to him. His kisses grew ardent and she responded, opening her mouth to him.

  But too soon he broke their kiss with a growl.

  Darkness surrounded them and brilliant stars shined overhead, but she couldn’t look away from the light in his eyes. They captivated her. What she felt for him was more than desire, but in this moment she just wanted him to keep kissing her. “Kodi, don’t stop.”

  He obliged. She pressed her body against him. At her moan, he clutched her shoulders and then ran his hands down her back to once again claim her behind. He kneaded and squeezed, and she lifted her legs and hooked them around his hips.

  He had full and easy access to her, but he broke their kiss once again. “Oh, Harmony. What do you want?”

  Their breathing heavy, they held each other for several moments. “I want to go inside.”

  “Okay. There is a feast for us.” He slid his hands to her waist.

  “Oh, right, a feast. I guess we should go to that.” She had meant go inside to the bedroom, but she didn’t elaborate. Instead, she dropped her legs and let her arms float away from his torso.

  “I think I need a few minutes to swim around and cool off.” He bent to kiss her briefly before releasing her and swimming away.

  Harmony swam across the pool, dressed, and waited quite a while for Kodiak to join her. They join the others in the dining hall for the evening meal. She gazed fondly at the man she earlier clung intimately to in the pool. During the celebratory meal, she functioned as a polite bride, but she couldn’t shake the anticipation for a night alone with Kodiak.

  The nuptial suite featured a large bed draped in opaque fabric; the same fine cloth framed the tall windows. The sound of the falls far below rumbled through the open windows. The chamber featured a pool surrounded on three sides by walls covered in intricate tiles.

  Kodiak leaned against the windowsill, his long legs braced. The cool night air, fragrant with pine, tugged at the curtain fabric, sending the panels floating into the room. Sipping a tall glass of water, he waited for the girl attending Harmony to finish and leave. His thoughts returned to earlier, when he watched his bride approach. She was a vision of loveliness, her swept-up hair showing off the delicate arch of her neck. Her shoulders were drawn back, emphasized her youthful posture as she glided across the ceremonial bridge, abundant flowers covering her slim hands. She was comparable to a goddess straight out of the sea and his heart hammered in his chest. The circumstances that brought her to him were unbelievable, yet now she was his—she could be his.

  He ran his hand through his hair, eying her. There is no way a siren could be more tempting than the woman before him, or more dangerous to his heart. While he debated how to handle the evening, she sent him a seductive smile. He shifted. In the ceremonial pool, kissing her had been intoxicating. Just the thought of how her mouth tasted sent his heart racing.

  The attendant bid them goodnight, and his wife stood before him, waiting. Her golden hair had been released, but the ringlets remained. His fingers twitched with expectation. The ceremonial gown had been replaced with a negligee of sorts, a near-transparent tank that reached the top of Harmony’s thighs; its slits extended to either side of her breasts. His breathing speeded up as she tiptoed gingerly toward him.

  “Kodi, why did you do it? Why did you marry me? We didn’t even try to escape… I mean, if we escaped then we wouldn’t have had to go through with this.”

  Kodiak stood, his brows drew together. She was dousing the flames of his desire with questions he didn’t feel comf
ortable answering. He slipped off his ceremonial robe, tossed it onto a nearby chair, and stretched, released from the confines of his finery. He stepped close to her and grasped her hands. “Harmony, there was no way I could have let you marry Finn. He is a savage, just like the rest of them.” She pulled away, but he continued, “I know you think that just because he’s human, he’s like you.”

  He recalled Finn’s congratulatory hug to Harmony in the dining hall. It lingered too long as he whispered in her ear. And he made some comment about human love being different from the love between the Aquapopulo, which made Kodiak’s blood boil. What did Finn know of human love anyway? And why was he deliberately throwing the word love around? He knew nothing about Kodiak’s relationship with Harmony.

  “Is that what this is about? If you married me only because you think I’d let Nakoma marry me to Finn…” She angrily planted her fists on her hips. “Ouch!” Wincing, she lifted her hand realizing she smacked the injury she’d gotten during her fall in the woods.

  Kodiak advanced for a better look. “Are you hurt? When did this happen?”

  “It was that day in the woods, the day you got back. I told you I was chased by a wolf and I fell. That’s when I got this.”

  “When Finn rescued you?” He grumbled.

  “Finn scared those wolves off!”

  “Wolves? I thought you said one wolf. And he’s responsible for you getting hurt in the first place.” Kodiak’s gaze trailed the red line from her ribs to the crease of her thigh.

  “It wasn’t his fault. And the salve he applied helped the sting.”

  “Finn should stay away from you and you should forget him,” he said through his clenched jaw.

  “Kodi, have compassion. He’s already told me to get far away from him…and from this place. He said he has demons. I know he’s suffering from what he went through all those years ago. I have demons too.” Her expression told him an intimate story and he could somewhat understand her connection to a fellow human. Her next words were small. “I hope he wasn’t the reason you married me.”