Forever Caspia

by Michelle Hoppe

  * * * *

  Sitting on deck with a vodka martini in hand, Tiro waited for Mark to arrive. He’d radioed the Dream Star and told his father it was time to prepare. Cyrus insisted Mark needed to get an update from Tiro, talk to his followers waiting below, and report any new information. Tiro didn’t really want to go into a lot of details. Basically, all they needed to do was get ready to swim soon, but his father insisted.

  After leaving the radio room, he’d made a pitcher of martinis, reclined in a chair, and got comfortable on deck to wait for his brother. His mind drifted back to his last conversation with Callista. He’d been kissing her lips, when she’d bit him. “I want to talk,” she’d told him.

  “Talk about what?” Tiro checked for blood on his lip.

  “About us. You. Who we are—” Callista stuttered.

  When he laughed at her sudden loss for words, she pinched his nipple. He remembered grabbing her wrists and pulling her to a sitting position in the middle of the bed. “Okay, talk.”

  “You first.”

  “Well, damn, Princess. This is your idea, so I think you need to tell me about Caspia. Besides, I’m not all that interesting.”

  “What do you want to know?” Her eyes lit up when he mentioned Caspia.

  “Do you ever spend time on land?”

  “Oh, yes. There is a little island not far from the temple. Sometimes I go there with Alexis.” A shadow clouded her eyes momentarily, and then with a shake of her head, she smiled and continued. “There is a small cove protected by a reef offshore. On hot summer days, you can lay on your back at the edge of the tide, warm sun on your skin until the next wave softly washes over your body.”

  Tiro had no idea Merpeople spent so much time above the waves. He’d never expected to feel such deep longing to return to Caspia. Callista made him want to experience all the pleasures of being Mer. She’d told him about a sheltered inlet hidden by steep cliffs, with a cave winding for miles into the Earth’s core. Swimming underwater was the only way to reach the deep pools inside and a hidden grotto with flat stones to lie on.

  She told him about her art and how she loved to walk the streets of Caspia at night. She’d let her guard down briefly, spoken of wanting children someday. When she realized where the conversation was leading, she’d quickly pinched his arm, jumped off the bed, and ran from the room. Catching her on deck, Tiro tossed her over his shoulder and carried her back to bed. He remembered drifting off to sleep, thinking that soon he would explore Caspia, Callista at his side.

  A sound close by roused Tiro from his thoughts. Taking a sip of his drink, he watched as Mark climbed over the side to join him.

  “So, big brother—how goes your plan to seduce the fair maiden?”

  “Why are you such a smartass?”

  Mark flopped in the deck chair across from Tiro. “Don’t change the subject. We’re talking about you.”

  “No, you’re talking about me. I don’t want to discuss it with you or anyone else.” Tiro took another sip of his martini.

  “Too damn bad. Father said you wanted me to come over here to discuss your fucking plan.”

  Tiro sat up straight. “I’m sure Father didn’t call this a fucking plan, so stop swearing.”

  “Go to hell,” Mark teased.

  Leaning back once again, Tiro closed his eyes. He wanted to go back to dreaming about life in Caspia. He couldn’t remember when these deeper feelings for Callista had replaced his anger about losing his human life, but she was an important part of his life now. Lifting his glass, he drained the last of his drink and told Mark to have the family prepare for a return to the deep before daybreak.

  “It’s going that well?” Mark’s surprise registered on his face.

  “Yes.”

  “Great. Alexis told me yesterday her father and several others have joined her below, and they’re ready for the battle to retake Caspia.”

  Tiro took a deep breath. “The time is near for our life to change. Are you ready for this, Mark? Don’t lie, brother.”

  “I know this is hard for you to believe, but I’ve been ready for this my whole life. Even though our parents never told us much about life in Caspia, it’s filled my dreams since before I can remember. It’s always been there, Tiro, a need to be Mer.”

  “And Alexis?”

  Mark’s eyes danced at the question. “She’s beautiful, fun, and exciting, but my plans for her are none of your business.”

  “How quickly the tables turn when you’re in the hot seat.” Tiro laughed at the grimace on Mark’s face. “Okay, little brother, I’ll wait until later to drag the details out of your skinny hide. Now get your ass back to the Dream Star and tell Father to get ready.”

  After Mark’s departure, Tiro stared out to sea. The moon cast fingers of silver on the water, and millions of stars twinkled against a backdrop of black velvet sky. Once again his mind drifted to his mate. All his plans for a fishing fleet and a return to life on land were forgotten. Their life together started with hate and fear, yet somehow there was a chance, a hope, they could find love together. With sudden determination, he shook the future from his mind and headed below to make Callista his wife. Love would take time, but their friendship had grown in these last few days, and her body responded to his touch. Tiro believed together they could overcome the lies and deception that brought them together. Including the biggest lie of all. The lie he’s been living with her for over a week and now would be no more.

  * * * *

  “Please.” The word tore from her throat as her body awoke from a beautiful dream. He was kneeling on the bed over her. His lips were nibbling along her body, burning her naked skin. Callista could feel the moisture start deep inside as her muscles contracted and his lips ravaged her senses. She moved her legs, trying to stop the spasms building within.

  “Do you want me, Callista?”

  Still in the throes of her sex-laden dream, she responded with a breathless “Yes!”

  A shockwave ripped through her body. His teeth latched onto her nipple, and a scream of pleasure reverberated through the room. Honey flowed from her pussy, and she shuddered. She strained to keep her grip on the headboard, her body rolling from side to side as he nibbled her skin. Her body still hungry from his earlier assault, and she had no will to stop him.

  Her man worked his tongue down her body, licking and sucking small bits of skin until he reached her ankle. His breath was like fire on her overheated flesh. With soft bites, he took small amounts of skin between his teeth. Licking the edges, he applied gentle pressure. Nibbling, kissing, he continued up and down both legs between ankle and thigh, and then he started on her clit.

  She felt another gush of honey when his lips sucked her clit into his mouth. Her entire body trapped in the throes of something unnamed, the rush of juices coming one after another as his mouth worked its magic. He left no flesh untouched, no inch of skin neglected, his hot tongue flowing along her pussy lips, darting inside and withdrawing. Over and over again, he brought her body close. Where his lips first touched, soon his hands followed, massaging, probing, and rubbing sweet honey into her pores. Callista could feel her skin tingle, exquisite pleasure like nothing she’d ever experienced before.

  He stroked her body with a feather light touch, her body trembling until finally she could take no more. Unable to tolerate his touch, she let her muscles go limp, lost in a world between tenderness and bliss. Her body was covered in perspiration, her breath coming in shallow gasps. When he tried to wrap his arms around her, she cried out. “Wait, I can’t breathe.” Her muscles still contracting, her skin hot, she rolled away from him.

  “Let me hold you.”

  Unsure if she could stand to be touched, she responded. “My skin is on fire.”

  “It will pass.” He moved closer, pressing his lips to hers. She could taste her honey as he slid his tongue into her mouth. His kiss was tender, and her muscles relaxed.

  “I’ve never been so out of control.”

  �
��There is more, my princess.”

  She opened her eyes, rolling sideways to look at his face. Her mind raced. She wanted to mate with him. Wanted to find a way to escape and return to her people. What he did to her body—could she find this with another? She buried her head in his chest. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close.

  I can’t do this, her mind screamed. Pulling free, she pushed herself off the bed and walked to the window.

  *

  Tiro let her go. Propping himself on an elbow, he gazed at her naked body as she stood at the window. Flaming red hair fell gracefully down her back, hiding her slender shoulders. He stared at the delicate curve of her hip, the slenderness of her waist, and her long, well-shaped legs. When she spoke, the softness of her voice surprised him. “Why—why did you come back?”

  “I can’t stay away from you.” He needed to tread lightly.

  “What of Tiro? Won’t he be angry when he discovers you’ve ravaged his future mate?”

  “I don’t wish to discuss Tiro, Callista.”

  “Then why did you come back?”

  Tiro moved off the bed, coming to stand behind her. His hands at his sides, he tried to calculate his next move. “Do you want me to apologize?” Her body stiffened as she became aware he was now standing close to her.

  “You don’t owe me an apology.” Tiro noticed the royal tone had returned to her voice. “I’m a prisoner. It’s your right as the victor in this war.”

  He reached for her shoulders and turned her body to face his. “This isn’t a war.” Before she could protest, he pulled her to him and lowered his lips to hers. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pushed his tongue past her lips to play at the sides of her cheek before capturing her tongue and sucking it into his mouth. The kiss exploded. He increased the suction on her tongue, pulling it in and out softly enough not to hurt, but strong enough to send shivers through her body. With his right hand poised on her clit, he released her tongue, and his fingers slid into her pussy, moving up and outward to hit her G-spot. Her body shuddered, and a low moan escaped her lips when his fingers pressed against the inside wall. Rolling left to right, he strummed her nub, the intense heat searing. Her hips pushed up into his hand, increasing the pressure against the knot.

  “Don’t!” Her voice broke, but his fingers continued pressing.

  “Let go, Princess. Release the passion and let me make you mine.” Again his fingers moved, hard, pushing, swirling his fingertips around her G-spot. Tiro watched her face as warm liquid started flowing from her pussy. His fingers moved away from her knot, quickly pushing up and forward again, forcing a soft sensual moan from deep within.

  “Can you feel that? Your honey coating my fingers as it flows from inside your pussy?”

  “Yes,” she panted.

  He kept the pressure building as his words whispered softly against her ear, “I’m going to take you all the way.” Her muscles tightened. His fingers probed her G-spot, releasing a stream of white-hot cum which he massaged back against the knot. The muscles of her pussy contracted hard, sucking his fingers tight, and the wave of her orgasm began to shake her body. Her lips parted, a series of low rumbling screams escaped from deep within her throat.

  As the orgasm rocked her body, her screams of pleasure subsided to low moans, escaping as her breath came in stuttered gasps. Tiro could feel her muscles relax, and his fingers slid from between her legs. Lifting her gently, he walked to the bed and laid her down, her eyes still closed, her face relaxed in a soft, satisfied smile.

  “I didn’t realize.” Her voice trailed off.

  “You have much to learn,” he assured her.

  Tiro waited as her eyes opened, her gaze searching for his. “And you’re the one who’s going to teach me?”

  He climbed onto the bed, moving her body until she rested on top of him, her breast close to his lips, allowing him to suck her nipple into his mouth. Tiro played with first one, and then the other. Her nipples hardened as they rolled over his tongue. With her hands planted on the bed at his shoulders, she spread her legs over his hips, coming to a half sitting position with his cock pressed tight against her clit.

  Tiro used his hands to spread her pussy lips, allowing the head of his cock to push inside. Her muscles grabbed tightly, her wetness pouring over him. Placing his hands on her waist, he lifted her and with one swift thrust broke through her hymen. His lips covered her mouth, swallowing her scream of pain. Tiro held her there, letting her muscles relax around his cock as he tasted the salt of a single tear falling on their lips.

  Tiro pumped his hips up and down, his penis riding deep inside as her muscles matched his rhythm. The moment his cock entered her pussy, the curse was broken. Deep in his subconscious, Tiro knew there was limited time to complete their coupling before his family arrived. He didn’t want to rush. Tiro wanted her to experience the full pleasure of becoming a woman.

  His cock plunged in and out, filling every inch of her pussy, hitting hard with each thrust. He could feel the blood pumping through the veins of his cock. Her muscles tightened, squeezing him hard. Wanting to go deeper, he pulled her close and rolled them over on the bed. With her body beneath him, Tiro angled himself over her, his arms positioned near her head and his legs out straight.

  Increasing the rhythm of his hips, he hit home with each downward motion. Her juice flowed freely around him. His body reacted, hot fluid moved through his cock, closer to the surface. Her body shook, a low rumbling moan escaping her throat. Starting deep in her lungs, the sound built to a continual scream as the orgasm rocked her body. Tiro thrust deeper, his cum hitting in waves, slamming into her pussy. Howls of pleasure escaped his lips. His entire body jolted with each surge of fluid ejecting from his cock. It was difficult to breathe. Spasms racked his body, and her muscles contracted hard against his cock as her climax joined with his.

  Callista lay beneath him, trembling. His cock softened, slipping from her pussy, warm cum coating their thighs. Tiro held her close, waiting for their bodies to recover from the force of their lovemaking.

  Knowing he needed to speak the truth, Tiro found himself torn. Will she understand? Her breathing returned to normal, and it was time to face the future. He captured her lips with his and kissed her with sweet wanting before pulling free of her body. Without words, he pushed himself off the bed, taking her hands and bringing her to stand beside him. Folding her in his arms, he whispered in her ear, “You’re mine.”

  “No.” Her body stiffened a little, and she pulled back to look into his face. Tiro noticed concern in her eyes.

  “What’s wrong, Callista?”

  “Tomorrow night is the full moon. Unless we escape now, our time together is over.”

  Tiro couldn’t delay any longer. Now was the time for truth. “Callista, our time together is just beginning.”

  Her eyes widened. “You have a plan to get us off this ship?”

  “No.”

  “Then this is the end. Tiro will claim me tomorrow, and you will return to your life on land.”

  “No, Callista.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “There will be time later to talk of our future, but right now we must go on deck and prepare for the change.”

  “What change?”

  “The change back to Mer. The curse has been broken with our mating, and we only have a short time before my family joins us.” He watched her face as understanding hit, and anger replaced the first sparks of love in her eyes.

  “Tiro!”

  “Yes.”

  Her face turned red, fury turning her eyes darker. “Get the hell out of here, you bastard.”

  Wounded by her words, yet understanding her anger, he tried to make her understand. “I know you are ma…”

  The force of her hand connecting with his cheek drove his head back. “I said get the hell out of here.”

  Driven beyond control by the power of the coming transformation, Tiro lost all control. “Don’t give me orders, Callista. It’s
time to go.” Reaching for her, he pulled hard on her arm, dragging her face close to his.

  “Bastard!” she spat.

  The noble blood of his ancestors coursed through Tiro’s veins, unleashing the pent-up fire of his forefathers. “I am Tiro, Prince of Caspia, and I am your mate.” The blood drained from her face. She tried to pull away from him, yet his grip remained firm. “The curse is broken. We’ve been pawns in this game long enough, and now it’s over. Cyrus will return to Caspia.”

  “No! Your father is the sworn enemy of my people.”

  “Your people,” he roared. “Your father is a traitor. The people of Caspia belong to no one.”

  “My father is not a traitor,” she screamed, each word flung at him like a stone.

  “Your father is a traitor, damn you. Cyrus is the rightful ruler of Caspia, and as his eldest son, the responsibility to break the curse fell to me.”

  Her face twisted. “Responsibility! After what we’ve shared … you dare…”

  “Believe what you want, Callista. Your father and his lies, his curse, those are what brought us to this future.” Tiro could see the fury on her face as she struggled to control her anger.

  “You’re hurting me!” She strained to pull her arm from his grasp.

  A small quiver of longing stabbed Tiro’s heart. This was not what he’d wanted, or what he’d envisioned in his mind. Unable to control the growing sense of frustration, he used angry words to strike back. “You belong to me and so does your body!”

  Callista turned her back, shoulders stiff, head held high, and her stance unapproachable.

  Tiro heard his father call seconds before the door crashed in. “Tiro, there is no more time. You must come.”

  He turned at the sound of the door hitting the wall to find his father standing there, concern written on his face. “Not yet!” Tiro hissed.

  “There is no more time,” Cyrus yelled. “Mark already started the pumps to flood the boat, and she is about to go down.” Handing two sets of crystals to Tiro, he indicated they should put them on. “Grab the girl and get over the side now!”