Sea of Memories

by Kelly Risser

  Realization dawned in his eyes, and they darkened as he stood. With a tilt of his head, he grinned at her. It was more feral than playful. “Do you like what you see?”

  She swallowed. “Yes, very much.” Honesty was her weakness.

  In several long strides, he crossed to her. Without hesitating, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss heated her blood and curled her toes. He smelled like soap and temptation, and she went limp in his arms, melting against him. He broke the kiss and swore. “I’m trying to stay away, to do the right thing, but I’m only a man.”

  “What’s the right thing?” She searched his eyes, her hands resting on his chest. “Can we help that I found you? Can we help how we feel?”

  “Sera, I—”

  She never heard what he was going to say, because at that moment, a twig snapped behind her. Boyd’s head snapped up and his eyes narrowed. He slowly moved her behind him. “We’ve got company.”

  It was one of Stephen’s guards. Sera knew it. But who it was and how much he had seen and heard she did not know. “Whoever you are, come out!” she ordered. “We know you’re here.”

  But it wasn’t one of the guards who stepped out from behind the tree. It was her son, Kieran. His eyes watered with unshed tears, but his mouth was set in a firm line as he tried to be brave. “What are you doing here, Mom?” He gestured toward Boyd. “Who’s this and why was his mouth on your face?”

  Sera wished a guard had found them. It would be easier than facing the accusing eyes of her eldest child. As she tried to determine what to say, Boyd stepped forward and held out a hand. “I’m Dan Boyd. What’s your name?”

  Kieran glanced at Boyd’s hand and sneered. “I’m not telling you.”

  Sighing, Sera shook her head. “This is Kieran, my oldest.” The words earned her a scowl from her son.

  “Kieran,” Boyd repeated, and then grinned at him. “Nice name.”

  Kieran grunted, but he didn’t say anything until he turned to Sera. “Why are you here, Mom, with this man?” He stepped closer and sniffed. “Is he—is he human?”

  Sera took a step toward her son, but he stepped back, away from her. She stopped and said, “He is. I rescued him about a month ago.”

  Now Kieran’s eyes widened. He glanced at Boyd with open curiosity. “Why’d you do that? I thought humans were evil.”

  “Some are,” Boyd answered before she could. “Humans can be cruel, jealous, and mean, but they can also be loving, generous, and wise. Can you not say the same of your kind?”

  Now Kieran’s expression turned thoughtful. His eyes darted to Sera, and then back to Boyd. He seemed less sure of himself than before. “Y-yeah,” he said. “I guess so.”

  Boyd nodded. “Thank you for being truthful. I’ll respond in kind. I am not an evil human, although I’m no hero either. I’m just a man who is grateful to your mom for saving my life.”

  Kieran made a face. “Is that why you kissed her?”

  Boyd laughed. “One of the reasons, yes.”

  “What about Father?” Kieran asked Sera. “Does he know?”

  This time, she felt both sets of male eyes on her. If they were being truthful, she should too. “Yes,” she admitted. “Your father knows.”

  “What did he say about it?” Kieran asked. Boyd didn’t say anything, and his expression was guarded.

  “That is between your father and me,” she said. There were some things she would not share with her children. This was one of them.

  The curious expression was back as Kieran returned his attention to Boyd. “Are you going to keep him?” he asked like Boyd was a pet. He even walked over and patted his arm tentatively like one might to a dog. Understanding the boy’s hesitation, Boyd stood still.

  “No, love,” she answered with a smile, meeting Boyd’s eyes briefly. His lit with amusement. “We cannot keep humans. They have free will, like us. I will take Boyd back to his human home.”

  “When?” he asked.

  She glanced at Boyd. “As soon as he wants.”

  “Today?” Kieran persisted.

  Boyd chuckled. “Not today,” he answered, and Sera found herself letting out a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding. “But soon.”

  “Okay.” Satisfied, Kieran nodded. His earlier hostility was gone. “Can we go home now? I’m hungry.”

  “Yes.” Sera smiled at her son before turning to the man who made her pulse race. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Boyd kept his distance. “Looking forward to it.”

  Seeming oblivious to the tense emotions between the two adults, Kieran ran toward the sea. “Race you home, Mom!”

  With a roll of her eyes and a shake of her head, Sera turned to follow.

  ****

  Sera ate lunch with her children, and Stephen never joined them. The conversation was pleasant, and the children didn’t seem too concerned about their father’s absence. Sera worried Kieran would tell his siblings about Boyd, but he didn’t say anything more on the subject. After a pleasant lunch, the boys ran off to explore, and Sera and Tyrese combed the beach for shells and other treasures. They found several beauties and more colorful sea glass. The sun warmed their skin, soothing Sera’s spirit. Tyrese chatted happily, running ahead to look for shells, only to run back and show her mother what she found.

  Eventually, the girl grew tired, and they transported back to the castle with their treasures. After cleaning up, they went to meet the rest of the family for dinner. Stephen’s place at the head of the table was still empty. Sera couldn’t help but stare at it and wonder where he was. Was it anger or something else that kept him away?

  As nonchalantly as possible, she asked the children, “Did your father mention where he was going today?”

  “No, Mama,” Tyrese said, not that Sera expected her young daughter to know. But the boys might. She looked at them expectantly.

  Alexios cleared his throat. “He said he had an errand on the mainland and he would be back late. I’m sorry for not mentioning it sooner. I thought you knew.”

  “That’s okay.” Sera’s heart went out to her younger son. He was so conscientious, so cautious. She hoped one day he’d outgrow it, at least a little, and learn to live more freely like Kieran. Both boys could learn from each other.

  “Are things alright between you and Father?” Of course, Alexios would notice. He was sensitive, too.

  “We’re working through some things,” she admitted. “It’s no concern of yours, however. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Mom has a pet,” Kieran announced. “A human one named Boyd.”

  Sera’s heart sank. She hoped to avoid this conversation, but skirting it at lunch and dinner was too much to ask. Best to address it head on. “As I told you, Kieran. Boyd is a man I rescued from the ocean. He is not mine, nor is he a pet.”

  Alexios looked alarmed, and Tyrese confused. Kieran just smirked and made a kissing face. “Then why did you kiss him?”

  The sigh that escaped her was loud, but not as loud as Alexios’ gasp. Tyrese looked between her brothers and her mom, trying to follow the conversation.

  “That is between Boyd and me,” Sera finally said. “Again, you don’t need to concern yourself with adult matters. You will grow up soon enough.”

  She stood and pulled out Tyrese’s chair. “It’s time for your bath, sweetheart. Boys, you can clear the table.” Their grumbles followed her as she left the room.

  Tyrese preferred her bath with lots of fragrant bubbles. As her daughter soaked and played, Sera thought about the events of the day. She needed to talk to Stephen again, and she had to think long and hard about what she wanted. She couldn’t have both worlds. Already, her decision to help Boyd was having consequences on her family. Again, she wished her mama were here so she could talk to her. Her mama had the best advice. She would know what Sera should do.

  “Mama, why do you have a human friend?” Tyrese asked.

  Sera looked at her daughter. She was covered head to toe in
bubbles, but her green eyes fixed on Sera’s face while she waited for an answer.

  “He was very sick, honey.” Sera opened the shampoo and started washing Tyrese’s hair. It was easier to talk when the little girl closed her eyes. “I found him in the ocean and helped him get well.”

  “He’s better now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will he come live with us?”

  “No, he’ll live where the humans do, on the mainland.”

  Sera rinsed her daughter’s hair and wiped the water off her face. Tyrese opened her eyes and stared at her, a small frown playing on her lips. “Will you leave us to live with him?”

  The question shot a dagger to Sera’s heart. How had Tyrese jumped to that conclusion so quickly? Sera said the only thing she could, “I don’t want to leave you, honey.”

  It wasn’t much of an answer, but it satisfied her young daughter, who went back to playing with the bubbles. If only Sera’s decision were that easy. If only she didn’t have to choose between her happiness and her children. It wasn’t fair.

  When Tyrese was dry, dressed, and tucked into bed after a story, Sera returned to her room. The dim lighting told her that Stephen was still not home. A low fire burned in the hearth, set by one of the staff. She sat in the chair nearest the fireplace and opened a book. After ten pages, her eyes grew heavy.

  Sera woke in the chair with a start. The fire died at some point during the night, and the room held the slight chill of early morning. Rubbing her eyes, she stood and crossed to the bedroom. The bed was made, which meant Stephen never returned last night.

  Where was he?

  She normally did not worry about him. He was more than capable of taking care of himself, but this was so unlike him. Unless he had to leave for clan negotiations, Stephen rarely left their island. The boys said he took a trip to the mainland. Why? And why did he stay overnight?

  A morning swim was out of the question, not that she had been swimming much lately. She also wouldn’t be able to visit Boyd until later. Hopefully, he would understand and wouldn’t be too hungry, but she didn’t want to leave her children alone. She also wanted to talk to Stephen when he returned.

  The children were already eating by the time she showered, dressed, and met them in the dining room. This morning featured omelets and fresh-squeezed orange juice, two of her favorites. Her stomach rumbled in appreciation, and hunger, no doubt. Lately, she was so busy taking care of others that she hadn’t spent much time feeding and caring for herself.

  “What are you going to do today?” Sera asked.

  “We have to train,” Kieran said, the disappointment apparent in his voice. He’d much rather go on an adventure, and he was already quite skilled with magic and a blade.

  “We’re scrimmaging today against others,” Alexios added more enthusiastically. Sera knew that meant they were working with the guard. Alexios loved their regiment and order.

  The boys would be busy all day, and worn out by bedtime. That left Tyrese. “What about you?” Sera asked her.

  Tyrese’s lip quivered slightly. “I’m supposed to train with Daddy, but he’s not he—”

  “Would I miss our training session?” Stephen interrupted as he entered the room. He grinned at his daughter before taking his place at the head of the table. He refused to meet Sera’s eyes, and all she could think was, Where were you?

  He looked rumpled and tired, but generally in better spirits than he had for days. He bit into his cooling omelet with enthusiasm, and then asked the children what they did the day before. As they chatted animatedly with him—and thankfully, Kieran avoided mentioning Boyd—Sera watched her mate, who still hadn’t looked at her. He was up to something. The question was what.

  ****

  The family went their ways after lunch, and Sera was free to fill a bag and transport to the island. Boyd was not waiting for her like he had over the previous couple of days. She went to the cave, finding the bag from the day before and a crumpled pile of blankets and clothes, but no Boyd. Perhaps he was swimming or stretching his legs.

  She scanned the water first, and then circled the island. How odd. There was no sign of him anywhere, and as he said himself, no place for him to hide. She headed back toward the cave, and that was when she saw it. Blood. It was splattered on the ground and the rocks near the cave. It didn’t look fresh, more like a day or two old. Was he hurt? Had something attacked him?

  “Boyd!” She screamed his name, screaming it again and again until her throat was raw.

  No. No. No. No. NO! She did not bring him back to health only to have him carelessly killed by someone or something. She sank to the ground and sobbed, repeating his name in a low chant.

  “You won’t find him here.”

  Stephen spoke from behind her, his voice cold. She spun and faced him. “Where is he? What have you done with him?”

  He shrugged. “I took the human home. Isn’t that what you planned to do all along, Sera?” He raised an eyebrow. Whether he was daring her to agree or disagree with him, she didn’t know.

  “Why the blood?”

  “Ah, yes.” Stephen stroked his chin. “The man had some strange notion of saying goodbye to you. It took some convincing to get him to agree to leave.”

  “You bastard!” She scrambled to her feet and ran at him, pounding his chest with her fists. “You had no right. No right!”

  He grabbed her wrists and stilled her easily. His face was stone, his voice ice. “You listen to me. It’s you who are out of line. We are mated, Sera. That is a lifelong commitment. You would throw that away for a human? Humans are beneath us. He is beneath us.”

  “That’s not true,” she argued. “Humans are different from, but not less than us. You are wrong. What you did was cruel.”

  “Trying to keep you is cruel?” He dropped her hands and stepped back, his lip curled in disgust. “Look at yourself, crying over that man.”

  “You want to keep me?” She couldn’t help but laugh as she sobbed. “This is how you show it, Stephen? Not kindness, not words of love, but through control and violence?”

  “Nonsense,” he dismissed her. “You’re emotionally distraught and not making any sense. When have I not provided for you, Sera? When have I not protected you? I sired your children and gave you a home.”

  As he spoke, she fell to her knees, her tears soaking into the sand, mixing with the stains from Boyd’s dried blood. “But when have you loved me?” she whispered. “Tell me you love me, Stephen.”

  The silence seemed to drag for hours instead of mere seconds as she waited for his response, the one that could mean everything or nothing. Finally, he answered her. “Love is a foolish emotion, and I refuse to be controlled by it.”

  She nodded, but she didn’t look up. Of course he would say that. Again, she was reminded that he was not a bad man. He wasn’t wrong by saying he was a good provider, protector, and father. Only now, she needed more. A taste of what love could be opened her eyes. This bond no longer satisfied her, and Stephen was not willing to give her what she needed.

  Standing slowly, she crossed to him and placed her hand on his cheek. His eyes softened with her touch until she spoke. “Goodbye, Stephen.”

  The angry set of his mouth was the last thing she saw as she transported away.

  ****

  Sera had no idea where to find Boyd. She had only been to Los Angeles, so she went to the one place she knew—the bakery. Thankfully, it was still open, although it looked like Calla was starting to clean up. Wiping the tears off her cheeks, Sera took a deep breath and went in.

  The bell chimed, and Calla looked up. By the expression on her face, she immediately knew something was wrong and ran over to hug her friend. The instant sympathy broke any reserve Sera had. Her body shook as she cried.

  “What’s wrong, hon?” Calla asked.

  “I left him,” Sera whispered through hiccups. “I left Stephen. Now I need to find Boyd. He went back to San Francisco. Do you know where that is?”


  “Do I?” Calla snorted and rolled her eyes. “That’s where my no-good snake of an ex-husband is. Locked away in Alcatraz.”

  Sera’s heart lifted. “Do you have a picture?”

  “Of Kyle?” Calla’s voice rose in surprise.

  “No,” Sera said. “Of the place.”

  “Alcatraz?” Calla gave her a funny look. “Sweetie, you don’t want to go there. It’s a high-security prison. The worst of the worst are on that island.”

  “Do you have any pictures of San Francisco?”

  Placing her hands on Sera’s shoulders, Calla looked into her friend’s eyes. “Are you okay? Really? You know this is what you want?”

  “Yes.” Sera was certain of her choices now.

  Calla dropped her arms and turned toward the back room, motioning for Sera to follow. “How will a picture help you, honey?”

  “I just want to see what it looks like,” Sera lied, knowing that she couldn’t very well tell Calla it would allow her to transport there. “I’m staying at a hotel tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll figure out how to get there.”

  “Have a seat.” Calla motioned to the table. “Would you like a drink?”

  “Some tea?”

  “Nothing stronger?” Calla teased. Sera shook her head, so Calla put the teakettle on. “I’ll be right back. I think I may have something in the storage closet.”

  “What about the bakery?” Sera asked.

  Calla waved her hand as she walked away. “It’s been slow. Besides, the bell will ring if someone comes in. Just shout for me if you hear it.”

  “Okay.” Sera waited, listening to the water percolating in the kettle. She was grateful she had found a friend like Calla who didn’t need to help, but obviously wanted to. When the teakettle whistled, she went over and moved it off the burner. She didn’t do any cooking at home, but she did know the basics around the kitchen.

  “Thanks for grabbing that.” Coming back into the room, Calla nodded toward the stove. She waved Sera back to the table before prepping two teacups. “You know, I’d drive you if I could,” Calla said, handing one cup to Sera, and then bringing the other and a rectangular cardboard box over to the table. She rummaged through the contents until, making a small noise of triumph, she pulled out a printed card. “My daughter sent me this postcard when she went to San Fran one weekend with some girlfriends.” Calla handed it to Sera. “That’s Fisherman’s Wharf.”