“The queen knows,” Tristan said, his voice hollow. “The queen knows another of the line she fought to eradicate is here, and that’s why everyone is being so hush-hush. That’s why people don’t know what’s going on because they only have parts of the whole story.”
Calypso nodded.
“What does this mean? And how the hell do we break the curse?” Amara asked, her voice rising.
“You can only break the curse by getting the one who laid it to take it off.” Caly paused, met Tristan’s eyes, then Seth’s, then Amara’s. “The curse must be lifted in life…or in death.”
Tristan cursed again, and Seth let out a small growl.
“And from the sound of this queen, she’s not going to let me off easily.” Amara leaned into Tristan’s hold and he ran his hand up and down her arm. “I…I don’t want to have to kill someone. I know I’m not exactly new to the world of the paranormal even though I’m new to my world and the way things must be, but…I don’t know if I can do that.”
Seth leaned into them both and kissed her brow, then Tristan’s. “We’ll figure it out.”
“You’ll have to,” Callypso added. “Because the queen of the sirens won’t take no for an answer. She’ll do all in her power to regain control. There’s a reason the sirens have been so quiet on the Conclave and in other realm matters. They have their own pain and strife to deal with, their own queen to cower to. But that won’t last for long. The queen will want more power in some way, and she will break through the realms to get it. They say the sirens called men to their deaths, and yet that’s only a fraction of it. Don’t take this lightly, Seth. Don’t let them out of your sight, Tristan. Because no matter what, it will take the three of you on the siren’s door for you to find what you need.”
Calypso’s voice had gone into a song of its own as she spoke, her eyes wide and glassy. At her words, Seth had jumped off the couch and caught her as she fell into his arms. She shook her head and pushed him away.
“I’m fine,” she said, her voice a rasp. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. “I just need some tea and a bath.”
“You’re a prophet,” Tristan said, surprised. It took a lot to surprise him these days, but since he’d met Amara, nothing had been the same.
Caly shrugged one shoulder. “Maybe. I don’t know. If I did, maybe I wouldn’t be here.” With that odd statement, she patted her brother’s cheek and walked away. “You’re welcome to the cottage in the back. I know you’ll need your rest before you head to the siren realm.”
“Your sister is something else,” Amara said with awe in her voice. Tristan agreed.
“She’s always just been my sister,” Seth said with a frown. “I’ve never known her any other way.” He turned to Tristan and Amara. “We should take her up on that cottage. Get some rest. Try to figure out what to do next. For some reason, I don’t think we have much time.”
Tristan stood up and set Amara on her feet. “I think you’re right.”
“And to think, I thought my life was boring,” Amara said.
Tristan cupped her face and kissed her softly. “You’ve never been boring.”
“You didn’t know me before.”
“I know you now, and I want to know you more.”
Seth cleared his throat and stood by their sides. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to. They were all on the same page. Their lives had changed and things had gone to hell, but they were together. That part had to matter. Because if it didn’t…well, Tristan didn’t want to think about what would happen if it all fell apart.
He might be a fae with powers that were the highest order of his realm, but broken, he wouldn’t be able to face another century—not without Amara, without Seth. Not without his future.
Chapter Six
Seth watched Amara sleep, knowing she had to be exhausted. The change had taken its toll on her, and he knew all the news about bonds, fate, curses and her realm hadn’t helped. Only a couple of days had passed, and yet his world, their world had altered completely. Since he sat next to her on the bed, he brushed a long strand of hair away from her face and just stared at her.
He’d never thought to be so lucky as to have a mate like her, let alone another mate like Tristan. He didn’t know all of their secrets or how they liked their coffee or any other odd details like that, but he’d learn them. What mattered most was that the three of them were committed to each other and to finding a way to make the bond work. It wasn’t exactly the way he’d thought he would mate, but he’d take it as it was.
He didn’t want to think about what would happen when they reached the siren realm. The queen sounded like a piece of work, and he’d be damned if he’d force Amara to do something so against her nature in order for their bond to snap into place. Calypso hadn’t said anything about Amara being the one to end the queen’s life. She’d only said that the queen would need to break the curse on her own—or die—to have the curse fall apart.
Amara had only heard that the queen would have to die and had put that responsibility on herself. Seth—and he was sure Tristan, as well—would be damned if they broke Amara’s spirit in the process of breaking the curse.
A hand came down on his shoulder, and he looked up at Tristan. He hadn’t sensed the other man approach as he’d been so focused on Amara and their next steps.
Tristan lifted his chin toward the door, and Seth nodded. He quickly placed a kiss on Amara’s lips, though she didn’t stir, and stood up. Tristan leaned over and kissed her as well before taking Seth’s hand and leading him toward the door. They walked the hallway in silence, their fingers entwined, and Seth’s heartbeat pounded in his ears. He’d been alone with Tristan before, of course, but this was different. He could sense the anticipation in the air and his skin tingled as if the slightest touch would set him off. He took a deep breath as they made their way to one of the open pools in Calypso’s home and tried to calm himself. He, like the others, had a thousand things on his mind, and being with Tristan like he wanted shouldn’t have been at the forefront.
But it was.
He wanted the man at his side, wanted him against his body, wanted him in his mouth, in him.
“You’re thinking too hard,” Tristan said from his side. “You and Amara share that trait.”
Seth turned to his mate and tilted his head. He studied Tristan’s face, his gaze tracing the softness of his lips, the high cheekbones, the brightness of his eyes. Tristan hadn’t put on his glamour so his ears were pointed, his skin carrying that luminescence that spoke of age-old power.
“You think just as hard, Tristan,” Seth finally said, his voice low. “If not harder.”
Tristan cupped Seth’s face and leaned forward. “Then let’s not think at all for now. Amara is asleep, and we aren’t heading out of the mer realm for a little while. Let’s just be.” He kissed Seth then, his lips firm yet yielding.
Seth moaned into him before he wrapped his arms around Tristan’s waist. The long lines of their bodies melded together, their hard cocks pressed against one another. Tristan let out a throaty groan and deepened the kiss. His lover’s fingers tugged on Seth’s hair and pulled, the action forcing Seth’s head to the side. He rocked his cock into Tristan’s as the fae’s lips latched on to his neck, sucking and licking until they were both squirming against one another.
Tristan pulled back, his pupils wide and his breaths uneven. “I want you, Seth. I know your first time was with Amara and myself, and then you were with her once more, but will you be with me alone? Will you let me fuck you?” He paused. “And you’re lucky we haven’t had time to dwell on the fact that you and Amara told me after the fact you were a virgin.”
Seth swallowed hard and nodded. “I want you, Tristan. I want you in me in every way, and I want to be in you.” He paused. “Unless that’s not something you like.”
Tristan traced his thumb along Seth’s cheekbone. “I like many things, but with you Seth, I like all the things. But first, I want your mouth on me. These lips?
” He slid this thumb over Seth’s lips before sinking it into Seth’s mouth. Seth sucked, and Tristan groaned. “Yes, these lips. I want them wrapped around my cock like you’re wrapped around my thumb. You want that, Seth? You want me to fuck your face while you suck my cock?”
Seth sucked harder before releasing Tristan’s thumb with a pop. “I want that, damn it. But…” He paused then grinned. “But I’m going to show you something I’ve always wanted to do while I suck your cock.” He reached between them and squeezed. Tristan’s eyes crossed and Seth grinned. “Take off your pants and get in the pool.”
Tristan’s eyes widened and the fae threw his head back and laughed. “I forgot mermen could breathe underwater even without their tail.”
Seth licked his lips. “Ever have an underwater blowjob before?”
Tristan shook his head. “Hell no, but I’m glad you’ll be my first.”
At those words, Seth felt the tips of his ears heat but he ignored it. “Just so you know, I’ve given blowjobs before, so I’m not all that innocent.”
Tristan gripped the back of Seth’s head and crushed his mouth to his. The fae gave him a brutal kiss before pulling back but not letting go of Seth’s hair. “Let that be the last time I hear you speak of any kind of sex with another while I’m about to make love to you. It’s just you, me, and Amara now, and I’m very possessive.”
Seth rolled his eyes. As if he hadn’t known that. Instead of saying anything, he pulled away and Tristan let him. For all the fae’s big talk, he’d never do anything Seth didn’t want to. Seth slowly made his way toward the pool, stripping off his shirt and jeans as he did. He hadn’t worn shoes or underwear so the actions left him completely naked. He bent over to check the temperature of the pool since these were private ones that could be warmed if necessary even if they connected with the rest of the ocean in a series of tunnels. As he bent, Tristan let out a groan.
Good.
Before Seth could straighten, Tristan cupped Seth’s ass and squeezed. Seth gripped the edge of the pool and let out a shaky breath.
“Goddess, you’re fucking sexy,” Tristan said softly then moved away.
Seth would have complained at the lack of touch, but as he turned, he came face to face with Tristan’s very erect cock.
Speechless, he leaned forward and licked the tip. Tristan grunted and pulled back.
“You promised me an underwater blowjob,” Tristan said, his voice a growl. “And if you suck me off right here, I’ll blow before I can experience it. And I want to experience it all with you. And when we’re done, I’ll let you fuck me, Seth. Or do you want me to fuck you? Just say the word and it’s yours.”
Seth swallowed and slowly slid into the pool, his eyes on Tristan. “I want you to fuck me first.” He grinned then. “You think you can get it up right after I make you come, old man?”
Tristan lifted his lip in a snarl and pushed Seth back. Seth laughed as he slid down into the pool. He kept his human form since they were going to have sex but he could still see, hear, and talk under water like he could in mer form, just as he could breathe easily. With the tail, he was stronger and faster, and it added an extra layer of protection, but he didn’t need that when all he wanted was the man in front of him.
Tristan wouldn’t be able to hear Seth when he was underwater, but that was okay. Seth would be able to find out exactly what the man liked as soon as he had his lips on him. He swam closer and put his hands on Tristan’s thighs. The other man slid his hand into the water and down to Seth’s shoulder. With the other hand, he tangled his fingers in Seth’s hair. Seth smiled before licking up the long length of his lover. He could hear the groan from above the water and went to work.
He sucked on the tip, letting his magic seep out of him to create a steady vibration in the water. It would warm up the molecules and send a tremor down Tristan’s dick. The man would feel as if he had a constant vibrator on him without even having to move from the pool.
“Seth!” Tristan called out and pulled on his hair.
Seth sucked the man down to the back of his throat, hummed, then let him slide out before he lifted his head from the water. “Yes, fae?”
“That thing with the water?” Tristan swallowed hard. “What the fuck?”
“I’m a merman, Tristan. I can do all sorts of things with water.”
Tristan’s eyes narrowed. “Damn. How the hell did I not know this? And you didn’t tell me, meaning you wanted to see if I’d come with just that vibration alone. Well, dear, I almost did, and because of that, next time we’re in my realm, I’ll show you a few tricks I’ve learned in my nine hundred years.” He put his hand on the back of Seth’s head. “Now get back down there and suck me off.”
Seth chuckled, kissed his mate, then slid back down into the water to do as he was told. It wasn’t as if he would have fought that command hard anyway. He wanted his lips around Tristan’s dick. He wanted to make the man come until he was spent, then work him back up so he could fuck Seth. Hard.
And when they were both sated, they’d go to their room and spoon with Amara so they were rested for the trip. Sounded like a perfect plan.
He fisted Tristan’s cock and pumped him, loving the way his lover’s thighs strained. Seth licked his lips then went down on the fae, sucking and licking until Tristan pumped into his mouth. When the fae’s dick stiffened even more and the first spurt of come landed on his tongue, Seth sucked harder, wanting every drop. Tristan’s hand tightened in Seth’s hair as he came and he shouted Seth’s name. When Seth couldn’t take it anymore, his own dick hard as a rock, he let go of his lover and lifted his head out of the water. Before he could take another breath, Tristan had his hands and mouth on him, kissing him senseless. Their mouths clashed and their bodies trembled. Tristan’s cock was already hard again, pressing against the line of Seth’s hip.
“I want you, Seth.” Tristan waved his hand out and lube magically appeared on the side of the pool.
Tristan snorted. “You seriously just used your powers to get lube? Where the hell was it to begin with?”
“In my pants pocket, but I didn’t feel like getting out of the water.” Tristan kissed him again. “Now shut up and turn around. Grip the edge of the pool and let me love you.” With one last kiss, he twisted Seth around and Seth let out a groan of his own.
Seth gripped the edge like Tristan had asked, then gasped as Tristan probed him with one lubed finger.
“I’ve never done it in the water like this,” Tristan said softly before kissing Seth’s shoulder. “If it hurts because of it, let me know and we’ll get out.”
Seth shook his head. “I’m a merman. Water is…different for me. I want you in here, in me. Okay?”
Tristan kissed the side of his neck then nodded. “Okay, baby. Now lie forward and think of England.”
Seth snorted before letting out a grunt as Tristan slid one finger in and out of him. Seth leaned back so his head rested on Tristan’s shoulder.
“More,” Seth whispered. “Give me more.”
“So greedy,” Tristan whispered. “But I’m impatient so I’ll agree. We can go slow with Amara so she’ll end up a teased mess.”
“Deal. Now fuck me.”
Seth’s breath quickened, and Tristan worked another finger into him, then another. Soon he was panting with need and Tristan was doing the same. When Tristan pushed forward, the head of his cock breaching Seth’s ass, they both froze.
“Okay, baby?” Tristan asked, his words low. He kissed up Seth’s neck, soothing.
“I’m good,” Seth gritted out. He felt so full, and yet Tristan hadn’t even pushed all the way in. If it felt this good now, he couldn’t even comprehend how good it would feel when he was all the way in.
“Yeah, Seth, you are,” Tristan whispered. And with that, he slowly worked his way in and out of him.
Seth’s fingers on the edge of the pool tightened at the sensation of Tristan pushing into him then sliding out. Slow. Real slow. He couldn’t catch his brea
th, couldn’t think of what it meant or what was to come. He could only feel.
“Harder,” Seth grunted.
Tristan didn’t say anything, but he picked up the pace. He had one hand on Tristan’s hip, the other on his chest. Soon they were both writhing, panting, fucking and making love. The water around them splashed over the edge. When Tristan reached around and cupped Seth’s balls before gripping his dick, Seth came.
Just one touch and he came.
He shouted Tristan’s name, and Tristan did the same for him as he came, as well. Still inside him, Tristan leaned on Seth’s back and caught his breath. Seth did the same, leaning forward on the edge of the pool, his body shaking. He’d lost another of his virginities, and damn if he wasn’t happy he’d waited. He wasn’t sure if it would have been as good with anyone else. Amara and Tristan were his—despite the lack of bond—and that was all that mattered.
Seth opened his mouth to speak, to try and say something about how much it all meant to him, but stiffened as he sensed another presence beneath them. He pulled away, wincing as Tristan slid out of him. Tristan must have felt the other as well because he turned, his magic rising in the room. Since it was a natural pool with a shallow section that led to tunnels and the deeper sections of the ocean, everything was connected.
“It’s another merman. Four, actually. Part of a school.” Seth cursed. “Get out of the water, Tristan.”
“I’m not leaving you.”
“And your magic is no match in our waters. Get out and protect me from above. You can see me clearly, and I won’t leave your sight. I promise.” With a quick kiss to Tristan’s lips, Seth lowered himself fully in the water and shifted to his mer form.
“What do you want?” he called out to the four mermen. They weren’t armed from what he could see, but that didn’t mean they didn’t have other plans. “Why are you in Calypso’s pool without permission?” Caly would never have let another in her pools with things so tense with Amara’s realm.
“We aren’t here to harm you,” the one up front said. Seth didn’t recognize him, nor did he the others. “We are here with a warning.”
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