by Ciara Lake
Enchanted Waves
by
Ciara Lake
Enchanted Waves
Copyright © 2013, Ciara Lake
ISBN: 9781937325930
Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.
Electronic Publication: October, 2013
Editor: Pamela Tyner
Cover: Fantasia Frog Designs
eBooks are not transferable. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
Back Cover Copy
Tabitha Lock’s mundane life changes when her future walks out of the sea into her arms.
Attorney Tabitha Lock has put her career before everything, including her love life. Exhausted from too many late nights, early mornings, and endless days spent in court, Tabitha is at the end of her rope. Add to that the sensual dreams and voices that haunt her sleep, and she’s driven to the edge of her sanity.
Jax Aquila, Mer prince and son of Poseidon, is ordered to locate a mortal female in the twenty-first century. Although this woman is unaware of it, she has vampire heritage, but her immortality was forsaken to her due to the sins of her ancestor. Old hatred and prejudice toward vampires push Jax toward pursing his own agenda and avoiding his assigned task.
When Jax meets Tabitha, he has no idea this enticing woman is the one he was sent to find. The magic of their attraction drives him to pursue the beautiful woman. When he discovers the truth, can he accept Tabitha for what she is? And can Tabitha accept herself? As they struggle with the issues at hand, an ancient evil stirs, waiting in the darkness to reclaim their lost position among the immortals. When the evil ones make their move and Tabitha’s life hangs in the balance can Jax find her in time, or will she be lost to him forever?
Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence
Dedication
To my wonderful family. Thank you so much for your support. Love, Ciara
Chapter 1
The frigid wind blew wildly across the surface of the sea. The waves formed a powerful vortex, propelling Jax Aquila up and out of its depths. Vivid, colorful lights flashed around him, creating a mystical illumination. After the surge of energy settled, Jax stood on the water’s surface. Upon his command, he had been transported through time and space, arriving at his selected destination off the coast of rural Washington state.
The magical light surrounding him dimmed, leaving him under a dark sky. Bright amber beams slowly emerged, creating a numinous show on the horizon. No matter the century, the beauty of the ocean always amazes me, even in this decadent era.
He took a deep breath. The moist, salty air soothed him, but he gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw at the wild emotions warring within him. Flexing his fingers, he groaned loudly, trying to suppress his volatile urges.
“I hate the effects of time travel. It makes me feel. . .crazy.” The water splashed around him, creating small ripples. “Quiet down.” Jax stomped his foot upon the water.
A flurry of commotion stirred beneath him even more. Aquatic life was rapidly swimming everywhere, nipping at the surface. They were mesmerized by Jax’s supernatural aura and sought his attention. Most would sacrifice themselves on his mere command. Being a Mer as well as the son of Poseidon made him even more alluring to all he encountered, even to humans.
Five dolphins breached the surface of the water, greeting him with a series of clicking sounds. They splashed and played together, loudly spouting off bursts of air, beckoning him to join them.
“Go play without me, my friends. I have no time to play today. I have a mission I need to complete. I’ve been delinquent in my task.”
“But, Jax, we want to play beneath the waves.” The largest male dolphin danced on his tail, trying to entice him. “We want to swim with you.”
“My father has me on a mission to find a useless Forsaken bitch.”
“Why?”
“I really don’t have a clue. My father’s cryptic with his demands at times. But I believe it’s something to do with General Saltar.”
“The evil bloodsucker imprisoned beneath the sea?”
“Yes.”
“His cage reeks of death.”
“Stay far away from him. He’s wicked incarnate.”
“We know he has bad blood.” The dolphins nodded their heads in unison. “But can’t you play now? It’s a beautiful day.”
“It is, but my father has made it abundantly clear he isn’t happy with my delay in following his directives.” Jax waved his hand at the dolphins. “I guess I have avoided his mission for too long, to pursue one of my own.” He ran his hand through his hair. The dolphins continued to dance in the water around him, happiness rolled off them. “I promise, my friends, to join you another time.”
“Be well. We’re going to swim now.”
“Enjoy!” Jax waved as they raced away.
For a moment, Jax paused to appraise the shore’s rocky landscape. The area was mostly desolate, except for two houses. One home belonged to him. The other house had been vacant for some time. Jax walked out onto the shore. A full moon peeked out from behind the clouds as the sun slowly rose in the east.
He stopped to gaze up at his beloved moon. “Good morning, keeper of the tides.” Jax bowed in reverence. “Thanks for your blessing upon this earth.”
During this time of day when the sun and the moon shared the sky, a special energy hummed through his veins. It was almost sexual in its intensity.
As he walked further up the shore, a huge wave roared as it approached him. Jax waved his hand toward it. It shimmered, stalling, then the large wave fell back into the water, flattening to nothing. From where the wave originated stood his sister.
“Hello, brother.” His sister waved. “Did you like my entrance?”
“Ula, what brings you here? Did you follow me?”
“Yes, I thought I’d get a glimpse of what you’ve been enjoying.” She lifted her chin. “It smells different in this era.” She glided closer to him. “I don’t particularly care for it.” She wrinkled her nose.
“It does smell different. It’s the pollution.”
“What a shame. Even the ocean is impure. Look at it. Its beauty is faded. I feel its anguish.” She shuddered.
“It is a shame.” Jax sighed.
“This time travel takes a lot out you. It makes me feel all emotional.” She fanned herself.
“I know, and you being more emotional is a scary thought.” He shook his head.
“Shut up. You’re hardly one to talk.”
“You can leave now.” He waved her away, but she ignored him.
The sky started to cloud, and the wind picked up. “You’re causing a storm to come,” she said.
“I am not. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, never mind. I understand these modern humans are very ingenious. They are powerful in some ways, but they do some stupid things.”
“Yes, in many ways they’re still ignorant. Perhaps they’ll always be. However, in this era, the mortal’s quality of life has improved. And some of their inventions seem almost magical.”
“I’ve heard they’re healthier and live longer.”
“Very true.”
“But they destroy the earth with their carelessness. It infuriates me.” The wind whipped around her as if a small tornado was beginning to form.
“Remember your emotions are nuts right now. Find your center. Relax or you’ll start a hurricane.”
“Very well. Again, you are one to talk. I c
an feel the atmosphere’s heaviness and it’s coming from you.” She inhaled sharply. “I really don’t know how you can stand this travel as often as you do.”
“I’m used to it by now. I tolerate its discomforts.”
“I’m told the humans hardly turn to the gods for advice in this age. They ignore the splendor of Mother Earth with their careless disregard.”
“True. Nevertheless, the powers that be are still in charge. Ignorance doesn’t change reality.”
“You mean their ignorance isn’t bliss.” Ula tossed her golden hair over her shoulder. The drops of water on her flesh sparkled like diamonds. She was the image of their mother, who was one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. No wonder Poseidon was smitten with their mermaid mother.
“What a nice home you have here.” Ula pointed to his house. “May I come in? I’d like to look around.”
“Not this time, Ula. I have things to tend to. Next time warn me before you arrive. I’ll be ready for you.”
“Why would you need warning? I’m your sister.” She put her hands on her hips.
“Exactly.”
“You know you love me.”
“Of course I do, but I can only take my sisters in small doses.”
“You’re very funny.”
The wind whipped up again, nearly pushing him back. “Damn it, stop it with the wind. I don’t need a storm tonight. I’d rather not lose electricity.”
“Who needs electricity?”
“I do when I live in the twenty-first century.”
“Whatever.” Ula floated closer.
Jax nearly tripped over a plastic milk container trying to back away. “Please go home. I don’t have time for you.”
“Okay, I give you warning now. I’ll be visiting soon. When I do, I expect to be treated magnificently.”
“Go to Mother’s home for the royal treatment.”
“Jax, you’re being mean to me.” Ula pouted. “Don’t be unkind.” She leaned to her side to peer around him. “This place is littered with trash.” She waved her hand, causing the offending plastic bottle he had tripped over to be caught up in a gust of wind.
Jax bent over to collect it. “I do despise the mortals’ neglect with these plastic items. This insufferable plastic kills.”
“There’s more.” She nodded toward several plastic containers that were lodged in the rocks along with a few plastic bags.
“I’ll take care of them.”
“Like I said, humans have no regard for what the gods have given them. Look at how they violate the loveliness of the world. Mother Earth will soon retaliate with a great vengeance.” Ula was nearly on the shore now. She floated as if on air.
As Jax picked up more trash, it disintegrated, disappearing into a steam wafting away in the breeze.
“You’re almost alone here,” Ula noted.
“It’s my country home. I often like to get away from my city penthouse.”
“That’s nice. Having humans too close can be uncomfortable.”
“Yes, it can be. I only have one neighbor here, but I’ve never seen the owners.” He nodded toward the Cape Cod house that stood alone. The large, white house looked dark, vacant. “Occasionally security comes to check on things. That’s about it. Otherwise I’m mostly alone.”
“It’s quiet out here—very different from our mother’s home.” The wind picked up again, whipping her gown around her.
“That’s true.”
“Doesn’t it exhaust you splitting your time the way you do?” she asked.
“It’s not easy.”
“You can come home within the sea. It’s where you belong.”
“I’m on a mission from Father. Did you forget?”
“You’re not doing what Father sent you to do.” Ula made a tsking sound. “You’re simply doing your own thing. You’re always so stubborn, especially when it comes to him. You get away with your disobedience all of the time.”
“How do you know what I’m doing?”
“I have my ways of knowing things.” She raised her hand. A gust of wind struck him in the face like a slap.
“Stop it, Ula. I’m really not in the mood. I’ve told the dolphins to play without me. That goes for you too.”
“I’m not the dolphins.” She put her hands on her hips in a defiant stance.
“You best leave me be right now. I don’t have time for this. And I still feel the wild emotions raging within me. I’m trying hard to calm them, and you aren’t helping.”
“You’re always filled with raging emotions lately. You need something to apply those emotions to, in a positive way. Have fun for once. You’re too serious.”
“Are you here to advise me now?”
“If need be.”
“I don’t think you’re in a position to advise me. You’ve angered Father with your recent naughty behavior.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ula looked wide-eyed.
“Sure you do. Shame on you, you should leave humans be. You need a mate to control your wild ways. A strong one, who will bend you to his will.” Jax threw his head back, laughing at Ula’s stunned expression. “As far as those human sailors, the night in your arms wasn’t worth the torment you’ve caused them. Have they found their way home yet?”
“They will soon enough.” She curled her hair around a finger.
“You’d better behave or I’ll have to come rescue you from our father’s wrath once again. He hates it when your actions live up to the ancient tales of the Mer. You make us seem as bad as the vampires.”
“Just mind your own business, not mine.”
“Trust me, I try to.”
“And hush with the mating talk. I really don’t need a mate to control me.” The wind whipped her hair wildly around her face.
“Calm yourself, Ula. Besides, I don’t think there’s a mate strong enough to control a vixen like you.”
“Be quiet. I think you’re the one who needs a mate—someone to help you harness those emotions you struggle with so much. It’s not just the effects of time travel which causes you to be so out of control.”
“Whatever.” Jax shrugged.
“You too have made Father unhappy wasting your time with your silly environmental endeavors. You can’t save these stupid humans. They’re destined to destroy themselves. The earth will heal when they cease to exist.” Ula’s eyes flashed bright.
“We’re stewards of the ocean. I’m simply doing my job, the twenty-first century way.”
“Tell yourself what you need to hear.” She brushed her hair out of her eyes. “You’re a frustrated man. I’ve seen it in your eyes.”
“Shut your mouth.”
“No, I’m speaking the truth. You’re unhappy, lonely. All who know you can see it.”
“Leave here. Your welcome has long faded.”
“You’ve simply wasted six months not finding what Father sent you to find. You didn’t even want to come to this century, and now look at you, doing what you want to do instead of what you were sent to do.”
“Are we done?”
“No, this time we’re done when I say we’re done,” she said firmly. “Don’t you point out my follies. You haven’t the right to.” A wave slapped against the beach just a few feet from where he stood. She’d vanished.
“Be good, Ula. Stay out of trouble.”
“Just don’t put yourself out coming to my rescue. Rescue yourself first.” Salt water sprayed him.
“I’ll remind you of what you’ve said next you cry to me,” Jax yelled. A sharp wind pushed him violently back from the water’s edge. Jax turned to walk to his seaside home.
The ocean’s tranquility resumed as quickly as it had become volatile. There was no sign of his sister; she’d vanished in a puff of vapor.
As Jax approached his house, he could see his reflection in the large windows. Pausing a moment, he examined his imposing image. He was tall, broad shouldered. Most mortals, even a few immortals, would faint with fear i
f they saw him now. His expression was viciously fierce. Sharp canine teeth were lengthened and exposed. They were deadly weapons.
“I look like a monster. I feel like one. Ula brings the worst out in me.” He shook his head, his hands fisted at his sides. “It’s not her, it’s me.” He inhaled slowly, then exhaled. “Relax. Pull it together, Jax.” He closed his eyes. A single tear rolled down his cheek. “Goddess of peace, dear aunt, give me patience to withstand the loneliness I feel. I have friends and family, but it’s not enough. Help me with my emotions.” He dropped to his knees. “I don’t even understand why I feel the way I do.”
An unfamiliar calm came over him. When he opened his eyes, he watched his face transform to its more human guise.
“Thanks be to you, Goddess Eirene.” Relieved his emotions were settled, he stood and typed in his security code. The door beeped then opened.
“Good morning, Jax. Welcome home,” a computer voice greeted him.
“Thanks, computer. Has the house been secure?”
“Yes, Jax, all is secure.”
“Please turn on some soft music.”
The computer beeped, followed by soft instrumental tones coming from the ceiling speakers. Jax hummed along quietly. Music relaxed him. As he walked through the house, the energy efficient lights buzzed to life.
On the glass dining table his cellphone flashed. He picked it up and tapped the call back button. “Joel, you called?”
“Yep, I was checking on you to make sure you got back. Our open house is gonna be a great success. We have a lot of investors coming.”
“Sounds good.”
“How was your visit home?”
“Same as usual, full of drama.” Jax walked into the family room. “What’s going on? Any other news?”
“Last night I heard Faryll was here causing havoc.”
“Here in Washington? Now?”
“Yes, that’s what I’m told.”
“I thought he was somewhere in Rome during the eighteen hundreds.”
“Nope, not any more. He’s lurking around these parts now.”