by Ciara Lake
“Yes, I’m going to the Aegean Sea to visit my daughters and their children.” The redheaded mermaid smiled. “Janis will be substituting for me. I’m sorry to be leaving at such a busy time, but one of my daughters is going to have her baby and I must be there.”
“Of course. I’m sure Janis will be excellent.” He picked up his briefcase. “Any messages for me?”
“Yes, on your office phone.”
“Good.” He headed for his office.
“Agents from an environmental group, along with another interested potential donor, will be meeting with you later today.”
“Okay, I’ll be ready.”
Neva caught up to him and handed him several papers. “These need your signature. Our guests will be eating with you at the Poseidon Club. Joel will be joining you. We’re going to give them a tour of our facility first. Hopefully, they’ll write a large donation check and-or provide volunteers for this weekend’s open house.”
“Nice.” Jax took the papers from her. “I’m going to check my messages. Let me know when our guests arrive.”
“I will.”
“And could you ask Joel to come to my office?”
“Right away.” Neva nodded.
Jax continued to make his way to his corner office. The lights flicked on as he entered the room. He set his briefcase down and gazed out the window. It’s getting all riled up out there again. He sat down and turned on his computer. Tapping his fingers on his desk, he closed his eyes, trying to imagine being beneath the ocean. The feeling of water around him always calmed him. I don’t know why I’m so agitated. He leaned back in his chair. A boom of thunder shook the building.
“You summoned me?” Joel knocked on the doorjamb.
Jax opened his eyes and looked up at Joel. “Yes. Come in, close the door.” Jax waved him inside. “What do I need to know about today’s appointments? I want to make the best impression.”
“Your eyes look exceptionally bright today. Are you feeling okay?” Joel walked toward the desk.
“I’m a bit tense.” Jax shrugged then closed his eyes, trying to make them go back to normal.
“It shows. No need to be stressed about this stuff. It’s going to be fine, things are coming along nicely.”
“Are the oceanographer’s reports available for my review?”
“Yep, they are. Trust me, today’s meeting will be uneventful. These humans are geared up to help with our efforts. They truly support wildlife and the environment. It’s their passion.” He stepped closer to Jax’s desk. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
“Yes. Really.”
“Okay then, I’ll email you the reports.”
“Thanks.”
“Sure thing.” Joel nodded then left, closing the door behind him.
Another loud boom of thunder shook the building, followed by the electricity flickering. It’s going to be a wild storm. Jax twirled around in his chair to watch the darkening sky. More dark clouds were rolling in. With each lightning flash, his left eye twitched. I’m a nervous wreck. He rested back in his chair. I guess I need a nap.
“Jax, son of Poseidon.” A quasi-familiar voice spoke from behind him.
Jax turned to see a man standing in the middle of his office. He was dressed in a flowing black robe. His silver hair and odd blue eyes shone otherworldly bright. The room was cast in an eerie shadow.
“Uncle Nereus, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.” Jax swiftly stood up.
“Time’s irrelevant.” He stepped closer to Jax. “We Titans are forgotten but forever busy behind the scenes.”
Unease settled in Jax’s stomach. “To what do I owe the honor of this unexpected visit?”
“I wished to speak with you.” Nereus crossed his arms. “This storm, and others like it, bring me here now. You’re allowing your emotions to go uncontrolled, and it’s impacting the waters and the weather.”
“I don’t know what you mean, Uncle.”
“Really?” His uncle gazed out the window, and then back at Jax. “You don’t realize what you’re doing?”
“I’m not the cause of this storm.” Jax shook his head. “Why would you say I am? I know when I cause changes in the weather.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course.” Thunder shook the building to its foundation.
“Watch your tone, Jax Aquila.”
“I’m sorry, I’m under some stress at the moment. This grand opening is a big deal.”
“You admit you’re stressed?”
“Yes.” Jax nodded.
“From what I can tell your stress is boiling over. I feel it, the whole world feels it.”
“Truly?”
“Yes, I’m very serious. You’re upsetting the weather all over the world.”
“That can’t be true.” Jax shook his head.
“It is. Remember you’re a demi-god, the son of Poseidon. Your mother, the mermaid princess, has god lineage too. Your emotions have a greater effect than you know.”
“Uncle Nereus, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve lived centuries without anything like this happening.”
“Exactly why I’m here to avert the disaster you may soon cause. These humans around you are ignorant to what you may bring to them. It would be a shame to cause them harm. Or do you care?”
“Of course I care. I’m not at all sure of what you’re telling me.” Jax ran his hand through his hair. The wind roared loudly, followed by another frightening boom. “Are you telling me that I’m doing this?”
“Yes, you’ve waited too long to find what you need.”
“What I need? I have everything I need.”
“Didn’t your father instruct you to seek out what you need? Isn’t that why you’re here in this place, in this century?”
“I’m truly unaware of what you’re talking about.” Prickles of unease raced down Jax’s spine.
“Are you?” Nereus raised his brow. “How can you be so daft?”
“Excuse me, Uncle, I don’t intend to come off as being daft.” Jax’s blood pumped harder, and his head ached.
“You’re in need of comfort for your soul.”
“Comfort for my soul? What nonsense is that?” Jax chuckled.
“Again, watch your tone, nephew.” Nereus pointed at him. Jax felt his uncle’s untapped power. “I don’t like your attitude.”
“I’m sorry.” Jax hung his head.
“You’re in need, my boy.” Nereus paused. “You’ve nearly waited too long.” He looked down, shaking his head. “You seek to save the ocean, yet you bring destructive storms with your wayward emotions. Look at the river out there.” He pointed out the window. “Imagine the sea’s anger. If you allow this to continue, it’ll be most damaging. Take the clueless look off of your face.”
“Respectfully, I am clueless about what you’re saying.” Jax shrugged and leaned against his desk. An unexpected torrent of rain beat against the windows.
“You’re not an ordinary man or an ordinary merman. The sea, and all things which flow from it, are at your mercy.” Nereus gazed out at the angry river below. “Look at it. This is mild compared with what’s occurring deep beneath the seas.”
“The seas?”
“Yes, all of them. All over the globe. Something must have triggered your emotions even more today.”
“No, I’ve had a good day.”
“Are you calling me a liar?” Nereus stomped his foot.
“No, Uncle, I would never call you a liar.”
“At least not to my face.” Nereus frowned. “You must remedy this situation soon.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“Again, watch your tone.”
“Uncle, I’m not causing this.”
“Evidently, you don’t realize what you’re doing. Fortunately, this time I can help.” As if on cue, the storm lessened. “But this problem will only grow, and it will become more difficult to stop, even for me. You need something to bring you joy,
or you’ll continue to cause chaos all around you.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“You should.”
“The weather’s turmoil has nothing to do with me.” Jax looked over his shoulder, out the window. “It’s only nature doing this.” He walked closer to the ancient man. Nereus’s face contorted, and for a moment Jax saw something else, something inhuman beneath.
“There’s no sense arguing with me.”
“My apologies.” Jax bowed his head. “I don’t intend to.”
Nereus waved his hand. “Keep your apologies, I’m here to tell you information for your own good.”
“Yes, Uncle. Has my father sent you with this message?”
“No.” Nereus threw his head back, laughing. It wasn’t a pleasant sound. “Do you think I’d do your father’s bidding? I’m not your father’s manservant.” Again, his features contorted into an ugly grimace.
“Of course, I don’t think you do his bidding.” Jax’s pulse picked up again. He looked at his watch. “With all due respect, Uncle, I have to prepare for my guests. Could you please excuse me for now?”
“I am to be dismissed?” Nereus’s eyes flashed.
“No, not at all. I would never dismiss you.”
“It certainly sounds like I’m being dismissed.”
“You can join us, if you like.”
“No, I am in no mood to associate with humans. I will say, you do have good intentions. It’s a shame your emotions are hurting the thing you love.”
“Thank you, Uncle. I really appreciate your advice.”
“Don’t be smart with me. I see you’re hardly sincere.”
“Uncle, you’re wrong.”
“I don’t think so, but it would be nice if I were, this time.” White smoke replaced where Nereus had been standing.
There was a knock at the door. “Come in,” Jax said.
Neva opened the door. “Mr. Aquila, your guests have arrived. Shall I show them in?”
“Yes, please.” Jax walked toward her. “Let me know when we should leave for the Poseidon Club for our lunch.”
“Yes, I will.” Neva smiled. “They have prepared an especially delicious seafood buffet.”
Jax nodded. “Excellent.”
“Please come in.” Neva moved aside for the guests to enter. Their conversation was jovial.
A slender, auburn-haired woman entered the office along with the two elderly men. Sensuality exuded from the woman’s every pore. Her smile was sweet, but in her eyes Jax saw an unleashed spirit. Cruelness lingered beneath her skin, like a stench.
“Hello, Mr. Aquila. I’ve heard so much about your endeavors.” She sashayed toward him, and Jax extended his hand in greeting. She took his hand in hers. Her hand was ice cold. “I’m Samantha Synvera.” She batted her eyelids and ran her finger over his thumb to the back of his hand.
An unpleasant zing raced up Jax’s arm. He cleared his throat as he pulled away from her grip.
“Perhaps you recognize me?” She grinned. “I hope your father is well?”
“Yes, I do recognize you.” Jax clenched his jaw.
“Mr. Aquila, I’m Darren Jefferies.” A short, portly man stepped forward and offered his hand.
Jax saw flames of fury erupt in Ms. Synvera’s eyes. The man had unknowingly intervened in her moment.
No mortal should step in Amuliana’s way, poor human. Jax looked at the clueless human then back at the woman. As he gazed in her eyes, he could see the evil within her. Turning his attention back to the man, Jax shook his hand.
“Thank you for having us here, Mr. Aquila. I’m the director of the Coastal Protection Agency. I love your facility.”
“Please call me Jax.”
Darren nodded. “I hope you don’t mind us bringing Ms. Synvera with us. She’s a wonderful sponsor for many excellent conservation projects.”
“No, Jax doesn’t mind.” Amuliana tossed her hair over her shoulder.
“Yes, Ms. Synvera and I are acquainted. We go way back.” Jax nodded in her direction. “She’s a very old. . .acquaintance.”
“Hello, I’m Thomas Marvus.” The other man stepped closer to Jax and shook his hand.
“It’s very nice to meet you both.” Jax smiled. “I’ve just started reading the scientist’s reports regarding the newest toxin in the coastal waters. It’s very concerning.”
“Yes, it is.” Thomas nodded.
“We have done a lot of work in solving the problem. I have reports to share with you.”
“Excellent. We can discuss all of this over lunch. Ms. Neva has told us about the wonderful luncheon at Poseidon Club,” Thomas said.
“Yes, we want you to enjoy your visit here. And talking over our meal sounds good.” Jax grinned.
Thomas’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “We understand your restaurant is the best place in town for seafood.”
Jax nodded. “It’s the best place in the country.”
“We’re excited to see all of this facility. You’re doing wonderful things for injured and endangered sea life. We’re so fortunate to have you here in Vancouver, Washington. We want to do all we can to support your efforts.” Mr. Jefferies stepped closer to the windows. “The weather’s really bad today. I’ve not seen it like this in a long while.”
“Yes, the winds are powerful.” Jax glanced out the window. His uncle’s words rang in his head. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Amuliana roll her eyes. “Perhaps it’ll calm soon.”
Neva tapped on the door, interrupting them. “Excuse me, we can start our tour now and make our way to our luncheon. After lunch, we’ll finish up the balance of the tour which will take us outdoors. Hopefully, the weather will be calmer by then.”
“Great plan. Gentlemen, please follow Neva.” Jax motioned toward Neva.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like a few private words with Mr. Aquila.” Amuliana smiled sweetly. “I have some questions about his organization and how I can provide the most help.”
“Of course, Ms. Synvera, take your time.” Darren waved his hand, and both men smiled. “I’m sure Neva will keep us occupied while you two chat. You have a lovely assistant, Jax.”
The two men left the room with Neva, and Amuliana closed the door behind them.
“Hello, merman. I mean, bastard son of Poseidon.” She strolled over to him. Her eyes gleamed devilishly.
“I’m fully aware of my lineage.”
“Whatever.” She shrugged. “Anyway, you should be thrilled by my visit. It’s not every day someone as beautiful and powerful as me visits with you.” She arranged her hair over her shoulder. Jax could smell her foulness.
“If you say so, Amuliana.” Jax crossed his arms.
“Hmm, you’re definitely your father’s son.” She shook her head. “Despite my dislike for you, I do appreciate a handsome man.” Her eyes surveyed him from head to toe. “How is your father? The amazing womanizer of the sea. Now, how many bastards has your princess mother birthed for him to date? Such a royal slut. A whoremonger and a slut, makes a good team they say.” She snickered.
“Are you trying to win me over with your charm?” Jax glanced at the closed door. “Is this going to take long? The meeting you interrupted is important.”
“To whom?” She shrugged. “Nothing is more important than me.”
“I know you believe so, but in my universe you’re of no importance.”
“You’re still a man with a bad attitude.” She glared at the door. “Those stupid humans can wait. I can crush them like bugs. They look like fat bugs, don’t you think?” She laughed evilly.
“Listen, I’m busy, and I don’t want to waste my time with you.” A loud clash of thunder muted his words, making the window rattle.
“I have a few questions for you, Jax Aquila.” Amuliana put her hands on her hips.
“What? Be quick.” Jax leaned back on his desk, crossing his legs at his ankles.
“Who is the woman your father has you looking for? I hear she�
�s a Forsaken? Have you found her?”
“Why ask me?” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t tell you anyway.”
“Answer my questions.” She stomped her foot.
“Ask my father what you wish to know. Unless you’re avoiding Poseidon.” Jax raised his eyebrow. “I realize he intimidates you.”
“Shut up, you bastard.” Her brown eyes blazed bright then turned fully black; darkness filled her entire eye, making her look like a demon. Yet she was worse than any demon. Her façade of beauty crumbled as rage overtook her.
“I’m happy to remain silent.” Jax grinned. Her face went through contortions as she processed his comments. “Don’t get too upset, I can’t handle your hideousness being exposed.”
“You’re lucky you’re the son of a great god.” Her fists clenched at her sides. “If you weren’t, I’d punish you. You’d be crying in pain, shivering at my feet.” Her vibrant auburn hair turned black as coal. “When you find this Forsaken bitch, I’ll know. I’ll be visiting her too. She won’t have the same protections as you. She’ll belong to me. After all, I am the goddess of immortality. I want to know what Poseidon and his brothers are planning and this Forsaken will have the answers.”
“Why would you think that? Why does she have to have anything to do with you?”
“All Forsakens are my concern.” She clenched her teeth.
“Really?” Jax grinned. “There’s no reason they should be your concern. They’re mortal now. She’ll have my father’s protection, for as long as my father chooses.”
“Like that’ll keep her safe.”
“You’d be a fool to cross my father. So, listen clearly, you hideous beast. You stink up my office with your foulness.” He gave her his most insincere smile. Her face flamed bright red. Black smoke came from her mouth, it was sulfuric. “Amuliana, or Samantha, whoever in Hades you are today, you’d better put yourself back together before the humans see you looking like such a fiend. Play nice with my guests or you’ll be sorry. You started this charade, finish it.” Jax stepped closer to her. “I’m not afraid of you, so stop the showmanship. And do something about this stench.” He waved his hand through the black smoke.
“You’ll regret this.”