by Ciara Lake
“What’s this light?”
“It seems we’re blue.” He chuckled as he moved inside of her.
“It’s beautiful.” Tabitha melted against him. “It feels so wonderful too.”
Silently, he watched her, his face fierce. “It’s glorious.”
Jax pumped harder, plowing into her. She held him with all her might. Her nails pressed into his skin. She knew she drew blood, she smelled its copper odor, but Jax never complained. The bed moved beneath them, straining from their movements. It squeaked in rhythm with them.
A greater strength enveloped her. She pressed against him, and to her amazement she flipped him onto his back. He did not resist. She was on him, riding his stiff cock. She pumped up and down, taking him deep within her. Her hair draped around her like a silk curtain. Heat grew between them, making her steam, she was on fire. She moved on him as if she’d ridden him before and often. She could hear sucking sounds as she swallowed him within her. Her hands pressed down on his shoulders, pushing him against the mattress. Their gazes held as the sensations exploded. What was happening was surreal.
“You’re a gorgeous beast.” Tabitha slowed her movements, savoring his cock inside her tight channel.
“I’m your beast.” Without warning, he flipped her so she was on her back once again. He rose over her. A deep growl escaped from him. “Open your legs.” He pushed her legs further apart. Bending her knees up, he pounded into her. A blinding blue light filled the room. “Tabitha.” He shook all over as he filled her with his seed. She grasped him, holding him, pushing her hips up toward him. Finally, he collapsed, resting against her.
“What was that?”
“Magic.” He kissed her cheek. “Pure mating magic, my beautiful lover.”
Chapter 9
Tabitha enjoyed the silkiness of the sheets. Scissoring her legs back and forth, she appreciated their soft coolness. I don’t remember Mother’s sheets feeling so nice. Between her legs was an unfamiliar tenderness. Barely opening her eyes, she surveyed the room. It was dark except for a fire blazing. She could hear the wood crackling. The blaze cast a warm glow over the room. Burying her nose in the pillow, she smelled Jax’s unique scent. Renewed desire made her stomach flutter.
The room’s furniture was ornate, not at all her mother’s simple fare. Abruptly, recollection came to her. She snapped up into a sitting position. “Jax?” Tabitha turned to find Jax relaxed, sitting in a wingback chair, reading.
“Yes, I’m here.” He put his book down then stood. In two steps he was beside the bed. Jax’s broad shoulders made it hard to see around him. “Do you remember coming here?” When he sat on the edge of the bed her body automatically reacted to his nearness.
“Yes.” She nodded.
“So don’t be alarmed. You’re in one of my homes beneath the sea.”
“One of your homes?” She pulled the sheet up to her chin. “It’s more like a palace.”
“Yes, this is actually one of my mother’s palaces.” Jax playfully tugged the sheet down. “Don’t hide your beauty from me.” He touched her hair. Tabitha trembled from the contact.
“How many lovers have you brought here?” Tabitha refused to look him in the eyes and she pulled the sheet back up. She was ashamed of her wanton behavior. Her body ached, reminding her of all the intimacies they’d shared. Jax made love to her several times until, out of sheer exhaustion, she’d fallen asleep in his arms. He’d been insatiable. “I’m sorry, it’s not my business.”
“Tabitha, what’s wrong?” He reached for her hand, but she pulled it back. She lost her sheet and scrambled to capture it again. She held it near her chin. A look of hurt passed over his face.
“Nothing’s wrong.” She shook her head.
I can’t believe how I’ve behaved. I gave myself to him too easily. Heat rushed to her face, and a wave of sickness washed over her. Tears threatened to fall. Hot with humiliation, she was desperate to find an escape. I’m trapped here. She peered around him as if checking for an escape.
“Tabitha?” He touched her knee. “Are you okay?” Jax’s voice had urgency in it. “I’ve never brought a lover here. I wouldn’t bring a simple liaison here to my parents’ home. You’re my mate. You belong here.” He leaned in to kiss her brow.
Tabitha gazed into his eyes. She recognized his sincerity.
“Now, my love, I’ve made you a simple breakfast. Then I have a great day planned for us. I have so much to show you of my. . .our world.” His eyes were sparkling blue. Tabitha could barely breathe, he was so handsome.
Now I remember why I surrendered to him—he’s irresistible. “I’m okay.” She shrugged. “What sort of things do you have planned?”
“It’s a surprise, my beautiful mate.” He pulled her into his lap and kissed the back of her neck. She squirmed, accidently dropping her sheet. “Oh, all your moving around is making me. . .want to do things.”
Tabitha could feel his cock growing, pressing against her bottom. It was hard and she dampened.
He hugged her tighter. “If we’re not careful we’ll get distracted, or at least I will.” He tickled her sides, causing her to squirm even more. “And we won’t get to do all my other plans.” He nipped her ear.
“I’m not sure about surprises.” She reached for her sheet. “I’ve had too many in too short of a time lately. It can’t be good for my heart.”
“Nonsense.” He patted her thigh. “You’re very healthy. Anyway, I want to see the surprise on your face. I love to watch your expressions. So you’ll have to wait.” They sat together for several minutes as he studied her face. “Are you sure you’re okay? You seem upset. . .are you?”
“I’m fine,” she insisted. Jax was dressed in a form-fitting suit. It was similar to the one he had on when she approached him on the beach. It left little to the imagination. “You have your dive suit on.”
“It’s a Mer suit, and I have one for you too. It’ll make swimming much easier.”
“We’re going to swim today?” She gazed past him over his shoulder. The far side of the room was nothing but window. It was so clear it almost appeared nonexistent. “It looks like a huge aquarium, but it’s the sea out there, isn’t it?” She tried to cross her arms over her breasts.
“Yes, it’s the sea.” Jax trailed his finger down her arm.
Tons and tons of water. Dear God, I could so easily drown. She shivered. The sea life was bright, and colorful fish swam by in schools. The scene was illuminated by various florescent plants, full of neon color. Jax turned to see what she was watching.
“It’s a paradise beneath the water. I can’t wait to show you.” He caressed her back. “We’re so fortunate to be able to experience this world as we do. I want you to love it as I do.”
“Are we going to swim out there today?”
“Yes, we are.” He rubbed her arm. “You’re the daughter of Zale, Jin of the Sea, and mate to a Mer, son of Poseidon. Of course we’re going to swim beneath the sea, it’s our home. Don’t be afraid. Here’s a suit for you to wear.” Her naked form was covered with her own light blue Mer suit. The material was like silk.
“This feels so nice. I feel naked still.”
He grinned. “You’re not naked. These suits are like skins, they give us freedom of movement.” He stood, then picked her up and swung her around. “Smile, you’re giving me a complex.” He laughed.
“I’m sorry.” She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.
“I love to see you smile. You make me feel happy.” He gently kissed her then helped her stand.
Tabitha followed him to the table next to the enormous window. He pulled a chair back for her. An exquisite china tea set was on the table. An ivory pot sat on a tea light warming it. Hot steam wafted from the spout. “We have tea along with jams and breads. Enjoy. We’re going to be doing a lot today, so eat up.”
“You prepared this?”
“Yes.” He smiled. “After we eat, I’m going to take you on the adventure of your life. I hope
we run into some of my friends or family, I can’t wait to show you off.”
“Are you sure you want to introduce me to others?” Tabitha frowned.
“Of course, why not?” After helping her into her chair, he kissed the side of her face. At every chance he touched or kissed her.
“Well, for one, I’m the granddaughter of Saltar. Your friends and family may not like that news.”
“Nothing matters other than the fact that you’re my mate.” He sat across from her. “You’re my mate, we’re meant to be together, and no one’s opinion will change what we are to each other.”
“You sound so certain. When I first told you I was Saltar’s granddaughter, I saw something else in your eyes.”
“That’s true, but I thought we’d discussed this already.”
“I guess we did.”
“Like I said, I was shocked initially. And I admit I have some prejudices against vampires and Forsaken. But I got over all of that when it comes to you.” He winked. “I got over it quickly, and it will never matter again.”
Tabitha poured herself a cup of tea. She sipped it slowly, watching him over the rim of her cup. She helped herself to some of the bread with jam. I’m dreaming, I know I am. I’m going to wake up soon.
“Tabitha, you are awake. This is very real.”
“What?” Tea spilled all over the ivory tablecloth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spill the tea.” She tried to wipe it up with her cloth napkin. “I didn’t say anything out loud.”
“You’re projecting your thoughts to me.” He leaned back in his chair. “Don’t worry about the tablecloth.”
“Oh my God, how embarrassing. I’d forgotten you could hear my thoughts.” Tabitha rested her head in her hands, and sighed. “What have you heard?”
“I’m not your god, I’m your mate.” Jax leaned forward. “You don’t know how to shield your thoughts yet. It’s okay. You’ll learn.”
“It’s not okay. This is awful.” Tabitha scooted her chair back. “It’s really not okay.”
“Don’t get up.” He leaned further toward her. “Only I can hear what you’re thinking, at least right now, we’re alone.” He winked. “You already had the ability to project your thoughts, but when we mated it became stronger. Mers use telepathy to communicate under water. I really enjoyed what you thought about me last night.”
“What makes us mates?” Tabitha felt as if steam was coming off of her.
“We made love, we shared our magic.” His hand touched hers, and a zing raced up her arm. “Feel what we share. Remember how it binds us together.”
Tabitha’s heart fluttered from her emotions combined with the electrical pulse they generated.
“It’s part of our magic. Our mating is strong, incredibly so. I had no idea it would be like it is between us. We are blessed. And it’s true, at first I tried to deny what I felt, because I knew you were a Forsaken. And when I heard you were Saltar’s granddaughter, I was. . .” He looked down at his cup. “I was in denial of my attraction toward you, but I was foolish, wrong, and my denial was short lived. Very short lived.” He smiled, his blue eyes twinkling. “Now, let’s not discuss this anymore.”
“Okay.” She nodded. “What does this mating make us. . .married?” She gazed at their joined hands.
“It’s much more. Marriage is a social status. We’re truly one together. The blue glow we experienced came from you, it must be the part of you which is Jin.”
“I was told my powers were bound by my father. So how could I make us glow?”
“Well...” He shrugged. “Perhaps not all of your powers were bound. The more basic ones may have always been there, below the surface. Like your ability to move the car off your sister. That was your immortal strength. I’m sure your father had thought forward enough to allow you to use some powers when necessary to survive.”
“I suppose so.”
“Anyway, our mating must have unlocked something powerful inside of you. So, let’s do what Mers love to do—enjoy the sea.” Jax stood up to help with her chair. “Come, you’re going to love what I show you.” He led her out of their room and down a grand hallway. The floors were cerulean marble. Huge crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.
“This is really a palace.”
“Yes, the Mer and my father have extravagant ways.”
Heavy wooden doors lined the hallway. At the end of the hall was another large arched window. It too extended from the floor to ceiling. Jax stopped in front of it.
“Look, see the octopi? They’re young ones.” Jax pointed. “And over there’s a manta ray. Out here beyond the barrier reef there are sharks too.”
“It’s amazing, so bright and colorful. What ocean is this?”
“It’s the Marina’s Trench, near Guam. But we’re outside the barrier reef, which surrounds and protects Guam. This is a beautiful sea, so vibrant.”
“Can humans see this palace?”
“No, it’s shielded by magic, otherwise the US Navy would have visited us by now or run into us with their huge submarines. Only immortals or those who are invited can see this palace. Mer magic keeps humans from running into us too.”
“It’s so bright down here. Like we’re close to the surface. Are we?”
“No, we’re very deep. It’s brighter because of Mer magic. The depth won’t affect you. We’re immune.”
“Do I want to know how deep we are?”
“Do you?” He grinned. He stepped toward the window. The clear barrier shimmered.
Alarm prickled Tabitha’s spine, and she stepped back. “What are you doing? I’m afraid.” Seldom had she experienced this type of panic. A blue glow radiated from her. Puzzled, she examined her hand. “I’m glowing again.”
“It seems you’re truly the blue one.” He laughed.
“It’s not funny.”
“Yes, it is. And you’re a lovely shade. Even your blonde hair has a bluish tint. There are some immortals who are different hues such as green or blue. You seem to be blue when emotional.” He caressed her hand. “It really is lovely. I’m particularly fond of blues.” He kissed her cheek. When he touched her, he glowed blue too. “That’ll teach you to call me a blue merman since it’s all your fault.” He turned to step through the barrier.
“Wait! What are you doing?” She tugged on his arm, pulling him back.
“We’re going to swim.” He nodded toward the seascape. “Then I wish to take you to other places. So come, let’s go.” He gently tugged her hand. “It’s okay. Just act normal.”
“Normal? It seems I’m hardly normal. I may be less normal than you.”
“I mean, relax, you’ll be able to breathe.”
“Breathe, oh yes, that’s essential. I’m gonna drown. I can’t breathe under water no matter what magic you gave me.” She shook her head. “I can’t do this. I’m too scared. I need diving gear, an oxygen tank. And even with diving gear I’d freak out.”
“Shh.” He put his finger to his lips. “I won’t let anything hurt you.” He hugged her. “Trust me, my mate.” He pulled away, tugging her arm again as he moved toward the shimmering barrier.
“Why is it shimmering?” She dug her heels in as best she could on a tile floor. He was strong and insistent.
“It detects us and knows we wish to pass through.” As if the barrier did not exist his foot and leg passed right through it. Part of him was inside and part was in the water. Jax let go of her hand, stepping all the way through. Turning, he looked back at her, then she heard him speak in her mind. “See, my Talise, it’s all good. Come enjoy this beautiful water with me.” He opened his arms. His black hair moved around his head. His blue eyes glowed bright, making him look more otherworldly. When he smiled his canines were elongated, fanged.
“I notice you have vampire teeth too?” she yelled.
“I can hear you without yelling. They’re my teeth and they’re part of my true Mer appearance. They’re weapons if need be.” He jumped up. “See I can control my buo
yancy too. Trust me, it’s all okay.”
He reached back into where she waited. His hand and arm were dry. He grabbed her hand, and with a swift move, he pulled her through the barrier, not giving her time to protest. Unexpectedly, she was immersed in water. Fear gripped her like never before. She fought to be free, to return to the dry place, but he held her tight against him. She kicked and pushed, trying to get away from him. He held her firm, but he didn’t hurt her.
“It’s okay, my mate. Relax.”
“I’m going to drown, I can’t hold my breath any longer. Please let me go.” She tried with all her might to pull away from him.
“Breathe, all is well. Do as I say.”
“No,” she screamed. “You’re killing me.” Water flowed into her mouth, making her cough. The liquid of the sea was endless.
“Hush, or you’ll drink a lot of salt water. Breathe, don’t drink. It won’t hurt you, but it can taste bad and run right through you. Immortals can feel ill at times and feel pain. The water will pass right through you in a most unpleasant way.”
Tabitha stilled, holding her breath again.
“Breathe, release the water you captured. Expel it out of your mouth.”
She shook her head. The water moved her long hair around her face, blinding her.
“I’ll confine your hair.”
A peculiar sensation affected her head as if thousands of fingers manipulated her hair. Jax turned her to look back at where they’d exited. The transparent barrier became reflective. Wide-eyed, Tabitha watched herself. Fear was evident in her eyes.
“Relax, my love. I promised you nothing would harm you.”
Jax stood behind her. They were standing on the ocean floor, it was soft and sandy as if they were on the beach. The water stirred around them. Her hair was now in tiny braids gathered and held back by a silver band, which resembled a crown. She turned her head to see it better, it was adorned with jewels. They sparkled with such radiance.
He touched the silver band. “I had this created especially for my mate, and I’ve waited centuries to give it to you. My friend Axel Venrick made it for me, for my mate. You make it look more beautiful.”