Knowing the sooner the meeting with the Chantreans were over he could take his mate, Mikel stepped away from Maryann and headed toward his closet. He'd had Skalldari supply him with some clothes for Maryann several days ago in anticipation of their joining, so at least he could give her something to cover her body. Their Abacine suits had dissolved into their bodies as soon as they'd returned to their suite and, with his raging hard-on, the sooner they were dressed, the safer they'd all be. Seeing her lush breasts quivering with her every breath, or her gorgeous ass another moment, he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't sweep her right back into bed, despite his duties.
Not trusting himself not to grab his mate and take her like his instincts demanded, Mikel stopped several feet from her and held out the clothes Skalldari had provided for her. He'd asked the sentient ship to provide clothing that she would feel comfortable wearing, and by the look of joy on her face when he handed her the pair of jeans and soft blue sweater Skalldari had chosen well.
When Maryann clutched them to her chest and smiled up at him as though he'd given her a priceless treasure, he knew he'd slay water dragons for her if she but asked it of him. He loved her—would love her forever. She was his and soon, once the others left, he'd take her back to the Recreation room and make love to her beneath the water, completing their mating and her transformation.
* * * *
As Maryann clutched the jeans and sweater to her chest, she allowed her gaze to travel over her mate, regretful he would soon cover all that naked flesh. With his back turned to her, his luscious ass beckoned her to cop a feel. She didn't get to explore him nearly enough earlier and if there weren't others arriving shortly, she might just have tried her hand at seducing him, something she couldn't imagine doing even a week ago.
Mikel had taught her that love play between mates was nothing like what happened to her at The Black Rose's hand while she'd been a prisoner. She'd felt no pain, no shame, no fear, just unbelievable, unending pleasure. Licking her lips, Maryann watched fascinated as the muscles in his back rippled and bunched as he stepped into his trousers. Heat and longing burned through her body, leaving her trembling in need.
Swallowing past her groan of frustration, Maryann dropped her gaze from her mate and quickly began dressing. Mikel had the right idea. If she didn't get dressed and get out of the bedchamber, she might just jump him and unfortunately now wasn't the time to be screwing like monkeys—or Merfolk as the case may be.
Within seconds of fastening her jeans and pulling on her sweater, a chime rang through the room. “What's the chime?” she asked, though she was pretty sure she knew exactly what it meant.
"That's Hunter announcing they've arrived. Several times over the years we've had to meet this way, without notice or warning. That's his signal that he's waiting."
"Why didn't he just come in here?"
Mikel's husky chuckle had goose bumps pebbling across her skin.
"In case there was a crew member in here, it's his way of being anonymous. Our peoples each have their enemies, it's not always good to announce a visit to all and sundry while meeting with your allies. It's a good way to die at the end of an assassin's blade."
Nibbling her bottom lip, Maryann nodded, seeing the wisdom in such a precaution. She wouldn't want Mikel walking into a situation that may be dangerous either and now that he was about to be crowned the King of Manruvia she couldn't help but worry that he'd be an even bigger target for assassins than ever before. That thought did not set her at ease, especially considering they had no idea what Hunter and Taliff Shi'Lan were there to tell them.
"Well, let's get in there then and find out what they have to tell us. The more information we have, the better for us."
When Mikel gripped her hand and led her through the main sitting room and through another door on the far side of the room, Maryann pushed away her anxiety. Though the Chantreans may be bringing bad news, she was looking forward to seeing Amy Shi'Lan again. If it weren't for her and her mate Hunter, she would have died at The Black Rose's hands. She'd never be able to adequately thank them for rescuing her, but maybe one day she'd be able to do something for them as equally important.
Together she and Mikel entered their private dining room, determined to face whatever the Shi'Lan's had to say. She would not let her mate down. Not now, not ever. Besides, she'd missed Amy, Hunter's wife. Even though they'd not gotten to spend a lot of time together after her rescue, she knew that Amy and Eve Shi'Lan were two women she could trust, two women in which she could confide in. Somehow, she knew in the coming days, she'd need that.
As soon as they entered the room, Hunter Shi'Lan, a tall Lionese male with long red blond hair and the body of a fierce warrior, approached them. Though she'd feared Hunter when she first met him, she could never forget that it was this man and his mate that had saved her from a life of sexual slavery. For that, she'd always be thankful to them. Without their intervention, she never would have survived the rapes and torture that The Black Rose and her followers inflicted on her. Without them, she'd never have survived, never had been brought to Mikel's ship, never have met her mate. Nothing she could do or say would be adequate thanks for that.
Grasping Mikel's forearm in a warrior's embrace, Hunter pulled her mate into his arms for a short hug before stepping back. Hunter's eyes seemed to twinkle as he looked from Mikel to her and back again. A blazing smile spread across his face when he stepped forward and traced the mating markings around her eye.
"Congratulations on your mating. May the Mother Goddess bless you with a long and happy life and a passel of beautiful babes."
Blushing at the thought of just how they'd go about making those beautiful babes, Maryann couldn't bring herself to look into Hunter's knowing eyes. Dropping her gaze from his, she focused on the others in the room. Amy Shi'Lan, Hunter's mate, a stunning red-haired beauty had her arm tucked into Eve's, their heads pressed together as they whispered to one another. Taliff, Hunter's younger brother and the head of his security forces, watched the pair with amusement, his amber eyes twinkling. He looked so relaxed she could almost pretend that they weren't there for a clandestine meeting rather than a companionable dinner amongst friends.
"What news brings you here, Hunter?” Mikel asked. “Not that I'm not happy to see you and your family,” he assured him.
Before he could answer, the door chimed, announcing a visitor. “It seems our dinner has arrived. Perhaps we can speak of this during the meal."
Hunter nodded then walked toward his mate, grasping her fingers in his hand. “Come, moya,” he whispered, leading her to a chair.
Maryann could see the love Hunter had for Amy. It was in his touch, his voice, his every glance. After seating herself, he gently pushed her chair upto the table. Across from them, Taliff was doing the same, seating his mate as though she were the most precious treasure in the room. Someday she hoped that she'd find that same soul-deep love with Mikel. Already she couldn't imagine living her life without him and they'd only been mated mere hours.
As if sensing her worry, Mikel bent down, lightly grazed her lips with his. His kiss was tender, filled with quite joy. How can you doubt how much you mean to me, Vasha? You are my one, and by the end of this eve, you'll never doubt my love for you again.
Maryann's gaze searched his. Did he mean it? She'd find out soon enough. If only the meeting were already over. She had a feeling tonight would be life altering and she didn't know whether to be afraid or exhilarated.
Once everyone was comfortable seated around the large oval table and the crewmembers serving their dinner withdrew from the room, Mikel met Hunter's gaze. “Tell us,” he softly ordered, though she could hear the steel in his words.
Nodding, Hunter pointed toward his brother. “Perhaps Taliff should begin with the explanations."
"Two days ago I received an urgent summons from my father to attend him in his quarters. At first, I thought perhaps he or mother had taken ill. But within minutes of his summons, I knew that we had t
o get here as soon as possible."
Mikel frowned.
She could sense his worry through the bond, his confusion.
"What did he have to tell you that made you drop everything to race across the star system?"
Taliff swallowed, then looked to his mate, Eve. When she nodded in encouragement, Taliff sighed. “Father had a visitation by the Lady Goddess Alana. She warned him that unless the Chantreans accompanied you to Manruvia, The Black Rose would spread across the galaxy, enslaving millions before moving onto other star systems."
Maryann trembled, remembering all too well the shame, pain and degradation she felt at The Black Rose's hands.
"What are you to do besides accompany us?” Mikel asked.
Maryann wanted the answer to that as well.
Taliff shook his head. “That we don't know. She didn't say. But knowing what it felt like to be his daughter's prisoner, knowing what the victims we rescued had gone through, he didn't even think about refusing. Within six hours of the Goddess's, visit Hunter and I had assembled our crews and left Chantrea."
Nodding, Mikel turned toward Hunter. “Is there anything else I should know?"
"Only that according to father, your mating and coronation celebration will proceed on the very eve you return home. Another demand of the Lady Goddess, apparently."
Maryann's eyes widened. “What? Already?” By the Goddess, she wasn't prepared. She'd only just mated with Mikel. The thought of taking up the role of queen so soon terrified her. As Maryann quivered with fear, a soothing wave of warmth poured through her.
Be calm, Vasha. You'll do fine. You think I wanted to lead my people so soon? I'd rather my father be whole and healthy, leading our people himself, then have to step in because of his illness.
Put that way, she felt ashamed her fear overwhelmed her. Mikel might lose his father and she was only thinking about herself. What must he think of her?
I think everything of you, Maryann. You've been through hell, and the last week hasn't been the easiest on you. I don't expect you to handle all these changes without getting scared.
You should. Maryann swallowed, then looked at Eve and Amy. “So will you all be present at the ceremony then?” Goddess she hoped so. She wanted some friendly faces around her when she stepped into the role of Queen.
"If that is your wish, of course we'll be there,” Amy promised.
As soon as Amy promised to be there, some of the tension eased from her body and, when Mikel leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her cheek and ran his hand through her hair, she allowed her fear of the unknown to dissipate. For now anyway. “Good. Then let's eat. I'm absolutely starved."
As she dug into her food, a husky chuckle rippled through her mind, sending tingles down her spine. Yes, eat hearty my mate. You'll need your strength for what I have planned for you this eve.
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Chapter Nine
Just over an hour later, Maryann found herself once again in the Recreation room. Somehow, she'd thought they'd spend this night in their quarters, but for some reason Mikel had insisted they return here.
Looking up into his eyes, she gasped. The hunger there was almost palpable. His desire reached out to her, beckoned her to succumb to the pleasure she knew he'd lavish on her. Her voice quivering, she asked the one question uppermost in her mind. “Why are we here when we could be in our quarters christening the bed there?"
"Because it's here that we'll complete the mating, beneath the water."
Maryann shook her head, confused. “In the water? I can't breathe underwater Mikel. I can't stay under as long as you."
Mikel smiled.
Her heart clenched. By the Goddess, how could anyone not melt into a puddle when he smiled like that. “Of course you can, Vasha. Already you've had enough of my seed to initiate your first shift."
Holding out his hand, Mikel beckoned her.
"Come, join me beneath the sea, Maryann, and become mine completely."
When still she hesitated, he squeezed her fingers, then brought her hand up to his lips to kiss her palm.
"Trust me, Vasha. I'd never do anything that could harm you."
Glancing at the waves caressing the shore, a strange longing filled her. Could she really shift into a mermaid, swim beneath the waters at her mate's side? She trembled, excited and wary both. Well, she wouldn't know until she tried. With a reluctant nod, she returned Mikel's smile. “Okay. But you better not let me drown,” she warned.
Chuckling, Mikel led her toward the water. “Never, Vasha. I'd protect you with my life.” Soon they'd reached the water, where Mikel slowly turned her to face him. “'Tis time, love. Remove your clothes and I'll show you my world."
Unable to deny him, she lifted the hem of her sweater and tossed it to the white sand. Having been in a hurry earlier when she'd dressed, she'd not put on a bra so her breasts were completely bare. When Mikel groaned and licked his lips, her nipples tightened into hard points just begging for him to suckle.
"Now the pants,” he ordered, his voice raspy and heavy with need.
Desire unfurled within her. Her gaze drifted over him as she worked the zipper of her pants. As she shucked her jeans, she watched in awe as Mikel did the same. As he lowered his pants and his cock emerged, she wanted nothing more than to drop to her knees and take his length into her mouth. By the Goddess, what had gotten into her? In a matter of hours, she'd turned into a sex fiend.
Once she'd kicked free of her jeans, she watched fascinated as Mikel's cock bobbed in front of her. She barely noticed that he once again had his hand held out waiting for her to take it.
"Come, Vasha,” he whispered, his voice a velvet seduction she had no desire to deny.
Entwining her fingers with his, she let him lead her into the warm water. It swirled around her legs, caressing her like a thousand fingers. Further and further, he led her out into the ocean. When the water reached her neck, she began to tense up, fear of the unknown pressing against her.
Blue-green eyes glittering with hunger, Mikel cupped her head with a big palm, sunk his fingers into her hair and slanted his mouth over hers. The moment their lips met, fire raced through her. All thoughts of drowning disappeared. So lost in his kiss, she didn't even realize he taken then into the depths of the ocean, that water covered her completely, that she could breathe despite the fact his lips were sealed to hers.
Only when a strange tingling began to work its way down her spine and spread to her legs did she realize that he'd taken them below the water. Frantic now that she knew there was no air to breathe, she started to thrash against him.
Calm, Vasha. You can breathe. The gills behind your ears are processing the oxygen you need.
She could barely hear him, never mind understand what Mikel was trying to tell her. Only when he latched his mouth once again to hers was she able to calm down enough to process what he'd told her.
Are you all right, love?
I-I think so. What's wrong with my legs? Why can't I move them?
There's nothing wrong with your legs, love. I'm going to stop kissing you and you can look down. You can breathe just fine, Vasha and I'll be right here if you need me.
Maryann could sense his worry, his concern that she might freak out again. If she weren't so scared, she might have laughed. Gathering up her courage, she finally dropped her gaze from his and quickly looked down. Awed at what she'd become, she gasped. Where her legs had once been, now a mermaid's tail swayed in the water. Scales of the lightest rose pink and silver covered her lower body. With each movement of her tail, the colors seemed to sparkle and dance beneath the waves.
You are beautiful love, absolutely perfect. I've never seen a more lovely Manruvian in all my years.
Pleased beyond words, Maryann continued to grip Mikel's neck as she stared at her tail. Somehow, even knowing what you are, knowing that I'd transform after the mating, I still hadn't realized this could really happen, she admitted.
When his hand grippe
d her chin and raised it so she could once again look into his eyes, she felt lost, trapped in his gaze. So much hunger and fire burned there, but something else, too, something else she'd never expected to find, tenderness. Slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, Mikel lowered his head to hers, sliding his lips against hers, before nipping her bottom lip until she opened her mouth so he could deepen their kiss.
Tongues mated and dueled as the tasted each other. Pressing her chest against hips, her nipples scraped against him, sending shards of fierce pleasure to her pussy. By the Goddess she wanted to make love to him, wanted to feel him sink his shaft so deep into her she'd feel it in her throat.
With her new body, she felt like a virgin again, unsure what to do, how to proceed. She had no idea how Merfolk mated, how part A fit into slot B.
Mikel broke their kiss and chuckled. Envision your human legs love wrapped around my waist. Picture them clearly in your mind and it will happen.
Will I still be able to breathe?
Of course. You're only partially shifting. Trust me, Vasha.
Looking into his eyes, she smiled. She did trust him. With everything inside her, she knew that he'd never do anything to intentionally harm her. Following his instructions, she focused on her legs, envisioned them wrapping around his waist so that she could feel the heavy weight of his cock pressing against her aching core. And when her tail transformed into her own two legs, she did exactly that.
Make love you me, Mikel. Finish the claiming, she begged, somehow knowing that until he came inside her again, she wouldn't be completely his. And completely his was what she wanted to be.
* * * *
When Maryann wrapped her legs around his waist, pressing her woman's mound against his aching cock, Mikel thought he'd die. Unable to stop himself from taking her, claiming her as she demanded, he lowered his mouth to hers. Lips and tongue met, dueled, stroked one another until both were gasping and groaning, desperate with their need. When her nails dug into his scalp and her fingers wrapped around his hair, he lost all semblance of control.
Worlds Apart 3: Mikel's Wrath Page 7