NeverSea: Echoes of the Lost (Book One)

by Jenetta Penner

  Beep.

  I grab what I require and bring up my test results on the screen. The research data is preliminary, but promising. It’s the only hope I have.

  “They will pay for this,” I mutter, turning to the table where he lays.

  “Commander,” a male voice crackles on the comm. “There are no ships in pursuit. Should we fire on Neverland?”

  Beep.

  “Shut up, you stupid idiot,” I hiss. “We must regroup. Once I get Neverland back, I don’t want to waste time rebuilding it because you destroyed it.”

  “But Ma’am—”

  I slam my palm to the comm panel, putting them on mute.

  I pull up the fabric around my arm and plunge one of the syringes of liquid deep into muscle. With the sharp sting, instant calm overtakes my mind and body. I draw in a long breath, straighten myself, and turn, tossing the syringe to the side.

  Beep.

  I rise and inspect the other syringe. The barrel is full of an iridescent green liquid. I reach for his neck and insert the needle into his skin. With a steady depress of the plunger, the serum disappears.

  “Oh Edward … sweet Edward. Why did they have to do this to you?”

  I stroke his cheek, now slightly ashen.

  “At least they found you before you were completely dead. That street rat Peter did this, didn’t he? Shot you and left you to die all alone. He thinks of nobody but himself.”

  Gingerly, I place my hand on his bare chest. The skin is rougher. Almost scaly. My breath hitches. The serum has started to take effect.

  Beep … beep ... beep …

  I snatch a scanning device from the side of my display and point it at Edward, flicking it on and starting the scan, starting at his head, and taking it along the rest of his frame. As it buzzes, the data on the screen populates, displaying a generated version of his body. I walk toward it.

  Commander Edward Thacher

  Test subject for Recombinant DNA: Crocodylus/Human

  Expected results include:

  ● Increased strength and muscle growth

  ● Predatory instinct

  ● Acute vision

  ● Formation of body-armor-like skin.

  I close my eyes, trying to process it all. This was never what I wanted for Edward, but they pushed me. Made me do it. He’d die otherwise, and I can’t have that.

  Beep ... beep … beep …

  The sound of the monitor breaks me from my thoughts and I straighten, twisting to Edward again.

  “Nerissa?” he moans.

  “Yes?” I race to his side.

  “Where’s James?

  James?

  My chest tightens. Why are you worried about that traitor when you have me right here?

  “Don’t you worry.” I stroke his face and beard, centering myself. “I have everything under control.”

  The End

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  Acknowledgements:

  Special thanks to Torment Publishing! Without you this book would not have happened. We love you guys.

  Thanks to all the early readers and the support of our fans.

  Thanks to all our family for the support!

  Credits:

  Chase Night - Editor

  Jack Llartin – Editor

  Cover Design - Nathalia Suellen