The Mexican navy had captured the yacht with the remaining pirates, including those who had fled the island in the fast boats. Only a few of the remaining mermen had been captured, though, so that was an ongoing worry. Somewhere out there, Phaeton still lurked.
Yesterday, the last of the merfolk had arrived. Tomorrow was the first night of the full moon and Jake was determined to sit it out, giving up his life as a merman. Heidi had her doubts about that, but nothing she’d said had swayed him a bit. They would be human together, for as long as they both should live. They planned to be married on the third night—at the height of the full moon, in the temple of Dionysus with the merfolk’s high priest and priestess officiating. They’d have a civil ceremony back in California to make sure all the legal bases were covered, but this would be their real wedding—the one that counted for both of them. Brad and Leta were standing up for Heidi and both Wen and Steve were returning to act as groomsmen, though of course they’d both returned to their jobs and lives the day after the battle.
Tonight was the party in honor of the god who had provided this new homeland, and also in honor of the people who had worked and fought to secure it. To Heidi’s immense discomfort, she and Brad, along with the warriors, were chief among those being thanked. She still hadn’t gotten used to being treated like a princess. Though no one seemed to listen, she truly didn’t believe she needed any recognition. Looking at Jake, she felt as if she’d already won the greatest prize of all.
As dusk began to fall, the merfolk gathered at the temple. Over a thousand strong, the population more than filled the temple, its steps, the double courtyard and the terraces below, leaving a number of families to line the beach. Jake and Brad had rigged a sound system, though, so the priest’s words could be heard by all. Heidi and Jake stood with Myrrine, Leta, Brad and the warriors in the inner sanctum with the priests and priestesses.
The altar was heaped with food and wine, torches blazed along the walls, and candles were lit both in and around the temple. More tables of food and drinks had been set up outside for the merfolk to celebrate, even the children, for the first part of the evening, at least. Heidi had no doubts this party would soon become an even bigger orgy than the last, but if that’s what the god wanted, and the people were willing, more power to them.
The priest finished the chant, the priestess offered a chalice to the statue, and once again, the image took form and Dionysus stepped forth. He accepted the chalice and nodded gravely as all those present bowed before him.
“Your offerings honor me,” he said formally to the clerics. “Now I have a promise to keep. Please rise.”
Everyone stood. Dionysus raised the cup.
“Though you are the descendants of Poseidon, he has chosen to ignore your needs in this century and you have turned to me. You have proven your loyalty with sweat and blood and offerings, and for this, I take your race under my protection and care. Do you accept this?”
“We do,” said Myrrine, from her position on the right side of the high priest.
“Then it is done,” boomed Dionysus’ voice. Even without amplification, Heidi was sure everyone on the island heard him. He sipped from the cup, then offered it to the priest, the priestess and Myrrine, to seal the bargain.
“Now, my people, I grant the request that your race be altered to ensure its survival. Henceforth, you may remain in human or dolphin form indefinitely, changing only when you wish. You need no longer spend your lives underground or in the water, hiding from mortals.”
Thunder boomed in the sky above them, and a collective sigh went up from the merfolk as they felt the pressure to change relieved.
The god nodded to Myrrine and Marcos and to Heidi and Jake. “My blessings on both your unions.” Then he turned to the priest and priestess and grinned. “Let the festivities begin.”
* * * * *
Two hours later, most of the families and older merfolk had left.
Heidi and Jake wandered hand in hand along the beach. Soon, they’d go out to the Folly, where they’d been staying along with Brad, Leta and a few others. They could have their own private celebration back in their cabin.
“I’m surprised your mother and Marcos haven’t disappeared yet,” Heidi said with a laugh. Myrrine and Marcos were dancing up a storm, long after she’d expected them to wander off, probably to the guest cottage where they had set up a temporary residence. “Have they decided when their wedding is yet?”
Jake laughed. “No. I think she’s afraid of overshadowing ours.”
“That’s sweet,” Heidi replied. “Goofy, but sweet. Only two more days.”
“Yep,” he agreed, leaning down to kiss her. “Two very long days until you’re officially mine.”
She’d bought a white lace dress and mantilla on one of their trips to Cabo, and Jake had picked up a Mexican wedding shirt and a pair of black trousers. Leta and some friends were gathering flowers, Steve was bringing a portable sound system, and Myrrine was in charge of yet another feast. They were all set, and Heidi couldn’t wait.
She knew Jake couldn’t either, and she returned his kiss frantically, shoving her hands up under his Hawaiian shirt to slide them along the sleek muscles of his back. He palmed one of her breasts through the tank top she wore, igniting her senses even further. Not far away, the musicians played on their limited instruments, and the torches seemed to flicker in time to the dark, sensual beat. Further down the darkened beach they heard a giggle followed by a man’s low laugh. There were plenty of other couples making use of the darkness as well, it seemed.
Gasping for breath, Heidi pulled her mouth from Jake’s, leaning on his chest with her hands to steady her wobbly knees. “We should go tell your mother we’re leaving.”
“Yeah,” Jake rasped. “Good idea, Freya.”
He took her hand and pulled her toward the temple compound, almost at a run. As soon as they entered the outer courtyard, they spotted Myrrine, Marcos and several of their friends, seated around one of the corner palm trees. One of the mermen had built a number of wooden benches in the last few weeks, and these lined the open area, providing seating for groups scattered about.
Myrrine leaned against the low stone wall with Marcos’ arm snugly around her trim waist, her head resting on his shoulder. As Heidi and Jake approached, Heidi smiled at the picture of happiness the older couple made. A flicker of movement behind the couple caught her eye. On looking closer, she didn’t see anything at first, then as she glanced away, she saw it again. She’d swear she saw the glint of a knife raised over her future mother-in-law’s head.
“Mother,” she cried, not taking time to think. She ran forward, pushing Myrrine away from the wall, just as the image of a merman resolved into her vision. The man howled and his face contorted with anger as he continued his strike. The knife flashed down. Heidi sent her love along the link she shared with Jake as she felt the blade strike her throat. Then there was nothing.
* * * * *
Jake’s world stopped as he saw Heidi dive toward his mother. The air shimmered behind the wall, then Phaeton’s angry face coalesced as he stabbed downward with a long, shining blade.
A wealth of love and regret surged over his bond with Heidi, and then the knife struck, blood spurted, and the link went cold.
Jake screamed Heidi’s name as he vaulted over the wall, taking his uncle down in a tackle that was more anger than grace. The knife clattered from Phaeton’s hand, but he landed a punch to Jake’s rib cage. The two mermen struggled as others scrambled behind them, please, gods, taking care of Heidi. They rolled on the rocky terrain of the hillside, until both were battered and bloody. They’d almost rolled all the way down to the sand when Phaeton landed on top, leaned a forearm across Jake’s throat, and began muttering a spell. Jake grabbed a rock from beneath his hand and brought it up hard, smashing it into his uncle’s skull with all his might.
Phaeton toppled slowly, his eyes wide—or eye, really. The other was too covered in blood to be seen. Jake’s han
d dropped limply to the ground as he fought to catch his breath around at least a few cracked ribs, maybe even a punctured lung. Oh hell, not again.
“He’s dead,” Niko declared, dragging Phaeton’s body off Jake. Darius was beside him, his touch on Jake’s hand healing even as he helped Jake to stand.
“Heidi,” Jake rasped out the word, glaring at Darius. What was he doing here, with Jake? Then he looked over to the crowd and saw Aella kneeling next to Myrrine, and he strode forward. “How is she?” Other than unconscious. That much he knew. The crowd had parted for him as soon as Niko and Darius helped him climb back over the wall.
“Son…” Myrrine began, reaching up to take Jake’s hand. She cradled Heidi’s head in her lap, uncaring that she was now also covered in blood. “I’m so, so sorry.” Tears were streaming down his mother’s face.
“What? Aella, surely…” He dropped to his knees beside Heidi, not even registering that the cobblestones were sticky.
Heidi’s pale hair was matted and dark, but pulled back to reveal a gash across her throat that no one could have survived, not even for moments. Her blue tank top and white shorts were mostly maroon. Still Jake pleaded with someone, anyone, to save her. How could he go on without her now?
“It’s too late,” Aella said sadly. “I’m sorry, child.”
Jake looked around frantically. Brad was there, looking shell-shocked and lost. Marcos had his gore-covered shirt in his hand as if he’d used it to try to stanch the bleeding. “There has to be something…”
And then he looked at Marcos again, and he remembered. “Dionysus,” he bellowed. He looked at his mother. “Dionysus can bring her back.”
“Of course,” Myrrine said. “Quickly, carry her into the temple.”
Marcos, Niko, Brad and Jake immediately slid their hands beneath her still form, lifting her gently. As solemnly as any funeral procession, they carried her through the gates and up the steps into the cella, or main room of the temple. Leta and Jake’s mother hastily shoved the food and wine to the floor, clearing the altar for their precious burden.
Dionysus lounged on an air mattress that had somehow appeared behind the altar, with the two nymphs who had also come to life, along with one mermaid and two mermen, all naked. When he saw what was going on, he lifted the mermaid’s head off his lap and stood, a toga instantly covering his aroused satyr’s body.
“What’s this?” He moved up beside the altar and touched Heidi’s cool forehead. “How?”
“The merman traitor,” Jake growled. “He’s dead.”
“Good.” The god touched Heidi’s forehead, but nothing happened.
“You have the power to bring her back, like you did for me,” Marcos said. “Please, my lord. We beg you to restore her.”
“Anything,” Jake said, not caring at all about the tears that lined his cheeks, along with mud and blood from his fight with his uncle. “I will do anything you ask if you bring her back.”
Dionysus squeezed his shoulder. “I cannot.”
“Please,” Brad begged. “Take me instead.”
“Or me,” Leta cried.
“Or me,” Jake pleaded.
But the god shook his head. “I didn’t say I would not restore her life. I said I cannot. Her soul is not mine to free.”
They all stood in shocked silence as they absorbed that unwelcome news. Somehow, the nymphs had disappeared, along with the other revelers who had been in the room. Niko and Chiron blocked the door, flanked by the two healers. The only others in the room were Jake, his family and Brad, crowded around Heidi’s lifeless form.
“But,” Dionysus continued, “her constant willingness to sacrifice for a race not even her own has impressed me. Perhaps there is something I can do.” He turned to the end of the altar, where Heidi’s head rested. “Show yourself in my temple, Valkyrie. I wish to speak with you.”
Slowly a form coalesced. A tall, powerful woman in battle armor with flowing hair the same shade as Heidi’s inclined her head toward Dionysus. “What do you wish to say, Olympian?”
He nodded respectfully to the messenger of the Norse gods. “This woman has done me a great service. I wish to restore her to life, but her soul is in your power.”
The Valkyrie tipped her head, her brow furrowed in confusion beneath her silver helm. “But she died bravely in battle. Why would she choose to deny Valhalla to remain here? Besides, she is one of our own—a descendant of one of my sisters. She will be greatly honored when she arrives at the feasting hall.”
“Nonetheless, would you ask her if she wishes to stay? I would be willing to send some Olympian wine to your hall to return the favor. I know it is a favorite of Odin’s.” Dionysus waved his hand, and several golden amphorae appeared beside the Valkyrie.
She eyed the wine, then nodded. “I will ask. If she chooses to stay, she will forfeit her chance at Valhalla forever, though. It must be her decision.”
She closed her eyes and laid her hands on each of Heidi’s temples. Moments later, she opened her eyes and tipped her chin toward Dionysus. “I release her soul into your hands. She is no longer Valkyrie—perhaps you will make her one of your children now. We are done here, Olympian.” She spun on her heel and vanished into the darkness. A heartbeat later, the amphorae vanished as well.
Dionysus handed Jake a goblet he hadn’t been holding moments before. “She has chosen to remain with you, at the cost of an eternity in Valhalla. Be sure you treasure her appropriately.”
“Every day of my life,” Jake swore. The gash in her throat was gone, but she still lay lifeless. He used one shaking fingertip to touch Heidi’s lips with the enchanted wine.
Heidi’s eyes flickered just as Jake felt her heartbeat along their bond. She came awake slowly, her lips curving in a smile as she finally opened her eyes and saw Jake leaning over her. “Wow. That was really something, wasn’t it?” Her words were a low rasp, probably no one but him could hear her.
Jake knew he was crying, and he didn’t give a flying fuck. All he could do was sit beside her on the altar, gather her in his arms, hold her against him and shake while the tears coursed down his cheeks.
No one else moved an inch until his breakdown had passed. Finally Heidi wiped his cheek with her hand and kissed it. She turned her head to see Dionysus and sighed. “Thank you.”
“You remember your conversation with the Valkyrie?” he asked her.
Heidi nodded. “If it wasn’t a dream, then I do.”
“It was no dream,” the god assured her. “You willingly chose to give up a chance at Valhalla?”
“No contest if it meant being with Jake,” she said, tightening her grip on his shoulder. His heart sang at her reassurance.
“You possessed some of the Valkyrie’s psychic abilities, which will now be lost to you. It was suggested that I compensate you for giving up your heritage by providing you a new one,” the god continued. “Do you wish to become a mermaid, so you will have a long life with your chosen mate?”
Heidi couldn’t believe what she was being offered. A chance to live with Jake for not just a human lifetime, but for many? Damn, that was almost worth dying for. She didn’t have to hesitate a moment. “Of course.”
Dionysus waved his hand over a golden goblet and handed it to her. “Then drink, child.”
Heidi did. As the spiced wine trickled down her throat, she felt the tingle of magic coursing through her veins. The world was brighter, clearer, sharper. And Jake still held her tight.
When she’d drained the goblet, she handed it back to Dionysus.
“It is done,” he said solemnly. “Good night, Heidi of the merfolk. May you and your mate enjoy a long, fruitful union.”
And then he was gone.
Movement and sound from the people around them started to register. Myrrine’s happy words, Leta’s joyous shriek as she launched herself into Heidi’s arms.
“I can’t believe it,” the young mermaid cried. “We get to keep you for years and years and years!”
O
ne by one, they hugged her—Brad, Marcos, Myrrine and so many others who filed into the room after Dionysus vanished. Jake just stood beside her, never once taking his hand from her arm.
Shortly afterward, exhausted, they walked back down to the beach, intending to take one of the inflatable boats out to the Folly so they could go to bed. The others were all spending the night on shore, unified in their desire to give Jake and Heidi some much-needed time alone.
“We could swim instead,” Jake told her. It wasn’t that far, he could easily swim it in human form. “Want to try out your flippers?”
Heidi squealed and threw her arms around his neck. “Of course!” She couldn’t wait to begin her life as a mermaid.
As they waded into the waves, Jake sent her images over their link, guiding her to the mental state that would allow her transformation. He stood beside her in the shallows as she stripped off her filthy shorts, tank top and underwear, throwing them into one of the firepits set up on the beach. She’d never wear any of those garments again. Then following his mental instructions, she stepped deep enough to draw her feet up beneath her and willed her body to change.
Her skin tingled as she felt her leg muscles stretch and reform. Though a golden haze blocked the pain she should have felt, she could sense what happened to her body as it changed. Her knees and feet fused together and her spine lengthened into the powerful arched back and dorsal fin of a dolphin. She drew in deep, deep breaths to fill the air sacs that she knew were tucked beneath her rib cage. Finally, when it was complete, she swished her tail and laughed with joy. “This is wonderful!”
“Isn’t it? Tomorrow night, we can shift together.” His words were a little sad, and she wished desperately he didn’t have twenty more years to go on his spell.
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