Chapter Three
After a restful sleep, Luna woke to the cries of seagulls. Their pitchy screeches made her thankful flying birds never evolved in her realm. Her stomach grumbled, driving her from the soft bed and into the bathroom. She smiled at the tub she soaked in last night, crediting it with her peaceful slumber. The basin contained traces of dry salt.
Freshened up, she reentered the bedroom and found a note slipped under her door. She swooped down to retrieve it. The invitation was from Selena for a private hydrotherapy session. The note stated she was to meet Selena by the lake this morning at ten. Glancing at the clock, Luna still had an hour before her session.
Clad in the swimsuit she purchased last night in the boutique, she grabbed the matching wrap and adjusted it around her slender waist. The ensemble was one of many newly purchased outfits and accessories. She slipped her feet into a pair of confining sandals and wiggled her toes. The excitement over her new footwear waned as she paraded around her room getting a feel for them. Determined to wear her fashionable sandals, she snatched her satchel and left the room.
Luna exited the elevator and drifted toward the breakfast bar. She wrinkled her nose at the smell of coffee. Guests grazed the offerings. About to turn away, she glimpsed a tray of smoked salmon on a cracker. Filling a plate, she sat in a quiet corner to eat and hoped to be left alone. She stood as soon as the last bite touched her lips, leaving behind a plate of stripped crackers.
Outside, the salty air rejuvenated her almost instantly, lifting her spirits higher. Could she hope for a new beginning? She followed a floral-lined path, unexpectedly appreciative of the nature around her. A tiny, yellow bird flittered from tree to tree. Its birdsong was substantially different than the seagull’s cry, and, surprisingly, it enchanted her. When the bird bounded farther into the trees, away from the path, Luna felt compelled to follow it. The pine trees grew closer together while more and more colorful birds appeared in them, singing in concert. She wandered farther into the woods. Male voices echoed in the distance disturbing her serenity.
In a far-off clearing beyond the thick brush, three men stood, talking. Two of them wore all black. The third was Nathaniel Quinn. She froze; her shoulders tensed. Why seeing Nate rattled her more than the others, she didn’t know. All she knew was she didn’t belong here in the woods, off the beaten path, where it could be interpreted she was spying on them. Her light feet carried her away in near silence. However, not five hundred yards away, she encountered another man. He peered through slim binoculars in the direction she was trying to avoid. She thought she might slip past him unseen, but he lowered the binoculars a moment too soon.
“Oh, hey there!” He spoke just loud enough for her ears.
Meeting a stranger in the woods put her on alert. She eyed his wood-carved walking stick, his pocketed vest, and his ball cap with an embroidered bird. She blinked her large eyes at him. Hmm, I almost sat with him in the dining room last night.
“Are you a fellow birder, by chance?” He adjusted his cap and tapped at the lettering.
“Er, I was just taking a walk.” She continued to move in the direction of the path, leaving him to his pursuit.
However, he followed her. He progressed quickly for a man with a cane and caught up to her.
“She kept a steady pace, unable to shake her uneasiness.
“Did you see anyone else out here?” he asked casually.
She swiveled to look at him, thinking it an odd question. It seemed like his binoculars were trained on the three men—not the feathered animals.
Her questioning expression seemed to get him talking. He stammered, “Well, you see, it’s the birds. They seemed to have been startled by someone or something. Perhaps you startled them.”
The trees opened to a clearing of grass sprawling toward the path. Luna sighed, thankful to escape.
“Where are my manners? My name is Charlie. Birdwatching is a hobby of mine, and my doctor gave me orders to rest my knee after a bad fall. So, I came to Wiccan Haus to kill two birds with one stone as they say…two birds…one stone. Because I like birds.” His goofy grin revealed crooked teeth. “Sorry I get nervous around pretty girls.” He hid momentarily under the brim of his cap.
The water god often vowed I was the most beautiful of all the sirens and my voice held no comparison. Her stomach rolled at Charlie’s last comment. Flattery from this walrus. Ukk.
Before she could fire off a snarky remark, a yellow bird swooped past, catching her attention. It landed on a bench situated at the path’s edge. She halted, realizing it was the same species she’d followed into the woods. Charlie stumbled to a stop as well and seemed pleasantly surprised. He ginned at her expectantly.
Deciding to give the poor fellow a break from her serpent’s tongue, Luna pointed. “Look. The yellow one is beautiful. What’s it called?”
“Oh, indeed!” Charlie raised his sleek mini binoculars though the animal wasn’t far away. “Mmhmm. Indeed. Very rare. I’ll have to consult my guidebook.” He set the binoculars against his lean chest and tugged a camera from a vest pocket.
Luna reluctantly stood still until he took the snapshot. She prepared to bolt—it was time to lose this guy.
A sudden, loud rustling behind them sent the delicate creature into flight. A deep, authoritative voice bellowed, “I’ll take that camera.”
Luna and Charlie spun around. Two men dressed in black stood outlined by the pines.
“Oh. Oh, dear. Who are you?” Charlie shuffled about, gripping the knob of his cane.
“Rekkus, head of security.” Rekkus tipped his head in the other man’s direction. “Cyrus Rowan.”
Rowan. The four Rowan siblings run the Wiccan Haus. Luna eyed Cemil’s brother but found the head of security more interesting. What are you, Rekkus?
Rekkus prowled over. Charlie rapidly pushed several buttons and turned off the camera. Luna’s thoughts quickly shifted to Nate. Why had the three men met in seclusion? And where had Nate gone?
“I was simply shooting wildlife, sir,” Charlie said.
“Cameras are not permitted on the island. We strive to preserve the privacy of our guests. I will have your property returned to you upon your departure.” Rekkus held out his hand.
Luna took this distraction to speak up. “I have an appointment. I don’t want to be late, so I’ll see you at dinner.”
Cyrus gave her a pleasant nod. The other two barely gave her a glance as they discussed the confiscation of Charlie’s equipment. Scanning the trees for Nate one last time, something shimmery caught her eye. The translucent shape appeared in man-like form. Fascinated, but not wanting to miss her opportunity to slip away, she continued toward the path without a backward glance.
Luna met the path’s end, a smile on her lips. The saltwater lake beckoned her, though she hesitated when she noticed the instructor talking to another woman, likely the appointment before hers concluding. After the two women finished talking and the guest strolled away, Luna approached the hydrotherapy instructor.
“Hello, you must be Luna. I’m Selena.”
Luna closed the gap between them and shook the hand Selena offered. “It’s nice to meet you, Selena.”
Their gazes locked, an immediate connection registered for both of them.
“Wow, you’re really her—the Selena from the royal mermaid family,” Luna said a little breathy.
Selena smoothed her pale hair from the crown of her head down to the tightly woven braid hanging over her slender shoulder.
“So, you’ve heard of me?” She seemed flattered.
Luna glanced around to ensure their privacy. “Yes, you…and your kind. The sisterhood where I’m from told me stories about your family and how you left them.”
“Yes, Luna, I’ve managed to break tradition. You can, too. I already see it in you—strength and bravery. I will help you. You shouldn’t fear change.”
What did Cemil tell you?
“I’m not like you. You wouldn’t understand.” Luna was quick to dismiss Selena’s advice.
Selena assured, “Siren…Mermaid, we are not so different.”
She had a point. They were similar species. However, Luna wasn’t ready to become fast friends just yet. She tested the waters first and pointed out their biggest difference. “You have a tail.”
While Selena stood on her shapely legs out of the water, she indeed could transform in only a shallow depth. “A fin,” Selena corrected. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Okay, she doesn’t rile easily.
At the mention of a fin, Luna’s curiosity piqued. “I have never seen your kind, though I’ve swum in these oceans numerous times.”
“We stay hidden.”
Luna understood this. Sirens revealed themselves only when they wanted to be seen. “We don’t hide. We don’t fear the people where I come from. The clans and tribes fear us.”
“Mmhmm.” Selena’s expression softened in understanding.
After hesitating and scanning the tree line again, Luna returned her gaze to her instructor. “Selena, can I ask you something?”
“Of course, I’m here to help you. I will be open and honest. You can talk to me about anything.”
“Do your sisters drown their lovers, too?” Luna detested the act—detested she couldn’t control her bloodlust.
“I’m afraid it is a practice among our kind.” Selena nodded and wrinkled her nose.
Luna swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d finally met someone who understood both the impact and implications of such crimes and, most importantly, agreed with her. For the first time, she’d found someone outside of her sisterhood who cared about what they did. The sirens at home lacked compassion—but they hadn’t been loved and cherished by a god. The water god changed Luna more than just physically.
Despite their pasts, Luna sensed Selena’s current contentment. “How do you deal with it, knowing your options for love and companionship are limited?”
Selena’s lovely eyes sparkled. “I made a change and came here to the Wiccan Haus. It’s truly splendid I fell in love. I’m now married, and no longer have that burden. And being away from my aquatic family has allowed me to live a better suited life.”
“You’re married!” How had this juicy detail not made it into her realm?
Selena flashed a brilliant smile and sent her a wink. “Yes, and my husband is human.”
Luna hadn’t considered a siren loving a human enough to marry him. Yet this mermaid, so like herself, had done it. She was the picture of contentment. Could I find contentment, love, and a purpose?
“It seems this human has made you very happy.” Doubt and jealousy fueled her words.
“Oh, Luna, your heartache is temporary. The one you yearn for was not meant to be. You will understand when you love again. You will know the right man when he looks at you like you are the most important, precious treasure on earth. I have no doubt you will love again, but you must be open to it. Unlock your heart.”
Luna considered her sage advice. Her desire to challenge this woman left her; somehow, Selena inspired her. She could almost be a friend—if Luna could have true friendship. The sirens she associated with at home were coldhearted and would turn on each other over a minnow.
“Shall we go for a swim?” Selena suggested. The tone of her voice lightened when she added, “A word of warning…you may get tail envy, siren.” The mermaid’s eyes sparkled with teasing mischief.
Luna lightheartedly retorted, “Not likely. I’ll never be mistaken for a fish.”
Selena mocked an insulted scowl followed by her dazzling smile, and the two entered the clear and calm lake. No one would ever mistake the fair and gorgeous Selena for a fish.
***
Nate spent the last couple hours on surveillance after leaving Rekkus and Cemil in the security office. The camera Rekkus confiscated from the birdwatching guest was empty save a few shots of the ferry and a yellow bird. With Luna occupied at a hydrotherapy session, he trailed and struck up conversations with guests, all the while assessing their true intent there. Though Luna had shown up unannounced at a time when the threat against Cyrus Rowan was imminent, he wasn’t convinced she was the prime suspect. If any harm came to Cyrus Rowan by her hand—or voice—he couldn’t imagine what he’d do. His only instinct right now was to protect her…and to make love to her.
Nate strode down the path leading to the lake and sat on the bench where he’d last seen her, waiting for her return to the Haus. He drummed his fingers on his thigh and hummed a tune in his head. After five minutes, he stood and faced the tree line. Hours ago, he’d watched Rekkus and Cyrus confront Luna and the other guest. He’d remained hidden there—cloaked and invisible—yet she had looked right at him before she walked away.
Could she see me? No. Impossible.
He glanced down the empty path again. The sun was high overhead, and he was warm from his pacing. She should have returned by now. Finally, female voices floated from the direction he’d been surveilling. Luna and Selena rounded the bend.
“Hey, Nate,” Luna said when the girls reached him.
“Hi, ladies.” He didn’t want Luna to know he’d been waiting for her. He crossed his arms and tried not to appear awkward standing around. Selena’s widened eyes confirmed his fears. The staff members, who knew Nate, had been informed he was undercover, posing as a guest.
Selena said to Luna, “If you’ll excuse me, I have another appointment in the spa. Enjoy your yoga class.” Selena glanced at the sun, and said to Luna. “It should be starting very soon.”
“Oh, are you taking the noon yoga class, too?” he asked Luna.
“Yes, but I think it’s held on the lawn behind the Haus.” Luna seemed puzzled as to why he was heading in the opposite direction.
“Right. I was thinking it was down by the lake.” He flashed a smile in Selena’s direction before turning to Luna. “Good thing I ran into you.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Luna.”
Selena and Luna exchanged a wave, and Selena moved gracefully down the path.
“Do you mind if I walk with you?” Nate stroked his beard absentmindedly.
Luna dropped her gaze, shook her head, and quickened her pace. He fell into step beside her.
Nate struggled to engage her in casual conversation because she seemed resolved to stay standoffish. Her rigidity conveyed she felt uncomfortable around him, like she fought the attraction. He’d had her talking at dinner last night, but it took effort on his part. The path opened to a lawn bordered by green shrubs and flowers. Several guests had claimed the brightly colored mats placed in neat rows in the lush grass.
“Welcome to our deep-breathing yoga class. Please find a mat and take a seat,” said a tall, ethereal woman with silver hair. “My name is Trixie, and I will be your instructor this afternoon.”
Nate had befriended Trixie from his previous extended stay. She’d proved a good companion while helping him recover. Because Trixie was half fae, he connected with her in some ways. They both valued the earth, the forests, and its creatures big and small.
Trixie coached the class. “Everyone, please sit pretzel style and adjust your sit-bones. Close your eyes and take in the surroundings—the heat of the sun, the cool breeze, the sound of the waves.”
Nate kept his gaze lowered and trained on Luna who sat next to him, following instructions. After lengthy inhales and exhales, too many in Nate’s opinion, it was time to reposition.
“If you’re ready to move on from belly breathing and meditation, then I invite you to move onto your hands and knees for some cat and cow stretches.”
He remained seated while Luna shifted to all fours. Mesmerized and turned on by the way her lithe body moved, he dragged in breaths and exhaled with loud blows. Eventually, he participated, learning the positions and movements of a sun salutation. Completely out of sequence with the class, rolling like the undulating surf, he half-listened and vaguely applied himself. As Luna swept through sun salutations, his idea of meditation was staring at her perfectly shaped ass pointed in the air when she held downward dog. Oh the things he imagined doing to her in this yoga pose. Yoga was leaving his one particular muscle stiff.
“Ah, nicely done, folks. Now we will pair up for a stretching exercise.” Trixie walked through the group of eight participants and paired off couples as she skipped by on nimble feet. “You two partner up.” She pointed to Nate and Luna, the last couple in the row on the corner of the grass.
Nate smirked at Luna’s frown. He couldn’t deny she’d caught him staring at her more than once. And, oh, if he was going to be touching her, then he wished the rest of the class would spontaneously disappear. He volunteered to go first. It was important he moved about and adjusted how his cock tented in his loose-fitting short. He had to give himself a mental shake and shut down the compass in his pants that pointed at Luna—his new north.
Finally, mimicking the others, he lay flat, face up, arms out to a T. His gaze stayed on Luna who stood off to the side fiddling with the strap to her bikini top.
Visiting and helping each couple, Trixie reached Nate and Luna last. Trixie said to Nate, “That’s a good start. Now, lift one knee and rotate it across your body. Yes, you’ve got it.” She motioned to Luna. “Kneel here and place one hand on the side of his knee while you place the other on his shoulder.” Trixie whispered in Luna’s ear, “Don’t be afraid to lean in. Nate is larger than most, so he could do with more pressure.”
Luna slid her palms around for ideal placement. His muscles tensed. She must have felt it because her gaze flew to his.
Trixie withdrew, though her tranquil voice floated over the guests. “Gentle pressure, folks. And those laying against the earth, feel it’s gravity, and breathe into the stretch.”
Luna flicked her gaze to the grass. He studied her delicate profile and pink cheeks. Because of their vast size difference, Luna practically laid across his muscled torso. Her thin but shapely arms were spread as far as they could go. Her dark hair hung heavy on his chest. He wished his T-shirt would vanish so the silky strands caressed his skin. After a few moments, they had to alternate sides. And then change positions. It was her turn to lie down.
All the pairs switched places. As Luna adjusted her shoulders against the mat her black-as-ink hair fanned and trailed into the grass, and her chest rose and fell at a rapid rate. She gazed at him through rounded eyes filled with trepidation.
Do you anticipate my touch?
He anticipated touching her! With a dry swallow, he spread a huge palm across her shoulder—the base of it rested against the top of her breast while his thumb stroked her collarbone. He swore he felt her slightly arch. It took nearly all his control not to slide his hand lower and cup the firm mound of flesh. The tight peaks couldn’t be hidden under the thin fabric of her bikini. When he looked into her enormous eyes, they were the darkest shade of blue he’d ever seen. His pulse sped up, and he tore his gaze away from her beautiful face. How could one tiny woman force him to come unhinged? He narrowed his focus to task. Luna caught her breath when he cupped her hip and slid his heated palm down her curvaceous thigh to clutch her knee.
He leaned down to whisper near her ear. “Is this enough pressure? Would you like more?”
She snapped her eyes closed and shook her head. “No, it’s fine.”
He chuckled. This wasn’t relaxing by a long shot. They were both tense and hot for each other—this exercise magnified it. After switching directions, he had to release her physically, but he was emotionally tethered to her. The class wound down with more meditation, each returned to their own mat. When the class ended, Luna hopped up and seemed ready to dash away, but she stopped and looked down, searching around her feet.
A blur of fur and an indignant squeak made her jump sideways.
Nate was at her side in a second. “Are you okay?”
She tilted her face to him, her delicate brows askew with annoyance. “I think your pet ran off with my anklet charm.”
“Your what?”
“I bought an ankle bracelet in the boutique last night, and it seems the charm has fallen off.” She turned her ankle out so he could see the slim gold chain around it. “It was there when we started the class.”
“Oh, I see. Yeah, he’s not my pet.” He waved a hand at the moot point. “Anyway, he could have taken it. He’s used to me giving him odd things, though mostly food.”
“Well, I want it returned. It’s the first one I ever bought for myself.”
Immediately, he felt responsible, and upsetting his mate wouldn’t do. “No problem. We’ll get it from him.”
A rustling in the brush caught Nate’s attention, and he strode toward the swaying perennials. He waved Luna over as he neared the flowerbed. He rolled his lips, and, with his tongue to his teeth, he made a rapid clicking sound. The squirrel lifted its head above the blooms with something metallic in its mouth. The animal trained its beady eyes on Nate.
“Come on, give it back.”
Luna judged the russet, black-eyed creature. “Are you sure that thing is tame?”
Nate and Luna were the last of the guests on the lawn when Trixie strolled over.
“What’s the little fellow got in its mouth?” she asked.
“My charm.” Luna sighed.
“I might have just the thing for a trade.” Trixie dug into her pocket and pulled out an almond. She held it up for Nate’s inspection then handed it to him.
The ladies watched as Nate succeeded in a game of cat and mouse with the squirrel. The trio traipsed closer and closer to the trees, in pursuit. When a yellow bird fluttered by, Luna asked about it.
“He’s an American goldfinch. They are common on the island…all over New England, too,” Trixie said.
Nate made a grab for the fur ball while the girls were talking, but the red squirrel managed to scamper up into a tree before he could catch him.
He stroked his knuckles along his beard under his chin, attempting to ease his aggravation. He pondered his next move.
“Thank you, Trixie, for the class.” Luna smiled.
“You’re welcome, dear.” Trixie called to Nate before turning in the direction of the Haus, “Good luck.”
Nate stretched his palm in her direction. “Thanks for the class and the almond.”
He turned his palm and motioned Luna closer. She followed him toward a squat, low-branched tree. Luna ducked under the branches and tilted her head to get a better look where Nate was pointing.
“Here, watch this.” Snatching her by her waist, he effortlessly lifted her. He set her bottom on a sturdy tree branch, her face level with his. The inviting site of her parted lips held his attention. Tearing his gaze away from the tempting distraction, he held up the almond before placing it on the branch just above his head. He glanced at Luna, confident. She inspected him with interest. The red squirrel poked its head out of hiding to have a sniff. It hopped over to the nut. It dropped the charm from its mouth and picked up the almond. Nate caught the falling charm in midair, chuckling. He faced Luna with a triumphant smile.
“Yay, I could kiss you!” she exclaimed, but a rush of nervous air followed.
Her softened expression drew him to her, and he leaned toward her. “I’ll take that reward,” he said huskily, resting his palm on the branch by her thigh. Under the canopy of branches, it offered them a sense of privacy. Now was the perfect time to kiss her.
“Nate, I should go—”
“Luna,” he said, low and urgent. He abandoned the textured tree bark to caress the tips of her fingers, sliding his hand up the soft slope of her arm. “Don’t you feel what is between us?”
She peeked at him through her long and lush lashes. “I find you…very…um, extremely attractive, but I don’t think we should pursue this…whatever this is.”
“I don’t think we can deny it.” Creeping his lips closer to hers, he paused. She didn’t flinch, just stared into his eyes.
The pull proved strong and unyielding.
Encouraged, he leaned farther and captured her lips. She responded to his slow assault by parting her lips, allowing his inevitable invasion. He gripped her to him, hard and forceful, as he touched his tongue to hers, swirling and caressing. Her deep moan excited him, and he thrust his tongue deeper, seemingly driving her wild. She clutched his shoulders, giving him more of her talented kisses, sucking and nibbling on his lips. The wildly erotic feel of her sent his cock stretching toward her, hot and diamond hard. When her thighs clamped around his waist, he reached down, squeezing her tight, little ass. A low growl escaped his throat as he cupped her flesh and jerked her against his hard point. He arched and flexed his pelvis against her. The tip of his cock stretched beyond the waistband of his shorts and a bead of cum left a sticky line on her flat, bare abdomen. Primed for penetration and sweet release, he murmured her name between kisses.
A screech from above momentarily broke his kissing, but, after a scarce glance, he resumed with fervor. His heart pumped, and his cock throbbed. His call to mate with her was the strongest sensation he’d ever felt. He needed to stop before he took her here and now against the tree.
He lifted her slightly to reseat her on the branch before releasing her exquisitely formed bottom. Her legs slid off him, and her grip spanned his shoulders. Though he had to force his hands off her delicious behind, he still had to touch her. Stroking her curved hip with one hand, he steadied himself with the other by gripping the branch.
You are more than I could have imagined or hoped for in a passionate mate—and all we did was kiss. I can’t fathom what it will be like to feel myself inside you. He shuddered at the thought.
He slowed his invasion of her mouth and pulled away just enough to brand kisses across her flushed cheek and around her earlobe. When she sighed, he smiled against the warm, salty skin of her neck. He lifted his head and waited for her to open her eyes. When she did—wow—dilated and filled with hunger for him. His mate wanted him as much as he wanted her. Oh how he wanted this issue with Cyrus resolved. He wanted Luna cleared of suspicion so he could lay claim to her.
“Luna, why did you come here…to the Wiccan Haus?”
“I told you—”
“Tell me the truth. Tell me everything.” There was more to it, he just knew. He only hoped it had nothing to do with Cyrus Rowan.
She leaned her head to the side, her expression confused at first. She removed her hands from his torso; scorn replaced the passion in her eyes. “I was with…I was in a relationship. At least, I thought I was part of the relationship. It turned out I wasn’t the one for him. But I realize now… I never was. I was so blinded by the gifts he gave me….” Her eyes slowly blinked like she was changing the pictures viewed in her mind. “I won’t be used again. Nate, for your sake, it’s best if I’m alone.”
His inner monster raged at the depth of her pain. “You must know I can never leave you alone. Not after I’ve found my mate.”
“Mate!” She wiggled her rump, forcing him to step back so she could jump down. “Pick another mate!”
“It doesn’t work that way. I don’t pick. It—fate—it picks me. It is the way of my kind.”
“I don’t know your kind. Who, or what, are you, Nate?”
Yes, he needed to explain to her about his species—at a later time. “But you must feel it. Tell me you feel it!” Damn! I don’t like what’s happening to me. I’m reduced to pleading. “This is just as unexpected for me as it is for you.”
She shook her head. “No. And you don’t know my kind. You don’t know what we do to those we desire. Please, Nate, just let it go. Forget about me.”
He placed his hand on her arm, but she shoved past him. The turmoil he felt was foreign. He let her go, agony burning in his gut. When he hung his head in defeat, he noticed the little charm nestled in the grass. He bent to retrieve it. Holding it in his palm, he chuckled. It was a heart—he held her heart.