Chapter Five
Nate couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact Luna detected him when he cloaked. He’d be more careful this time while he tracked her to the lake. Earlier at the bar, when he’d told Rekkus how she had described seeing his shimmery form, the weretiger seemed impressed. He further shocked his friend when he revealed the siren was indeed his fated mate. Nate then argued Luna could not possibly be a threat to the Rowans.
The weretiger knew all too well the importance of finding your soul mate as his sat just across the room. He’d remarked, “Well, this is a new development.”
As Nate wound down the path to the lake, he thanked the full moon for the brilliant, flooding light it provided. He inhaled. Her scent lingered, teasing him, and arousing his inner Sasquatch. She’d draped her dress across a bush near the lake. Grinning, he confirmed Luna had disappeared under the moonlit surface, naked. He uncloaked and removed his clothing. I’ll make myself known. He dove into the water and swam splashy laps. For a while, he fantasized what it would be like making love to Luna, craving to touch and taste her tight, smooth body. Ten long and silent minutes passed, and the stubborn siren wouldn’t surface. Weary of swimming, he strode naked from the tranquil water. The scent of human women mingled with hairspray and cosmetics. Stifled squeals pierced the air. Nate inwardly groaned.
Not these two again. I guess they didn’t take the hint.
Throughout dinner, the two divorcées, who’d come to the island to celebrate a new beginning, did nothing but hit on him. They spewed one lewd comment after another, until one of them had finally said, “I think you should come to my room.”
He’d been quick to respectfully decline.
“Yoo-hoo!” The blonde as thin as a sapling branch waved.
“Hi, Nate.” The other blonde’s voice rasped against his nerves.
The first one ran her palm over her large, stiff boobs as she licked her lips. “Oh, wow.”
“Ladies.” Nate nodded at them. They’d caught him buck-naked, cock at full attention. Just how am I going to get out of this? Suddenly, something splashed behind him. He twisted, scanning the surface for Luna. There were only ringlets rippling outward in the otherwise calm water.
“What was that? You’re not alone?” The raspy blonde pouted her lips.
“Um.” Nate wondered at the sudden timing of the splash. Unquestionable, it was Luna. Why make sound now? Do these human nymphs have something to do with it? He couldn’t stop where his train of thought was headed. Maybe a little flirting would prove interesting.
“It was nothing. I’m here all by myself.” His voice carried over the reflective surface before he swiveled toward the blondes. “What are you two doing here?”
“Nate, you’re so naughty. We came out here to skinny dip, too.”
“Mind if I join you?” He flashed them his devilish smile, dimples and all. He sauntered into the lake giving them a fabulous view of his ass. Sinking to his shoulders, he waited.
They pulled away their clothes and dropped them on the ground. Bobbing their heads, silly grins on their faces, they moved closer to him. Muffled squeals of delight carried over the water.
After five minutes of flirting, he was ready to give up on Luna appearing. The pheromones these women gave off as they circled closer turned his stomach. Skinny blonde latched onto his hips and groped around for his erection. His cock’s gusto had diminished some with their intrusion, but she had no trouble finding and stroking its length under the water.
“Oh, wow, it’s everything I dreamed it would be. Boy, Nate, you don’t disappoint.” She giggled.
“Whoa! Easy.” He sucked in a breath.
The thought of enjoying a ménage à trois skipped across his mind so quickly he pressed himself to consider the idea. The blood pulsed to his lowered half as it responded to the vigorous attention it received. His body may have reacted on autopilot seeking satisfaction, but his heart and brain were in sync that he wanted Luna—only Luna—to do the satiating. The backstroke of his long arms coasted him to shore while the skinny blonde held on to his rudder. She was utterly engaged and enthralled.
Luna, where are you? Shit! I need to get out of here!
As soon as his foot touched bottom, he stood, but the woman didn’t let go of his cock. The cool air felt refreshing on his torso and ass, but skinny blonde was building heat with the friction of her hands. She pointed the tip of his cock at her mouth and parted her lips.
“Uh, wait a—” he groaned.
“Give me some!” The blonde with the floating tits elbowed her friend.
Both women were on their knees facing his hips while the water sloshed around his thighs. Skinny blonde reluctantly let go of what she was about to put in her mouth, harshly sighing. With a smug grin, the other moved in to clap her jumbo, floating tits together, sandwiching his girth between them.
Fuck! Already so blue-balled from fantasizing about Luna, he wondered, Why can’t I just relax and let these two relieve me? But he knew the answer. He was done with empty sex the moment he’d found his mate. These women couldn’t relieve him in the way he needed. He wanted Luna—a lifetime with Luna. There was no woman he wanted more than her—not even two women.
“Enough. Ladies, enough. I need you to let go.”
It was like talking bats out of a cave. They weren’t listening.
Skinny blonde had circled him and wound her ivy-like arms around his body, stroking his behind. He couldn’t dislodge from these clinging vines whose moans drowned out his protests. Suddenly, their moans turned into screams. Both women splashed wildly, abandoning him as they ran for dry land.
“There is something in there! It cut me,” one cried.
“Ohmygawd, it scratched me!” cried the other at the same time.
They both turned their asses toward the lake lit by moonlight. Blood oozed from the dark slashes branding their ass cheeks and dripping down their wet legs.
So Luna did care.
“Oh, that’s got to hurt.” Nate bit his lip, holding back the urge to laugh until he could continue. “You should have Sage examine those cuts. She’s an amazing herbalist.”
The women hastily gathered their clothing and dressed, gingerly slipping on their shorts.
The busty one paused and turned to him. “Aren’t you coming with us?”
“Uh, no. I’m going to stay…have a look around. Make sure the water is safe.” Nate tried to hide his delight by sounding authoritative.
The women exchanged glances.
“Suit yourself.” The skinny one spun on her heels and grabbed her friend’s arm.
As they huffed away, their commercial-cosmetic scent dissipated. Nate deeply inhaled the fresh night air. It was like cleansing his pallet after eating something distasteful. He closed his eyes and listened to the symphony of frogs, crickets, and nocturnal creatures rustling in the night. He didn’t hear a sound from the water behind him.
Seconds ticked by. He waited.
“Your friends are leaving so soon?”
Nate smiled at the sound of Luna’s sultry voice. He opened his eyes to scan the empty footpath where the blondes had scampered off minutes before. He eased farther into the water and sunk to his shoulders, covering his renewed excitement at her nearness. Luna floated closer to him than he’d thought because she had to hastily move aside to avoid contact when he’d stretched out his arms.
“The blondes were eager to become my friends, but I’d prefer the company of a sassy siren with long hair—long enough to wrap around my shoulders. And eyes so big I could get lost in them.”
She pressed her lips together and shook her head. He took this opportunity to clasp her hand, underwater. She tried to yank it away, but it was easy to capture the curve of her hip and draw her to him.
He settled onto his knees with the water circling his biceps, drawing her closer still. The tip of his nose touched the rapid pulse at her throat.
“It didn’t seem that way to me. It looked like you were enjoying yourself.”
She’s furious.
She was likely giving him her best scowl, even her delicate brows drew downward and her pouty mouth… Well, damn, his urge to kiss her grew so strong he had to press his lips together. Mistakenly, he glanced down, now captivated by her small, high breasts as they rose and fell with suppressed anger. The pink buds beckoned him to touch them. He darted his tongue out, wetting his lips in preparation.
He gnashed his teeth together in an attempt to stay in control. It was imperative he tell her how he felt. He didn’t want to play more games. She’d shown by attacking the blondes she couldn’t let them have him, and the fact she was still angry proved it further. He knew Luna heard his protests.
Luna had tensed in rage when those human floozies not only threw themselves at Nate, but they hadn’t stopped assaulting him when he’d asked them to. She’d seen everything crystal clear from where she’d swum underwater. Why hadn’t Nate used his manly woodsman strength to rip those leeches off and cast them aside? Fueled by outrage, she’d drawn back her lips—her inner beast emerged—and her sharp teeth had prepared to strike. Those women got off lucky. She could have bitten off a chunk of their behinds! Well, they were gone, and, now, Luna had the woodsmen all to herself. However, she willed herself to remain angry because, if any other feeling wedged its way in, she’d be in trouble. Again, her inner voice reminded her she was here to mend her broken heart. Be free. Why is this man complicating things? Why am I letting him?
“Luna, don’t you feel it?” His voice vibrated against her breastbone. “From the moment I first saw you, I felt the connection. And it’s only grown stronger and stronger every moment from then on. Once I bond with my soul mate, we will be mates for life. Luna, you are my heart’s desire, and I want you in my life…in my bed….”
She’d spent centuries with the water god thinking she was his soul mate, but the water god never claimed nor hinted she was his. He never promised her anything, not his undying love, devotion, or gratitude for all she had done for him. Yet, in a couple of days, this man had taken her existence to the next level. His glances from across the room had thrilled her. The heat from his hands on her skin excited her. But she fought it. She was bound not to sing, not to lure the island’s occupants to their death, so, therefore, no love interaction on her part. She accepted the terms. Just because she was mysteriously attracted to this man, she would have to ignore it. The only problem was he wanted her—a siren. And she didn’t have to sing to see it in the depths of his eyes. It signaled clear and true.
He is a fool for following me into the lake. “You should stay away from me. I’m dangerous.”
“More so than vampires or witches? Can you cast a spell over me?” Humor and passion lit his eyes.
Raw emotion lodged in her throat, her eyes swam with tears threatening to spill out. “You wouldn’t understand—”
“What Luna? That you’re a siren?”
You are just a siren. Those were the hurtful words the water god had uttered when he made her see she would never mean more to him than the new woman in his life. Being a siren—she—hadn’t been enough for the water god. Buried feelings of insignificance resurfaced, and she couldn’t bear being rejected again.
“Damn it, Nate, I will drown you. I won’t be able to control myself. It’s the way of my kind,” she cried desperately.
“Oh, honey, it would never happen.” He cupped her soft cheek.
“Get your paws off me!”
His empathy fanned the anger raging almost unchecked inside her. She didn’t want his pity any more than she’d wanted the water god’s when he dismissed her love and devotion and chuckled at her naïveté.
Nate’s hand remained clamped on her waist, the other hooked behind her slim neck. He refused to release her, sending her heart soaring—and plummeting—knowing he wouldn’t let her leave. What am I to do?
“Please…. You’re a fool to underestimate a siren’s warning.” She hung her head in defeat.
He brushed his lips across her forehead. “Don’t let history define you. Look at me after all; I’m a Sasquatch with immense strength, tracking skills, and the ability to camouflage—great for a soldier—but not my calling. I’m happiest at my home in the northern woods with my dogs. I may serve when duty calls, but I make room in my life for more. I want a future with my mate.”
A Sasquatch! The legend of Bigfoot. She’d only heard of the species and the unremarkable legend of their hunted existence. Placing her slim hand on his hairy chest, half out of the water, she stroked the long, dark strands, now drying and springing off his hard flesh. “Wow, I never would have guessed. Do you change…shift?”
He suddenly seemed disappointed, perhaps by her words or her tone. “I shift into the images of legend, when necessary. Does that repulse you?”
She winced like she’d been stung by an electric eel at the pain in his voice. Her breathing increased as her mind scrambled to fix this sudden change in him. His vulnerability gripped her at her core. Are you my true mate for real—no tricks or spells? Every fiber of her being screamed, “Yes!”
The plains of his chest were unyielding under her fingertips as they rose up until her hand held the thick column of his neck. “No—on the contrary—I want you more than anything.”
He nuzzled his nose in the crook of her neck and pressed his lips to her throbbing pulse. “Luna, kiss me.”
Sounds of pounding surf rushed her ears as his soft lips beckoned her. She was a lost sailor on a cloudy night without a compass—Nate was her beacon. He brushed her lips with his, enticing. She desired more…more intimacy…more glorious feelings of being cherished and loved. The iceberg in her heart was melting.
She still doubted this man could truly love her—not even a god could.
He will know me—intimately—and he will pay dearly for it.
Swooping her mouth onto his, she fueled her kisses with strong and urgent passion. He responded by locking his arms around her, sealing her flesh to his. He slanted his mouth, deepening their kiss and plunging his tongue. She instinctually circled his tongue by tightening her lips around it and sucked hard, sliding it in and out of her mouth. A low, muffled growl rumbled in his chest as he stroked her flesh. The rhythm intensified her heat. When she pulled back to gulp in air, he cupped her face, forcing her gaze to his. No one had ever looked at her like Nate did. And something shifted inside of her.
“I want you, Luna.” He must have seen the expression change on her face because he continued, “Why does it surprise you? You are beautiful, smart, interesting…and I could taste you for eternity.”
She forced a swallow and drew her thighs together, indeed ready for him to taste her salty heat. “You don’t know me. You will regret choosing me.” She searched his face for understanding. “I’ve done things. People get hurt around me, Nate. I don’t want to hurt you.” Kill you.
He released her face and slid his fingers lower, spanning the milky white skin above her breasts. His palms glided over her nipples, firing a quiver down her spine. When his palms cupped her breasts and gently squeezed, she sucked in a jagged breath along with her bottom lip. The lip caught between her teeth felt tender and swollen. His gaze never left her face, seemingly content to watch her changing expressions as his thumbs brushed her nipples.
Her heart always flip-flopped at his wolfish smile.
“I’ll take my chances. Do your worst, siren.” Nate’s head dipped, and his hot mouth captured the bud.
He’d remained on his knees during their kisses. Luna clutched the wild mane of his hair, squeezing the water from it. The droplets trickled down her silky arms. His mouth returned to hers, hungry. He stood, lifting her so she could wrap her legs around his waist. She sat, secured on the size of him between her legs. His erection stretched beneath her junction, between the roundness of her ass and beyond. So, Nate was a match for a god.
She broke the kiss to speak but had to take a few shallow breaths first. His mouth didn’t break contact with her skin. He ran hot kisses over her flushed cheeks, along her jaw, and skimmed her jugular with his teeth. This last action undid her. She was completely ready for him.
“Let’s get out of the water,” she said shakily.
“No.”
“Please, Nate, it’s safer.”
“No.”
“I can’t promise—”
“Only promise to be my mate.” He held her tight, drawing his head up to gaze at her. “Say yes, Luna. We are meant to be together.”
A tear slid from her eye, shocking her. Rarely had tears filled her eyes, but never before had she shed them. More curiously, it made a sound when it hit the water. She knew her tears weren’t for the loss of her water god because he didn’t matter anymore. This tear was for Nate—for what she would do to him—because she nodded and said yes.
“Luna, allow me to claim you. And you me.”
“Yes, Nate.”
She pulled his mouth down to hers. She closed her eyes to ward off the army of advancing tears. The cool, night air caressed her skin until he moved them into deeper water. Too deep! His large hands gently lifted her buoyant curves to adjust her for his entry. He pushed against her opening, rousing her killer instincts. She refused to be like her sisters and wouldn’t let the bloodlust control her. It had been so long since she’d been intimate with the god, or anyone. The savage return of her bloodlust scared her. It was too late to stop now. She’d said yes—and damn it—she meant it!
Gripping her hips with gentle force, he eased in, stretching against the soft tightness of her. He paused and let out a long, low breath, the strength of it blowing the hair around her ear. The sensation caused her to shiver. In turn, she shimmied lower onto his cock.
Is the joining of soul mates, especially during the first time, always this powerful and intense? She’d never before experienced anything like it—it seemed her very soul joined with his at a higher level of consciousness.
A shallow groaning from him began as a hum at first, but it turned deeper—more menacing. He began to rock, and she intuitively arched, matching his rhythm. Her genetics were programed to pull him under the water. The urge was as strong and extreme as the spike drove her passion to the brink. It coiled in her belly, a building of tension. It thrilled and terrified her all at the same time. She whimpered as she let go, allowing her body and soul to belong to this man. As earthshattering as her climax was, after she reached her pinnacle, her urge to kill him escalated. A melody filled her mind. She inhaled a singer’s deep breath, and the lyrics died on her lips.
No. I won’t do it. I won’t kill him.
Elated she’d won, she clutched him to her, kissing him wildly until he pulled away burying his face in the wet folds of her hair. For a fraction of a breath, she thought she felt a ruffle of fur under her fingertips as Nate roared against her shoulder with one final thrust.
Under the moonlight, when his lips returned to hers, the kisses were lingering and gentle. “Luna, I am yours. And you are mine.”
You are mine. The words floated around her head while she wound her arms around his neck. However, bloodlust overpowered any contentment.
At odds with her very being, she buried her shaking hands in his hair. No! It’s doesn’t matter that you are my mate. I cannot transform like Selena. I tried. If I can’t change for you, then I will never change. Monumentally, she fought to clamp her jaw tight, but it seemed impossible to control the resurfacing urges in the water. I won’t bite him—maim his beautiful body. Instead, she buried her devastation, a firestone sinking in her belly, and resolved to remain calm and in control. Sirens had cold hearts after all. Still, she forced their mouths together and guided him under the water, counting on her strength to amplify and his life ending quietly. I’m so sorry, Nate, but I can’t fight it anymore.
Though Nate’s eyes were still open, she guessed he probably couldn’t see her well in the darkness. She, however, could see perfectly in the darkest depths. At war with herself, she fought both her powerful urge to drown him and her thoughts to save him, to love him. This is who I am. A siren. He was so sweet to want me for the rest of his life. Only he didn’t believe his life was going to end so soon.
He didn’t fight when she pulled him deep under the surface. The consuming bloodlust fueled her to drag him deeper. She hadn’t sung to get him here, but, after his death, she would have to leave the island. A wave of remorse overwhelmed her. I thought I was different. She trembled with self-loathing.
Suddenly, Nate lifted her out of the water.
She blinked. He had easily broken away from her clutches. At the surface, flabbergasted, she sputtered, “How did you…? How can you…?”
He effortlessly carried her from the lake. “You will never physically overpower me, Luna. The power you have over me is in an entirely different way.”
Elated by this news, she relaxed in his arms. She didn’t—couldn’t—kill him. Fate smiled on her after all. Nate broke her barriers and toppled her world. Now, he was her mate for life.
“You felt amazing. I almost lost control. I almost shifted while inside you.” He looked relieved. “I’ve never felt like that before.”
Lost control. Ha. I tried to kill you!
Still stunned, she couldn’t keep from grinning at him while they dressed. He reached for her, and she walked hand in hand with him to the Haus. Under the gazebo, one of the blondes and the vampire who’d approached Luna earlier were making out. She elbowed Nate, alerting him to the couple. “If either of those blondes touches you again, I will bite off their fingers.”
Nate chuckled.
Luna caught the vamp’s eye. Bite her good!