“Daddy, this is gonna be the best day ever!” squealed the curly-haired boy.

Kiiara smiled as she watched the child clap excitedly, squirming in his father’s arms. He was the youngest she’d ever allowed on her boat. And, for a five-year old he was small. It took jerry-rigging a life jacket to give him a snug fit. Initially, she told the man they couldn’t go, but when she saw the crocodile tears, she couldn’t bear to watch the kid cry.

After all, this was the main reason she loved her business. Seeing the pure joy on someone’s face during their first deep-sea fishing experience was priceless. Smelling fishy, sporting calloused hands and sun-weathered skin, not so much, but being a part of this magical moment between a father and son more than made up for the downside of her profession.

Kiiara pressed the anchor release then exited the small cabin. Six passengers were stern side, with eager expressions fixed on hers. No one had become seasick this trip which was a relief considering a group of frat boys had been chugging beer like it was water. As she went about preparing the boat for fishing, she heard a choking sound and turned around.

Great, just what this day needed, she thought silently. It was inevitable when one of the frat boys began tossing bait over the side like it was the highlight of their life. It was pathetic the young boy was more mature than these clowns.

Glancing at the cloudy sky, she prayed the forecast for a rain-free day held true. The dark clouds looming overhead threatened the meteorologist’s prediction of fun in the sun for Topsail, North Carolina, but it was early in the day, which meant they could burn off and give way to sunny skies.

“We’re all good here, Captain. Ready to cast when you are,” shouted Kevin, her deckhand, as he gave her a thumbs-up. Upon seeing her deckhand’s signal, the group stood to their feet, and the young boy jumped up and down, his bright blue eyes filled with elation.

Kiiara looked to her deckhand and grinned. The Chester was small enough for her to manage the sea by herself, but a year ago, she learned the hard way that no one was safe from a group of total strangers. After she was robbed at gunpoint and lost her entire stock of supplies and a grand in cash, she hired Kevin, a former Marine buddy.

Kevin was almost twice her age but in great physical shape, compliments of military life. He continued to wear his brown hair buzzed short, and his chocolate brown eyes remained alert even in the calmest situation. Kiiara respected the hell out of the guy, and would never get used to him calling her captain. During her time in the Marines, Kevin had been her CO. She wasn’t surprised at his insistence on calling her captain, but it was still unnerving as hell.

“Great, let’s get this party started,” she replied and walked over to the father and son, leaving the rowdy group of four young men to Kevin.

“Fuck yeah, let’s do this,” yelled one of the guys. She recalled him saying his name was Bobby, and he seemed to be the ringleader of the dipshits on board today.

The choppy water caused the boat to tilt, and Bobby stumbled then fell to the bench seat. It was only eight a.m., but the twenty-something frat boys were two sheets to the wind and becoming more obnoxious as time passed.

Every other word out of their mouths was fuck or motherfucker. After ten years in the Marine Corps, the foul language didn’t faze Kiiara, but she imagined the boy’s father wasn’t too happy with their companions for the day.

“So, big fella, what’s your name?” Kiiara asked the child, hoping to distract from the unruly guys standing nearby.

“Kash, like money, but with a K instead of a C,” he answered proudly and puffed his small chest.

“Well, Kash with a K, have you ever baited a hook?” she asked as she reached into a bucket by her feet, retrieving a small mackerel.

“Only worms, ma’am, but I’m pretty good at it. But…I’m the casting king,” he replied, and Kiiara laughed at his bravado. The father rolled his eyes, but she could tell this child was his pride and joy.

“I bet you are. So, baitfish are a little different than worms, but I bet after I show you one time, you’ll be a pro,” she promised.

Right as she was about to demonstrate for Kash, a green light flashed in the corner of her eye. Keira turned her head, her eyes bulged, and she quickly rubbed them to make sure she wasn’t imagining what she was seeing.

Standing at the bow of the boat was a man. Well, she thought it was a man. The bare chest on display was that of a man. He didn’t possess a mere six-pack of abs, more like a ten-pack. Pants made of snakeskin, or some other reptilian hide, encased his thick thighs. The long green hair looked like seaweed and was at odds with his masculinity.

Kiiara tossed the bait back in the bucket and started toward the guy, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. One, he hadn’t paid to be a part of this excursion, and two, how the hell did he get on her ship? And three, what in the hell was he wearing? There was no convention nearby, that was for sure.

“Yo, what are you doing on my boat?” she shouted.

The man didn’t respond. In fact, he didn’t even glance her way. She could see his lips were moving but couldn’t make out his words. As she got closer, she heard him mumbling under his breath.

“No, this can’t be right. Where am I? How did I miscalculate?” he muttered as he shook his head back and forth.

Clearing her throat, she repeated herself, louder this time. “Ummm, excuse me! What are you doing on my boat?”

When he turned his attention her way, she half-wished he hadn’t. His eyes were black as night. But it wasn’t the color that had her knees buckling. It was the fact that he didn’t have a sclera. And, no pupil. They were all black with nothing else. The contrast against his pale skin reminded her of a shark, and it was freaky as hell.

“Woman, don’t take another step. Can’t you see that I’m lost? Unless you can give me directions, I have no use for you,” he barked, then looked at the compass in the palm of his hand.

Kiiara noticed that the other hand gripped a long golden rod with a trident attached to the end. His hands were rough, almost scaly, and she took back her previous complaint of calloused hands. This guy was in dire need of a manicure and a vat of lotion.

“Is there a problem?” Kevin asked as he made his way to her side.

“Yeah, he’s the problem,” she said, pointing to the man. “Nobody freeloads on my boat.”

“Hey, bro, she’s right. You wanna play, you gotta pay. It’s our only rule around here,” Kevin stated as he crossed muscled arms over his chest.

The man looked at Kevin and then to her. “Peasants, do you know of me? I am Hain of Kythira. I do not have time for this trifling. Go before you make me angrier,” the man scoffed and dismissed them with a slight wave of his hand.

Kiiara balled her fist and started toward the pompous ass. Kevin put out his arm, halting her progress. “I’ll handle this lunatic. He looks like he’s on drugs, and I don’t want you going near him,” her friend declared.

She took a few deep breaths and calmed down. Kevin was right. If the altercation turned physical, Kevin had a much better chance against the guy. She was skilled and could fight, but she wasn’t an idiot. Men were naturally stronger and could beat a woman in hand-to-hand combat.

“Here’s the thing…Hain,” Kevin spat, “I don’t give a fuck where you’re from, I’m Kevin Meeks, a United States Marine, and we don’t take kindly to threats. So, I’m going to say this nicely one more time. You want to be a part of this experience, pay the fee and put on a life vest like the rest of our guests and let’s catch some fish and have some fun.”

For a guy that had spent the better part of his life in the military, Kevin was the most mild-mannered person she’d ever met. He was the voice of reason, unlike her hot-headed personality. Like now, she wanted to grab the man’s toy spear, harpoon his ass, and throw him overboard.

In the next moment, Hain pointed the trident towards the water. Storm clouds quickly rolled in, and the winds increased. Her long brown hair swirled across her face, making it hard to see. Waves crashed against the boat, and Chester swayed in a volatile dance with the angry sea.

Her six passengers hit the deck, scrambling to brace themselves with anything bolted to the ship. She heard Kash scream for his dad and glanced back to see his father gather him in his arms, holding the boy tightly.

A pulsing sensation skirted across her skin, and she looked back to see the trident vibrating. Hain’s eyes widened, and she didn’t know who was more shocked by the movement, her or him. A wicked grin spread across his face, and he lifted his free arm towards the skies as if declaring victory. Suddenly, the trident stilled along with the winds and the waves.

“Nooooo!” he screamed. Like a child having a tantrum, a mantrum by her terminology, Hain pounded the deck with the bottom of the staff. “I was so close!”

Kevin charged forward. “If you damage one inch of this boat, your ass is mine!” he shouted.

Before Kevin reached Hain, the man pointed a compass in Kevin’s direction, or what Kiiara had assumed was a compass. Blue light flashed from the object, striking Kevin in the chest.

Kiiara covered her face against the blinding light and went to her knees. What in the hell was going on? Was this Armageddon? Her heart raced in her chest as panic threatened to cripple her. Her mom had been the religious one, God rest her soul, and anytime something went awry she would declare Armageddon had been unleashed. In the event the world was ending, Kiiara prayed their demise was swift and painless. Squeezing her eyes tight, she waited for death to claim her and the crew.

Seconds passed, and she felt no change. She sensed the bright light dimming and cracked an eye to see what was happening. She was still on her boat, and she could see her passengers cowering against one side. She looked to where Hain had been standing, but he was gone. Her eyes darted to Kevin, but he was gone, as well.

In his place was a fish flopping back and forth on the deck.

What the fuck had happened? Her mind was whirling and the chant 'this can’t be real' was on repeat in her mind. It had to be a nightmare. One she wished she could wake from before it got any worse. She stood and walked closer to the aquatic creature.

The foot-long fish was unfamiliar to her, which was surprising. She’d been fishing the area for years and thought she knew every species in these waters. It was light gray and had a long snout, reminding her of a crocodile, but was unlike any she’d ever seen.

Survival skills kicked in, and Kiiara rushed to the aquatic animal and scooped it in her arms. The slimy scales were slippery, and she nearly dropped it. She ran to the nearest bucket and tossed it in. She had no idea what just happened, but if Hain had turned Kevin into a fish, she wanted to keep him safe until she figured out how to bring him back.

What was she thinking? No one could do that. Was this some insane trick at her expense? Her mind reeled, trying to make sense of the bizarre situation.

“Hey lady, what the fuck is going on? I didn’t sign up for this shit,” yelled Chris, another inebriated passenger. Admittedly, he seemed pretty damn sober after the turn of events.

“I don’t know what’s going on. Is everyone okay?” Kiiara shouted and received resounding nods from all six members. Her heart calmed a bit knowing her passengers were safe.

She guessed her shaky voice wasn’t the assurance they needed, but she couldn’t help it. She was as panicked as anyone else. Taking several deep breaths, she tried to concentrate on what she should do next.

A tug at her shirt had her looking down. It was Kash. “Ma’am, is there anything I can do to help?” he asked sincerely.

The sweet gesture had tears welling. She wasn’t a crier, but her body screamed to release the adrenaline rushing through her veins. She wished there was something he could do, but she had no idea where to begin.

“Thank you, Kash. Right now, I think I need to get all of you back to land so I can figure things out. Will you do me the honor of holding this while I prepare the boat for our return to shore?” she asked, holding the bucket in front of the little boy.

“Aye, aye, Captain. You can count on me,” he blurted. A smile lit his face, and she forced one in return. He meant well, and she wouldn’t dream of telling him how dire the situation was, but when she glanced at the boy’s father, they shared a knowing look. He was very aware of their predicament.

“I hope to hell you’ll be refunding our money. This joke of a magic show sucks!” exclaimed Bobby.

That’s when Kiiara snapped. She’d had it with their lude comments and piss-poor attitudes. Two seconds later, she was face to face with the foul-mouthed punk.

“Oh, you’ll get your money back. Right after you apologize to Kash and his father for ruining their day with your inappropriate comments. Now, sit your butt down and keep your mouth shut until we get back,” she demanded, shoving a finger in his chest.

It took everything in her not to cuss him up one side and down the other, but little Kash didn’t need to hear that. The man’s narrowed eyes had her wondering if he was going to challenge her authority, so she stepped closer, invading his space. In the mood she was in if the asshole wanted a piece, she was prepared to take him down. Finally, he backed away and took a seat, mumbling an apology to Kash’s father.

As she turned and started towards the cabin, another form at the front of the boat grabbed her attention. It was another man.

“And the hits just keep on comin’,” she muttered under her breath and shook her head in disbelief at her misfortune. She was on the verge of losing her shit and traumatizing poor Kash further. “Now what?” she yelled but stopped in her tracks when she made eye contact with the man.

Sea-green eyes pierced hers, and her knees buckled for the second time that day, but for very different reasons. This man was a God, or what she imagined of a God, and she seemed to be under his spell as a calm resolve settled around her.

Kiiara wasn’t sure why her uninvited guests preferred to gallivant around in leather pants during the summer, but this guy owned it. Black pants hugged his frame like a second skin. A tight black t-shirt hugged his muscular arms and chest. He had a perfect physique by her standards. Involuntarily, her heart stuttered and her mouth watered.

Her gaze snagged on a large tattoo on his forearm. It was a trident that looked identical to the one she had seen, and she had no doubt there was a connection between him and Hain. Hope sparked that he could help her find Kevin.

Liquid pools of green continued to stare her way. His long blond hair had multiple shades of blond, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he paid an exorbitant amount of money to look that way. His golden tan told her he spent his share of time in the sun, so it was possible his California-surfer look was a bi-product of that. Bottom line, he was walking sex, and his demeanor told her he was well-aware of that fact.

Drool formed at the corner of her mouth, and she quickly wiped away the evidence of her ogling. What was wrong with her? She saw hard bodies every day on the beach and didn’t react with such juvenile behavior.

Clearing her thoughts, Kiiara regained her composure, then asked, “Look, I don’t know what’s going on, but you need to start by explaining where my friend is.”

The man stepped to the side of the boat and looked down towards the water. He rubbed a hand through his full beard, and she thought she saw a smirk before he masked it and turned her way. Walking over, he stopped a few feet from her, and she realized he was easily six and a half feet tall. Yep, Godly.

“Woman, I’ll ask the questions. Do not speak to me unless I request it,” he scoffed, peering down with a stern expression.

Oh, hell no, he didn’t just say that. Looks weren't everything with this asshat.

Swoon-worthy, or not, she wasn’t about to take his shit, too.