TWENTY-THREE
As predicted, the first months to nearly a year were quiet. The group, or groups, seeking to assume control of the clan left them be. It was a different kind of gift. Addian had time to learn some of the things he needed to know about mermaids, and Fynn had time to redecorate before they learned they were expecting.
Uncomfortable with the idea of her going out to the open water without him, until he could learn to swim, or learn a form to shift into that would let him be in the water with her, Addian had an infinity pool installed in one of the first floor rooms and had it converted to saltwater. It was her reprieve.
Days of business blended to evenings filled with passion, after which, Addian fell into deep, restorative slumber and Fynn retreated to swim and rebalance before joining him in the early morning hours. It was perfect.
Happily splashing one night, she caught the scent of the intruders before they had gotten far. The security systems had not even triggered the alarm yet. Whomever was inside, had to be a shifter to get in so stealthily.
Debating for less than a moment, she clicked off the alarms, put the cameras on to record, and dipped below the soft current before beginning her luring song. She would not allow them to reach her sleeping mate. He might hear her song if he woke. It was a calculated risk.
As expected, her mermaid serenade drew them, like moths to the flame. Before she released them from her lure, she finished them, leaving their heads on the edge and their bodies floating. She was displeased to recognize each one. Edan and Prow’s heads stared wide-eyed at her from the ledge of the pool.
She scowled at the development before going to rouse Addian. “Love…” she called softly, waking him gently. “Love…we have company.”
Addian rolled over groggily. “At this hour? Who’s here?”
“Come see.”
Pulling on track pants, Addian groused every step to the main floor, following her to her pool room. He stopped short when she flipped on the lights. “What happened here?”
Fynn blushed. “They weren’t invited.”
“Yes. But what happened?” Addian repeated in disbelief.
“I… You were… I lured them.” She admitted, sounding slightly embarrassed, but proud at the same time.
“You…lured…them?” He repeated, putting the pieces together in his mind.
“Yes. They got in without setting off the alarm, so I presumed their intentions weren’t for the good. I lured them, and I eliminated them.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
“Because I didn’t need to.” She scoffed. “The security system did record their arrival though, so you have that to show the others.”
“But…you’re pregnant.”
“But nothing Addian. If you think that because I’m building a little ‘flipper’ inside me that it compromises me, or somehow makes me less…you’ve got a lot left to learn about mermaids.” She scolded, her hands planted on her hips and her foot tapping.
“I do not think you are less.” He replied, hands up in supplication. “And, it’s a berserker, not a ‘flipper,’ just so you know.” He stared her down.
Fynn muttered under her breath. “I told you I can pull it out when I need to. Just be glad I stopped there.”
His eyes were wide as he faced her. “Yes, yes you did.” He paused. “What do we do now?”
“That’s on you. I did the heavy lifting. You get the clean-up.” She beamed.
“One down thanks to my little protector.” He teased, trailing a finger down her cheek.
“Two.” She corrected. “But yes, something like that.” She replied, leaning into his caress.
“Is it wrong of me to say that I don’t mind if I have more to learn? I happen to fancy the teacher.” He growled out low, pumping his brows for effect.
Fynn couldn’t help but laugh. “No, I suppose you can have the hots for the teacher, but that will have to wait.” She frowned. “I need a new pool. Mine has blood in it.”
“As you command, love. As you command.”
“I command.” She answered with a playful grin.
“I gladly live to serve.”