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“O-kay.” I draw out the word, absolutely not believing him.

He slides his hand into mine, twining our fingers together, before turning my palm upward. A smile spreads across his face when he sees the scar there. He lifts my hand and kisses the spot, making me shiver.

“So sensitive,” he muses, far too much enjoyment on his face. He loved discovering the way touching it affects me.

“Stop distracting me.” I pull my hand from his grasp and playfully shove him away.

Sterling leaves me for less than ten minutes. He takes a snack out to the goats, then hurries back in, by which time the picnic is ready, and I have a blanket over my arm.

We walk down to the beach, the sky a mix of yellows, purples and blues, clear of clouds. The sun is low on the horizon, and the air is cool in that way that says summer is coming to an end.

I lay out the blanket, watching as Sterling strips off his clothing. He stretches his limbs, muscles rolling under tanned skin, tail extending and legs transforming into thick fur-covered paws. Scales appear on his chest, glowing a bright green to match his eyes.

“Fuck, you’re gorgeous.”

He takes two large steps until he’s right in front of me, and I cannot resist trailing my fingers over him. His scales are cool and smooth to the touch, and when I lean in and kiss the gills on the side of his neck, he shivers. His tail lands on my lower back, dragging me into his solid chest.

“Are you coming in with me?”

I swallow thickly, looking out at the sea, which is a navy blue under the darkening sky. I haven’t been in there since the accident, which is a shame since I have always enjoyed swimming. I don’t want what happened that day to be the reason I lose that enjoyment.

“I will not let anything harm you, human of mine. You’ll always be safe with me, I promise.” He kisses my neck. “And think how much fun you’ll have trying to get away from me in the water.”

I smile. “That does sound good.”

He drops a hand to my chest. “And I will know if we need to stop, if it becomes too much for you. Your heart will tell mine.”

I place my hand on top of his. Though my mind is apprehensive about diving into the sea, I feel it to my very core that this is an opportunity for me to take back my love of the water. A chance to build new, exciting memories. Not to forget the events of that day, but as a reminder that I lived and was given a second chance. One that I’m latching onto with both hands.

Decision made, I drop my hold on him, then fiddle with the hem of my t-shirt, slowly lifting it while bringing my lips to his ear. “Okay. But what will you do to me if you catch me, Sir?”

Sterling growls, then nips at the mate mark on my neck.

“Run, sweetheart, and you’ll find out.”

My confidence in my decision is waning. Sure, stepping back into the water for the first time since the accident felt amazing. Like I was stealing back a piece of me that the accident had stolen. Then Sterling told me to go a little deeper, close my eyes and count to ten.

It sounded sexy at the time. Wading naked in dark water, the sea lapping at my shoulders while my monster lurks beneath the depths, stalking me, waiting for the right moment to pounce. The idea was thrilling, and I was happy to do what he said and see how it played out. But now, as I kick my legs to keep myself afloat, eyes darting around the wide expanse of sea and the beach growing smaller in the distance, I’m suddenly not so sure. I can no longer tell if the swirling in my belly is excitement or fear.

Above me, a flock of gulls squawk, circling the sky like they too are on the hunt.

“Fuck this,” I mutter, mind changed, legs kicking furiously to carry me back to shore. “Bloody monster mate and his games.”

The lighthouse looms in front of me, tall and imposing, but sad, too. It’s been weeks since I went inside and even longer since her light was lit. If Sterling is right about her having a pulse, somehow being able to sense danger, I wonder if she misses being able to light up like the safety beacon she was built to be.

That’s the thought on my mind when I’m gripped around the ankle, claws pinching at the skin. My arms flail to the side as I try to get away, but it’s no use because there’s suddenly a thick appendage wrapping around my waist, dragging me across the surface of the water. I claw at it while kicking my legs. The earlier swirling in my stomach intensifies as I thrash harder. The fight is invigorating – adrenaline filling my veins as blood pumps it furiously around my body.

In one swift move, I’m lifted completely out of the water and hurled back, coming to rest against a hard, familiar figure.

“Hello, mate.” Sterling’s voice is raspy when he speaks, his claws gently scraping up the side of my ribs. He slides his tail between my legs and rubs relentlessly against my taint and balls. My cock thickens and I lean my head against his shoulder.

“Hello, my love,” I reply. “You caught me.”

He chuckles. “You didn’t put up much of a fight.”

“I never stood a chance.”

He nips my earlobe. “No, you did not.”