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Richard’s thoughts screamed through my mind. Curses and pleas mixing into a jumbled mess. I tossed him in the water, knowing he wouldn’t be able to swim or fight, not with my venom slowing shutting down his body.
There was a tremendous splash as Sheba turned and snatched him from the surface before disappearing into the depths. I brushed my hands together, sighing as the demands of the call faded away with Richard’s death.
Without my needing to drag Richard’s weight, we made quick time to the docks, where several people rushed at me. I covered my eyes as lights popped and a crowd pushed toward us.
“There she is! That’s the woman!” a man shouted.
“She saved my daughter!” I recognized Jill’s mother in the crowd.
“Who are you?” one man shouted.
I paused, glancing out over the sea to the faces of the mermaids and merman that bobbed out on the surface of the water.
They came to make sure their Queen was okay,Lokene whispered in my mind. There was pride in his voice.
With the grace of a Siren, I turned to face the flashing lights, whirring camera gear, and faces filled with curiosity and a touch of fear.
I smiled, the Siren enjoying the attention. My voice dropped to the husky pitch that exuded allure and absolute confidence.
“I am Zosime, Queen of Atlantis.”
“What are you?” A woman pushed from between the cowering men. I admired her bravery.
Thunder boomed over our heads, and in perfect unison, twin bolts of lightning hit the two large light poles behind me. The sound was deafening. Beautiful, fiery sparks showered down around us. The crowd stepped back in unison, giving me some much-needed space.
“I am the Royal Storm of Atlantis.”
I turned to leave but stopped, looking over my shoulder at the woman who stood with her back straight as she watched me. Curiosity piqued, I asked her, “What is your name?”
“Erin.” She straightened her jacket and put her shoulders back.
I could read her thoughts and knew she was terrified, but nothing in her posture or voice gave that away. I admired that. After all, fear was nothing to be ashamed of, and it often helped to keep us alive. It was when you let fear take over your life that it became a problem.
“Do you have a number where I can contact you?” Her eyes sparked with interest, and she eagerly fumbled to pull out a card and bring it to me. I looked down at the white slip of paper and the numbers printed there.
“Change is coming, and there is work to be done. I need a liaison between my kingdom and the governments of earth. You will be perfect for the job. I’ll be in touch.”
I strode toward the sea where my men waited, arms crossed on their chest like personal security guards.
I threw my arms around Lokene’s neck, clinging to him and not caring who saw. “You knew. Didn’t you?” Leaning back, I looked into his eyes, searching for answers, but knowing he wouldn’t give me any.
“Knew what?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye.
“You knew Kye was going to get shot and that he would die.” I ran my fingers along his stubbled jaw.
“I saw many timelines. I know you also had a vision after we claimed each other, so you know what it is like to see the past, the present, and the future now.”
He was right. I did know. It was terrifying and overwhelming and not something I ever wanted to repeat.
“In how many of those timelines did Kye die?” My voice broke.
He closed his eyes, looking away from me. “All but one.”
“You knew that when we claimed each other, and our powers bound us together, it would save his life. That’s why you waited to bond with me, isn’t it? You did it to save Kye.”
Emotion crossed his face, but he quickly disguised it with a smirk. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just wanted to wait until we got some time alone so I could have you all to myself.” He pulled me into his arms, holding me tight against him. “I want you to be happy, always.”
That brought tears flooding into my eyes. “I can never thank you enough, Lokene.”
“Putting up with me for the rest of your life will be thanks enough.” His hand slid down my back and pinched my butt.
I laughed and shoved away from him. My heart was overflowing. My men were safe, all of them.
“Take me home.” I paused at the word home. How odd. When I had awakened, I had felt homesick for the land. Now, I missed the comfort of being surrounded by the sea. A rogue wave broke on the shore, soaking us all in its salty spray. I eyed the ocean suspiciously. Was it messing with me?
My mates were dripping wet. Their now semi-transparent clothes clinging to bulging muscles. I licked my lips, unable to help myself. My voice was low and husky when I finally spoke. “Yes, let’s get home. I’m starving.”
