Swim

By M.E. Rhines

Angelique is not your typical fairy-tale mermaid. She's edgy, with a quick temper and an intense personality that sometimes leave her feeling like an outsider even among her own clan. Reeling from the recent changes in the Mer-world hierarchy, Angelique is struggling to find her place in the ocean. But a chance encounter with a handsome two-legged Fin-man will leave her questioning more than just her place in the underwater order. Packed with adventure, romance, and drama, Swim continues the compelling story of life and love in the magical underwater realm of Atargatis.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CTP Publishing
• Release date: Aug 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781634222648

M.E. Rhines

ME Rhines is a southwest Florida native currently living in North Port with her two beautiful children and a third, much larger child whom she affectionately calls husband.She writes young adult paranormal romance to feed her belief that fairy tales are real and nonsense is necessary.You can also find her adult romances under her edgier alter-ego, Mary Bernsen.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A re you sure you’re ready? I cradled my infant nephew in my arms, pressing him tighter against my chest as Fawna reached down to pluck him from the water. 

From our world. 

As she took him, a frigid chilliness goose pimpled my skin where his warmth had been. I wrapped my arms around my middle, trying to console the ache in my chest. I’d acted as his surrogate mother while Fawna secured a life for him above the waves. The merling and I had an unexpected bond. He was a tiny light of hope to Atargatis, and he would be missed by many merfolk, especially me.

The wooden dock under Fawna’s feet creaked in protest. Even the inanimate object offering her footing knew the transition was an unnatural one. It was bad enough my sister stood in front of me with bare human feet in ridiculous land clothes. That she’d insisted on introducing her son Sebastian to her new world, too, was a double kick in the fin.

I’d tried to use logic to persuade others he should stay in the ocean. Ashamed of my vulnerability, I’d even asked Myrtle to forbid the transfer. He was one of us—he belonged in Atargatis with the other merfolk. Between Mother’s imprisonment and my sisters abandoning the ocean for the human world, our family dwindled in numbers. Losing another with our bloodline was a tragic blow to the throne.

However, Queen Myrtle would hear none of it. A merling belonged with his mother, by either land or sea, was her declaration. I’d decided if I was going to lose him regardless of my protests, I might as well deliver him myself. 

Almost desperately, I offered, We can keep him a little longer, if you’d like. He’s no trouble at all.

My eldest sister swooped her child into the air, paying no mind to the whimper that left my lips at the sight of them. She lifted him high, examining his fresh pink human toes with approval. Her index finger ran along the glistening medallion around his neck that matched the one she and Pauline wore. Myrtle’s magic knew no bounds. 

I’m certain, Angelique, Fawna assured me. We’ve been apart for far too long already.

He giggled at his mother’s affections. The sound of the sea still gurgled in his lungs as he gasped at the dry, foreign atmosphere around him. My own chest burned, making me realize my gills were starting to dry out. I sank deep again to catch my breath, resurfacing a minute later.

We’ve found a place, Fawna said with a grin. Pauline and I have. Our very own home. Something called an apartment. It’s much smaller than the palace, but it’s perfect for the two of us. Well, the three of us now.

You’re settling in well.

She nodded. It’s marvelous up here. There are so many places to go, so much to see. It would take a thousand lifetimes to wander the entire land… and you’d still discover something new if you journeyed the terrain a second time.

There’s more ocean than land, you know. There’s plenty left to discover down here.

It’s just… different. Down there, it’s pretty much blue everywhere you look.

That’s not true. We have corals, flowers, and all sorts of colorful fish at home.

Yes, but, it’s different, she echoed.

A sharp defense for my kingdom burned on my tongue, but I swallowed the flames. My time with my sisters was so limited now that I didn’t want to spend it squabbling. She could have her human world; I had my ocean and it served me well.

Where’s Pauline? I asked, blinking away a ray of sunlight that threatened to singe my retinas. My eyes preferred the clouded ocean depths. That my sisters could stand the constant brightness up here was unfathomable.

"Some place called high school. All human children have to attend. She wants to blend in, so she insisted on going."

School? Like a powers class?

Fawna laughed, shaking her head. Not at all like powers class. There’s no magic on land. Only science, mathematics, reading. Logic, really. They teach it to the young.

I scrunched my face and stuck out my tongue. That sounds dull. Not even the occasional potion?

Not even. It’s nice, actually. There’s a level playing field. Everyone has an equal chance to succeed. The baby wiggled a finger at his mother’s face, cooing at her features.

Funny how he remembers you, I said, not trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice. He only saw you once before you left.

Yes, well… Her voice rose to a high pitch that grated on my eardrums. One never forgets their mama, do they, Sebastian? She cleared her throat, returning her gaze to me. Speaking of mothers, how is ours faring?

Stubborn. She stays in her cell and refuses to be reasoned with. I’ve tried talking to her, but she remains silent. The voices in her head keep her company.

That’s dreadfully sad.

I shrugged, shoving back my contempt. It was sad. But only one of us had to watch it. Fawna and Pauline lived their lives blissfully unaware of our family’s peril, while I had to witness it firsthand.

Myrtle is pretty stuck on rehabilitating her, I explained. She knocked out a wall just outside Mother’s cell to let the light in. Apparently, Myrtle’s hope is for the rays to melt the ice around her heart. Or some nonsense like that.

You don’t think Mother’s soul can be saved?

"I don’t think Mother wants to be saved. She can see no sin from behind her madness."

Fawna shuddered as a breeze blew her long, white hair. Perhaps you’re right. What about the rest of the kingdom? Have they accepted Myrtle as their queen?

Myrtle’s esteem has never been questioned. They welcome her and her reign.

But?

Let’s just say I’m not as welcome.

Fawna reached out to caress my cheek, but I dodged the gesture, submerging again for another breath. They’ll come around, Angelique, she insisted as I broke the surface. 

Maybe. I was Mother’s closest ally. There’s a lot to forgive.

You’ve changed. I can see it in your eyes. Give it time. They’ll recognize it as well. And if they don’t, you can come live with Pauline and me.

The suggestion sent a wave of nausea through my gut. My short visits to dry land to meet my sisters felt wrong. It usually took me days to reorient myself once I descended to Atargatis. I couldn’t imagine not experiencing the feel of saltwater brining my skin every moment. Even the constant companionship of Pauline and Fawna wouldn’t be enough to quell the ache.

Besides, no good could come from yet another royal abandoning the kingdom.

No, the ocean is my home. 

I hate the thought of you spending so much time alone. Maybe you’ll find yourself a nice merman now that they aren’t being hunted.

I sputtered. I can’t exactly pick up a guy when they’re scared to death I’ll drain their blood for a spell, like Mother.

So distance yourself from her. Fawna bent down. Taking my tiara into her hand, she started working it out of my tangled chocolate curls. Maybe start by getting rid of this, huh? 

She spun the sparkling accessory around her finger, watching me for a reaction. I had worn that tiara since I was a merling. It had resided upon my head for eighteen years. With its weight no longer pressing down on me, the oppression it symbolized loitered only as a phantom, distant residue.

Could it really be that simple?

Oh, I haven’t told you the best part. We have visitors arriving.

Fawna leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. From Atlantis? Are the kingdoms merging?

No, Atlantis remains under its own rule, the way it should. They are their own people—apart from our culture even if they were born from it.

For the fun of it, I left a moment of lingering silence until Fawna’s cheeks puffed out with frustration. All right, Princess. Out with the gossip already!

I giggled and took a breath before saying, An ambassador from across the ocean approaches as we speak. According to Myrtle, there are dozens of other kingdoms throughout the seas. She’s asked several of them to meet with us to discuss the possibility of forming alliances.

She’s inviting strangers into Atargatis? My sister squinted her eyes, observing me with a cautious gaze. Angelique, have you considered the possibility that word of Mother’s treachery has crossed to their lands?

Mother isn’t on the throne anymore. Anything she did as queen can be forgotten now.

You’re being naïve. It’s not that simple. If our own kingdom can’t forgive and forget, do you honestly think outsiders will?

I licked saltwater from my fast-drying lips. I never said they hadn’t forgiven me. My misdeeds just dance in the backs of their minds. They’re not cruel, just distant.

But suppose one of these clans holds a grudge against Atargatis because of the terrible things Mother has done? Then there’s the possibility that another kingdom’s ruler is just as wicked as Mother and will be hostile just for the sake of it.

I’m sure Myrtle has thought about that. She wouldn’t leave Atargatis unprotected. It’s her home, and she loves it just as much as I do.

Fawna pressed her lips into a hard line, the implication of my statement pressing into her like the angry wind that whipped her hair across her face. It’s still my home, too, Angelique.

Is it? I challenged. I’m certain you were nowhere to be found while Myrtle and I rebuilt the palace. Neither you nor Pauline could be bothered to help clean up the mess left behind from Mother’s centuries-long debacle. There’s an aftermath. We each had a responsibility to our people to handle things, but you dodged yours.

She raised a defensive arm, palm to the heavens, and said, That isn’t fair. I had to get my life here settled first. Have you any idea what challenges were waiting for us when we climbed from the ocean? We had no place to live. Thank Poseidon for Eddie’s family, because they put us up until—

You’re telling me you couldn’t spare an hour to come visit? All you had to do was take that stupid necklace off and swim. We’re right down here!

I plan to visit.

You didn’t even say goodbye, Fawna. The two of you just left me. Alone.

Moisture pooled in her grey eyes, and I hated the sight of it. In the sea, surrounded by water, I wouldn’t have even noticed it unless I was right up close. On land, the trail of water on her skin stood out like a disfiguring scar.

Angelique… Her voice cracked, but I held up a finger to cut her off. 

I shook my head. "Never mind, forget I said anything. This isn’t how I wanted our real goodbye to turn out. I’m sorry."

Our goodbye? she questioned, her brow furrowed in confusion. I’m not going any farther. We’re staying here, in the Keys. Just a quick swim away. There’s no reason to say goodbye. 

Your life is here, Fawna, but mine isn’t. I can’t keep putting my duties on hold to come visit you. If you want to see me, you know where to look.

Come on, Angelique. You’re being childish.

I dropped my gaze to the froth sloshing around my torso. She was right, as much as I resented it. The moment my sisters chose to turn away from our way of life, I put up a wall to keep them out. My reluctance to return was due to a bruised ego, not a full schedule.

There was no way I’d admit this to her, though.

Stubbornness took hold, a streak strong enough to have belonged to Mother. Before I could rein it in, my tail acted for me. I summersaulted in the water, my fin spraying the dock with white bubbles as I pushed into the sanctuary of the ocean.

The current swaddled me, wrapping around my body as the sea offered comfort the only way she could. Recognizing her efforts, I released my tensions and let the waves rock me until the heat in my cheeks dissipated and my fists unclenched. Rhythmic movements soothed my aching heart, pulling at my subconscious to relax my soul. My eyelids grew heavy as the trance took control of me.

A low moan penetrated my peace. I jolted awake, suddenly aware I was drifting aimlessly for who knows how long at the mercy of the water. I trusted her, though. My ocean would never lead me to danger.

The cry in the distance intensified. I stretched the pins and needles out of my tail and pushed toward the source, slow and suspicious. Whatever creature had made the noise was in distress. Injured sea life almost certainly meant sharks would be nearby. 

But the desperate sound tugged at my heart, urging me forward until I came to a dark crevice. The whimper came again, this time from just a few feet away. Against my better judgement, I continued into the darkness.

Chapter 2

As I descended further into the pit, a massive sea turtle came into view. Blue nylon cords twisted around his fins. He tugged at them as he tried to swim forward, but he was caught in a fisherman’s net. 

You poor baby, I cooed at him.

A loop wrapped around his neck, the fibers digging into his green and beige flesh so tightly they threatened to cut off his circulation. The majestic creature fought hard against the constraints as I approached, his struggle making the tangles tighten. 

No, no, I urged with a soft, soothing voice. You don’t want to make it worse.

I offered him a timid hand, hushing him as he thrashed some more. When he didn’t calm, I started to hum, hoping my song would lull him into a trance. Mother would say I was wasting my song. She forbade me from using it for any reason other than a human hunt. The magic in my music was far too precious a gift to use on a lowly reptile, she’d insisted over and over. 

If she saw me now…

It didn’t matter. She wasn’t here, and her rules didn’t apply any longer. This animal needed my help, and I wouldn’t deny him. In direct defiance of her and everything her crown stood for, I stopped humming and started singing, loud and filled with pride. 

---

Ocean’s child filled with fright.

Put your trust in me this time.

Rest your spirit, calm your soul.

Return the peace your fear has stolen.

---

The low musical notes escaping my throat coddled him. In response, his muscles relaxed after just a few moments. My lyrics penetrated his primitive terror, replacing it with a sense of otherworldly harmony.

Under the spell of such a tranquil state, the weight of his shell would’ve dragged him to the bottom of the crevice if the ropes slung about his body weren’t holding him in place. My shoulders sagged, and I shook my head at the pitiful creature. 

And they claim humans are harmless, I mumbled, thinking about my sisters’ claims. Proof to the contrary was right in front of my face. They were dangerous to the sea and everything in it.

Who in the ocean’s name says that?

Startled, I flinched at the masculine voice behind me. Whipping around, I placed my body as a protective barrier between the compromised turtle and me. My eyes widened as I took in the man who’d managed to sneak up on me.

A handsome face wore a smug, condescending expression. I ran my eyes along his features. Hair resembling the color of red algae muted with blond undertones, strong, square shoulders, and a sculpted midsection. My stare froze just below his torso. 

No tail swished behind him. Instead, two legs were planted firmly on the seafloor. My hand flew to cover the shriek that left my mouth. You’re a human, I marveled. But how… Did you somehow escape the queen after she changed you?

His face twisted as he flattened his palm against his bare chest, doubling over as if I had thrown a spear into his heart. What did I do to deserve such an insult?

I blinked at him, my gaze wandering down to the shark-skin pants he’d fashioned with expert care. He must’ve been down here a long time to master such a skill. A belt made from a thick, foreign material fastened around his waist, and a sheath hung from it, dangling over his hip.

It’s all right. My aunt can help send you home. I’ll take you to her just as soon as I free my friend here. 

The man smirked at me, his juniper eyes bright with amusement. He ran a knuckle over the thin layer of red whiskers on his chin. How had he kept it so trimmed?

You make friends with sea turtles often, do you?

Heat clung to my cheeks at his mockery. Refusing to give him the pleasure of seeing it, I turned my back and began working the knots out of the net that still