The Mer Prince

By Lindsey Owens

Zachariah is handsome and different. He pays attention to Gabriella when no other guys do. He stands up for her when her 'friends' decide to leave her. But he has a secret. He also has a guard, Preston. Preston is just as strong and handsome as Zach but he's not the friendliest. It takes him time to warm up to people. What is the two guys hiding and why does he have such a fascination with the shy and quiet Gabriella.

What if Zach revealed his secrets to her, would Gabriella accept him or reject him?

what if Gabriella has secrets of her own that she has yet to learn?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lindsey Owens
• Release date: Oct 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301943227

Lindsey Owens

Lindsey is the author of the erotica fiction novel In the Dark as well as The Chocolatier and the new adult novel Fated Love. She also writes werewolf books, romance genre, some teen fiction, new adult fiction, fantasy, and paranormal stories. She has many more novels to come! She's just a girl who wants fun romance novels! Is that so much to ask? Not the same ol' same ol'? Not all love is slow and casual, some are fast paced and nearly overwhelming. Not all paranormal books have vampires! Not all stories have been told!  Seriously!? Lindsey took it upon herself to begin her stories for her own entertainment in the beginning of early 2000. She had not struggled with finding books that captivated her, no, instead stories began to form in her head. The more she read, the more she loved to write. Her romance stories began with her desire to write things down! More romance! More Paranormal Romance!  She lives in the South with her husband and children where she continues to put her thoughts to paper.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Did you see that! the woman screeched as she jumped back from the side of the boat and clung onto her husband’s arm. She smacked at him lightly to get his attention.

What was that? her husband whispered trying to catch a glimpse of the dark mass, once more within the water of the ocean.

Zach breathed heavy as he and Preston crossed the sand. That was close. He huffed.

Every time, it gets harder. Preston groaned as he looked up and smiled at Mary sitting in the driver’s seat of the large black SUV. Each time it was getting crazier and crazier, but once Zach and Preston were through with school nobody would be surfacing for a few years and the whole hype would die off again. The sand squished between the boys’ toes as they quickly moved toward the Hummer.

Mary couldn’t help but smile as the two guys had rose from the ocean; she watched them cross the sand toward her. Have you been waiting long? Zach asked kissing Mary on the cheek as she wrapped a warm towel around him.

Not long she sighed. Mary actually had been waiting for months to see her boys once again; but she had only waited four hours for them to surface. Did you have a good swim? she questioned wrapping a second towel around Preston as he wrapped an arm around her.

Midnight swims are always lovely Preston smiled sliding into a pair of warm button up pants. He held out his hand and Mary dropped the keys into it.

Thanks. Mary yawned. I’m too tired to drive. She stretched slightly and slid into the open door, which Zach held open for her. Once everyone was inside and buckled Preston pulled away from the barren beach and drove toward their summer home.

The ride wasn’t long; but it was horrible at so late at night. Finally, Preston pulled the Hummer up to the large gate and pressed the buttons for it to open. Another couple of minutes and I can sleep Preston thought to himself.

When the vehicle pulled to a stop, Preston turned the key and leaned over. He tapped frantically on Zachariah’s arm and then Mary’s knee, Time to get up. We can sleep when we get inside. Preston groaned. He figured it was easier to park at the front door than walk through the garage and the house when everyone was tired.

The next morning didn’t come until late; the guys and Mary, being incredibly tired, didn’t get up at the crack of dawn. Slowly crawling her way out of bed, Mary yawned then went toward the kitchen. She pulled out eggs, milk, and various other things before quickly creating something for breakfast. Boys, She called cheerfully into the intercom system breakfast.

After a while, Zach and Preston wandered in; groggy and still wiping the sleep from their eyes. Morning Mary they groaned.

Good afternoon Mary chimed finally awake. Are you two looking forward to your last bit of school before you are finally free?

Don’t remind me, Preston groaned.

I need to know what items you still need. Mary replied. Both of you need at least a few things.

I don’t care Preston pouted. If it wasn’t for watching after Zach he would still be home shacking up with some free-spirited female right now; instead of on this rock.

I know you’ll enjoy it. Zach chuckled. He really didn’t mind attending South Point High School. It had been a whole year since he was here last and he couldn’t help but feel slightly excited to come back.

The boys and Mary spent the remainder of Sunday shopping for the things they needed for school. She freely spent money on clothing, backpacks, shoes, and even supplies for the boys throughout the day. After a few hours of shopping, she decided to stop and allow the boys to fill their grumbling starving tummies.

Goodnight Zach yawned some time later that night.

Get some sleep boys Mary replied. You start school tomorrow.

Chapter 2

Zach had hopped in the shower ten minutes after Mary had awoken him. The cool water drizzled down Zach’s head and across his jaw as he bent his head back and sucked in a deep breath. He scrubbed the soap across his bare muscled chest and shampooed his short brown hair. Zach sighed heavily as he finished up and punched the water handle effectively shutting it off.

It had been a whole year since he had stepped foot in South Point’s school and he was only a little bit nervous as he prepared for the day. Stepping from the shower, Zach waved his hand across his body and quickly became dry. No longer in need of the towel to dry, he wrapped it tightly around his torso. He strolled toward the fully stocked closet and peered inside. What to wear? He questioned himself.

Hurry up! Mary called slightly annoyed. The boys had taken up to the last second to finish getting ready and now she had to practically shoving them out the door.

We’re leaving right now! Preston hollered back as he slammed the front door.

Preston and Zachariah rode together in the SUV quietly. They both had little to say. What was there when you had spent the last three days doing everything possible together?

Once they had pulled into the drive of the school and came to a stop. Once out of the vehicle they parted ways. Mary had given them their schedules and there was no need for either of them to check in at the office.

Zachariah smiled as he remembered only a few faces. It was strange going to two schools. It was even stranger coming from his school to here. Being a requirement in his household, strangely enough, he had to spend one month at this school before he could finish at home. The people passed by Zach slowly, the guys glaring and the girls swooning trying to get his attention. He quickly moved through the hallway fluidly toward his locker.

He looked down at his schedule and nodded his head slightly in approval. Quickly Zach put his unwanted books in his locker and proceeded down the hall. He didn’t know what classes he shared with Preston, but he knew that Preston would be in some of them with him, silently sitting and protecting. His first class wasn’t far down the hall, making it to class just slightly after the bell rang, Zach made a grand entrance. He could hear everyone chatting loudly about the upcoming dance and shrugged. He had never had an itch to attend a human high school dance.

Quiet class! the teacher yelled. Zach blanched at the high pitched tone of her voice. Okay class, settle down. Mrs. Martin, announced. I know everyone is just buzzing about the dance but I have a new student to introduce. She waved her arm toward the doorway and Zach nodded walking forward. It was his first glimpse of the classroom students. As he begun to introduce himself his eyes caught sight of the most amazing girl he had ever saw.

Chapter 3

High school was ending; for Gabriella it was no different. Two months left until she was free of this torment. Two months until she would get her dream job near the beautiful South Point harbor. She dipped her head down and watched the floor as she shyly walked down the long school hallway. The walk from hell; she sighed, as she tried to blend into the walls.

Gabs! Charlotte shrieked.

Gabriella quickly scurried down the hallway and clamped her hand over her friend’s lips. Shh…. She whispered hiding her eyes behind her long brown wavy hair.

What’s your deal? Melanie giggled.

Sorry Gaby Charlotte apologized shaking her head softly I forgot you don’t like attention.

When Gabriella had first walked into school this morning she was slightly surprised and sad at what she saw. You look a little … Charlotte’s face contorted into confusion off. What’s wrong?

She’s just jealous that we have dates for the dance. Melanie scoffed as she pushed past Gabriella toward her classroom.

Am not! Gabriella scolded in quiet anger.

Oo! Did I tell you? Charlotte butted in Matthew asked me. She squealed and then blushed as she looked over at Gabriella whose face turned to horror at the noise. Sorry again. Charlotte laughed.

I don’t see why you have a thing for not being noticed. Melanie chortled as she flicked her long fake blond hair back behind her shoulder. I would just die if nobody paid attention to me. Melanie scoffed as she swung around and swished her hips walking away. Her short cheer outfit flopping against her butt as she walked.

Sorry about her. Charlotte apologized. Sometimes I don’t understand her… it’s like she forgets who she is. Charlotte shrugged.

It had only been a few months into their senior year when Melanie had practically stumbled into cheerleading. Now, she lived cheerleading. She was the worst of the worst snobs. Once all three girls were friends; but now Melanie was just a leech that clung to them; draining the blood of their friendship from Gabriella as she continued to drink.

It’s alright. Gabriella said with a sigh. Melanie and Gabriella have been on bad terms ever since she chose cheer as her favorite thing in the world but both girls loved Charlotte as their best friend so they tried to tolerate each other.

Gabriella made her way quickly toward the back of her class where she usually sat. She listened as the class discussed the dance and who had dates and who didn't. Okay class, settle down. Mrs. Martin, the teacher, announced. I know everyone is just buzzing about the dance but I have a new student to introduce. She waved her arm toward the doorway and in walked the most gorgeous guy with short brown hair and soft brown mesmerizing eyes that Gabriella had ever seen.

She couldn’t help but stare at the guy standing at the front of the class. She took in his good looks as Mrs. Martin spoke again. Class this is Zachariah Denali.

Zachariah flashed a perfect smile, almost unnatural in its amazing beauty, and then spoke. Hello everyone his voice was deep and luxurious. He paused and looked up at the small brunette whom he couldn’t take his eyes off of. His attention was fully on her as he spoke My name’s Zachariah Denali. I am eighteen. I am only here for these last few days of school. I am interested in making a few friends before the end of the year.

Thank you Zach. Mrs. Martin smiled You may pick any open seat.

Zach didn’t hesitate. He ignored the banter of the girls who tried to get his attention and went straight for the brunette.

Gabriella stared wide-eyed as Zachariah, the most attractive man she had ever seen, made his way straight for her. His eyes locked on her and a wide grin plastered on his lips.

She held her breath as he made his way closer. Zach’s movements were graceful and elegant as he glided down the aisle and finally settled into the seat next to her. Gabriella gulped as Zach’s gaze fell upon her with another mesmerizing smile. ‘What could he want from her? Guys never speak to her let alone sat with her other than to cheat off her homework and she wasn’t sure Zach was that type of guy.

The class eventually continued with a slight buzz of anticipation for the pending dance after the initial shock of the new student wore off. The dance had only been announced that day so people’s hectic lives were about to be consumed by the pending date.

As soon as the bell rang, everyone quickly began to pack up their things. Gabriella was not the exception. She quickly packed her bag, a soft pink backpack. She hefted the bag to swing it onto her shoulder when a harmonious masculine voice filled her ears and she froze.

Darling, my name is Zachariah, which I am sure you have heard, but I have yet to learn your name. Zach said.

Gabriella turned quickly letting her long flowing wavy brown hair cascade over her face hiding the blush forming on her cheeks. Zachariah’s gentle hand went up to brush back a lock of her hair allowing him to get a better view of the girl he had becoming smitten with. He waited for a moment before he spoke again. He knew she had heard him but he was curious about her reaction. No females tend to act like this with him. Most threw themselves at his feet and he liked this girl’s demeanor.

Zachariah waited another moment before speaking. Sweetheart, may I have your name?

Gabriella Carter. she all but whispered.

Zachariah smiled at the girl before him. What a lovely name. He remarked.

Gabriella smiled up at him. She couldn’t quite understand why he was showing her so much attention. Thank you. She replied quietly.

Being my first day and all would you do me the honor of showing me around? Zachariah questioned.

Every year he attended school here in South Point was slightly different. He could easily attend the same school each year saying he visited family for the last month but it was easier attending different locations each year.

Gabriella nodded her answer and watched as Zachariah’s smile broadened. He then reached forward, scooped up her bag, and bowed his head slightly as he swayed his arm outright signaling he would follow.

Gabriella asked Zach for the paper he held laying out his schedule and he handed it to her happily. It only took a moment to recognize the familiar classes and Gabriella couldn’t help but smile. A massive smile formed even more so on Zachariah’s face as Gabriella told him I hope you don’t mind following me around all day… Gabriella giggled, Because we have the same schedule.

Wonderful. Zachariah returned. He was glad that this young woman would allow him to spend time with her. She caught his attention from the moment he walked into the room. He couldn’t explain the new feelings he felt for the girl but he could explain the fact that he was smitten.

They continued to walk side by side through the halls of the large academy while other students shared confused looks as to why the handsome new stranger was walking with the quiet girl who they didn’t know much about. She has always been with Charlotte and Melanie, who are quite popular, but she didn’t speak much to anyone else.

When they came to their next class Zachariah held open the door for his new friend as she slowly slid past him. He watched her curvaceous hips sway as she made her way through the aisles and wished he could see more of her body. Gabriella could feel the heated stare of Zach’s lust filled eyes and was happy she had chosen baggy clothes today.

He willingly followed her down the aisle to where she wanted to sit and watched quietly as she went toward a very loud and friendly girl.

Ooo… who’s your friend Gaby? Charlotte asked excitedly.

Charlotte, this is Zachariah. Gabriella spoke very timidly. Zach took note of this and was sure to ask her about it later, but he knew now was not the time for such questions.

Well that’s awesome. Charlotte replied as she patted the seat next to her.

Nice to meet you, Charlotte Zach spoke with full honesty and confidence that only he could carry. Do you mind if I sit as well? He questioned as he placed Gabriella’s backpack down next to her.

Of course not, handsome. Charlotte said flirtatiously before Gabriella could say one word. Her head dipped as her long locks of hair began to once more fall against her blushing cheeks.

Zach smiled and sat down next to Gabriella after thanking Charlotte. His hand once again swept out and his fingers trailed across Gabriella’s cheeks gently pulling the clumps of hair away, so he could see her beautiful features. Gabriella knew her chances would automatically be gone with Zach from the moment he sat down next to her with Charlotte. Even though she knew deep down she never had much of chance from the beginning anyway.

As the teacher came in and began the lesson after announcing Zachariah’s presence, Charlotte leaned into Gabriella to begin chatting, Man is he hot or what! She whispered as loud as possible without Zachariah noticing.

I should say so. Gabriella responded quietly. She had always wanted to date but most guys never made it past her friends. Charlotte had the guys eating out of hand like a pet, while Melanie was too loose around school. Gabriella wouldn’t sink that low.

Don’t worry Gaby, he wouldn’t like you anyway. Melanie smirked evilly as she turned around to face the two girls. There was no need for further discussion for Gabriella. She knew she didn’t stand a chance.

Hey Melanie cooed. I am Melanie. She beamed as she extended her hand to Zach.

Zach smiled and reached out to shake her hand. Ms. Elliot! snapped the teacher. Please turn around.

Yes, sir Melanie pouted as she winked at Zach.

Zachariah was smart and witty when it came to answering questions in the biology class. When the teacher no longer paid attention to him, he would continuously watch the sweet girl beside him.

He was astonished at how timid she had become once they entered the class with her friend and became curious.

The teacher assigned homework then told the students to get into groups and to work quietly on it for the rest of the class.

Zach couldn’t focus on the work now his need to know more about the beautiful brunette beside him grew. How old are you? He asked Gaby instead of deciding to work on the worksheet.

I turn eighteen in a month. Gabriella noted. Zach nodded. He knew that nearby Preston would begin to take notes even if he didn’t like the situation he watched. When he walked into the classroom, he had sat close by but kept to himself. His presence was there to protect not interfere.

Zachariah’s mind began to rake through