Water Desires (Loves Siren Song Series, Book II

By Katherine Eddinger Smits

When a strange Nerei carries an unconscious and badly injured Bas in from the Aegean Sea, Nik knows she must get him to an island in the Atlantic where a hidden spring of healing water will restore her Nerei (merman) lover.

At the same time, her adoptive father is dying from a boating accident in her home town of Tarpon Springs, and he’s asking for her. While battling a strange illness which antibiotics won’t cure, Nik must figure out a way to save Bas and get home to help her father. When Bas follows Nik to Florida, he is forced to keep his distance from her.

He has already escaped one death sentence for having a relationship with a human and he can’t risk another one. Still, he’s furious when Nik turns to her old friend, a mage Bas dislikes, to help her unravel the hidden truth behind her father’s accident.

Water Desires is Book II in the Love’s Siren Song Series. The thrilling sequel to the award-winning Water Dreams will drag you under and not let you up for air until the end. If you like mermaids, mages and magical romance, you’ll love this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Foundations Books Publishing Company
• Release date: Mar 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463583173

Katherine Eddinger Smits

Katherine Eddinger Smits grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Although not from a Greek background, she fell in love with the Greek culture of the town and its close-knit community. She moved away years ago, but she still visits Tarpon Springs frequently to see old friends and classmates, walk the beaches or shop and eat at the Sponge Docks.Katherine was devastated to learn her first career choice—mermaid, was not realistic, so she started writing stories in grade school, and planned to write novels someday. She put off writing fiction while she raised her family and worked as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker at four different Veterans Affairs Medical Centers around the country. She found helping veterans and their families fulfilling, and managed to squeeze writing into her life. Whether recording clinical assessments, producing brochures for social programs or putting together newsletters for clubs and organizations, she always had some kind of creative project in the works.Katherine lives with her husband in Homosassa, Florida and Falling Waters, West Virginia. They have a daughter who resides in Alexandria, Virginia and a son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter in Chesapeake, Virginia.Water Dreams, Katherine's debut novel, is a paranormal romance set in Tarpon Springs, Florida and is the first book in the Love's Siren Song series.Web Site: katherineeddingersmits.weebly.comE-Mail: [e-mail]

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Water Desires

Loves Siren Song, Book II

Katherine Smits

Foundations Publishing Company

Brandon, MS 39047

www.foundationsbooks.net

Water Desires

Loves Siren Series, Book II

By: Katherine Smits

Cover by Dawne Dominique

Edited by Mary Vallely

Copyright 2019© Katherine Smits

Published in the United States of America

Worldwide Electronic & Digital Rights

Worldwide English Language Print Rights

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form, including digital and electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the Publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews.

Acknowledgements

Thank you so much to my beta readers: K.C. Anderson, Cinda Lou Campbell, Rachel Devick, Connie Gorby and Barbara Laycock. Also, thank you to my sister, Ann Higgs, for her unwavering support.

To my husband, Paul Smits. You are my soul mate, life partner and best friend. Your championship and love make it possible for me to live out my dreams…

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

About the Author

More from Foundations Books Publishing

Greece, 2017

Chapter One

Bas propelled himself from the deep sea, aiming for the sinking raft and the refugees tossed about by the towering waves. Their makeshift craft had foundered off the coast of the Greek island of Kos when a sudden storm whipped the Aegean into liquid mountains, swamping the rubber boat and spilling all thirty or more occupants into the churning water. As he boosted his speed with powerful thrusts of his tail flukes, he stroked to the nearest migrant, a young woman whose life vest kept her just high enough to take a breath between the swells which slapped her face. He breached and held his arms out to her.

As she gripped him, she gasped, Find my…my husband. Her accent made it hard to understand her words, but the urgency came through loud and clear.

Admiration for the woman spread warmth through him. She spends her limited supply of air to beg for assistance for her mate. That’s true love.

Twisting around in the water, she gripped Bas with one arm and pointed behind her with the other. There. As his tail slapped the water, she shuddered. "'Aeudh biallah min alshaytan."

Bas had learned a little Arabic during the past few months, including that phrase, which he had often heard. I seek refuge with Allah from Satan.

Right, I wonder who she’s talking about? He grimaced. Doesn’t matter. If I were the devil himself, she would cling to me rather than drown. They all would.

I’ll get your mate. Bas towed the panting woman beside him. As he searched the blackness of the storm-merged sea and sky, the flashing strobe effect of lightning strikes provided him glimpses of detritus—clothes, backpacks, soda bottles, oars—and people.

There! The woman shouted over the almost simultaneous crack of thunder and flicker of lightning. About ninety meters away, a man floated in his life vest. As he blared away on a whistle, he thrashed his arms. Bas’ superior Nerei vision picked him out over the waves.

You can see him? I can’t believe her eyesight is good enough to detect someone from this distance, especially during a storm.

No, I hear whistle. The woman transferred her grip from Bas’ arm to his neck.

Good thing I don’t need my lungs for oxygen. I would asphyxiate.

As swells obscured visibility, Bas whirled toward the place where he had last seen the woman’s husband. When he reached him, Bas seized his life vest and pulled the man close. He clamped on to Bas’ waist. Rescuing two people at once is about my limit. Although they don’t weigh anything in the water, they’re latched on to me like barnacles. Hard to swim like this.

Bogged down by his human cargo, he pushed on, thwacking his flukes with all his strength and thrusting with his free arm to buck the currents.

Other victims screamed and shrilled whistles as he rocketed past them. His heart pounded at their peril. How long can they last in this storm? He roared encouragement to them. Hold on! Just hold on! I’ll return for you.

Bas reached shore and peeled the man and woman off him. Go to land. I must hurry to the others. His voice came out hoarse, strained from the woman’s grip on his throat.

The man and woman both dropped to their knees, heaving and choking out seawater.

"Alhamd Lillah. Praise be to Allah. The woman flicked a sideways glance at him. Shukran. Thank you. Bless you for save us. She paused. Whatever you be."

Damn. They’re curious about me. I only hope they decide later I was some sort of hallucination, or the tales that are circulating among crossing survivors of a merman rescuer will spread farther.

He gestured inland. There’s a settlement about a kilometer in that direction. Can you walk there?

"Inshallah, we will make it. Thank you." The man spoke for the first time, his English a little less accented than hers.

Bas spun around and hurtled back toward those still in jeopardy, their shrieks driving him on, lightning flashes illuminating bodies bobbing in the water. Thunder, whistles, and wails pierced the crashing of the surf. Salt crusted his face and dried his mouth and nose.

He dove through the breakers to a teenage girl. She didn’t react when he reached for her, just stared ahead. He put one arm around her neck and hauled her toward shore. Before the water became too shallow for his Nerei form, he let go and gave her a shove. She drifted to the sand where she stopped, eyes unfocused, arms and legs submerged. Someone will notice her there and haul her out.

Even as he wheeled toward deep water, a man and woman ran to the girl, calling, Haya, Haya! When they reached her, they hugged her, then pulled her to her feet and dragged her to land.

Bas hustled to a knot of people clustered around a bobbing plank. An older woman and three middle-aged men adhered to the weathered wood as if it were a life raft. It took two trips, but Bas pulled them all to safety.

Back out again. As he reached the nearest body, his acute Nerei hearing sorted a different sound from the elemental melee of the sky and sea. Mewling cries. A baby. Thank you, Poseidon.

The child was encased in an infant lifejacket and strapped by his back to an inner tube, which was tied to a woman’s wrist. She floated face down, her hair flowing out around her.

Bas grasped her hair and pulled her face from the water. Staring eyes. Blue lips. Gray skin. She’s gone. He let go of the woman’s head and it flopped back into the water.

The baby cried again, softer this time.

He’s getting weaker. Bas caressed the baby’s cheek. I’ll help you, little one.

With the dead woman still attached by her wrist, Bas towed the tube, watching the child to make sure he didn’t splash him. Can’t let him inhale water.

The child’s whimpering stopped. Bas froze. He placed a hand on the baby’s chest. So still. Terror for the child filled him. Please be alive.

Bas held his breath, waiting. As the babe inhaled, his rib cage expanded. A seizure wracked the tiny body. He’s in distress. Must get him out of the water. Hang on, buddy.

With a surge, Bas cleared the last few meters.

He shifted to human shape, pulled off the square waterproof container from the strap around his neck, grabbed a compressed bathing suit, and slithered it up over his hips.

As he waded in, he released the strap from the inner tube and lifted the baby in his arms, cuddling the little one to his shoulder. The child’s knees were drawn up, body tense.

He scanned the shore, then yelled, Is there a doctor here? This baby needs help.

One of the huddled refugees stood and staggered over. I’m a doctor.

Bas held out the child. Help him. I found him in the water.

The man took the infant. He looked him over, pressed a finger to the pulse in the baby’s neck and put his ear to the boy’s chest. We have to get him dry, find him shelter, food, and an IV. He needs a hospital.

Bas pointed toward the interior. The camp has a clinic. Can you make it?

The doctor swayed. I’m not sure.

Bas steadied him. I can carry you both if I have to, but... He trailed off.

All at once, the downpour lessened. Cries sounded from the water.

The doctor shook his head. I’ll be all right. There are more in the water. Go to them.

Bas hesitated. There are so many still out there, but this child needs me now. I can take him to medical attention much quicker than this poor man, who may collapse any second.

He swiveled his eyes to the people struggling in the water, then back to the child. His heart split in two. How do I choose?

The baby opened his eyes and looked at Bas. His expressive gaze touched Bas’ soul. I can’t leave him.

He eased the baby from the doctor. I’ll go ahead. He gestured. Keep following the path and you’ll arrive at the base.

The doctor squeezed his arm. God be with you.

Bas dashed as fast as his legs would move, for once happy he had spent so many hours running with Nik. I could never reach this speed if she hadn’t insisted I train with her.

When he came to the tents, he shouted, Help me! I pulled a baby from the sea. Please help!

Two nurses bustled over, snatched the baby, and disappeared with him, leaving Bas outside the compound alone. Please let him make it. I wish I could stay and make sure he’s okay, but so many others are in danger.

He tore away and rushed back to the beach.

He paused at the edge of the tree line. The rain had stopped, and the sky cleared enough so the undulating ocean separated from it. The smooth expanse was unbroken and silent except for the gulls, who wheeled and squabbled with one another.

As he plunged back in, he shifted to his Nerei form. Though he combed above and below, the rest of the boat people were gone, swept away by the sea. With heart-wrenching despair, he wished he had rescued more of them. So many attempted the perilous journey every day, and so many perished.

Bas returned to shore, where he assisted the survivors to the edge of the settlement, then slipped away to avoid questions.

Time to go home. He set out, swimming above the water to soak up the sunshine. Exhaustion bore down on his muscles and interfered with his concentration.

After storms, the sea often calmed until it looked like glass. Like him, Mother Nature had expended her energy all at once, leaving her too tired to build rollers into their usual size. The zigzags crossing and re-crossing the otherwise unruffled stretch created an odd pattern he missed at first, because of his fatigue. His exhausted brain couldn’t make sense of it. It’s probably nothing.

To rejuvenate body and mind, he went underwater, pulling the energizing liquid through his gills. Most of the time, his passage didn’t alarm the smaller denizens, and they continued to poke around the reefs as if he were one of them. However, tonight they fled in a flurry. Puzzled, he stared into the gloom. What spooked them?

Before he worked it out, pain lanced through his right side, and blood bloomed from a huge gash below his ribs. He pressed his palm against the injury, trying to staunch the bleeding and stop the torment. A head butt from a bull shark? No, the cut’s narrow, but it’s deep. A spear. A Nerei stalked me, stabbed me, and took off, too cowardly to face off with me.

Anger burned as hot as the wound. As Bas peered through the depths, searching for his attacker, adrenalin and fight-preparation chemicals poured into his body.

By the time he saw the shadowy form speeding toward him, shock and blood loss had already taken its toll. Before Bas could react, the Nerei slashed him again, almost in the same spot.

As pain scorched him, Bas clamped his arm to his side. With his other hand, he shook his fist in the direction where the gutless bottom-feeder fled. I’ll get you. No sign of his assailant and no trail. Not today, though.

A red line streaked the water behind him as he consumed the last of his energy seeking refuge. He had to make land before he lost consciousness and his gills quit working. Fear amped up his pulse. Shock made him hyperventilate and too much water overwhelmed his ability to extract oxygen from the water. He choked. Must calm down. He stopped, concentrating on his breathing. Finally, he regained control.

He surfaced and made for an atoll not far away, one of the many unnamed islands in the Greek archipelago. He had noticed it patrolling around the Dodecanese chain, looking for immigrants in trouble. Unoccupied. No one will stumble across me here.

He beached, half-in, and half-out of the surf, allowing his head to rest on the sand with his body still submerged. It would take longer to heal this way, but he couldn’t risk the deep, where he would drown if he lost consciousness. I wish Nik was here to help me like she did before.

Overcome by agony and dizziness, Bas let his eyelids drift shut and slid into a dream of Nik.

She glided through the aqua Aegean, naked, like their first night together in the cenote pool by the waterfall, her black hair floating about her body and teasing him, first hiding and then revealing her lush curves.

The vision switched. The day we tipped over the stilt cabin in the Gulf of Mexico where Nik hid from kidnappers. She was so afraid; she was hysterical and screaming until I hoisted her onto the kayak and we tricked her into going to Tampa with us.

Another image. The day the kidnappers shot me. Nik plunging off the pier despite her phobia, spending all night in the water with me, singing to me, almost like one of us.

Another. Nik trespassing into the cenote pond and drinking the curative water and almost getting me executed, but saving me again by convincing them she might transform into a Nerei.

What a brilliant woman. He grimaced. She’ll be waiting and wondering what happened to me. I must go home to her.

A rogue wave crashed over his face, spewing salt water into his mouth and lungs. He should have been able to filter out the oxygen, passing the water through and out, but he was almost insensible. He wheezed again. He tried to pull himself further out of the water, but he had no strength. As he collapsed, everything went black.

Rising, Nik Aronopulos shoved her chair back with a screech and scrape of the wooden legs on the ceramic tile floor of Aggie’s villa in Kimolos, Greece. Why can’t I meet him? You told me he’s alive. Doesn’t he care?

Through the open windows, she contemplated the Aegean, where surf swelled lazily. I love this view. Water frothed far beneath the whitewashed, sky-blue trimmed homes which ascended on terraced hills. Staircases led to the waterfront, the steps decorated with pots of roses, geraniums and aloe. Deep purple and scarlet bougainvillea climbed the walls of many houses, and crepe myrtles with pink, white, or lavender flowers grew at every level.

Aggie Pappadakis pushed back her chair. Stylish and still beautiful at fifty-seven years old, her waist-length black hair was in a twist pinned with a silver clasp. She stood and smoothed the tail of her crisp white blouse over her navy capris. Her silver bangles clinked against one another as she moved, adding their notes to the music of wind chimes which hung from a beam on the terrace.

Of course, he’s anxious to see you, but we have to be careful. He’s only survived this long because the Nerei don’t realize he escaped them before you were born.

Fine. I’m sick of having this same argument and never resolving anything. I’m going to watch for Bas. Raising the hem of her gauzy white maxi dress so she wouldn’t trip on it, Nik stomped through the French doors to the terrace and down the stairs. She thought about Bas rescuing migrants. I’m amazed he changed his attitude toward humans, and I’m proud of him for helping the refugees, but I hate waiting and feeling useless.

At the bottom, Nik kicked off her sandals. She walked barefoot onto the soft white sand and down to the water line.

The bright August sun heated her skin. Gulls wheeled and called overhead. Their cries and the roar of the breakers drowned out sounds from the few people sunning themselves. A salty, fishy aroma wafted from the water, hooking something deep inside her and tugging her to the ocean.

She tucked her skirt up into her belt and waded into the turquoise sea to her ankles where the wavelets swirled up her calves. When she lifted her arms, a slight breeze flowed around her body and cooled her.

She backed out of the water and paced on, scanning all the way to the horizon. Bas said he would be back within a day or two, but it’s been a week.

Hoping to see a broad, green tail flipping in and out of the whitecaps, she squinted against the glare of the setting sun. Nothing. Bas is never late. Something must be wrong. Tentacles of unease curled in her stomach.

Brooding, she sat down on a flat rock. Off in the distance, dark clouds billowed and raced across the water, casting a shadow on the ocean.

Ripples lapped against her perch. I could rent a boat and search for him, but the Aegean is enormous. I’d never find him.

A kestrel soared from the east, away from the roiling, black clouds. She shivered. They’re supposed to be a bad omen.

The bird swooped closer. Nik stared at it, transfixed.

Thunder boomed, and Nik jumped. She gawked at the clouds. Lightning forked in a blazing streak to the water. Thunder growled again.

People packed up their coolers and beach umbrellas and headed for shelter. I’ll wait a few more minutes. The storm isn’t here yet.

The kestrel alit a few feet from Nik. She froze. Those birds never land except when they breed. She looked up at the crags above the town. Even if it’s nesting up there, it shouldn’t be down here.

A fiddler crab scuttled from a hole, and the kestrel fixed on it. The bird hopped a couple of times, snatched the little creature and winged away. It’s a predator, like the Nerei. They’re faster and stronger than anything else in the ocean and they use echolocation. That’s what I need—a Nerei. I’ll contact Deme. I’m sure his twin can locate him.

Intending to go inside and call Tarpon Springs, she shoved off the boulder to her feet.

A male voice shouted above the rush and roar of the surf and the screech of the birds. Turning, she shaded her eyes. A jade-colored tail slapped the water as a strange Nerei swam in from beyond the breakers. He had the ivory skin and dark hair of all the Nerei, and a large, Romanesque nose. Although Nik knew she had never met him before, he looked familiar.

He carried something. Her heart lurched. No... oh, no...

Bas sprawled unmoving in the newcomer’s arms. A gash gaped his side below his muscled chest and his eyes were shut.

What’s wrong with him? Oh God, he’s not…

When the Nerei reached the shallows, he shifted to human shape and stood on two legs, still holding Bas.

Bas remained in his Nerei form, unmoving.

With aching pressure in her chest, she splashed out toward them and reached for Bas.

No. The Nerei pulled Bas away from her. Let me carry him. It’ll be faster. We must get him out of sight. He glanced around, but the approaching squall had chased away all the sunbathers.

Heart pounding, she pointed toward Aggie’s home. Over here.

Lightning sizzled into the water not far from them, and the rain fell in sheets. They raced to the villa.

The Nerei hoisted Bas over his shoulder while he went up the steep steps to the balcony and into the airy kitchen, then eased him down on the blue and white mosaic tile floor. Nik sank down beside Bas and took a limp hand in both of hers. She kissed his knuckles, then carefully positioned his palm on the floor. She leaned forward to examine the slashes along his ribs. Touching his cold, clammy face, she counted his breaths. A pool of seawater and rain dripped from the three of them onto the floor.

Aggie walked in and gave the Nerei a towel, which he wrapped around himself. The sea folk were relaxed about nudity, but they respected human customs.

Nik choked out a few words. What happened to him?

The new Nerei snatched a pillow from a chair and slipped it beneath Bas’ head. Those gashes were made by a Nerei spear. They’re almost healed, but he’s still out cold.

A Nerei did this to him? Who? Why? Nik leaped to her feet. Did you do it? She scowled at the intruder, every muscle tensed, ready to fight him if he threatened Bas in any way.

Aggie moved between them and rested her palms on Nik’s arms. No, he would never do anything like this.

Nik turned toward the woman who she still sometimes thought of as her aunt. And I can believe you because... Let’s see, you were so upfront with me and told me you were my mother the instant we met. Oh wait! No, you didn’t. You lied to me before. How can I trust you now?

Aggie dropped her hands. I’m sorry. I know you’ve had a rough time, but please accept this. He wouldn’t harm Bas. He brought him here, remember?

Nik glared first at the stranger, then at Aggie. Who is he?

Aggie answered. His name is Gregorios Thorakios.

The hot spurt of anger drained away, replaced by confusion. But that’s…

Your Nerei sire. Aggie moved to stand beside the man, who encircled her with his arm.

Nik opened her mouth, but she had no words, so she shut it again.

The Nerei turned to her. Aphrodite Agathaniki, I’m so happy to meet you at last. I’m only sorry the circumstances are so dire. He held out his hand.

Call me Nik. She corrected automatically. Then it hit her. Wait, are you the one who stuck me with that horrible name?

He let his hand fall. Not exactly. He glanced toward Aggie.

Aggie hugged him, then stepped to Nik. Please, dear…now’s not the time.

Nik glanced at Bas and tried to breathe through the choking fear. You’re right. She reached out her hand and they shook. What do I call you?

How about using Gregorio for the moment? He let go and crouched next to Bas. He must return to the sea soon. When it’s dark, we’ll take him to an isolated cove I found.

Nik wiped sweaty palms on her dress. I guess. Shouldn’t he be conscious by now? When he got hit by a bullet meant for me, it took all night to mend, but once it did, he woke up.

Gregorio tapped Bas on each cheek. You’re right. I don’t understand what’s causing him to be like this. I’m worried. He gave Bas a little shake, but Bas didn’t respond.

She dragged her fingers through her hair. So how do we wake him up?

Aggie passed Nik a towel. I saw something like this once a long time ago. A Nerei cut a rival with a poison-tipped knife. The male lingered in a coma until the medical practitioner gave him cenote water.

Nik wiped her face and toweled her hair. From the island where we went after he got shot? Fantastic idea. How do we get it? Some of the strangling pressure in her chest and larynx eased. That stuff works like magic.

Aggie and Gregorio looked at each other. Neither spoke. Nik stared at them. What?

Two or three seconds ticked by. Gregorio said, Someone will have to take him to the Nerei clinic there.

Aggie shook her head. My darling, no. Tears overfilled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

As much as she wanted help for Bas, Nik couldn’t agree to what Gregorio implied. No way. If the Nerei realize you’re still alive, they’ll put you to death. I’ll never forget what happened to Bas. They were ready to kill him because he let me drink their precious cenote elixir. It wasn’t even his fault. No matter how long it’s been, they’ll never let go of the fact you had a relationship with a human. I’ll take him.

You can’t. Gregorio grabbed more towels from a pile beside the sink and moistened them. He lay them over Bas’ eyes and on his chest and tail.

Why not? I did it before. Nik lifted her chin. Don’t you think I’m strong enough?

It’s not that. No human could survive the trip. The last time, you went from the Gulf of Mexico out into the Atlantic for a short way. It would be much farther from here. Besides, Bas was awake enough to give you directions. You’ll never make it, even if you are an excellent swimmer.

Nik set her mouth in a determined line. I’m half-Nerei. I can do it. It’s the only way no one dies.

Aggie put her arm around Nik. I received a call while you were out from… she hesitated, my sister.

She almost said, ‘your mother’. Something terrible must have happened for her to revert back to that. A new pang of worry hit Nik and she turned cold.

Aggie continued. Your dad had an accident. I’m afraid the prognosis isn’t good.

Accident? What happened? A spike of adrenaline surged through Nik. She pulled away from Aggie and folded her arms across her stomach.

I’m so sorry, dear. Hellena was hysterical. I barely understood her. He’s asking for you. We can catch a flight in the morning. I’m going with you.

No. You should stay here and figure out a way to save Bas without Gregorio dying in the process. Nik picked up one of the extra towels and wiped tears from her face.

What can I do? I need to go home to Dad, the man who raised me, even though he’s not my biological father, and to support Mom through this terrible time. But how? I have to take Bas to the island where he can be treated with the cenote water.

Nik sank into a lounge chair. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

Kyril Lefteris shifted to his land form and waded from the water. He scanned the area for his twin. Jen, I’m back. He stopped at the edge of the sand, listening, but the only sound was tree frogs calling. He flung the speargun to the ground. Where is she? She said she would be here.

Exhausted, he shrugged off the pack he carried nowadays. He unzipped it and dumped out ten plastic bottles, a dozen plastic six-pack rings, a couple of pill bottles and a sneaker. He scooped the mess into a garbage bag he had found a few days ago and tied it, his gut turning queasy as he worked. How dare they pollute our waters? When the bag was full, he deposited it next to several others almost overflowing with plastic waste. What’s wrong with humans? Don’t they realize they’re ruining the planet? And the Nerei who work with them aren’t doing anything to stop them. They’re as bad as the land worms. Someone must fix this, and I’m the one to do it.

An exquisite aria floated to him from behind the cottage he and Jenesis owned on the otherwise deserted key. There she is.

He hooked a pair of shorts from a line strung up between two trees, shucked them over his hips and followed the song.

He trudged around the side of the log structure, toward her. Jen lounged on her back in the sun, half in the water, tall and slender, with dark hair and eyes like his and as much a leader of the females as he was of the males. One day we will head the Mediterraneanas clan together.

She leaned against a rock, fluffing her dark curls. Her tail splashed jeweled droplets of water as she swished in time with her tune. A white bikini top crusted with scallop shells and starfish matched her ivory skin, so it almost looked like only seashells covered her breasts.

She turned and waved. She trilled a few more notes, then trailed off into silence.

He stopped beside her. Please shift and come inside. We need to talk, and you’re taking too great a risk sitting out here where humans might spy you.

She pouted. This is one of thousands of uncharted atolls. It’s safe. I love singing and soaking up the sun here.

A boat could pass by. Or a drone might fly over. They have more equipment than you can imagine. It’s too risky. You know the consequences if one of them catches you in your real form.

All right. She heaved a sigh. Hand me my bikini bottoms. She gestured to a scrap of fabric which matched her top, minus the decorations. It sat on a stone several feet away from her.

He snatched it up and tossed it toward her. It fell short, landing in the water.

She stretched out her arm. Hey, you missed.

I didn’t miss. Go fetch it and come inside when you’re covered. He spun away and marched inside.

As he entered the house, the tightness in his shoulders relaxed a little. It’s good to be back here. He surveyed the knotty pine planked walls and ceiling which gave the room a golden glow in the late afternoon sun. The floor was pine too, topped by round, red and blue braided rugs. Every time I come back here, it’s more like home.

He moved to the small kitchen, opened the dorm sized fridge, and pulled out a glass pitcher filled with pure water. He’d chosen this cay for the natural spring