Tress: After Dark Series, #5

By Megan Slayer

She breathes air and he's from the sea. Their love shouldn't survive… should it?

 

Tress fell in love with Lukas the moment she saw him sparkling in the water. A dark-haired merman with the glittering blue tail captivated her. But he belongs in the water. She can't leave the land. When a chance encounter gives her a taste of the sexy merman, she knows she needs more. She's also got a problem—she's pregnant. How are a merman and a floral faerie supposed to make their love work when they can't be together?

 

Anything is possible with a little magic and a whole lot of faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Megan Slayer
• Release date: Jun 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393550389

Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Book preview

Tress

An After Dark story

By Megan Slayer

Tress

Book 5 in the Faeries After Dark Series

Copyright © 2020, Megan Slayer

Edited by HHM

Cover Art by WZDesigns

Published by Megan Slayer Publishing

Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Electronic Release: June 2020

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

Dedication

For my Lucky Ducks

For my RAGT Girls

Love you all

For JPZ

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Epilogue

About the Author

Read the entire After Dark Series

She breathes air and he’s from the sea. Their love shouldn’t survive... should it?

Tress fell in love with Lukas the moment she saw him sparkling in the water. A dark-haired merman with the glittering blue tail captivated her. But he belongs in the water. She can’t leave the land. When a chance encounter gives her a taste of the sexy merman, she knows she needs more. She’s also got a problem—she’s pregnant. How are a merman and a floral faerie supposed to make their love work when they can’t be together?

Anything is possible with a little magic and a whole lot of faith.

Chapter One

I need to find that faerie. Tress rushed through the diner to the back steps. She needed to find Cordelia. If anyone could help her, then it was the fiery blue faerie. Cory? She knocked on the door. Cory? Please?

Cordelia opened the door and rested her hand on her hip. Yes?

I need you. Instead of barging in, she forced herself to stay on the stoop. I have a big problem.

Cory cocked her brow, then flicked her fingers. Come on. She stepped out of the way as Tress hurried into the apartment. Is Liam here? I don’t want to impose.

Hi. Liam stood in the kitchen and wiped his hands on a dish towel. You’re not imposing.

Are you sure? She hated being so pushy.

You’re fine. Cordelia gestured to the couch. Sit. What’s your problem? And mind you, the last person who hurried up to my apartment was Liam, so I don’t know if I can work a second miracle.

I’m sure you can. Liam stood beside the couch and massaged Cordelia’s shoulder. I’m heading out for a run. I’ll be back in an hour. Find me if you need me. He winked at Tress. Good luck.

Cordelia didn’t speak until he left the room. Yes? What’s the deal, baby cakes? Who’s fucking with you?

No one and that’s my problem. Tress sighed. She knotted her fingers together on her lap. I’m tired of being alone. Tired of being no one.

You’re someone. Without you, the flowers wouldn’t be nearly so beautiful. Cordelia crinkled her nose. Who is he? Faeries only get goofy when there’s a man involved.

Lukas. She hated sounding so scared. He’s a merman. I don’t think he knows I’m alive. She closed her eyes and covered her face in her hands. It sucks. I know he’s alive, but he... She moved her hands and stared at Cordelia. I know you can’t make him fall in love with me, but maybe you can help me get to where he is so he’ll see me.

You’re killin’ me. Cordelia leaned back in her seat and folded her arms. "Okay. Does he know you exist? I mean, he’s seen you, but he hasn’t seen you, right?"

Yes. She picked at her beaded bracelet. I delivered flowers to Jessica for the bar—I don’t know why. It’s a bar and they don’t let light in there, but whatever. Anyway, Henry and Jinx were out in the docks. Lukas was with them. I asked Jessica if Lukas was gay and she said no. He’s the most beautiful mer I’ve ever seen. She flatted her palms on her thighs. He said hi to me and I said hi back, then he complimented my flowers. I told him I’d make him some water lilies and he laughed. I don’t know if he likes me or if he was being nice, but I want to spend more time with him. She sounded desperate. Sorry.

No. Cordelia sighed. It might not come to anything, but I know how you feel. I’ve been in your position—stuck on guys who didn’t give a fuck about me. She tucked a lock of Tress’s hair behind her ear. Let’s go down to the water’s edge. I’ll see if I can get Jinx or Henry to come up. We’ll get the low-down on Lukas so you don’t waste your time if he’s partnered up.

Okay. She hadn’t thought about him being with someone. Probably a beautiful purple mermaid. Thank you.

Don’t thank me yet. We haven’t accomplished anything. Cordelia stood. Besides, Henry and Jinx owe me.

They do? She followed Cordelia through the apartment. Why? She’d been so out of the loop. Working at the floral shop with Kathy took up too much of her time. She loved Kathy and enjoyed creating the flowers, but she couldn’t keep up with the demand for exotic blossoms.

Henry wanted to get with Jinx and I facilitated that, but mostly because I’ve put up with them. They seem to think I’ll pair up anyone they push at me. I’m only one faerie and I’m not a machine. Jesus. She strode to the ground floor and shielded her eyes from the sun. I forgot how bright it is during the day.

Sunlight is bright. She kept up with Cordelia. Liam keeps you up at night?

He does, but I’ve never been big on being active during the day. She draped her arm around Tress’s shoulders. I’m better in the dark.

I’m sure. She’d heard of Cordelia’s prowess in the bedroom and envied her relationship with Liam. She wanted a love like they shared.

"Anyway, Jinx and Henry keep bringing me mers they think I’ll pair up. I don’t remember any