His Chosen Mermaid

By Christa Ann

Heir of the Merfolk throne, Dax Whelan has everything except the mate he can never claim. Going against his father's rule that forbids human contact, Dax remains friends with Kendra. But the more he's around her the more he wants her. Claiming her as his mate could get them both killed.

 

Kendra Hayes is promised to wed a prince who resides in the mountains, far away from the ocean she loves. It would also take her from the merman she longs for. But there is nothing she can do to get out of the arranged marriage, so she has to say goodbye to her one true love.

 

When a sea witch comes to Kendra with an offer she can't refuse, Dax and Kendra have only two weeks to get the MerKing to see past his own pain and bless their mating. If they fail, they must say goodbye forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Davis Raynes Publishing Group, LLC
• Release date: Feb 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393800194

Christa Ann

Christa Ann started out writing poems like her mother. One day, stories started coming to the front of her mind. Romance, shifter, western and places unknown but they demanded to be created. Her debut novel, Finding Love Again - a contemporary western romance and first in a tantalizing new series - releases in the fall 2016. She grew up in Maryland and now lives in Southwest Florida with her husband, daughter, and two kitties (one Bengal named Jasmine and one Maine Coon named Midnight). She's a proud grandmother of two granddaughters and one grandson. Some of her favorite things are being with her family and friends, reading, hiking, traveling and her love for chocolate. Being Irish/Scottish, Christa also Irish step dances with her daughter and loves St. Patrick Day and Bunratty Mead. She also enjoys playing her piano; she's been playing for 36 years.

Book preview

HIS CHOSEN MERMAID

Heir of the Merfolk throne, Dax Whelan, has everything except the mate he can never claim. Going against his father’s rule that forbids human contact, Dax remains friends with Kendra. But the more he’s around her, the more he wants her. Claiming her as his mate could get them both killed.

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Kendra Hayes is promised to wed a prince who resides in the mountains, far away from the ocean she loves. It would also take her from the merman she longs for. But she can do nothing to get out of the arranged marriage, so she has to say goodbye to her one true love.

---

When a sea witch comes to Kendra with an offer she can’t refuse, Dax and Kendra have only two weeks to get the MerKing to see past his pain and bless their mating. If they fail, they must say goodbye forever.

Chapter One

Kendra missed her friend, Dax. She thought that being apart would put a strain on their friendship. The only thing it did was make her long for him even more. Seeing him made her heart leap with joy but watching him go at the end of each visit felt like someone stabbed her in the chest with a knife, piercing her heart.

While neither of their families was aware they stayed friends, they would meet in secret at a hidden cave on the west side of the town once a week. There were six days between visits; six days she needed to keep herself busy. Today, Kendra would have to tell Dax her father had arranged for her to wed Prince Neil Wilson.

The sea was rough today. The blue waves with white capes crashed onto the beach, bringing shells from beneath the sea. Since the death of King Murtagh’s wife, Marianna, no one had seen the merfolk. King Murtagh blamed humans for her death and had forbidden all contact between the merfolk and humans.

Kendra overheard her parents arguing about an arranged marriage; she arranged marriage. She heard her father slam his hand down, telling her, ‘no more.’ Her mom knew he wouldn’t argue any further. Her mother disagreed because she knew how Kendra felt about Dax and her love for the sea.

The Prince hated the sea and anything related to the sea. He lived high in the mountains where the weather was cold.

What was she going to do now? She wouldn’t be able to see Dax or the sea. Her dreams of having fins and living in the ocean, over. Her wish that Dax would love her as much as she’d grown to love him, above.

Where are you? You’re late. Kendra said out loud to no one. She was doing everything not to cry again. Her face had to be red, along with her eyes which were also puffy.

Sitting down roughly on a rock, Kendra winced when her butt got wet through her jeans. Great. Just great.

What is great? Dax’s deep lyrical voice echoed around the cave as he leaned up from the water’s edge. The sides of his shoulder-length black hair with hints of red were attached in the back by the cloth tie she gave to him. She watched as his muscular biceps held him up out of the water. Kendra did her best not to admire how his bronze chest flexed from holding himself still.

You’re late, and I sat in water, Kendra answered him.

Dax pulled himself from the water, sitting on the edge and moving his fin back and forth. Being royalty, the color of his fins started at his waist. The sides and back were black with the middle red, and his broad tail was black, red, and white. My father, brothers, and I were meeting about a situation. His tone turned flat with no emotion in his words.

Problem? With who? I didn’t know there was other merfolk. Kendra rotated herself, so she faced him. He sat staring at her as if she’d grown two heads and spouted wings. When he continued not to say anything, she crossed her arms. Are you going to say something?

Oh, sorry. Yes, there are other ‘merfolk.’ We say colonies, though, not merfolk. Dax chuckled.

What’s funny? Kendra knew she sounded sarcastic but just couldn’t help herself.

Leaning back, he placed a hand on her calf. Hey, I’m just busting on you. It isn’t like you to act this way. What's wrong with you?

She almost forgot about her pending wedding. Getting up, she took off her shoes and sat next to Dax, putting her feet in the water after rolling up her jeans. She rushed out what she needed to tell him. This will be the last time I see you. My father arranged for me to marry Prince Neil within the next two weeks. Then, I will leave for the mountains and cold weather.

Without glancing at Dax, she rested her head on his shoulder as the tears rolled down. Why couldn’t her dad understand? She didn’t want to confront her dad now because she wasn’t supposed to know. They were going to tell her at dinner tonight. Although, her sister had seen her turning from her parent’s door and run out of the house.

He can’t do that. Why arrange for you to marry without telling you? I thought… Dax stopped talking and placed his hand on top of hers.

They sat there, not saying anything. The only sound was the waves crashing against the edge of the rocks and spray from the water hitting their face. What did he mean by ‘I thought?

Before she could ask, Dax, tensed. After a moment, she saw the same thing. Her heart sped up, and worry made butterflies flutter deep in her stomach. Someone was entering the cave… from the water. Oh, shit. Was it Dax’s father, the King? Or worse, one of his siblings?

No. It can’t be. Dax straightened.

Kendra wiped her face. Who? Just then, she saw the long, white hair emerging from the sea as soon as her navy eyes met her - the ‘who’ - hit her like a brick wall: Aunt Sirena, Dex’s father’s sister.

Hello, nephew. Just what are you doing here with Kendra? Sirena smiled as she asked Dax. Looking pretty cozy.

Aunt Sirena. What are you doing here, and how do you know about the cave? Dax removed his hand and then placed some distance between them. It bothered her when he pulled away, but she did her best not to let him see.

Sirena’s eyes met hers before answering Dax. I’ve known about your visits. I normally wait for you to leave before going to see my friend. Feeling all the different emotions weaving through the water, I had to find out what was going on. Who is hurting and why?

When Dax just sat there without answering, Kendra explained. My dad arranged me to marry a man I don’t want to, and I will be leaving to live in the mountains. I don’t want Neil or mountains or cold weather. I love the sea, and both my parents know it. I just told Dax. You said you could feel the emotions, but how?

Oh, I’m a witch. My parents sent me away to practice, and my boyfriend, now husband, is from the outer colony and lived differently. My husband, Storm, doesn’t have fins and can’t breathe air. Sirena glanced at Dax, and Kendra noticed him shaking his head.

You need to tell her.

Tell me what? Kendra’s eye went from Sirena to Dax.

Dax’s eyes narrowed as he answered his Aunt. She’s getting married now. It does matter, and there isn’t anything I can do.

It’s never too late, and I can help. All you have to do is ask. Sirena moved to sit on a ledge across from them and leaned back, stretching out.

Turning sideways to get a better look at Dax, Kendra repeated her question slowly. Tell me what?

It doesn’t matter, and I just can’t. Dax’s voice raised, getting stronger and sharper.

Kendra jolted back, not in fear but the shock from his reaction. They had always been able to talk to one another. Before she realized it, he dove into the water as his Aunt, and she howled his name. Kendra, wait here. Let me go talk to him.

She couldn’t believe he just left, left without a word or explanation. Why? What was it he wouldn’t tell her? She wasn’t sure what she should do. His Aunt wanted her to wait; why? Was she going to force him to return? She hoped not.

When shadows started gathering at the entrance, dusk was approaching. Kendra decided she wouldn’t stay and have him forced back, and it would be dinner soon. Getting up, she moved to the hidden entrance. A ragged sob tore from her heart, knowing she would no longer see the sea but mostly Dax.

Before Kendra reached the exit, Sirena hoped out of the water and sat on the ledge. Where are you going? We need to talk.

Kendra hesitated, not wanting to know what she had to say. But, the curiosity was pulling at her to listen. She tried to stomp her foot like a child, not getting her way, but she resisted.

Turning slowly to face Sirena, she asked one question. Why?

There are things you need to know. The reason my nephew left and how I can help you. Both of you. Sirena padded the seat next to her. We are running out of time. Now, will you listen?

Kendra moved to sit next to her. Okay.

Sirena sat sideways with her fin in the water. First, Dax is upset because he still has hope of having peace again. In my opinion, it’s going to have to be forced. Taking a deep breath, she continued. As you know, I’m a witch. I can make you a mermaid for a short time. It will take the King’s trident to make your transformation permanent. Dax… do you have feelings for him?

Kendra’s mouth dropped open with raised eyebrows. What was she supposed to say? No one knew how she felt for Dax except her mom. The truth was always the right way. Yes.

Good. You are a smart young lady. Now, why do you think Dax is all worked up about you marrying and leaving? Sirena asked.

It couldn’t be. Kendra wished and hoped Dax would want her. "He has feelings for me. Are you sure? What do I need to