Page 27

Chapter Nine

“Tomorrow is the peak of the full moon.”

Niera swallowed the rush of sickness that pummeled her stomach and threatened to relieve her of the breakfast she’d eaten hours ago.

Gods, she wished she hadn’t allowed Alistair to convince her to leave her crystals at the condo.

The daytime temperatures had dropped by early evening. Gray clouds swept across the sky, darkening an already dismal day. The surf crashed to the sand a few feet away, spraying them with chilled seawater.

She squeezed her eyes shut, pressing her head against Alistair’s shoulder. The motion came so naturally she hadn’t tried to stop herself from finding comfort in him.

His hand cupped the side of her exposed face, protecting her from the spray. His thumb stroked along her brow, over and over, his touch lulling and relaxing.

“You know, I’ve come to a point in my life where I don’t mind being land-bound,” he said loud enough to be heard over the raucous waves. His tone held a gentleness she clung to. “If you’re certain of what you see, I’d be willing to give up the ocean, my fins, and whatever else I must to stay here with you. I can’t deny there’s a connection. A pull that is relentless.”

A rumble echoed through his chest and she bit back the urge to smile with his laughter. Since divulging the truth to him, Niera embraced the fickle Fates’ matching. What she felt for the land-bound merman went beyond physical attraction. Beyond curiosity.

No.

It fell into the deeper realms of perfection, however imperfect their relationship might grow to be.

“You can’t turn your back on what you’re meant to do. Your duty to your city, your family.”

Even as she spoke, dread tore through her. She didn’t want him to leave her for the ocean depths. She was a land fae who cherished the forest. He was a creature of the water.

Oh, you fickle little Fates. Blasted silly sisters.

“If the Fates deem my place is here with you, then I’ll gladly do exactly that.” His fingers slipped to her hairline, rubbing over the rebellious strands that refused to stay in her messy knot. “My family’s wealth will allow them to live a comfortable life through the end of their days. It won’t be the first time the king has been left to choose a new advisor.”

“You’re willing to sacrifice everything based on my word. A stranger’s word.”

She tipped her head up to find him gazing down at her, his expression thoughtful and his indigo eyes full of restrained excitement.

“Tell me, Niera. Is that what you propose to your couples when you’re making a match? Do you play devil’s advocate with all your Fate-laced clients? In my opinion, that’s not good marketing.”

He had a point, if she were making a match that didn’t include herself. However, she’d seen so many of her matches ask the same question of their partners.

Can we trust a stranger at her word?

The answer always ended up being yes.

“When can you attempt to go into the sea?” Niera asked, scooting closer to Alistair. Despite the chill in the air, the man emanated enough heat to warm a small army. So unexpected from an otherwise cold-blooded creature.

She took advantage and snuggled into his side. He put his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.

“Once the sun sets. Clear skies or not, the beginning phase of the full moon starts this evening and I can try to get into the water.” He rested his cheek on the top of her head. “You holding up okay?”

Despite the occasional flip of her stomach as it fought to purge whatever contents remained, she actually felt okay. Her energy, her magic, didn’t feel as depleted as it had the night before.

“So far, so good.”

“Let’s hope that no Sherwood cats decide to take a late evening prowl on the beach.”

* * *

Two hours later,the sky had darkened as night crept over Cat’s Paw Cove. The boardwalk glowed with the illumination from restaurants and arcades, blinking Christmas lights adding a festive feel to an appropriately chilly night.

Other than leaving to grab a light dinner of sandwiches, Niera and Alistair sat together on the beach, watching the angry waves. She kept her eyes peeled for sea fae heads bobbing in the white foamy crests, and relaxed when none appeared.