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“How are you feeling, prinkípissa?” I murmured.

We hadn’t told Iosif, wanting to see a doctor before we told anyone. But that resolve was fast slipping away. There was one soul I was fairly sure I needed to contact—and soon.

“Oh, I’m fine,” Serena smiled. The forced emotion couldn’t cover her lie. “So that’s it? We take down Parker, and this is over?”

“It’s over,” I assured her.

“And how are we taking him out?” she insisted.

The little menace, bloodthirsty like every other mermaid. Disney forgot that part of the fairytale.

“Zephyr will handle that. Alexios, Iris, and Anatole are working to cancel the contracts with the killers. It might even be over by the time we reach Tampa,” I explained. No, not explained.Prayed.If the only thing for us to do was drive, I would count that as a blessing.

Serena wasn’t seeing active combat...ever.

But the sad reality was that she was going to have to hone her fighting abilities. Life in the world of organized crime was too violent not to be able to defend herself. It would be better if she was a warrior on the peaceful beach than a tourist caught in a war.

Serena pushed herself upright, but then pressed her eyelids tightly closed. Iosif stretched and hopped out of the car, not noticing.

“Markos, I um—” Serena covered her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Do you want to go into the bathroom or find a bush?” I offered.

“Bush.”

I helped her out of the SUV, guided her to the back of the parking lot, and stood guard as she breathed through the round of sickness.

It was nothing short of terrifying to see her reduced to this. I was helpless.

“I’m fine, you can wipe that thundercloud off your face, pirate,” she snapped.

I narrowed my gaze, ready to argue.

“This isnormal,” she insisted. “For some women. Those lucky bitches who never have morning sickness can go to hell. But I’mfine.”

She rose, and I walked her back to the SUV.

“Don’t you want to go inside and use the bathroom?” I jerked my chin to the door.

Serena sighed. “I haven’t drunk enough water to do anything.”

“Then you’re notfine,” I countered.

“Bring me a cup of ice, and I’ll try to fix that.” She gave me a smile that was meant to encourage me.

I left her by the vehicle, only so that I could make the necessary phone call. We didn’t have to tell everyone, but there was one person who would help.

“Markos! Markos, lad, is everything alright?” Dorothea’s panic was tangible through the cellphone.

“Yes, we’re good. Should be back before dawn tomorrow. We’re making good time.” I looked out the window, watching Serena turn her face to the sun. “But I need help.”

“What is it?” my aunt cajoled.

“Serena is sick. She’s not able to keep anything down, and she’s going to be dehydrated if I can’t get water into her. She says it’s normal, but nothing about this is normal.”

There was a pause, and then my aunt began to cackle. “Oh, good lord, I’m going to be a grandma!”

Gripping the phone, I bit back the harsher words. “It’s not funny.”