Page 24 of Making Out With Mermaids (Haven Ever After #6)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

AMATHEIA

B etmal’s rigid, throbbing length tickles the tiny cilia inside of me, sending streaks of pleasure like miniature lightning bolts radiating out from between my thighs. Heat streaks down the back of my neck as I prop myself up on my knees and encourage him farther back to give me space to ride .

Giant wings hold steady behind him, flared as I gaze in awe at this male who’s made me feel so incredibly complete, so cared for.

Cherished.

That’s the word for how I feel with him. Like I’m the center of someone’s universe.

Rising off him, I hold his fierce look as I sink back down onto his cock. It kicks inside me, teasing my inner walls as he hisses in a breath and bites his lower lip.

“You enchant me, my darling,” he murmurs, pulling me forward to nip at my throat. His lips and tongue trace a lazy, hot trail along my jawline and down the front of my neck. Every touch of his mouth has me clenching tighter, heat coiling deep inside me as my skin flushes.

Sweat beads at the base of my spine as he runs a hand up my back. I let my head fall into his palm as he explores my neck and shoulders and the top of my chest, teasing me with the barest hint of his teeth.

“Please,” I beg. “Please, Betmal. I’m so close.”

A satisfied-sounding chuckle is his only answer, followed by a low, needy groan when I tighten around him.

He bites a spot on the side of my neck, another groan following the first. “Here,” he says quietly. “Here’s where I want you, ma siréne.”

“Take me.” I rise faster on and off him, thighs trembling as he begins to piston his hips to sink deeper. “Bite me, claim me. I want to feel you.”

“Not up and down,” he corrects, gripping my hips and rocking me forward and backward. “Like this, my sweet. Every pass will drag my cock against your G spot. More pleasure to be had.”

The change of direction sends instant heat through my pussy and I can’t stop clenching down hard .

He brushes his lips softly over my neck as he strokes deeper, our breath becoming short, desperate pants as we chase that bliss that’s so close, so…close…

With a growl, Betmal flips us and slams me onto my back. He falls forward on top of me, catching himself at the last moment. With one hand, he grips my left knee and pushes my thigh out to the side. Snarling, he sinks fully inside, second eyelid rolling over his crimson irises as he lets out a growl that shakes the desk.

His free hand comes to the middle of my back, and he arches me up so he can bend down and suck one of my nipples between his lips. His mouth is rough, needy, and every pass of his tongue over my sensitive, puckered skin has me mewling and scratching at the desk surface.

My entire body is a series of sensations as emotion overwhelms me. Love for him. Love for what we have. Love for the perfect, intense way he loves me.

He must sense I’m almost there because he strikes like a viper. A sudden pinch at my neck is all the warning I get before he floods the bite with venom, and bliss erupts, pleasure rocking my system like a tidal wave.

I scream and beg and shout, clawing at every inch of him I can reach as sound and vision muffle. There’s nothing, nothing at all but a sense of Betmal, of the intense pleasure he’s feeling. It’s a knowing in a way I can barely absorb. He’s all dark emotion—desire, covetousness, devotion, love.

Our bond. There. There !

“Betmallll!” I wail his name as he fills me in every sense, our combined pleasure pushing me higher, higher until stars burst behind my eyelids and everything fades but my mate’s teeth buried in my neck.

I think I come for hours. It seems that long, my orgasm drawn out by his venom and the feel of his perfect cock buried deep inside.

Eventually, he releases the bite. I gasp; I could cry from the loss of that contact. I want to get lost in that bliss.

“Mine,” he growls into my lips. “You’re mine now, my sweet.”

I reach up and rub his chest beneath the ziol.

“That means you’re mine, too.” I grin as a sense of satisfaction fills the bright bond between us.

He dips down and licks over the spot he just bit. “I will heal you, ma siréne, but a claiming bite like that will scar.”

“Good,” I manage between ragged breaths. “Can we do it again?”

He laughs with me. “Needy little darling. Shall we go for a swim and then retire to our bedroom? We can do that as many times as you like.”

“Take me.” I reach for him with a smile. “Ma vampíre.”

* * *

“M organ just left the kitchen,” Thatraeia hiss-whispers, her voice slightly muffled through the comm watch. “Lou, the blue witch, is here too, and they’re so cool , I don’t know how to act!”

I laugh even as my heart pangs. It’ll be good for my youngest cousin to spend time around nice, normal women and see more of the world outside of the lake.

“What have you been doing all morning?” I keep my tone light, even though I’m worried about what Caralorn might be planning. Despite how completely Betmal controlled yesterday’s situation, I know Caralorn’s a petty, conniving sea slug, and he’ll want vengeance for all of it, especially once he realizes Thatraeia came with us.

“I was nervous, but the girls took me to the Galloping Green Bean for breakfast, and I got to meet Alba and see Taylor again.” She falls silent for a moment. “Ama, Ever is so different from what I imagined. And Lou and Morgan, depths, they’re so nice and funny. Is this what it feels like to have friends?”

It takes everything in me not to burst into tears at her innocent question. “Yes,” I manage. “And there’s so much more we can show you, sweet Cousin.”

“I saw the Keeper, Arkan, at the diner.” She sighs. “He made a point to tell me he sent Father that notice or whatever. I’m so anxious about that.”

I nod in agreement, although she can’t see me. “Yeah, he called to let us know too.” I gather my thoughts for a moment. “I suppose I’m not really worried about some physical attack, you know? I just want all of this to be resolved. I want Caralorn to stop acting like he’s the only one who can make important decisions for us.”

`“Yeah,” my cousin says. “I miss home, though, the castle especially. I’d like to be able to come and go.”

I can’t think of anything to say to that. I have no desire to go back to the place that’s home for her. It never felt like home to me, even though the castle herself was always kind.

Someone calls Thatraeia’s name, and she rushes off the comm watch, promising to check in later.

I’m sitting at the bar, musing about how quickly my cousin seemed to take to Ever living when there’s a slight thud, and the house swings the front door open.

Sliding off the barstool, I marvel at how good my leg feels as I stride easily up the hall. The house swings the front doors fully open to reveal a small package on the porch.

Nerves clang through me. I wonder if this is some nonsense from Caralorn. Surely the house wouldn’t lead me astray, though…

Peeking around, I look for signs of anything amiss. But when the house shimmies the welcome mat, tossing the box in my direction, I laugh.

“Alright, alright,” I say, chuckling. “We’ll take this inside, shall we?”

Hands come around my body, and I jump in place, but realizing it’s Betmal, I sink against him. He slides his fingers down between my thighs, peppering kisses along my shoulder blades and the side of my neck.

“This is for you, darling,” he murmurs, his voice husky. “Come to the kitchen. I’m in desperate need of an espresso, and we can open it there.”

Intrigued, I turn and reach between us, stroking his rigid length as his head falls back. I love it when he exposes his neck to me. It makes me feel like a vampire. Surging onto my tiptoes, I bite his throat, my tiny fangs sinking into his skin as I lap at it.

He jolts against me, groaning, his hips jerking as he thrusts into my hand. “Or we can fuck on the front porch,” he says on a growl. “I’d welcome that, too. Gods damn, your teeth feel good at my throat.”

I release the bite and nip and lick at his skin, teasing him before I skirt around him and head for the kitchen. He’s at my back, all predatory intensity as we enter the kitchen. I hop up onto the bar, and he turns to the espresso machine, setting it up. That done, he spins in place and hands me a knife.

I take it with a smile and slice the edges of the box. When I open it, shock courses through me, my muscles trembling. I pull out a large, heavy square encased in bubble wrap. But through the translucent puffy bubbles, I can already see the book’s cover. And its title.

Welcome to Ever: A Guide.

“Betmal…” I look up at him with tears in my eyes. “How did you get it so fast? We just finished the paintings yesterday!! I just…oh depths. I can barely believe this.”

He crosses the space between the counter and island, covering my hands with his.

“Believe it, ma siréne. I worked on this after you fell asleep and called in a favor to have a sample overnighted. We have worked hard, and now you get to see the book for the first time.” He pats the hard surface, lifting a dark brow as he smiles. “Shall we, darling?”

Emotion wells up inside me, and I set the book down. Wrapping my legs around him, I pull him close and slide my hands up his abs to rest them over his heart.

“I want to say something first.” I clear my throat, nerves joining the excitement barreling around inside of me. Looking up into eyes the color of garnets, I let everything I feel for him show on my face. “I love you,” I say, my voice wavering. “I know it’s fast, but?—”

Betmal draws in a ragged breath, one hand carding into my hair as he holds me close. “That singular word cannot possibly encompass how I feel about you, ma siréne. I love you too. I cherish you. I adore you. I want to possess you in every way it’s possible for a male to claim his mate. I am yours, Ama, until the very end of our days.”

Tears stream down my face as he leans down, closing his mouth over mine. He eats up the first sob, and then the next, until we’re clawing at one another. I can’t get close enough. I need everything.

When we part, he grits his jaw, nostrils flaring as his second eyelids flash over his red irises. “Back to bed, darling? Or shall we open the book…?”

I glance at the still packaged book, debating.

Betmal laughs and picks it up, holding it between us. “I know that look, my love. Book it is.”

Hands trembling, I pull carefully at the puffy packaging until I can slide the welcome book from its protective sheath. The house opens the cabinet with the trash can in it, and Betmal tosses the packaging inside.

The book is absolutely stunning. The cover features my painting of town hall, and the title and everything else is done in a gold foil that accentuates the artwork. And Thalassa below, my art looks amazing printed on the glossy surface.

Betmal takes it and flips the book, examining the spine and then the back. I’m overwhelmed by how my art wraps around. The blurb on the back is actually the town’s usual welcome letter, repurposed to fit human and monster newcomers alike.

“Stunning,” Betmal murmurs. “This exceeds even my high expectations. Open it, darling. Let’s have a look at the inside.” He sets the book on my lap and turns for his espresso. I open the cover, marveling at the end papers inside that are another of my paintings, this time of Main Street, full of monsters. Everyone looks so joyful, I can hardly believe it.

Betmal returns with a tiny cup of espresso for him and a latte for me. He sets my drink on the counter and joins me, looking over my shoulder as we flip through the book.

The art is amazing. The typography is stunning. Every page is chock-full of helpful details about Ever’s locations and inhabitants. Plus, the book is big, nearly twelve inches tall and wide. It’ll be beautiful on a coffee table.

“So,” Betmal drags his fingertips up my thigh, “a few things need to happen now. I’ll need official approval from Evenia.”

I scrunch up my nose at the mention of that rude-ass bitch.

“I know.” His expression matches mine. “She will give it, though. In conjunction with that, I’d like to plan a launch party. Morgan and Abe can help us. What do you think?”

My immediate excitement dims as I think of Caralorn and the sense of unfinished business I have about him.

Betmal reads me like a book.

“But your cousin will be there,” he says. “You know she’ll want to support you, and I’ll work with haven leadership to ensure nothing ruins your night.”

I pull in a deep, steadying breath, forcing a smile. “We can’t ask them to protect us forever. In the meantime, I love your idea. Let’s invite everyone to dinner and see if they’d like to help.”

“Done,” Betmal says. “I’ll call Abemet in a moment. Then I’ll comm Evenia to get that out of the way.” He gives me a wry look. “Would you like to be here for that?”

I laugh and shake my head. “If you want me there for backup, I’m there, mate. But if you don’t care either way, I think I’ll go sun myself for a while.”

“Alright, darling.” He leans down and licks a stripe along my collarbone, biting my shoulder as he reaches it. A low moan rumbles from his throat. “I’ll be out shortly, my love.” He rubs my shoulders softly. “If Caralorn’s going to make a move, it’ll be soon. And if he doesn’t, then great.”

Except I think we both know something will happen. It’s not a matter of if, just a matter of when.

* * *

“G ive me the book, Ama; I have to see it right now!” Morgan shouts up the hallway as she, Thatraeia, and Abemet arrive for dinner. The house waves them through from the front, and I stand there dressed, ready, and maybe even a little nervous.

But I’m giddy by the time Morgan appears in the arched doorway to the kitchen, Abe at her back with his typically neutral expression. She crosses to me in a rush, and I hand the book to her as Thatraeia slips into my arms and beams up at me.

“It’s so beautiful,” I say quietly. “It arrived this morning, and I’m pretty sure I spent the entire day looking at it.”

Morgan sets the book down next to me on the counter, stroking the front cover as her mouth drops open. She looks up at Abe, who joins us and wraps an arm possessively around her waist.

“Look how fucking beautiful this is, Abe. Swear to God, if I open this book and find out our welcome packets were missing even more information, I’m gonna slap you.”

He chuckles. “Is this a good time to remind you that I was never in charge of the welcome packets?”

She shrugs. “No, because you were in charge charge, so it still counts. Being a leader is rough, huh?”

He smirks as she returns her focus to the book, flipping it open to reveal the first end papers.

Betmal appears out of the bedroom as Morgan’s flipping through, oohing and ahhing over every page.

“Darlings!” Betmal pulls Morgan in for a quick hug, kissing her cheek. Then he hugs Abe the same way, and I have to do a weird double take at seeing them together. They could be twins, except Betmal’s got gray at his temples and far more extravagant taste in clothing.

Abe wears jeans, a dark V-necked tee and Chuck Taylors while Betmal’s wearing fitted black slacks, a billowy knitted sweater and a million necklaces draped around his neck. He could be a human fashion model.

Morgan grins at Thatraeia and then me. “We had a great afternoon messing around with Lou. She’s really getting a handle on her blue magic. If Caralorn tries anything, he’s gonna get bitch-slapped right down.”

Thatraeia brings a hand to her mouth as I sigh. “Part of me hopes he does something just so this can be done. The suspense is killing me.”

Betmal plants a kiss on my exposed shoulder. “I’ve already promised to forcefully remove him as a problem, my sweet. You said I wasn’t allowed.”

“Not everybody hates him,” I grumble, glancing at my cousin.

Abe looks between his father and me. “This book is remarkable. You’ve both done a wonderful job.”

Betmal smiles. “I simply made the formatting beautiful. The highlight is Ama’s art. Which is why I want this launch party to be perfect. Food, drinks, a true celebration of the culmination of this project. And perhaps a tiny sneak peek of what’s to come.”

Morgan’s eyes go wide. “So you got approval from Evenia to do the other havens?”

Betmal shrugs and shoots us a wicked look, his eyes glittering with malice. “I did.”

“Well done, Father,” Abe says. “I don’t know how you managed that, but good for you.”

Betmal rounds everyone and comes behind me, wrapping both arms around my waist as he rests his chin on my shoulder. “When I want something,” he croons, “I get it eventually.” He winks at me.

I laugh as Betmal kisses my neck.

Hours later, we’re laughing as my mate opens a third bottle of wine, offering it to me first, and then our guests.

Morgan stares at the enormous sheet of paper Betmal covered the dining room table with. We’ve got notes scribbled all the way to the edges in parts. She’s an absolute whiz at event planning, it turns out.

She claps her hands together. “Okay, so we’ll have a red carpet up the front steps of Town Hall. We shou—oh, ewww.” She turns to Betmal. “Since Evenia had to rubber-stamp this project, do we technically need to invite her? ‘Cause I feel like she’d show up for no other reason than to be shitty.”

I scrunch my nose and look at Betmal, who shakes his head and frowns.

“No, my darlings. That won’t be necessary. This night is all about a new age for the welcome books. We want it to be a celebration. Neither Evenia nor Aberen will be invited.”

“Okay, thank gods,” Morgan says in a huffy tone. She gives me a sour look. “I really hate that woman. I wish I could snap my fingers and replace her with Abe.” She winks at me. “Or maybe me.”

“I ran into her once. Literally,” I offer. I look at Betmal with a chuckle. “Or did I technically run them both over?”

Morgan slow claps for me. “Whichever you did, good for you. I hope they fell.”

Thatraeia looks between us, brows knit together in confusion. “Who is this again?” She rolls her eyes. “I don’t get out much.”

I snort out a laugh as Abe and Betmal share a look.

Morgan waves a dismissive hand in the air. “Abe’s mother, honey. She runs the whole haven system, but she is truly the worst being I know. So we aren’t gonna invite her to this amazing party.” She reaches over the table to squeeze my hand. “I can’t wait to help you with this. Come to Herschel’s with Thatraeia and me tomorrow to take a look at his specialty menus?”

“Deal,” I say to my new friend.

Thatraeia beams at me and lifts her glass of wine to her lips.

I can’t believe this is my life. I just hope I get to keep it.