Page 16 of Rock of Stages (Moonlight Siren #4)

NAIYA

I didn’t see my father for two days, during which time I talked to others in my pod and told them my plans to leave. Several of the single mermaids had me repeat the stories of the world above, the ship, and especially the different species of supernatural men onboard.

“Wait, wait—start over. Tell me about the vampires again,” Marina insisted with deep interest.

“Well, I met two. Damien is a guitarist in Caleb’s band. And Celeste is a two-hundred-year-old vampire who’s super rich and sophisticated and likes art and fancy things. She’s Van’s mate.”

“The jaguar shifter, right?” Julie pouted. “Too bad they’re all taken. Are all shifters that wild?”

“They’re all different,” I explained. “Van is a jaguar, Rex is a wolf, and their personalities are as opposite as I can imagine. But one trait they all seem to have is that they’re very protective of their mates.”

“Like you, with a gargoyle.” Julie leaned close. “Who would have thought you’d fall in love with a shifter with wings?”

A smile bloomed across my face. “He’s incredible. Not just strong and protective, but considerate. He’s so caring and looks out for me.”

“That’s it,” Marina declared. “I’m swimming to the surface and finding myself a hot rockman too.”

“You’d get distracted by an octopus and beg him to wrap all eight arms around you,” Julie teased.

We laughed and teased each other some more. They would always be my pod, but I had another home waiting for me above the waves.

When my father swam over, the laughter abruptly stopped, replaced by a quiet underlining tension. Our podmates exchanged glances.

“Naiya, can we talk alone?” he asked, his voice low.

What did this mean? “Of course.”

We swam from the others and I contemplated what he’d say. Would he banish me forever? We stopped beside a curtain of kelp.

He turned to me and let out a slow exhale.

“You’ve always been different than any of your siblings—of anyone I’d known.

Curious. Adventurous and unafraid.” His voice was heavy with resignation.

“I thought if I bound you here, I could keep you safe. After your mother died, that’s all I focused on—keeping my children safe and secure.

And by arranging the marriage, it would give you something to keep you occupied—a new adventure. ”

Emotion tightened in my throat. “I can’t marry him, Father. I don’t love him. I love—someone else.”

He blinked at me, eyes shiny. “A land-walker?”

I nodded. “Yes. A gargoyle shifter.”

“Oh, for the love of conch shells.” He rubbed his face. “A gargoyle ?” He removed his hands and his expression tightened with incredulity, like I was engaged to a sea urchin. “A rock with wings?”

“His name is Caleb,” I declared, straightening my tail.

“He is my— mate .” That was the first time I’d said it, but the word burned in my heart with a certainty.

My fingers traveled to the bite mark near my shoulder and brushed over the raised skin.

The feel of the scar from the mating bite filled me with confidence.

Silence settled between us for half a minute until he broke it.

“You’ve chosen him?”

“Yes,” I declared.

He exhaled with a low whoosh. “I made many mistakes along the way, both trying to lead this pod and raise a family on my own. But I won’t make another one here and try to force you to do as I wish.

” He shook his head. “You always looked toward the surface, Naiya. Somehow, I knew you’d one day go there.

And maybe that’s why I tried to bind you so tightly, to keep you here.

” After a shaky inhale, he continued. “One thing I did right was find your mother. Falling in love with her and creating a family was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

And if that’s where your heart is”—he motioned above—”that’s where your happiness lies.

” He moved his hand to his heart and bowed forward. “You have my blessing.”

Emotions burst in my chest and I rushed over to him. “Oh!” I wrapped my arms around him.

He pulled me into a strong embrace. The pressure of his arms felt grounding, steady. “You’ll always have a place here in the pod, Naiya.”

“I’ll visit often,” I promised, my voice shaky as I held back tears.

We pulled apart and I glanced at him through the sheen coating my eyes. He looked older than he had moments ago—not from age, but from the weight of letting go.

Or maybe I was just reading into it.

I spent the next several days with my pod, swimming with them while a pull to return to the surface grew stronger inside. And I began to feel him—Caleb. His emotions—sad, longing—a whispering echo of my own.

I’m coming soon , I tried to assure him, through the miles that separated us.

Then it was time to go. Hugs all around.

With one last squeeze of my father’s hand, I turned and kicked off into the open sea.

My tail cut through the water, strong and sure.

Every current around me buzzed with energy.

The reefs shimmered like the edge of a dream, and the path to the surface called to me.

My heart was full and my chest buoyant. I was chasing my dreams.

I swam toward the closest island where the ship docked, which was where I’d promised to meet Caleb.

And then the outline of it emerged like an oasis in the desert.

I followed it and broke through the ocean’s surface.

There it stood—the ship with all its lights, its music, its rich sound of liveliness and activity and laughter.

I felt buoyant as I treaded water, almost as if I had wings like Caleb and could fly.

I gazed over every inch of this marvel and sighed, content.

I was home.

My heart sped with anticipation as I swam to the ship.

I smiled to myself and drifted nearer, picturing Caleb wrapping his massive arms around me. Bringing me to his broad chest. Holding me. But then…the water stilled. As if charged by something dark. A chill danced across my fins.

“Welcome back to the Moonlight Siren,” a man’s voice dripped low.

My fins tightened and every scale flickered with wariness. I turned slowly and my heart thudded.

“Angus…”

“Yes.” The selkie sneered. “You’re with that miserable piece of granite?

How unfortunate for you.” His mouth spread into a menacing grin.

“But for me? Just what I need. The perfect chess piece to end this game. Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.” He cocked his fingers back like a loaded gun and aimed at me.

“Wh-what are you talking about?” My voice trembled.

He swam in a slow, creepy circle around me. “Revenge.” His voice dripped low, laced with a dark threat.

I tried to dart away, but he was faster, slick as a sea snake. He grabbed my arm so hard I cried out.

“Check.” He sneered. “ Mate .”