Page 18 of Rock of Stages (Moonlight Siren #4)

NAIYA

T he stars and moonlight sparkled over the ocean as I stepped outside near the pool deck. The ship rocked gently beneath my feet—no longer strange as I’d gotten used to this rhythm—and legs.

Caleb leaned against a railing with his signature don’t-mess-with-me stance, his blue-gray eyes scanning the horizon. He turned, as if he sensed me approach. When his eyes found mine, his face softened into the smile that he seemed to reserve just for me.

“There’s my beautiful mate.” He kissed me and pulled me into his giant arms. Tingles danced up my skin and my toes curled—that was one of the advantages of feet. He pulled back and gazed down at me. “How was your night?”

“Brilliant.” I beamed. The Moonlight Siren had hired me for the rest of the sailing season, and I spent most of my time working behind-the-scenes on productions. Carina mentioned she’d try to get me a small role performing on a new show next season, but for now, I’d learn everything I could.

“Proud of you,” he said, brushing his fingers over the back of my neck.

The last three weeks had flown by in the blur. On dock days, I often swam with Carina and the other sea shifters. Now, I belonged to two worlds and relished exploring them both—especially whenever I could do so with Caleb.

We made our way to a table beside the dragon pool where the rest of his band had gathered with their mates. I loved when we met up like this after our shifts—a family of supernaturals, forging our own way on as we sailed the sea. As laughter rippled around the table, a massive shifter walked by.

Van leaned forward and muttered, “I thought our rock lobster was big, but that shifter’s biceps could probably crush Caleb’s drum set.”

“No one better lay a finger on my instrument,” Caleb grumbled.

“I hope you don’t say that to your mate!” Van added with a laugh and everyone joined in.

My cheeks warmed in slight embarrassment, yet at the same time, it felt to be good to be included in their teasing. It was their way of saying you’re one of us.

“I wonder why Maribelle giving him the stink eye from across the pool,” Piper said with a low whistle.

The shifter continued walking on, oblivious to Maribelle’s eye daggers.

The witch headed over to us. “Ugh, that’s the new physical trainer.

” Maribelle tossed her hair over one shoulder and planted one hand on her hip.

“What a meathead. I can’t believe they hired someone like him.

So…so brawny. And too close to my spa.” She threw her hands up in exasperation.

“If I hear him say ‘Beast mode, baby,’ I’ll hex him into a sea cucumber! ”

After she stormed off, Piper rubbed her hands together with excitement. “I can’t wait to watch this play out.”

Van chuckled. “Bring out the popcorn.”

What was so entertaining about that? I was about to ask when Caleb wrapped his arm behind me, and I instinctively leaned into my gargoyle protective embrace.

I glanced up at the stars, then down to where it met the black velvet of the ocean.

This ship, the sea, the sky…all with Caleb. I was where I wanted to be.

I was home.

Thanks for diving into Naiya and Caleb’s story! Catch the fiery sparks when Maribelle clashes with the burly shifter in Bear to be Wild !