Page 13 of Swimming With the Sharks

Shaking his head, Jabari replied, “No, he is asurface dweller, Foster Witman.He fell off of his ship when a badstorm came out of nowhere.I was going to find a friend when I cameupon him in the water, and when I went to rescue him, I discoveredFoster is my mate.”

“Your true mate?That’s wonderful.Congratulations, my friend.May you have many happy timestogether.”Polaris said in his regal tone.

“He has no markings to show he is your mate,Jabari.Why is this.If he were mine, I would make sure no othercould come along and steal him away.”One of the other hippocampistated firmly.

Before Jabari could speak, Foster sternly said,“No one would even try do that because Jabari would rip theirthroats out.”

Hearing the absolute faith his mate had in him,Jabari couldn’t help, but preen and feel such pride rush throughhim.

“You smell off?Why do you smell of chemicals?Are you one of those nasty humans that take things that make you dostupid shit?”The other guard asked in disgust.

Jabari growled low and flexed his tallonedhands, ready to rip the fucker apart.He’d rather apologize toPoseidon than allow anyone to be so rude and disrespectful to hismate.

However, before Jabari could say or do anything,Foster replied, “No, I’m not a drug user as you seem to beimplying.I have, however, had many chemicals pushed through mybody many times.I’m surprised Jabari hasn’t brought it up.I knowthat shifters have great senses and smell is one of the best ofthem all.It’s probably because he is too sweet to bring up thefact that I stink.”

“You do not stink!”Jabari hissed, not likingthe way his mate spoke about himself.

Foster kissed his cheek, saying, “Okay, maybethat isn’t the right word, but I know I must have an off smellabout me.”Turning to look at the hippocampus, he said, “It’s thechemotherapy they gave me for my cancer.It’s not as bad as it usedto be, but it’s not completely out of my system if it ever willbe.”

“Cancer?What is this, cancer?”one of theguards asked.

“It’s a disease that humans can get that causesan uncontrollable division of cells in our body.”Fosterexplained.

When the hippocampus gave Jabari an odd look,Foster sighed, saying, “The blood in me is bad...that’s theeasiest way to put it.”

“So what happens with this bad blood?”Polarisasked.

Foster snorted, “It kills me.Slowly, but I willbe dying sooner than most humans would and that’s why you don’t seethe mating mark on me.I refuse to allow Jabari to bond with me andgive himself a death sentence.Instead, we are spending timetogether, creating memories and enjoying life while it lasts forme, so again, I say thank you for allowing me to touch you.Irealize that isn’t something you would normally do.”

Polaris said, “I am sorry for yourcircumstances.Is there anything else we can do to give youthose...memories you speak of?”

Foster smiled wide, “Can I take a ride?I meanit would be so much fun to race Jabari and see who wins, don’t youthink so?”

Jabari smiled at Foster’s childlike exuberance,but then his mate looked at Polaris nervously, “I’m sorry, that wasrude.You’re not a horse I can ride, you’re a hippocampus and thatmeans the only one granted permission to do such a thing isPoseidon himself, and I really don’t wish to upset the god of theseas.”

Polaris laughed, “The only hippocampus thatPoseidon rides is my brother, and that is between them...if youknow what I mean.However, I am willing to allow such a thing ifthis is what you wish to do.”

“I have a better idea, why don’t we allow thehuman to ride my back while you and Jabari race against us.Youknow I am the fastest in the herd, and if trouble arrives I can getJabari’s mate to safety the fastest.”One of the guards said, thenbowed, “I would be honored to have Jabari’s fated one live out adream.”

Nodding his large horse’s head, Polaris said,“That is a better plan, Goboli.Foster, if you will mount Goboli,we can all go have some fun.It has been too long since I let myHippocampi free.”

“He means he is all work and no play, whichmakes Polaris a very grumpy leader.”Goboli stage whispered.

Foster giggled, and the sound of his mate’s joyhad Jabari feeling both turned on and wishing to hear more.Feelinga slap of a tail, Jabari looked to see his longtime friend lookingat him.“Are you ready, or are you going to stand there dreaming ofways to fuck your mate?”

“You’re an ass, Polaris.I wasn’t thinking of...okay, maybe I kinda was, but honestly I was thinking of how to gethim to make that sound again.His laughter makes my heart sing.”Jabari admitted as he watched Foster get on Goboli’s back.

Polaris called out, “Sacrin, stay close to thearch entrance.If you see or even feel a disturbance let me knowimmediately.Goboli, don’t you let Foster fall and be careful.Foster is human and not used to our waters.”

“I will take care, Polaris and you know that.You’re just worried that Foster and I are going to kick your ass.”Goboli said with a snickering neigh sound only a hippocampus couldgive.

Jabari asked, “Foster are you ready?”

Smiling wide, Foster replied, “More than.Let’sdo this.”

Jabari nodded, “You heard my mate, let’s dothis.”

“Sacrin, give the signal.”Polaris shouted.