Page 6 of Swimming With the Sharks
“Fear.When you called me there was actual fearand concern in your tone.There was no denying that you believethis man is your mate and you are worried for him.It’s why I came.I am a healer, Jabari and whether the people of Atlantis want tobelieve it or not, you are an Atlantean just the same as anyoneelse here.There was no way I could deny your request, and norwould I want to.I’m just sorry I can’t help you any other way.”Andreas said sadly.
Giving the woman a small nod of acknowledgement,Jabari replied, “You have done all you can and I will be forevergrateful and in your debt.If ever you are in need of me, just callmy name and I will be there.”
Andreas gasped in surprise.Granting a debtwasn’t something a demon did easily or often, but it was known byall that when a Charonte or Adanc demon promised a debt, it wasalways repaid without question.
“I thank you, Jabari.I will keep that in mindand I need you to remember something as well.”Andreas stated.
“Okay?”Jabari asked.
Her features became stern as she said, “A truemate, when bonded, has a mark that no one, god or otherwise, canremove.That means once you and that man lying there join, no onewill be able to deny who or what he is to you.No words will beneeded to prove anything.Then the people of Atlantis will begin toaccept you as one of us.”
Shaking his head, Jabari replied, “I don’t knowif that will ever happen, Andreas.They refuse to even call me bymy first name.I am Hell to most of those here.It’s their way ofreminding me of my demon as if I don’t know who or what I amwithout them saying it.”
“I don’t call you Hell, and others may not evenknow your true name since you don’t ever attempt to talk to anyone.You know, friendships works both ways, Jabari.The problem is youhave stopped trying.”Andreas stated.
Jabari snorted, “Of course, it’s me that hasstopped trying.Fuck, Andreas, at least I did try.No one...noteven you can say you gave an inch.I was Hell to everyone then, andI’m Hell to them now.Honestly, it’s been so long I don’t know ifI’ll care even if they try.Some hurts go too damn deep.I was bornin Atlantis.I was raised in Atlantis.My parents are two of theoriginal Atlanteans, yet I have never known a friend, nor have Iknown acceptance.I have never known what it is to be with someoneunless it is in dark alleys or barroom bathrooms where no one canknow.My life has been a lonely one.”
“That is true, Jabari, but think of your mate.If you don’t learn how to forgive the ignorance of others, whatwill that mean to him?The way you are treated isn’t right, Jabari.I know this.Yet, if one side doesn’t give allowances, that meansforgiveness is already lost.There will be no moving forwardwithout forgiving the past.And if you can’t take those steps offorgiveness where does that leave you and your mate?Just thinkabout it.”Andrea said as she walked out of his room and back outthe door she had arrived through.
Looking back at his mate, Jabari thought aboutwhat Andreas had said.He knew she was right, but the pain insidehis heart was so deep and cemented.Could he learn to forgive?Whenhis mate began to stir, Jabari realized something.He would have towork damn hard to do it, but for his mate’s happiness, Jabari woulddo anything.Even face those that called him Hell.
CHAPTER 3
The Sound of people talking made Foster wakeup.Who was in his room?Where was he?He didn’t feel any boatrocking as he normally did when he was sleeping in hisquarters.
“The way you are treated isn’t right,Jabari.I know this.Yet, if one side doesn’t give allowances, thatmeans forgiveness is already lost.There will be no moving forwardwithout forgiving the past.And if you can’t take those steps offorgiveness where does that leave you and your mate?Just thinkabout it.”The soft female voice said, and then Foster heard herleave the room.
Feeling someone watching him, Foster didn’tknow what to do.He wanted to open his eyes, but not understandingwhere he was, or who was in the room with him, scared the shit outof him.
When the feeling of feathery fingers brushedhis hair from his forehead, and a deep baritone voice whispered,“Open your eyes, mate.You have nothing to fear from me or anyoneelse.I will fight to the death to ensure your safety.”
Mate?What the fuck?He knew thatterm.He read more paranormal romance novels than most anyone inthe world.Hell, what else did he have to do when lying in a sickbed for so damn long?Nothing, that’s what.Then the words actuallyregistered in his fogged up brain.It was as if the guy knew he wasawake?Was that possible?Mate...hmmm...knew he was awake...whoever was here and wherever he was, it had to be a paranormalthing.Okay, that shit was scary.This entire situation was scary.Maybe he was dead?Could that be it?How would...wait, it wascoming back to him.Being on the boat, watching the sharks feedfrom the chum the deck hands were throwing out to them, and thenthe crazy-ass storm coming out of nowhere and the waves...holyshit, he had been swept over the side of the ship by the waves!Hehad to be dead.
“Please don’t be afraid.I can hear yourbreathing increase and your heart rate as well.I swear to you,mate of mine, you are safe.Just open your eyes for me.I’ve beenso curious as to what color those orbs will be.I know whateverthey are, I will love them, but still I would like to know.”Thesoft baritone said.
Slowly Foster opened his eyes, and foundhimself staring into the most amazing dark-blue eyes he had everseen.The man before him was simply gorgeous, and fuck if his cockdidn’t take notice.Shit, Foster didn’t remember a time when anyman had caused his dick to harden by just a glance.
“Baby blue.Wow, that never even occurred tome.I thought maybe hazel or green, or even a typical blue, but no,yours are even more alluring than I imagined.”The man said with asmile, then said, “My name is Jabari Hellister.”
Foster swallowed before rasping, “Fos...Foster Wit...Witman.”
Jabari’s eyes widened, “Let me get you somewater.I’m sure your throat must be dry from all that salt wateryou must have swallowed.”
Foster watched as Jabari grabbed for a shellof sorts, then helped Foster sit up as he held the shell to hislips so Foster could drink.The water was cool and refreshing asFoster swallowed.There was no way he could stop the groan ofpleasure he felt as the cool liquid soothed his sore throat.
Once he had his fill, Foster pulled back,whispering, “Thank you.”Then he looked around, “Where am I?”
“My home.”Jabari answered as he laid Fosterback down and set the shell back where he had found it.
Foster couldn’t help but smile, “And whereis your home?”
“Atlantis.Where is yours?”Jabariasked.
Holding up his hand, Foster said, “Hold on asecond.You’re saying I’m in the lost city of Atlantis?Themythical location deep under the sea?”
Nodding, Jabari replied, “Yes, although Iknow nothing about being lost since I’ve lived here all my life,but yes, Foster, my home is in Atlantis.”
Foster closed his eyes trying not to freakout.If what Jabari was saying was true, he was deep down on theocean floor and...“Wait a second.If I’m under the sea, how thehell am I breathing?For that matter how did I get here?”