Page 11 of The Nymph Prince

“You’re leaving?”

“Aye,” he responded, dropping his gaze to his feet. “I need to find Kellan and Fletch. I need to know they’re okay.” His opened shirt revealed his delectable chest and his trousers were black, hugging his ass and thighs in a delicious way. “We were searching for somethin’ before the ship was attacked.”

“To break the captain’s curse?”

Alek snapped his head back toward me. “How do you know of his curse?”

“All merfolk know the tale of the demon of the sea,” I answered. “After all, it was his slaughtering of our kind that gave him said curse.”

And my father who placed the curse upon him.

I left that part out. I felt I could trust Alek, but I had to be careful of who knew of my bloodline. Having the god of the sea as my father made me a valuable bargaining chip if I was ever captured. And even though Father was wrathful and ever-changing like the tides, he would do anything to save me. Putting that knowledge into the wrong hands was unwise.

“He thinks the key to breaking it is to find the goddess Ran,” Alek said, searching my face. “Will it work?”

“I’m not sure.” And I wasn’t. I didn’t know how to break his curse. Knowing my father, though, I suspected there was more to breaking it than seeking out a sea goddess. Father was a fine trickster. “I think it’s unwise for you to leave. It’s best if we lay low for a while and let the men hunting you believe you to be dead.”

“I can’t abandon my family,” he countered. “I won’t.”

“And get yourself killed in the process?” I challenged, stepping closer to him. He smelled like the sea, combined with the scent of grass, and I wanted to taste him. The pull toward him was powerful. “No. I’ll not allow it.”

“Just because you’ve followed me for months doesn’t mean you get any kind of say over my actions, nymph,” Alek responded. His tone was biting, but the look in his eyes was unsure. “Whatever this is between us? It does not matter.”

“Do you feel it too, mage?” I moved until I was only inches from him. “The connection.”

Although it was subtle, he swallowed and his lips parted. “I’m no stranger to fucking. That’s all it is. Lust.”

“It’s more than just a desire of the flesh, Alek. You can sense when I’m near, just as I can you.” Staring into his blue eyes, I noticed the swirls of silver in them. His unparalleled beauty was like an imprint on my heart. I ached to touch him, to caress his cheek. I refrained. “Please tell me I’m not alone in this.”

I held my breath as I waited for his response. He only stared at me, questions in his eyes and unsaid words on his lips. Hehadto feel it, too.

Once upon a time, I’d heard stories of bonds between nymphs and mages, but as years passed, they became nothing more than myths. Nymphs were brought to near extinction in the war between humans and mages. When their mates—the mages—turned dark, they had, as well. Then, in the aftermath of war, more bloodshed resulted. Nearly every nymph, apart from a few, perished.

The mythical bond was the only explanation to how I felt around Alek. The draw to be with him was deeper than a sexual desire; it gripped me from the inside out.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said, taking several steps back. “You’ve been kind to me, but I must leave. I’m sure our paths will cross again.”

“There’s nothing I can say to change your mind?”

Alek shook his head. “What type of man would I be to hide in shadow when the ones I love are in trouble?”

An idea struck, and I smiled. “Well, if you’re set on leaving, then I’ll just have to go with you.”

His eyes narrowed. “Why would you do that?”

“Listen, mage,” I said, closing the distance between us. He stepped backward and was stopped by a tree. His blue eyes flashed to mine and within their depths I saw the same desire I felt, too. My smile widened. “I crave adventure, and I’ve never been good at staying in one place for too long. As forward as this might sound, I’m drawn to you, and I don’t wish to leave your side. Allow me to accompany you and we can protect each other.”

“What doyouneed protectin’ from?”

“I’m on the run. Same as you. That’s all you need to know.”

“Very well,” he said as a smile crept to his face. “I suppose traveling together would be wise. Two is better than one.”

“Indeed.” Gods, I wanted to kiss him. My lips were inches from his, and all it’d take was one small push forward to make contact. Instead, I bit back the urge and stepped away. “Let’s find something to eat, and then we can decide where to go next.”

4

Alek