Page 24 of The Nymph Prince

I had no desire to be carried around by the muscled male with an attitude problem. In fact, I’d rather drown.

Lorcan’s lips twitched. “I’m not strong enough to carry you.”

“You’re injured and need my assistance,” Malik countered.

“Aye,” I agreed, wanting any reason possible to prevent me from being carried.

“I have enough strength to swim on my own.” Lorcan touched Malik’s thick bicep and stared up at him. “Carry Alek to the portal.”

Malik’s jaw tightened. “Is this an order, my prince?”

“Yes,” Lorcan answered before his face softened. “But it’s more of a request that I hope you’ll accept.”

“Do I have no say in this matter?” I scoffed.

“No,” Lorcan said as his emerald eyes met mine. Even though no smile touched his lips, his eyes gleamed with it. He limped out farther into the water before stopping, taking a deep breath, and giving me one last look.

When he transformed into his merform, I couldn’t look away. His body glimmered as if made of gems, his back arched, and his legs grew in length before merging into a blue and green tail. Fins sprouted from his forearms. A dusting of blue formed on the tops of his shoulders and chest. His features sharpened, as did his already pointed ears.

The transformation had been remarkable.

As Lorcan caught me admiring him, his pale cheeks flushed.

“Enough gawking,” Malik grumbled.

His transformation was much like I’d imagined it’d be. Where Lorcan had been graceful like a water sprite, gentle and full of beauty, Malik was rough and there was no mistaking his strength. Beautiful would never be used to describe him. As his massive body stretched and changed, the rippling muscles on his abdomen became more prominent, his body lengthened, and fins grew from his forearms. Sharper than Lorcan’s and bigger, too.

Lorcan’s tail was blue and green, so it was surprising to see that Malik’s was orange and green. The fins on his arms were blue where Lorcan’s were violet. The most striking difference was the dusting of black around Malik’s eyes, as though he was wearing some type of assassin mask.

I approached them, still doubtful I’d ever make it to the portal alive. Maybe there was some spell that’d allow me to breathe underwater. Knowing my luck, though, even if I did cast such a spell, it’d backfire and I’d die anyway. Probably painfully.

“Is that fear I sense, mage?” Malik asked with an arrogant smirk.

“No.” I snarled my upper lip at him. “Perhaps it’s your own fear you smell.”

I did not fear death. I didn’t fear Malik, either. Was I dreading being so close to him for the duration of our journey? Certainly. But I wasn’t afraid.

“Don’t worry.” Malik smiled, showing off his sharpened teeth. “I don’t bite.”

Lorcan laughed. “We’ll never reach the kingdom if you two don’t stop.”

I walked forward, inwardly grumbling with every step. Chest-deep in the water, my clothes weighed heavily. Since I’d lost the clothes I’d originally had when we escaped the pirates, I’d stolen some from a shop in town. The trousers were a little big on me, and the shirt was baggy in the sleeves.

Malik wrapped his strong arms around my waist.

As humiliating as it was to be carried like some damsel, I could definitely see the appeal of my situation had I not felt so strongly for Lorcan.

Every inch of Malik exuded strength and dominance. His sharp jawline was balanced by the soft curve of his lips and his long dark eyelashes. His large muscles showed he’d be capable of protecting those he cared for. He’d probably be one hell of an incredible lover, too.

I took a deep breath before we went under.

The sea was my favorite place. The vibrant colors of the coral and fish were breathtaking. The blue water held no equal. As we swam, I peered upward. The sun danced on the surface, looking just like Fletcher had described in his favorite story.

Lorcan swam beside us. His fluid movements were far more interesting than the sun could ever be.

Deeper we went, and soon, the sun vanished and the water became colder.

Malik’s arms were warm and strangely comforting.