Lords of the Abyss
    Book One
 THE MIGHTY HUNTER
    
    By
    
  Michelle M Pillow




© copyright March 2006, Michelle M. Pillow
Cover art by Dan Skinner and Eliza Black, © copyright March 2006
New Concepts Publishing
www.newconceptspublishing.com


This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.
    

    
    
    
    Dedication:
    
    To Melissa. Happy 30th Birthday. 
    

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Chapter One
    	
    	Bridget Dutton watched the waves lapping along the bow of the ship as it chopped through the water. No matter how many times she went out to sea, she could never stop staring at the beauty of it--the brilliant blue of the water stretching out like a moving field into the horizon. She loved everything about it--the sound, the smell, the feel of being rocked to sleep on the waves. But, there was also the excitement of it, the unknown.
    	Now, as the bright moonlight shimmered over the glassy surface, the water was exceptionally beautiful to behold. There was nothing around the boat but the sea and the night sky. They were miles away from any coast, surrounded by sparkling blue.
    	“Your mother must’ve thought she gave birth to a dolphin,” Ned Devenpeck teased, joining her at the rail. He was the head of their expedition. His accent still held traces of his Dutch birth, but after nearly thirty years working off the Florida coast, primarily studying fish ecology, his English was perfect. Dev was an older man, nearing sixty, though he hardly looked it. Years spent out on the waves had kept him fit and he hardly looked a day over thirty-five, except for the short crop of dark gray hair on his head. Like all the scientists, he was dressed for the field in khaki shorts and a fleece sweater. He handed her a cup of coffee. “You never come inside the cabin until it’s time to sleep or work.”
    	“Thanks, Dev,” Bridget answered, nodding as she lifted the cup. She had known him for some time as a scientist, but she was beginning to think of him as a friend. This was their first expedition together and he had chosen her as his second in command. There had been some light flirting, and she definitely respected his work, but it hadn’t gone anywhere. She was only twenty-six and that was quite an age difference, especially career wise. He was winding down while she was just getting started. “Actually, she accused me of being a pirate in my past life because I always came home with treasures from the ocean.”
    	“Oh yeah? Where did you grow up?”
    	“The Oregon coast. Most of the treasures were just sea shells or sand dollars, polished glass, bits of driftwood. But once, I did find this.” Bridget reached into her shirt and pulled out her necklace. It was a flat disc with a hole in the middle inscribed with strange symbols. “No one has been able to tell me what it is or what it means. I’ve basically come to the conclusion that someone was toying with ancient languages and carved it. It’s too new to be an antique.”
    	Dev laughed softly. “I’ve never seen anything like it. And the Oregon coast? It’s the wrong region for this sort of thing. Though, I suppose with currents… Well, never mind. It’s probably like you said. So, is this the reason you love the ocean so much?”
    	“I don’t know. It did make me think about it more, about what could be out there buried deep beneath the waves. I can’t seem to help it. I love the sea. It’s the last unknown left to explore on Earth. There are so many things we don’t know about it. For each new species we classify, there are fifty more waiting around the next seamount.”
    	“What are you doing in Florida, then?” Dev asked. “You should be going with a team to study the Mid-Atlantic Ridge or the effects of the Puerto Rico Trench on tsunamis. Why stay here helping me with boring chemical readings?”
    	“I tried to get on an expedition to explore shipwrecks, but Thurmond told me I lacked sufficient Deep Ocean and thermocline experience to be on his team. He did say if I filled this position and worked for a full year, he would reconsider my application. Since he’s the boss, here I am.”
    	“Thurmond’s a politician first and a glory hound second,” Dev said, shaking his head. “We’re scientists. Politics have no place in science. Well, except to fund my pet projects, of course.”
    	“I agree,” Bridget said, raising her coffee mug. “But, don’t you worry. I signed on this boat for the next year and I won’t complain.”
    	“I’m not worried,” Dev said, winking. “We throw complainers to the sharks. There’s no one for miles to aid in a rescue. How do you think we got rid of Grant?”
    	“Who’s Grant?”
    	“Exactly.” Dev winked again. He pushed up from the rail. “I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    	Bridget laughed. “Good night.”
    	“Don’t stay up too late, kid. That’s an order.” Dev opened the door and went below deck into the main cabin.
    	Bridget smiled to herself as she turned back to the water. Hugging her sweater around her arms, she knew she shouldn’t be out too much longer or she would catch cold. The air was particularly chilly at night, as the breeze swept over her from the water.
    	Just as she was about to turn, Bridget saw movement on the surface. She frowned, squinting to see better. It was probably just a dolphin pod or something swimming past. She leaned over the rail. As the boat moved ahead, she saw that it was actually something floating on the water. She stiffened.
    	“Man overboard,” she whispered. Where had he come from? Springing into action, she ran to the cabin door and yelled, “Man overboard! Man overboard!”
    	Someone was playing a guitar and the music came to a sudden halt, punctuated by a rise of voices. Nearly a dozen scientists rushed out from the cabin, some carrying life vests and first aid kits. Dev jumped up to man a searchlight as Bridget pointed at the water. It didn’t take him long before he found the man clinging to driftwood. The big spot light outlined the dark figure. Her stomach was tight with worry. Who was this man and what was he doing floating out in the middle of nowhere?
    	Bridget grabbed a rope ladder still tied to the rail from earlier when they’d taken surface samples. She threw it over the side. Adrenaline pumped through her veins and she fearlessly climbed over the rail to the ladder. She didn’t stop to think, just did what had to be done.
    	“Bridget, hold on!” she heard Cassandra scream. “Let us hand you a line so you can tie yourself off.”
    	“We’re close,” Bridget yelled back. “I can almost reach him!”
    	The boat slowed. Freezing cold water splashed over her, soaking her sweater. She climbed down. Her feet dipped below the icy surface. Hooking her arm on a rung, she leaned over.
    	“Almost!” she called, beginning to shiver violently. “Just a foot more. Ease it in. I can almost… reach… him!”
    	The boat pulled closer. Her heart pounded so loud in her ears that she couldn’t hear anything. The man didn’t move as she called out to him. His fingers gripped the driftwood for dear life. She reached out, touching his shirt sleeve. The man jerked and she gasped in loud surprise at the sudden movement.
    	“What’s going on?” she heard someone ask. The spot light shifted, shining brightly into her eyes. She closed them, turning her back on the light as she gripped tighter to the man’s sleeve.
    	“Easy, we’re here to help. You’re safe now,” Bridget soothed. “No one’s going to hurt you. Come on. Come with me. Easy does it. There you go.”
    	The man started moving, grasping at her as he tried to pull himself out of the water. His heavier weight strained her arm on the rung. Bridget grunted in pain, trying to hold onto the man and the ladder as his weight caused her to strain. Calling up, she said, “I got him, but I need help lifting him up.”
    	Hands instantly came over the side to help her. Together they managed to get him up over the rail. Bridget stayed on the ladder, looking around. She climbed up a few rungs, getting her lower legs out of the freezing water.
    	“Are there any others?” she asked, coughing lightly. “Find out if there are any others.”
    	“Bridget, come up!” Dev yelled. “We’re going to circle around the area.”
    	Bridget, not seeing anyone in her immediate area, climbed up. Dev grabbed her under her arm and helped support her weight as she came over the top. Someone wrapped her shoulders in a wool blanket. The man she rescued was lying on the deck, covered in a blanket. She fell to her knees beside him. He was shivering, but his eyes were open.
    	Bridget tensed. His dark gaze stared up at her and his black hair was matted to his head. The man was wearing an old fashioned linen ruff around his neck, an embroidered, padded epaulette, short stockings and puffed shorts much like what was worn on the old Armada Galleons of the mid-fifteen hundreds. His skin was dark, though it was cast with a sick pallor. When he opened his mouth, a torrent of broken, foreign words passed his lips.
    	“Do you think he’s from Cuba?” asked Stevens, a tall, lanky scientist who spent more time by a microscope than anyone she had ever known.
    	“Look at how he’s dressed,” someone whispered. “What’s he doing out here?”
    	“Do you speak English?” Bridget asked him, when he continued in what sounded like a dialect of Spanish.
    	“Must go,” he said, trying to sit up. His voice was hoarse and it made it even harder to understand his accent. He was too weak from his ordeal in the water and fell back to the deck. “Monsters. They’re out there. In…”
    	“Monsters?” Dev asked, kneeling by Bridget. She shrugged, not understanding.
    	“It came from below,” the man said. “A monster. It came from below. It rammed our ship.”
    	“Military?” someone suggested.
    	“Monsters,” the man insisted, desperately grasping at Bridget’s sweater. He pulled her down, shaking violently as his hand gripped into her sweater. “They come from below. They kill everyone. They control the water. They make it move.”
    	Their ship bumped against something in the water. The man’s eyes got wide and he began to cry, closing his eyes in what looked like prayer. Dev stood and she heard him order, “You, man the spot light and see what’s out there. Everyone look for survivors. This man had to come from somewhere.”
    	“It’s too late,” the man cried, before rushing into a torrent of broken Spanish. The ship again hit alongside something in the water. Bridget pulled her shirt free from the man’s grip. “Too late. They kill us all.”
    	“It’s just driftwood!” Dev yelled.
    	Bridget relaxed. Pointing at Stevens, she said, “Get him below deck and dried off. He’s obviously in shock. See if you can’t get a coherent thought out of him about what happened. Someone should get on the radio and try to find out what’s going on. See if there are any missing ships.”
    	“I’ve got the radio,” Peterson answered. The bearded man turned to go below deck.
    	Bridget struggled to her feet, gripping the blanket tight as she worked it snug around her chest for warmth. Her bare legs and wet boots caused her muscles to ache with the extreme cold of the ocean breeze on damp skin. She joined Dev by the railing as he searched the sea. The others had spread out and were searching with spot lights in all directions.
    	“What do you think happened?” Bridget asked, seeing chucks of wood floating around them.
    	“Shipwreck of some sort. There’s too much debris in the water for this to just be a man lost at sea. I don’t get it though. There are no reefs in this area to run aground on, unless he had been drifting for some time.”
    	“But, if he’s been drifting, then we wouldn’t have this concentration of wood,” Bridget said thoughtfully. “A storm maybe? A freak hurricane?”
    	“No,” Dev denied easily. “The ocean’s been calm. There haven’t been any major storms for weeks. And if there was anything unusual, our satellite uplink would have warned us of it.”
    	“Do you think he meant sharks, not monsters?” Bridget searched the water. More debris floated by. Her stomach knotted. She couldn’t see any more survivors. “They wouldn’t have attacked a boat, but if there was blood in the water… I don’t know, maybe it’s possible?”
    	“Yes, possible,” Dev answered. He pointed into the distance. “There. What’s that?” Then glancing over his shoulders, he called, “I need a spot light over here.”
    	A light skimmed the dark ocean surface. The debris grew thicker, clanking along the boat. Bridget shivered. “It’s been torn up. What in the world could have caused this much damage? There’s nothing out here but water.”
    	“It’s wood,” Dev said, his tone strained, “All of it wood. And did you see what he was wearing? This doesn’t make sense.”
    	“Film crew? Maybe the pyrotechnics went awry.” Bridget frowned. So far it was the only idea she had that sounded reasonable given the facts.
    	“No, they would’ve had back-up ships for everyone.” Dev turned. “Tom, tell Jon to check our bearings. I want to make sure we haven’t drifted off course. Check the sensors and make sure there are no reefs around this area.” Dev visibly swallowed. “Everyone else, keep searching for survivors. With this much wood, the ship was way too big for just one man.”
    	For a long time everyone was quiet, as they looked through the floating debris, listening past the sound of wood bumping the sides of the fiberglass ship. A blast of the horn sounded over the water, much louder than any yell. They listened to the silence that followed the abrasive sound. Time crept by slowly and no one called out in answer.
    	“There,” Tom said to her left. Two divers were in full gear, ready to go into the water. “What is that? Do you see it?”
    	They watched as a sail snagged on a broken beam drifted by. A wrist was tangled on the mast, but the rest of the body was below the surface. Dev sent the divers into the water to see if the person was still alive. Though, when they dragged the body of a man out of the water, they were not surprised that he was long dead. He was dressed much like the first strange man now below deck.
    	“See if he has any ID and then wrap him in a blanket,” Dev said softly. Bridget heard him whisper under his breath, “Poor souls.”
    	Bridget rubbed her eyes. They’d had a long day at sea collecting samples, but they weren’t tired as they focused on the endless ocean and their new rescue mission.
    	“You should get changed from those wet clothes,” Dev said. “I don’t need you getting sick on me way out here.”
    	Bridget nodded and gave one last glance over the water before going below deck to the female sleeping quarters. The quarters basically consisted of several cots lined along the walls. Being there were more males than females aboard the ship, they had more room in their quarters than the men had. Changing out of her wet clothes into warmer blue jeans and a thick hooded sweatshirt, she quickly pulled the bun from the nape of her neck, only to wind her long hair back up. When she finished a strand of her black hair clung to her pale hands. Her fingers shook and she clenched them into a fist, wiping the hair strand against her jeans.
    	Death at sea was a risk they all took on the water. The ocean wasn’t something they’d ever be able to control. Even as she admired it, the reality of what it could do humbled her. Bridget heard the cries of the survivor, though he again spoke in his native tongue. He sounded so terrified. Bridget wanted to go to him, but knew her help was needed on the deck. She made her way topside.
    	Two more bodies were pulled from the wreckage, but there were no more survivors. Each corpse only added to the mystery, as the men were all dressed in the same period costume and the only papers they found were handwritten parchments in a foreign language. Only a few words could be made out, as the water had ran most of the ink.
    	Still, as an hour passed without any luck, no one suggested giving up the search. Jon was having a hard time getting anyone on the radio, but insisted that they were still on course. Steven reported that the survivor was asleep. They’d given him a shot of morphine from the emergency medical kit to put him out since he wouldn’t calm down.
    	They crossed through the thickest part of the debris before circling around. The horn sounded intermittently over their heads. Aside from the debris, there was no sign of a ship, making them believe that it had been alone on the water before it had sunk.
    	Bridget closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. The salty air stung her face and she drew the hood of her sweatshirt over her head. Suddenly, the boat rocked, hit on the starboard side. The loud crash was punctuated by the startled screams of those onboard. The boat tilted so violently that she fell over, slamming into the deck. Several of the scientists slid into each other as the ship righted itself once more.
    	Bridget hung onto the rail, pulling herself up. Her body tense, she searched desperately to see what it was that had hit them. The boat tipped again, this time it knocked from the port side. Several screams sounded, louder than before. One of the scientists fell overboard into the dark water.
    	“Where is he?” Stevens yelled. “Jerry?!”
    	Bridget was about to go help when the boat was hit again. She saw a strange glimmer in the water, a brief passing of silvery blue light. Dev grabbed her arm as they were again tossed, keeping her from falling over the side like Jerry.
    	“We got him,” Stevens said as they pulled Jerry back up from the water.
    	“Submarine?” Bridget asked Dev, pointing to where she saw the glimmer. They were scientists and would look for the most logical answer first. Another glimmer passed by, this one silvery green. “Did you see that?”
    	“I’ve never heard of a sub that moves like that,” Dev answered, “even the small submersibles.”
    	“Aliens?” someone asked, pointing to another glimmer of light.
    	Bridget gripped the rail as they were again knocked on the starboard. “New, very large species of Deep Ocean fish rising to the surface to feed?”
    	“I’ll go with that one,” Dev announced. “Someone get me the net and a harpoon. We’re going to try and catch this thing. Let’s see what we’re up against, shall we? Come on now! Move it, people!”
    	Dev clapped his hands for action. The scientists sprung into action. Some scrambled down to the cabin. Whatever was knocking the boat had stopped. Those left on deck looked over the side, trying to see anything that would give them a clue as to what was happening. Stevens got Jerry below deck and to safety.
    	“I wish we had a submersible,” Dev said. Bridget nodded. They didn’t have a reason to take one on the trip. “We could stick it down there with a video feed and use it as a decoy.”
    	The ocean was calm once more for several minutes. Stevens directed the men to drop the net down into the water as Dev waited with his harpoon. Bridget watched, her body tense.
    	“Should we really kill it?” Bridget asked, always the scientist first.
    	“We may not have a choice,” Dev said, though she could tell by his face that he would love to catch the thing alive. “You saw what it did to that other ship.”
    	Bridget nodded. He was right, of course. A strange blend of scientific excitement and mortal fear beat in her veins. She held her breath, waiting.
    	The water stirred. A palpable tension worked its way over the deck as they all watched the net. It dipped into the cold water, jerking violently as it caught hold of something. Stevens ordered it pulled up. As it neared the surface, Bridget saw the purplish glimmer of diamond shaped scales and the splash of a long split caudal fin. The way it moved reminded her of silk in water. It was larger than any fish she’d ever heard of. A long, short dorsal fin ran up the back, but she couldn’t see the fish’s head. Then a male arm thrust up from the water. They all gasped in shock as the fingers moved.
    	“He’s still alive,” Stevens said, though none of them knew who the ‘he’ was. “That thing is swallowing him whole.”
    	The way the body was angled, it did look as if the fish had swallowed half the man’s body, starting at the feet. The men pulled the net harder, grunting in their efforts, but the sea creature and his victim didn’t surface. Then, the body shifted and Bridget gasped. By the way the scales blended into flesh, it didn’t look like a man at all.
    	“Merman,” Bridget whispered, trying desperately to see into the dark water. Such a discovery would be phenomenal! “Give us a better spot light over here!”
    	“Shoot it, Dev!” Stevens yelled.
    	Dev leveled the harpoon. The ship rocked violently, throwing off his aim and he nicked the creature’s tail. Bridget saw the merman’s blood seconds before the net was jerked up, empty. It had been cut open and the creature freed.
    	Bridget yelled as she was thrown across the deck. The sound of the ship breaking apart beneath them pierced the night. Several of the scientists slid into the water. Bridget’s eyes met Cassandra’s before the woman went over the side. Bridget had never really gotten along with the woman, but it didn’t stop her from reaching out to grab at her arm. Cassandra’s fingers slipped through her grasp. The boat jerked again, coming apart in a way that should not have been possible. Water splashed over the edges. They were sinking, fast.
    	Bridget screamed. Then, as the first shock of cold water hit her skin, she took a deep breath, tears streaming over her cheeks as she held it. Time seemed to stand still as she sank slowly down into the black water. The pull of the sinking boat tugged her body as she went under. She flailed her arms, trying to swim against the current that was dragging her down.
    	Her lungs burned, even as the cold seeped into her limbs. Within seconds, she couldn’t move. It was so dark, a soundless, watery tomb. She couldn’t hear the struggles of the others. She couldn’t hear the creaking ship. Then, a small glimmer of light appeared before her. Was she dying? Was this it? The light faded as her mind dimmed.
    	One last thought passed through her before she let the darkness have her. Monsters. They came from below.
    * * * *
    	Accursed, interfering mortals!
     	Caderyn struggled against the netting that trapped him. The humans didn’t know what they were doing and hunters shouldn’t hunt if they didn’t know what they were after. The Scylla were dangerous creatures. They were spirits of the water, mindless, reckless, forever searching. The mortals would never catch a Scylla with a mere net.
    	Caderyn stiffened. He was close to the surface, so close he could feel the air burning his skin. If he breathed the surface air, he would die a painful death. He cut at the net with the sharp fin along his forearm, but it was hard to work against the jerking pulls of the mortals above him. It took all his strength just to stay underwater.
    	Looking up, he saw a gray-haired man with a sharp spear. The man was pointing it down at the water. Caderyn knew the weapon wouldn’t kill him, but it would hurt like the fire pits of Hel. Then his eyes focused on the woman next to the man with the spear. He only caught a glimpse of her face, the imaged distorted by the transition from water to air. Her skin was pale and her eyes were a wide blue-gray, just like a stormy sea in the middle of the day.
    	‘Don’t move. Solon goes to ram the ship so we may free you.’
    	Caderyn heard Iason’s words in his head. All the Merr could communicate by telepathy in the water. He obeyed the order and stopped struggling, trusting his fellow hunters. Looking through the dark water, he saw perfectly in the inky depths. The first wreck had caused most of the sea life to abandon the area.
    	There were twelve hunters total, split up into four teams of three. Caderyn’s team, known simply as Solon’s Hunters, consisted of himself, Solon and Iason. Solon was the leader because he chose to carry the vial around his neck filled with the liquid that would paralyze the Scylla so they could catch it. The liquid was the only way to stop the fearsome sea creature. Because of this, Solon had to have final say when it came to capturing the Scylla. It was he who needed to get into position. The other teams were the Knights, the Soldiers and the Warriors. Caderyn had worked with his team for decades, so long that they had learned to trust each other and could almost predict each other’s moves.
    	The boat above him rocked, just hard enough to toss the mortals aside and loosen the net. Iason came up from below, taking his fin to help rip through the netting to free Caderyn.
    	‘Hit a snag?’ Iason asked, nodding at Caderyn’s tail.
    	Caderyn looked down in surprise. He was bleeding, but it wasn’t bad. ‘I’ll live.’
    	‘I see him,’ Solon interrupted. ‘He’s here!’
    	Caderyn watched a dark spot in the ocean drift by. It knocked the bottom of the ship, tearing into its hull. They’d been tracking the Scylla for days only to find it already had a target.
    	Solon swam by, his human arms stretching through the water as his tailfin thrust to the side to sharply change directions. He grabbed the vial from his neck, breaking the string it hung on. Caderyn and Iason quickly cornered the shadowy creature as Solon blew the contents of the vial over it. The Scylla jerked up, straight into the ship.
    	‘By All the Gods,’ Solon cursed. ‘No! Stop it!’
    	Caderyn helplessly watched the ship break apart above them and start to sink. He made out the cries of the mortals overhead. Even as he cursed the foolish humans for trying to capture him, he felt bad for them. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything he could do about their fate. It was just like the first ship. Most of the mortals onboard would die this night.
    	The Scylla became subdued and quit moving. Solon grabbed him and dragged him down toward the ocean floor. The creature wouldn’t have the energy to fight for quite some time, but Solon wouldn’t wait around for it to regain its strength. Caderyn turned to watch as mortal bodies fell from above, flailing in the water.
    	‘There,’ Iason said, dashing to a mortal woman with flaming red hair. He watched as his friend grabbed her. She struggled, beating against him, but Iason was too strong for her frail body. Caderyn saw him lock his lips to hers, pulling her into his embrace.
    	Caderyn searched the mortals, gliding his arms back and forth to hover in the water. The men drifted past. He wished he could save them, help them, but all he could do was save them from the current pulling them down and push them toward the surface as he silently wished them luck. He lifted the ones he could reach in time. Then, seeing a female, he swam for her, dodging the bulk of the ship as it sunk past him. Her wide blue eyes struck him. It was her, the one he’d seen watching him. She was dying. Her body didn’t flop and her eyes stared lifelessly out at him from her pale skin. A string of bubbles left her parted lips. Strands of black hair brushed him like soft sea grass as he came close to her.
    	Caderyn grabbed her body to his chest. She was as cold as the ocean. Instantly, he pressed his lips to hers, suctioning them around her mouth. He sucked the water from her lungs only to replace it with the air he filtered through his gills. She didn’t move, but he could feel her heart beating lightly against his chest as he pulled her close. His body heat would only sustain her for so long before death came to claim her.
    	For all intents, the hunt had been a success. The Scylla was captured and would roam the ocean no more. Swimming down into the depths of the abyss, Caderyn left the wreckage behind him. The further away he got from the surface, the more ocean life swam around them. The ferocious deep sea life wasn’t bothered by him and Caderyn ignored them in turn. It was dark, but his Merr gaze cut through the blackness like daylight, his eyes glowing softly as he looked around. He sensed the ocean as if it was part of him. Gliding down, he weaved, dodging a baby squid.
    	The woman’s breasts were soft against him, making a hot wave of desire flood his veins. It had been so long since he’d found release with something other than his hand or a pleasure nymph. He could do nothing about that now, but it didn’t help his concentration as he focused on breathing for her.
    	Caderyn pushed himself to the limit, swishing his tail in hard, fast stokes. His body burned, each muscle tingling with the exertion. His gills fluttered against his neck, straining to give her more oxygen, to keep her alive just a moment longer. It wasn’t easy breathing for two and swimming hard at the same time, but he refused to give up on her, refused to let go. Too many had died on the way down--more than he would like to count. He was tired of losing lives and so he willed this one woman to live.
    	As he swam, the woman’s legs spread, slipping along his waist as they trailed behind him. Her arms did the same about his neck. It felt as if she held him. Caderyn gave the dive all he had, pushing down into the deepest depths of the Abyss, knowing he didn’t have long before she was dead.
    	‘Hold on,’ he told her, knowing that she wouldn’t hear his thoughts as she wasn’t Merr. It didn’t stop him, as he continued, ‘Just a little longer, hold on.’
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Two
    	
    	Caderyn unlatched his lips from the unconscious woman as they broke the water’s surface. The air was sweet, as he gasped for breath. Breathing didn’t hurt him down here, as they were in Crystal Caves, the scared heart of their city. The caves were located in the palace of Atlas, capital city of Ataran, home to the Merr race far below the world of the humans’ above.
    	Solon was already gone from the surfacing area. The cave guards would have helped his friend haul the Scylla to a holding cell where it could be further examined. Iason was still in the caves. His body had already transformed back--his tail was replaced by mortal legs, his fins retracted back into his body and even his gills molded back into his neck until he looked as mortal as any man from the surface world. His friend was naked, kneeling beside the red-haired woman he’d rescued from death. None of the hunters thought a thing of the nudity. They never wore clothes when in the ocean.
    	Caderyn set his woman up on a rocky ledge next to the bank. It was shallow enough that the water didn’t cover her face and deep enough that it lapped along the sides of her temples when he moved. Her face was pale, her lips edged with blue. They were an odd contrast to her pitch black hair.
    	With a flip of his fin, Caderyn pushed up, swinging around to sit beside her. He pulled himself from the ocean, brushing the water from his scales. His tail dried quickly and he watched as flesh replaced it. When he could again stand as a man, he lifted the woman from the ledge and pulled her onto dry land. He gently laid her by her friend. Pushing his hair back from his face, he wrung it out, listening to the water dripping onto the rocky floor.
    	Iason stood and stared down at the two mortal women. Caderyn’s breath caught and he rubbed his face, brushing droplets of water from his lashes. Then, looking down, he studied the women.
    	Iason’s woman was just as pale as his, but she had a shock of dark red hair where his had black. He hadn’t gotten a good look at the dark haired beauty in the dark water before latching his mouth to hers. Now that she was safe, he felt the soft press of her lips as if they were still on him. The breathing kiss was more intimate than other kisses practiced during love making, because it transferred the gift of life. He’d felt her life inside him as he breathed her in. They’d connected as he saved her. It was a fragile thing that could be undone, should they both wish it. Tilting his head to the side, he wondered if she would wish the connection broken.
    	“You know what this means,” Caderyn said softly, still staring down at the unconscious woman with black hair. His body ached to hold her, but he held back. Just because he had physical needs, didn’t mean he would act upon them. He might no longer be a man, but that didn’t mean he’d turned into a monster.
    	“Aye,” Iason answered. Out of the water, they didn’t use telepathy.
    	“Do you think you’ll keep this one?” Caderyn glanced at the redhead, before his eyes were drawn once more to his woman. She wore thick material over her legs and a strange thick tunic-cloak. He had never seen anything like it.
    	“Let us see her temperament when she wakes,” Iason said.
    	“Aye.”
    	Both men sighed. Caderyn wasn’t sure if he was pleased or not. Sure he was attracted to the woman, but… What, buts? There were no buts. He did his duty. He did what he had to do. There really had been no choice. Their laws were clear. Women were rare in their world and if one was condemned to a watery death and could be saved, they were to save them. Humans were so fragile that often they didn’t survive the dive down into the Abyss. Many times, the Merr had tried to save the humans, only to have them die on the way. It is why they only ever chanced it with those already condemned to death.
    	Caderyn felt no remorse for taking her. If these women lived, it would be the will of the gods. It was out of his hands.
    	“Now what?” Iason asked, scratching the back of his head. “Do you remember what to do with them once we save them? It’s been many years since we got one this far.”
    	“We should take them to Althea,” Caderyn answered, unsure. He leaned over and lifted the dark-haired woman off the ground. She was so light, fragile, mortal. His body hardened in fiery response. She was also very soft to the touch. Iason nodded and did the same. “The healer will know what to do with them.”
    	Caderyn felt the woman’s body shiver uncontrollably in his arms. She moaned softly. In Ataran, they never knew bodily sickness. Sea creature attacks were rare, since they had long gotten used to avoiding the dangerous ones. The only injuries most of the Merr people sustained were on the practice field, though they did not battle anymore except in the games. Or, for the few chosen to be hunters--like Caderyn, Solon and Iason--they could be injured on the hunt. Only the hunters ventured so close to the mortal surface.
    	The cave walls were covered in sparkling precious gems, thus the reason they called them the Crystal Caves. The colorful stones reflected torches, lighting their way as they quickly climbed up the incline leading to the palace entrance. Caderyn carried the woman before him, holding her delicate body tight to his chest. He glanced over her face, willing her to open her eyes and look at him. Two guards stared at them from the entrance and then at the women in awe. It was rare one human made it, let alone more than one.
    	Both guards wore the traditional Ionic chiton of the Merr people. The short, white shirt was a rectangular piece of material folded in half and sewn up the side. It pinned along the sleeves and fell just over the knees, leaving the calves bare. A single stranded belt cinched the material about the waist. The chalmys cloak draped over one shoulder in a broad sweep of green. They pinned on the shoulder with a circular gold brooch, engraved with the ancient Merr symbol of the sun. Like most Merr, they wore strapped leather sandals on their feet.
    	“I saw you bagged the Scylla, my lords,” Vitus, a dark-complexioned guard said, nodding in approval. “Well done.”
    	“Are these women alive?” asked Brennus, a tall blond who hoped to someday be a hunter. The only way that would happen was if King Lucius appointed more teams or if one of the team members was killed. And the only way that would happen was if they didn’t make it back to Ataran on time and were lost forever at sea, or if they were dragged to the surface world and forced to breathe the mortal air.
    	“Aye.” Caderyn nodded, as he pulled the woman protectively closer to his body. He wondered at the caring feeling, sure it just had to do with the fact that he saved her life, nothing else. The woman shivered again in his arms. “We take them to Althea. Inform King Lucius. Also, call the scavengers. Two ships went down. Solon will give you directions.”
    	“Aye,” Brennus agreed, though he didn’t run off right away, as he helped Vitus to push a large round stone in front of the cave opening to block it off.
    	The city architects had glazed the bricks of the walls with a mixture made from the gemstones, which gave them an almost glowing blue cast. Light was reflected from outside during the day, but at night torches were lit through the halls.
    	The blue glazed stone of the palace was accented with decorative yellow and white tiles. They formed beautiful, intricate patterns. The halls were clean and uncluttered. Large arches passed overhead as they walked out of the cave room and into the main palace hall. Caderyn nodded at the few people he passed, receiving several curious stares in return.
    	Althea lived within the palace walls so it didn’t take long to bring the women to her. Without knocking, Caderyn pushed aside the beaded door and stepped in.
    	“Lady Althea,” he called. “We have need of your assistance.”
    	The home was like many in the palace, a large square living area with low couches, an office, an adjoining sleep room and bathing room. Those in the palace took their meals together in the hall so there wasn’t a need for much else.
    	Althea came from her office. The healer took one look at the men and their burdens before nodding silently. She motioned for them to follow her into the other room. In the office, there were two low beds near the far wall. The men laid the women on them and stood.
    	Althea was a slender woman, draped in the finest linen material. Oil was rubbed into the weave, making the dress shine. The light green material was plain, woven with a darker green along the edges in the pattern of seaweed. Two pins held the garment at the shoulders, leaving the arms bare. Her brown hair was pulled back from her face, fastened in an intricate coil around the crown.
    	“Help me to remove their clothing,” Althea ordered. “Mortals cannot be left wet.”
    	Caderyn’s gut tightened, but he kept a straight face as he obeyed. He grabbed shears, cutting the thick wet shirt from the woman’s body. She was in good shape, toned, almost athletic, but not too hard. Even with her muscles she looked soft, touchable. He found himself staring at her breasts. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen breasts before in his many years, but still he looked his fill. The dark nipples called to him, strangely erect though he hadn’t touched them. His mouth watered to kiss the erect peaks. Then, seeing her shiver, he knew it was the cold that prompted the reaction. 
    	One of her feet was already bare, her boot lost in the ocean, so he slipped the other free. Caderyn pulled at her pants, jerking them over her feet. His body tightened and his heart sped in his chest. The way she was laying caused her thighs to fall open. Her legs were scraped clean of hair, all the way up to her sex. Only a thin trail of dark curls guarded her opening.
    	“One wound I can tend, my lords, the other...” Althea laughed.
    	Caderyn looked at Althea. She was smiling as she nodded at his leg. He glanced down. Blood trailed from the wound he’d received from the spear, but that wasn’t what she was teasing him about. He had become fully erect from staring at the human. Glancing at Iason, he saw his friend was in the same condition from undressing the red -haired woman.
    	“Here, put these on,” Althea tossed them two plain garments she kept for just these occasions. Caderyn slipped it over his head, knotting it at the shoulder. “Dress your own wound my lord and you both should tend to the other affliction. Come back in an hour and I will tell you what I’ve discovered.”
    	Both men nodded, leaving the women to the healer. Caderyn glanced back, taking one last look at the dark-haired beauty. Althea’s hands were on her, rubbing over her arms. Iason cleared his throat to get his attention and Caderyn followed him out of the healer’s home.
    * * * *
    	Bridget’s mind swam with strange dreams. She was in the cold water, but something warm held her. Was this what happened when you died? Was this the hereafter? Was she just to drift, held to un-seeable warmth in a sea of cold and darkness. She couldn’t move, didn’t want to, as every fiber in her being concentrated on the press of lips against hers. They breathed into her mouth, filling her lungs. She felt herself bonding to whatever held her. It was as if he was breathing his soul into her, connecting with her. It was intimate, seductive and sexy as hell. She willed her body to move against him, to feel more, but her darned limbs wouldn’t listen. Instead they drifted as if still at the whims of the ocean’s currents. 
    	When the lips left hers, darkness consumed her completely. She had no idea how much time had passed within the dark prison of her mind. When she could feel again, it was the warm massage of hands on her skin, heating her, soothing. She wanted to open her eyes, but couldn’t. What a strange feeling death was. It was nothing but sensations of warmth contrasting with the bitter cold.
    	The hands roamed her arms and legs, over her thighs, her stomach, her breasts. When they finally left her, she moaned in protest. She wanted them back. Her skin buzzed where they had touched, as if they gave her energy and life.
    	Bridget was more aware now. She was on a bed. Her body hurt, deep inside. She felt the hard press of a mattress against her back. Her lungs burned and her throat ached terribly. All she could do was moan.
    	“Shh,” a woman’s voice soothed.
    	Bridget blinked. The light burned her eyes after so much darkness, but she saw a beautiful woman hovering above her. Was this an angel? The woman stroked the wet hair from her face. Then, to her amazement, Bridget watched through narrow slits as the woman leaned down to kiss her. The woman pulled her jaw open and breathed into her mouth. The same energy she’d felt in the massaging hands filled her lungs. The pain subsided. The woman pulled away.
    	“Rest now,” the woman said, letting go of her. “You are safe.”
    	Bridget obeyed, closing her eyes as she drifted again in a sea of dreams.
    * * * *
    	Caderyn’s home was in the hunters’ section of the palace. There were only a dozen homes total, split up into four halls for each team. Every hall had three rooms, so that each man lived next to his team members in separate apartments. All owned a home in the countryside as well, for when they wished to get away from the city. Unlike the healer’s place, their homes had a door.
    	Going to his bathing room, Caderyn pulled a cord. Warm, fresh water rained from the ceiling over a platform. He tossed his borrowed clothes aside and stepped beneath the shower. His body would not transform in the fresh water.
    	Using soap, he washed the salt from his hair and the smell of the ocean from his skin. The wound on his legs stung, but no longer bled. He doubted he’d even need to bandage it.
    	The suds felt particularly good over his cock and he followed the healer’s advice, fisting both of his soapy hands over the hard shaft to rid his body of his affliction. He twisted and pumped in a fast, steady rhythm. With the image of the dark-haired beauty’s naked body in his head, it was very enjoyable and didn’t take him long to spill his seed.
    	Caderyn grunted in pleasure. The release felt so good, he didn’t want to stop. He cupped his balls, massaging them as he slowly stroked himself back to full mast. Turning off the shower, he was tempted to find his pleasure nymph. He had been against the synthetic women when they were first introduced into their society. But the vessels did serve a great purpose. What else were men supposed to do for an eternity with no women to fulfill their needs? If the Merr didn’t meet release, tension would build and fights would start. He knew because it had happened before. It’s why they called their unreleased sexual desires the affliction. Many Merr were convinced that it was a further punishment from the gods that they would be so sexually driven and not have any vessel in which to release themselves.
    	After the excitement of a hunt, the tension was always great. There was nothing like sexual release to bring the levels within him back to normal. Besides, if he didn’t get his levels back to normal, he could get sick. It was just another one of the side effects of being Merr.
    	Going to his sleeping room, he unlocked a small slender wardrobe. Inside was everything he needed to pleasure himself. The wardrobes were standard issue for hunters--the best pleasure instruments the Merr inventors could come up with.
    	His pleasure nymph hung up on her pegs along with his other instruments of gratification. Her head was bald, her eyes closed. Scanning over the pockets lining the inside door, he pulled out a black round disc, fitting it to the spot in her neck. Black hair grew from her head. Then, taking a blue disc, he pressed it to her temple. The nymph’s eyes opened. They were blue, not the exact shade he wanted, but it would have to do. Designed to look like a woman, the nymph’s body was soft and almost lifelike. If he were to turn her on, she would move her body against his--blinking, sighing. The only thing she didn’t do was have a real conversation.
    	The pleasure instrument didn’t look like the human woman he wanted in his bed, but the coloring helped the fantasy of her. Compared to the live thing, the nymph paled in comparison. But what else could he do? He wanted to be completely drained of arousal when he next saw her. Just thinking of her naked body made his erection harder. It wouldn’t do to become afflicted, embarrassing himself when he went to collect her from the healer. Even if she did choose him right away and he accepted, there were certain laws that must be maintained. He didn’t wish to humiliate himself.
    	Taking the nymph down, he tossed her on his bed. Then, reaching along her spine, he found a series of buttons. He pushed one and the pleasure instrument came to life, bending her knees and parting her legs. Her arms reached for him, rubbing his chest and neck as she moaned softly.
    	Caderyn didn’t hesitate, plunging right in. The wet vessel squeezed his cock and he reached to her hip to adjust the fit tighter, clamping her pussy down hard. He closed his eyes, thinking of the dark-haired beauty he’d rescued. When he moved, it was her body he took, her moan that sounded. His ass squeezed, working in tight circles as he wished that for once it could be her fingers rimming the tight hole buried inside his firm cheeks, stimulating his nerve endings. Leaning up, the muscles of his arms and chest flexed.
    	Tension built as he fantasized about soft breasts and a shaved mound lined with dark curls. Caderyn pumped faster, jerking and panting. It didn’t take long before he met with release. He opened his eyes as he came, spilling his seed within the pleasure nymph. Almost immediately a sense of disappointment found him. The nymph smiled at him, a sultry look. Once he thought it so lifelike that he could pretend it was a real woman and he wasn’t so lonely, but now all he could think was that the nymph wasn’t her.
    	Caderyn pulled away, breathing hard. This didn’t make sense. He had just saved the woman. Why would he be so obsessed with her? Why would he want her so badly? More punishment from the gods? Or was the woman to be his reward for atoning for his people’s past sins?
    	Tidying up, he got dressed, knowing it would be about an hour since leaving the healer’s. He definitely felt better, even if he was disappointed with the nymph. Looking at the woman on his bed smiling insipidly at him, he said, “You’re lucky you can be shut off in this eternity, nymph. I’d give anything for a little break from this life.”
    * * * *
    	Bridget opened her eyes, feeling much better, though still a little weak. Her mind was clear and she vividly remembered being on the boat with the other scientists. Surely, the rest of it was a dream. It had to be.
    	They couldn’t have found the strange man dressed in fifteen hundred style clothing. The ship wasn’t attacked by mermen. They didn’t capture one of the mythical sea creatures in their net. Fine. She could accept that, though it felt real, all which happened had been a dream. 
    	Then, how exactly did she get in this room?
    	The walls were flat, almost adobe like in texture. Beautiful designs were painted directly on them. There was a small circular table in the corner with a pottery vase. It too was painted.
    	Bridget sat up on the bed. Light came from above, shining through decorative holes carved into the ceiling. She saw the glint of metal and guessed the place was lit by reflected sunlight. It was low to the floor and her feet touched as she swung them over the side. A small stone desk was in the corner. Rolled scrolls were placed along the wall in diamond shaped cubbies. 
    	Next to her, Cassandra lay unconscious on a second bed. Bridget really didn’t know the woman very well, and the few times they talked it had been tense. For a scientist, she really didn’t appear to know too much about what they were doing. Often Bridget wondered why Dev even brought her along. But, all that considered, it was still very comforting to see a familiar face.
    	Cassandra was dressed in a long white tunic. The shapeless dress covered her arms, falling loosely from shoulder to feet. Bridget looked over her own body. She too wore the same outfit. By the feel of it, she would say it was wool blend of some sort.
    	“Cassie?” Bridget whispered, kneeling by the woman. She touched her cheek. “Cassandra? Cassie, can you hear me?”
    	Cassandra’s forehead was hot. She moaned, trashing away from Bridget’s fingers. The woman had a bad fever.
    	“Hello?” Bridget called. Her legs wavered as she walked to the door. “Hello? Help, please. Someone? My friend needs a doctor.”
    	She started to brush aside the beaded door when a hand came through. Bridget gasped, falling back in surprise. The woman who’d helped take the burn from her lungs entered. She recognized her face immediately, only she wasn’t an angel.
    	“You’re awake,” the woman said nodding. “This is good. Welcome to Ataran, my lady.”
    	“Who? Where?” Bridget shook head in confusion. There were so many questions swimming in her brain. She glanced back to Cassandra. The woman hadn’t moved.
    	“I am Althea the Healer. You are in Atlas, the capital city of Ataran.” The woman smiled.
    	“Is this an island of the Bahamas?” Bridget was too confused. She didn’t remember such an island, but there were many of them off the coast of Florida. Was it possible they’d drifted so far off course? Had their navigation system been off?
    	“It is an island, aye,” Althea nodded, still smiling.
    	She looked back at Cassandra. “Please, help her. She’s sick. We have to get her to a doctor.”
    	“Mm, I know.” Althea looked at Cassandra, but did not go to her. “Poor thing.”
    	“Well, can we give her something? Do you have medicine?” Bridget went back to Cassandra and reached to touch her.
    	Althea’s hand shot out, grabbing Bridget’s wrist. “You mustn’t or you could get sick as well. Now that you are awake, you must leave your friend. We should keep you separated until this bodily illness passes.”
    	“I can’t just leave her here,” Bridget protested. “Who will look after her? She’s my crewmate. I want to stay.”
    	“She will not be abandoned. Do not worry. I will stay with her until she can be moved,” Althea pulled Bridget out the door. She was too weak to fight the surprisingly strong hold. “We are immune to her illness. You are not.”
    	What illness? Nearly drowning?
    	Bridget nodded weakly at the woman’s stern look, unable to do much else as she was ushered out of the office into an adjoining room. The living room was much like the office. There were paintings on the walls and minimal furniture. The low bench-like couches had no backs. Their wool seats were intricately woven and quite beautiful. The floors were bare, swept clean.
    	“Healer?”
    	Bridget turned to the door. Two men entered. The first had longer blond hair and bright green eyes. He looked her over curiously, but did not stare. The second man caught her attention and held it. She felt like she couldn’t breathe. He seemed familiar.
    	The first man bowed. “Welcome to Ataran, my lady. I am Iason the Hunter.”
    	“Um, Bridget Dutton.” Bridget pried her eyes away from the handsome stranger to look at the man speaking. “I’m a scientist with the ESC, Exploratory Science Commission. We were out taking biochemical surface readings off the coast of Florida.”
    	“Welcome, Lady Bridget,” the second man said. “I am Caderyn the Hunter.”
    	Caderyn had purple eyes and wavy brown hair that fell to his shoulders. She’d never seen eyes that color and wouldn’t have though them possible. Strong muscles bulged what she could see of him, which was actually quite a bit. Though he was dressed, she could still see most of his body from beneath the gracefully draping tunic. It only fell to his upper thigh. His legs, arms and one shoulder were bare, as were Iason’s. His smooth, hairless chest was tanned. On his feet he wore leather, strap sandals.
    	Caderyn had strong features to go with his strong body--high cheekbones, a strong jaw, deep set eyes that seemed to pierce into her. There was a very potent, animalistic appeal to him. She shivered, aroused. Such a sudden reaction wasn’t like her.
    	“Wait,” Bridget said. She looked around again. There was something definitely off about this place. Holding up her finger, she moved around the men to the beaded door. She stepped out into the hall. It was the same as the healer’s home. Someone passed by in the distance and she saw that they too were strangely dressed. She’d been to the Bahamas once on a cruise. This wasn’t the Bahamas.
    	Shaking, she covered her mouth. Her mind raced with the possibilities--the man on the boat in Armada clothing, the wooden pieces of the ship that had drifted by the boat. Now these people, this place. It was like she was in Ancient Greece or Rome. Had their boat somehow hit upon a time warp? Scientists had theorized about time travel for years. Was this possible?
    	“Are you well?”
    	Bridget gasped, jumping slightly as his smooth voice jerked her out of her deep thoughts. She spun around, almost surprised to see herself alone with Caderyn. He practically towered over her. Every inch of him screamed warrior.
    	He motioned back toward the healer’s. Bridget stepped inside, trying to remember what she could about Ancient Rome. The only thing she came up with was that their water was carried by lead pipes and she shouldn’t drink it. Only, if this was Rome, why could she understand them? She didn’t speak Italian other than the basic mobster movie phrases. Then, there was the fact that they didn’t appear to be confused by her presence or the mention of the ESC like she would imagine ancient cultures to be.
    	“I cannot say if the sickness will spread. We should separate them for several months until they are adjusted completely.” Althea was saying.
    	“Others?” Iason asked.
    	Althea glanced at Bridget. Her voice soft, she said, “Rigel.”
    	Iason nodded as if he understood. She wondered at the look the three shared.
    	“Take her, feed her,” Althea urged Caderyn. “Let her rest and then take her to Aidan.”
    	“One thing,” Iason said to Bridget before she could leave. “The other woman. What is her name?”
    	“Cassandra Nevin,” Bridget answered.
    	“Go,” Althea urged Caderyn. “Take her.”
    	Caderyn nodded. He motioned for Bridget to follow him. She frowned. Aidan?
    	“Where am I?” she asked.
    	“Ataran,” Caderyn said. Frowning, he looked at Althea.
    	“Much rest,” Althea told him. Caderyn nodded in understanding.
    	Bridget followed him out into the hall. “Where are you taking me?”
    	“Did you not understand?” he asked. “I take you to eat and rest.”
    	“Yes, but where?”
    	“Ah.” Caderyn nodded. He started walking, prompting her to follow. “My home. I found you. It is my duty to make sure you are healed.”
    	“Wait.” Bridget stopped. She swayed on her feet, suddenly lightheaded. Her hand pressed into the wall for support. She would be staying in his home? Alone with him? Alone with the incredibly sexy, utterly muscled, warrior-hunter man who looked altogether too delicious in a short tunic? Or was he married? That was even worse. She had to stay and watch sexy warrior-hunter with his wife. The woman would probably be just as beautiful with lots and lots of beautiful children.
    	“Do you wish for me to carry you?” he asked, eyeing her.
    	Bridget instantly let her eyes roam over his body. Did she want those strong muscular arms holding her? 
    	Yes! She felt her cheeks heat. Concentrate, Bridget. Don’t think of sexy warrior-hunter’s body.
     	“You say you found me? But, I thought Althea...?” Bridget’s eyes were again distracted as he shifted his weight. The movement exposed a little more of his upper thigh. Did these men wear underwear? And exactly how much sea water had she swallowed to make her think such a thing at a time like this? “I thought she found me.”
    	“She healed you. I rescued you,” Caderyn answered. “That makes you my responsibility.”
    	Bridget shivered, remembering the feel of lips in the darkness. It was so vivid. Had this man pulled her from the ocean and given her CPR? Her eyes drifted to his mouth. Those firm lips had been on hers? She shivered. Her heart leapt in her chest. She’d never been around a man as potently sexual as Caderyn. “I suppose I should thank you for that.”
    	“You are welcome.” Caderyn again moved and she followed him. The stone was cool against her bare feet as she walked.
    	“Your wife won’t mind?” Bridget asked.
    	“Wife?”
    	“Yes, she won’t mind that I’m staying in your home?”
    	Okay, that question was so glaringly obvious. Why wasn’t she concentrating on more important things?
    	“I have no wife,” he answered. A cloud passed over his features and she wondered at it.
    	“I’m sorry.” It was an automatic response to the look on his face.
    	“You are sorry that I have no wife?”
    	“No, I just ... well, your look. I thought maybe she… was no longer with…” Bridget bit her tongue and made a weak noise.
    	He stopped, giving her a very sexy once over. She wondered if the implied meaning was intentional. “I have never been married, nor close to marriage.”
    	“Oh.”
    	New subject. Concentrate on what’s important, not warrior-hunter’s love life.
     	“Do you know what happened to my ship, to the crew?” Bridget felt her throat squeeze. “There were many scientists onboard when it went down. Are they here as well?”
    	“We could only save you and Lady Cassandra,” Caderyn said, his expression falling.
    	Instantly, her eyes teared. She shook her head. “Oh, no.”
    	“For that I am sorry.”
    	Bridget swayed on her feet, feeling faint. Dead. They were all dead. Her friends. Dead.
    

    
    
    
    Chapter Three
    	
    	Caderyn watched the woman swaying back and forth before him. He hadn’t relished telling her about the drowned humans, but it was good to get it over with. She looked almost completely recovered, but for the paleness to her skin and the weak movements of her body. Her hair was no longer bound back, but fell in damp black waves over her shoulders. She was one of the most beautiful creatures he’d ever seen.
    	Althea had bathed and dressed her. She smelled sweet, like the sea flowers that bloomed at the water entrance of the cave. He was secretly thankful that she wore the shapeless gown. Just looking into her blue eyes made his desires come back and his body was already at half mast as if he hadn’t spent the last hour relieving himself of his affliction.
    	When her gaze had first roamed over him, he’d seen appreciation in her eyes. She had stared at his chest a long time, so long that he thought she might ask to see it. He would gladly have shown it to her. Caderyn was pleased when she did not look at Iason the same way.
    	The questions about a wife had been odd and he couldn’t tell if she was just trying to be polite, or if she searched for something more. Caderyn sighed. She was probably just being polite. It was too soon to hope that she would care for him in such a way.
    	He studied her carefully, seeing how she took the bad news. When she only continued to stare at him, tears brimming in her wide eyes, he became worried. He reached his hand out to her in question. The woman followed it with her troubled gaze, but didn’t take it. Her eyes rolled in her head. Fainting, she fell forward. Caderyn caught her, automatically swinging the unconscious woman up into his arms.
    	With a heavy sigh, he knew it was just as well she passed out. She’d been through a terrible ordeal and could use the rest.
    	He carried her easily. She was so light, delicate, fragile. The wave of protectiveness washed over him again. He hugged her closer, bouncing her so her arm fell over his shoulder by his neck.
    	Caderyn had to admit that it was strange that not one, but three mortals had been saved this night. According to Althea, Rigel had brought back another woman. Rigel was leader of the Warriors. The two teams had been tracking separate Scyllas and crossed paths. It was how the first ship had gotten bombarded so quickly. After helping Rigel’s team capture theirs, Caderyn, Solon and Iason had gone after the second Scylla.
    	Caderyn took a deep breath, smelling the woman. She was so soft. He wanted to pull her closer, wanted to feel her body to his. He refrained. Now was not the time for such things.
    	Coming to his home, Caderyn carried Bridget to his bed and put her down. She moaned softly, reaching for him as he pulled away. Her arms fell to the sides and she turned, snuggling into his soft mattress. His fantasy of her in this very bed came back to him. Glancing at the wardrobe, he crossed over to it to make sure it was locked before keeping hold of the key. There was no reason to risk her poking around in there and getting the wrong idea about his intentions. Well, truthfully, he did have some of those intentions, but only with her consent.
    	Caderyn took a deep breath. His gut tightened. It would be so easy to position her body, lift her legs and thrust in. It had been so long since he had actual flesh--centuries in fact. He suppressed a groan.
    	Would she respond to him if he were to touch her? He reached for her bare ankle, watching her face as he made contact, lightly running his fingers over her flesh in small circles. How was it real women reacted when they desired a man? He seemed to remember they moaned a lot, making soft noises in the back of their throat, panting and sighing. Running his fingers a little higher on her calf, he waited. Bridget moaned softly.
    	Caderyn smiled. Aye, like that.
    	Bridget’s skin didn’t feel like the pleasure nymph’s. It was warmer, more real. He ran his fingers up her leg, letting his arm push up her gown as he touched her knee. She moaned again. The nymph moved, could be trained to do so, but there was something exciting about not being able to program the woman before him to respond a certain way. There was something frightening about it as well.
    	Caderyn pulled his hand back as if burnt. He couldn’t control her response, couldn’t make her want him in her bed, couldn’t make her speak words of desire to him. What if he offered and she said no? What if she said aye and he couldn’t make her come to completion? Did he even know how to make a woman come to completion?
    	The lack of confidence was not something he was familiar with. He was a Merr hunter, used to being in control. They had a few single Merr women in their society, but they were like Althea, like him. He had never tried to take any of them as lovers. Because they were so isolated, it was best not to have relationships that didn’t end in commitment. Forever was a long time to hold a grudge against an old lover. Grudges could fester and boil. They’d learned that in the beginning.
    	“Forever is a long time to commit,” Caderyn said softly. He was ready for that commitment, or so he thought. 
    	Still...
     	Bridget moaned, blinking. He saw the confusion in her as she pushed up from the bed. She looked around, her eyes stopping on him.
    	“They’re all dead,” she whispered.
    	Caderyn’s body tensed as she turned to weep into the pillow. He reached out to touch her, but pulled back. Would she want his comfort? He couldn’t take the pain away from her. He couldn’t end her grief before it was time to be ended. Walking to the door, he said awkwardly, “I will leave you to this.”
    * * * *
    	Bridget cried for the lost scientists, ignoring Caderyn’s words. It was better that he left her alone so she could gather her thoughts and feelings. She tried to cling to the fleeting hope that they’d made it, that they’d survived somehow. It was a long shot, but it brought a small amount of comfort.
    	They’d been far out to sea and Jon had said he couldn’t get anyone on the radio. If they’d gone through some type of time vortex, it would make sense. Somehow, time travel was more comforting right now than monsters in the sea.
    	Though, to be honest, there was much they didn’t know about the bottom of the ocean. It was quite possible there were strange sea creatures down there, creatures that could be looked at as monsters. Mythology was full of them. Maybe the creatures were rising to feed. In many cases mythology was based on truths.
    	As a scientist, she had to admit that the sea monster theory was more likely than time travel. Then what about this place? The strange people and clothing? On one side, they were too modern. On the other, they were too ancient.
    	“There has to be a logical explanation for it.” Bridget stood and began to pace. Concentrating on the scientific problem at hand was much easier than facing the emotions that ran rampant beneath her shaky surface. Emotions were messy. Logic and science were constant. They could be counted on. That was why she loved science. Its very nature comforted her. It was the same reason why she never really did well in serious relationships. Love had no logic.
    	Bridget swiped at her eyes, dashing away the tears. Wishing she had a pen and paper to sort out her thoughts, she made a mental list of probabilities. Logic. She could do logic.
    * * * *
    	“I’m going to level with you. Just serve it to you straight. We’re below the ocean’s surface. Underwater,” Aidan said. The man was slighter in stature, with short brown hair and kind brown eyes. He wore loose wool pants and a shorter wool shirt. He was introduced to her as ‘one who could best explain it to her.’
    	Bridget stared at Caderyn and then at the man standing beside him. A full night of sleep had not prepared her for that comment. Caderyn’s home was much like Althea’s though the colors were more muted in tone. There was an antique brass vase in the corner, a little tarnished from time. The low blue couches had dark green lines woven through them. They had thick backs on them, unlike Althea’s bench seats. She waited, but he didn’t say more.
    	“I’m sorry. Did you just say we’re in an underwater habitat?” Bridget asked. It wasn’t a possibility she’d considered before now, but it did make sense. Though, the décor was a little strange for a habitat.
    	Aidan nodded. Caderyn didn’t move. They were both staring at her as if they expected her to freak out on them at any moment. That moment was going to be right ... about ... now.
    	“Is this a government project?” Bridget quirked a brow. “Is that what happened? The government was working on some kind of human-fish hybrid that got loose and attacked the ships. I knew that genetic research would someday get out of hand. Sure, they tell you they’re only growing a few stem cells or trying to replicate blood but then, bam! You got yourself a bunch of mutant genetic mishaps that go crazy and can’t be contained.”
    	Caderyn looked as if she’d slapped him. Nothing could be done for it. She wondered if this was somehow his pet project. Was he some sort of military scientist? It would explain the physique, if not the clothes.
    	Bridget frowned, shaking her head. “You should really be ashamed of yourselves, playing God like that. We are not Gods. We are scientists. We study nature, try and cure viruses. We try to make life better. We do not make our own creatures.”
    	They didn’t move.
    	Bridget backed away in horror, shaking her head. “Oh, no. It didn’t get loose, did it? You let it out. You made it attack the ships. You were testing it, weren’t you? And you brought back females. You’re not going to let us go are you?” She grabbed her stomach, feeling sick. “You’re going to impregnate us with those things, aren’t you? Ugh, it is the perfect plan. No one knows where we are. But, what if I told you thy do know. What if I said…? And you’re going to impregnate… Those half-fish…”
    	Bridget backed away, wondering if she was already pregnant. She touched her stomach, pressing down on it hard. Aidan lifted a hand to her. He looked at her as if she were crazy. “You are drawing the wrong conclusion, my lady.”
    	“Then, you saved us and you’re going to let us go?” Bridget asked. Caderyn’s jaw was tight, as he glared at her. “You’re going to help us?”
    	“Well, actually, there is no leaving this place,” Aidan told her. “Please, come sit down and let us lay it all out for you.”
    	“We’ll sign whatever paperwork you require stating that we will not reveal anything we’ve seen here.” Bridget looked around. “No one would believe us anyway. Ancient Rome floating beneath the ocean? They’ll think we swallowed too much sea water. Just give us our clothes back and take us and throw us on the nearest shore.”
    	“My lady, please,” Caderyn said, his voice tight. “Sit.”
    	“I want you to take me to Cassie,” Bridget said. At Caderyn’s blank look, she said, “Cassandra. Cassie. The redheaded woman I was with. I want you to take me to her now.”
    	“She’s gone,” Caderyn said.
    	“She’s dead?” Bridget whispered, her eyes tearing.
    	“No, no,” Aidan assured her. “Lord Iason takes her to the country to his home there so that she may recover and not spread her illness to you.”
    	Bridget’s head ached. She was so confused. Going to the couch, she finally sat. “I thought you said we were underwater. How can he take her to the country?”
    	“I’ll start at the beginning,” Aidan said. “Well, my beginning. My name is Aidan Douglass. I was born in eighteen-ninety-three in a southern providence of Scotland.”
    	“Time travel?” Bridget whispered. As he said it, she heard only the faintest trace of a Scottish accent. She’d not picked up on it before.
    	“No,” Aidan said.
    	“I will leave you two to discuss this.” Caderyn didn’t look at her as he left. Bridget found she actually missed his silent presence, even if he was angry with her opinion.
    	When they were alone, Aidan continued. “I was a scholar, a historian if you will, on my way to Africa to explore the great pyramids, to discover buried treasure, that sort of thing. Our boat, the Bella Donna, was attacked much the same way yours was. It sank. Since there were no women onboard, I was saved and brought here.”
    	“How chivalrous,” Bridget chuckled softly, though she felt no real humor at the moment. “They save the women first.”
    	“Yes, well, it is chivalrous if you’re a dame,” Aidan said.
    	“Time travel?” Bridget bit her lip. Wait a minute, did he just call her a dame?
    	“No, time moves down here as it does in the surface world.”
    	“That would make you over a hundred years old,” Bridget said, eyeing him.
    	“Yes it would, wouldn’t it? Aidan chuckled. “I haven’t thought about age for quite some time now.”
    	“How come you haven’t aged?” Bridget asked. She shivered, clasping her hands together. The wool gown was warm, but she still felt chilled.
    	“It’s this place. Once your body acclimates to it, you never get sick and you never age.” Aidan leaned forward. “Would you like me to stop? We can discuss this more later if you’re feeling overwhelmed by this.”
    	“I’ll be fine,” Bridget said dryly. “Please, continue.”
    	“Ah,” Aidan said. “Forgive me. Ladies of my time were much more,” he shrugged, adding diplomatically, “delicate.”
    	“Okay,” Bridget took a deep breath. It was time to start analyzing this man’s logic with deductive reasoning. “What is this place? Is it heaven? Hell?”
    	“Neither really, at least not in the sense I knew it,” Aidan sat back, resting his arms over the back of the couch. “From what I gather, this society was the center of the ancient world. It ruled over much of the land--Greece, Italy, Egypt which was a vast empire at the time. Back then they were known as the Atlantes.”
    	“As in Atlantis? The lost city that fell beneath the waves in one day?” Bridget asked in disbelief. Every scientist who worked in the ocean knew the myth of Atlantis. Maybe these men had swallowed too much seawater.
    	“Yes, the same.” Aidan nodded, seeming pleased that she knew of it. “The Atlantes’ land prospered with little effort. They were great warriors who were never defeated in battle. According to them, they were blessed by the god, Poseidon. If you’re not familiar, he was the god of the sea.”
    	“Greek myth.” It was all she could eek out.
    	“Yes, exactly.” Aidan nodded enthusiastically, his face animated with excitement. “But, like all great civilizations, they grew arrogant with power. In those times the afterlife was a grim place, not like the heaven we think of--or at least the one I thought of.” Aidan sighed, becoming almost wistful. “I can’t wait to hear how the world has changed in the last hundred years. Did you Americans ever get your liquor back? Or is it still illegal? What about the automobile? Anything ever come of that or are you back to the horse and buggy? Oh, and what of the cinema? A friend of mine swore he would find a way to make the motion pictures talk.” Aidan laughed, shaking his head at the very idea. “What a live wire that one was. What was his name again? Henry? Harry? Well, I’m sure I wrote it down somewhere, but it’s been nearly ten years since I’ve opened the journals I kept on my arrival here.”
    	“You were saying that the afterlife for the Atlantes was a grim place,” Bridget prompted, trying to keep Aidan on track.
    	“Yes, yes. Terrible fate the afterlife was. All these people could enjoy was their mortal lives. So they stopped worshiping Poseidon and began to worship themselves as gods on earth. They became lazy, taking all they’d been given for granted. There were no more battles to fight, so they raided their neighbors, taking more than they needed. One day, King Lucius, after much feasting and drinking, proclaimed to his people that he would never die, for he never wished to leave their bountiful paradise upon the earth--land that was more beautiful than the kingdom of the gods.”
    	“And Poseidon didn’t like this,” Bridget concluded.
    	“Exactly. Poseidon cursed the city for its vanity and self-love. He gave them what they wanted. He granted them immortality, forever condemned to walk on their earthly paradise and nowhere else. This land, he plunged into the water, trapping them so they could never set foot on mortal soil again. Here they have remained on the bottom of the ocean, their land drifting aimlessly with the currents.” Aidan sighed. “And now we are part of it, never able to leave.”
    	“Assuming for a moment I believe this wild story of yours,” Bridget said, doing her best to reason in an unreasonable situation. She leaned forward, threading her fingers together. “We got here so that means we can go.”
    	“No.”
    	“No?”
    	“No,” Aidan repeated.
    	“All right. Then, how did they rescue me if they are forever trapped here.” Bridget smiled, feeling as if she were poking holes in his crazed logic.
    	“I said they could never set foot on mortal soil again,” Aidan answered. He grinned, obviously enjoying the scholarly debate. “Or, incidentally, breathe mortal air. It’s one of the few things that can kill them--ah, us. Kill us.”
    	“Ah, but they swam to the surface where they found me,” Bridget said. “What about the ocean floor? It’s soil.”
    	“Fins,” Aidan whispered. “Your, ah, half fish mutant genetic mishaps I believed you called them.”
    	Bridget paled. If this was true, then no wonder Caderyn had become hard at her words. She’d insulted him, not his work. “Caderyn? He’s a … a merman? A real live, swim through the water, merman?”
    	Aidan nodded.
    	“And Althea? She’d be a mermaid?”
    	“They prefer to be called the Merr.”
    	“Oh,” Bridget covered her mouth. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
    	Aidan jumped to his feet. He looked around before grabbing the antique brass vase and thrusting it at her. “Here.”
    	Bridget swallowed down her bile. “I can’t get sick in that. Look at how old it is!”
    	“Right you are,” Aidan agreed, putting it back. “Excellent point.”
    	“I’m sorry,” Bridget managed through her fingers. She took several deep breaths. “I can’t believe this. The gods thing I can handle. I’ve always believed there was something greater than us out there. But the lost city of Atlantis? It’s a myth, a legend. This cannot be Atlantis.”
    	“Yes, up there it is a myth. Down here the country is actually called Ataran. This city is Atlas and it really is on a slight hill, not the great mountain of legend.” Aidan smiled. He moved toward the door. “I’m going to leave you. We’ll talk again soon. I’m sure you’ll have many more questions for me.”
    	Bridget made a weak noise, pulling her hand away from her mouth long enough to give him a weak wave. She was tired, too tired to deal with everything right now. She rubbed her temple and said nothing.
    	“Well, you’re taking this rather well,” Aidan said from the doorway, sounding awed. “I was in tears for weeks.”
    	“It’s early yet,” Bridget mumbled. “Give me time.”
    * * * *
    	Caderyn paced the halls, her words echoing in his head.
    	Human-fish hybrid. Mutant genetic mishaps. You’re going to impregnate us with those things.
     	So much for wooing her to his bed. Her repulsion couldn’t have been made any clearer.
    	Though, if he remembered correctly, that had been their first reaction too, when they touched salt water and saw what they’d become. Perhaps after a hundred years had passed she’d not think of the Merr in such a way. Maybe if he showed her how cultured they were, how far they’d come, she would come to accept it and him. It wasn’t as if they were barbarians to begin with. They’d been civilized. Would she come to see that?
    	Regardless, her words stung, even though he tried not to take it personally. Why did her opinion matter so much to him? It wasn’t like he knew her. He’d saved her life, sure, but he didn’t know her. She was just some human he’d saved from death. It was quite possible that she wasn’t fated to be his. Perhaps she’d been allowed to live so that she may belong to someone else. There was no sign saying whose wife she would be, or that she would be any Merr’s bride. They would all hope, but there was no way to know for sure.
    	Looking around the palace walls, thinking of his long years, Caderyn knew that it was possibly much crueler to save her and bring her here than to let her die. But, laws were laws. How else were they going to redeem themselves to Poseidon? Though, none of them truly knew if such a thing were even possible. They had not seen the god since he’d cast them into the sea. No matter how much time passed, it was a day they would never forget.
    	Seeing Aidan coming down the hall, he nodded.
    	“She took it well,” Aidan assured him. “I think she’ll be fine in a few days, after she’s had time to adjust. We’re in luck too. She’s a scientist. I can’t wait to discover all that has changed up there. I’ll bet she can explain some of the stuff the scavengers have brought back from her world.”
    	“Thank you for talking to her,” Caderyn said. At Aidan’s words, he realized that she might be here to help them as a people, and not as someone’s bride.
    	Aidan nodded, smiling to himself as he walked off. There was always a buzz of excitement whenever something from the human world was brought back to analyze. Having three humans to tell them of the world was like striking gold.
    	Deciding to give her a few days to adjust, Caderyn forced all questions from his mind. He went back to his home, finding her on the couch where he’d left her. She really did look better after a night of rest.
    	When she looked up at him, a stunned though mildly accepting look was on her pale face. Her gaze moved down over his body, staring for a long time at his bare legs. She bit her lips in worry.
    	“You must be hungry,” he said. “Come, I’ll take you to the palace hall to dine. Don’t worry. It is early yet and there won’t be too many people. Though, I must introduce you to King Lucius before we can eat.”
    	“King?” Bridget glanced down over her wardrobe, feeling her hair. “I can’t meet royalty right now. I’m too … frazzled.”
    	“You are fine,” Caderyn assured her. “They will not care what you look like. Tomorrow, after you have rested more, I’ll have the tailors measure you for more suitable clothes.”
    	Bridget swallowed nervously, keeping her eyes on him. She stared at his clothes.
    	“They will show you design plates, so you may pick what you like,” he offered.
    	“I can’t pay,” Bridget said, her tone flat.
    	“Pay?”
    	“Trade, pay, whatever it is you give in return for something,” Bridget looked up at him, finally meeting his eyes. “Do you even have jobs for someone like me? What am I to do here? I’m not sure I even believe what Aidan said, but if it’s true, then what am I to do?”
    	“You mustn’t worry about such things now,” Caderyn said. “You will be taken care of. A place will be found for you. Come, walk with me. You will feel better after you’ve had some food.”
    	Caderyn was mildly surprised when she didn’t protest. He led her out of his home toward the palace hall. She took small steps, but didn’t stop.
    	“What do you want with me?” Her voice quivered.
    	“I told you. Do not worry about it right now.” Caderyn said, wondering at her impatience. If anything, they had all the time in the world.
    	“I need answers,” Bridget said. She grabbed his arm. The voluntary touch sent a shockwave through him. He stared at her pale fingers as they lay against his darker skin. “Please, Caderyn. Why am I here? Why me? What’s going to happen?”
    	He lifted his hand to her face. His fingers shook as he lightly touched her. “First, you will meet the king. Then you will eat. Then you will rest.”
    	“And then?”
    	“Then, when you are recovered, our scholars would like to question you about your world,” Caderyn stroked her cheek, pleased that she didn’t pull away from him. Despite what she’d said, maybe she wasn’t repulsed by him, his kind. Perhaps she was only under shock. He tried to be patient with her. “We are always curious about how things have changed.”
    	“Then?”
    	“Can you read the future in your world so easily, Bridget? For we Merr cannot predict what will happen tomorrow.” Caderyn leaned closer, gauging her every reaction to his nearness. As he moved, she gasped, drawing away as if she were coming out of a trance.
    	“You’re a merman,” she said, shaking. She turned her eyes forward, refusing to look at him.
    	Caderyn balled his hand into a fist and drew it away. Angrily, he said, “Aye, I am. So are most of the people here. Please remember that before you start calling us genetic mutant mishaps again.”
    	Bridget gasped.
    	Caderyn reined in his anger. His lips tight, he said, “Come. You must be hungry.”
    * * * *
    	Bridget shivered as she walked down the hall next to Caderyn. She didn’t want to admit it, but she believed him. When he said he was a merman, that she was in an underwater world, she believed him. There were other, more logical explanations for what was happening, but she actually believed Caderyn’s illogical answer. And for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why.
    	His tight words couldn’t have been clearer. Down here she was the mutant freak, not him. She wondered if the ‘scholars’ would poke and prod her like a science experiment, like a captured alien of some sort. Isn’t that what humans did with new species? They studied them, tested them, dissected them.
    	There was that and then there was the fact that she found herself attracted to Caderyn on a very primitive level. Even though he looked like a man, he wasn’t one. He was Merr. They were a different species. Not only was she the freak in this world, she was destined to be alone in it.
    	She thought about her world. If they’d have captured a merman, wouldn’t they have stuck it in a glass cage? They’d have put it on display for the world to see--just like they did dolphins and whales. Caderyn in her world would be a theme park attraction.
    	“Are you going to put me in a cage?” she asked.
    	“A what?” Caderyn blinked, looking at her. He was irritated again.
    	Bridget could see it in his eyes. She waited for him to smile like he did in Althea’s home. He didn’t. “Am I to be a … an amusement?”
    	“I don’t understand,” Caderyn said, his frown deepening. “You may find amusement. Aye. Is that what you are asking?”
    	“No, I mean--”
    	The sound of voices cut her off. They’d come to a tall arched entryway. The palace hall was filled with people. Many of them were male and dressed like Caderyn, though there were women as well. Some of the women wore long Romanesque gowns and golden coils about their heads. Others looked to be dressed with more of an ancient Egyptian influence. A few of the people wore pants like Aidan, though it didn’t seem to be the most popular style.
    	“I thought you said it would be empty.” Bridget hesitated, already feeling like a sideshow. Caderyn gave her a gentle push on her back. As they stepped in, the hall became quiet. All the people stared at her in open curiosity.
    	“It usually is. News of your arrival must have spread through the city. They’ve come to see you,” Caderyn answered. 
    	Bridget glanced at his handsome face. She wished he’d given her time to straighten herself up. Surely she was making a hideous impression. As the mutant freak, she needed to look her best. Her hair had air dried, which meant it would be frizzed around her head in a horrible array of straggly curls. She never could keep the wayward locks under control.
    	Caderyn let his hand slide from her back to her arm as he led her through the crowd. At a long table set in front of the hall, he stopped. Bowing his head, he said, “King Lucius, may I present Lady Bridget the Scientist.”
    	A murmur rose over the crowd. King Lucius stood, looking her over. He had bright blue eyes and light brown hair that was longer than most as it fell to his mid-back. By her estimation, most of the men in this place were handsome, fine specimens. She was pretty sure that meant she was in hell. Surrounded by handsome, virile men she couldn’t have a relationship with because they were too different. Oh, yeah, she better not forget the ‘for an eternity’ part. Well, it’s not like she’d really had relationships before. But, she’d been able to--theoretically--if she wanted to. Suddenly, was mad at herself for not having sex more and working less.
    	“Aidan tells us you are a human scholar,” Lucius said. Bridget looked around at the filled hall. She’d never been one for public speaking, so she merely nodded her head. “Wonderful! How very fortunate that we have found you. Please, join me at my table.”
    	Caderyn led her to a chair next to the king and took his place beside her. The gathered found their way to other tables, openly staring at her in curiosity. Watching as the king took a drink from his goblet, she slowly picked up the one before her and did the same. It was a liquor of some sort, very stout. She coughed lightly and instantly Lucius and Caderyn’s hands were on her and the hall became silent.
    	“Are you well?” Caderyn asked, concerned.
    	“My lady?” King Lucius inquired.
    	Bridget nodded and whispered, “It’s strong.”
    	“You are not hurt?” Lucius persisted. He patted her like he expected her to poof into dust if he pressed any harder. “Should we call the healer?”
    	“I’m fine. Really.” Bridget found herself leaning closer to Caderyn.
    	The king waved his hand and the gathering again began to talk. She heard laughter all around her and excitement seemed to buzz through the air. Servants came by with bowls of water. She followed Caderyn’s example and dipped her fingers in, washing her hands.
    	Servers brought out platters of food. She nearly choked to see fish was on the menu. Almost horrified, she looked at Caderyn. He didn’t seem to notice.
    	“I am sorry. We would’ve planned a proper banquet for you, had we known,” Lucius said, drawing her attention back around to him. “But, I promise to rectify that soon.”
    	Bridget looked at the great feast in awe. There were giant roasted fishes, piled high with vegetables and spiced with what smelled like ginger. There was a stack of warm flatbreads, scrambled eggs, nuts, dates, bowls of fruit and pitchers of wine and beer. It was more food than she’d ever seen in one place--except maybe on a restaurant buffet.
    	“Allow me,” Caderyn said softly at her side. He served her a little from each dish, putting it on the rectangular plate. She watched him, touched by the sweet gesture. When he caught her staring, he gave a slight nod, but no smile. There was no silverware, except for the serving spoons. They ate with their hands, scooping the food with the flatbread.
    	Caderyn dined in silence, not speaking. The king, however, asked her question after question. She wasn’t sure if it was her novelty or a true curiosity about the world above that prompted him. Dessert pastries, stuffed with fruit and glazed with honey, were brought around. She didn’t want the pastry, but she was too scared of offending them that she forced it down.
    	By the time she’d finished, she was so full she couldn’t breathe. It seemed like hours passed before Caderyn finally stood, escorting her from the hall. She was glad to get out of there.
    	“You did well,” was all he said.
    	Bridget wondered at his words, but didn’t ask. The small compliment gave her some pleasure. She was too tired to think straight. These had been the longest couple of days of her life and it wasn’t even nighttime yet. 
    	Caderyn brought her to his home, showed her the ‘bathing room’ and bid her to try and get some more rest as he left. Bridget watched him leave before turning to the bedroom. All she wanted to do was sleep and hopefully, in the morning, she’d discover that this was all a bad dream.
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Four
    	
    	The dream didn’t end. If anything it only got all the more surreal. The next morning she was spared the banquet hall as Caderyn brought her a tray of fruit for breakfast. The large pink slices had a salty sweet flavor to them and were extra juicy. As she ate, he left her, only to come back with several male tailors.
    	“A gift from Lucius,” Caderyn said, his jaw tight. He again left, leaving her alone with the men.
    	Bridget wondered at his words. Caderyn had said he would get her tailors. Now they were a gift from Lucius? She tried not to read anything into it. More than likely, it was nothing.
    	The tailors measured her for dresses. They handed her bolts of material and fashion plates to choose from. It was all overwhelming and she really wished Caderyn had stayed to help her out. She had no idea what was considered normal attire, so she just picked stuff she hoped would blend in with everyone else. A few times the tailors frowned at her choices, but when she tried to get their opinion, they refused to say.
    	It took the better part of two days for them to finish their constant measurement and to get through all the material and patterns. During that time she had many visitors. Caderyn came and went, but hardly spoke. He brought her food, seeming to understand that she didn’t want to go back to the dining hall. Finally, after she agreed to more gowns than she’d ever owned in her life, the tailors left her alone.
    	That night, she again slept by herself in Caderyn’s bed. It smelled like him, which made it hard to actually sleep. She found herself terribly aroused and unable to do anything about it. She stared around his bedroom, wishing she would get the nerve to snoop. But, the only thing she really wanted to snoop in was the tall, skinny wardrobe. It was locked.
    	Bridget knew Caderyn stayed on his couch, but he never once complained at the inconvenience. She took a shower each evening, loving the feel of the warm water. Shaving was awkward, as she had to use a straight blade, but she managed with only a few nicks.
    	The morning of her fourth day at the palace, as he set the tray of fruit on a small table for her, Caderyn said, “The scholars have requested to meet you, my lady.”
    	Bridget stood, crossing over to him and the tray. “You know, you saved my life. You don’t have to call me that.”
    	He studied her, his expression shaded. “Aye, I do.”
    	Bridget touched his arm. She looked shyly down to where her fingers lay against his strong, bronzed flesh. Biting her lip, she said, “I never did thank you for that.”
    	“Yes, you did as I brought you from the healers right after the drowning. You must not remember. And you are welcome,” he answered. The smell of him, the warmth of his nearness, it stirred inside her. Nights spent trying not to have fantasies about him surged forth. “But, I was just doing my duty.”
    	“But, you’ve fed me, given me your bed.” Bridget let her hand run up over his bare arm. He was so warm. Just being near him caused moisture to gather between her thighs, making her so wet she couldn’t see straight. There was something about this warrior-hunter man that always made her want to jump on him, straddle his waist and offer herself to him. When he didn’t move away, she looked up into his eyes. “I wish there was some way I could repay you for all you’ve done.”
    	“My lady,” he began.
    	Bridget cut him off by lifting up on her toes and pecking his lips lightly with hers. She waited to see what he would do. His eyes widened in what had to be surprise, but he didn’t pull away in repulsion. She rested her hands on his shoulders and did it again, brushing her lips to his. This time, she didn’t stop. She pulled his face to hers, deepening the pressure. Parting her lips, she moaned softly, running her tongue along the seam of his lips. He tasted like wine and fruit.
    	Hands brushed her waist lightly, but did not pull her close. They fell away. He let her kiss him, allowing her mouth to work against his. Then, grabbing her hands, he pulled her off him and set her back.
    	“You don’t have to do that. I don’t expect it,” he said, let her go and stepping away.
    	Bridget didn’t want to open her eyes. He was rejecting her. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. She was so aroused, so needy and he wasn’t in the least affected. Only after she’d turned away from him did she open her eyes.
    	“You should eat.” Caderyn sounded apologetic, which only made her feel worse. Great, now she was rejected and pitied.
    	“Fine. If you still want me to, I’ll meet your scholars.” Bridget took a bite, doing her best to act nonchalant. The slices were sour with just a touch of sweet, like a lemony orange. However, in her haste to play it cool, she stuffed her mouth with the food, choking slightly. She swallowed, coughing violently. Caderyn patted her back. The touch was purely functional. It stung her ego more than his words ever could. She said nothing.
    	After she ate, she followed him from the home. “Will Aidan be there?”
    	At that Caderyn finally smiled. He chuckled light as if at a private joke. “Aye. He is one of them. He is most anxious to probe your mind.”
    	Bridget laughed nervously at his choice of words. ‘Probing’ sounded suspiciously like something from science fiction. Though, looking around, so did merfolk and underwater worlds.
    	“Caderyn?” she asked, biting her lip.
    	“Aye?”
    	“Do we have to go at this exact moment? Could we maybe just walk around the palace? Or perhaps the city?” Bridget really hoped that she would get outside and find the sky above her head.
    	“If you like,” he answered, easily. He relaxed some at her request. She’d noticed that no one seemed to be in a hurry.
    	The palace was pretty much the same wherever they went. The long halls led to the hunters’ wing where Caderyn lived, to the dining hall, the kitchens, the king’s quarters where Caderyn refused to take her. In fact, he went by them a little too quickly.
    	As they walked, they passed several more people whom she hadn’t met, each one seeking to meet the ‘human.’ For the most part, the Merr were nice. They were very interested in her and treated her with more respect than she’d first expected they would. Bridget smiled as politely as she could, but she gave as little of an answer as possible.
    	Caderyn was a gentleman the whole time. Not once did he touch her or look at her too long. She wondered at her disappointment. It was as if he wasn’t attracted to her at all. Well, judging by his reaction to her kiss, he wasn’t. She felt like a fool. If he really was a merman, he probably wasn’t attracted. It was too bad. She found him incredibly sexy. The more she was in his presence, the more attracted she became--at least on a very primal level. She’d spent more time fantasizing about sex with Caderyn than she did thinking about logic and science. That was a definite first for her.
    	“Is this real? I mean, you don’t look like…” Bridget hesitated as he turned his purple eyes to her. She really liked his eyes--dark violet. They were beautiful. “You look human. I mean, are you? Is this some kind of joke? Or a military brainwashing facility of some sort meant to confuse me?”
    	“You still don’t believe us?”
    	“How can I? We’re speaking the same language. If what you claim is true, you’d be talking some kind of ancient dialect. No one here seems to even have an accent--”
    	“It is not the same. You hear your language, I hear mine,” he said. “At least, that is the best we can make of it. Or maybe it’s that we automatically all speak the same language here. It’s hard to say for sure. Sometimes you just have to accept that it is what it is.”
    	Bridget nodded.
    	“If I show you? Will that help you to believe?” Caderyn stepped closer to her.
    	Bridget again nodded. She looked down his firm body to his legs. With him standing so close she could feel the heat from him, smell the clean fragrance of his soap. He had teased her senses since that first day. “Yes.”
    	“As you wish, my lady.”
    	She followed him down the hall to a room. Two guards stood before a large, circular door. One sat in a chair, toying with the hem of his dark cloak. The other leaned against the wall. They both looked up in surprise at the intrusion.
    	“Brennus,” Caderyn said.
    	“Aye, my lord,” said the man who was seated. He instantly stood.
    	“I’m to show Lady Bridget the caves.” Caderyn motioned back to her.
    	The two guards looked at each other. Not as quickly as before, Brennus nodded. “Aye.”
    	The men pushed the round door aside, straining under its weight. The cave was dim, but as they left the door open, light was reflected off the cave walls. Colorful gems caught the torches, reflecting it down the passageway.
    	“It’s lovely,” she gasped in pleasure, intrigued by the cave passageway.
    	“Watch your step,” Caderyn said, holding out his arm to guide her. The path was made of uneven rock. They followed it downward for several paces. Bridget stopped to study the walls several times. He gently pulled her arm, getting her to follow. “These caves are the heart of our city.”
    	“What’s that smell? It’s familiar,” Bridget said, taking a deep breath. The air was sweet, sort of a cross between honeysuckle and rose, yet tangier.
    	“Sea flowers. They’re in bloom. The women put it in their soaps.” Caderyn pulled away from her, stepping down a slight incline. “This is where we brought you in from the water.”
    	Bridget stepped down. Before them was a narrow pool of water. She couldn’t see the bottom, but the gemstone light reflected off of it like multicolored stars. The glassy surface was still.
    	“I remember the cold,” she whispered, coming closer to him. “You came to me.”
    	“Aye,” he answered, not backing away.
    	“And you…” She touched her lips, trying desperately to remember.
    	“I breathed for you.” Caderyn looked at her mouth. For a second, she was sure he was going to kiss her. He didn’t.
    	“How?” Bridget’s heart beat fast. Why was she torturing herself over this? She was the mutant freak here. He couldn’t want her. It was possible that a human and a Merr couldn’t even ‘work’ together in the bedroom.
    	“Like this.” He leaned forward. His hands threaded behind his back, as if to keep from touching her. Bridget stiffened, watching him as he opened his mouth and tilted his head to the side. His mouth brushed hers, wrapping around her lips. She closed her eyes. The warmth of him spread through her body. Desire stirred heavily in her limbs and she tried to hold it at bay. She didn’t touch him and he didn’t hold her, save for their lips. Parting her lips slightly, she breathed him in. The air from his lungs filled her. It was incredibly intimate.
    	Just when she was about to move her mouth along his in sensual invitation, he pulled back. Quietly, he asked, “You understand that I won’t hurt you?”
    	“Yes.”
    	He looked concerned. “You still want to see?”
    	“Yes, show me. I need to know it’s true before I can even begin to accept what is happening here.”
    	“I won’t be able to speak to you. We use telepathy when in the water.” Caderyn reached for his shoulder and unpinned the broach. His clothing slithered to the floor and he stepped back. Bridget couldn’t help it. She had to look. He was completely naked and altogether very human in appearance. His strong legs led up to very trim hips and a lean waist. Nestled between his thighs was a very human, very large cock and it was extremely erect.
    	Bridget swallowed nervously. Caderyn looked down and chuckled, unembarrassed by his large arousal. Turning, he gave her the all too pleasing view of his taut butt. It dimpled just right in the cheeks when he moved.
    	Okay, that is just mean!
     	Like she wasn’t aroused enough to begin with! Now she had this image floating around in her brain. Her whole body surged with liquid hot arousal, pooling between her thighs and dampening her sex. Bridget balled her hands into fists, forcing them to stay at her sides.
    	Raising his arms over his head, he dove into the black water. Bridget gasped as he broke the surface, almost scared of what might be down there. She couldn’t see anything. Several seconds passed, turning into longer minutes. She couldn’t take it, as she leaned over the water in worry. Should she dive down after him? No man could stay under so long.
    	“Caderyn?” she asked softly, before raising her voice to yell, “Caderyn? Can you hear me? Where did you go?”
    * * * *
    	Caderyn let his body shift completely as he watched Bridget from below. He enjoyed taking her about the castle, spending time with her, even though she did seem nervous around him. But, really, how could he blame her for her fears? They were only natural.
    	When she’d pressed her mouth to his in his home earlier, she had tasted sweet on his lips, so sweet that he’d almost returned her kiss. But, she’d said it herself. She was only kissing him to repay him for saving her life. He didn’t want her to kiss him because she felt obligated, because she felt she owed him some kind of life debt. No doubt that was how she would look at it. Or, worse, she’d be with him because she was scared of her fate. He didn’t want to be her only option. Of course, that wouldn’t be the case, but it would. 
    	Caderyn knew that his constant desire for her had to be apparent. He couldn’t stop staring at her body every time she was near and his cock was always hard and full. It didn’t seem right relieving himself when she lay in the next room sleeping. Well, temptation had made him give in once, but he’d gone to the shower to take care of the affliction.
    	His transformation into Merr form was mostly from the waist down. The freezing water cooled his erection before the scales took it over completely. It was a small, physical relief only, for his blood still stirred with unreleased passion. There was a moment of discomfort as he breathed the first gulp of water through his gills, but he’d done it so many times in the past that he didn’t give it more than a passing notice.
    	Bridget looked worried as she stared down after him. He watched curious as she lifted her gown and dipped her toe into the water. She jerked it back. Leaning over the side, she reached down into the depths, holding her long sleeve up out of the way. Her hand came near his face, stirring the water as she searched and he knew she couldn’t see him.
    	Frowning, she bit her lip. He noticed she did that when she was uncomfortable or concentrating. Her mouth moved. She was calling his name. He heard it distorted by the water. Reaching further into the water, her fingers again swept close before drawing back.
    	Caderyn picked a strand of seaweed and pushed up beside her. His shoulder bumped into her hand before she fell back in surprise. Her mouth opened as if she was going to yell at him, but instead only a squeak came out. 
    * * * *
    	Bridget stared at Caderyn. Fins had sprouted from his forearms as he offered her a piece of limp seaweed. She took it slowly. His fins were purple, a shade lighter than his eyes, threaded with soft white and silver like a sea shell. The skin of his forearm grew up around it. There was no way they could’ve been slipped on. Gills fluttered before laying flat to his neck. His hair was slicked back from his strong face.
    	The scientist inside her was thoroughly intrigued. The woman inside her was frightened. Seeing the flip of his tail rippling the surface, the scientist in her won. She crawled closer to him, leaving the seaweed on the cave floor. Silvery purple scales dusted around his eyes, so light they were hardly noticeable. Her fingers shook as she reached out to touch him. He didn’t move.
    	His skin was cool from the water. She let her finger glance over the scales, before her hand slid over his cheek and neck, skimming over a gill. His gaze bore into her, but she avoided his eyes as she looked at his waist, curious as to what happened to ‘that’ part of him when he changed. Was it covered in scales as well? Her throat dry, she whispered, “Can I see the rest?”
    	He dipped down before pushing up on a rocky ledge beneath the surface of the water. Bridget drew her fingers back. His legs were gone, as were all traces of his erection. In their place was a long silvery purple tail. The long caudal fin at the bottom unraveled as thin as wet silk.
    	She reached for his tail in amazement, starting at his hips, curiously running down the long length, over his missing arousal to where his thighs had been. The muscles moved beneath her hand, twitching ever so subtly. It wasn’t a costume. It was really him. Caderyn was a merman. She was in an underwater island filled with merpeople. 
    	Bridget made a weak noise, pulling her hand away. It was true. He was a merman. She was attracted to a merman. No wonder he hadn’t kissed her back. She felt as if she’d been kicked. A part of her had been holding onto the hope that she and Caderyn could be together--at least sexually.
    	I’m the mutant freak here. Why would any of them want me?
     	She wondered why it didn’t bother her too much to know he shifted. Maybe it was because the seeds of desire for him had been planted from the first moment. Or, perhaps, it was because she’d been enamored with the ocean since she was a girl. It was bound to make her more accepting. 
    	Caderyn looked away, brushing water off his tail. His skin began to transform, making it all the more real as he slowly turned back to his human form. Bridget closed her eyes, fighting tears. Seeing was believing and she had all the proof she needed.
    	“Lady Bridget,” King Lucius proclaimed, coming down into the caves. He glanced at Caderyn, a questioning look on his face when he saw the man naked. The king’s longer tunic was trimmed with gold threads. She noticed a slight tension pass between the two men. “I was under the impression you’d be with scholars all day.”
    	“Caderyn was nice enough to show me about the palace.” Bridget quickly stood, hoping she didn’t get Caderyn in trouble with her request. “He’s been a very gracious host and I was about to convince him to take me outside to the city.”
    	“Wonderful! I’ll join you,” Lucius said, gallantly taking up her arm.
    	Caderyn draped his clothes around his body and pinned them at the shoulder. His handsome form was back to normal--well, her normal anyway. He watched her, eyes narrowed, but said nothing as he pushed his long, wet hair from his face, ringing the locks out. Walking behind her as the King led her back to the palace, he didn’t say a word. The guards shut the door behind them. She glanced back, glad to see that Caderyn wasn’t going to leave her alone with the Merr King.
    	Lucius escorted her through the front door to the palace’s inner courtyard. Large arches passed overhead as they walked outside. Instantly, she looked up. The sky was dark blue, too dark for the daytime, yet it was light out.
    	“Atlas is considered sacred by our people. These walls wrap all the way around the city,” Lucius explained, pointing at the walls jutting out from the main gate, down over the valley.
    	Bright yellow lines ran along the blue walls. The blue almost seemed to glow in the light. Images of sea creatures were depicted along the walls, rising off the flat surface. She recognized some as the Abyss fish, but others were so fanciful she wondered if they were myths. In the valley was the city of Atlas. The roads were evenly laid out on a square grid, looking very clean and orderly.
    	“Most of the Merr prefer to live outside these walls in the countryside,” Lucius continued.
    	“Are the walls for protection?” Bridget asked, absently. It was really hard to concentrate when she was picturing Caderyn naked. Wicked fantasies kept popping in her head, ideas involving his wet, naked body on the cave floor, surrounded by the multicolored lights reflecting off the gemstone walls. She peeked to the side, trying to see if his cock was still erect. Though, one question had definitely been answered for her. The Merr didn’t wear underwear beneath their tunics.
    	“No,” Lucius laughed, drawing her attention back to him. “It’s just the way it’s always been.”
    	Lucius chatted, keeping her occupied as he led her through the front gates and down an earth path. The city was just as she might expect an ancient city to be. There were no concrete sidewalks or streetlamps and the homes were squished together forming whole city blocks with no alleys or inlets. The roads were paved with large stones. The homes had no real windows, except for narrow slits along the wall.
    	Not far from the palace in the marketplace, there was a large statue erected in the stone square. Fittingly enough, it was of a mermaid, her long tail sweeping behind her naked upper body. The detail in the craftsmanship was amazing. Bridget couldn’t help herself, she automatically looked at Lucius and Caderyn. Caderyn frowned. The king grinned, winking audaciously.
    	Shops were constructed in a circular pattern around the marketplace. Some sold ready-made clothes; others sold baked goods, fish and other meats. Bridget couldn’t be sure, but she assumed they were from the ocean.
    	A man on the corner blew lovely glass jugs as his wife wove an intricate rug on a loom. Bridget knew they were married because Lucius insisted on stopping at every store and introducing her. She really wished he wouldn’t, as she didn’t like all the attention. But, what could she say? He was king.
    	Strangely, there were no children amongst the population and the adults all seemed to be healthy specimens between the ages of twenty-five and forty. As a scientist, she found it a very curious anomaly. Unable to stop herself, she asked Lucius, “Where are the children? Do they go to school? Or do they apprentice under their parents?”
    	The king’s smile faded for the first time that day.
    	Bridget looked at Caderyn. He lifted his hand to the side in a weak gesture before saying, “You liked the blue glass vase? Come, I’ll make it a present for you.”
    	Bridget studied the men and then nodded. Thinking it best, she answered, “Yes. Thank you.”
    	Caderyn escorted her back to the glass blower. “Nestor, the blue one. Have it delivered to my home.”
    	“Aye, my lord,” Nester answered, grinning at Bridget.
    	“Would you like anything else?” Caderyn asked softly.
    	“No.” Then quietly, so only he could hear, she said, “You don’t have to get it for me. I’m already too much in your debt.”
    	“You took Lucius’ clothes without protest.”
    	Bridget glanced to the king. He watched them from the distance. “I didn’t want to be rude.”
    	“And you have no problem being rude to me?” Caderyn’s voice was as soft as hers. She realized she’d stepped closer to him without meaning to.
    	“No.” Bridget took a hasty step back. “I mean yes. I mean, no I do not wish to be rude to you.”
    	Caderyn turned back to Nester who waited patiently. “The blue one.”
    	“Aye, my lord.” Nestor handed the blue vase to his wife.
    	Bridget forced a smile, wondering how much the man had overheard.
    	“Caderyn, can I ask you something?” Bridget said when the man was away.
    	“You just did.” A slight twitch on the side of his mouth told her he was joking.
    	Bridget gave him a wry look. “You say we’re underwater, but look at the sky.”
    	“Dome. Beyond it is the Abyss.”
    	“Oh.” The man came back, stopping any further discussion on the topic. She glanced up, bothered by the fact that it didn’t look to be underwater. And yet, she had seen Caderyn shift and could see the strange palace and city with her own eyes. 
    	As they completed the tour of the marketplace, Bridget didn’t say much. Even King Lucius was quiet. By the time they went back to the palace, it was time for the evening meal. She again was led to the hall. She felt plain in the white tunic, but at least her hair was bound back this time and not so frizzy. The meal was much like her first time in the hall. The only difference was that the fish was baked, seasoned with herbs. Bridget wrapped herself a fish taco with the flatbread instead of tearing it like the others, adding vegetables to the creation. Caderyn and Lucius watched her curiously, before trying it themselves. They both nodded in approval.
    	Bridget was quiet during the meal. She wished she could be alone with Caderyn. There were so many questions she wanted to ask him. After the meal, she was surprised when King Lucius escorted her back to Caderyn’s home. Caderyn didn’t come with them.
    	“I hope you’ve been comfortable here,” Lucius said. As always his voice was pleasant, his tone polite. The king was a nice man.
    	“Yes, Caderyn has been most kind.” Bridget smiled.
    	“I hope that his is not the only kindness you’ve noticed.”
    	Bridget froze. Was the king coming onto her? She studied his face. He was smiling at her, but he’d been smiling most of the day. Was there something more than general curiosity about her culture? She thought back to his questions. He’d asked plenty about what it was like on land, but he’d also asked about her life. Was she married? Did she leave anyone behind? What was the nature of her work?
    	“Everyone has been wonderful,” Bridget said diplomatically. “I’m still trying to get used to the whole idea of this place. It’s been a lot to take in.”
    	Lucius’ smile widened. He leaned forward, hesitated and then pressed a light kiss to her lips. Bridget didn’t move. His lips were warm, but she was too shocked to notice much more than that. The king was coming onto her. The knowledge took her by surprise.
    	“Good night, my lady.” Lucius bowed slightly to her, before walking back toward the banquet hall.
    	Bridget only nodded. The king had kissed her. A king! A merman king! If ever this dream was going to end, now would be the time. If the king was attracted to her, then that meant that a merman and a human woman could…
    	“He’s not attracted to me,” Bridget said, thinking of Caderyn. The realization stung. If it was just that they were too different, she could understand that. But, to not be attracted to her after she practically threw herself at him. “It wasn’t that he couldn’t. It was that he didn’t want to. He doesn’t want me.”
    	Bridget looked at the door to Caderyn’s home. She didn’t want to go there right now. She wanted to be alone. Heading in the opposite direction of the king, she jogged down the hall.
    	Why did it matter if he wanted her? It wasn’t like she’d actually go through with it. Would she? He was part fish. She wasn’t. Or was she thinking about this the wrong way? Was it more like she was American and he was Merr? They had different backgrounds, but they were initially the same. Never in her life had she wanted a laboratory so badly.
    	“If I could test his hair, or perhaps a blood sample,” she said to herself, scratching the back of her head, clinging to the cold hard facts of science to avoid looking at the emotion. “Maybe if I could do a DNA sequencing…” Bridget continued to mumble to herself, not really watching where she was going. “I could compare the two species and determine the level of compatibility for…”
    	“My lady?”
    	Bridget glanced up, lost in thoughts. It took her a moment to focus on the man in front of her.
    	“It’s Aidan,” Aidan said, smiling.
    	“Yes, of course, Aidan. How are you?”
    	“Fine, but I should probably be asking you that question,” Aidan said. “You seem pale.”
    	“It’s … ah … been … well … um.”
    	“Odd?” Aidan prompted. “Peculiar? Strange? Fantastic? A nightmare?”
    	“You could put it that way,” Bridget said with a small laugh. “I don’t think it’s sunk in quite yet. I mean, when I think about it, I know what everyone is saying. I know you tell me there is no way out, but as a scientist I can’t accept that. We got in. We have to have a way out.”
    	“Does Caderyn know you’re out roaming the halls on your own?” Aidan looked behind her.
    	“What do you mean?” Bridget frowned.
    	“He’s your guardian,” the man said, as if it were common knowledge. “I just thought he’d be worried about you going about on your own until you’re more accustomed to the place.”
    	Bridget arched a brow.
    	“Sorry, I’ve been here for so long I’ve forgotten that you might now know everything that we take for granted.” Aidan motioned for her to follow him. “Here the fact that he is your guardian pretty much means he’s in charge of you until you decide to marry. Don’t worry, you get used to some of the antiquated ways of thinking. He pulled you out of the water, so he is in charge of you. Kind of like that old belief, if you save someone’s life, that life becomes your responsibility. And the person saved is in debt to the one who saved them.”
    	“Marry?” Bridget squeaked, nearly choking on her own tongue. “I have no plans on getting married. I’ve never really wanted to get married. There are so much more important things in my life. I have a career to think about.”
    	Aidan gave her a pained look. “Not anymore.”
    	Out of everything she endured, that sentence was the worst. No career? Her career was her life. Science was her life. It’s all she could ever remember wanting to be when she grew up. She wanted to be on the ocean, study it, explore it.
    	“So you’re saying that…” Bridget blinked, a tear slipping over her cheek. “You’re saying that I’m trapped on the ocean floor with a bunch of fish and I can’t be a scientist? This is Deep Ocean. The Abyss! Do you know how many undocumented species are out there just waiting to be discovered?”
    	“Undocumented to whom?” Aidan asked. He gave her arm a light pull when she stopped moving. “We already know what’s out there. The Merr have known for years--centuries.”
    	“Then I can’t…? They won’t let me…?” Bridget felt faint. She raised her hands helplessly to the side. “Married? To whom? To do what? Be a wife? An antiquated wife that cooks and cleans and does other wifely things? For all eternity?” Bridget breathed hard, panting wildly as she started to hyperventilate. Aidan fanned her face. “I’m in hell. I’ve died and this is hell.”
    	“You can choose your own husband,” he said, as if that helped.
    	Bridget snorted. “Then I choose none.”
    	“Then you’re under Caderyn’s guardianship.”
    	“What does that mean exactly? Under his guardianship?”
    	“It means he will take care of you. He approves those seeking your hand and allows them to court you.” Aidan stopped at a narrow door.
    	“Court me?” Bridget tensed. This just kept getting worse and worse. “But, I don’t wish to be courted. Don’t I have a say in who courts me?”
    	“Here, come in.” Aidan led her into a long, rectangular room. Inside was an odd collection of human artifacts, laid out on long tables. The objects seemed to span across time. There were anchors, hooks, several coins dating from antiquity.
    	“Where are we?” Bridget asked weakly. “What is this place?”
    	“Most of what is here is scavenged from shipwrecks,” Aidan said. Bridget gasped. “No, no, I can see what you’re thinking and you mustn’t. They are not responsible for sinking the ships. Though, that’s the conclusion I drew at first as well. They merely collect from the wreckage along the ocean floor after there had been a wreck.”
    	Bridget stepped to the table, unable to help her curiosity. She studied the coins first.
    	“From what I could deduce, the coin with the palm tree is from Carthage. That one is from Spain.” Aidan continued to point at them. “Viking. Phoenician. Arabian.”
    	“That’s mine,” Bridget said in awe, reaching for the round disc with the strange carvings. The chain was still wrapped around it but was broken. Aidan let her pick it up.
    	“Althea brought it to me,” Aidan said. “She said you had it wrapped around your neck. I can’t tell what it dates from though.”
    	“It doesn’t. It’s just something I found along the beach.” Bridget closed her fingers around it, wanting to keep it. Slowly, she set it back down on the table. There were pieces of yellowed silk, chipped vases, a Greek bust, rusted navigational tools, pewter silverware, pieces of crystal and sections of armor.
    	“They seemed to have done a lot of scavenging during the Middle Ages. I think, before us, many of the humans brought here were from that time. It’s said that some of the Merr women used to lure the sailors into the water and carry them down, though I don’t know how factual the accounts are as no one speaks of it.” Aidan shrugged. “It would explain how they got so many personal artifacts though, like the coins and some of the jewelry. It also explains some of their speech patterns, like the ‘my lords’ and ‘my ladies’.”
    	“Aye,” Bridget added softly.
    	“Aye,” Aidan nodded, agreeing with her.
    	Aidan walked down to a table with broken relics. He kept talking about the artifacts, but she wasn’t listening to him anymore. He lightly touched a leather bound book, one amongst many. Some were ship logs, warped from water. There were a few novels. One in particular looked to be a torn paperback romance novel from the 1970’s.
    	“Yeah,” Aidan gave an uncomfortable laugh. “The scavengers brought back a whole box full of those novels. They’re being translated and analyzed.”
    	“You’re analyzing a box full of trashy romance novels?” Bridget asked, with a small laugh. “I don’t know how much you’ll learn from them.”
    	“Some of them are historically based. Actually, do they predict the future, or are they just fanciful?”
    	“No, we don’t predict the future.”
    	“Ah, shame. Well, maybe we won’t tell the women that. They like the idea of dragon shifting men. It was assumed that since the Merr shift that there were others who did as well. Do others shift?”
    	“Not that I know of,” Bridget said.
    	“Ah.” Aidan turned back to his tour of the artifacts. There was a painting of a young girl, the surface bubbled and torn. “There have been other paintings, but they’re kept in a vault. They didn’t wear as well as this one did.”
    	Aidan continued talking. Bridget looked at it all, not really seeing it. Her hand lifted, skimming over a collection of old knives, not feeling the handles.
    	Reality was hitting her hard today. She guessed the numbness over her situation could have only lasted so long. This was forever. This world. These people. This life. It was forever. Until she could prove otherwise, those were her facts. She became angry--angry at Caderyn for saving her, angry at fate for delivering her down here, angry at the Merr society for even existing.
    	Anger was so much easier to feel than rejection and unrequited desires. Bridget took a deep breath. Caderyn was the one who’d brought her here, so he was the one to be angry at.
    	“It’s actually our hope that you’ll be able to help us with what we’ve found,” Aidan admitted. “Any knowledge you have would be appreciated.”
    	“I just bet it would,” she muttered between her teeth, not really thinking as she answered the man. “I just bet it would.”
    	
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Five
    	
    	“Bridget? Bridget?”
    	Bridget heard Aidan’s voice through the angry fog settling over her body. She didn’t listen to him, didn’t heed him. How could she? Apparently Caderyn had her on the market!
    	Her body shook as she turned to the door. Before she knew it she was storming through the palace to the banquet hall. Laughter sounded and the sound only fueled her outrage. She lifted her hand, only mildly surprised to see a knife gripped in her palm.
    	“Bridget, wait,” Aidan said behind her. She felt him touch her arm lightly and jerked away.
    	“You son of a bitch!” Bridget screamed, pleased when the hall instantly became quiet. She was tired of tiptoeing around them, worrying about what they thought, watching ever word for fear she’d mess up and insult them.  
    	Bridget stormed to the head table, glaring at Caderyn. She refused to let her heart flutter at the sight of him, though the treacherous organ did try. He sat next to the king, drinking wine as if it were just another day and everything were right in his perfect little undersea world. Slowly, he lowered his goblet and watched her. It was like looking at him for the first time--his chiseled face, his handsome features. So what if he was attractive? She’d rather spend the rest of her life masturbating and alone than sleep with him right now. Caderyn didn’t move and that pissed her off more. “You no good, son of a bitch. How dare you!”
    	“I see the euphoria has worn off,” King Lucius said, chuckling slightly. He stood, slapping Caderyn on the shoulder. “She didn’t show favor, so she’s all yours until she cools off.”
    	Bridget glared at the king. He glanced down at the knife in her hand and laughed harder, prompting several of those nearby to do the same. Caderyn’s face was blank as he slowly rose to his feet.
    	“Good luck,” the king said, falling back into his chair. “You’re going to need it.”
    	“You’re going to need more than luck when I finish with you,” Bridget warned.
    	“Lady Bridget--”
    	“Don’t you ‘Lady Bridget’ me, buddy,” Bridget fumed. “Who gave you the right to try and pawn me off on someone? In fact, who gave you the right to save me in the first place? Maybe I didn’t want to be saved. Maybe I was doing fine until you and your little boat smashing friends came along.”
    	“Bridget,” Caderyn said, his voice full of warning.
    	“No!” she yelled, holding up her hands, not caring if the whole hall heard her. “You don’t get to talk to me. You tried to make me have…“ Bridget stuttered as she tried to think of the right word. Somehow, ‘you tried to pimp me out’ seemed too crass. She pointed the blade at him. “…suitors.”
    	He placed his hand on the table and leapt over it in one graceful movement to stand before her. Her pulse sped. Okay, so that was a really impressive stunt. She shook her head, refusing to be swayed by his physical prowess. Wielding the knife though she didn’t really know what she was going to do with it, she tried to look stern and mean. It wasn’t like she could stab him with it and he didn’t seem too scared that she would try.
    	“In fact, you are no longer my guardian,” she declared. A gasp went over the crowd and then murmurs of surprise.
    	Caderyn arched a brow, a smile curling one side of his mouth. “Bridget? You’re sure? That is what you wish?”
    	“Of course, I’m sure!” Bridget fumed. He didn’t have to look so damned happy about it. He was the one who had saved her. She didn’t put him in the position to begin with. He had done that himself. “I don’t want you trying to pawn me off on every man who walks by just because you don’t want to deal with me.”
    	“Then I accept,” he said, grinning wider. “When?”
    	“Right away,” she answered. What did he mean when? Why shouldn’t her decree to be free of him take effect immediately?
    	Caderyn nodded.
    	“Good,” she huffed. Bridget frowned. Then, glancing down at the knife, she grimaced and handed it to him. He took it, his finger lingering as it brushed next to hers. “I’m glad you show some reason because I would’ve stabbed you if you hadn’t.”
    	She started to turn when Caderyn stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. It was the last thing she expected. He kissed her, not just a polite little peck on the mouth, but a kiss. A real kiss. The kind of kiss she felt all the way to her curling toes. The kind of mind-altering pleasure that claimed her soul even as it made her nipples tingle and her sex ache to be filled. Her body heated and she couldn’t suppress the moan that filtered past her mouth. The hall cheered.
    	Caderyn pulled back, holding her close. Very softly, he said, “There was no need to threaten me with a knife. I would’ve said aye had you just asked me.”
    	“What--?” Bridget began, confused. She had a feeling there was more going on than she knew, but it was too hard to concentrate with desire running a mad course through her veins. 
    	Before she could focus over the taste of him on her mouth and finish a complete, coherent thought, Caderyn turned her around to face the crowd. “My king, people of Atlas, may I present my wife, Lady Bridget of the Hunter.”
    	The hall cheered. Bridget stared at Caderyn. His what? His what?!
     	Oh, gawd.
     	Oh, gawd.
     	Oh. My. Gawd.
     	“My king, may I have your blessing?” Caderyn asked, yelling over the cheers.
    	The king smiled and waved his hand lightly as if to say, ‘so be it.’ The cheers grew louder. Lucius glanced briefly at her before nodding his head. “Let it be known that from this day forward Caderyn the Hunter has taken a wife.”
    	“Where’s that knife?” Bridget swore under her breath, reaching to grab the blade from Caderyn’s hand. He let it go, giving it to her without protest. When he looked at her, he was grinning, a wide smile spread over his features. She contemplated stabbing him with the blade, but knew she could never harm another person. With a growl, she turned and stormed down the hall. She had to get away from him. The whole lot of the Merr people was insane.
    	Aidan stared at her with his jaw hanging open. She brushed past him. Bridget knew her temper, knew that she needed to get away from the situation before she did anything stupid--well, more stupid than she’d already done. First she’d put the knife back before she hurt herself, then she’d run far away from the palace and hide.
    	Oh. My. Gawd.
    * * * *
    	Caderyn was stunned. Bridget had chosen him. His fear that she would reject him wasn’t founded. She chose him. She wanted him as her husband, picked him above the king.
    	The acceptance had just spilled out of him before he could think to stop it. His desires had been tormented by her since that first touch underwater. He wanted her so badly, only fear had kept him from telling her how he felt. It had been so hard not to deepen the kisses she gave him. But, until he said the words, made his intentions known to her, he couldn’t dishonor her like that.
    	When Lucius wanted a right to stake his claim, like a fool Caderyn had said aye and stepped aside. It had been hell watching the king press his suit. He’d almost died when Lucius walked her from the banquet hall, sure he’d come back with her so she could declare her decision. Who could pass up the opportunity to be queen for all eternity?
    	But she had. She chose him.
    	Caderyn moved to follow her, wanting her back in his arms. The tailors hadn’t finished her clothes and she still wore the plain white tunics borrowed from Althea. He didn’t care. She would look beautiful in anything. 
    	Arousal was hot inside him, lifting his cock and stirring in his blood. If she’d allow him, he’d make love to her all night. And he’d make sure she was brought to pleasure each and every time.
    	She chose him.
    * * * *
    	Marriage? To Caderyn?
     	“Wait, Bridget,” Caderyn called. “Slow down. Wait.”
    	Bridget walked faster to get away from him. The cheering in the banquet hall lessened by degrees as she moved away from it. 
    	“You know you could have warned me before doing that,” he said. 
    	“I didn’t do anything. I didn’t ask to be your anything,” she growled, clutching the knife’s hilt backward in her hand for safety so the blade wasn’t swinging wildly about as she walked. Spinning around to face him, she was surprised when the blade met with flesh, especially after she’d been careful while storming the halls with it. Caderyn’s eyes widened. A long, stunned silence passed between them. She felt blood trickling over her fingers. The anger instantly let go of her. They both looked down at the same time. Breathless, she said, “Oh my. I didn’t mean to…”
    	Bridget let go of the blade, unable to hold on. It stuck in her side. She’d stabbed herself. Almost delayed, the sharp pain shot through her and she gasped, shaking terribly.
    	“Bridget?” Caderyn looked horrified. The white gown soaked up the red of her blood. She watched his hands shake as he tore the blade from her. Almost instantly, her knees weakened and she dropped. He caught her in his strong embrace, lifting her up. She trembled, weakened by the pain. What had she done?
    * * * *
    	Foolish woman! What did you do?
     	Caderyn pulled Bridget close to his chest, sprinting for his home. Her eyes closed as she passed out, falling limp against his chest.
    	“Caderyn?” King Lucius said from behind him. “What has happened?”
    	Caderyn kept running. He knew the king was concerned, but he couldn’t stop, not now. Bridget was his wife. He would take care of her the only way he knew how. She was still too new to Ataran to heal on her own.
    	Caderyn shoved through his door and kicked it shut behind him. Without stopping, he lay Bridget on the bed and ripped open her tunic. Blood seeped from the wound, staining his bed. He didn’t care. Beds could be replaced, but it had taken him a near eternity to find Bridget. 
    	Pulling back, he quickly shed his clothing. He had to give her his energy. She was weakening too fast for just his hands. His wife needed his whole body and he was more than willing to give it to her, even if it killed him.
    	Caderyn put his naked body over hers. His thighs straddled her legs. He placed his hand over her wounded side, pressing on it. She whimpered, thrashing her head back and forth. He concentrated on healing her, on giving her his strength. Warmth left his hand, spreading out over his body. His flesh became sensitive to the touch and he felt every place her naked body pressed into his. Her nipples hardened against him, just as his shaft tightened and hardened against her.
    	Energy flowed out of him, into her, a steady stream of life that joined them. Bridget wiggled and he nearly groaned at the feel of her soft stomach pressing up against his erection. Her lips parted and he couldn’t resist. He had to kiss her. Not once did he think to stop. She was his wife. She chose to be with him. Besides, she was moaning in pleasure and who was he to deny her what she wanted?
    	Their lips touched and he thrust his tongue into her mouth. She tasted so good. Her lips were so much softer, so much sweeter, than the pleasure nymph’s. Vaguely, he thought of how he’d never need the thing again. A rush of pleasure washed over him. He had a wife. He had Bridget.
    	One hand stayed on her side as the other supported his weight. He had to taste more, feel more. The urge to mate with her was strong. The affliction of his body had been denied too many nights. Her hips wiggled again, thrusting against him to mimic the sex act. It was hard, but he resisted parting her wide and thrusting right in as he did with the nymph. 
    	Kissing a trail over her neck, he brought himself down on her body. A soft, round breast beckoned him to it. The texture of her nipple against his mouth was heaven. He played with it, tested it, flicked his tongue back and forth over the solid bud.
    	Caderyn couldn’t seem to slow. Her body sucked his power from him and he wanted to give it to her. His hand left her side and in the wound’s wake was a fresh scar. The bleeding had stopped. He wiped the blood from his hand onto the sheet, as he kissed her other breast, giving the nipple the same treatment as the first.
    	Caderyn’s mouth became aggressive, biting lightly to see what would happen. She moaned each and every time. Her legs worked restlessly between his thighs. They lifted up, pressing into his butt, spreading his legs wider, opening his body up in the most erotic way. The small strip of curls guarding her slit brushed along his erection, tickling him until his shaft nearly throbbed with painful need.
    	Desperate, he reached between their bodies. He bumped his erection in his search for her wet heat and he nearly came all over her stomach. Caderyn grunted, holding back. He found her sex ready for him and slipped his finger along the folds, brushing up and down along her slit until finding the small pearl hidden there. Her body jerked each time until she was circling her hips up toward him, forcing his thighs further apart. He worked his hand against her several times. As he slid down, her hips thrust up, forcing a finger to slip inside the tight, wet passage of her sex.
    	So warm.
    	So wet.
    	So tight.
    	Caderyn groaned as her pussy gripped his fingers. Bridget rode his hand, pushing her body down so his finger moved in and out in a slow rhythm. His thumb bumped her clit as she worked against him. He couldn’t resist, as he slipped a second finger in with the first, feeling the tight silk of her body stretching against him.
    	Caderyn watched, amazed at the ferocity in which she sought her pleasure. Bridget’s knees bent, pushing violently at his thighs. Her body bucked, arching wildly beneath him as she increased speed. She thrust herself on his fingers, pushing his hand back against his cock, which in turn thrust his cock against his hard stomach.
    	“Ah,” she panted softly. “Ahhh! Yes. Don’t stop. Don’t stop.”
     	Bridget’s pussy clamped his finger hard as she came. Her fingers trailed to her breast, rubbing the soft mound gently. He stared, watching the erotic sight.
    	“Argh,” he moaned, his body tense. Caderyn couldn’t hold back as her jerking orgasm thrust his hand up hard against his cock. He came, spraying his seed all over her stomach.
    * * * *
    	Bridget felt warm all over. The pain had lessened, replaced by a pleasure so intense she wanted more, needed more. When a finger rubbed along her clit, hitting the sweet spot that always drove her wild, she needed to feel it inside her. Mindless, she thrust up. She knew how to work her hips just right to make the finger rub her like she needed to be rubbed.
    	When she came, the pain drifted away. She heard someone grunt, right before a torrent of hot moisture spread over her stomach. 
    	Her whole body hummed with life. She felt possessed, needy. Bridget opened her eyes. Caderyn was above her. It was his seed spread over her stomach. She wanted more. It was like a force inside her demanded she take him again, drain him over and over until he passed out from sheer exhaustion.
    	With that sole purpose in mind, she reached between their bodies and gripped his cock. Squeezing it, she demanded, “More.”
    	Caderyn gasped and she stroked him until he was hard once more. Every brush of his skin to hers made her body sizzle with desire. His body was well-groomed, free from hair. She was wet for him. She was so sensitive. How did her body get so sensitive?
    	“Mm,” she moaned, wiggling restlessly, stroking him harder. He was large in her palm, almost intimidatingly so. His erection grew the more she caressed it.
    	“Bridget, wait,” he sighed, trying to pull off her fingers. “You don’t understand.”
    	“I want you in me,” she groaned. Why was he backing away? She felt his cock. A man didn’t get that big if he was repulsed.
    	“I’m already in you,” Caderyn gasped for breath. His eyes devoured her as he stood up from the bed. “I mean--”
    	Bridget laughed. “It’s big, sweetie, but not that big. Come back to bed. I want more.”
    	When he looked like he would still protest, she let her thighs fall open. Caderyn swallowed, but he didn’t look away. “Don’t do that… I can’t… You feel my energy in you because of the knife wound. I healed you. That’s why you’re acting like this.”
    	“I’m acting like this because I want you.” Bridget stood up from the bed, pursuing him. He was against the doorframe. She crossed over to him, running her fingertips down over his chest. Aggressively, she pushed his head back and lifted up on her toes to kiss his neck. She bit and licked her way down his hard muscles, sucking his small nipples between her teeth.
    	“Oh, Sweet Blue!” he exclaimed.
    	She kissed her way down. The bedroom overhead lights softened the contrast of his hard features. His head was thrust back and he was breathing hard. Bridget moaned softly, vaguely aware that she’d never done anything this bold in her life. Her lids fell halfway over her eyes and her voice was a sultry pout. “I want to taste all of you.”
    	She pulled his lean hips, urging him to his knees on the floor. It was as if his body couldn’t resist her will. One light touch and she’d feel energy pulsing from her nerves, into him, controlling him. She was going to do exactly what she wanted to him and he wouldn’t be able to say no.
    	When he was sitting back on his feet, she got on her hands and knees and licked his hard shaft from root to mushroomed tip, letting him have full view of her body. It excited her to know his eyes watched her. With each pluck of her lips, he tensed and flexed beautifully beneath him. She tasted the residue of his recent climax. Her tongue swirled around the ridge of his cock, liking the way he panted and jerked at the light touches.
    	“Bridget … oh! What are you doing?”
    	“Shh, I want to play.” Pouting, she gave him her most irresistible look. Slowly licking her lips, she got into the role of ultimate seductress and said, “Your cock tastes so good. Won’t you let me kiss it, Caderyn? Won’t you let me suck your big, hard cock for you?” She grabbed the shaft and licked the tip. “Please, Caderyn, I want to taste you. Please.”
    	He looked shocked by her words, actually stunned was a better word for it. Bridget had no idea where this boldness was coming from. She leaned over him once more, taking advantage of his momentary astonishment to suck him deep into her mouth.
    	Bridget smiled in victory when he touched her. He massaged her shoulders, tangling his fingers in her long hair. She took her time, teasing him with her mouth, drawing out the torture.
    	Bridget enjoyed the primal sounds he made in the back of his throat. She realigned her body so she could use her hands to full advantage. Grabbing the base of his shaft, she worked her fingers up slowly, lightly running the tips up and then down to tease him. With each stroke, her grip tightened, twisting around, varying the movements. She continued, amazed that he seemed to get harder with each pull. His thighs tightened as he pushed his hips up into her mouth.
    	Bridget cupped his balls, rolling them gently in her palm before dipping underneath to the collection of nerves buried below the soft globes. Caderyn rewarded her efforts with hard jerks of his body and heated gasps for air. If she was worried about his reacting like a man, she didn’t need to be. Every response was the same, every groan, every shiver.
    	Her tongue darted out, flicking over his tip. Bridget made a small sound of pleasure, letting him know she liked it. Caderyn flexed and quivered beneath her and the taste of pre-cum passed over her tongue. It was delicious. She wanted more.
    	Kissing the head of his cock, she swirled the ridge before sucking him deep into her mouth. She pulled back, nibbling her teeth up and down the sides of his shaft before latching onto him once more.
    	“Bridget,” he groaned. “Ah. Oh. Mm. I’ve never felt anything like this. Mm, aye.”
    	The primitive noises became louder. She blew and sucked his cock in turn. Her teeth pulled over the shaft. He was so big she couldn’t get him all the way down. Taking her hand from the balls, she put a palm flat on the floor for balance and began to stroke the extra length with her free hand.
    	The grip on her hair pushed and pulled, helping to work her mouth over him, pushing as deep as she could take it. She kept up her caresses, pulling at his balls, stroking his shaft.
    	“Bridget, I can’t hold back. I must…”
    	Bridget sucked harder, refusing to let up. She wanted to taste him. His whole body tensed. Caderyn came, bathing her mouth with his seed. She moaned in appreciation, drinking the salty-sweet flavor down.
    	“Where…? He gasped for breath. “How…?”
    	Bridget arched a brow in amazement. The look on his face was priceless. “Don’t you have oral sex here?”
    	“Or-all?” He shook his head. “Not that I’ve heard. Though, it’s been many years since we’ve been plunged down beneath the surface. Perhaps I have forgotten many things.”
    	“What haven’t you forgotten?” she asked. “Show me.”
    	“You mean … again?”
    	“I want more,” she purred, batting her lashes. He was still slumped up against the frame, eyeing her in amazement. “But in the bed. This floor is hurting my knees.”
    	“You’re sure?”
    	“Ask me that again and I’ll find someone else.” Bridget crossed over to the bed, crawling onto the mattress, her butt in the air. Part of her felt as if she was watching the whole scene from the sidelines. Her mouth opened, her body moved, but it was all on desire, on instinct, on greedy need. She’d never acted like this, but she couldn’t make herself stop. She stayed on her hands and knees, tossing her long hair over her shoulder to look at him. “A big, healthy man like you can surely go a couple more times.”
    	“A couple?”
    	Bridget almost laughed at his look of surprise. She turned away from him, letting her feet dangle over the side of the bed. “Mm, at least.”
    	A warm hand cupped her hip, gently exploring her side. She closed her eyes, not moving. Fingers brushed her thighs, parting them slightly from behind. He touched her, stroking her sex with confident hands. Her body was so wet, too wet. It shouldn’t have been possible. Usually, she took much more actual physical coaxing to become so aroused.
    	Caderyn’s touch was electrifying. It was as if his hand vibrated lightly over her skin. Her nerves reached for it, following the brush of his fingers. She again peeked over her shoulder. He stroked his cock so that it was again at full mast. Bridget liked watching him, was amazed he could even get it hard again so fast and could only assume that the Merr were an extremely virile race.
    	As he stroked himself, he thrust a thick finger up inside her. She bucked. It wasn’t enough this time. She wanted more.
    	“What else do your people do?” she asked, moaning even as she continued to rock against him. “Show me.”
    	“I enjoy having this done to me,” he said, without embarrassment.
    	Bridget began to turn only to tense in surprise when his wet finger pushed along her cleft and dipped into the tight rosette buried within her cheeks. The strange cloud she drifted in began to lift at the startling probe. She tensed, ready to tell him to stop. He slipped the bold finger deeper, rimming her in tight, shallow circles, stretching her. A great many nerves she didn’t even know existed exploded with pleasure. She tensed, arching up off the bed.
    	“Caderyn?” she breathed, confused. The man didn’t practice oral sex and yet he just admitted to liking himself rimmed? Talk about surprises.
    	“I see you like it as well.” His voice was so confident, unembarrassed. One finger rimmed her and another tickled her clit. Her legs reached wide, opening further to allow him complete access to her body.
    	Her mouth fell open. She glanced over her shoulder. His purple eyes almost seemed to glow as he looked at her and she saw the strange shadowing of silvery purple along the outside of them. A possessed look crossed over his features. He worked his hand against her as he stroked himself.
    	“Caderyn, I can’t take it,” she cried. “Please!”
    	Caderyn slipped his finger from her butt and moved to grab her hips. He brought his body to hers, rubbing his large cockhead through her cream, up and down her slit. Then, narrowing in on her pussy, he pushed himself inside her and groaned.
    	Bridget’s eyes widened at the feel of his cock stretching her. She hadn’t had too many lovers in the past, but she definitely wasn’t a saint. It had been awhile and her pussy was tight. The wet heat of her body’s moisture eased the way for him as he moved in shallow strokes, prying her completely open to him. Just when she thought she could take no more, he pushed deeper. The backs of her thighs pressed along his legs as he gave one firm thrust, fitting himself to the hilt. Pleasure-pain filled her and she’d never felt so connected, so complete.
    	“Oh.” Bridget moaned. It felt good. “Yeah.”
    	“Ah, tight,” he grunted. “I like it tight.”
    	Caderyn stood behind her. Her feet dangled off of the bed. He gripped her hips, jerking her body up and down on his cock as he rode her. His movements were rough, hard, nearly pounding her. She cried out, wanting him to slow down so she could savor the moment. But, when her mouth opened, she called, “Harder. Fuck me harder!”
    	“I like how you squeeze me,” he answered, obeying her command and jerking her harder.
    	“More,” she demanded.
    	Caderyn gave her more. “Ah, Bridget.”
    	Bridget came, hard. She’d never felt anything so intense. His body jerked, answering her climax with his own. It was like her whole body exploded. Her arms trembled, giving out from under her. She instantly weakened and blacked out.
    * * * *
    	Caderyn stumbled back in amazement, staring down at Bridget’s immobile body. He felt the instant she blacked out. Her power over him had stopped.
    	Gasping for breath, he tried to slow his heartbeat. The orgasm weakened him, but so had healing her. He’d tried to resist her when she called to him, knowing that she felt his desire for her. Slumping to the floor, he leaned his head along the wall where it met the wardrobe to form a corner.
    	Healing was risky when done on such a level, but he had no choice. She was his wife and he had to give her his energy. It worked too because only a pink scar remained where the knife blade had entered her side.
    	But, in giving her energy, he didn’t have much left for himself. Caderyn shut his eyes, too weak to move and a little thankful that he was going to get the chance to recover before she demanded sex again. His legs trailed out on the hard floor and his hands rested along his thighs, unmoving. He was soon fast asleep.
    	
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Six
    	
    	Bridget couldn’t move from her place on the soft mattress. Her side ached and she felt as if she were hung over. That was strange in and of itself as she never drank to excess.
    	“What a dream,” she whispered, sighing. The bedding smelled fresh, like sea flowers. Had Caderyn sprayed it with the scent? It was odd in the present circumstance. “What a weird dream.”
    	Slowly, she realized she was naked and not only did her side hurt, but her insides were sore, like she had sex--lots of sex. She expected the room to reek of it, but all she could smell was the sea flowers. Prying one eye open, she watched a blue blanket swim before her vision. It led to a blue wall. 
    	The Merr palace. She was in the palace. It wasn’t a dream. But, if the palace wasn’t a dream, then...
    	Bridget jerked up, twisting around on the bed. Caderyn was gone, but the twinge in her stomach gave way to the fact that they had indeed had sex. And not just sex--wickedly delicious, full-on, too-embarrassed-to-look-yourself-in-the-mirror-the-next-morning sex. Oh, gawd! The kind of sex that you couldn’t face the person the next day--or ever again. It was the kind of sex that warranted moving to a different country.
    	“Oh, no,” she moaned, covering her face. Had she really said to him that she wanted to taste all of him? Had she really sucked his cock so aggressively? Bridget groaned in horror. It didn’t end there. She kept demanding more. He’d taken her from behind right here on this very bed.
    	“Oh, gawd, no.” Bridget became lightheaded. His finger had been where no man had ever gone before and so help her, she’d enjoyed it, yelled for more. She clenched her butt cheeks, thoroughly embarrassed by what she’d so openly and willingly done.
    	Bridget fell over and buried her face in the bed. There was more, so much more. It was all a little fuzzy as to time, but what had happened was clear.
    	She’d found him on the floor, sleeping up against the wall. He’d looked so cute, his hard muscular body just waiting for her to arouse it. She’d awakened him with her mouth on his cock and her finger probing his taut ass as he claimed to like, demanding more from him. Oh, yeah, he hadn’t been lying. He really did like it when she did that. Though, she could still picture the surprised look on his face from having been woken up like that.
    	Caderyn had taken her again and again. They’d had sex right there on the floor, her body riding his as she straddled his thighs. Then they moved to the shower, the couch, the bed. Somehow fruit had gotten involved. She couldn’t stop groaning. Had she really given him a fruit blow job? Bridget would never look at breakfast the same way again. In fact, she doubted she’d ever eat a piece of fruit without blushing.
    	“Oh, gawd!”
    	He had watched her, too. They’d done it with enough light to see everything clearly. She was no prude, but she was more conservative than that. Sure, if the mood felt right, a girl could pull out a few special tricks. But all of them? All the positions she could ever dream up? Caderyn must think her a real whore. After the way she acted, she was pretty sure she thought of herself as a whore. Even worse was the fact that she’d so thoroughly enjoyed it and just thinking of it made her want him again and again.
    	Bridget groaned. It was impossible. No two people could have so much sex in just one night. How could she have allowed this to happen? It was like she’d been drugged.
    	A shimmering garment at the end of the bed caught her attention. It was some of the material she’d chosen with the tailors. Lifting it up, she found a sari-like gown. The shirt had short tight sleeves and would be fitted down her waist to her hips. Over her shirt, the silvery blue material would drape around her body, creating a long skirt that slit up the side all the way to her thigh. It was gorgeous, but it wasn’t the more conservative Romanesque dress pattern she’d picked out for most of her outfits. She wondered who had changed it. There were also two leather sandals--just her size.
    	Her stomach growled but she ignored it. The idea of a fruit breakfast was just too mortifying to think about. Bridget peeked out of the bedroom. To her relief, the living room was empty. Making a run for the bathroom naked, she hugged the clothes to her chest.
    	Once locked in the bathroom, she quickly took a shower, trying to wash Caderyn’s smell off her skin while refusing to think of how she’d bathed his wet, naked body with her hands and tongue in this very place. In her mortification, she scrubbed her skin a little too vigorously. When her hands hit her waist, she flinched.
    	Bridget leaned over. She found the scar on her side. It wasn’t too bad. Apparently, she’d only nicked herself with the knife because it was already healed shut. For some reason, she remembered a searing, excruciating pain. How did a scratch cause such agony?
    	After her shower, she dressed in her new garments and slipped into the sandals. Combing her hair, she struggled to get the knots out with Caderyn’s metal comb. She really missed her hairbrush.
    	The living room was still empty and she decided now was as good a time as any to leave Caderyn’s home. She didn’t want to face him--ever. Not after the wanton way she’d acted. Her face heated as she looked at the back of the couch and again remembered some of the night’s more sordid positions.
    	“Oh, gawd,” she whispered.
    	Luck was with her. The hall was empty. Where should she go? She was underwater in a giant island bubble. It wasn’t exactly like she could hide. Though it was tempting to try, she wasn’t about to hold her breath as she floated up from the Abyss. The pressure down here alone should’ve killed her.
    	Before she realized where she was going, she found herself standing in the doorway to the artifacts room. Aidan was bent over a text, scribbling notes on parchment with a quill.
    	“I need more facts,” Bridget said.
    	Aidan jumped at the sound of her voice, spinning with his hand over his chest. “You’re awake.”
    	“I want proof that this is Deep Ocean. How do I know we’re not just a mile down from the surface? I want someone to take me out in the water and show me. I want solid, scientific proof.”
    	“You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you? Can’t you just accept it and move on?” Aidan turned back to his text, waving his quill as he spoke. “We’re surrounded by merfolk. I’m over a hundred years old. I’ll dig up my old journals to prove it to you, if you’d like.” He turned back to look at her. “Not to mention the fact that you survived your shipwreck and are wearing strange clothing and eating strange food. You look nice all dolled up, incidentally.”
    	Bridget arched a brow at his words. Dolled up? She refused to get sidetracked.
    	“Merfolk could easily be just an anomaly of nature,” she reasoned, “or more than likely a government experiment. You could be lying to me and the journal could be faked. I’ve seen stranger clothing in New York City. As for the food, well, yes it is harder to explain, but maybe someone has discovered a way to genetically alter sea life. Or maybe you’ve discovered how to actually fish the Deep Ocean waters. Or Deep Ocean creatures are rising up from the Abyss to feed due to some ecological shift and you’re catching them that way. There are any number of logical explanations. So, I say again, I want proof.”
    	“You have an answer for everything, don’t you?” Aidan shook his head. “Why is this so hard for you to accept? Even you must admit that your logic is farfetched.”
    	“No more farfetched then living underwater in a bio-dome created by Poseidon, the god of the sea. To accept your explanation, I’d have to accept that some sort of supernatural, unearthly, god-like magic exists. But, having been a scientist, I know that what I suggest is the more probable. Yes, it is farfetched, but it is probable as well as possible, more so than a magical curse and an underwater city.”
    	“Point taken.” Aidan grinned. He glanced back at his text, appearing torn between debating with her and continuing his work.
    	“Please help me. I just want to take a quick swim.” Bridget took a step forward.
    	“You want proof? Or you want to get out there in the water as a scientist?” Aidan asked knowingly.
    	Bridget bit her lip, fidgeting. “Both.”
    	“They won’t let you out into the water,” he insisted. “You’ll never survive. Besides, it’s very dark out there and with your eyes you won’t be able to see a thing. You’ll probably be eaten within the first few minutes, if the temperature doesn’t kill you first.”
    	“I want to see it,” She insisted. “Isn’t there a way I can see for myself. Please. If what you are telling me is true, then I’ve waited my whole life for this chance. I want to see Deep Ocean. I want to learn. I need to know that it’s there. That this is real.”
    	Aidan took a deep breath, contemplating for a moment. Quietly, he said, “What you seek is in the borderlands. There you will know for sure that this place is real and see more of Deep Ocean than you ever wanted to. It’s the best I can do. I can’t help you get into the water. The only way out is the Crystal Caves and they are constantly guarded and for good reason.”
    	“The borderlands?” Bridget repeated, feeling a tingle of excitement. “How do I get there?”
    	“Just start walking in any direction and you’ll get there eventually.” Aidan chuckled. “Lord Caderyn should be able to take you. All the hunters have homes around in the borderlands. He’s supposed to be hunting, but after that trick you pulled with the knife, the king’s ordered him to stay out of the water until you are settled.”
    	Bridget felt a twinge of guilt. She ignored it. “How far is it?”
    	“Not terribly if you head in the right direction.” Aidan smiled kindly at her, in his distracted way. 
    	“Which direction is the right direction?”
    	“The forest is no place for a woman to be on her own. Some say a tribe of wild women roam the woods. Just make sure you take your husband with you. Caderyn will keep you safe.”
    	Bridget’s world came to a screeching halt. Husband? Closing her eyes, she moaned, “Oh, gawd, how could I forget that?”
    	She’d been so preoccupied trying to get over the shame of practically forcing Caderyn into her bed that she’d forgotten all about the little episode in the dining hall.
    	“I heard the healing can unsettle the mind. Though, since you were ah … asleep … for nearly a week I figured you were past the confusion.” Aidan grinned.
    	“A week?” Bridget gasped. She touched her side, feeling the scar through her clothing. No wonder she had so many memories of sex. There were way too many times to be from one night. Great, so she basically spent the week sleeping, eating and fucking her new husband. Had she been anyone else besides her, it would’ve been the perfect honeymoon. She wanted to die.
    	“You haven’t talked to Lord Caderyn yet, have you?” Aidan’s smile fell. “He doesn’t know you’re awake, does he?”
    	Her look must have answered for her, because he sighed and set down his quill. 
    	“You stabbed yourself and he healed you,” Aidan said. “You’re better, but it’s a good thing he did it for you too. You must’ve really been hurt. But, I’d say you nearly drained his energies dry. Poor man could hardly sit upright and he was walking kind of funny each time I saw him come from your home.”
    	Drained him dry? Bridget wanted to die. Done it to him good? Before she could stop the words, she blurted, “He told you we had sex?”
    	Aidan choked, knocking over the inkpot. It spilled onto the floor, ruining his pants. Red faced, he leaned down to clean up his mess. “I meant you drained him of his life force when he healed you. I didn’t mean that you drained him of his … his… Good Gods in Heaven!”
    	Bridget turned and ran. She didn’t stay to hear the rest.
    * * * *
    	Bridget’s feet thundered over the ground as she ran through town. A bundle of food bounced heavily on her shoulder. She’d stolen it from the empty banquet hall. It had been on a cart, just sitting there.
    	The city blocks had to end sometime, didn’t they? She’d seen a forest just past the valley. If she could just make the forest she’d be okay. Aidan had told her the forest was dangerous, but surely that was just his old-fashioned upbringing coming through. She wasn’t a helpless woman. She could take care of herself. She’d taken a self-defense class one time.
    	Running away was a stupid idea to begin with and she really wasn’t surprised when Caderyn caught up to her near the town square. Still, when she heard him growl, ‘Bridget, what do you think you’re doing?’ she had to make a run for it.
    	She was too mortified to face him. Just hearing his voice made her heart leap in her chest and moisture pool between her thighs. What would happen when she actually looked at him? Touched him? Would she throw herself at him like a wanton sex fiend again?
    	Hearing his footsteps gaining on her, she ran harder, dropping the food. It was too heavy and was only slowing her down. She heard Caderyn trip on the bag but didn’t stop to look.
    	“Bridget!” he ordered. “Halt!”
    	She ran faster. Her arms pumped. Sweat beaded her forehead.
    	“Bridget! Wait!”
    	Her heart pounded so hard her chest hurt and her throat stung with the cold from having gasped for air. The trees were there. So close. If she could only make it the last few feet.
    	“By all the gods, woman! Halt at once!”
    	Bridget felt her body flying through the air as he caught up to her. She screamed, ready to be smashed under his weight. Instead, he turned in the air, taking the brunt of the fall. They rolled a few times, stopping with her body tangled on top of his.
    	“Hold, woman!” he growled, gripping her arms tight when she struggled to get up. His harsh breath mingled with hers. Even now she wanted him. She felt his strong body along hers, felt the beginning press of an arousal. If not for all the stares they were receiving from the townsfolk, she might have done it.
    	“Let … me … go,” she managed through gasps.
    	“What is this?” he demanded, rolling up to his feet in one graceful movement, taking her with him. Bridget was stunned by his strength and grace, that for a moment she forgot to protest. He pulled her like a rag doll into the forest. When they were alone, he stopped but didn’t let go. “Are you mad?”
    	“Yes, I’m mad!” she growled. “Of course I’m mad!”
    	“You’re not right in the head?” Caderyn frowned, moving to look her over. He reached to cup the side of her face. “Have you an injury? What happened? Do I need to take you to the healer?”
    	“I’m mad. Angry-mad,” she screeched. “I want you to stay away from me.”
    	“What did I do?” The man looked shocked and she was sorry for it.
    	“You,” Bridget hesitated. She couldn’t believe she was about to say it. “You took advantage of me. You drugged me with your life force, energy stuff.”
    	“I saved you from your own foolishness. You stabbed yourself with a knife.” A deep crease wrinkled his forehead and his eyes narrowed. He looked angry.
    	“You drugged me. Twice.” Bridget pulled harder to be free, but he wouldn’t let go. His grip tightened. “Now, get away before you euphoria me again. That’s what King Lucius called it, wasn’t it? He said my euphoria wore off. This is the first day I’ve been able to think clearly since being here.”
    	With a low growl, he let her go. Bridget stumbled, tripping on her own feet. Landing hard on her butt, she grunted. Caderyn crossed his arms over his chest, looking down at her in irritation. “Everyone who comes here has euphoria. It happened on the dive down, when I saved your life. Euphoria is a time when we can explain what is happening without the hysterics of emotion. By the time your senses come back, it’s hoped that the realization of what this place is and who we are has sunken in and will be easier to accept.”
    	Bridget bit her lip. Damn him! That explanation actually made sense. She took a deep breath, not wanting to face the real issue driving her anger--her complete and utter embarrassment over her wanton behavior with him.
    	“Oh, and it wasn’t to hurry and get me married off before I knew any better?” she quipped.
    	“You chose me.” His tone was harder than she’d ever heard it.
    	“No, I said I didn’t want you to be my guardian.”
    	“Same thing.”
    	“By what logic?” Bridget finally caught her breath enough to be able to push up off the ground. It was really hard to meet his beautiful purple eyes. They were so unnatural a color, so damned sexy. “And by what right did you...?”
    	“Did I what?” He prompted when words failed her.
    	“When you, you know,” Bridget felt her cheeks flaming and prayed he’d think she was flushed from running. “You had sex with me.”
    	His lids lowered over his sultry eyes and he gave her a small, sexy grin. A strange expression crossed his features as he looked at her knowingly. Did he realize why she was protesting? Did he know she was ashamed of herself? Oh, gawd! And what did he think of her? His opinion of her had to be low.
    	“No,” he said at leisure, “you made love with me. Actually, you demanded to make love with me. Your body was healing and seemed to like draining my life force from me. In fact, I believe you actually said you liked draining my seed from me as well. You demanded it several times every night for a week. It got to the point I had to leave the house to recover.”
    	“I did not! And even if I did, it’s your fault. You could’ve said no. You knew what was going on with me. I didn’t really ask for it. It was all your doing.” Bridget crossed her arms over her chest, matching his hard stance. He arched a brow and she got a flash of being over his naked body, pinning him down as she took her pleasure. “I didn’t want it.”
    	Okay, that was a boldfaced lie. However, she was keeping a straight face while saying it. Wasn’t she?
    	“Hum,” Caderyn reached for her and pulled her tight to his body. Before she realized what he was up to, he had her back pressed into a tree and was kissing her. It felt wonderful, so wonderful that a moan tried to pass her lips. She swallowed it back. After his tongue had plundered her mouth and left her breathlessly wanting more, he said, “Tell me you didn’t enjoy that. Tell me you don’t want me to do it again.”
    	Stubborn pride made her say, “I didn’t enjoy it and I want you to let me go this instant.”
    	Bridget didn’t mean it. She wanted him to kiss her again, to lift her up against the tree. She wanted to know what it would be like to sleep with him when she was fully aware and could control what she was saying and doing. Her body burned with desire and she was so wet and achy.
    	“Very well.” Caderyn didn’t look pleased as he let her go. Bridget forced herself to walk away from him. “Where do you think you are going?”
    	“The borderlands. I want proof that this place is really what you say it is,” Bridget rubbed her arms to keep them from reaching out. She had to prove a point--that the wanton sex fiend wasn’t really her, that she wasn’t just some insatiable whore who did all those things with him. What he must think of her!
    	Oh, gawd, could she just die already? Why make her face this mortification?
    	“My word and the word of everyone else here isn’t good enough for you?” he asked, his gaze shaded. The anger was back in his tone and he looked as if he wanted nothing more than to shake her until she passed out.
    	“No, it isn’t. Not in this. I need facts. I need to see it with my own eyes to believe it,” Bridget said. It was partly the truth. If she looked at the facts, this place being Ataran, lost island of Atlantis, made the most sense. All the facts pointed at it, but she wanted to see. Besides, how else would she get them to show her Deep Ocean? Aidan had told her that her scientific expertise wasn’t needed down here. Would Caderyn let her poke around anyway? Seeing his hard face and knowing what she did of a ‘wife’s place’ in history, she highly doubted it. The fear that she’d be expected to sit around like a housewife raged within her. She did not want to spend eternity rubbing his feet, cleaning his home and sewing his clothes. The fiery pits of Hell had more appeal to her than that.
    	“Maybe it’s because you don’t want to believe it,” he countered. “Not everything that’s real can be touched and seen.”
    	“Like what?”
    	“Emotion,” he answered. His hands balled into fists and he set them on his hips in controlled rage. 
    	“Emotions are just chemicals released into the brain,” Bridget told him, not really believing her own words. “That’s all.”
    	“I see,” he stated. His mouth drew into a harsh line. “You people. You’ve harnessed light. You’ve created power. I’ve seen these things on your ships. But, if you are any indication of where this has brought your kind, then I think it’s sad. You seemed to have forgotten to trust your gut instincts, to feel things for what they are. Some things just are because you know they are, you have faith that they are. You should believe Ataran is what it is, because your gut tells you that you can believe me.” He took a step forward and stopped. “You can believe me.”
    	“Why should I believe you?” Bridget tossed up her arms, waving them to the side to encompass the forest. “I have no reason to. Every time I turn around you’re drugging my senses so I don’t have any reasoning or logic in my actions.”
    	“The euphoria of my life force does not drug you!” His voice rose so that he was yelling at her. A shiver worked its way over his muscular form and she knew that she’d really made him mad. “It makes you act without inhibitions, without fear. It does not make you act as you would not. If you want something, you say you want it. I cannot help that I gave it to you. I saved your life in the water and you were euphoric. I saved your life with the knife wound and you were euphoric--more so because it required much of my energy to heal such a horrendous wound. I cannot help this. I did not mean to drug you. I meant to save you.”
    	“Caderyn…” Bridget’s voice softened and she didn’t move. What could she say to that? 
    	“You have to be the most frustrating woman I’ve ever heard of. I will not tolerate this…” He waved his hand at her, as if he couldn’t even finish the thought due to his extreme exasperation.
    	Bridget took a deep breath and then another. His words about saving her life affected her deeply, but she couldn’t think of the right way to respond without sounding anymore shrewish than she already had. It wasn’t completely his fault that she was scared and lost, or that she wanted him even now and didn’t know how to deal with her desire for him. 
    	She tried to lessen his irritation with her tone, even as she requested what she must. “I want to see the borderlands and I want to see Cassandra. I want to know that she’s all right. Please take me.”
    	For a long moment he didn’t move. Then, finally, Caderyn bowed his head at her. “Very well, my lady, we’ll go to the borderlands. You will see the boundaries for yourself. Maybe then you’ll be able to trust me.”
    	“And Cassie?” she insisted. “Please, Caderyn. I know you think I’m being unreasonable, but I need to see that she’s all right. You ask me to believe so much on blind faith and I just can’t.”
    	“Her you will see in time. We must look to her health as well as yours, my lady. If she survives, you will meet her again.”
    * * * *
    	Caderyn felt as though Bridget had ripped out his heart and stomped on it. She didn’t want to be married to him. Their marriage was something that couldn’t be taken back. Witnesses had heard her say the words. The king had blessed the union. It was done. Forever or until the unlikelihood of death, it was done.
    	He wasn’t sure what was worse--the fact that she didn’t want to be married to him or the fact that she didn’t want him to make love to her. The last week of his life had been the happiest he could remember in a long time. Granted, his wife had been a little out of her mind and he’d been so drained he could barely walk straight, but she’d wanted him. He wasn’t alone. The eternity didn’t seem so bleak a prospect. He wasn’t alone.
    	But now, as he looked at her, he knew that wasn’t true. Now, he was more alone than he’d ever been before.
    	Maybe it was all a lie. Maybe she didn’t want him. Maybe her body had just been feeding off his to survive.
    	“Maybe I’m a fool for even trying to make this work,” he whispered. But then, with his heart on the line, what else could he really do?
    	“What?” Bridget looked up at him, walking faster to catch up with his longer stride. They were heading back to the palace. She only agreed to go after he promised to take her to the borderlands with him. Perhaps seeing them for herself, she’d finally accept her fate, her future.
    	“Nothing.” It wasn’t like the borderlands themselves were dangerous and he did have a house in the country. No, Caderyn was more worried about the journey to the borderlands. For him it was safe. He was Merr. But, there was a small faction that lived within the forest, away from their society, who wouldn’t welcome Bridget to their underwater island.
    	The Olympians, as they called themselves after the gods of Mt. Olympus, didn’t want the humans brought to Ataran for they looked at the Merr curse as a blessing. They believed themselves to be gods below the waves, blessed with immortality and power. Before the caves at the palace were sealed, the Olympians had been caught luring humans to their deaths for sick pleasure. It had been a rough time for the Merr people. Loyalties had been divided. Some to this day still blamed the Olympians for the Merr curse lasting so long without reprieve. There were those, who still believed that one day Poseidon would come down and forgive them, lifting them up into the sunlight once more. Caderyn had his doubts, but it was a nice dream. Though, he was luckier than most, as he was a hunter. He was allowed to go up. He had seen the sunlight through the watery surface, had seen the mystical colors of magenta and gold on the waves above him. Still, it wasn’t the same as feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, seeing land and the starry heavens above him as he rode his horse through the wind.
    	So long, and still those small sensations of memory stayed with him. When he looked at Bridget, he saw the chance to make new memories. She would be his sun, his wind, his stars.
    	That was if the Olympians didn’t hurt her first. Even if she didn’t love him, he would admire her from afar. If anything, he’d learned that centuries can change everything. But, he’d also learned that they can sometimes change nothing. 
    	If the Olympians found Bridget, he wasn’t sure what they’d do to her. It had been so long since anyone had even seen them. Rumors had surfaced that they were dead. Even more rumors came that they were alive and plotting revenge. Only time would tell the truth of it, but Caderyn had no wish to learn it by sacrificing his wife.
    	He walked faster, all too aware of the stares they received from his people. Some of the married men smiled kindly at him, nodding in what looked like understanding. Were they trying to tell him all women, all wives, were like this? If so, it was a wonder any race survived.
    	“So you’re not talking to me now?” Bridget asked, a small pout in her soft tone.
    	Caderyn closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Now she was pouting? Did she get off on making his head spin? First she ran away and now she was upset that he wasn’t talking to her? The woman made no sense! And yet, he couldn’t blame her one bit for her fear and confusion.
    	They had reached the palace gate and were afforded a little privacy. Bridget looked at him expectantly. Caderyn glanced around. They could be seen from below, but not heard. Turning back to her, he put his fists on his hips and demanded harshly, “Are you always this aggravating?”
    	“I don’t know.” Her voice was weak. “Are you always this irritating?”
    	He didn’t answer. There was no point. He’d only say something he’d regret.
    	“How soon can we leave for the borderlands?”
    	Is that all the woman could think about? The borderlands? Caderyn tried to remind himself that she was a woman of facts and that she was also going through a hard time. The reminder didn’t help his aggravation. She had to learn to trust him, and she had to learn that she was not the boss in their relationship. It was a partnership and he would not be dictated to.
    	“The king has a banquet planned to celebrate our wedding,” Caderyn said. “Tonight.”
    	“Do we have to go?” she asked. “I don’t want to go to a banquet. I want to leave tonight.”
    	Caderyn forced a deep breath of air back into his lungs to steady his temper. His mouth tight, he said, “We cannot refuse this.”
    	It was a lie. They could refuse it and the king would only replan the celebration for another time, but she needed to be taken down a few notches if they were to have a happy marriage.
    	“We’re not really married, so we can,” she said.
    	“We are married. The vows are done. All heard you.” Caderyn took another deep breath. It wasn’t helping. Anger mixed with irritation until it practically oozed out of his pours. So much for not fighting.
    	“No, they heard me say I didn’t want a guardian,” she reasoned. “I didn’t say I wanted a husband. You can still get out of the marriage, Caderyn, with your honor intact, or whatever it is you’re worried about.”
    	“It’s the same thing.” Caderyn moved to follow her as she walked under the front arch to the palace courtyard.
    	“No, I want no guardian and no husband.” Bridget frowned. She shot him a sidelong glance. Despite her words, he caught a glimmer of doubt in her expression.
    	“What is this about?” Caderyn stopped, touching her arm. “Is there something you need to say to me?”
    	Bridget swallowed nervously. She looked like a small fish cornered by a shark. The hero in him wanted to rescue her and let her off the hook. The man in him refused to move. “I’ve been talking, haven’t you been listening? I do not want to be your responsibility or your duty. I want no husband and no guardian. And, if I’m reading your expression right, you’d rather not be married to me.”
    	“Get this straight, wife. We are married. The words were said and the blessing given. It cannot be undone.” 
    	Her face paled slightly and her big eyes welled with tears. Caderyn was instantly sorry for his hard tone.
    	“I never asked to be saved or to come here. You remember that.” Bridget sniffed, swiping her eyes. “Whatever creature you were hunting that destroyed my ship, maybe it was meant to destroy it. Maybe it was my time to go. Who are you to decide this fate for me? I had a life up there. Here I am nothing. I have nothing.”
    	Caderyn couldn’t move. A life with him was nothing. What more was there to say? The word carved a hollow pit where his heart used to beat, strangling the breath from his soul. Slowly, he nodded. What else could he do? If she truly believed that a future with him, a life with him was nothing, then it was over. He’d tried words and they hadn’t worked. Now it seemed the only option left was to try time. Without saying another word, he turned his back on her and walked into the palace.
    * * * *
    	The banquet hall was filled with well-wishers. Bridget tried to smile at them, but it was hard in her preoccupation. Caderyn didn’t talk to her, didn’t say anything to answer whether or not he wanted to be married to her. She didn’t want to be his duty. Watching him for a sign of what he was feeling, she was disheartened when he barely even looked at her. Ever since their fight, Bridget felt horrible. She really wasn’t mad at him for saving her life. It wasn’t as if she’d wanted to drown. But, she didn’t want to be a wife just because there were no other women to choose from either.
    	She wished he would have said something to her. Anything to try and convince her that life with him would be more than what it seemed to her. Was it foolish to hope that he’d give her a reason beyond some declaration made as to why she should be with him?
    	The feast that was laid out for them was larger than the first night she’d come to the hall. Plates were piled with crab cakes and roasted fish. There were gigantic shell fish, ten times as big as any lobster she’d ever seen. It tasted wonderful, drizzled in a cream sauce. 
    	The only drawback was that the fish looked as if they’d been caught in the Abyss. Their skin was translucent and they had long, sharp fangs. There was anglerfish and viperfish with their glowing lures still attached to their head. In deep sea, these fish used the glowing lures to attract other fish. If she remembered correctly, viperfish were believed to only grow to be about a foot long. The one on the serving dish was nearly twice that size. Studying it, she poked it with her finger. Caderyn gave her a curious look and she quickly drew her hand away.
    	Bridget had to admit that she missed such foods as butter and cheese. There really wasn’t much for dairy products, at least not as she knew them. They did have a cheese paste for the flatbread. It was slightly green in color. It reminded her of mold, so she skipped it. It was no wonder the Merr looked so healthy. All they ate was fruit, nuts and seafood. Looking at the table, she knew she’d give anything for a fast food cheeseburger loaded with grease and ketchup and a side of deliciously fattening fries. Ah, and a chocolate milkshake with little chunks of brownies in it.
    	Mm, brownies…
     	Small rectangular bowls of pudding were set out, blended with nuts and fruit. The man at her side told her that it was a delicacy they only had maybe once or twice a year for special occasions. Bridget wanted to gag on the bittersweet taste of the dish. She gently pushed it toward Caderyn’s plate, switching it with his empty bowl when she thought no one was looking. When he saw it, he glanced at her in surprise. Bridget gave him a guilty look. A small smile crossed his face, the first since coming to the hall. Without a word, he ate hers as well.
    	“Good, was it not?” the man to her side asked, grinning as he nodded down at the empty bowl she’d taken from Caderyn.
    	“Mm,” Bridget said, nodding slightly.
    	“I want you to meet someone,” Caderyn said, interrupting her halfhearted lie. He gazed deep into her eyes. It wasn’t fair that he was so cute and that his eyes were so ravishing a color. He searched hers and she did her best to keep her expression blank. “Lady Lyra. She is like you. Rigel saved her the same night.”
    	That caught her attention. “We didn’t have anyone on our boat named Lyra.”
    	“She was from the other wreck,” Caderyn said. “There were two Scyllas we hunted that night. The first one hit her boat. She was the only survivor besides a man who Lord Brutus pushed away on driftwood. Most likely, that man drowned as well.”
    	Bridget thought of the man she’d pulled from the ocean. He’d been wearing period clothing and the boat had been nothing but wood and canvas sails, at least from what she’d seen of it floating in the water. Eagerly, she glanced around the hall. “Is Lyra here?”
    	“There, by the entryway,” Caderyn nodded. He stood. “I’ll introduce you.”
    	Bridget followed Caderyn across the hall. The woman had dark blonde hair down to her waist and wide green eyes. She was beautifully dressed in a Romanesque tunic that pinned over the arms to create gaping sleeves. Lyra glanced briefly at Bridget before staring down at the floor.
    	“Rigel,” Caderyn said to acknowledge the man next to Lyra. Rigel was built like Caderyn. He had kind gray eyes, but he didn’t readily smile at them. “May I introduce my...” Caderyn glanced at Bridget and she could see the worry on his face. After a brief pause, he said, “Lady Bridget.”
    	Rigel arched a brow at that. Then, bowing politely, he said to Bridget, “My lady, welcome to Ataran. I was hoping to meet you. I would’ve come sooner but my team went back out to track.”
    	Lyra snorted in disgust. Bridget wondered at it. The woman didn’t look up.
    	“Anything?” Caderyn asked. Bridget saw a slight tension run through him. She wondered if he was upset about the king’s order keeping him from the water.
    	“No, false alarm,” Rigel answered. He turned to the blonde at his side. “This is Lady Lyra of the Explorer.”
    	“The Explorer?” Bridget asked, studying the woman, desperate to discover who she was and what they’d been doing out on the water. “Is that a ship?”
    	Lyra glanced up, but didn’t answer.
    	“She’s not talking at the moment,” Rigel said. He gave Lyra a hopeful look, one she didn’t appear to see. “Lyra, Lady Bridget was also on the water that night with you on a different boat.”
    	“Ah,” Lyra said, her jaw hard. Her deep voice sounded bitter, as she said, “Then you killed her family as well.”
    	Rigel’s lips pressed tightly together, but he said nothing.
    	“I came and now I’m going,” Lyra glanced at Bridget. The poor woman looked miserable as she turned away, despite her rude tone and actions. Bridget could well understand the feelings of helplessness and frustration at their situation.
    	Rigel sighed. “Excuse me. I should go with her.”
    	Caderyn nodded. When they were alone, he asked, “What is wrong with her?”
    	“How should I know?” Bridget stared after Rigel and Lyra. He ran to catch up as the woman walked ahead of him. “Are there any others besides the three of us?”
    	“No. Just you, Lady Lyra and Lady Cassandra. Rigel was hoping that since you were like her, you could tell us what was wrong with Lady Lyra,” Caderyn admitted. “She doesn’t speak much and hasn’t been eating. Rigel is very worried about her.”
    	“How would you feel, Caderyn, if you were dragged to the surface and tossed onto land?” Bridget took a deep breath.
    	“I wouldn’t feel anything. It would kill me.”
    	 “Well, then maybe this is killing her just a little bit, too,” Bridget answered, her tone soft as she tried to make him understand. She sighed. Lyra had disappeared around a corner with Rigel right behind her. Finally, looking back up, she said, “I’ve made my appearance and am tired. Please, may I just go lie down and rest now?”
    	He stared at her for a long moment before nodding.
    	“Let me know as soon as we can leave for the borderlands” Without waiting for his answer, she left the hall.
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Seven
    	
    	Caderyn kept his word and took Bridget from the palace early the next day. Traveling by foot toward the borderlands, they walked through the city to the forest. It was only the two of them and Caderyn didn’t say much. He appeared to have a lot on his mind.
    	The night before, he’d slept on the couch. Bridget had stayed awake, waiting for him to try and come into the bedroom. Of course, she would have refused to have sex with him just to prove she knew the word ‘No’, but she was still disappointed that he didn’t at least try. Apparently, he knew the word no as well. Damn him for taking away her chance to be the one to show restraint! Still, as she lay awake, ‘No’ was not what her body was saying. 
    	Bridget wore a sturdy wool tunic gown, nothing like the fine sari of the day before. It was warmer, perfect for traveling. A long rectangular cloak of red wool wrapped around the tunic. She was told it was for sleeping outdoors. Though, she was tempted to order some of those pants Aidan had. Dresses were not always the most practical of outfits. 
    	Caderyn had left his short tunic behind and she was secretly glad for it. Seeing his naked legs, knowing that he didn’t wear underwear beneath his garments was pure torture--a torture she could do without at the moment. He wore a tunic shirt, draped with a long piece of red wool. Too many times she caught herself staring at the hem of his toga, wishing she was brave enough to lift it up and explore the wonders of his magnificent body. She’d have to remind herself that she was mad at him and was going to deny him sex the next time he tried.
    	I have a point to prove, after all. I am not a whore. I have self control. Bridget suppressed a groan. But he does have such a great ass.
    	The trees of the forest weren’t really any different than those she’d seen on the surface. The ground was rocky, covered with patches of tall grass and the occasional dotting of wild flowers. The only difference was the darker blue of the sky. Looking up, she studied the heavens through the tops of the trees and asked, “Where does your daylight come from? There is no sun and we’re beneath the ocean. By all rights, it should be dark in here and you should have light bulbs growing out of you to see by like the angler fish.”
    	Caderyn grimaced, but answered, “By the will of the gods. It has always been this way.”
    	“And what happens at night?” she wondered aloud, realizing she’d yet to be outside during the night. “Does it change? Get darker?”
    	“Aye.” The word was clipped, short and a little rude.
    	So much for small talk. Bridget made a face at his back. Grumbling, she said, “You don’t have to be so short with me, mister grumpy butt.”
    	At that he stopped. “Tell me. Why ask me these things when you don’t believe the words I say? Is it to test me? To aggravate me? Some sort of self amusement?”
    	Bridget swallowed. She motioned weakly with her hand and made a move to continue past him. His arms shot out, stopping her.
    	“Or is it you do believe me,” he said, looking deep into her eyes. She saw the subtle coloring of purple scales along his temples, the same as when he made love to her, the same as when he’d shifted into his merman form. Anytime he was passionate about something, they showed, whether it be anger or fear. “You do believe me, don’t you? Then why are we out here? What’s going on? What is this all about?”
    	“I…” Bridget sighed heavily in annoyance. 
    	“Well?” he demanded.
    	“Oh, fine! I believe you. Are you happy? I believe you. I’ve believed you for a long time now. Too many things can only be explained by this being a lost island cast beneath the sea. Though I’m having a hard time swallowing the whole cursed by gods bit, I believe you.”
    	Caderyn grinned, appearing very satisfied with himself.
    	“But this doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.” Bridget crossed her arms over her chest. “And so help me, if I find out you’re all lying and this is a government testing facility, I’ll go ballistic on your merman ass. Got me?”
    	“You wish to do what to my ass?” he asked, letting a sexy half grin curl his lips. When he looked at her like that, it was really too adorable for words. Damn it! There he was being all sexy and desirable again!
    	Her cheeks flamed in mortification to be reminded of what they had done--what she had so wantonly done. Only, he didn’t appear repulsed by her at all. Seeing he desired her wasn’t helping her overactive libido.
    	“Tell me,” Caderyn said, grinning happily at her side as he again started walking. “Why lie to go to the borderlands?”
    	“Because I want to see them,” Bridget bit her lip, falling into pace. It was nice, being at his side without the tension of a fight between them.
    	“Then, why not just ask me to take you? Why try and deceive me.”
    	“I was afraid you would say no.” Bridget stepped closer to him as the path narrowed, glad to see they still walked away from the palace.
    	“Why would I deny you this very simple thing? You never ask anything of me. I would be glad to do it if it means so much to you.”
    	Was it just her, or was there a little bit of an accusation in his tone. “So, you’d be fine with me going to the borderlands to see Deep Ocean in the hopes of studying the sea life?”
    	“Aye, you may study anything you wish,” Caderyn allowed with a shrug. “I’ll bring you back sea creatures from my dives if you so desire. Just tell me what it is you would like.”
    	Bridget couldn’t help the burst of excitement in her. She stopped, bouncing lightly with contained enthusiasm. This was what she’d worked toward for so long. Deep Ocean study. She believed him when he said he’d bring her whatever she wanted from the ocean. It maybe wasn’t the way she planned on studying it, but it was what she wanted to do. She wondered what her parents would think if they were still alive to see her.
    	Babbling uncontrollably, she bombarded him with a rush of questions. “Really? You’ll bring me live specimens out of the Abyss? Like the fish at dinner? I would love to see them up close and personal, I mean one that wasn’t dead already and cooked. Are they aggressive toward you? Do they attack the Merr underwater? What are their lifecycles? How many species do you estimate to be out there? Has anyone categorized them? Do you have record of their mating habits...?
    * * * *
    	Caderyn studied his wife, pleased to see her so happy. He didn’t understand half of what she asked him, but was content just to let her talk. Never had he thought offering to bring her live fish would’ve broken through her icy barrier, and so quickly at that.
    	“I definitely want one of those giant lobsters. I don’t know if that is what you call them, but it was the big thing with the pinchers. Is it a scavenger or does it hunt for food in...?”
    	Caderyn’s smile widened. She kept going, talking nonstop in her excitement. In that moment, he knew he’d gladly tackle the most hideous of ocean creatures just to make her happy.
    	“...and I once saw a picture of a vampire octopus that turned itself inside out. Have you seen them while out hunting? I have always dreamed of seeing one of those up close. Oh, and...”
    	By all the gods! Bridget was cute when she talked about her science. Caderyn’s body stirred to her, was always stirred to her. Her eyes lit up, sparkling like gems from the Crystal Cave walls. HeHe’d never really thought about all the ocean creatures, well at least not since they first were cast below the water. They were just there and he usually just swam on by.
    	“...jellyfish, gulper eel. I’d love to know if sperm whales come down this deep to feed on giant squids. I’d love to see both a whale and a squid--a huge one, the biggest out there. We know the two species fight because we’ve seen scars on the whales. And did you know that the squids have the biggest eyes of any creature on Earth and we’ve never been able to capture one alive. Can you imagine? I mean, well you probably can, but--”
    	“Bridget?” Caderyn interrupted.
    	“Yeah?” she asked, blinking rapidly as she looked up at him.
    	“You’re talking fast. Are you all right?” Caderyn studied her flushed cheeks.
    	“Mm-hum,” she hummed softly. Her eyes dipped down to his mouth. Her breathing deepened noticeably. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m...”
    	Caderyn stiffened in surprise when she swung her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. She moaned softly, rubbing her tongue along the seam of his lips, urging him to part his mouth to her. He did and was rewarded with the warm, silky glide of her tongue along his. Her hand dug at his clothes pulling at them.
    	Warmth and desire spread through him, lifting the mass between his thighs. He doubted he’d ever get enough of her, of the silken feel of her pussy wrapped around his hard length. She grasped at his clothes, trying to lift the toga and expose his body.
    	They were in the middle of the forest. He knew he shouldn’t stop, that they should continue walking, but his hands had minds of their own as they slipped the red cloak off her shoulders. Her supply pack fell away with it and he slipped his own from his shoulder.
    	“What was that for?” he asked when she let him breath.
    	“Because I get to have a life,” she said simply, leaning back up to capture his mouth with hers.
    * * * *
    	Bridget couldn’t help herself as she kissed him. She was so happy. Right here, right now, she was happy. Pleasure exploded beneath her skin every place he touched. His strong hands were tugging on her gown, pulling it up, exposing her legs before letting it drop to cover her once more. 
    	She felt the press of his erection to her stomach, bound from her by their clothing. Already his cock was so full, so hard and thick and powerful. She became wet in response, her pussy practically throbbing for the feel of him inside her. He hadn’t even touched her there and she was so very wet for him.
    	The draped toga fell from his shoulders to hang from the belt around his waist. Bridget instantly went to work pulling the tunic shirt over his head. The shirt trapped his arms up, crossing them over his head. She held him trapped, only his mouth exposed from under the shirt. 
    	She loved the muscles of his chest. They were so firm, so smooth and warm. Bridget kissed his nipples, playfully biting her way from one to the other as he was trapped before her. His mouth opened, straining wide as he tried to shake his face free from the tunic covering his eyes. She nipped his jaw and throat, licking him, kissing him, sucking on his flesh. He tasted so good and smelled even better. His lips lowered, capturing hers and she finally let go of the shirt so he could pull out of it.
    	His strong arms wrapped around her once more, pulling her close. Running his hands over her wool gown, he touched her sides, her back, her breasts. Soft moans escaped her. It felt too good. She’d thought being with him under the euphoric spell for a week had been sensational, but feeling him while she had a clear mind was so much better. But with the clarity came small shreds of fear.
    	Bridget tried to slow their lovemaking. She pulled back. “Caderyn, I…”
    	“Shh,” he said against her throat, kissing her pulse. He took advantage of the distance she put between their bodies and lifted her gown over her head. When she was naked, he pulled back, glancing over her flesh with heated eyes.
    	Bridget glanced back and forth over the forest path. Caderyn didn’t seem to care where they were as he leaned over to pull a breast deep into his mouth. He sucked her hard, not seeming to need air as he twirled his tongue around her erect nipple. His lips created a seal on her breast, sucking vigorously. It was an odd sensation, but felt so good she thrust her hands into his hair and kept him latched on. The pressure of his deep kisses shot arrows of need straight down her body to her wet pussy.
    	Caderyn was so tight with muscles. Each movement of his firm length was well defined. Warm palms glided down to her butt, kneading the cheeks, spreading her apart. In frustration, she thrust her hips closer to him only to find the toga was still caught around his waist by the cloth belt he wore.
    	Her nails scraped his back as he unlatched his mouth and continued the same gratifying, sucking torture on the other breast. She threw her head back in ecstasy, calling out as spasms worked from her breasts down to her clenching sex. Looking down, she watched his mouth on her body. The abandoned nipple was so hard, it pointed like a beacon for more.
    	When Bridget brushed his hair back, she saw the purple shading next to his eyes. It reminded her of just how different they were. Instead of repulsing her, it excited her. As a Merr, he’d proven himself to be virile, graceful and strong. She moaned, so close to orgasm from just his mouth and hands on her body.
    	Desperate to have him naked, she fumbled with his toga, trying to find the belt in the deep folds. His hard erection bumped her hands. Instantly, she grabbed him, massaging him through the wool folds. He made a soft noise, unlatching his mouth from her breast. It would be so easy to pull the material up to free him, but she didn’t as she continued to run her hand up and down, feeling every inch of his cock.
    	Caderyn rocked his hips against her hand as he dug for the belt at his waist. She saw slight bumps forming on his forearms where his fins would rise up. Then, with a sound of triumph, he found the belt and pulled it loose. The material slid from his tight hips, freeing his arousal.
    	Bridget grabbed his taut ass hard and it flexed beneath her hands. He grunted in approval before sweeping his arm under her legs and laying her on their discarded clothing. She was amazed at the swiftness with which he moved, the ease with which he lifted her about as if she weighed nothing at all. Almost instantly, he had himself between her spread thighs.
    	The wool material wasn’t enough to soften the hard ground beneath her back. She didn’t care. Reaching between them, she wrapped her hand around his shaft. It was so daunting in width that she felt that moment of fear and excitement burning within her as she guided him to her body. She tensed, waiting for that first thrust, the moment when he would fill her up and stretch her smaller body to fit him.
    	Bridget had enjoyed being with him while under the euphoric spell, but this moment was much more intimate and special. Her inhibitions were back and she realized how much was at stake. She wanted to please him, to be pleased by him, and was afraid that he might not enjoy himself.
    	“You’re thinking about this too much,” he whispered, kissing her forehead. “I can see by the look on your face. Just enjoy the moment.”
    	She moaned. He was right. Analyzing and over thinking had always been her problem.
    	“Just feel me, Bridget.” His voice was so light, so soft that she barely heard his plea. His mouth came down on hers, coaxing and gentle. “Make love to me. Know that I think you are beautiful. There is nothing to worry about, nothing for you to consider.”
    	Bridget moaned, his words stirring within her mind. This was what she wanted and the look on his face said he wanted it too. She pulled at his body, arching slightly into him. His shaft pried her open, as he thrust confidently inside her. It felt so good. Her pussy was so ready for him that he glided easily in her cream.
    	“Ah,” she cried. “Caderyn.”
    	“Aye, you’re so tight,” he groaned softly, bracing his weight on his hands. “I love how your body squeezes me.”
    	“And you’re so big,” she said almost timidly, naturally spreading her thighs wider at his urging. If memory served, he liked when she talked to him, vocalizing her desire. He kissed her, making animalistic noises of pleasure into her mouth.
    	Bridget ran her hands over his back and shoulders, reaching up to touch his silky hair. Her feet dug into the rocky earth, bracing her body as she pushed up to meet him. When he was fitted deep, he began to pull out.
    	“It feels so good,” she whispered, closing her eyes briefly only to open them again. She loved watching his strong physique, flexing and moving, the muscles rippling beneath the surface of his tanned skin. In that moment, it felt like heaven.
    	Caderyn really knew how to control the thrust of his hips, obviously from his years spent swimming under water. He kept his cock deep, working it in fast, almost vibrating circles. Pressure hit against the sweet spot in her passage and he reached between them, touching her clit. Bridget clutched at his arms, holding on tight as her first hard climax hit. It was soon followed by a second. He kept moving deep and fast, the rhythm inhuman in its intensity. She came a third time, her body jerking uncontrollably. Caderyn finally released himself inside her, grunting and panting wildly. His body tensed above her and he leaned his head back. The soft waves of his hair brushed over his shoulders.
    	As their breathing came back to normal, Caderyn leaned back down. Not rolling off, he kept the bulk of his weight off her by leaning on his elbows, trapping her beneath him. He pulled out, nuzzling her neck with kisses, moaning in soft contentment.
    	Bridget shyly turned her face from his as he moved to kiss her. His mouth brushed the corner of her lips. She shivered in pleasure, but still couldn’t force herself to look at him.
    	“What is it?” he asked gently, nibbling her earlobe before licking at her ear. The sweet caress sent shivers down her spine. She was too weak to stop him, and yet the simple touch was causing her to slowly heat once more even as her body needed a break as it settled. His large form kept her warm, even as the breeze cooled the light sheen of sweat from her skin.
    	“I don’t want you to think I’m a … a … that I am a …” Bridget stopped, making a sound of embarrassment. She just knew her face was beat red.
    	“A what?”
    	“I don’t want you to think I’m a whore,” she grumbled under her breath.
    	Caderyn lifted his head from her neck and laughed. “You must sleep with many men for payment to be a whore. Why would I think such of you? You have not thrown yourself at any others, have you?”
    	“Well, no,” she said, narrowing her eyes to study him. He lightly kissed the corner of her mouth as she tired to talk. His tongue flicked over her bottom lip, thoroughly distracting. “But, mm, I’ve been--”
    	“Perfect,” he said, silencing her with a deep kiss. When he pulled back, he brushed his nose along hers, looking deep into her eyes. The purple once again struck her with its beauty and she couldn’t look away. “You’ve been perfect, Bridget. Utterly and completely perfect.”
    	Bridget felt heat rising to her cheeks, but it was with pleasure this time, not embarrassment. She forgot all about her insecurities as she pulled him back for a kiss. This moment was as he said.
    	Utterly perfect.
    * * * *
    	After they managed to stop kissing and talking long enough to get dressed, they once more continued on down the path. Caderyn’s hands constantly strayed to her body, pulling her by the hips so she was close to his side, wrapping his arm around her shoulder to naughtily drape a hand over her breast. She didn’t mind that he touched her in such open possessiveness, nor did she mind the sensations of pleasure she got when he did it.
    	When it came time to eat, Caderyn pulled food out of his pack, rolling fish and the green cheese into flatbread. Smiling, he said, “You’ve caused a new eating trend. Everyone is wrapping their food now.”
    	Bridget laughed. “Surely someone thought of it before now.”
    	“It’s so simple, you would’ve thought so,” he agreed, taking a bite. “Sometimes when you do something one way for so long, you can’t see any other options.”
    	Bridget watched his face as he chewed before looking at the green cheese. It still seemed wrong. Slowly, she touched the tip of her tongue to it. When she didn’t gag, she braved a small bite. It tasted like an odd cross between Swiss and provolone.
    	“Aye?” Caderyn asked, nodding at the food expectantly.
    	“Not bad,” Bridget agreed with a satisfied nod. “So long as I don’t look at the color.”
    	She finished her meal in silence, as she was too busy eating and enjoying the quiet beauty of the forest. There were no insects but she did think she heard the sound of a few birds. Caderyn picked some herbs and gave her several to chew before popping some in his own mouth. They tasted like mint and got rid of the fish taste in her mouth.
    	Afternoon faded to evening. They talked for a long time, mostly about non-important things, but it was good. The tension between them was gone and the day seemed to go by so fast she hardly realized it was time to stop walking.
    	It became darker and Caderyn stopped for the night along the path in a small, grassy clearing. Bridget watched the sky in curiosity. There was no vivid sunset, but more of a subtle shifting of colors across the underwater heavens. Then, to her amazement, what looked like stars began to dance around in the dark blue-black heavens. Occasionally, the lights would part, showing a black streak going across.
    	“What is that?” she asked, glancing at Caderyn as he started a small fire.
    	“We call them sea stars. They are little glowing fish that are attracted to the heat of our dome and they brighten the night.” He smiled, looking up briefly. Then, taking his cloak he laid it on the ground next to the fire. “Here, lay beside me. You can watch them better. The dark streaks are usually ocean creatures that swim too close and scatter them.”
    	Bridget glanced down. It was cooler out, but not bad. Orange firelight glowed over his trim body. The tunic shirt fell to his thighs, but it didn’t hide the slight bulge forming. She took off her cloak and stretched out beside him, resting her head on his folded arm.
    	The beauty of the sea stars paled. Her eyes looked up, but every ounce of her concentration was focused on Caderyn. She felt him shift and glanced over as he turned on his side, keeping her head on his arm.
    	“I can’t seem to get enough of you.” With a soft moan, he kissed her neck, right beneath her ear. She couldn’t help but grin. His hands had been wandering all day. “I see you and I just have to touch you.”
    	“Then touch me,” she whispered, turning her face to his. He kissed her deeply. She cupped his cheek, feeling his jaw move beneath her fingers. Their breaths mingled together. Happiness welled within her and a giggle escaped her throat. 
    	“What?” Caderyn asked, pulling back.
    	“Nothing.” She smiled. “Make love to me.”
    	Eagerly, he obeyed, pulling the clothes from his body and tossing them aside. She lay on her back, watching him. When he came back to her, his touch was gentle as he stripped her of the clothing and then proceeded to make love to her slowly by the fire. The warmth of the flames caressed their skin as the sky continued to darken. Bridget rose up on her side, pushing Caderyn over to kiss his chest as she ran her fingers loosely over his erection.
    	“I’ve been thinking a lot about this or-all,” Caderyn said softly, his breath catching as her fingers slid to his balls, rolling then in her palm.
    	Bridget couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Have you now?”
    	“Mm, aye.” He chuckled. “I want to taste you as well.”
    	Bridget shivered. 
    	His hand ran down to her hip, kneading her flesh. “Is this done?”
    	Slowly, she nodded, speechless as she thought of his mouth latching onto her sex.
    	“Good. I was hoping you’d say that.” Caderyn flipped her over on her back in one swift movement. He kissed her breasts, sucking on them as he twirled her nipples with his tongue. Then working his way down, he eagerly spread her thighs.
    	Bridget tensed with anticipation, no longer feeling at all self-conscious with Caderyn. He licked her first, moaning softly, as he flicked his tongue over her folds. Then, almost aggressively, he growled and latched his mouth to her wet pussy. His fingers clutched her hips, dragging her closer as he enthusiastically licked and sucked at her clit.
    	Bridget grabbed to the side trying to anchor her fingers in the soft grass as he practically devoured her pussy. What he lacked in practice, he more than made up with passion and enthusiasm. She’d never heard of a man enjoying himself as much as Caderyn. He grunted and moaned, taking his tongue in long strokes up her slit, covering every inch. A few times his wet caress dipped lower than any man had ever gone. He didn’t seem to notice.
    	“It tastes so good,” he growled, drinking in her cream, before thrusting his tongue up into her body. “Mm, so addictive.”
    	Bridget watched him in amazement. It was very erotic to see his handsome face between her thighs, as he so thoroughly enjoyed himself. Arching her back, she reached down to help him out. She pulled his chin, slipping his mouth over her clit. “Ah, there. Suck there.”
    	He readily obliged, his gorgeous eyes lifting to meet hers before rolling rapturously back in his head. She bucked up off the ground as he re-latched his mouth over the sensitive flesh. He sucked deeply, flicking his tongue over her clit. A finger thrust up inside her body, curling slightly, automatically hitting that sweet spot.
    	Bridget cried out. It was too much. Sensations flooded her until she was practically clawing her hands above her head to get away from his pleasurable mouth. He didn’t let up and she was glad for it. An intense orgasm hit her, rocking her to the core. When she was reduced to a trembling mass of incoherent syllables, he stopped sucking and looked up at her.
    	A proud grin spread over his features as if he knew he’d done a good job. Bridget was too spent to move. Her heart hammered wildly and all she could do was stare at him with a stunned look on her face. He nipped lightly at her lower stomach, making her hips jerk, before crawling up over her.
    	“Mm,” he said, kissing her neck. “We will do that often.”
    	“Ah-ha-mm-oh,” was all Bridget could get out. Even her bones felt like they’d turned to liquid, melting into a sea of pure ecstasy.
    	Feeling returned slowly to her body as Caderyn continued to have his way with her, kissing and exploring wherever he wanted. She was weak, but somehow managed to caress him. To her amazement, she became aroused again. She wouldn’t have thought it possible after such an intense orgasm.
    	“Are you using your euphoria on me again to make me want you?” she asked, before letting go of a loud, long moan of delight.
    	“Any euphoria will be of our own making,” he said, rubbing his cock along her dampening slit. “I’m ready to be in you.”
    	With a growl, she flipped him on his back. Pinning his arms, she kissed him. Her taste was on his mouth, mixed with the mint herb he’d chewed earlier. It was powerfully seductive.
    	Lifting up, she lowered her body onto his, taking him deep. He groaned. Feeling empowered, she held him down as she had her way with him, stroking his body slowly with hers. Bridget knew he was strong enough to break free, but he didn’t fight her hold on his wrists as he let her have her way with him. His feet braced as he lifted his hips off the ground, pressing deep into her.
    	The firelight danced over his strong abs and chest. He was gorgeous. The soft sounds he made combined with the look and feel of his body were too much. Bridget tensed, shaking with her climax. Caderyn grunted, answering her call as he came inside her. Afterward, she lay on him for a long time, enjoying the feel of his hard flesh to her softer body.
    	The cool night breeze hit her skin. Bridget shivered as the thin sheen of sweat on her body dried. Caderyn rolled her over and grabbed her cloak to cover them. She lay next to him, drawing circles on his naked chest.
    	“Can I ask you something?” she asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
    	He kissed her temple. “Anything.”
    	“Will I get pregnant? We haven’t been using protection and, well, I just wondered. I haven’t seen any children around.”
    	Caderyn stiffened and sat up. He turned his back on her, stretching his arms above his head. Her eyes lazily roamed over his strong back and ass. “Do you want children? Would you want a child with a half-fish, half-human genetic mishap?”
    	“Don’t say that,” she said, sitting up. Bridget ran her hands over his strong back. “I should never have called you that. I was scared and lashing out. I don’t think you’re a genetic mishap.”
    	He nodded, but still didn’t look at her. “Do you want a baby?”
    	“I don’t know. Honestly, it’s never something I’ve considered,” she said. “Do you?”
    	“I don’t think about it.” He sounded sad.
    	Bridget brushed back his hair so she could see his face. “Caderyn? What is it?”
    	“The odds of you conceiving a child are poor,” Caderyn answered, dejected. “Should you conceive, it’s highly unlikely you will carry the baby to its birth and even less likely that it will live beyond that point.”
    	“I see.” Bridget rubbed her cheek along his back, as she hugged her arm around his lean stomach, stroking her fingers over the hard ridge of muscle she found there. “If we never have a child, it won’t be for a lack of trying.”
    	He glanced back at her, his purple eyes questioning. “Does this mean you are happy in the marriage?”
    	“I think it’s a little early in our relationship to have gotten married. It’s not the way things are done where I come from. But, if I had to be married to anyone, I’m glad it’s you.” Bridget kissed his shoulder, biting playfully. “And, if I have to stay married to anyone, I’d choose to stay married to you.”
    	“Perhaps, with time, I will be able to change those words.” Caderyn wrapped her in his arms, pulling her close to his chest as he lay back down. 
    	Bridget didn’t say a word, as she stared at the dancing sea stars. How else could she have answered? It’s not like she could declare her love for him. That would’ve been stupid, wouldn’t it have? So what if she thought that maybe she did love him? Or that she couldn’t think of anyone else in her bed but Caderyn? 
    	But, to say she loved him? So soon?
    	Bridget closed her eyes, content for the moment to just be in his arms. What she felt wasn’t logical or rational. It wasn’t something she was willing to say out loud. Not yet. Not without him saying it first.
    * * * *
    	Caderyn held Bridget’s hand as he led her along the path. The subject of children was always a sensitive one with the Merr and he’d been worried about how she would react to the knowledge. Truthfully, he would give almost anything for children--a boy to raise into a man, a girl to worry over and protect. If she had her mother’s fine looks, he would have to do a lot of protecting. 
    	Caderyn sighed. There was no point in dwelling on it. If he had Bridget, it would be family enough. 
    	Watching her face, he smiled to see the slight curl to her lips. She was chewing on the bottom one again, deep in thought. The woman was always thinking, always looking around at stuff--nature, the sky, him. Her eyes seemed to calculate and plan, analyze and study. It was really quite adorable.
    	“We are close to home,” he said, breaking into her thoughts. She blinked and his grin widened as it took her a moment to shake out of her deep contemplation. He pretended not to notice the delay in her response.
    	“Really? We are?” She glanced around in surprise. “Wonderful, I can’t wait. I really would like a shower and a soft, warm bed to fall asleep in. I don’t think that I was built for this outdoorsman life. At least when I was out on boats I had a cot to sleep on and the ocean to rock me to sleep.”
    	He laughed. She had already complained of the hard ground more than once since they had woken up. Pointing at the forest, Caderyn said, “There is a pond this way. We can stop and rest if you like. There should be some berries in bloom that we can eat and you can swim if you’d like to bathe.”
    	“Mm, sounds lovely.” Bridget smiled. ”A swim will be the perfect way to lazily while away the afternoon.”
    	“Right this way, my lady.” Caderyn led the way into the forest, walking slower as they stepped over fallen, moss-covered logs. He automatically lifted his hand to help her over. “But I can think of better ways to while away an afternoon.”
    * * * *
    	Bridget smiled at Caderyn’s continued thoughtfulness. She’d thought that being married to an antiquated man would be horribly stifling. But, it wasn’t. He was sweet and attentive. There was something to be said about a man who was constantly trying to protect his woman--whether from the dangers of the Abyss or from slipping on a mossy log. What made it even sweeter was that Caderyn didn’t seem to have to think about doing the small things. He just automatically did them. Her husband was a true gentleman.
    	An easiness passed between them and Bridget actually felt comfortable with him. He was playful, funny and really good at sex. His enthusiasm and creativity was limitless. Sometimes, she’d catch him studying her with a devilish look on his face, as if he were counting the minutes until he could get her naked again. That look alone could make her body respond. Her heartbeat would quicken. Her lungs would pant. Her pussy would become so wet and achy that just walking and thinking about sex with him stimulated her body into a feverish urgency.
    	Like now. Bridget grinned, eyeing his tight backside. She loved his ass. What woman wouldn’t? And his abs? So tight and firm. Was it wrong to be glad the Merr didn’t have many women? She really didn’t want to share him, not that she thought he’d do that to her. But, she did like to think of him as her delicious little secret--a secret from whom, she had no idea.
    	Bridget slowly licked her lips, remembering the feel and taste of his kisses. His body was so sensitive, especially his ass. Since the euphoria had gone, she hadn’t gotten the nerve to take her hand back down to that part of him. Thinking of it, she wondered how long it would be before she could get him naked by the water.
    	“Mm,” she groaned softly, thinking of licking water off the tight flesh of his backside. He glanced over his shoulder, catching her staring wantonly at him. She gave a sheepish grin, shrugging at having gotten caught. With a soft laugh, he turned back around, continuing to lead the way.
    	Bridget took off her red cloak. Then, throwing it over his head so he couldn’t see, she playfully nudged Caderyn’s arm as she ran ahead of him. He chuckled, pulling it off. She glanced back, seeing the mess she’d made of his wavy brown hair. Damn, but did the man’s sex appeal never cease?
    	His eyes narrowed and he gave her a playfully stalking growl as he raced after her. Bridget squealed and ran through the forest as he neared in his chase. She pushed aside several low tree limbs, careful that they didn’t snap back into his face as she moved past.
    	Without warning, the forest opened into a large clearing. Sandy shores led right into a dark blue pond. The water was brilliant in the daylight. If she hadn’t been watching where she was going, she could have ran right into it. The trees grew close to the water’s edge, standing around all sides but one. On the treeless side there was a high cliff that rose over the shore, jutting out over the water.
    	“Wow, it is lovely,” Bridget said, detecting Caderyn behind her. He caught her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning in to playfully bite at her neck. Before she could react, she heard a splash in the water. Caderyn loosened his grip on her at the sound. She stepped out of his arms close to the pond’s edge, curiosity getting the better of her. Stopping just a few inches from the water, she asked, “What was that noise? Fish of some sort? Is there something in this water?”
    	As if to answer her question, a head popped out of the water. It was a mermaid. Her long black hair was plastered to her head and her green eyes glowed brilliantly, almost scarily, as she looked to the shore. Bridget was awed to see her, the nature of the scientist in her taking over as she tired to get a better look at the woman.
    	The mermaid didn’t appear to see them as she lifted her hands above the surface and used them to pull her body up onto the rocky ledge. She thrust out of the water in one graceful movement. Her tail matched her eyes, a shimmering green in the sunlight. The fins along her forearms were smaller than Caderyn’s. Her naked breasts were large and she made no move to cover them from view as she leaned back on the rock.
    	Bridget looked at Caderyn, feeling a little jealous as she checked to see if he stared at the pretty, naked woman. To her surprise, he was frowning at the mermaid. Very quietly, he said out of the corner of his mouth, “We should go, Bridget. Right now. Before they see us. Just  back up slowly and try not to make any noise.”
    	Caderyn grabbed her arm and tried to pull her back with him, but the green-eyed mermaid had seen them. Soon, a second head popped up from the water. This time it was a redheaded mermaid that pulled out of the pond like the first, her eyes the same bright color as her hair. The demonic shading caused Bridget to shiver with fear. The red mermaid lounged close to the green one, dipping her red tailfin into the water in lazy strokes.
    	“Who are they?” Bridget asked, as Caderyn again tugged her arm to come with him. She was mesmerized by the women. Despite the scary look to their eyes, they were so beautiful, so graceful, captivating.
    	“Olympians. They hate all things human,” Caderyn said in a hushed tone. Another mermaid surfaced and then another, this one blue. Suddenly, more surfaced, until nearly a dozen Merr women were staring at the two of them--their tails and matching eyes an array of colors. Some of the women climbed onto the outcropping of rock, others stayed in the water, bobbing along the gentle stirring of the pond’s surface. “We should really start running, Bridget. Now.”
    	“What?” Bridget asked, confused. “Why? They’re so--”
    	“Run!” Caderyn ordered, his voice a shout. He tightened his grip on her arm. Bridget yelped in surprise as he squeezed her, pulling away from him as a reflex. With an apologetic look forming on his face, he opened his mouth to speak. The words never left his lips.
    	Just then, a hand darted up out of the clear water. Bridget hadn’t seen the mermaid swim so close to them. She screamed as the hand pulled her into the pond. Fingers gripped her tightly about the legs and arms, dragging her down. Salt water stung her eyes and burned her nose as she breathed a little of it in.  It flooded into her opened mouth as she was pulled under the surface. She saw the mermaids clearly, their eyes wild with hatred as they pushed at her face and neck, keeping her down. They punched her stomach, making her wince in pain, causing her to gasp as if they were trying to force the water into her lungs to drown her. Their hair gathered over her, blocking out the sunlight in a colorful array of floating silk.
    	Her body tingled and burned. It had only been a matter of mere seconds before she saw Caderyn beneath the surface in the chaos. He tore the mermaids from her body, pushing and throwing them from the water. But there were so many of them and it took him a long time to fight the women off. Faintly, she heard them scream as they were tossed away. They persisted, coming back for her, attacking Caderyn from all sides, wielding their nails like claws. Blood from his chest clouded the water.
    	Bridget was struck in the stomach with a swift slap of a mermaid’s tail. She gasped in pain, unable to hold her breath any longer as she took in a lungful of salty water. She felt the mermaids suddenly let go, as her body convulsed and as darkness threatened her mind.
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Eight
    	
    	Caderyn stared at Bridget too stunned to move. Her body was floating in the water, her face pale and her mouth slack. The idea of losing her tore through him, making it hard to pull water into his gills as his heart squeezed in fear. 
    	‘We’re too late,’ he heard an Olympian say. ‘It’s happened. We’re too late!’
     	‘Let’s go,’ another answered, the tone dripping with anger and hate. ‘There is no more we can do here.’
     	Caderyn felt the mermaids swim from him, cursing him, hating him. He didn’t care what they thought of him. The feelings were mutual--he didn’t like them either. The Olympians were a horrible lot of women--depraved, angry, murderous, and most likely insane.
    	He still couldn’t move, as her body slowly floated toward the surface. The wounds on his chest stung in the salt water, but he ignored the pain. His cuts would heal themselves soon enough, leaving behind no scar--just like the spear to the thigh he’d received from the man on Bridget’s boat.
    	Bridget’s skin was a horrible shade of white and blue with blackened circles forming beneath her closed eyes, but she was breathing the water through her gills. 
    	Caderyn stopped short. Gills? Bridget had gills.
    	Already?
    	Her wool gown drifted up around her where her knees should’ve been, revealing a beautiful silvery blue tail. It drifted beneath her under water, moving lightly with the current. Her fins had yet to poke out from her skin. She was transforming. He couldn’t take her from the pond until she was done or it could kill her. Her body wasn’t ready to take both water and air into her lungs too closely together. 
    	Caderyn swam to Bridget and held her to his chest, careful to keep her head beneath the surface. Her long hair tickled his arms, so soft as it wrapped around him. He pushed up to see the shoreline, glancing around. The Olympians were gone, but there were undoubtedly more in the forest, watching the water to see what he’d do with the newly made Merr woman.
    	He cursed silently to himself. The women shouldn’t have been at the pond. They’d never come here before--at least that he knew of. They stuck to the deep forest, living out their miserable existence in pouting solitude. Why were they here now? Why did they do this? They could have killed her. By the telepathic thoughts he’d picked up from them, killing her had been exactly what they wanted to do. 
    	Knowing that he’d almost lost Bridget tore at his insides, washing through him in waves of fear even as it was all over. He squeezed her tighter. If Bridget wouldn’t have changed she would’ve been dead. He should’ve been more careful, but how was he to know the Olympians would dare attack her? And on his land? He’d been too busy trying to listen to them without being shifted, which was harder if not impossible to do, that he’d not made Bridget run away fast enough.
    	Even as he was glad for his wife’s new transformation, he was scared as well. How would she take the knowledge of her new form? Would she be mad that none of them had told her of it? Would she hate what she’d become?
    	Genetic mutant mishap.
    	Caderyn swallowed. She’d apologized for the words, but they still stung, still lingered in the back of his mind, driving fear into his heart. She’d accepted him into her bed, into her body, but would she accept being like him? Already she’d been through so much. Nearly dying, loosing all her friends from above, a new life, a new marriage, a new land and people. Would this change break her sanity? Would this be the final push into the abyss of madness? Or was he overanalyzing everything? Maybe it would all work out fine.
    	Aye, just fine.
     	Perfectly fine.
     	By all the gods, please don’t hate me, Bridget. Please don’t be mad. 
     	He pulled her tighter into his arms, feeling the brush of her beautiful new tail against his own. There was nothing he could do but hold her under water as they waited for the transformation to take hold.
    	Dear, sweet wife, please don’t hate me for this.
    * * * *
    	Bridget jerked fully awake, automatically trying to choke the water from her lungs. They felt heavy and full, strangely so, as the pressure seemed to almost cave in her chest. Fearfully, she realized she was underwater. Wiggling, she tried to get to the surface. It was no use. Hands held her down and even though she struggled against them, they would not loosen their hold. Her mouth gaped open and she automatically tried to breathe over the tangy salt water on her tongue. Her fingers clawed the hands that held her down, but they still wouldn’t let go.
    	‘Relax,’ she heard in her head. ‘Easy, Bridget, relax. You’re not hurt.’
    	Why wasn’t she dead?
    	Bridget fought harder, despite the calming tone of the words. She had to get to the surface. She needed air. Her long hair floated in her face, temporarily blinding her to all else. Tossing her head back and forth violently, she tried to clear her vision to see.
    	‘Bridget, relax. I won’t hurt you. You’re safe. Please, trust me. You are safe.’
     	She stopped, thinking, ‘Caderyn? Is that Caderyn. Caderyn! Caderyn! Help me! Help me, I’m under the water. Help.’
    	‘I’m here,’ she heard him say, as clear as if he’d said the words aloud to her. Her hair drifted back in the water and his face focused before her eyes. He looked like an angel, the light from above the surface shining under the waves to caress over his skin.
    	‘Help me. Please, Caderyn.’ Her whole body shook, as she begged him. She reached out, grabbing his shoulders and gripping them tight. ‘What’s wrong with me? What’s happening?’
     	‘Shh, easy,’ he soothed. ‘Just focus on me. Try to relax and look into my eyes. You’re safe, Bridget.’
    	He pulled her close to his chest. Bridget choked on the water. Her body ached all over and was terribly stiff.
    	‘Close your mouth,’ he instructed. Bridget did and instantly she felt better. The drowning sensation stopped, leaving only pressure. ‘That’s it. You’ll get used to it, I promise. Your body knows what to do naturally. There is no need for you to fight it.’
    	‘Easy for you to say,’ she thought. She heard his chuckling and she realized he could hear everything in her head. ‘What is happening to me? I don’t understand.’
    	‘You’re changing.’ Caderyn touched her face, stroking her cheek gently, as he hesitantly smiled at her. He looked at her mouth, as if he wanted to kiss her. He didn’t.
    	Bridget began to shake once more. ‘Let me go. I want out of the water now.’
    	‘Easy. It’s almost over. Try to relax.’
     	‘What’s almost over? What did you do to me?’ Bridget pushed against his chest. She felt her arm snag. Caderyn winced, letting her back away to arms length. Blood drifted around them in the water. His arm was cut and bleeding, but he didn’t seem to care as he pulled her away from the crimson blur. She glanced at her forearm. A small, blue fin had formed there and she’d cut him with it.
    	Caderyn’s eyes drifted over her body. A strange look passed over his features. Bridget was too afraid to look further than her forearm. She had a feeling she knew what was happening.
    	‘It happens to everyone when they come here,’ Caderyn said. ‘We didn’t expect it to happen so quickly to you. You had so much to adjust to we didn’t think it a good idea to tell you right away.’
    	‘What happens?’ Bridget trembled. She didn’t feel right. Her eyes saw too clearly in the water, as if she were out on land. ‘What’s wrong with my arm? Why do I have a ... a...?’
    	Caderyn’s eyes glanced down again, not answering. His hands stayed on her arms, but he held her at arms length. The wound on his arm stopped bleeding.
    	Slowly, she turned to look down her body. The tunic drifted around her and she pulled it up. Her legs were gone, replaced by a long silvery blue tail. She’d suspected that’s what he meant when he said ‘it happens to everyone,’ but to actually see it was more than she’d been prepared to deal with.
    	Bridget panicked and tried to kick her legs. The tail flopped back and forth, turning the both of them in the water. Pulling with all her strength, she tried to tear her legs apart, back into two separate entities. Her tail only swished back and forth all the more violently. The cool water against her scales felt odd, so sensitive to the most subtle shift of the currents and temperatures.
    	‘Oh, oh,’ was all she could managed as she continued to try and rip her legs apart. It was no use. The tail just swished back and forth, back and forth. Gripping at Caderyn’s forearms, her fingers glanced along side his sharp fins, as she kept thinking, ‘Oh, oh.’
    	Caderyn’s hand cupped her cheek, trying to draw her gaze to his steady one. ‘You’re beautiful, Bridget.’
    	‘I’m a ... a....’ Bridget’s mouth opened and she tried to gasp. It was no use. Her lungs wouldn’t work. She grabbed her neck. Her fingers skimmed a gill. ‘I’m a fish.’
    	‘You are Merr,’ Caderyn corrected, his voice patient, soft.
    	‘I’m a mermaid. Oh my gawd! This can’t be happening. It just can’t.’
     	‘You are Merr.’
    	Bridget looked at her arms, turning them to see the fins protruding from her skin. She felt the water brushing up against them as she did her new tail. They were part of her.
    	‘I want out of the water now,’ she said weakly. ‘Please, Caderyn.’
    	‘Promise me you won’t surface until I say it’s all right.’
     	Bridget nodded her head. ‘I promise. Just get me out of the water. I want my body back. Please, Caderyn. Please.’
     	He studied her for a moment before nodding.
    	‘I want my body back,’ she thought again, continuing to beg him through the telepathic link they shared. Bridget tensed and she felt a panic attack coming on.
    	Caderyn swam around her, his strong arms sweeping though the water. She felt his hand go up her wet gown, running over her body. Too stunned to move, she barely registered the touch. After examining her, he finally said, ‘All right. You’re ready.’
    	Caderyn pulled her toward the shore. She tried to help, but was too uncoordinated under the water to swim in a straight line. Stopping, he held her close as he lifted them up toward the surface. Bridget coughed violently, automatically spitting the salty water out of her mouth as it expelled from her body.
    	‘You learn not to breathe the water in,’ he said. ‘Next time it will be easier on you.’
     	Bridget was too numb to answer. He helped her move onto shore. Caderyn brushed the water off his legs. When his limbs started to transform back, he leaned over and did the same to her. Her gown got in the way.
    	With his legs back, he kneeled on the grounded and worked the dress over her head. Bridget stared at her body, trembling violently as the breeze hit her skin. Her tail split apart and before she knew it she had legs again.
    	“There you go,” Caderyn soothed. He wrapped her body in the red material of her dry cloak. “Everything is back to normal.”
    	Normal? He called her body turning into a fish normal? Bridget couldn’t think. This defied all logic, everything about this world defied reason. She liked answers. She liked the comfort of facts. This could not be happening. Simply coming to a place could not genetically alter a human being into a mermaid.
    	“Did the Olympians do this to me?” Bridget glanced at him, needing a reason. Her voice was hoarse from swallowing the sea water. Caderyn was naked. For once, she didn’t look over his body. “Did they poison me or something?”
    	“No, they let you go.” He reached for his toga, slipping it on as he left his chest bare. Taking his tunic shirt, he wrapped it over her wet hair.
    	“Why did they let me go?” Bridget asked.
    	Caderyn didn’t answer as he lifted her up into his arms and carried her into the forest. Holding her close, he said, “Try to rest. You’ve had a very long day. I’ll get you home. You’ll be safe there. I promise.”
    * * * *
    	Caderyn was worried. Bridget didn’t make a sound the entire way home. In fact, she hardly moved in his arms as he carried her the whole way. There was so much he wanted to tell her, but he couldn’t think of where to begin.
    	His country home wasn’t far from the pond. In fact, he technically owned the pond and surrounding forest. Though he let travelers use it freely, this was the first time he’d ever seen Olympians there. It had been awhile since he’d been home, so long that he couldn’t remember when. Surely, his caretakers would’ve told him if the women were spotted nearby.
    	His country estate was much bigger than his home in the palace. One of the perks of being a hunter was that he had caretakers and servants. Unlike their human years, the Merr did not enslave and the servants worked freely, coming and going at their own leisure.
    	Caderyn carried Bridget up the stone steps leading to the front door. Columns reached up both sides, supporting the roof as it shaded the portico. The home was old, but well taken care of. Since his caretakers lived on the property, the house was unlocked.
    	The door led to a small entryway and beyond that was a large atrium. A hole built into the roof filtered down fresh rain water into a pool on the floor. Aside from a few benches, the atrium was barren.
    	Past the atrium was a garden and beyond that was the dining room. Caderyn heard laughter in the garden but ignored it as he carried Bridget to his sleeping chambers. The sound would only be the caretaker and his wife and he had time to greet them later. First, he wanted to make sure Bridget was settled.
    	Caderyn was pleased to find his room had been cleaned recently and smelled fresh and like the herbs from the atrium. The décor was simple and to his tastes. A golden comforter lay on the large bed. It was embroidered with the fierce symbol of a stylized sea dragon. Frescos were painted on the white walls, forming perfect rectangles around the room like framed pictures. The scenes were of the surface world--the ocean from above, a mountain, a depiction of Atlas at sunset. If not for the wall, he doubted he’d remember what a sunset looked like.
    	Bridget had fallen asleep in his arms as they walked home. He laid her on the bed, gently maneuvering her body so she was under the covers and tucked in. Blue shaded the outside of her eyes, the only visible testament to her change. Caderyn studied her beautiful face for a long time, glad she rested peacefully.
    	Closing the sleeping room door behind him as he left, he walked to the gardens. Sirius, his caretaker, was kissing his wife on one of the benches. Afra glanced up in surprise, but was unembarrassed to be seen on her husband’s lap.
    	“My lord!” Afra said, grinning. Her blonde hair was cropped short around her head. It was an odd style for a Merr woman, but Afra often did things that weren’t considered the norm. “We didn’t know you were coming.”
    	Sirius saw Caderyn looking at Afra’s head and laughed. “She challenged me and lost. I think she thought I’d let her win if she threatened to chop off her hair.”
    	Caderyn chuckled softly and shook his head. Sirius had also cropped his hair.
    	“I didn’t want her to feel alone,” the caretaker said simply, ruffling his short locks. Afra giggled as she slid off her husband’s lap. They both stood. Belatedly Sirius said, “Welcome back, my lord.”
    	“Thank you,” Caderyn said as he stepped into the enclosed gardens. Stone paths wound through the bushes and trees. There was a thin roof overhead. It let in enough light to help the plants grow, without letting the delicate blossoms overheat. A cooler breeze swept in from an open door. The air was sweet with the smell of berries and flowers. “It’s been far too long since I’ve been home.”
    	Afra glanced at the plant he was looking at and smiled. “My new project. I transported some wild berries from the salt pond and am trying to cross them with the house berries. It might make a new edible fruit.”
    	“And it might nearly kills us like the last one did,” Sirius teased.
    	“Ah!” Afra shot him a horrified look. “It wasn’t that bad.”
    	“It tasted like a fish’s ass,” Sirius complained, smacking his lips.
    	His wife scrunched up her face and shook her head. “You’re lucky I like you.”
    	Sirius winked. Caderyn smiled, shaking his head at their banter. Secretly, he was jealous of the love that so obviously flowed between them. Their bond was so strong it could outlast eternity. It already had.
    	Caderyn thought of Bridget, knowing that an eternity wasn’t long enough a time to spend with her.
    	“What is new with you, my lord?” Sirius asked. His face lit with interest. “Any stories from the hunt?”
    	“Did the scavengers bring anything of interest back?” Afra added, smiling expectantly. Stories of the hunt and scavenges were a favorite topic of conversation amongst the Merr people. Things from the outside world were of great interest to many. Whenever there was any new information discovered, Aidan would write a summary of what it was and send a publication of it out for the people to read.
    	“One,” Caderyn couldn’t help his small smile as he touched a leaf on a nearby plant. “I found something in the ocean and brought it back.”
    	They looked at him with interest, waiting. 
    	“She’s in my sleeping room,” Caderyn said.
    	“She?” Sirius’s jaw fell slightly. “A woman? You brought back a woman from the ocean and she survived the dive down?”
    	“In your sleeping room, you say?” Afra added. Both husband and wife looked at each other in shock before turning back to him.
    	“Aye, my wife, Bridget,” Caderyn said. His smiled faded some. “We came from the salt pond. Olympians were there and dragged her under.”
    	“Olympians?” Sirius and Afra said in unison, frowning even as they still looked surprised.
    	“Are you sure? You saw them?” Afra asked.
    	Caderyn nodded in affirmation.
    	“What are they doing here?” Sirius shook his head, swearing softly.
    	“Is Lady Bridget hurt?” Afra took a step forward. “Is that why she is in bed?”
    	“They let her go after pulling her under the water. She has suffered the change.” Caderyn took a deep breath. “She had yet to be prepared for it and didn’t know that it would happen.”
    	“No one told her?” Afra asked.
    	Caderyn shook his head in denial, again touching the leaf, running his finger over the spine along the center of it. “She’s only been here for two weeks. None of us thought she needed to know so soon. She had a hard enough time accepting what and who we are. It was my hope that maybe talking to a friendly Merr woman would calm her fears.”
    	Afra and Sirius nodded in understanding. Two weeks was too fast a time for most to suffer the change.
    	“I’ll speak with her,” Afra said. “Don’t worry. She will adjust in time. All we seem to have around here is plenty of time.”
    	“She awoke underwater,” Caderyn continued. His stomach knotted in worry. He could still picture the look of horror on her face as she fought to get to the surface. It had been hard holding her under water. But he had to. If she’d surfaced too soon she would have died.
    	“Don’t you worry, my lord,” Afra soothed, patting his shoulder. “And don’t think of about it too hard. Her human body died so that her Merr body could live. It was fate that it would happen. It happens to them all when they come down. It is so she could live here.”
    	“Her face,” Caderyn whispered. “When she woke up, her face was so scared. She was so frightened. It shouldn’t have happened like that. She should have been prepared for it, warned about what would happen. I should have--”
    	“Shhh, enough of that.” Afra soothed, patting his arm. “We’ll take good care of her, my lord. She’ll come around. She’s safe and sound. No amount of worry and preparation can make the change easier. I think sometimes its worse if they know beforehand because then they dwell on it and work themselves up.”
    	Caderyn knew she was trying to make him feel better. Slowly he nodded his head, signifying that he’d heard her words and had listened to them.
    	“Now, come, tell us what else has been pulled from the ocean while I fix you something to eat,” Sirius said. 
    	“Well, there were two others,” Caderyn told them, knowing the news would be of great interest to them. He knew his friends were trying to distract his thoughts and appreciated it.
    * * * *
    	Bridget gasped, flying up in bed, her eyes wide as she looked around to get her bearings. She felt the air entering her lungs and quickly pushed off the covers to study her body. The red cloak tangled around her, but her legs poked out from underneath it. She touched her thighs to be sure they were real. Twisting her forearms, she saw they were smooth. Just to make sure they were fine, she ran her fingers over them. Nothing. No fins. No tail. She touched her neck. No gills.
    	“I’m not a mermaid,” she whispered, taking large breaths of air, appreciating the feel of it in her lungs like never before. “I’m not a mermaid. It didn’t happen.”
    	A tear slipped from her eye, making a hot trail down her cheek. Her hair was damp and her throat was sore. She knew the truth and saying it was different didn’t change the fact that her body had changed.
    	Burying her face in her hands, she moaned, “Oh, goodness, I am a mermaid.”
    	Her body shaking, Bridget scooted to the edge of the bed and stood. The red cloak was damp, but she draped it over her body the best she could to hide her nakedness. Her feet were bare and she could only guess that her sandals had been lost in the pond. Remembering the looks of hatred from the other mermaids, she shivered. They had wanted her dead.
    	The bedroom was large, with no windows. Soft light filtered overhead. There was a fireplace and burnt out torches on the wall. The room was beautiful, but she was too tired to really look at the paintings. 
    	It didn’t take a genius for her to figure out that she was in Caderyn’s country home in the borderlands. Her body stiff, she limped across the room and pulled the door open, peeking out into a nearly empty room. Though she heard muted voices, she could not see anyone.
    	As she left the bedroom, she noticed that there was a large pool in the floor. She stepped around it, glancing inside it. The water looked as if it went deep. The floors were stone tiles with marble-like swirls. The walls were smooth with frescos painted within fake arch doorways. The scenes were of merfolk and other underwater creatures and landscapes.
    	Tiptoeing toward the sound of voices, she heard Caderyn say, “They let her go. She has suffered the change.”
    	His voice became muffled as if he turned his head from her direction. Bridget crept closer, trying to hear.
    	“She had yet to be prepared for it and didn’t know that it would happen,” Caderyn said. 
    	“No one told her?” a softer voice asked.
    	“She’s only been here for two weeks. None of us thought she needed to know,”
    	Bridget took a deep breath, trying not to cry. She didn’t want to hear anymore. He had known what would happen to her, what she would become, and he didn’t tell her? They all knew and no one had thought to say a thing? Not the king, the healer, or Aidan? None of it hurt as bad as her husband keeping it from her though. 
    	Caderyn not telling her the truth was the same as him lying to her as far as she was concerned. How could he not tell her she would turn into a mermaid? How could he keep something so important from her?
    	Everything that had happened since that fateful night on the boat built within her. She was confused, hurt, sad. Feeling as though her life had been ripped from her control, Bridget ran to a door. She needed to get out of there. She needed to think. 
    	The door led to a rectangular kitchen with a little island in the middle. She turned back around. Then, seeing a small entryway, she crossed over to it as quietly as she could and slipped through the front to the outside.
    	Once out of the house, she ran full tilt toward the trees with one thought swimming in her head. She had to get away from him. Caderyn knew and he didn’t tell her. She had to think about all this, away from Caderyn’s sexy influence. She needed logic.
    	Reaching the edge of the forest, Bridget glanced back. The home stood bold against the countryside, looking like an ancient marble building straight out of ancient Rome. It was beautiful, but she was too numb to be moved by it. She’d been forced to accept a lot recently and had taken more leaps of faith than she’d ever taken in her life. This emotion thing was hard and messy and she wasn’t sure she liked feeling swept up in the whirlwind of it.
    	“I’m a scientist, damn it,” she whispered. Bridget wasn’t sure how to deal with everything. Turning, she continued to run with no clue as to where she was going or what she was doing. Nothing made sense anymore. All she knew was that she wanted to go home.
    * * * *
    	“Mmm, well, look what we found wandering in the forest.”
    	Bridget stopped walking. The sultry voice was followed by a round of feminine laughter. The sound wasn’t pleasant.
    	In her haste to get away from Caderyn, she’d gotten lost and had no idea how long she’d been walking. Glancing around the trees, she watched as the redheaded mermaid with the eerie matching eyes stepped from the forest. The woman wore a skimpy green robe. It was so translucent it showed off her naked body underneath. It fluttered lazily in the breeze. When she stepped over the ground, her bare feet didn’t make any noise.
    	“What do you want with me?” Bridget backed away from the women, frightened. These mermaids had tried to kill her. Would they now try to finish the job?
    	“You’re lucky, human.” A finger poked her back from behind. Bridget jolted in surprise and spun around. The black-haired mermaid with the large breasts studied her. She too wore hardly any clothing as her blue gown blew tight to her fit body. “You were blessed with the change before we could get to you.”
    	“Before we could kill you,” another added, chuckling darkly as she came from the trees. More laughter resounded over the path and soon the small area was overflowing with beautiful Olympian women.
    	“The gods chose to bless you with our gift,” the redhead said, her eyes glowing eerily, like a demon’s. The woman’s hand lifted close to Bridget’s cheek, but she didn’t touch her.
    	“Leave me alone,” Bridget whispered, wishing the words were more forceful. Moisture gathered in her eyes, threatening tears. She was terrified. “I want nothing to do with you. I’ve done nothing. Just leave me alone.”
    	“But we want you,” a blonde said, pouting her lips. “Maia, why is she being so mean to us?”
    	Maia, the dark-haired mermaid in translucent blue, laughed. She reached out patted Bridget’s hair, smoothing it down. Pouting her lips, she said, “She’s just scared. Aren’t you?”
    	Bridget pulled away from the mermaid’s touch.
    	“I am Maia,” Maia said. She pointed at the redheaded mermaid. “That is Lotis.”
    	Bridget glanced, but didn’t acknowledge. Lotis winked, pursing her lips to blow a kiss. Bridget shivered at the cold look on the woman’s face. There was no affection there.
    	“Marica,” Maia said, pointing at a blonde. Then, moving her finger faster to point around the group, she said, “Ambrosia, Calliope, Dryope, Electra, Carmenta, Asia, Eudora, Ladona, Neda, Pirene, Thetis, Thisoa, Styx.”
    	“And you are?” Styx prompted as Maia stopped her introductions.
    	Bridget didn’t answer. Did they really expect her to remember all those names? Did they really expect her to care? All she wanted was to go home.
    	“She asked your name,” Lotis said, her voice tight with growing anger.
    	“Your name,” Maia demanded.
    	“Bridget,” Bridget whispered, only to repeat more forcefully, “Bridget.”
    	Lotis smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Was that so hard, Bridget?”
    	Bridget gave a small shake of her head.
    	“Electra,” Maia prompted.
    	Bridget glanced at the slender mermaid that stepped forward at the call. The woman reached out her arms and opened her mouth. A beautiful sound, like no other Bridget had ever heard came from the Olympian’s throat. It was mesmerizing, so mesmerizing that it took Bridget a moment to realize Electra was singing her name, over and over again.
    	“Bridg-et, Bridg-et,” Electra’s voice trilled, rising and falling. It wove a trance over Bridget’s senses, like a cloud fogging her brain with pure pleasure. Numbness worked its way over her limbs, until she couldn’t feel anything. “Bridg-et. Bridg-et.”
    	“You have nothing to fear from us now,” Maia said. She reached leisurely, almost lovingly, for Bridget’s cheek. “We feel the confusion in you, the anger. You’re hurt. You don’t understand what is happening to you. We can help you, Bridget. We can be your new family. We can show you the true power of your new gifts.”
    	“Bridg-et, Bridg-et.”
    	“We want to help you.” Lotis touched her shoulder. “Please, let us help you.”
    	“Aye,” another added. “Let us help you.”
    	“Aye,” said another, until they all seemed to be speaking at once.
    	“Aye, Bridget.”
    	“Let us help you.”
    	The soothing tones were barely audible over Electra’s amazing voice. “Bridg-et. Bridg-et.”
     	Bridget forgot everything, everyone. Nothing mattered but following that voice. There was no more sadness or fear or worry. She found herself walking toward the singing woman’s outstretched arms. A hand touched her shoulder and her red wool cloak was pulled from her shoulders. She was left naked.
    	“Bridg-et, Bridg-et.”
    	“We want you Bridget,” Maia whispered in her ear. Her voice was joined by the others. “We want you to join us.”
    	“Come with us.”
    	“Be with us.”
    	“Join us.”
    	Bridget continued to stare at Electra as the woman took her by the hands. The mermaid continued to sing, walking backward as she led Bridget into the forest. Bridget didn’t feel anything but the music. No part of her wanted to fight it and she had no idea how long they traveled before reaching a rocky cliff within the forest.
    	Electra pulled Bridget onto a wooden platform next to the bottom of the cliff. The platform was slowly pulled up, like a rustic elevator, as if lifted them off the ground along the cliff’s side. Above them, along the cave’s opening, more women glanced down at her. 
    	The old wood platform creaked, but she wasn’t scared because the voice was there to comfort her. Finally, the creaking stopped and the platform was next to a cave entrance high off the ground. It was too high up to jump down, but it didn’t matter. She had no thoughts of escaping
    	The cave opened up into a long cavern, covered in lounge pillows sewn from the canvas of ships. It was a rocky paradise--beautiful and alluring, just like the women who owned it. Fine, gauzy material fluttered over the rock walls, matching the gowns of the Olympians. Many of the women wore the same transparent dresses as her captors. Bracelets wound their arms and shell necklaces graced their necks. Others wore headbands, woven around their long hair and matching armbands. Still other Olympians wore nothing but loincloths and skimpy bras. Those women looked very much the Amazonian warriors of legend.
    	 “Bridg-et, Bridg-et,” Electra sang, never once stopping.
    	“Welcome to Mt. Olympus,” Maia said, grinning with pride as she spread her arms wide to encompass the area.
    	A low waterfall dripped from an opening in the stone, trickling into a long pool that wound around the side of the cave. Those in the pond lounged, their tails swishing in the water. Eyes turned to look at her. Bridget stared back, but Electra’s song made her unafraid.
    	Suddenly, Electra stopped singing. The cloud began to lift for a brief moment, before someone else picked up the melody. “Bridg-et, Bridg-et.”
    	Several Olympians came forward, urging Bridget to follow them to the pool. They led her in. Cool water touched her flesh and as soon as she was waist deep her legs transformed into a tail. The mermaid also transformed, pulling her deeper into the pool. As her arms wetted, fins poked from her skin. The haze of the song was all around her and she didn’t fight as they pulled her under the salty water’s surface. She kept her mouth closed, not letting it in. The mermaids swam around her, doing somersaults in the water, twirling artfully like synchronized swimmers. The song continued in her head as they motioned for her to swim with them. It was awkward at first, as she jerked around in her new body, but soon Bridget was gliding through the water with ease.
    	After some time passed in playful swimming and exploration of the top section of the pool, Bridget was handed soap. She washed her skin as the mermaids helped her clean her hair. When they finished, she was led from the pool. Her arms were rubbed with perfume oil and she was given a translucent gown of blue and green. Someone brushed her hair as another slipped a shell necklace around her neck. There was nothing sexual in the way the mermaids touched her. It was more like she was their new pet and they were playing dress up.
    	“Bridg-et, Bridg-et.” The song continued, picked up by another and then another, as they seemed to pass her name around within the group.
    	When they were finished pampering her, the music stopped. The mermaids looked at her expectantly. Bridget felt the tension coming back to her neck and shoulders. Her stomach knotted with worry and she felt a little sick. Looking around, she shivered. Was the danger from them over now that she was one of them? They had treated her with kindness, despite the fact that they had originally wanted to kill her.
    	“Now, you look like a true Olympian, a goddess,” a woman whispered in her ear from behind.
    	“Show her,” Maia ordered. The way the others looked at Maia with reverence and a touch of fear, Bridget assumed the woman was their leader. “Show her the goddess she can be.”
    	A large, old mirror was brought forward. It was a little rusted on the corner and looked as if it had been pulled from the ocean long ago. Bridget stared at her reflection. She looked like the Olympians--her skin glistening from the oil, her hair pulled up at the sides and woven with a thin silver headband. A necklace hung from her neck and a bracelet wove over her arm.
    	“You don’t have to be a prisoner of Atlas,” Maia said, touching Bridget’s shoulders, petting them lightly as if she were a precious china doll. “There are other ways. Better ways. Our way. Let us show you that you are a goddess amongst the Merr. Join us.”
    	“Here you will be free,” Lotis added, joining them in front of the mirror. “You may come and go as you will. You will command your future. Tell us, what has been your dream? What ache is there in your heart?”
    	Maia closed her eyes, smiling slightly. When she spoke, it was as if she’d read Bridget’s mind. “You wish to study the ocean. You want to see it for yourself. Forget the borderlands. Here you may swim beyond the borders. Here you may see all the wonders and mystery for yourself.”
    	“We can teach you,” Lotis said. “We can protect you.”
    	“Join us,” Maia urged. “There will be no secrets kept from you.”
    	“Do not be a prisoner of Atlas,” Electra said. The women crowded around her as Bridget stared in the mirror. Their offer was tempting, but as she thought of Caderyn, she was sad.
    	“Junia, fetch Lysander and the others,” Maia said. “Show her the power she will wield.”
    	Junia, a pixie-like brunette, jumped up and disappeared down the side cave. Bridget watched where she’d disappeared. When the woman came back, she was leading six gorgeous men.
    	“You don’t need him,” Maia whispered, directing Bridget forward to the males. Each one of them was a very fine specimen of male beauty. Their solid bodies glistened with oil and they wore only loincloths. “Why settle for one man when you can have your pick of many? Everything he has to offer you, we have right here and more.”
    	“Our slaves will do anything you want them to,” Lotis said. She ran her hand over their backs as she walked around them. Bridget was left with no doubt what these men’s role was within the Olympian society. They were mere toys, sex toys used for the mermaids’ pleasures. And from the looks on their faces, the men didn’t seem to mind their role too much. “Their bodies are always willing to serve.”
    	“We are very sexual creatures, Bridget. We get our strength from sexual release. These men before you are some of our finest slaves, but there are others if they are not to your taste. Their sole purposing in being is to please their mistresses. And, believe me when I tell you, they will see to it you are never lacking for strength.” Maia smiled.  The other mermaids laughed lightly. “They have been bred with stamina and vigor. Their bodies have been molded and tuned with mandatory exercise to keep them in perfect shape and health. If you like, you may even take several to your bed.”
    	“My queen,” a tall man said, kneeling before Bridget. He was very attractive in his loincloth. Sculpted, tanned muscles rippled along his body as he moved. The slave was indeed an example of male physical perfection, but aside from looking at him as she would a painting, Bridget didn’t find herself attracted to him. He bowed his head, before looking up into her eyes. “I am Lysander. We are here for your pleasure.”
    	“My queen,” the second man in line said, also kneeling. He gave her a sultry look, narrowing his eyes as he glanced boldly over her body, stopping to stare at her breasts. Bridget resisted the urge to hide, all too aware of the transparency of her indecent gown. “I am Asar, here for your pleasure.”
    	“My queen, I am Fabius. Let me give you pleasure.” Fabius was obviously already aroused. Bridget turned her attention quickly away from his tight, bulging loincloth.
    	The men continued to kneel before her, bowing their heads. When they looked at her, it was in pure sexual invitation.
    	“My queen, I am Damion. Let me please you.” Damion licked his lips, letting his eyes drift down her body to her midsection. 
    	Bridget’s thighs tightened, closing shut. A small tingle erupted in her stomach, not unpleasant and definitely not welcomed. 
    	“My queen, I am Horus, here for your pleasure.”
    	 Bridget was too busy trying not to run away from the other men’s innuendos that she didn’t see what look Horus gave her.
    	“My queen, I am Ari. Allow me to please you.”
    	Despite her distaste for the whole situation, she found herself becoming aroused. It was a strange desire that filled her, a need to touch and be touched. But, she didn’t want the men before her. She wanted Caderyn.
    	Caderyn.
     	Though it was tempting to spend eternity being worshiped by six handsome men, never having to feel sadness or confusion, Bridget looked at Maia and asked, “What if I refuse?”
    	“Our slaves will change your mind,” Maia said, motioning to the men. “Give them a chance before you say such things.”
    	“If they do not?” Bridget asked. “What then? What will happen to me?”
    	Maia frowned, obviously not liking the question. Insistent, she said through tightened lips, “They will.”
    	Bridget glanced around the cave. The ‘slaves’ looked at her expectantly. Why did she run away from Caderyn? Forcing a look of indifference, she said to Maia, “I’ve already been pleased several times today before you found me in the forest. I would rather eat.”
    	Maia grinned, as she waved her hand. The men were led back the way they’d come, deeper into the cave. Maia touched Bridget’s cheek and stared into her eyes. Maia grinned, keeping her sparkling gaze on Bridget’s, as she ordered, “Ambrosia, bring food for our new sister. Let her dine as I look at her and discover her new name, a name fit for a goddess.”
    	Bridget looked away first. Maia let her go. Neda, from the forest, came forward and reintroduced herself. She led Bridget to a pillow and bid her to sit down on the floor. Maia’s eyed stayed on her, studying her hair, her eyes, her skin, even her breasts, as she seemed to consider what name she would give the newest Olympian.
    	Bridget tried her best to ignore the queen as she was served her meal on a flat piece of giant shell. It was a leafy seaweed salad smothered in berries and nuts from the forest. Closing her eyes, she tried to pretend it was a cheeseburger. It didn’t work. The odd flavor of the seaweed was so overpowering, she choked, barely able to swallow.
    	“It takes some getting used to,” Neda whispered kindly as she glanced down at the seaweed. “But it gives us strength and much power. In time you will come to enjoy it.”
    	“What kind of power?” Bridget asked.
    	“Neda,” Maia demanded. She gave a short shake of her head. Neda bowed and slowly backed away from Bridget.
    	The sound of water trickling from the waterfall filled in the silence. Bridget ate, picking off the berries and nuts as she tried not to taste the seaweed flavor on them. Ambrosia took the shell plate still full of seaweed and tossed it into the pool.
    	“Night divers,” Maia ordered softly. “Go.”
    	Several of the women wearing loincloths stripped from their clothes and dived into the pool. They didn’t come back up.
    	“Where did they go?” Bridget asked.
    	“The ocean,” Maia said. “King Lucius thinks he has the only portal to the outside world, but we found this one.”
    	“We told you that you would be free here,” Lotis murmured, sitting beside her. She began toying with Bridget’s hair. “Soon we will take you down to the ocean, when you are ready. You can study it all you like. Unlike the Merr, we keep our promises. We will give you such an eternity.”
    	‘Caderyn,’ Bridget thought, desperately wanting him. She felt herself being pulled under the mermaid’s spell and she didn’t like it. Why had she run away? Why hadn’t she just stayed put and dealt with her problems? If she had been stronger, she would be with him.
    	“Don’t think about him,” Lotis whispered. “We are your family now, Bridget. The lords of Atlas will never respect you. They will try to imprison you to their laws, their ways. Do you really wish to live under tyranny? Or would you rather be free to live an eternity in power, in control of your life, doing as you please when you please to do it? Consider what we offer you--the whole ocean as your playground, men to give you pleasure, sisters to protect and fight for you.”
    	“We’ll teach you all you need to know, more than the Merr ever could,” Styx added, sitting by Bridget’s feet. The mermaid laid her head gently against Bridget’s leg, rubbing her cheek affectionately back and forth. “We will be your family. We will be your sisters. We’ll take care of you.”
    	“We will love you,” Lotis said, her voice soft. “Please, let us love you, Bridget.”
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Nine
    	
    	Bridget was gone. She had left him.
    	Caderyn couldn’t believe that she’d actually left him, as he stared at the empty bed. He’d waited in the garden with Sirius and Afra, catching up on his estate and telling them stories from the hunt. They were most curious to learn about how he’d found Bridget, and how the others were brought down as well.
    	With his wife’s changing, he would soon be able to communicate telepathically with her. He would also be able to feel what she felt. That was, if she truly accepted him as her husband. Obviously, she had yet to accept their life together for he hadn’t felt her leave him.
    	Running to the front door, his heart stuck in his throat, he pulled it open and ran outside. Sirius and Afra were right behind him.
    	“My lord?” Sirius asked.
    	“What’s happened?” Afra added.
    	“She’s gone. She’s left.” Caderyn glanced at them and ordered, “Afra, check the house to make sure she’s not there. Sirius, head south to the borderlands. I’ll check the forest. She couldn’t have gone too far on foot and in her weakened condition.”
    	Caderyn didn’t wait for an answer as he ran toward the forest, knowing his friends would help him. As he neared the tree line, he detected the light imprint of her bare feet in the path as he searched for her. The toes of the print pressed deep, signifying that she ran from him. His stomach tightened as he raced down the path, searching for her along the forest.
    	Why had she left him? Without word. Without reason.
    	Well, perhaps she had her reasons. Maybe she’d taken the discovery of her new self harder than he thought she would. Was what they were so repulsive? Was being Merr, his mate, his wife, his love, so horrible of a fate? Why was she resisting it?
    	Discovering her red cloak lying on the ground, he ran faster, stopping as he got to it. He grabbed it, crushing it in his fist as he looked around. The path was littered with footprints. Seeing a shell necklace, which had been hidden beneath the cloak, he held his breath.
    	Olympians.
     	“No,” he gasped, his worst fear realized. “By all the gods! No. Please, no!”
    	There was no telling what the crazy women would do with Bridget now that they had her. He had no doubt that they’d left the necklace behind on purpose. 
    	His wife was now Merr, one of them, but she was also recently human. Would the Olympians try to kill her? Would they ask her to join them? Would Bridget join them? Would they torture her? Trick her up to the mortal surface to die a cruel death? There was no way of knowing.
    	‘Caderyn’
     	Bridget’s voice was faint, but he heard it. She was alive. For now, she was alive. The pain in his chest eased and he took a deep breath. He had to find her. Without her, he wasn’t whole. She had become his whole life.
    	“Bridget…”
    	Caderyn dropped the cloak on the ground and threw the shell necklace on top of it. If Sirius and Afra came looking for him, they would see it and know what had happened. Going in the direction that his instincts told him her voice had come from, Caderyn took to the forest. No one knew for sure where the Olympian’s lived, but he was determined to find out.
    	Caderyn cursed himself for a fool. He should have stayed by his wife’s side. He should have been able to protect her. Knowing that he’d failed her, nearly caused his heart to stop beating his chest. He loved her, had loved her since he first saw her wide blue eyes staring out at him as her ship sank all around them. The gods had blessed him that night, after all these years, and he’d failed.
    	“Bridget,” he whispered, over and over, willing her to hear him. “Bridget, please. Talk to me. Tell me where to find you.”
    	Everything that happened between them flashed though his mind--the shipwreck, the declaration of marriage, her wound and the glorious week spent healing her. She had been under a euphoric state, but she had still acted as she would act without inhibitions. She had wanted him that week and he was almost convinced she loved him. Her words echoed in his head. 
    	I think it’s a little early in our relationship to have gotten married. It’s not the way things are done where I come from. But, if I had to be married to anyone, I’m glad it’s you. And, if I have to stay married to anyone, I’d choose to stay married to you.
     	They were not the words he had wanted to hear, but they had given him hope for the future. When the gods sent her to him, let her survive in the ocean, he’d accepted that they knew what they were doing. He’d been attracted to her from the beginning, but had waited for the right sign to know for sure that she was meant for him. It had nearly killed him to think she might have belonged to the king. But, by the will of the gods, Bridget had chosen him.
    	She was beautiful, his wife. Even now, through all his fear, he felt desire for her. Merr were passionate people and all his passion was for her. He wanted to spend the rest of his days making love to her, hunting the seas to make her proud to be his wife. He wanted to honor her with each action, treasure her with each kiss.
    	Just thinking of her soft lips, kissing his stomach, sucking on his cock, made him hard. Her lust matched his and he reveled in the fact that she could meet his passionate desires fully. But now was not the time for such things. He ignored his arousal, endlessly searching the forest to find her, running harder until his lungs nearly exploded.
    	Caderyn wished Bridget could accept the gods’ will as easily as he, but he was willing to give her time, to let her adjust slowly. They had forever and he could be patient. It was one of the reasons they had all decided not to tell her of her fate, to let her grow accustomed to being a human in their world, before knowing she was a ‘mermaid’ in their world.
    	It had been hard not to tell her that he’d planned on taking her out into the Abyss to show her all she longed to see. But, to do so would be to reveal what she would become. She needed to accept Ataran first. She needed to accept him. But, for all his caution with her, perhaps he had still failed. Even now it might be too late.
    	‘Bridget!’ he thought, calling out to her with his entire being. He prayed she would hear his call, that she could accept him as her husband and answer through their link. ‘Bridget!’
    * * * *
    	Bridget heard her name whispered softly in her head like a conscious thought, only it wasn’t produced by her own brain. She stiffened, listening closely, keeping her mind blank. It sounded like Caderyn, but the noise was so faint it was hard to be sure. Her body tingled and it was almost like she could feel him searching for her.
    	Sitting up from the long pillow, she glanced around. Many_ of the Olympians slept around the cave floor on similar pillows. Some, like Maia and Lotis, had gone back to where the slaves were. By the looks on the women’s faces, it was all too clear what they went for. Whatever happened, she would never give herself to the handsome men. Her body was for Caderyn and Caderyn alone. As she looked at the sexy loinclothed men, she’d known it deep in her heart. She wanted Caderyn.
    	She also realized that she could never spend an eternity at Mt. Olympus surrounded by the bitterness and anger of the Olympian women. The mermaids spoke beautiful words of freedom, but Bridget detected the truth they tried to hide. They were all unhappy and cynical creatures wanting to bring her into their self-imposed misery. There was something dark just beneath the glittering surface of Mt. Olympus. It was a moroseness the Olympians tried too hard to hide. Bridget didn’t know how she detected it, but she did. The Olympians could tempt her with adventure, the chance to study the sea freely, with sexual pleasures aplenty and servants to wait on her hand and foot. But there was something they couldn’t tempt her with and that was love.
    	Bridget slowly stood from her bed pillow, trying not to wake the others. She listened with all her heart, trying to hear Caderyn call to her. Looking around, she paused, seeing if anyone moved.
    	‘Caderyn, I’m here. I need you. I hear you. Please talk to me.’
     	It was so simple, so clear to her now as she faced forever being without him. She loved Caderyn and she missed him. It had been hard to admit to completely. Maybe that’s why she had run away from him. She had been too afraid to love him, to accept a new life and a new world so quickly after her shipwreck. It wasn’t logical to fall in love so fast, to trust the feelings of the heart. 
    	“But, love isn’t reasonable. It doesn’t always make sense,” she whispered softly to herself. A mermaid turned and Bridget quickly covered her mouth. She’d have to be a little more careful lest she ruin her only opportunity to escape.
    	If she would’ve just listened to her heart and not her head, she would be with Caderyn now. Her body had known him from that first moment. It recognized him as her soul mate. Strange as those words sounded to her, it was what it was. He was her mate, her husband, her other half. And she was a fool for not realizing it and accepting it.
    	She held her gown tight to her body. The transparent material offered her little warmth, but Bridget found she adjusted more easily to the cold since her transformation into a mermaid. 
    	Mermaid. It was so surreal, even now. Out of all the years she dreamed of the ocean, merfolk was never something she’d expected to discover.
    	Someone moaned softly and Bridget froze in mid-step, glancing frantically around. She bit her lip, fearfully. They couldn’t catch her getting away! Neda sat up and looked curiously at her. Bridget waited, her body tense and ready to make a run for it, as she was sure the woman would wake the whole cave. To her surprise, Neda smiled sadly and nodded her head once.
    	“Thank you,” Bridget mouthed, giving her a small smile of thanks. Neda nodded and motioned for Bridget to go toward the entrance of the cave. Bridget nodded and obeyed, moving once more around the prone, sleeping mermaids.
    	As she walked out into the night, her body stiffened as if warning her of danger. Her skin tingled with anticipation, ready to be jumped from behind, waiting for Neda to betray her to the others. The attack never came.
    	She glanced around. The sea stars swam overhead, gliding in aimless circles in the underwater heavens. Black streaks swam by, scattering the spots of light. Looking down the side of the cliff she froze. Maybe Neda had let her go because the mermaid knew there was no escape.
    	Closing her eyes tight, she thought, ‘Caderyn, if ever you were planning on rescuing me, now would be a good time to help out.’
    	She pried open one eye, glancing around the dark forest. Nothing. Swallowing nervously, she took a deep breath and then another. 
    	‘Caderyn!’
     	Still, there was no sign that he’d heard her. 
    	The rustic lift was tied up tight and Bridget didn’t dare make the noise necessary to free it. Slowly, she lowered herself over the side of the cliff. Her bare feet attempted to find footing, as she ran her toes over the jagged wall of the cliff. After some struggle, Bridget found hold and lowered herself over the side. Her stomach knotted in fear and she had to focus to still her limbs from shaking. It was slow going, but she managed to make it a few feet from the top.
    	‘Bridget? Bridget!’
     	Bridget’s whole body jerked in surprise to hear Caderyn’s voice so loud in her head. Her hand slipped from the cliff and she lost her hold. Falling back, she automatically screamed in fright as she plummeted toward the ground.
    	“I’ve got you,” Caderyn said, right before catching her. Her body slammed into his, knocking him onto the ground. His body padded her fall, but was still as hard as steel and her body jarred at the impact. The breath was knocked from her body and she couldn’t even gasp. 
    	Chaos sounded above them. The Olympians were awakened by her scream. She heard them yelling and scurrying above them. 
    	Bridget looked down at Caderyn, his tight, perfect body pressed into hers. Finally, she was able to pull in a lungful of air. He still wore just a toga and her hand automatically kneaded into his naked chest. Desperate to say the one thought that needed to be said, she blurted, “I love you.”
    	“I know,” he answered. He kissed her briefly and then glanced over her shoulder to the cave opening. “We need to go now.”
    	Bridget glanced over her shoulder. The mermaids were pointing down at her, screaming in outrage. Maia pushed through the throng and glared down at them as she yelled, “Bridget! Think about what you are doing!”
    	“Get me out of here,” Bridget whispered. She rolled off of Caderyn and he jumped to his feet, pulling her up.
    	“Get her!” Maia ordered.
    	“How many are up there?” he asked, eyeing the cave. He looked as if he contemplated fighting them off.
    	“A whole lot,” Bridget answered. “Too many. We should run.”
    	“All right, then.” Caderyn held her hand, pulling her behind them as they ran into the forest. Calling over his shoulder he told her, “By the way, I love you, too.”
    	Bridget felt as if her heart exploded with happiness and joy at his words. They ducked under a tree branch. The Olympians called out in anger, giving chase. Bridget heard their feet crunching the leaves of the forest floor.
    	“I’m sorry I ran away,” Bridget said, gasping for breath as they ran faster. “I was scared and confused. I just needed some time to think about everything that’s happened. But I went about it all wrong. It was stupid of me to--”
    	“Bridget!” Maia yelled, interrupting her apology. “You are one of us. You know that you are. We offered you everything you’ve ever wanted. Don’t be a fool, Bridget. Come back to us!”
    	Caderyn and Bridget ignored the woman as they kept going. She squeezed his hand tighter. “It was stupid of me to leave you, Caderyn. I never should have gone like that.” 
    	“I know all this. I know why you did it.” Caderyn jumped over a log, quickly changing directions. “It’s my fault. I’m sorry. I should have told you of the transformation. I should have been honest with you and told you everything from the very beginning. I just didn’t know how.”
    	Suddenly, Caderyn stopped, pulling her into the protection of an outcropping of trees. He hugged her to his chest and she felt his heart beating wildly against her cheek. When she looked up, his face was turned to the distance, watching for the Olympians.
    	“I didn’t run because of the transformation,” Bridget said softly, staring up at him, breathing hard. She could look at his face forever. “I ran because I was scared of how I felt about you. I’m so sorry, Caderyn. I thought you lied to me and I was in love with you. I just needed to get away and think. I can’t think when you’re near me. Well, I can’t think of anything logical at any rate. I mean, naturally I can think--”
    	“I understand. It’s all right,” he said.
    	“But--”
    	“Mm, sh,” he moaned, giving her a quick kiss. Pulling back, he said, “No more of that. Now, come on. This way. Hurry. I hear them going the wrong way.”
    	He led her through the forest, not running as fast as before. When they reached the path, Caderyn slowed even more. He tilted his head to the side.
    	“What are you doing? We need to go,” Bridget said, trying to run and tug on his arm at the same time. “I don’t want to go back there, ever. There’s too many of them to fight.”
    	“It’s all right. You’re safe. They won’t follow us this far. We’re too close to the other estates,” Caderyn answered, though he did walk at a brusque pace, holding her hand in his.
    	“Those women were so bitter,” Bridget said. “I couldn’t stand to be around them any longer. They smiled, but inside, it was as if I could feel what they felt and they were so unhappy.”
    	“I know,” Caderyn answered. “The Olympians went crazy long ago. Queen Maia, as she calls herself, hated that we refused to let her hunt humans for sport and artifacts. She liked to lure them into the ocean and drown them.”
    	“The old stories,” Bridget whispered, remembering the few myths she’d read about mermaids.
    	“There was a big fight and she ran off from Atlas into the forest. There they have lived in isolation. ”
    	“Then, I think you should know something. They have a way out into the ocean from their cave. Some of the women went out this evening night diving,” Bridget said.
    	At that Caderyn paused. “You’re sure? You’ve seen this?”
    	“Yes,” she nodded. “I saw it. They have men slaves too.”
    	Caderyn frowned slightly. “Um, that we know about.”
    	“Oh,” Bridget said. “Well, why don’t you try and free them?”
    	“Did you? I mean, did they have you…?” Caderyn swallowed visibly. He looked so adorably jealous that she couldn’t help but put him out of his misery with an answer.
    	“I could never be with anyone but you. They would have to kill me first,” she said, kissing him softly on his mouth.
    	His eyes drifted down over her transparent outfit. He leaned back to get a better look. “What are you wearing?”
    	“Hardly a thing.” She laughed at the steamy look in his eyes, feeling no embarrassment at his attention. There was only desire in his expression for her.
    	“Mm,” Caderyn bit his lip before swearing, “By all the gods! You’re beautiful.”
    	Bridget glanced over her shoulder, looking to see if the Olympians were anywhere in sight. Her body heated in response to his low, sultry tone. “We really need to keep moving.”
    	He nodded. “All right. You walk ahead of me though. I’ll … ah … guard your behind. I mean, I’ll walk behind your--”
    	Bridget slugged his arm and grabbed his hand. With him, she wasn’t
 as scared of the mermaids, but that didn’t mean she was stupid enough to stand around and risk them finding them. “Nice try, smooth talker. Now come on.”
    	They jogged down the path toward Caderyn’s home. Seeing its majestic structure outlined by the light of the sea stars, she finally felt safe again. Caderyn glanced down over her outfit, his eyes straying over her breasts. “Let me tell Sirius and Afra that you are safe. They’ll be worried.”
    	“Sirius and Afra?” 
    	“The caretakers. They’re like family. When I’m at the palace, they take care of this estate for me.” Caderyn reached for her breast, only to pull away. “Yeah, it’ll only take one second. Wait just inside the door for me and I’ll grab a cloak for you.”
    	“Shouldn’t I at least introduce myself to them?”
    	Caderyn again looked her over, his face that of a starved man. “Ah, no. No, it’ll be fine. You can meet them later--much later.”
    	Bridget nodded, secretly grateful that she wasn’t going to be led through the house naked. It had already been nerve racking enough to be seen naked by the den full of crazy women. He led her into the entryway of his home, looked her over, moaned softly, kissed her and then ran into the atrium. Bridget suppressed a giggle at his eagerness. But, she well understood. She couldn’t wait until she could safely be in his arms. In less than a minute, Caderyn was by her side, holding a green cloak to his chest. She reached to take it from him, but he artfully swept past her out of the house without letting her have it.
    	“Caderyn?” she asked, following him. “What are you doing? Where are you taking me?”
    	“Are you tired?” 
    	“A little. All the running around has really gotten my blood pumping though.” Bridget followed him. 
    	“But are you too tired?” The side of his lips curled in seductive meaning.
    	Bridget found herself blushing. “Why? Where are we going?”
    	“I want to show you something.” Caderyn led her around to the back of his house. A long fence protected it from view. He slid open a secret gate. Bridget ducked under and stepped inside. After replacing the gate, he led her into the backyard.
    	Bridget gasped. The sea stars seemed to be closer. She walked across the wide, open yard, drawn to the dancing lights. They came so close she felt as if she could touch them.
    	“What is this?” she asked in awe. 
    	“Our borders,” Caderyn said. With the trees and the house, she hadn’t been able to see the boundary before entering the backyard. She would never have guessed they were this close to them. When she stretched out her fingers, the sea star was almost as big as her hand. It was so close she could see its black eyes looking at her, as if curious.
    	“This is your backyard?” She didn’t touch it, but ran her hand several inches away from the star. It followed her wiggling fingers.
    	“This is our backyard,” he corrected. “All that I have is yours, Bridget.”
    	She smiled, glancing at him before turning back to the star.
    	“Can I touch it?” she asked, scared that she would puncture a hole in the side and cause the whole ocean to come flooding in on them.
    	“Aye,” Caderyn lifted out his hand and ran it against an invisible barrier between them and the sea stars. The little creatures jolted a little like fish in a fish tank, spreading wide to leave a black trail behind his hand. But, the little creatures soon settled as they got used to Caderyn’s presence. They swam back, eyeing him as curiously as they had her. 
    	Bridget’s fingers shook, as she reached her hand out only to find the barrier felt like moist glass to the touch. She asserted a little pressure, testing its strength, but she couldn’t push through it. “This is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s almost like we’re in a giant aquarium and they’re looking in on us.”
    	She glanced at Caderyn. He looked confused, but she didn’t explain. She didn’t want to go into the concept of fish tanks at the moment. 
    	Bridget took a step back, looking around in awe. “The ocean is so beautiful. I can’t believe I’m actually seeing creatures of the Abyss. I’ve dreamt about this since I was a little girl.”
    	“Aye, it’s almost the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” His voice dipped, becoming hoarse.
    	“Almost?”
    	Caderyn glanced down her body, letting his gaze linger on her breasts barely hidden by the transparent gown. “Mm, almost. I see one thing better before me.”
    	She blushed in pleasure.
    	Caderyn closed his eyes and lowered his head. He appeared to be concentrating. Bridget turned back to the barrier. The sea stars scattered and a large eye, nearly a foot long, swam past.
    	 “Oh!” She jerked her hand back, instantly grabbing onto Caderyn. “That scared the crap out of me. What was that? What did you do?”
    	Caderyn laughed. “I want to give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
    	She didn’t move, staring at the barrier.
    	“It is the squid you requested, my lady. We tend to think of them as large, ugly pests. More often than not they just get in our way when we’re out hunting.”
    	The creature came closer to the glass and its gigantic body drifted by slowly--first its large eye, then its gelatinous body, its legs, and finally its two large tentacles. Bridget watched in wide eyed amazement, her body shaking in excitement. The squid had to be at least fifty feet long.
    	“It’s so…” She took a deep breath, trembling as she reached out toward it. “It’s so beautiful, so big. I never thought I’d see one up close--not like this, not alive. I can’t believe it.”
    	The large tentacles continued by the glass, seemingly endless in length. 
    	“Did you call it to us?” she asked, lightly touching the glass as the creature floated by.
    	“Aye, I did and in time you will learn to call all manners of creatures to the borders as well,” he said. “Does this please you, Bridget?”
    	She nodded, grinning, awed by the powerful ocean at her fingertips. “It’s all I ever dreamed of as a child.”
    	“I would call forward other creatures for you to see, but I cannot sense any more of them about.”
    	Bridget closed her eyes, trying to detect anything in the ocean. It was fuzzy and vague, but she got the impression of coldness and darkness.
    	‘Come to me,’ she thought, trying to summons a sea creature of her own. ‘Come here, sea creatures. Here boy. Come on. Come to Bridget. Let me see you.’
    	“Mm, gladly, my love.” Caderyn growled, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and gently biting her neck. “You can beckon me to you anytime you want. I will always come.”
    	Bridget giggled as his teeth grazed her flesh, tickling her with their light caresses. Caderyn made little biting noises as if he would devour her whole. 
    	Suddenly, a small, hideously ugly fish popped up near the glass boundary, looking at them. Its mouth opened wide, baring its sharp teeth as if it wanted to bite her. Then, swishing its back fin violently as it tried to break through the border, it scattered the sea stars. A large dark circle formed on the dome around it.
    	“Ew, is that one mine?” she asked, laughing. “How come you get the cool squid and I get bitey?”
    	“They’re really harmless to anything bigger than they are. They look fierce, but those kind only nibble a little bit,” Caderyn said, paying more attention to her neck than to the small fish she summoned.
    	“Mm, kind of like you, huh?” Bridget teased. His kisses felt so good. She felt them all the way to her toes, swirling passion into her blood and causing the pleasure of his touch to arouse every inch of her body to him. Her thighs tightened in longing, ready to feel him deep as moisture gathered between her thighs.
    	“I have no idea what you are talking about, my lady,” he said, nibbling the full length of her throat before releasing her long enough to drop the cloak onto the ground, making them a bed.
    	Bridget’s cheeks heated with pleasure. Caderyn gave a meaningful look to the cloak  and arched a brow as he pursed his lips with meaning.
    	She quirked a brow, mimicking his expression. “Feeling lucky tonight, are you?”
    	Caderyn’s eyes roamed over her body again and her whole being responded to the heated look. “Aye, I feel like the luckiest man ever born.”
    	Moisture dampened her thighs with a torrent of cream. Just one look, one touch, was all it took and her body was ready for him. She wondered if it would always be like that. “Then that would make me the luckiest woman.”
    	He grinned, as if knowing the effect he had on her, and pulled her into his embrace. “I really hope so.”
    	Bridget wrapped her arms around his neck. Looking deep into his eyes, she shivered as he brushed his lips across hers, taking his time as he gently sucked her lip between his. By small degrees he deepened the touch, letting his tongue part the seam of her mouth.
    	Bridget panted in arousal, running her hands up into his hair and pulling him more firmly against her. She felt every bend of his body to hers. He was a perfect fit. The hard planes of his muscles were gorgeous and firm, so strong and manly. She loved his body, the sheer physical prowess of him.
    	There was a lingering fear inside of her and she felt a matching fear inside of him. His arms tightened around her, pulling her flush to his erection. They deepened the kiss, pouring all the fear and desperation from the long day into it.
    	“I was so frightened that you wouldn’t come for me, that you wouldn’t find me,” she whispered.
    	“I will always come for you and I’d spend eternity looking if I had to.” Caderyn’s movements became more urgent. He broke away, pulling his body from hers and groaned. “I really don’t like the Olympians, but I do admire their taste in wardrobe. Would you mind terribly if we kept this gown for special occasions?”
    	“Special occasions?” She laughed.
    	“Yeah, like each and every night and maybe a few of the days, as well.” He grinned, nodding eagerly with a hopeful expression on his face. Softly, he swore, “By all the gods, you are everything I could ever dream of wanting.”
    	“Oh, you like this gown, do you?” Bridget couldn’t help chuckling. “Just wait until I have a couple words with the tailors. I’ll have them make things you’ve only dreamt about.”
    	Maybe giving the tailors patterns of modern day lingerie would be a perfect hobby for her time amongst the Merr. She had a feeling a great many of the men would thank her for her efforts.
    	Kissing her brow, her cheeks, and then her lips, Caderyn said into her mind, ‘You are safe. Now that we have connected our minds and our hearts, no one can take you from me again. I will feel it if they even try.’
    	“Will everyone hear my thoughts?” Bridget asked, worried.
    	He chuckled and deepened the kiss until she couldn’t speak. ‘Only in our Merr form. In this form, we will only read each other.’
     	‘Good,’ Bridget said, relaxing some. ‘Because there are some thoughts I do not need anyone else to hear.’
    	Caderyn groaned, sweeping her off her feet only to lay her gently on the cloak. The soft grass made for a nice bed. He rubbed his hands over her body, teasing her through the thin gown before pulling it up over her head and tossing it aside. ‘Really? What thoughts?’
    	‘Mostly about that great ass of yours,’ she admitted.
    	He pulled back and she saw his surprise. ‘My ass?’
    	‘Mm, delicious,’ Bridget nodded. How could the man not know he had a great ass, the kind of ass women creamed themselves over?
    	“Cream themselves? Really?” He glanced over his shoulder, as if to look at his own backside. Bridget gasped. She really had to watch her thoughts. “So you like my ass, that much, huh?”
    	She felt him shift his weight gently and knew he was flexing the muscles along his butt.
    	“Ah,” she scolded playfully, her eyes widening. The man was positively incorrigible. “Get out of my head, otherwise there will be no mystery left between us.”
    	“Mm, no way,” he whispered into her ear. “This is too good. Tell me, wife, what else do you like?”
    	Before she could stop it, a thought popped into her head. ‘Sucking your thick, hard cock dry. Ah! I mean, going down on you and giving you… ah … pleasure.’
    	Caderyn groaned, instantly pressing his hips forward, rocking gently. His erection was hidden by his tunic, but she could feel its thick length just fine. “By all the gods, it’s sexy when you think things like that. I hope you have those thoughts often. I would love the hear them all.”
    	Caderyn kissed between her breasts, moving to slowly flick his tongue along her erect nipples. He swirled them, nipping and soothing them with his hot mouth. She arched, trying to get him to take the buds deeper, to end the longing he stirred inside them. He obliged, sucking the pliable globe deep. 
    	After he’d thoroughly conquered her chest, he licked his way down her stomach, rimming her navel before moving between her thighs. Animalistic sounds of pure pleasure escaped his throat as he forcefully spread her thighs wide. Bridget shivered, her body remembering all too well how much he liked kissing her to climax. Hot breath fanned over her pussy. Her clit twinged and she tensed, ready for that first intimate touch of his mouth to her wet sex. 
    	“Will anyone see us out here?” Bridget breathed heavily, worried about the caretakers finding them in such a sordid position. It was not the first impression she wanted to make to his friends.
    	“I arranged for some privacy for the night. No one will bother us.” He growled. “Now, about this cream you get from looking at my ass. Is this it?” He flicked the tip of his tongue over her slit lightly. “Mm, delicious. I want more.”
    	“Ah,” Bridget gasped, as she was overtaken with shockwaves of lust. 
    	Caderyn licked her again and again, moaning passionately. Each pass brought his mouth closer, his tongue more fully along her sex. With a bold stroke, he dragged his probing tongue along the entire length of her slit. She jolted as it reached her clit, but he didn’t stay there as he moved back down. The tip of his long tongue dipped up inside her pussy, wiggling in her depths against the sweet spot of her arousal.
    	“Ah! Ah!” Was all she could say as he gripped her thighs, prying her legs open wider and holding them apart. ‘Please, oh please, more. Let me have it. I need to feel your mouth sucking my clit. Oh, please, yes. Don’t stop. Aye. Yes. Aye. Aye!’
    	Eagerly his mouth obeyed as he closed his lips over her clit. His tongue drew down her folds to lick at her cream. Bridget jerked, bumping his head with her thigh. He moaned, renewing his hold on her legs as he thrust them open, gripping them as he pulled her flush against his searching mouth. Caderyn drank in her taste. He was too strong, there was no escaping the pleasure he gave her, even as it intensified to the point she thought she’d explode into a million little pieces.  
    	‘So good, so good.’ His thoughts flowed over her. ‘You taste so good.’
    	Bridget arched off the ground, and he maneuvered her body so that her thigh dangled over his shoulders. Caderyn thrust his tongue up her slick passage, working it in and out at a mind-blowing rhythm. His nose bumped along her folds, hitting her clit. She felt herself close to coming. Pulling his head, she moved his mouth up to her clit and begged, “Here. Do it here. Suck me here.”
    	Caderyn obliged, latching his mouth on her and sucking as his tongue twirled. Bridget gasped, tensing almost immediately. ‘Yes, yes, just like that. Oh, yeah. Harder. Harder!’
    	Caderyn’s tongue pressed harder and Bridget cried out as she came, soaking his chin with her climax. As she trembled in her release, he pulled back, dipping his fingers to replace his mouth on her body. He thrust a thick digit up into her, stroking wildly to keep her body at a fevered pitch.
    	Bridget had just come and still she wanted more. She felt insatiable. Pushing up on her hands, his hand fell away from her as she adjusted her position. She faced the barrier, getting on her hands and knees. The sea stars swam before her, romantic as candlelight and quite exotic to behold.
    	“More,” she demanded. Thrusting her butt into the air, she offered her body to her husband. ‘I want more. Give me your big, hard cock. I need to feel you inside of me.’
    	Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Caderyn pull up his tunic. The material covered her back as he brought his cock to brush along her slit. Feeling the head of his erection, so large and hot, she pushed her hips back, taking it all in with one thrust. Her body adjusted, clamping down tight around his large penis. It constantly surprised her just how much his thick shaft stretched her pussy.
    	He grabbed her hips, pulling and pushing in a slow, deep rhythm. The sea stars blurred until she could only see spots of light dancing within her vision. Her fingers clutched the grass as she watched her breasts jerk with each commanding thrust. Caderyn’s grunts of pleasure showered over her. She clamped the muscles of her passage, squeezing him even harder. His rhythm faltered.
    	“Ahhh-oh,” he cried out in surprise at the tightness, not moving. Bridget did it again, squeezing him hard. It felt good to be so full. ‘By all the gods, woman!’
    	‘Fuck me,’ she commanded him. ‘Fuck my tight, wet pussy. You like that don’t you.’
    	Caderyn howled as he rode her hard, slamming into her from behind. She heard the frantic thoughts in his head, incoherent words of pleasure. ‘…tight … good … aye, aye … like that … fuck … fuck!’
    	Bridget tensed, highly aroused to know what he was thinking. There were no boundaries between them. She felt what he felt, heard what he thought.
    	‘Fuck me, harder. Caderyn, harder. You are so big,’ she told him, letting a string of dirty thoughts filter through her mind so he could hear them. ‘I want your cock. Take me. Give it to me. Never let me go. Never stop.’
    	The tension built. Bridget reached for her clit, rubbing it in hard circles as she neared her climax. Knowing how tight he liked it, she kept her muscles tightened along his shaft. Caderyn groaned loud and long. Her body spasmed with intense pleasure and the beginnings of release. He tensed, but didn’t stop as her body seized hold of him. She knew he was coming inside her, giving her his seed, even as he continued to pump his hips to give her a full climax. 
    	Bridget came, digging her fingers into the ground as she was racked with tremors of gratification. It felt wonderful. She never wanted them to end. Her neck weakened and her head dropped forward.
    	‘More,’ Caderyn said, still imbedded deep inside her. ‘I want more. I want to come again, this time inside your sweet ass.’
    	His thumb slipped up her cleft to the tight rosette buried between her cheeks. He probed it lightly as he withdrew his cock from her pussy. The nerve endings in her ass jumped to life. Her whole body was numb from the pleasure he’d given her and still he managed to arouse her once more. Bridget dropped to her elbows, her butt in the air as he gently rubbed her sensitive body--touching her sex even as he rimmed her butt. Each time he brushed her swollen clit or the tight rosette, she jerked with tiny tremors.
    	Finally catching her breath, she pushed up. His fingers slipped a little deeper into her anus, but she didn’t mind. It felt good. She wiggled on his hand for good measure as she sat back. Rocking, his body to her back, she let him finger fuck her ass. Leaning her head to his chest, she said, “Lay down. I want to suck you first.”
    	Caderyn pulled his hand away and instantly obeyed, a look of pure joy and anticipation on his face. Bridget pushed his thighs apart. He was already at half mast and she nuzzled him with her hands and face, kissing him gently from the head of his cock to the root. She sucked the balls into her mouth before letting go and traveling back up to the tip.
    	Reaching between her own thighs, she wet her finger in her cream, stroking herself a few times before moving to his tight butt. She knew what he liked and was no longer embarrassed by the idea of giving it to him. Almost the very instant she probed his tight ass, his cock sprung to full life, filling her mouth.
    	Bridget probed his tight cheeks, enjoying the way he squirmed with pleasure. He had the body of a god and she liked looking at him. Pushing her finger inside, she rimmed him, mimicking the movements he’d done to her, as she cupped his balls in her palm. Caderyn tensed, pushing down as he thrust against her hand. She sucked him into her mouth, letting him create his own rhythm against her.
    	‘I love you,’ he said over and over. Aloud he merely continued to groan in pleasure, the words almost incoherent. His stomach tensed. ‘I love you. I love you.’
    	Now that he was loosened, she slipped a second finger inside. His cock twitched in her mouth, but he held back, refusing to come.
    	“Climb on top,” he ordered.
    	Bridget eagerly did as he said, turning around as she climbed over his body. Facing his legs, she took him into her pussy. She leaned forward, bending his shaft so that it faced away from his head. His knees supported her weight and her hands were free to play with his balls and ass. Working her sensitive body on his, she took him in a slow steady rhythm. Caderyn used the position to his advantage, as he too found her anus and pleasured her with his fingers. She gasped, hardly able to breathe as she rocked up and down, up and down, along his body. It wasn’t long before they both came hard and in perfect unison. 
    	Afterward, Caderyn lifted her up off the ground into his arms. Bridget was so tired, she could barely move. She settled her arms against his chest, trusting him not to drop her as she nestled into his warmth. Going inside the house through the back door, he told her, “Don’t worry about anyone seeing us inside the house. No one will bother us at all tonight.”
    	Bridget was too sated to care at the moment if the whole world watched them. Taking her through the gardens to the atrium, he lowered her body into the cool water of the pool. She jolted in surprise as she expected to sprout fins.
    	When she looked expectantly at her legs, actually fearing for a split second that the Merr trait had worn off, he simply explained, “Freshwater.”
    	Bridget instantly relaxed. “Oh.”
    	After they bathed, taking their time exploring each other’s bodies, Caderyn lifted her back into his arms and carried her to bed. Settling his body around hers, he kissed her temple and said, “I’m so happy you are my wife.”
    	“And I am happy you are my husband. I love you, Caderyn.”
    	“I love you, too,” he whispered, as they drifted off to sleep.
    	

    
    
    
    Chapter Ten
    	
    	The next morning, Afra had breakfast ready for the newlyweds when they woke up. Bridget and the woman became instant friends. As Sirius and Caderyn talked, Afra showed Bridget around the estate, explaining where everything in the house was and how things worked. The woman was most proud of her plants in the garden and as a scientist, Bridget could appreciate Afra’s enthusiasm for her work.
    	‘Where are you?’ Caderyn asked, using the telepathic link between them.
    	Bridget smiled brightly. He’d been moaning for quite some time about how badly he missed her and how much he wanted to hold her in his arms.
    	‘Garden,’ she answered, keeping a straight face as Afra showed her one of her newest project plants she’d created.
    	‘I want you,’ Caderyn said and she could hear the idleness in the thought. ‘I want to kiss your breasts, licking my way down your stomach like I did last night to drink your sweet, delicious...’
    	“Mine does that too,” Afra said, before yelling, “Caderyn! Leave your wife be! You’ll get her back soon enough. Right now she’s talking to me!”
    	Bridget realized she’d been blushing and staring into space. She felt heat flooding her features.
    	“They think it’s funny to get you all flustered from across the house,” Afra said. “I wish I could say it’s a trait they grow out of, but it’s not. My husband does it to me all the time. In fact, you’ll learn to block it somewhat. And don’t worry, you’ll get your revenge on him for it. Next time he’s talking to the king, just send him a mental image of yourself naked in the shower. That gets them every time. Or, if he’s been really obnoxious, wait until he’s in front of a large group of people, like at banquet.”
    	Bridget giggled. “You can share images with your spouse? How?”
    	“Aye, in time you’ll learn all kinds of neat tricks,” Afra said. “And like I said in time, you’ll be able to block him out some. Good thing too or he’d know every present you tried to get for him. It can be a pain, but I like to think of it as a challenge.”
    	After Afra finished her tour, Bridget was disappointed to learn that Caderyn needed to go back to the palace. He wanted to report the Olympians movement to the king and tell him about how the mermaids had their own way into the ocean from Mt. Olympus. According to her husband, the other hunters could be in danger if the Olympians were roaming about the Abyss free. If they came across the women, not knowing that they could be out there, their own people might get hurt. 
    	 Afra packed them a bundle of food for the trip. Caderyn and Bridget bid the caretakers farewell and took off down a different forest path, further away from the Olympians than before.
    	“We’ll be back soon,” Caderyn promised, as she took one last glance back at the country estate. She really liked it there, liked Afra and Sirius. They made her feel more at home than she’d been in a long time, even before coming down to the underwater world.
    	Bridget merely nodded. They walked in silence for some time, enjoying the nice warm day. 
    	“What is so wrong with the Olympians getting in the ocean?” Bridget asked. “Why not just let them be?”
    	“That group was banished from the city for a reason,” Caderyn said, his voice short.
    	“Hey, we’re a team now. I’m your wife and you should trust me.” Bridget frowned at him.
    	“I do trust you, it’s just…” He sighed. “It is an embarrassing time in our history and we don’t like to discuss it.”
    	“It’s not like I’d tell anyone,” Bridget said. “You can tell me.”
    	“I know.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. “The Olympians used to go to the surface and lure humans to their deaths. They would cause ships to crash on the rocks by singing songs to weave a spell over human males. Some would even pull sailors into the water and drown them for just the sick pleasure of doing it. From some of the things Aidan has told us of legends and mythology from above, we Merr have quite the horrible reputation on the surface.”
    	“Wait, I thought you said we couldn’t breathe surface air,” Bridget said. “How is it they are luring humans to death with song? Do they swim by the ships? Sing underwater?”
    	“We can’t breathe surface air, but for some reason they can. We have tried for years to discover what was their secret. They can’t stay up long or they’ll die, but they can surface. If we knew the secret, we’d be able to save more lives. We’ve tried to figure it out, have even sent men into their fold begging to be slaves. But, we have failed each and every time.” Caderyn sighed. “Finally, we just decided to leave them be. So long as they couldn’t get into the ocean, they couldn’t do any harm. But, now, with what you’ve said of their newest home, I hate to think about what could already be happening if the Olympians have taken up some of their old, human drowning ways.”
    	“The food, maybe?” Bridget asked, suddenly stopping in thought. “When I was there, they fed me. One of the women, Neda said something about the seaweed they tried to get me to eat. It was disgusting. I couldn’t do it.”
    	“We have tested their foods. They are the same as ours,” Caderyn said. 
    	“Not this stuff. It was gross. I don’t know why they’d even bother with everything else to choose from in the ocean.” Bridget pulled Caderyn’s arm. “You’ve got to let me collect and study the different plants out there. I can’t promise anything, but what do we have to lose? If my husband’s going to be up there hunting…” Bridget scrunched up her face in worry as they again started walking at Caderyn’s silent urging.
    	“What?” Caderyn automatically held her elbow to help her over a fallen log. She smiled at the gentlemanly gesture. He was just too sweet for words sometimes.
    	“I don’t suppose you’re going to stop hunting, are you?” Her stomach tightened, worried about him and the harm he could come to in his job.
    	“It’s important. For all we know, it is the reason the gods have blessed me with you. How could I quit now?” He kissed her temple. “Don’t worry. I’ve been doing it for centuries.”
    	“All right.” She nodded, still worried about him. She loved him. How could she not worry? “Just promise you’ll be careful out there.”
    	“I always am.”
    	“Like I was saying. If my husband’s going to be out there hunting I want him protected. Just thinking of you snagged in that net, knowing how close we came to killing you…” She shivered. “We were just a bunch of scientist with a net. What if you come across deep sea fishermen, men trained in hauling up things from the ocean? I would rather you could breathe the surface air if you had to. Or worse, what if a submarine with torpedoes saw you and fired? I don’t know, Caderyn. It just sounds so dangerous for you to go up so close to the surface.”
    	“A what? Submarine? What’s that?”
    	“Submarine.” Thinking of a way to explain it, she said, “The human military sails beneath the water and each decade they go deeper and deeper. It’s a giant boat that swims like a fish.”
    	“I know you would like to go back to the country estate as soon as possible, my love, but I really think you should consider working with Aidan at the palace.” Caderyn stopped walking and cupped her cheek. “I will never lie to you. There are things we’ve seen from the surface world we don’t understand. If there are dangers you know of, please, help us. You’ve seen what the Scylla can do if we don’t hunt. We have to hunt, but your knowledge can help us. Please, think about it.”
    	“Of course I’ll help you, Caderyn,” she said, glad to have a sense of purpose. “Of course. I’ll tell Aidan everything I know.”
    * * * *
    	At the palace, Caderyn reported all he’d found out about the Olympians to the king. It was decided that Bridget immediately be taught how to navigate the Abyss so that she could collect her samples and do her tests alongside the Merr scientists. Until such a time as she could navigate on her own, the scavengers would be sent out to collect for her. She explained to them what she was looking for. Though they brought her many things, but it was never the right plant. She kept trying though, determined not to give up.
    	In her spare time, she worked with Aidan in the artifacts room, telling him of the surface world. He was insistent that she remember every detail, no matter how small or inane she thought it might be. He asked many questions and took endless notes. What did humans eat? What were the dating customs? What color did women paint their faces? She laughed, not understanding how makeup tips helped the Merr society, but regardless told him everything he wanted to know. Once he’d collected a sufficient amount of data he published it so the Merr people could read the findings.
    	The tailors, most eager to hear of the latest fashions, insisted she draw them some designs. Bridget was no artist and they ended up more frustrated than helped. Though, when she explained the special nightgown she wanted made for her, they were thrown into a frenzy of work.
    	Within a very short time, her sexy lingerie designs made their way to all the women of Ataran and husbands had never been happier. In fact, many married couples sent her thank you gifts. She wasn’t quite sure what to think about that yet, but Caderyn assured her it was all good.
    	News came that Cassandra was adjusting to her new life, though the report was vague and Bridget couldn’t help but wonder how true it was. She wanted to see the woman, but she didn’t press the issue, knowing their work at the palace was more important. It wasn’t like she and Cassandra were close friends, though Bridget hoped they would be someday. They had one very important thing in common. They both came from the same world above the waves.
    	Lyra had gone to the country with Rigel. According to Aidan, she’d still been giving the hunter the silent treatment when they had left. Aidan insisted she wasn’t from the past. Bridget still wasn’t one hundred percent convinced of that.
    	Since the kings decree that Caderyn was to teach her to navigate the water, he’d been giving her lessons. The first time he took her out, she nearly didn’t make it out of the underwater cave before panicking and swimming back toward shore. It took some time, but she got used to her Merr vision and suddenly it wasn’t so frightening.
    	With Caderyn, she felt safe. He showed her things she had only dreamed about, though once she did get zapped by an unusual type of jellyfish and had been sore for nearly a day. It hurt like hell, but she knew not to get too close to them again. Deep Ocean was more wondrous and exotic than she had ever imagined possible when she was on the surface. The landscape was just like land, only dark and shadowy, always shifting and changing like blue dessert sands. Not counting the jellyfish sting, she loved every minute of it.
    	A month passed and all was well. Bridget was settling into her new life with Caderyn. She worked during the day and found what she did new and fulfilling. They made love at night, holding each other afterward.
    	He would send naughty thoughts to her at all hours of the day and she took Agra’s advice and sent him a few whoppers of her own while he was in conference with the king and the other hunters. Afterward, he had stormed into their home, tossed her over the back of the couch and had his very untamed way with her. Bridget made sure to send him such thoughts often.
    	One night, he let the thought ‘so much better than the pleasure nymph’ slip during sex. Bridget instantly demanded he unlock the wardrobe. The cyber sex doll was thrown away immediately. The rest of the toys showed promise and she spent the night torturing him with each and every one of them.
    	She was so in love with her husband and he was in love with her. They were so very happy. All was perfect, until the day Caderyn informed her that he was leaving to track a Scylla. Bridget cried, begging and pleading with him to send someone else in his place. She couldn’t help it. She tried to be strong, but the idea of something happening to ruin her new, perfect life terrified her. In the end, he felt his work too important not to go.
    * * * *
    	“Four days,” Bridget said, hitting the table to get Aidan’s attention. “He has been gone for four days now.”
    	“I’ve already explained, Bridget,” Aidan said, as he’d taken to calling her that after she’d gotten mad at the ‘my lady’ thing. He was the only one, though, as everyone else seemed to like using her new title. Being a hunter’s wife gave her quite a bit of leverage amongst the Merr. Pushing her hand aside so he could work, he added, “They can be gone for up to two weeks before they need to come back. I’m sure everything is perfectly fine.”
    	Bridget frowned, but nodded her head in reluctant agreement as she resumed pacing the artifacts room. Exhausted, she knew she needed to get some sleep. At night, she laid awake, missing Caderyn, worried about him out in the ocean, wanting his arms around her desperately. Solon and Brutus were with him. Brutus was usually on a different team, but Iason was in the country taking care of Cassandra. Both seemed like good men and had excellent reputations as hunters.
    	Bridget knew their reputations, for she had demanded an audience with King Lucius to find out. The king was shocked by her bold questions into Brutus and Solon’s character, but answered each and every one of her inquiries.
    	“When is the last time you slept?” Aidan asked, giving up on his work to watch her pace. 
    	“Four days.”
    	“And how long since you ate?” he insisted. “You haven’t been to the hall to dine. Has someone been bringing you food at your home?”
    	“Four days,” she repeated, nervously chewing a thumbnail. “They tried to leave me something, but I wasn’t hungry. I can’t seem to do anything but worry about him. I miss him.”
    	“You can’t do this to yourself, Bridget. Your husband is a hunter. This is what hunters do. What? Every time he goes out you’re going to starve yourself and refuse to sleep?” Aidan frowned and she couldn’t meet his concerned eyes. “What would Caderyn think if he knew you weren’t taking care of yourself? What do you think is going to happen next time if he’s out there and all he can do is worry about whether or not you’re taking care of yourself properly?”
    	“I can’t help it, Aidan,” Bridget said. “I miss him. I miss him so much my stomach hurts and I get nauseous at the mere thought of food. I try to sleep but I can’t. Instead, I just lay awake staring at the ceiling, missing him, begging him with my mind to come home though I know he’s too far out in the ocean to hear my calls. I try to eat but I just throw it back up. I’m sick without him. I feel like a piece of myself is missing.”
    	“You are in love,” Aidan said, nodding. “Caderyn’s hunts should get easier for you in time. And, because you love him so much, you should try to think about what he would want.”
    	She made a face, but didn’t answer. Instead, she scratched irritably at her ear.
    	“Here, let’s take you to Althea,” Aidan said. “Hopefully, she’ll have something to help you sleep. You look terrible, Bridget, you really do. Maybe after you rest, you’ll feel better. Okay?”
    	She shot him a wry look. “Well, you’re one to talk. You’re not going to win any beauty contests yourself, Aidan.”
    	He arched a brow, confused as he looked down.
    	Bridget motioned to his face and laughed softly. It was the first time she had smiled since Caderyn left her. “You smeared black ink all over your jaw about an hour ago. It looks like it will stain the skin.”
    * * * *
    	Caderyn followed Brutus as the large hunter dragged the Scylla back to Ataran. It was strange hunting with someone other than Iason, as Brutus was part of the Warriors and highly capable in his job. In fact, the darkness of his tail made him nearly invisible and highly efficient in the water.
    	The hunt had gone fairly well, but Caderyn missed Bridget terribly. He thought about her all the time. Without her, he felt as if a piece of himself were missing.
    	‘Is it me, or are these things getting bigger?’ Brutus grumbled. He was the biggest out of all three of them and, being the official ‘new guy’ on the team, he’d been elected to drag the Scylla back.
    	‘You’re getting soft,’ Solon teased. ‘Do all Warriors whine like you, Brutus?’
    	‘Ha! I’ll tell you who has gone soft. Your little loverfish over there.’ Brutus flapped his tail toward Caderyn, sending a current in his direction to make him sway in the water. ‘Look at him, all bubble-eyed over a woman. Lady Bridget is beautiful, I’ll give him that, but does he have to try and torment us with thoughts of her?’
    	Solon laughed. ‘Aye, he is a bit pathetic, isn’t he? Though, I don’t mind the naked pictures he’s let slip of--’
    	‘You’re both just jealous that I found a wife,’ Caderyn said. He got the instant shout of laughter he expected. ‘And I haven’t sent you a naked picture of anything.’
    	Brutus slowed, letting a giant hatfish with razor sharp teeth pass before swimming on. ‘The gods save me from such a fate as being in love. I’ll take my pleasure nymph any day over a nagging bride. When you’re done with them, you can shut them off.’
     	‘Aye, the nymph is as good as any bride, to be sure.’ Solon laughed. ‘Though, I will give Lady Bridget credit for her special dresses. I bought my nymph one before I left.’
     	‘You two are a sorry lot, buying presents for your nymphs.’ Caderyn teased.
    	‘At least you can shut her off when you tire of her.’ Brutus repeated with a wink.
    	‘Aye, I heard your sorry comment last time. I just choose to ignore you,’ Caderyn swatted his tail in the man’s direction, sending a current to knock him slightly off course.
    	They all laughed good-naturedly. Before Bridget, Caderyn would have said the same thing. Now, he knew it had been a way to guard himself from the loneliness of facing an eternity alone. He said nothing of this to Solon and Brutus. He was blessed with his wife. There was no reason to rub the fact into a very painful wound. He could only hope his friends would someday find the same happiness he had. Caderyn couldn’t imagine his life without Bridget.
    	They glided through the icy waters toward the Crystal Caves. Thinking of his wife, Caderyn swam faster. Grabbing hold of the Scylla to help Brutus with his load, he said, ‘Let’s just get home.’
    	Solon and Brutus laughed harder at his eagerness, teasing him the whole way back.
    * * * *
    	Caderyn frowned, as he came out of the water. He had been calling out to Bridget since he’d entered the caves, hoping she would run to greet him. Surprisingly, she wasn’t answering his call.
    	Leaving Solon and Brutus to handle the Scylla, he grabbed the cloak he had stored in the cave and quickly wrapped it around his body to hide his nudity. His fingers fumbled to make a knot on his shoulder. He took a deep breath, excited to see his wife and concerned that she wasn’t answering him.
    	Hurrying home, he nodded at those he passed. Most of them wanted to stop and ask about the hunt. There was nothing exciting to tell. Luckily, no ships were wrecked and the Scylla was caught with little incident. It felt like an eternity until he could finally walk into his front door.
    	“Bridget?” He called, searching the sleeping room. She wasn’t there. Going to the bathroom, he said, “Bridget? Where are you?”
    	A sick feeling unfurled in his stomach. He walked out of their home, going to the artifacts room. It was empty.
    	‘Bridget? Where are you?’ he said, directing his thoughts out over the palace. Surely their link wasn’t broken. It had only been five days since he’d left the palace, five hellish days spent missing her, but only five nonetheless. Their love was stronger than that, wasn’t it?
    	He jogged from the artifact room, confident that the guard, Brennus, would have told him if his wife was out in the Abyss. King Lucius had assured him that she wouldn’t be allowed out into the ocean until he was back. Knowing how stubborn his wife could be at times, he frowned. He had no doubt she could sweet talk the guards into letting her pass. Though, if she had, surely Brennus would have said something about it as he came out of the caves. Still, it was a place to start looking.
    	“Caderyn!” Aidan called, startling him from his thoughts. “You’re back.”
    	“Aidan, where is my wife?” Caderyn demanded.
    	“She’s with the healer,” Aidan answered, coming closer. His arms were laden with fresh parchments, ink pots and quills.
    	“Thanks,” Caderyn said. As he passed, he pointed at Aidan’s face. “You’ve got something, there.”
    	“It won’t come off!” Aidan called behind him, huffing.
    	Caderyn ran full out toward Althea’s. Barging in her front door, his heart squeezed painfully in his chest. He couldn’t hear Bridget’s thoughts. Something was wrong. He just knew it.
    	“Bridget!” he yelled. “Althea?”
    	Althea came from the back room. “What is it? What’s wrong? Did you bring me another human to look after?”
    	“My wife. Where is my wife? I can’t hear her. What has happened?” Caderyn made a move to grab the healer’s shoulders. She dodged him and pointed to the back office.
    	“Back…” the woman began. She never got to finish her sentence as Caderyn rushed by her.
    	Caderyn, remembering the last time Bridget had been in Althea’s office, panicked. He hurried to her side. Her face was pale and she was laying on one of the sick beds, her eyes closed.
    	“My love,” he whispered, leaning over her to touch her cool face. “What has happened to you?”
    	Just when he was sure he’d collapse from fear, her eyelashes fluttered and she looked at him. Yawning, she sat up, blinking heavily. “Caderyn? Is that really you?”
    	“What’s going on? Why are you here? Did the Olympians attack? Did you go out into the Abyss? What--?”
    	Bridget smiled. Placing her hand over his mouth to silence him, she hopped off the cot, blinking sleepily even as she looked at him in joy. “No, no, nothing like that. I was just sleeping.”
    	“I called you,” he said, wrapping her in his arms. He squeezed her tight. “I missed you so much. Why didn’t you answer? You should’ve heard me, even in sleep.”
    	“If you’re ready to let me finish, I can answer that,” Althea said. Caderyn turned to her expectantly. “Your wife suffers from a very curious illness for our kind. She needed sleep and I gave her something to help her get it. The medicine is why she couldn’t hear your call.”
    	“What illness? Bridget? What is it? Whatever it is, you can tell me,” he said.
    	Bridget touched his face. “Don’t look so worried, sweetheart. Everything is going to be just fine.”
    	“What is it?!” he insisted, wondering why they wouldn’t tell him what was happening with his wife. He glanced back and forth between the two women, close to shaking them for an answer.
    	Bridget grinned. “I’m pregnant.”
    	Caderyn stared at her. Slowly his world turned black.
    * * * *
    	Bridget watched as her husband’s eyes rolled back in his head. He swayed on his feet, passing completely out. She tried to catch his weight, but Althea pulled her back, nodding to Bridget’s stomach. “You’re too delicate. Let the big man drop. He’ll recover easily enough.”
    	Bridget kneeled on the floor beside him. “Caderyn? Darling? My love? Caderyn? Can you hear me?”
    	Althea and Bridget examined him, determining he was fine. Bridget held his face in her palms. She’d missed him so much, it was heaven just to see his handsome face again.
    	“Hum,” Althea mused, sitting back on her knees. “It seems there is something that can bring one our mighty hunters down besides surface air. I never thought I’d see the day…”
    	Bridget laughed, shaking her head. “Can we wake him up? Do you have something? Smelling salts perhaps?”
    	“Sure, I have some herbs that will knock him awake,” the healer said. “But, I say we wait to tell him you’re pregnant with triplets. If he reacts this way off of one, three might kill him.”
    	Bridget stared wide-eyed at Althea. Weakly, she squeaked, “Triplets?”
    	Althea nodded enthusiastically, grinning. Bridget swallowed, feeling lightheaded. She fell onto her husband’s chest, her world turning black.
    
    The End
    	
    	
    
To learn more about Michelle M Pillow’s other titles or Lords of the Abyss Series, please visit her website (www.michellepillow.com).
    
    
    Now Available In Print and Ebook from NCP
    Tribes of the Vampire 1: Redeemer of Shadows
    Trade Paperback ISBN 1-58608-704-5
    By Michelle M Pillow
    	
    	“What is her crime?” an excited voice shouted in the watching crowd. Hathor recognized the older woman with her college boy.
    	The music lowered by degrees until it was a soft thud in the background, once more stirring the desires of those watching. The crowd’s hands grew empowered by the wickedly delectable show, and their lips found temptation in the arms of the others gathered. The bodies mingled together with the beginnings of an orgy. Flesh pressed against heated flesh as they waited for Servaes to speak. Lips parted revealing more fangs hidden within the crowd. Their combined breaths caught up in a rhythm of sensual pleasure and denial.
    	Slowly, Servaes moved over the stage, keeping everyone on his own time. A smile curved his luscious mouth, and he looked over the crowd in languid perusal from his deep-set eyes. Hathor shivered as the red light glinted in his devilishly handsome gaze, looking as if it came more from within him than reflected from him. His eyes narrowed with a bright feverish tint. Arousal, swift and strong, coursed through her veins. Hathor gasped, nearly swooning with the unexpected intensity of it.
    	Ginger felt her shiver and mistook its cause. Leaning closer, she fitted her moistened lips to Hathor’s throat. Hathor stood transfixed by the man on the stage. She felt teeth brush her skin, but it didn’t distract her eyes back to awareness. At the same time Ginger kissed Hathor’s pale flesh, her hands found the rounded tilt of her confined breast.
    	“Crime?” Servaes stated in ominous declaration. His word was as soft as a whisper and held the deadly pleasing tilt of an old culture.
    	Pick me. Hathor breathed, unable to stop the thought as she watched him.
    	Servaes suddenly stopped moving. His serious eyes turned from the stage to dart over the crowd. The smile melted from his delectable lips, replaced by a snarl of confusion.
    	“How about we go find a seat?” Ginger offered with hot pants against Hathor’s skin. “Servaes can see you better if you are in the crowd.”
    	Hathor gasped in shock and pulled away. This wanton attitude was not like her. She didn’t want to sleep with perfect strangers, no matter how handsome they were. The spell she felt cast about her suddenly broke. A cloud lifted from her brain, a haze melted off her limbs seeming to run onto the floor to puddle around her feet. Shaking her head, she was suddenly very frightened. Her voice cracked, “I --”
    	With a pull and a gasp, Ginger’s gaze hastened to the stage. Her eyes narrowed to glare in defiance. Her nostrils flared. Then, almost as instantly, she lifted up her hands and bowed in remorse. Hathor thought she noticed the glint of extended fangs in the woman’s mouth. Ginger backed away from her. Hathor noticed an inner flash to the woman’s eyes -- pooling red with blood for an instant. The woman’s gaze filtered back to the stage, and she smiled like a punished child. Yes, Ginger definitely had fangs.
    	The hairs on the nape of Hathor’s neck twitched in dread as she spun back around. Her heart began to pound faster in dismay. Her breathing deepened. The crowd had gone extremely quiet. Her blood rushed loudly in her ears as she turned to see all eyes on her--the intruder in their midst. Even the offerings stopped in their task to glare curiously at her. In a flash no longer than a blink she saw red trails of blood coming from the dancers’ fanged mouths, falling over their throats to disappear in the valley of their breasts. Their victim lay barely moving beneath them. In a daze, Hathor blinked heavily to see the blood was gone.
    	Servaes arrogantly stood on the stage. His eyes bore piercingly into her, the brown depths glowing eerily with an unfamiliar light. Suddenly, a green tint flashed over the captivating orbs. Hathor felt herself caught up in his stare. Her lungs forgot to breathe. It was as if he was inside of her, searching through her thoughts, listening to her heart. Somehow he didn’t seem angry at her presence, just confused as if he probed her for something he couldn’t find. Her body hummed as if on fire. She heard his voice in her head, whispering words she couldn’t understand, in a language she couldn’t know.
    	He opened his mouth as if to speak. All of a sudden he seemed aware of where he was. No words came from his curling lips. Hathor backed away slowly from the prying eyes, those with fangs caught up the red light from the stage in their hungry gazes.
    	“He has picked,” someone whispered near Hathor’s shoulder.
    	Hathor shook her head slowly in denial. Her eyes stayed fixed on the Marquis. Her limbs quaked with dread. She couldn’t go on stage. What was she doing? She should have run from this place as soon as she walked in. Quickly, she backed into the shadows away from his notice. His eyes followed her, as if he could see her in the impossible darkness.
    	A spell trapped her limbs with a numbing force when Servaes looked at her, making it hard to move. A slight frown overcame his features at her rejection of his attention. Then a smirk lined his confident lips as he turned back to the crowd. He ignored her.
    	“Her crime….” he stated with a wave that encompassed the room, bringing the attention back to him. Instantly the penetrating eyes of the crowd were drawn away from her and Hathor felt as if she could once again breathe freely. She watched him point to the offering to be punished, as he continued, “…is that she denied her partner release after finding her own fulfillment.”
    
     Copyright © 2004 Michelle M. Pillow. All Rights Reserved.
    
    
Other Michelle M Pillow Paranormal Titles from NCP!
    
    Tribes of the Vampire Series
    REDEEMER OF SHADOWS
    THE JADED HUNTER
    ETERNALLY BOUND
    
    Naughty Cupid Series
    CUPID’S ENCHANTMENT
    CUPID’S REVENGE
    CUPID’S FAVOR (Coming Soon!)
    
    Award Winning Futuristic Series
    DRAGON LORDS
    LORDS OF THE VAR
    ZHANG DYNASTY
    SPACE LORDS (Coming Soon!)
    
    * * * *
    
    
And now an Author Recommended Read by fellow NCP Author Mandy M Roth (www.mandyroth.com).
    Warriors of the Darkness
     Now Available from NCP’s Harmony Line
     
     	In place where time and space have no boundaries, ancient enemies would like nothing more than to eradicate them both, just when they’ve found each other…
     	
     	Deryn Murray has her work cut out for her. Not only is she determined to prevent Alejandro Vargas’s death--one she’s seen over and over in her dreams--but she must keep anyone from learning her true identity--that of a slayer, and sworn enemy of all the supernaturals. Protecting the Colonel of the alternate realm military base threatens not only her life but her very heart. Despite his refusal to cooperate, Alejandro has broken through her emotional barriers and holds the power to hurt her worse than anyone ever has.
    	Colonel Alejandro Vargas is more than frustrated when his job gets a whole lot tougher due to the arrival of two civilian doctors, one of whom is human. Tall, sexy and blonde, Dr. Deryn Murray gets under his skin in more ways than one. If she’s not humming nursery rhymes and talking to animals, she’s taking on armed spirit tomb guards while insisting she’s saving his life. 
    	But in place where time and space have no boundaries, ancient enemies would like nothing more than to eradicate them both, just when they’ve found each other.