Waterborne (30 page)

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Authors: Katherine Irons

BOOK: Waterborne
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Orion shook his head. “You’re the one most like our father. You have the right instincts.” He looked at Alex shrewdly. “If you suspected that Caddoc was planning rebellion, could you have sent someone to kill him?”
“I’d have killed him myself. Better one man die, even my half brother, than Rhiannon have to live in fear that someone would murder her baby son. I was in Lemoria. If I’d known what he was up to, I’d have rung his worthless neck then and there.”
“Exactly my point. You’d have acted for the greater good, and you wouldn’t have worried about feeling guilty later.”
Alex’s brow furrowed. “I’m not immune to guilt, but my family and my kingdom come first.”
“Father’s philosophy.” Orion grinned. “He had his failings, mostly female, but he was a great king. You’ll make a better one. Men respect you, and most of them fear you.”
“And the women?”
“They adore you. Nothing like a bad boy to make a lady hot and bothered.”
“I don’t know. I’ll think about it. I never wanted to be Poseidon.”
“All the more reason you should accept the responsibility.”
“Limitless power. I’m not certain I’m the one you should hand that to.”
“Morgan and I are. We’ve spoken to a few council members: Lady Jalini and Lady Athena. The vizier. They would accept either of us in Morgan’s place.”
Alex folded his arms over his chest. “Have you asked Elena? She should have a say. She might want to be queen.”
“Are you kidding? She wants me to take enough leave to help her excavate Alexander’s tomb. Not yours.” Orion grinned. “The Macedonian boy wonder. Elena’s obsessed with that site.” He grew serious. “We’re going to have a child, too. She just found out.”
“Congratulations.”
“It changes everything, knowing I’m going to be a father.” Orion’s chest puffed out and he stood a little straighter. “I’ll admit, I don’t want to have to worry if she and our child are safe when I’m in the field with the army. You said it; I’m a soldier, not a statesman.”
“I’ll think about it, if you’re sure that’s what Morgan wants.”
“It is.”
“I have to talk to him, but I’ll give it some thought.”
“You realize that it would mean giving up your ... your career. Being Poseidon is a full-time job, no running off to the Pacific with some mermaid.”
“Or human?” Alex began to pace. “It might be time I found another profession. I’m making too many mistakes. I missed Varenkov again.”
“I heard. He’s in Greece, at a villa on one of his private islands. He’s entertaining some influential people.”
“Drug or gun runners?”
“Politicians. But then, they’re pretty much the same.”
“My team will be coming in soon. With a few additions.” Orion listened while Alex related the tale of Anuata and her kidnapping.
“So what you’re telling me is that you’re bringing a former captain of ’Enakai’s Lemorian guard, who could be a spy, and five more humans. Wonderful. I can’t wait to try and explain this to the High Council.”
“They’re my problem, twin. I’ll handle it.”
“You could handle it fine if you accept the throne. Poseidon’s above the law. You’d get to keep your woman ... or should I say women? And you avoid a trial for capital crimes and stay out of an iceberg.” He slapped Alex on the back. “Come on. We’ve got to tell Morgan the sad news about brother Caddoc’s demise, and we can ease Rhiannon’s fears about a repeat rebellion.”
“How long does it take?” Alex looked out the window again. “At the temple? How long before I know something about Ree?”
“I don’t know. With Elena, it was relatively simple.”
“She means everything to me, Orion. I’ve never felt this way about a woman before. If she dies ...”
“Trust Lady Athena and the healers. This won’t be the first time they’ve attempted to transform a human female. I don’t think they’ve lost one yet.” He threw an arm around Alex’s shoulders. “But why don’t we find Danu and see if her mother will let her go help? It can’t hurt, and our niece is a very special little girl.”
“And Ree’s a special woman.” Pain twisted in his chest. His brother’s suggestion that he become king in place of Morgan was disturbing, but nothing like not knowing what was happening to the woman he loved. Without her, he didn’t have a future.
Orion nodded and started toward the private archway that led to the king’s apartments. “Seeing you will raise Morgan’s spirits more than hearing that Caddoc’s no longer a threat. He was worried about you.”
“You go ahead,” Alex said. “I’ll be along directly. There’s something I need to do.”
“Don’t be long. Morgan will want to see you and hear all about your Lemorian henchman and Ree.”
“I won’t be.” He left the chamber and moved down a narrow corridor to enter a small sanctuary. There, he did something he hadn’t done in a long time. He dropped onto his knees and prayed.
CHAPTER 30
 
A
lex stood in Ree’s chamber staring down at her. A few hours before, Lady Athena had ordered her transferred to his apartments in the main palace. He’d been with Ree since they’d carried her in and placed her in the giant conch shell bed, but she hadn’t awakened yet. “Are you certain she’s all right?” he asked Morwena.
His sister smiled at him. “Look at her. Does she look like she’s dying? She gorgeous, isn’t she? I don’t know what she was as a human, but as an Atlantean, she’s a knockout.”
Alex had to agree. With her curling, red-gold hair spread out around her face, her rosy complexion, classical features, perfectly-shaped lips and the faint dusting of gold freckles across her cheeks, Ree was more beautiful than he’d ever seen her. “If the transformation went well, why isn’t she awake?”
“Be patient, brother. It’s a complicated process. The Lemorian restoration was well done, and she may even have advantages over us in some areas. The human, Lemorian, and Atlantean gene mix makes for a super intelligent and uniquely talented individual. Her physical condition, other than the breathing problems from being stuck between species, was already superb. When she’s fully recovered, Ree O’Connor may even out-swim you.”
“How are the kids? Any change?” Anuata, Dewi, and Bleddyn had arrived the night before, and the five children had immediately been admitted to the pediatric healing unit. According to Morwena, three of the girls were adapting well, but the boy and Pilar were struggling, and their conditions were considered critical. Anuata remained at the temple steps, unable to enter, as he had been, but unwilling to be any farther from the children than she had to be.
“I believe that the girl is holding her own, but the little boy is getting worse. Your Lemorian recruit is greatly distressed. She’s refused food and fresh clothing, and she won’t retire to our guest quarters. I believe Dewi is remaining with her.”
“He would be,” Alex said. “The two of them have become close.”
“A strange combination,” his sister replied. “Half the unmarried girls in the city are mad for Dewi. Your Anuata seems a little rough for him.”
“I’ll admit she isn’t your typical Atlantean beauty, but she has other qualities to recommend her.”
Morwena bent over the bed and placed a crystal in the center of Ree’s forehead. Immediately, it began to produce a hum and radiate a green light. “Good,” she said. “I expect her to wake soon. Her vital signs are excellent.”
“You like this, don’t you?” he asked. “The healing studies.”
“Yes.” Morwena beamed. “I know the value of prayer and of working together to produce vast screens of illusion to protect Atlantis from the human world, but this feels right to me. It’s the longest course of study. It may take lifetimes. Lady Athena says she’s constantly learning something new.”
Alex nodded. He loved his sister dearly, but she never used one word when thirty would do. She didn’t disappoint him.
“Lady Athena believes that Danu is an old soul, that she brought her gift of healing with her. She’s with Remi, the little boy. She won’t let go of his hand. Rhiannon thought it might be too much for her, remaining at the temple for so many hours, but Danu wouldn’t budge. And you know how stubborn she can be.” She took a small shell from her medical pouch and poured the contents into her hand. It looked to Alex like fine black sand.
“What’s that?” he asked.
She rubbed her hands together, and the substance created a pale yellow lather. Morwena brushed her hands lightly over Ree’s head, throat, and shoulders. Then she stroked her arms and rubbed the last of the mixture onto Ree’s palms. “That’s it,” she pronounced. “I’m out of here. I promised to stop and check Lady Jalini’s sister. She’s pregnant with her first child and she’s—”
“Spare me the lady’s medical condition,” Alex said. “Are you sure that Ree’s safe to be left alone?”
Morwena chuckled. “She’s not alone, is she? You’re here, and I’m sure you’re the one she wants to see most. She’ll be hungry when she wakes up. Order her anything she wants from the kitchen. There aren’t any medical restrictions on her meals. Just make certain she gets plenty of rest for the next few weeks.” Her smile widened. “And yes, brother, she’s free to engage in pleasures of the flesh. She won’t break and she won’t melt. She’s one of us, now.”
“Morwena?” When she nodded, he went on. “She never asked me to become Atlantean. I always believed that a human had to ask of their own free will before the procedure could be implemented.”
His sister shook her head. “Ree’s a special case. You started the process when you carried her from the boat and brought her back from the brink of death. And then the Lemorians did whatever they did. By the time we got her, she was more Atlantean than human. It was either complete what you started or lose her. Lady Athena healed her rather than letting her die.”
“But Ree can’t exist on land anymore.”
“No, no longer than I could or you. The door to the human world has closed for Ree. Let’s hope she finds her future a better place. It will certainly be longer. Lady Athena tells me that humans rarely live past a hundred years.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Poor things. No wonder they procreate in such numbers. They die of old age when they’re barely out of adolescence. They haven’t lived long enough to gain wisdom.”
She came over to him, stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I hope the two of you find happiness together,” she said. “But if you don’t, you know you’re still responsible for her as long as she lives. You gave her life, Alex. It’s a tremendous responsibility, and it could get sticky if either of you found a new partner.”
“That won’t happen,” he said. “She’s the only one I want.”
“Then, I hope—for your sake—that Ree feels the same way.” She started for the door, and then stopped and glanced back at him. “Are you going to do it?” she asked. “Accept the crown if Morgan steps down? Become Poseidon in his place?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
“Fair enough.” She smiled at him again. “You’d make a good king. You know I love all three of you. Morgan and I have always been especially close, but you’d make a better ruler. Morgan is courageous and kind and wise, but he isn’t tough enough. Not like Father was. And Atlantis needs a strong king. We need you, Alexandros.”
“So speaks my little sister,” he said lightly.
“So speaks a future healer and council member.” With a nod, she left the chamber.
Alex turned back to Ree, removed his sandals and lay down on the bed beside her. He put his arm around her, kissed the crown of her head, and then he waited.
 
Ree dreamed that she was in Alex’s arms. It was so real that she could smell his special scent and feel his silky hair against her cheek. She turned over and touched his bare chest, running her fingers lightly over the ridged muscles and smooth scars.
“Mmm,” she murmured.
Have we just been making love?
They must have. She could feel none of the normal tension in his body. He was completely relaxed. She thought he must be sleeping. She sighed and snuggled closer to him.
She had been dreaming, but it was a good dream. They were on the beach in Samoa. She could hear the surf, and the air was filled with the odors of growing plants, salt water, and flowers. She had a warm feeling between her thighs, not desire ... not exactly ... but a sensual stirring. “I love you,” she whispered.
Alex’s big hand moved to cover her breast, and he began to gently stroke her nipple with one callused fingertip. She savored the sweet sensations, keeping her eyes closed and concentrating on the pleasure of being held and touched. “Have I told you that I love you?” she whispered.
“Ree?”
“Shh,” she said. “That feels good. Don’t stop.”
“Are you strong enough?” he asked. “Are you certain, you—”
She caught his head and pulled it down so that his mouth brushed her nipple. “Make love to me,” she murmured.
“If you’re sure ...”
“I’m sure.” She pressed her body against his, welcoming the rush of heat that kindled in her loins. “I need you.”
He lowered his head, found her nipple with his mouth, and drew it tenderly between his lips. He suckled at her aching flesh until she squirmed with pleasure and lifted her other breast for his attention.
He groaned. “Woman, you’ll be the undoing of me.”
Memories flashed across the screen of her mind. She remembered parts of the trek from the Pacific, the interlude in the mouth of the whale, and the frantic journey to reach Atlantis. She could recall gentle hands and women’s voices. She opened her eyes wide, looking past Alex to the filmy hangings, the wall frescos, and the luxurious furnishings. “This isn’t the temple, is it?”
“You’re with me”—he said—“in my apartments.”
“I’m not sick anymore, am I?” She sighed. “I don’t feel sick. I feel wonderful.”
“Are you sure?”
She laughed and wrapped her legs around him. “Make love to me, Alex. I’ll show you how well I am.”
He rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him. “You do the work, this time,” he teased.
She could feel his excitement, hard and swelling between her thighs. She leaned forward, kissed his mouth and throat, and drew her tongue across his right nipple until he gasped and squirmed beneath her. She was already growing moist between her thighs, and the thought of having him inside her was exciting. She rubbed herself against him and cried out when he caught her hips and lifted her so that she could take him in.
She settled down, gasping with pleasure as he filled her with his throbbing length. He was big, so big, but she arched her back and spread her legs wider, wanting all of him, wanting him deeper and harder. “Love me,” she urged him. “Love me, Alex.”
They moved together, instinctively giving and taking joy from each other, reaching together for a shared rapture, and letting the flood tide of their unleashed passion carry them over the edge. And when they washed up together on an emotional shore, he was holding her and whispering love words to her in a language that now was familiar as the light in Alex’s eyes.
Later, when the fervor had passed and they kissed and whispered and laughed in the warmth of a newfound togetherness, Ree realized that she was content as she had never been before.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“Starving.”
“I’ll call for food. You can have anything you want.”
“Angus beef?”
He chuckled. “Maybe not anything, but ...”
“Just teasing. I don’t want anything now. Just you. Just us, together.”
“You really are all right?” he asked, raising on one elbow and looking full into her face. “You understand what’s happened? You’re an Atlantean now. There’s no going back.”
“I don’t want to go back.”
She traced the line of his jaw and brushed his eyebrows with her lips. “You do have scales,” she said. “Tiny ones, but definitely scales, blue.”
“Do you find them repugnant?”
She chuckled. “I find them very sexy. I find you sexy.”
“Better yet.”
She had the feeling that she’d never seen him before as he truly was, as he was now in all his glory. “I like what I see,” she said.
“You’re changed, inside and out,” he explained. “You’ll live longer, swim faster, hear and see a hundred times better than you did before.”
“The bionic woman.”
“Something like that.” He kissed her again. “I still want you to marry me, Ree. But there’s something you have to know.”
“You already have a wife, and I’ll be number two? If I accept?”
He chuckled. “My brother wants to abdicate. They’ve asked me—he’s asked me to accept the crown.”
“So now you’re telling me that they want to make you king?”
“Poseidon,” he said. “Our high king is always titled Poseidon.”
“Don’t you have a twin brother? Orion?”
“He turned the job down.”
“Are you going to accept?”
Alex shook his head. “I don’t know. I wanted to see what you thought of the idea. If I take the position, it’s for life, and it’s a package deal. It comes with an open slot for queen.”
“Queen? How could I be queen? I don’t even know how to be an Atlantean. I just got off the boat, so to speak.”
“It’s a great responsibility. My people, what’s best for Atlantis would always come first. Ahead of everything else.”
“Ahead of me?”
“Sometimes. I wouldn’t want it to, but the monarchy requires everything a man can give.”
“And if we did marry, if I accepted the assignment, what would be expected of me?”
He ran his fingers through her hair, bringing a lock to his lips and rubbing the length against them. “As much or as little as you like. My mother—my stepmother—Queen Korinna, was an active ruler. She sat on councils when she wanted to, heard petitions, and made judgments. But not all of our queens have chosen that path. My brother’s wife, Rhiannon, the current queen, has dedicated her life so far to her family, her home, and her children. She does some charity work, but she’s never involved herself in the daily business of the kingdom.”

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