Page 9 of King of Tides

“Ah, Ardan. It’s good to see you,” Kai says.

“Always a pleasure, baby girl. You staying out of trouble.”

She gives me a mischievous smile. “I’m trying.”

I give a laugh and shake my head. Kai can be a handful. Amadeus and I have had to get her out of trouble on more occasions than I care to count.

“What brings you here, brother?” Amadeus asks, interrupting our exchange.

I turn my gaze to him. He takes after his ancestor Kenji with his white hair and monolid eyes. Over the millennia, Kenji and his family settled in what is now known as Japan. They have since taken on the features of the humans in that region.

His broad upper build fills his Iron Brothers cut well. His lower body tapers in as his natural form would, with his finvisible. His aura is greater because of his heritage and the manifestation of his inherited gifts.

I’ve only known six of Kenji’s descendants who have shown signs of inheriting his gift. Five of whom he has chosen to lock those gifts within. I completely understand why—that type of power can be dangerous—and that’s only one reason for his decision.

“He comes to see me. You know this,” Kai teases.

“Mind your mouth, Kai. This is the king you are speaking of,” he bites out. “Why don’t you go wait in my office?”

I can’t help the scoff that leaves my lips. He is very protective over Kai, not that I’m interested in the young girl. I have enough years on her to be the start of her lineage. Gorgeous girl and exquisite when in her mermaid form, but not my type.

“I’m here on business. Need to collect a shipment for Ricci and run it through the tunnels for his guys to collect,” I say, turning my full attention to him.

“That container just came in. I’ll have a few guys load it up and take it down to the tunnel for you. Do you need a driver?”

“No, I’ll handle this one myself.”

I can use my magic to drive the truck while I ride my bike. We hate involving others in Ricci’s business when we don’t need to. This is a simple drop. There’s no need to involve anyone else.

Besides, I want to make this quick so I can head to my apartment. I’ve been feeling restless, like that’s where I need to be. My mind goes to my neighbor.

I would love to talk to her again. There’s always been something familiar about her. The other night was the most we’ve ever spoken to each other. Her voice was like warm honey, and she smelled as good as she looked.

If only …

“Ardan?” Amadeus calls my name, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Sorry, brother, what was that?”

“I have been summoned by Kenji. I leave within the next few weeks. I wanted to let you know Kai and Ocean will take over things here for me,” he repeats.

I nod. “I will keep an eye on things here as well. You never take time away. Try to enjoy this, brother. Time with Kenji is always an experience.”

“I will try.” He gives a bow and turns to handle the business I’ve come for. Amadeus has never been one for many words. This is why we work well together.

I glance at my wristwatch. If I’m quick, I can catch my little neighbor before she leaves for her shift. A frown comes to my face.

I shouldn’t know her schedule as well as I do. Perhaps it’s time I start going to the apartment less and not more. Who the fuck am I kidding? I look forward to my sightings of the pretty human.

Apprentice

Two weeks later …

Iam curious about this trip to Japan. Kenji is my great-grandfather many times over. Although if we stood side by side, you would think we were brothers.

My grandfather doesn’t call for me often. His dojo is his life. He has taken his skills and gifts to the next level and built wealth and a reputation to match.

They call him the puppet master. Kenji is more than a merman and greater than a siren. He outranks all of my kind.

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