Page 26 of Seduced By the Mermen
“Anything else? Like a half dozen sandwiches for your mid-afternoon meal?” Clark laughs.
“Oh, that’s not a bad idea.” Zion takes the tray with one half-eaten cake on it over to Sterling in the corner. He holds it like a butler out to Sterling... who growls?
“Take it, Sterling. You know he’s only going to make it worse if you don’t,” Alexei says over the din of the teahouse.
Sterling grabs it and shoves it into his mouth with the swiftness of his spirit animal, the eel.
The surrounding tables are full when Zion comes back with two fresh trays.
“What time did they say they would be here?” Alexei asks.
“At two,” Zion says.
“They’re late.” I find lateness incredibly irritating. But perhaps there’s a reason for it.
A large crowd swells at the front door. Males of different sizes and wearing different dome colors. Then I spot the Portsmouth pod. Nico’s hard to miss. He’s a few inches shorter than Sterling, but he carries the same scowl. Holter and Nico enter first. There’s more behind them in a tight bubble.
“Get back,” Nico commands. He’s not carrying a weapon, but I see the visible shudder of a male at the table next to me. The crowd parts, and there behind Holter is their mate, Annabelle,with Blair and Marlee. Eros moves up next to them and blocks Kade Driftwood, who’s getting too close to the females.
I could have picked out Nico Portsmouth from the other side of the ocean. My eyes flick back to Sterling. Nico reminds me a hell of a lot of the asshole in my own pod. Then again, without Eros and Nico, I’d probably be dead. Killed by the Braesen psychopath who wanted to take down our whole way of life. The entire city is indebted to them because of their actions. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a visible shudder in a good portion of the crowded teahouse upon their arrival.
My attention flicks over to the owner of this place. How much more did the Tinom pay him? He’s working the cash register like it’s a piano. The place is fuller than after a dome rival match.
“Fucking aquarium,” Alexei says under his breath and stands.
We’re all standing. My heart twists as Nico clears a path to our table.
“Mason, you said private,” Nico grunts.
“That was the intent.” I flick my gaze to the Koralli owner.
“I’ll have a word with him... later.” Nico steps to the side. “Blair, Marlee, sit.”
“Nico, my aunt and cousin aren’t dogs!” Annabelle grasps at his arm.
“Clearly, they aren’t dogs. More like blood in a pool of hungry sharks.” Eros puts his hand up and pushes a young Zaffiro. “Get out of here.” He shakes his head.
Annabelle cocks her head at him.
“That one is my cousin, Sunshine. My own damn cousin. Shoo,” Eros says.
I barely hear it. I’m too busy being a young, tongue-tied fool. Blair steps out from behind Annabelle. Her hair is done up in braids. It’s shorter than a lot of mermaids wear it, but it suitsher. Her blue eyes sparkle, and her deep red lips turn upward. Her hands twitch at her sides.
Alexei outstretches his hand. Handshakes. He had us practice for an hour this morning. It was infuriating. But she reaches out and takes it. “Blair, it’s lovely to see you.”
“Alexei, yes?” Blair holds his hand. Now she seems unsure of this whole handshake thing.
“Yes, you have a good memory,” Alexei says.
“Not as good as it used to be.” Blair laughs. “My daughter, Marlee.” Blair lets go of Alexei’s hand and puts her arm around her daughter. Unlike Blair, Marlee hasn’t braided her hair. It’s long and hangs to the middle of her back in a ponytail. I’m focused on Blair, but there are more in the cafe who are staring at Marlee. I want to advance our relationship with Blair, but I can’t help but worry about her young daughter. Without fathers to protect her from the eels that will want to take advantage of her. And her hair like that? Wearing human clothes?
“Hi.” Marlee waves, no handshake. I catch Clark’s body language change; he wasn’t sure about the whole handshake thing either.
“It’s nice to see you. We’re all happy you could come.” Clark smiles.
“Yes . . .” Blair’s forehead wrinkles.
“Is there something wrong, Blair?” Zion asks.
