Page 74 of Seduced By the Mermen
“Because they’re electrified,” Delmar adds. The entire table is now part of our discussion.
“Electrified? That sounds dangerous.” I need to remember how different the Dorian are. They don’t have the same sort of respect for life, for individuals. They kill first and ask questions later. It makes me wonder how many of the guys around the table have had to protect themselves with lethal violence.
“It is, but the courses aren’t electrified until the males are older,” Delmar says, like that makes a difference.
“Do they die if they touch the sides?”
“Oh, no. It’s not good, but they don’t die,” Alexei says.
I nod. Annabelle’s told me, and I saw on the sub, the differences between the Dorian and humans. But no... “That’s good. People getting hurt for sport isn’t right.”
“Human sportsmen get hurt all the time.”
“But not on purpose.”
“I don’t know anyone who runs into the barriers on purpose,” Forrest says, and he takes my hand and holds it on the table.
“I suppose that makes sense.” I don’t like it, but it does make sense. Marlee never wanted to play sports. Not that my ex would have let her.“Why should she play a sport when she can get all the exercise she needs while doing her chores?”he’d say.
“And then there’s our main sport, tritonaxis. It’s held in a stadium, much like human sports. Two teams competing, scoring points in one of three goal nets,” Forrest says.
“I’d like to watch a game sometime.” And I really mean it.
“I think we should take you to a match. Though people take it very seriously,” Grayson adds. “Zion thinks his alma mater will take the trophy this year. But he’s wrong. Athena U is going to.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of yourself, Grayson. Athena U hasn’t won anything in what... ten, no, eleven years.” Zion wiggles his eyebrows at Grayson. “But Deepwater has a track record of outstanding teams.”
It’s nice seeing them like this. Them talking to each other, not making me the center of the discussion. It feels real. Like I could fit in. But then it slips back in... Do I know them well enough? No, but that’s what all this is for. Dating, checking compatibility. “Forrest, what’s your favorite team?”
He smirks.
“Yes, Forrest, what’s your favorite team?” Alexei presses. “Zeus Academy?”
“No way,” Delmar says. And there’s a chorus of groans and agreeing noises coming from most of the guys. Everyone butSterling. He hasn’t moved since he poured me another glass of water.
“Of course it is. I love watching what you do with the team every year,” Forrest says, gesturing to Delmar, and winks at me. “Zeus Academy is Delmar’s school and the team that Delmar coaches.”
“All right, then what’s your favorite professional team?” Delmar asks.
“Don’t have one.”
“Rotten whale spleen you don’t.” Alexei tosses back the rest of the gin in his glass. And Forrest shrugs, giving my hand a squeeze. A spark hits my skin, and goosebumps rise up my arm under the sleeve of my tunic. I try unsuccessfully to catch Forrest’s eyes.
The meal’s finished, and conversation is dying down. I have an urge to get up and start collecting the dishes, but I know better. My nephews don’t let me clear anything but my own plate, and that’s only because I told them I needed to have some value.
I’m still vibrating from the kiss Clark gave me on the observation deck, and that has me wondering how far I can go. On top of that, I’m grappling with what Kade Driftwood said. I need to know everything about these men. It’s not a job interview, but it kind of is. Do I fit in? Do I want to? And it reminds me of that first night back in my room when Zion was injured. He asked me about my hobbies.
There’s a lull in the conversation. Really, they’ve all been great about including me. Even when they are talking about tritonaxis, they really draw me into the conversation.
“Are you excited about the new Maelstrom dome?” I ask Forrest.
“I am,” he says, but that’s it. I’m not sure how I’m going to break through Forrest’s shell. “Why don’t we move to the lounge while Clark and Zion clear the table?” he suggests.
“Okay.”
He helps me with my chair and takes my arm. His lips hover over the shell of my ear. “City College,” he says.
“What?” I cock my head at him.
