Nereo is an ichthyocentaur and a captain of the oceans, working for and with other preters to protect the seas and its many islands. He’s summoned to uncover the reason for strange disappearances and sent to the luxury hotel and resort the Pearl.
A loner by nature, he’s furious at being forced to work with a flighty, flirty merman. But that’s nothing compared to the shock and confusion on finding his soulmate. Not another preter, but a human.
For the first time in his life, Nereo is torn between his head and duty, and his heart and his growing love for Dax. However, not knowing how to navigate the dangerous currents of his emotions, Nereo only succeeds in driving Dax away.
When Dax disappears, Nereo will need all the help he can get if he’s to bring his soulmate safely home.
There were already two similar yachts moored there, at the far end. But it seemed his vessel was to be moored well away from them.
“I bet you never imagined riding on one of these babies.” Max’s mocking tone came from behind him. Taking a deep breath, Dax kept in mind all the coach had told him and faced his tormentors with a wide smile.
“It’s nice enough.” He glanced around and sniffed. “But I’d rather be riding the wave. Excuse me.” Not waiting to be cut off from the rest of the team by the troublesome duo, Dax pushed quickly past them.
As he mixed in with the others, leaning over the rail, he was certain someone was staring at him. There were people working at the marina, and a few, what he assumed to be, guests. Only the gaudier clothing was a giveaway. But one figure stood apart and seemed to be looking toward the ship.
Goosebumps prickled Dax’s skin along his forearms and thighs, and he shivered.
“Hey, come on, bro.” Another member of the team, Manaia elbowed him playfully. “You can’t be cold in this heat.” He laughed, and Dax joined in. Manaia’s parents were islanders, originating from Samoa, although Manaia himself, had been born in New Zealand.
Compared to Manaia, Dax was just another non-descript skinny, pale-skinned nobody. Manaia was tall, bronze-skinned, athletic, and well-muscled. His dark hair was mostly dreadlocks, with a couple of long braids. Charms and trinkets were dotted in the thick locks.
Dax was certain that if he tried to emulate the look, he’d fail miserably, but Manaia simply rocked it.
“Nah, bro.” Dax tried to duck as Manaia ruffled his hair. “I’m all good. I guess the ... the size of the place just suddenly got to me.”
“Well, so long as it isn’t Max or Drew getting to you. I’ve had enough of them, and I know they pick on you.”
“Thanks, Manaia.” Dax swallowed, the gesture was as warm as it was unexpected. “I’ll remember that.”
“Good. Hope you don’t mind, but I asked Coach to let us share a room. Thought you might like a friend.”
“Yes.” Dax stuck out a hand. “Yes, I would.” They shook hands, then Dax shivered again as he turned to look over the rail once more. “What the fuck ... ?” The rest of his words were lost as he stared at the welcoming committee.
I’m sure that’s the man who was staring at the ship. At me. But he couldn’t have gotten there so fast. It’s not possible. Not to mention that this close, he looks more like a guest than one of the staff.
“What’s up?” Manaia peered alongside him. “Ooh, they must be from the hotel.” He gently nudged Dax. “The tall, muscular guy’s hot.”
“I didn’t know you were gay.” Dax stared at Manaia, who shrugged.
“Bi. Possibly pan.” Manaia flashed Dax a wide grin. “I have plenty of time to decide.”
“I’ve known since I was five that I was gay.” Dax chucked. “And yes, he is kinda hot. But the Mediterranean-looking dude with long dark hair is hotter.”
Clearly piqued by Dax’s assertion, Manaia turned to look at the man who Dax indicated with a slight incline of his head.
“Mmm, not bad. But I still prefer tall, dark, and handsome. Ah, fuck it. He’s just squeezed the smaller guy’s hand. Looks like he’s a nonstarter.”
Dax snorted with laughter. “Better luck next time.” He laughed even harder as Manaia flipped him off but accompanied the action with a good-natured grin.
“All right, you two.” The coach’s voice boomed behind them. “Time to disembark. I’ve given the names of who’s sharing with who to Alvin. He’s the acting general manager here, as well as manager of the hotel entertainments. You will not make your own personal changes. If you try, the staff have been primed to inform me immediately. And don’t think I won’t ground you, if you do.”
A chorus of groans rang out, but Manaia winked and gave Dax a thumbs up, then they both joined in with the response.
“Yes, Coach.”
As Dax stepped onto the harbor, he inhaled deeply, then smiled, glancing back at Manaia.
“It even smells amazing here.” Then he looked around, the hairs on the nape of his neck prickling.
“Think you have an admirer, bro,” Manaia whispered.
But Dax was already staring into a pair of the deepest brown eyes he’d ever seen. The words fathomless pools might be cliché, but at that moment, Dax finally knew exactly what they were meant to convey.
I could dive in there and never come out.
But before Dax could gather his wits, the dark-haired stranger had vanished as quickly as he’d arrived, and Dax swore softly.
“Hey, where’d he go? Did you get his room number?” Manaia quickly came over, but Dax shook his head.
“One second he was here, then it was like I blinked, and he’d gone.” Dax shrugged, the disappointment he felt seemed disproportionate considering he’d never seen the man before.
