“I know. That’s why I brought us here. The water iscalm and has a set of natural steps there.” I point to the rock formation that’s been sculpted into stairs. “It’ll be about four feet deep when you reach the bottom. Then I’ll be there to help you go farther into the cove, if you want to do a little swimming.”
She considers that for a moment and nods. “I like this idea.”
Amusement flirts with my mouth as I reply, “I do, too.”
Her lips curl a little, and she rotates away from me. I study her for a moment, searching for signs of discomfort. But she appears to be mostly relaxed now, so I proceed with removing my pants and boxer shorts and walk over to the stairs.
I feel her eyes on me while I enter, aware that she’s peeking over her shoulder. Though, I pretend not to notice and instead make my movements slow and purposeful until I reach the bottom.
The water covers me where it needs to, but it’s rather clear, leaving me mostly on display.
Rather than turn around, I take a few more steps away from the stairs and say, “I’m ready for our adventure, Serapina.” The word is purposeful, as she said she wanted to be adventurous. So I’m daring her to follow through.
The sound of rustling clothes confirms it was the right thing to say because my intended mate is disrobing.
I wonder what she’ll choose to keep on for our swim. Her panties, perhaps? Maybe her tank top, too. She went without a bra earlier, so chances are?—
The water ripples behind me, stilling my thoughts and causing me to hold my breath. I want to hear every movement. Sense her presence.Feel my Omega.
She’s moving cautiously, likely because the water scares her.
“I won’t let anything bad happen to you,” I vow, needing to reassure her. “You’re my reason for being, little dreamer. The purpose that gives me life. Just say the word, and I’ll slay any demon that stands before you, even a pool of water.”
A quiet moment passes between us before she asks, “How can you feel that way for someone you barely know?”
I can tell by her voice that she’s only a few feet away from me, but I don’t turn around yet. I’ll wait until she tells me it’s okay to move first.
So instead, I focus on her question and reply, “An Alpha knows his soul’s mate. Which I realize is a foreign concept to you, and probably a bit intense. But it feels natural to me. My entire existence revolves around pleasing you.”
She doesn’t respond right away. However, I hear her moving in the water, likely taking the final two steps to the bottom.
“If Alphas know their mates, then why am I being hunted? Do they all think I’m their mate, too?”
“Some Alphas don’t care about soul bonds and only value pleasure… for themselves.” My jaw tightens at the notion. “There are some who believe Omegas should be enslaved and used for knotting. And, unfortunately, the disappearance of your kind worsened that need, turning a lot of my brethren into feral versions of their former selves.”
I mentioned some of this to her already when reviewing the history of the Mythos Fae and the collapse of our realm.
“You’re also the first Omega presence anyone has sensed in a very long time, which has many of my brethren crazed with a need that overrides reason.”
“But I visited your realm, and no one seemed to hunt me there,” she points out, her voice right behind me now.
“Yes, because you were very much human a mere few days ago. However, Maliki’s talented tongue changed that.” An explanation I haven’t fully confirmed but suspect is quite true. “Further, the call you emitted told my kind you’re unclaimed, which means soul bond or no, you’re fair game—in their eyes.”
“And in yours?” she asks softly, her nails touching my shoulder blades and tracing my spine downward.
I decide to translate that as an invitation to turn around, but do so slowly in case I misread her touch.
Though, when I find her blue eyes blazing up at me, I know I was right to move.
“In my eyes…” I trail off and look down, thrilled that she’s chosen to wear nothing at all. “In my eyes, you’re exquisite, Serapina.” However, I don’t think that’s what she meant, so I meet her gaze again as I add, “You’re a Goddess, little dreamer. I live to serve you and your desires. And while my soul may know you as my mate, I will forever cherish your right to choose.”
She stares up at me, her palm on my chest since I shifted to face her. “Is it strange that I believe you?”
My lips curl as I reach out to tuck her hair behind her ear. “No, Serapina. Time is a human mechanism, an illusion that either affords mutual understanding or fosters distrust. But our existence is endless. We rely on our souls to guide us, and yours knows mine.”
“Because you were mated to Persephone.”
“Yes, though I never claimed her as mine.”
