My mates had brought me here to celebrate finishing our finals, but I knew it was more than that. They wanted me to reclaim this place—to make new memories that weren’t stained with blood and terror. And I wanted that, too. Reed had already done that for me, though, when we’d made love in the storm here. To be able to experience positive moments with all of them was welcomed, too.
Hunter stepped forward and laced his fingers through mine. “Are you sure you want to learn to swimhere?”
I knew he was referring to when I drowned. The very idea of willingly stepping back into this watershouldhave terrified me, but instead, excitement thrummed through me. If I could swim, no water would have any hold over me. “Yes. I want to learn.”
“Let’s get in, then!” Dex was the first to move, launching himself into the water with effortless grace. Water splashed, sending cool droplets onto my skin, cooling me off as they hit.
“See you in the water, princess!” Skel followed, grinning as he waded in, and I felt the wave of desire for me to join through his bond.
“I’ll be right beside you, dream girl.” Reed stayed close to me, watching my every move.
Bram stood at the edge, still grumbling about his magic snake method as he glared at the water, and if I hadn’t known better, I’d think he wasn’t able to swim either.
Hunter let my hand go and rested his hand on my shoulder instead. “If at any point this gets too much, we stop. Got it?”
I nodded. “Got it.”
Hunter and Reed grabbed my hands and waded in with me. The first shock of the water stole my breath. It was freezing, a stark contrast to the heat pressing against my skin, and my entire body tensed as I waded deeper.
The sun-scorched rocks beneath my feet became slick as the cool waves lapped against my thighs, sending goosebumps racing up my arms. “It’s so cold,” I gasped, instinctively gripping Hunter and Reed’s hands tighter.
“You’ll get used to it, dream girl,” Reed reassured, his violet eyes crinkling at the corners. He squeezed my fingers.
Dex, already neck-deep with his white-blond hair soaked, smirked. “Or you can just cling to me for warmth. I don’t mind that at all, trouble.”
“I’m an option, too!” Skel shot him a grin. “Don’t forget that.” He waded past me, flicking some water my way before winking.
My heart pounded as the water rose higher as we walked further in. Memories of sinking under, my lungs burning, losing consciousness?—
I let out a sharp breath and shook those memories from my mind.
“Okay,” I said, more to myself than anyone else. “What do I do?”
Dex moved through the water until he stood behind me. “Alright, trouble, first step—get used to floating.” His hands rested on my hips as Reed and Hunter let go of my hands. “Lean back, let me support you.”
I hesitated, ready to flail.
“I got you,” he promised, his breath hitting the back of my neck.
Swallowing my anxiety, I let him guide me. His hands were warm even in the chilled water, and I leaned into the sensation of the water lifting me.
“Dex…” My muscles tensed.
“Relax,” he murmured. “Breathe, baby. Feel how the water holds you.”
It took a few moments, but the tightness in my muscles unwound. The water no longer felt like it would drag me under. Instead, it swaddled me.
“That’s it,” Reed praised softly.
“Now, try to float on your own,” Dex instructed, withdrawing his hands.
The moment his support was gone, I couldn’t help but stiffen, and I started to sink.
Before I could protest, strong arms caught me. “Hey.” Skel’s voice was close, soothing, despite the teasing lilt. “You’ve got this. Try again. This time, I’ll help.”
Dex moved back as Skel’s arms steadied me under my arms. I leaned back again, focusing on letting myself relax, and I actually floated.
“That’s it.” Skel slowly let go, but I didn’t panic.
