“Fascinating.” I sat up and tucked my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around them. “So the mermaids needed the water to know who they were compatible with?”
“A lot of it is still pheromones, though the people of Hyvenmere have a different chemical and biological makeup than humans. I assume that because part of their biology is so connected to the water, it makes sense for the water to also assist in helping them find their partners.”
“How do sirens discover their mates, then?” I pressed, my curiosity taking me by storm.
Liam shrugged, and Audrey’s expression became thoughtful, “We aren’t quite sure. Sirens are private about those things.”
I hummed, “Which would add to Ilia’s overall anxiety about humans and halflings just trampling into Hyvenmere.”
Audrey quirked her eyebrow and replied in a deadpan tone, “Yeah. That’s what I do. I trample through the Mellhawn Gates.”
I snickered at her, visualizing her doing just that.
Liam gave us a confused look before turning back to his TV show.
“Maybe we’ll find out how sirens find their mates on Sunday,” I added.
“Hopefully, we find out what Ilia is up to first,” Liam retorted. I crossed my eyes at him even though he couldn’t see, which earned me a gentle kick from Audrey from her end of the couch.
I loved the familiarity of the moment. Watching TV on the couch, shooting the shit with my best friend of fifteen years, looking forward to my date with a man who could probably get me off with nothing more than a firm hug.
And then after I soaked in the normalcy of my human dating life, I was going to travel with my best friend to a secret magical realm where we’d snoop through, what I assumed to be, another castle.
This was our life now, and as insane as it was when I let myself dwell on it too long, I was just grateful to have Audrey back.
Chapter 13
Iwanted to bite Drew’s ass, but I resisted.
Only because of our fun little boundaries and stuff.
“You made it.” I pushed off the brick exterior wall I was waiting by, appreciating how his eyes were already admiring the skimpy little black dress I wore for the occasion.
I wanted him to understandexactlywhat he was missing out on by choosing to edge me instead. While I was fine with him waiting to be physical, this felt more like a game of chicken. Who could go the longest without giving in to what we both obviously wanted?
“My, my.” As he approached, he leaned in to press his lips to my cheek. He was only a little taller than me, but still, I couldn’t deny the thrill in my chest from the visual of him standing tall next to me. Making me tilt my gaze upjustenough.
“Wow.” I crossed my arms and took in his outfit. More slacks and a cream button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. “You look so good every time I see you.”
He didn’t respond with a thank you. Instead, he groaned and said, “How dare you look so tempting.” His brown gaze briefly dipped to my cleavage, amplified by my crossed arms.
Got him.
“I’m glad you’re going to suffer a little tonight.” I grinned as I took his hand in mine, “Let’s see how well you move.”
Drew grinned at me and squeezed my hand as I pulled him into the club.
Dancing was my favorite form of exercise. It was a talent my foster mother helped me nourish during the remaining year of high school that Audrey and I shared with her. She helped me get on the dance team and determine which groups and clubs outside of school were worth my time. She helped me study choreography and gave me the support and space I needed when I wanted to practice. The garage of her home transformed into a makeshift dance studio, and I had always been grateful to her for helping me learn to dance with confidence.
This club, however, was a little different.
“You made it!” Trey smiled as I pulled Drew onto the main floor, where everyone was already gathered. The walls were lined with red velvet and gold, giving the space an old-timey feel.
“Yes, and I brought a date.” I gestured toward Drew. “Drew, this is Trey, the head of the company.” Drew held his hand out and gently shook Trey’s hand. When Drew squeezed, Trey winced a little and pulled his hand free.
“Pleasure,” Drew greeted him.
God, he was so formal all the time.
