Merfolk were one of our favorite conspiracy theory topics growing up. We know they prefer the deep sea and avoid life on land, but beyond that, their entire species is a mystery to the supernatural world.
Harvey is beaming with excitement, reminiscing about those days. “Remember the theories, Dean—”
“All lies.” Hazel cuts in, unbothered by our fawning over herkind.
“What—no!” Harvey and I object in perfect sync.
There’s no way Papa was wrong about his theories. All of them made sense. Okay…mostof them made sense.
“They’re true. We know you can control water.”
“Nope.”
What?!
“You can only sing your manipulative songs when you’re in water.”
Considering I saw her puppeting the hotel staff when we first met, I already know Hazel is about to stomp on another one of our theories.
“Couldn’t be more wrong.”
Harvey and I turn to each other with matching expressions of disappointment.
I don’t even want to imagine how Papa will react when I tell him we officially know nothing about Merfolk.
Harvey looks oddly hopeful as he gathers the courage to ask Hazel one last question, but not before I duck behind Angel. Safety first.
“So, I’m guessing you don’t turn blue after not touching water for twenty-four hours?”
“Who the fuck came up with that one?”
If looks could kill, Harvey and I would be six feet under.
Before Angel loses his mate and Prince of War at the hands of his Warriorhead, he urges us to take a step back from each other and sit down.
The booth Harvey chose is a semicircle of three love seats. Seiji and Hazel slide into the first one. Angel takes the middle, then pulls me down beside him.
I’m about to point out we’re one seat short when Harvey—oh so politely—asks Grace to take a seat, strategically timing it so he slides in next before Rick can.
My mouth drops open at how effortlessly Harvey brushed off my sister’s so-called boyfriend.
Harvey shoots me a wink as he casually scoots closer toGrace, and Iknowthis dumbass is up to something. I’ve been his partner in crime for way too many years, so I recognize the signs.
If he wants me to play, I’m in. Anything for Harvey.
With no place to sit, Rick stands behind Grace like a guard dog. I’m sure he’s sensing the tension between Harvey and Grace.
I swear to Fates if he tries to ruin the first good thing Harvey’s found, I’ll kill him.
Angel pulls me back until I’m flush against his chest. He kisses the top of my head and wraps his arms around my waist, making it easy to abandon all thoughts of skinning Rick alive.
Lately, Angel needs constant physical contact, or he acts like he’s dying. I can’t even complain. Ilovehaving him around.
It terrifies me how fast and hard I’m falling for this man.
“So, they helped you break out?” Harvey asks.
Seiji answers before I can. “Yes, we did. Found her in the woods, covered in blood and a little delirious. When we saved her, she sobbedsohard and thanked us for our bravery.” As always, the dramatic princess exaggerates.
