Water (Mermen #1)

Tanis sat at the end of his dock, carefully whittling out the swan’s neck. Small bits of wood fell into his lap. Absently brushing his thumb across the swan’s roughly-hewn beak, he glanced up and peered across the water, the setting sun making the waves shimmer. With a yawn, Tanis stretched out his legs and dipped his bare feet into the cool water, leaning back on his hands. This was his favourite part of the day: being able to sit quietly on the dock, listening to the birds and watching the sun set. His cottage was the only one for miles—everyone else lived in town, where Tanis travelled for his carpentry. He’d lived there, once, but had grown weary of the bustle—even the small town was too busy for him.

The mournful cry of a loon drew Tanis’ attention, his eyes tracking the spotted bird as it slid across the quiet lake. It was getting too dark to see his little swan, so he set it aside and brushed the wood shavings from his lap. Still, he was reluctant to return to his cottage just yet; although late in the summer, it was still quite warm and the breeze off the lake helped cool him down.

A loud splash startled Tanis out of his reverie, and he looked down just in time to see a flash of silver before it disappeared back into the dark water. Awful big fish.

Wiggling his toes, Tanis pulled his feet from the water, eyes fixed on the place he’d seen the fish. A fish that big could easily swallow his leg—if not his whole body. Shivering, he stood up, making a note to ask in town about a species that size living in the lake. Couldn’t be safe to have the children swimming in there, if that fish turned out to be dangerous.

With a last look at the lake, Tanis scooped up his half-formed swan and finally limped back to his cottage for a simple dinner of beef stew and fresh bread. As he drifted off to sleep, he thought he heard the sound of singing.

***

The tavern was quiet this time of day, most of the locals manning the shops or out fishing. Tanis was taking a break for lunch, before returning to re-thatching the apothecary’s roof. He sat at the bar, happily devouring a large bowl of shepherd’s pie while playfully flirting with the owner, a nice older man who had been running the place for as long as Tanis could remember.

As Tanis finished the last bite of his meal and reached for the large tankard of ale, he paused. “Hey, Dan, have you seen any large fish in the lake?”

Eyebrow raised, Dan leaned against the bar, polishing a glass. “Sure. There’s a lot of ’em.”

Tanis shook his head, bringing the tankard up to his lips. He frowned. “No, it’s… I saw silver scales. Looked like a fish about as big as me.”

“Haven’t heard of that,” Dan remarked, confused. “Sure you weren’t seeing things?”

“No, no, I definitely saw…something. It was jumping in the bay.” He licked his lips, taking another long gulp of his ale. It was bitter on his tongue.

After a moment, Dan set the glass down, looking away. “There’s…something. But it’s an old folktale.”

“What is it?” Tanis demanded, leaning forward.

Dan glanced up at him, chewing his lip. Finally, he nodded. He rested his arms on the bar, voice growing soft. “Folk say there’s mer in these waters. Been here for centuries. Only ones who see ’em disappear.”

“Mer?” Tanis repeated doubtfully. He, like every person raised in the village, had heard tales of the mer growing up, but he’d certainly never put much weight in the stories.

“Said to be the most beautiful creatures, seducing men with their song. Covered in scales like fish.” Dan shrugged lightly. “Like I said, folktales.”

Tanis peered down at his ale thoughtfully. But, no—couldn’t be mer. The mer, like bogies and goblins and fae, were just tales to frighten young children.

Sighing softly, Tanis finished his drink, dug coins out of his pocket, and offered Dan a bright smile. “Nice talking.”

Dan pocketed the coins and touched his forehead in farewell. Sliding from his stool, Tanis walked out into the bright, warm day, mind filled with images of the hauntingly seductive monsters of the waters.

***

Tanis’ body moved down the path from his house, bare feet brushing against the rough wood of the dock as he slowly shuffled his way toward the water, eyes unseeing. The sound of singing echoed around the bay, filling Tanis’ ears and pulling him, dragging him. His limp impeded his unconscious progress and he nearly fell a few times, toes catching in the cracks.

The singing grew louder, silvery eyes watching his progress and sharp teeth bared in a grin. Closer and closer and closer…

There was a loud splash, and then Tanis was struggling his way to the surface, gasping and coughing. He looked around wildly, panic filling him as he realised he was in the lake. Leg throbbing, he splashed his way to the dock, letting out a surprised yell when a hand wrapped around his ankle and dragged him down. Once more, Tanis was submerged, stinging eye staring out in the murky depths, able only to make out a pale shape as it pulled him deeper.

Tanis’ lungs burned and he kicked out, desperately trying to reach the rapidly disappearing surface. The lack of air forced one last burst of adrenaline through Tanis, and he shot his leg through the water again as he dragged the other one up, managing a solid kick. The grip on his ankle abruptly loosened and Tanis forced himself up, strong arms slicing through the water. His head broke the surface and he gulped in air, reaching up and managing to catch hold of the dock. Gasping, he dragged himself up, getting his feet under him and dashing down the dock. He stumbled, leg giving out under him, and his knees hit the rough planks. Teeth grit against the pain, he got back up and tore off again. He ignored the sound of splashing water behind him and burst into his house. The door slammed behind him and trembling hands threw the locks, bolting the door against intruders. Against…that.

Heart still pounding and ears ringing, Tanis sank to the floor, shivering. He’d…he’d nearly died. He… What the fuck was that?

***

“You seem distracted.”

Tanis glanced up at Mary, squinting against the sun behind her. “Huh?”

Mary leaned against the wall of the shop, arms crossed. Her father had been the apothecary before her, but when he’d left town to see the world, she had taken over. He’d known her since childhood.

“Distracted,” she repeated, eyes narrowed in concern. “Also got bags under your eyes. You feeling okay?”

Tanis looked away, playing with the line of nails next to his knee. He hadn’t slept, waiting for something to attack him in his house. Thoughts of those teeth, claws, eyes…

“I’m fine,” Tanis rasped, shaking his head. “Had a hard time sleeping last night, that’s all.” He looked up with a bright smile. “I’ll be done with the railing soon.”

Mary watched him for awhile more, before finally sighing and nodding. “Don’t work yourself too hard.” She headed back into the shop, leaving Tanis in peace.

But Tanis couldn’t get that monster out of his mind. It definitely wasn’t a fish.

Shuddering, Tanis returned to his work.

At the end of the day, Tanis forced a bright smile for Mary and left before she could ask him anymore questions. He kept his head down as he left the town, avoiding the curious eyes of the inhabitants and only giving the occasional wave. As he grew closer to his house, his steps slowed, eye drifting to the water. He didn’t see anything, but he knew something was there.

Feeling ill and cold, Tanis finally quickened his steps and practically ran back to the house.

***

Tanis’ eyes flew open, a sharp gasp leaving his mouth as he noticed the water licking at his calves. Confused and frightened, he stumbled backward, tripping and scrambling back in the sand. Ever since that fishing accident as a teenager, the accident that had taken his father’s life and Tanis’ eye, Tanis had never felt truly comfortable around the water. To wake up and find himself standing in it…

Why was he here?

Alarmed, Tanis stared at the calm bay, breathing quickly as he searched for some sign, some reason he was out here. He wasn’t prone to sleepwalking, but this was the second time he’d woken up outside.

A sudden splash drew his attention and he nearly screamed as a pale, clawed hand shot out and grasped his ankle. Tanis tried to pull away, but the grip was too strong and dragged him into the water. It was shallow, but Tanis was submerged and pinned down, another hand grabbing his throat. He struggled, kicks catching soft flesh, but not dislodging his attacker. Tanis’ lungs burned as he struggled not to open his mouth and suck in the air that was not there. He wildly shot out a hand. It hit something hard and the grip abruptly slipped. Eyes burning, Tanis punched again and forced himself up and away, stumbling as he blindly ran for the beach. He made it nearly to the trees, before collapsing and rolling over, sucking in great gulps of air as he desperately searched the water.

And then he saw it.

Tanis’ heart skipped as he watched the figure crawl out of the water, strong forearms dragging the rest of its slender body—which ended in a tail. Tanis thought he would be ill.

A merman. It was a fucking merman.

“Stay away from me!” Tanis screamed, panic making his voice break.

The mer looked at him for a moment, head cocked to the side…and then a wicked grin broke over his face. He opened his mouth and began to sing.

Like before, Tanis’ limbs moved on their own, pulling him toward the water. He struggled, but the music spun around and through him, dragging him, luring him…

Cold fingers pulled him down, wove through his hair and slid up his stomach. Tanis whimpered, unable to fight as that beautiful face revealed sharp, sharp teeth, descending to his throat…

The mer stopped, the music fading. He stared at Tanis in surprise as his hands slid away. Heart pounding, Tanis slid backward, shivering and petrified. But the mer didn’t follow, and he turned and ran.

***

Tanis sat at his table, picking half-heartedly at a hunk of bread. His bowl of stew sat cooling and only half-eaten. He had no work that day, but he hadn’t yet been able to bring himself to go outside. He had repairs to do, but he just…couldn’t leave the house. So there he was, cowering inside as the sun fell lower in the sky.

Rubbing his eyes, Tanis finally sighed and stood up, dumping the rest of the stew back into the large pot on the stove. With a sigh, he returned to the table, picking up his whittling on the way. The swan was nearly finished, and a hunk of wood sat waiting for his attention.

Tanis tried to focus on the craft, but his mind kept wandering out of the house and down to the lake. How had he gone this many years without seeing anything? Why was the mer just showing up now?

Groaning, Tanis dropped the swan and buried his face in his hands. He couldn’t live like this.

The door flew open, banging against the wall. Alarmed, Tanis jumped and sent the chair clattering to the floor. He stood pressed against the table, wide eye fixed on the man across the room—no, not a man; a monster.

Gritting his teeth, Tanis hissed, “What do you want?” His hands wrapped around the edge of the tabletop, steadying himself.

The creature tilted his head to the side, eyes narrowed as he watched Tanis. “I’d thought that obvious by now.” His voice was low and husky, as though he didn’t use it often.

Tanis bared his teeth, shoulders hunched. “You’re one of the mer, aren’t you? Living in the water, part fish…and eating human flesh.”

The mer raised his strong shoulders in a fluid shrug, starting forward, movements as graceful as swimming. “That’s right,” he murmured, eyes following as Tanis edged sideways. The mer’s steps did not change pace. “And after watching you for so long, I’ve developed a desire for your flesh.” He shivered, licking his lips. “I was going to devour you, but…”

Tanis shuddered, eye falling to those razor sharp teeth. He swallowed hard, searching the room for some sort of weapon. He spotted the poker next to the fireplace on the other side of the room.

Eye fixed on the mer, Tanis slid along the wall, breaths quick and shallow. The mer’s eyes followed him, lips twisted into a smirk. He made no move to follow, nor did he seem to care where Tanis was headed. Hands clenched, Tanis sprang for the fireplace, grabbed the poker, and ran at the mer. The swing was stopped by a strong hand, and Tanis yelped as he was thrown against the wall, the poker clattering against the wooden floor.

Growling, Tanis pushed away from the wall, only to be shoved against it once more. Cold hands wrapped around his wrists and pinned them to the wall, surprisingly strong for their slenderness. Tanis struggled against the hold, trying to twist away, but the mer had him trapped. Tanis stiffened and gasped as the mer suddenly pressed his face against Tanis’ throat, breathing deeply and groaning.

“You smell so good,” the mer murmured, tongue sliding across Tanis’ pulse. A leg slid between his and, to Tanis’ shock, pressed up and rubbed against his groin. The mer nuzzled Tanis’ neck, and suddenly, he bit down. Tanis cried out, jerking against him, but the mer held him fast, teeth sinking deeper. Already reeling from the pain, Tanis’ stomach turned when he heard—felt—the mer sucking, pleased little sounds muffled against Tanis’ throat.

Tanis squeezed his eye shut, gritting his teeth. He was not going to let this monster eat him. “Get away from me,” he snarled, trying to ignore the insistent press against his groin.

The mer pulled back, licking blood from his lips and pressing against Tanis. Even through his clothes, Tanis was only too aware that the mer was naked. “I’m not going to kill you,” the mer murmured, rolling his hips and nipping at Tanis’ jaw.

“Then what the hell are you—”

Too fast for Tanis to process, the mer released one wrist and tore Tanis’ threadbare shirt away from his body, tossing the fabric aside. He grabbed Tanis’ wrist again, sliding their bare chests together. The mer’s scales were even cooler against Tanis’ hot skin.

“I wanted to eat you,” the mer whispered, brushing his lips across Tanis’ cheek, jaw, throat. “But that would be such a waste…” His mouth closed over Tanis’ shoulders, teeth sinking in. Tanis gasped and struggled, eye watering. The mer used the distraction to reach down and ripped the tie of Tanis’ breeches, claws scratching against Tanis’ stomach as he tore the seams. Now completely ruined, Tanis’ trousers pooled around his ankles, leaving Tanis completely vulnerable to the mer’s ministrations—and with one hand free.

Growling, Tanis grabbed the mer by the neck, squeezing as he shoved back. Caught by surprise, the mer stumbled and released Tanis’ other hand, trying to push him away. Teeth bared in a humourless grin, Tanis twisted a leg around the mer’s and yanked, sending them both pitching to the floor.

The mer snarled and kneed Tanis in the stomach, his sharp claws dragging down Tanis’ arms. Tanis hissed in pain, tightening his hold on the mer’s throat. He twisted his hand in the mer’s blue-green hair, dragging his head back and straddling the mer’s legs. The mer wrapped his cool hands around Tanis’ wrists, glaring up at him.

“If you don’t want to eat me, then stop bloody well biting, mer,” Tanis snapped, his neck and shoulder aching.

The mer abruptly relaxed, watching Tanis with hooded eyes. His lips twisted into a small smirk. “Sereysh’n.”

Tanis faltered. “What?”

Smirk widening, his hands slid up Tanis’ arms, squeezing his shoulders. “My name is Sereysh’n, not ‘mer’.”

Leaning in closer, Tanis hissed, “I do not care about your name. I want you out of my house.”

Sereysh’n licked his lips, thumb stroking Tanis’ cheekbone. “No.” Tanis jumped as a smooth, scaly leg slid up the inside of his thigh. He jolted as it rubbed against his groin, sending a violent shiver through his body.

“What the hell are you doing?”

That leg didn’t stop rubbing, making Tanis tremble, his grip on Sereysh’n’s throat weakening. “I thought that was obvious.”

A hand wrapped around the back of Tanis’ neck, dragging him down for a rough kiss. Tanis let out a surprised sound, gasping when sharp teeth nipped at his lip. The coppery taste of blood stung his tongue, but Sereysh’n’s hold kept him from pulling back. Sereysh’n groaned, dragging his nails down Tanis’ spine. Tanis jerked against him, giving Sereysh’n the opportunity to drag him down, grinding their hips together. Tanis couldn’t stop the moan, allowing Sereysh’n’s tongue to slide into his mouth.

Sereysh’n abruptly pulled back, eyes dark. “Get up.”

Blood pounding, Tanis pulled back and got unsteadily to his feet, confused. Sereysh’n followed, every movement as smooth as water, despite his obviously flustered state and growing erection. He stalked toward Tanis, cornering him against the table. Tanis grabbed his hand before it could touch him, panting. His body burned.

“What did you do to me?” he demanded, gasping.

Sereysh’n pressed closer, grinning. “Kissing a mer affects humans in a rather…interesting way.” His fingers slid along one side of Tanis’ neck, as he nuzzled the other with a pleased sigh. “The same effect your blood has on me.”

One hand slid down Tanis’ stomach, curling around Tanis’ cock and stroking. Tanis shuddered against Sereysh’n and moaned, treacherous arms wrapping around Sereysh’n and dragging him close. Tanis’ hands brushed the scales along his spine, his shoulders, before returning to that silky hair, twisting and tugging.

Growling, Sereysh’n dragged him forward, spun him around, and bent him over the table. Tanis caught himself before his head hit the rough wood, biting his lip as Sereysh’n kicked his legs wider. One hand slid down to spread him as the other buried itself in his hair, shoving Tanis’ head against the table. Suddenly, something cool and slippery was pressing into him, making Tanis cry out and squeeze his eye shut. He groaned, harshly sucking in air as Sereysh’n rolled his hips, burying himself deeper. Tanis shuddered violently, nails scraping against the table and legs spreading further to try and ease the unfamiliar pain. The table was the only thing keeping him standing.

Above him, Sereysh’n groaned, his claws digging into Tanis’ scalp. He pressed his mouth to the back of Tanis’ neck, nipping and sucking on the skin, as he roughly pulled out of Tanis and thrust back in. Tanis cried out again, teeth grit and legs straining.

Sereysh’n wrapped an arm tightly around Tanis’ waist and dragged him roughly against him, grinding hard. Toes curling, Tanis gave in and bucked back against Sereysh’n, teeth digging into his lip hard enough to draw blood. Sereysh’n faltered with a soft moan, roughly pulling Tanis back from the table and dragging him back down to the floor. Tanis stared up at him, dazed and panting. Grey skin flushed, Sereysh’n knelt between Tanis’ bent legs and lifted his hips, thrusting back in. Tanis arched off the floor with a shocked yell, eye widening when Sereysh’n changed the angle.

Grinning widely, Sereysh’n leaned in for another kiss, catching Tanis’ bleeding lip between his teeth and sucking, fangs digging into the skin to deepen the cut. Tanis wrapped his legs tightly around Sereysh’n’s waist, forcing him in deeper as he rolled his hips. Sereysh’n hissed against his lips, shivering appreciatively. His claws dug into Tanis’ hips, dragging them up to meet every thrust. Head tilted back, Tanis wrapped his arms around Sereysh’n, nails clawing at his grey skin in a bid to ground himself. His harsh pants and cries echoed around the room, mingling with Sereysh’n’s.

Head swimming, Tanis planted his feet on the floor with a rough sound and shoved Sereysh’n back. Sereysh’n hit the floor, his surprised look melting into one of pleasure when Tanis straddled his hips and began roughly riding him. Sereysh’n’s eyes slid shut, parted lips showing his bloodstained teeth. Increasing his pace, Tanis leaned down, buried his face against Sereysh’n’s neck, and bit down. Sereysh’n panted and squirmed beneath him as his teeth pressed harder, the tang of blood finally touching Tanis’ tongue. Grinning, Tanis lapped at it as he thrust Sereysh’n in and out, body shuddering and groin tightening.

Sereysh’n abruptly bucked up and moaned as he came, the feeling making Tanis shiver. He managed a few more shallow thrusts before he stiffened, biting his lip to stifle the sound as he followed.

Panting, Tanis slumped over Sereysh’n, planting his hands on Sereysh’n’s shoulders and hanging his head. As the adrenaline slowly drained, he noticed the pleasant ache of his body (an ache that would likely result in stiff limbs and immobility the next day). Sereysh’n lay beneath him, eyes shut and lips parted to allow quick, shallow breaths. Staring down at him, Tanis finally started to realise what had just happened.

Pulse picking up again, Tanis carefully got to his knees, grimacing as Sereysh’n’s softening cock slid out of him. Suddenly, Sereysh’n’s eyes flew open and a hand flew out, catching Tanis by the throat. Tanis gasped, eye widening in shock. And then he was off his feet, hitting the bed hard enough to make him yelp in pain. Before he could recover, sit up, Sereysh’n was on him, rough hands shoving his head back and exposing his throat. Tanis screamed as teeth sank into the already abused flesh, rough and tearing. Head reeling, Tanis thrashed, hoarse screams tearing at his throat, but Sereysh’n was too strong. A cold hand grabbed his wrist and stretched out his arm, a rough tongue lapping at his torn skin.

Sereysh’n pulled back, mouth stained red, and then those razor sharp teeth were sinking into Tanis’ shoulder. He screamed again, but that quickly turned into a strangled moan, even as the wet sound of ripping reached his ears. The hand that wasn’t holding his wrist slid between his legs, roughly cupping his growing erection. Tanis bit his torn lip, weakly bucking, a sudden spike of pleasure making him arch off the bed. His vision swam, mouth gaping to suck in gulps of air, the grinding of Sereysh’n’s hand making him see spots. From the corner of his eye, Tanis dazedly watched Sereysh’n lift a pale, limp object and bring it to his mouth, teeth ripping off a strip of…

Through the confusion, through the mind-numbing pleasure, Tanis realised that Sereysh’n had torn off his arm.

Vision rippling and stomach twisting, Tanis sank into unconsciousness.

***

Tanis shifted and groaned, eye slowly opening. He stared at the wall uncomprehendingly for a moment, before noticing something warm next to him. Eye sliding down, it landed on Sereysh’n, deep asleep and cuddled against his side. Confusion made him frown, before dawning horror made him gasp. Alarmed, he shoved Sereysh’n away and sat up, hand flying to his torn arm socket—only to find his arm intact and attached. Tanis gaped at it, baffled.

An annoyed groan drew his attention back to Sereysh’n, who was rubbing his eyes and glaring at Tanis. “It’s too early to be awake.”

“What the hell did you do to me last night?” Tanis demanded, still clutching his undamaged shoulder. “I saw you…I saw…”

Sereysh’n grew still, face blank. His eyes flicked down between them, dragging Tanis’ with them. There on the bed were broken pieces of bone, splintered and gnawed clean. Tanis’ body went cold. Stomach heaving, he barely managed to scramble out of bed and outside, before falling to his knees and vomiting. His fingers dug into the soft earth, body trembling violently. What the fuck, what the fuck.

“I made you a new one.”

Tanis twisted around, eye wide and face contorted. “You ate my fucking arm!”

Sereysh’n shrugged, frowning. “I made sure it didn’t hurt.”

Growling, Tanis pushed himself to his feet and stormed back into the house on shaky legs, grabbing a half-empty bottle of plum wine from the kitchen and pulling out the cork. After a couple of swigs, he put the bottle away and turned around, mouth thin.

“You ate my arm,” he repeated, voice tight and quiet. “You’re a monster.”

Sereysh’n scowled, grey eyes flashing. “You seemed to like me well enough last night.” Tanis backed up as Sereysh’n walked toward him, fluidly graceful. Cool fingers skated up his throat. “I didn’t hear any objections to me fucking you.” His hand slid down to Tanis’ new arm, head tilting. “I even gave you a new arm. I didn’t have to do that.”

“You didn’t have to eat it in the first place!” Tanis retorted, Sereysh’n’s proximity proving distracting. Despite everything, he was still mer and still hauntingly beautiful.

“Shh.” Sereysh’n slid his hands over Tanis’ shoulders, pressing close. “You enjoyed yourself.” His cool lips traced Tanis’ cheek, nipping at the bone underneath. “I know you’re overwhelmed, but I’ll take care of you.”

Taking a shuddering breath, Tanis shoved him back, feeling uncomfortably warm. “I want you out of here.”

Eyes narrowed, Sereysh’n tilted his head and peered at him. A small, sharp smile curled his lips, nails digging into Tanis’ shoulders. “Do you really, Tanis?”

“Yes,” Tanis insisted, although his voice was losing its strength as he stared into Sereysh’n’s pale eyes. Despite everything, all he wanted to do was feel those lips, stroke those silver scales, pull Sereysh’n close and…

Tanis twisted away with a rough sound, teeth bared. “You seduced me.”

“I did,” Sereysh’n agreed, tracing the knobs of Tanis’ spine with one claw.

Tanis shivered, breath hitching. “You’re going to kill me.”

“I’m not,” Sereysh’n replied, nuzzling his neck and licking his pulse. “Else I would have eaten you last night. Cut open your belly, ripped out your guts, sucked the marrow from your spine…” Tanis moaned against him, nails scratching down Tanis’ chest. “But I didn’t. I just took an arm and grew it back.”

Shuddering, Tanis swallowed hard, trying to look away…

Groaning, he shoved his fingers into Sereysh’n’s hair, yanking his head back and roughly kissing him. Teeth clacked and tore skin, the little shoots of pain going straight to his groin. Tanis’ nails skated along hard scales, scratching softer flesh. Sereysh’n laughed breathlessly against his lips, hooking a strong leg around Tanis’ waist and grinding against him.

“Think you can hold me up?” Sereysh’n breathed, wrapping his arms tightly around Tanis’ shoulders.

Wordlessly, Tanis nodded, blindly reaching behind him for a bottle of cooking oil on the counter. Shaking hands pulled it open, the oil spilling over his fingers. Shoving the bottle back onto the counter, Tanis reached behind Sereysh’n and roughly pushed his fingers in. Sereysh’n jerked against him with a rough moan, nails digging into Tanis’ back. Tanis thrust his fingers in and out, his other hand squeezing their cocks together and stroking, coating them in oil. Sereysh’n laughed brightly, slinging his other leg up and hooking his ankles together. Taking the obvious invitation, Tanis pulled out his fingers and shoved Sereysh’n against the wall. After aligning himself, he thrust all the way in.

Sereysh’n’s lean body arched, a quick string of foreign words spilling from his open mouth in a long moan. He ground against Tanis, nails cutting his skin. Teeth grit, Tanis pulled out and thrust in again, not holding back. He knew Sereysh’n could take it; besides, he wanted payback for the arm.

Clinging to Tanis, Sereysh’n writhed against him, panting harshly against his neck. Body burning, Tanis wrapped an hand around Sereysh’n’s erection, idly noticing the tiny scales covering it, giving it the texture of snake skin. Sereysh’n’s thighs squeezed Tanis’ waist, teeth latching on to his collarbone. The pain quickly morphed into aching pleasure, the sensation only increasing as Sereysh’n’s tongue lapped at the wound.

Neither lasted long, Tanis still exhausted from the previous night and doing his best to make Sereysh’n come. When he did, it was with a sharp cry, his body tightening and squeezing Tanis’ cock. With a staccato moan, Tanis thrust in once more and came hard. As the strength left his limbs, he sank to the floor, Sereysh’n slumped in his lap.

Breathing heavily, Tanis buried his face in Sereysh’n’s damp hair, stroking his scaly back. Sereysh’n seemed to appreciate this, for he wrapped himself tighter around Tanis and caught his lips in a surprisingly soft kiss. Pulling away, Sereysh’n snuggled against him, body warmed from the contact.

“You realise that I will eat your arm again, yes?” Sereysh’n murmured, fingers dancing along Tanis’ shoulder. “Not just your arm; you legs, your fingers, your toes… But they will always grow back. And it will always feel so good.”

Tanis shivered, hands still roving over Sereysh’n’s back. He didn’t reply.

***

Tanis sat at the end of the dock, watching Sereysh’n swim in the light of the setting sun. His scales flashed and bright laughter echoed across the bay as he chased fish, blue-green hair streaming behind him like seaweed. Tanis yelped when Sereysh’n suddenly popped out of the water with a splash, grabbing his feet. He flashed sharp teeth in a grin, resting his chin on Tanis’ knee.

“You should come in,” he remarked, tapping his cool fingers along Tanis’ thigh.

“I don’t like swimming,” Tanis said, making a face. “I’m fine here.”

Eyes narrowed, Sereysh’n pouted and pushed away from the dock, slipping back into the water. Tanis rolled his eyes, leaning back on his hands; such a brat.

It was a strange relationship, theirs; a man-eating mermaid and a reclusive carpenter that had never before been in love. And Tanis had to admit, this was love, as strange as it seemed—a month since Sereysh’n had first invaded Tanis’ home, and now Tanis couldn’t imagine living without him. It was like he was addicted.

Tanis’ lips quirked slightly; maybe he was addicted.

Sighing, Tanis tilted his head up to look at the setting sun—and yelped when something sharp closed around his toes. Wrenching his foot out of the water, he glared at Sereysh’n.

“You just ate.” But there was no heat in his words.

Sereysh’n smirked, grasping Tanis’ ankle and licking the arch. Tanis shivered, biting his lip and peering at Sereysh’n through his hooded eye. Before Sereysh’n could bite too deeply, Tanis grabbed him under the arms and hauled him out of the water. Sereysh’n’s tail slapped against his legs and Tanis lay back with a laugh, dragging Sereysh’n on top of him. Tanis stroked the green-black scales of Sereysh’n’s spine, catching his mouth in a kiss. Pulling back, Sereysh’n grinned brightly and nuzzled his cheek. He tucked his head under Tanis’ chin, sighing softly.

“Comfy?” Tanis asked, playing with the ends of Sereysh’n’s wet hair.

“Mm. You’re warm.” With a cheeky grin, he added, “Your toes are delicious.”

Rolling his eyes, Tanis delivered a soft smack to Sereysh’n’s shoulder. “I’d better be more than a meal to you.”

“Of course you are,” Sereysh’n soothed, reaching up to stroke Tanis’ cheek. “You’re my mate.”

Tanis felt the flush burning his face and quickly cleared his throat. “I love you, too.”

With a happy sigh, Sereysh’n kissed his cheek, and murmured, “Someday, I will taste your heart.”

Tanis merely smiled and continued stroking Sereysh’n’s back.

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I pad down the stairs to the basement, carefully composed and calm. All afternoon, the atmosphere of the house has been tense, silence broken only by bursts of argument. I’ve