Page 51 of Welcome to Seaman’s Cove: Part Two

“Yes,” they say in unison. No pretense or explanation. Just a simple statement of fact, like the anemone stings or the Corathas current is always warm.

“Just yesterday, I tried convincing our mother to let me marry Farra instead,” Nero says, his countenance heavy and weighed down. He shakes his head. “She’s completely irrational about my mating. She doesn’t think anyone is capable of running Tythas by my side. I’m starting to believe she thinks she’s the only one who can rule this city. She sees threats everywhere, even when there are none. The way her power radiated from her when I tried to speak to her of my desire to marry Farra… it felt off. Unstable. I couldn’t continue to argue with her and put Farra at risk.”

I grip the bars between us, remembering the volatile way my mother behaved during our last interaction.

“What are we going to do?” I’m not sure they have an answer to that, but I’m hopeful we’re all on the same side now. Nerocaitan’s jaw sets into a determined line.

“You know mother has not been the same since Father passed,” he admits. “I’ve always assumed her change in behavior and personality was due to her needing to present a strong front. A necessary shift so she remained unchallenged. But now…” He rubs a hand down his face in frustration. Farrasea pushes into his side in support. “Now, it seems as if she’s not making decisions that truly serve Tythas or its citizens.”

“Something has to change, Nerocaitan. You know forcing me to marry Farrasea is a mistake.” My voice is low but sure.

Nero nods in agreement. “Yes. It is time for change.”

34

Istretch lazily, a smile coming to my face before I even open my eyes. My omega is back, and I have bonds with every member of my pack—including my Sebby Webby. I play with each connection, caressing them softly as I feel out my mates, sending my love to each of them in turn.

The happy feeling dissipates when I get to Caspian. Our merman is on his own down there, and we have no way to reach him. The thought sours my stomach.

Lunara or Triton or whoever’s fucking out there, please bring him back to us.

At least Madi’s safe now.

With eyes still closed, I pull the closest warm body toward me, drawing the rejuvenating scent of lemons into my lungs. My beta’s nearness comforts my aching heart. He’s mine now. At last. After all this time, he’s mine. His emotions are muted by sleep, but the fresh connection is a balm. It’s not all I need right now, though. I crave my omega, too, needing the reassurance that she’s safe.

I roll over and reach out, smacking into a hard chest.

“Ow,” Hunter groans.

I open my eyes. “Sorry, Hunt.” Sitting up, I look around for our omega. She’s not in the bed. “Madi?”

There’s no answer. She’s probably just in the bathroom, but Hunter and I both share a nervous look, any grogginess we felt replaced by a spike of adrenaline that rushes through the bond.

“Madi!” Hunter yells, swinging his legs over the side of the bed.

Sebastian jerks awake, sitting straight up. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Probably.” Hopefully.

Hunter grabs a pair of grey sweatpants off the floor. I think they’re Seb’s, but he doesn’t seem to care as he pulls them on. They’re too tight for him, and I’d normally comment on it while enjoying the delightful view of his ass, but I’m too anxious about our omega.

“Where’s Madi?” Sebastian asks.

“We don’t know.” Hunter is already heading toward the bathroom. He throws open the door as he calls her name again. He’s back out a second later. “She’s not there.”

“She probably just went up to the galley.” Sebastian pulls on his boxers, but no pants since Hunter’s wearing his. “I bet she’s hungry after being stuck out there.”

Yeah, okay, that’s true.

“If I were her, I’d be desperate for coffee.” I chuckle, but it sounds strained.

Hunter nods once, worrylines forming around his eyes. A second later, he’s heading toward the door. Sebastian follows him in nothing but his skivvies, not seeming to care about the crew. I scramble to throw on clothes, then race to catch up with them.

After chasing them around a corner, I skid to a halt, having to brace my hands on Hunter’s back so I don’t knock him over. Madi is standing casually, a tumbler of what’s likely coffee in her hand, chatting with one of the crewmembers. Evan, if I remember correctly.

“Oh good, you’re all up,” Madi says. “I was just going to come down and get you. Evan says the suits are ready.”

Ignoring the beta crewmember, Hunter stalks up to Madi and pulls her into his arms, burying his nose in the crook of her neck to inhale her scent. She melts against him, her unoccupied hand running soothingly over his hair.