Evergreen (Mer Tales, Book 2) (26 page)

:::

FIN

Friday morning, April 22
^nd

As Ash and I swam hand-in-hand to her house, I grew angrier by the second. I’d almost lost my girl again over stupid technicalities of the conversion. Did no one know the truth of what happened to the memories pre and post conversion? Sissy and Hans of all people should, considering they’d converted people all the time. I understood the subject was taboo, but after what I’d experienced, Natatorians needed to talk about it. Everyone needed to know the dangers. When I saw my parents again, they were going to get an earful. Hopefully, Galadriel would change Natatorian customs once she took over, for this and for prearranged promisings.

We emerged, hopped onto the dock, and silently walked the short distance as if it were a gangplank to our death. Ash’s newly adhered fingers gripped mine hard as we embarked on the hardest part of our journey. The good-bye. I’d look her father in the eye and tell him I was taking his little girl. I gulped down my nerves. This was completely opposite of my original plan. I’d wanted to ask for Ash’s hand without persuasion. But now… we didn’t have a choice.

“So, Colin’s inside?” I asked to try to distract her.

“Yes.”

“And he remembers everything?”

“He seems to, yes.”

I sucked in a deep breath, annoyed. I wasn’t ready to forgive him for what he’d done. Galadriel wasn’t going to be pleased either.

“Oh… I almost completely forgot.” From within the folds of the dress that barely covered her body, she produced a waterlogged phone. “Crap.”

I chuckled. “You, too?”

She frowned. “Your dad had called earlier and left a message.”

“My dad?”

“Yeah.” She tapped the phone against her palm. Water dripped out of the sides. “He called after you’d left. I—I thought it was you.”

“Oh, right.” I exhaled hard. That was lifetimes ago. “What did he say?”

“I didn’t have a chance to listen to it before—you know.” She shrugged and put the phone back in her pocket. “He must be pretty worried.”

I glanced over at the house—all his work up in smoke. There was a lot more to be worried about than just me. “Yeah. I bet he is.”

“Why didn’t you tell him?”

“He left to go out of town. There wasn’t time to explain.”

“You can call him in the house, if you want.”

“That’s a good idea.” I gripped her hand tighter. We’d fight one battle at a time.

Ash wrung the extra water from her skirt before we entered the house.

“Ashlyn,” Mom said, leaping to her feet. “Where were you—you’re all wet? And—what are you wearing?”

“I’m sorry, Mom,” Ash walked forward, dripping on the carpet.

I sang for everyone to ignore Ash’s attire. Her mom sat back down. Ash ran and grabbed a towel before she joined her mom on the couch. Colin sat on the other side of the sectional, next to Ash’s grandma with a smug smile as if he were family. He wore a Lake Tahoe Fire T-shirt and a pair of tan shorts—probably Ash’s Dad’s.

I glared. “I can take over from here, Cousin.”

“Fin,” Colin said with a sneer, “nice to see you. I thought you’d bring my princess with you. Where’s Galadriel?”

I smirked and shook my head. “Your princess is with Jax, her promised mate. They have your father in custody in the lake. You’re welcome to join them. I’m sure Galadriel would love to see you.”

“What?” Colin’s face fell and I almost laughed at his disappointment. He let out a huff. “Well, that’s just great.”

I wondered if I should tell him, though he’d helped us in the end, Galadriel wasn’t too keen with his part in Alaster’s plan.

Mrs. Lanski’s shoulders stiffened. “In the lake? What are you talking about, Fin? What princess? I don’t understand, Ash. None of this makes sense.” Her volume increased. “You’re not finished with school yet. Or swimming. And why are the two of you all wet?”

Ash began to sniffle And my heart broke for her.

I closed my eyes and sang to the family—that I’d take good care of Ash, and her mission in Africa was needed more than they could ever know. I told them not to worry and that we’d be back soon.

Both of the Lanski women’s faces softened.

“I’m proud of you, dear.” Gran reached over to pat Ash’s hand. “To give up your dreams to help others. You be safe, honey.”

Ash rolled her eyes and puckered her lip as I walked over and sat next to her.

“This is silly,” she whispered. “I don’t like this story.”

“But it’s sort of the truth. You are going on a mission to save Tatchi and the Natatorians.”

“Yeah, but not in Africa.” She looked off to the side and frowned. “People are going to think my parents are whacked. Who runs off and saves tribes when you’re an Olympic hopeful?”

Mrs. Lanski rubbed Ash’s knee. “We’re so proud of you.”

Ash huffed and leaned her head against the back of the couch. “There’s nothing to be proud of, Mom.”

“If there’s something else you’d like me to tell them, I’ll tell them whatever you want,” I said.

Ash closed her eyes. “Just—just tell them not to worry. That I’m with you and I’ll be back soon.”

I did again, just to pacify her, but Ash looked pained the entire time.

“Should we wait for your dad?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” She buried her naked toes into the carpet while her arms stayed firmly tucked across her chest.

The silence grew unbearable.

Colin jumped up and started to pace. “Are we done? I want to see Dad,” he said with a growl.

“You’re free to go.” I pointed to the door.

He leaned against the wall and sighed. “Believe it or not, I do care about this family.”

“Whatever.” I looked at the clock—just past 10 AM. “Ash, do you think it would be okay if I called now? While we’re waiting?”

“Sure. And I need to get one thing from upstairs,” Ash said and popped off the couch.

I gave her a quick smile before heading into the kitchen. Emptiness filled her patronizing grin. I wondered if we were doing the right thing. Was I forcing her to go with me? Should I allow her to convert back and stay here?

I picked up the phone and dialed my old cell number. “Dad?”

“Finley Helton!” Dad barked in my ear. “What is going on? Where are you?”

I closed my eyes and held my breath for a moment. This explanation would take patience—for the both of us.

“In California,” I said. “It’s been quite a journey.”

After I explained Ash and Azor’s switch at birth, Galadriel’s changed demeanor, my uncle’s involvement, Colin’s conversion and return to the mer, and the status of the house, the phone line went silent.

“Dad? You there?”

“I’m here—just processing,” he said, worry oozing from his voice.

“What happened in Scotland?”

“It’s bad, Fin. No one will admit who’s in my secret army, so the King’s putting pressure on everyone. The betas have been locked up, or given bracelets to keep them in Natatoria. And no one is allowed out. There are armed men at every gate. I told Dorian we weren’t ready to go in yet, but with Galadriel’s willingness to overtake her kingdom and the proof that Azor isn’t the King’s son—that changes everything. Is it true no one is guarding Tahoe?”

“Jax was able to get through no problem.”

“Good. I want you to at least make it into Natatoria okay. Does Galadriel realize it’s going to be a bloodbath? Is everyone up for that?”

I thought of Galadriel’s small band of warriors. Everyone was fired up, but Ash. This wasn’t how I should take her into my city. Could I still protect her if an uprising did get too violent? Could we alone overtake the kingdom? I hadn’t considered the culture shock for Ash. Were we rushing things? But I couldn’t let this opportunity go. Now was our chance—for Tatiana, for our people—to make big changes in the way mers did things. To provide freedom.

I took a deep breath. “After what happened here today, I think so. It would be nice for once to be on the offensive, not the defensive like last time.”

“Alright, Son. I’ll trust your judgment,” Dad said. “So, you’re leaving today?”

“Yeah, as soon as I finish persuading an excuse to Ash’s family, we’ll leave.”
“Hmmm…” Dad grunted. “Are you sure Ash will be up for this?”

“I can’t leave her here—what if something happens?”

He exhaled hard. “If you say so. We’ll have to meet in the middle, though. Badger’s locked up, so—”

“What?”

“He’s a beta-mer, remember? We’ll get them all out. And we’ve got a surprise as well. Sissy and Hans are bringing in the Lost Ones.”

“Lost Ones?”

“The mers Sissy and Hans have rescued from Bone Island—the condemned.”

My voice stalled in my throat. How many mers had they rescued? And where were they all this time?

“And there’s another thing too,” Dad said, his voice breaking up. “There’s another way to break the bond, without—los—fin—or—die.”

“What? What is it?”

“Fin?—” the phone crackled and went dead.

“Dad?” I redialed, but only got the voicemail.

I leaned my hand against the counter to catch my breath. There’s another way to break the bond we didn’t know about. Tatiana could be saved earlier than expected.

I couldn’t believe it. I had to tell Ash.

:::

ASH

Friday morning, April 22
^nd

I sprinted upstairs. With everything we were doing to my family’s memories, I needed space. My reflection in the bathroom mirror stopped me. With my stringy hair sticking out from my head in a spastic wild fire and Georgia’s stretched-out black dress poorly covering my body, I resembled a piece of lit dynamite. I grabbed a hairbrush and tamed my mane the best I could with a ponytail holder and brushed my teeth.

In my room, I stripped off the dirty dress. A black band from my underwear circled my waist—remnants from when my mertail formed the first time. I stripped that off too, and kicked the heap under my bed.

I wasn’t sure what to wear. All my suits were one-piece team-suits and I didn’t own anything remotely functional like the fancy glittery tops Galadriel wore. A pink tank-top dress caught my eye. Though it would be ruined by the end of the day from the water, I put it on anyway. Maybe Galadriel could lend me something in Natatoria. The air up my skirt felt a little too free, so I put on a pair of underwear, too.

I rummaged through my jewelry box and slid the ruby ring on my newly reattached finger. Sunlight caught the stone just right, sending a spray of cinnamon light across the ceiling of my room—my human room. I thought I’d cry or be sad, but everything felt surreal. My new reality hit hard—I’d no longer sleep on a bed, take showers, use electronics, or maybe brush my teeth. Life in the water would drastically alter everything. Was leaving the right thing to do?

“What? No suitcase?” Lucy stood in the middle of the hall, hands on her hips.

My insides jumped. “Oh, hi, Lucy.”

“Fin said you’re leaving with him. Why aren’t you bringing anything?”

I shifted my weight between my feet, unsure what to say. “I’m going to get new clothes when I get there.”

“In Africa?”

“Customs is really picky.”

She folded her arms. “What about school?”

“I’m dropping out.”

She sneered. “Seriously? And swimming, I suppose you’re quitting that, too?”

My stomach pinched. I hated that I was giving up my one chance at the Olympics. “I know it doesn’t make sense—”

“Is this a joke? Is someone going to jump out and say I’m punked, ‘cause I don’t believe it.”

“It’s not a joke.” I reached out and tried to touch her shoulder.

Lucy jumped back, revolted, and ran down the stairs. “Don’t touch me. This is too weird—”

The musical Natatorian notes started before I reached the bottom of the stairs. Lucy’s eyes glazed over. She plopped on the couch next to Mom and Gran. An empty dismalness slid over me as my comatose family zoned out like zombies.

Fin watched me anxiously.

My eyes welled with tears. I bit my lip to stop them. “I was trying to say good-bye.”

“I know. They’ll be okay.”

Really? Okay? Anyone who knew us would label my parents irresponsible for letting me quit school and leave with such a vague destination as Africa with some guy they barely knew. I needed my family to react, to protect me, to care, not to be manipulated so I could sneak away and marry at the young age of eighteen.

I gulped down my hesitation. Back when I had a choice about my change, I appreciated that I could decide if and when it would happen. I’d certainly wanted a less dramatic exit, perhaps even with my parents not being hypnotized. Like what Fin’s parents had done—the distancing of myself from human life, so when the time came the switch was easy.

“This isn’t at all how I imagined things to go.”

He walked to me and stood face to face. “I know it’s hard.”

“How could you possibly know?” Leaving didn’t feel like such a good idea anymore. School would ask questions, my coach, and my friends. Lots of questions. What if someone investigated? What if I became a missing person case in the news? But if I stayed, I wouldn’t be with Fin, either. I lose either way.

I looked down and played with my ring, ashamed at my disloyalty.

He took my hand. “Let’s talk outside.”

I let him drag me to the porch. Before I knew it, he’d dropped down to one knee and cupped my hand in his.

“Ash, I swear on my life that I love you with all that I am and will be yours for the rest of our lives and will die to protect you if you’ll have me, but I have to be honest with you. Yes, if it’s in my power to bring you back here to live, I will, but that might not happen. When we go to Natatoria, there will most likely be a vicious war in opposition of our rescue of Tatiana. You’re probably going to have to confront your real parents. We’ll probably fight our way in and out. People we love might die, and if Galadriel isn’t successful in taking over the kingdom, we’ll have to run. We could be taken as prisoners. We could be separated. One of us could lose their life. There’s so much I don’t know, but even with all that uncertainty, I want you with me. But I won’t make you go if you don’t want to.

“I respect the fact that you were forced to drink the essence and by converting back to humanity, you’d forget what Alaster did to you. But what happened, happened, and if you’re ever mer again, you’ll remember.

“But you can’t deny that you aren’t mer by staying human. You swim because you are meant to live in the water. You were born a princess and your people need you. You can run away and hide, but you’ll always be mer. But my biggest fear is if you choose to stay, you’ll want to move on with your human life and I won’t be able to support you because I can’t be a part of it. And though it kills me, you’ll most likely meet someone else. But I won’t force you to come with me. You’ve had too many people do that to you already.

“So, if you find it within your heart that you truly love me and want to spend the rest of your life with me, then let’s go to Natatoria together and rescue Tatchi. If not, then tell me so we can start your conversion. But I need to know and I need to know now.”

My entire body trembled at his confession. With every word he spoke, I knew in my heart that he was right, but I fought it. I was afraid—of what people at home would think and of the unknown, but mostly of losing him.

But written upon his stunning face was a love so beautiful and vulnerable, I couldn’t let him go. Fear couldn’t control my destiny any longer.

“I believe you,” I whispered as I lowered myself to the ground. “And I’m so sorry for not being completely honest with you.” The tears trickled from my eyes. “I was afraid—” Then the truth came to me. “Afraid the promising bond was the only thing holding us together, that if something happened, I’d lose you.” I hugged tightly onto Fin. “And I didn’t want to trap you either.”

His arms squeezed tightly around me. “Never, Ash. I’ll always love you.”

He lifted my chin and kissed me deeply. His tongue, warm and soft, sent an earthquake to the depths of my soul and a profound peace settled in its place. We were meant for each other. He was designed for me. Together there wasn’t any battle we couldn’t face as long as we were together. I never wanted to be apart, and most definitely didn’t want to take the chance of losing him by switching back.

“And I love you.”

“Good,” Galadriel said somberly from the lawn below the porch. “Because if you didn’t, I’d be losing the one sister I actually liked.”

Fin and I stood up together, startled. “Galadriel?” Fin asked. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough.” She let out a small chuckle filled with relief. “So, Ash, if you’re deciding to come with us, this is for you.” Galadriel lifted up a pastel colored garment in her hands. “I had an extra. Sorry it’s wet.”

The beaded blue wisps of tulle from the skirt blew gently in the wind, catching the light and sparkling in the sun, magnificent and regal.

“It’s beautiful,” I said breathless as I leaned over the railing and took the garment. We’d be twins.

“Then let’s get going.” Galadriel laid eyes on Colin who joined us on the porch.

“I’m coming, too,” Colin said. “I need to have words with my father.”

“What? Don’t tell me.” Galadriel put her hands on her hips.

Colin gave her a sassy smirk. “I guess I need to thank some guy named Ferdinand.”

She rolled her eyes. “Come on, Colin. I could always use another lug in my life.”

Colin laughed and joined her by her side. “Is that a good thing?”

She sighed, “I guess.”

He followed behind her as they walked the dock. Galadriel dove in first and I looked away when Colin began to strip off my father’s borrowed clothing.

“Ash,” Dad called out. I spun around. He walked up to the house in his fireman overalls, tired and covered in soot. “The fire is finally out.” He stopped and stared. “Is that you, Fin?”

“Yes, Mr. Lanski.” Fin gave a small smile.

“You’re aliv—okay. I can’t believe it. We looked for you and—” Dad let out a relieved exhale.

“I made it out, Mr. Lanski, but…” He looked to me for permission to tell Dad we were leaving and not coming back. I nodded. “I’m going to be taking Ash away with me for a while and it’s not going to make sense, but I promise to bring her home. Just know I love her and I’ll take good care of her, now and forever. Please, don’t worry about her.”

Dad’s eyes glazed over, his brain becoming mush from the song. Of anyone, he’d be the one I’d hoped wouldn’t need mer mojo, but under the circumstances, if he didn’t freak, I wouldn’t think he loved me.

I looked up into Dad’s blue eyes and squeezed his hand. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you, too, Ash.” He kissed me on the forehead and hugged me. “I’m so thankful nothing happened to you today.”

“Me, too,”
but the day isn’t over yet.

He held me for a long time before letting go. We swayed back and forth, and I closed my eyes, pretending away the truth to a simpler time. He’d always be my daddy, no matter who biologically procreated me.

He finally let go and in sadness, I watched him disappear inside and close the door. A piece of me unraveled. Fin wrapped me in his arms as I cried. I appreciated the fact he allowed me time to grieve my human life before we left. But off in the distance, I heard a splash. The others weren’t being so patient.

Emotionally exhausted, I didn’t want to go through all the good-byes again and change in the house. The boathouse caught my attention.

“I guess I’ll change there?”

Fin smiled and took my hand. “Lead the way.”

He waited outside the door. Something about wadding up my clothes and leaving them in a rumpled heap felt symbolic of what I was doing to my humanity, to my family. I shrugged the guilt off, knowing I’d made the best decision.

I held up the top. Galadriel definitely had more to fill the cups than I did, but the snaps fit around my ribs securely. So did the skirt. I ran my fingers over the fleur-de-lis on my hip. Being a princess was going to take some getting used to. Air wafted up my legs, reminding me I’d taken off my underwear. I knew I’d have fins shortly enough, but it was awkward not having anything underneath. Then knowing Fin would know too, my cheeks heated.

“Ash? Does it fit okay?” Fin called from the other side of the door.

“Yeah,” I said. My voice squeaked. “I’ll be out in a sec.”

“Please hurry. We have a long way to travel.”

I took in a huge breath and opened the door. Fin’s eyes grew as his glance gently caressed the length of my body, leaving a tingling sensation deep within my belly.

“Wow,” he said, finally closing his jaw.

Though I knew we hadn’t time to waste, sexy things came to my mind. But after the initial excitement left his face and the urgency returned, I looked away, slightly disappointed. Apparently our departure couldn’t wait.

I bit my lip. “So?”

“Yeah,” he said and gave his head a quick shake. “Let’s get moving.”

He took my hand and walked to the edge of the dock.

A catcall whistle echoed across the water. Jax, I assumed.

I surveyed the house and the yard one last time. Once we’d disappeared, confusion would linger for my family and friends, but this was the best we could do in the limited time we had. Hopefully, we wouldn’t be gone for long and all the horrific things Fin said might happen, didn’t.