Bag? Had she intended to leave?
Jacob quirked his head, imploring. “Why didn’t you return to the compound?”
“I—uh.” Her mouth moved, but she said nothing further.
Rocking on her seat with unfocused eyes, she tightly wrapped her arms around her legs. Everything inside him wanted to pull her into his chest, nuzzle his nose in her hair, and whisper everything would be okay. She’d packed, but didn’t leave? Why? Was this only a stunt to get Azor’s attention? Jacob closed his eyes in remorse. The fool had barely cared she’d left. He didn’t even form a search party.
Jacob knelt before her. “Princess, please. Don’t ever disappear like that again. I must know where you are at all times. There are those who’d want nothing more than to harm you, do you understand?”
At the mention of hostile mers, Tatiana snapped out of her stupor and laughed. “Like the King?”
Jacob inhaled and blinked slowly, remembering the horrible incident.
“Yes…” Though the peaceful nature of the mer had been tested, Jacob didn’t think anyone was desperate enough to ransom Tatiana for freedom of their jailed mate. But the guards—especially the Dradux—would cop a feel or attempt a lick just for bragging rights.
“I know everyone hates me. They think I’m a spoiled brat and undeserving of the Prince’s affection… but to harm me? Who’d be so cruel and hateful?” She glared at his arm, the place where she’d bitten him. A chill ran across his spine, remembering that day. She sucked in a tortured breath. “Your rebels? As revenge for my father abandoning them?”
“No… they care for you, Princess, just like they care for your father.”
“Of course you’d say that.” Tatiana recoiled further onto the couch. Her eyes sparked, accusing. “Where is my mate anyway? Is he even looking for me?”
Jacob’s chest flexed. After Azor found out she was missing, he called off Jacob’s search party. He’d told everyone he didn’t want to give attention to her tantrum, calling her a spoiled merling in front of the guards and servants, that she’d come home and beg for forgiveness eventually.
“No. Azor isn’t looking for you. He thinks you’re throwing a tantrum.”
Tatiana blinked, disbelieving. “What?” Tears suddenly trailed her cheeks.
Jacob cringed, wishing he’d been less direct. Her eyes, puffy and swollen, told him she’d been crying and most likely lay awake all night. He inched closer, offering his palm. She glared into him with frustrated helplessness.
He looked deeply into her eyes. “You don’t have to put up with this, with him.”
“And then what? Leave?” Her lip quivered.
Jacob gestured to the bag. “Looks like you’d already planned to do so.”
“How could I leave, Jacob?” She laughed coarsely. “I can’t even last a night without freaking out.”
“You can do it, Tatiana. I believe in you. You’re strong.”
She pressed her eyelids shut and shook her head. “How do you know that? You don’t even know me.”
Jacob smiled. “Did I tell you I was with your father on the mission? He told me about a girl who was incredibly smart, who wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Of her bravery and desire for truth. One who loved people and was a friend to all.” He leaned in “The only thing he forgot to mention was how beautiful you are.”
Tatiana’s eyes popped open, her cheeks growing pink. “Don’t say that.”
“Why not?”
Tatiana stuttered. “Because it’s not true, and…” She gulped down a sob. “My father would be horribly disappointed in me. He probably hates me.”
Jacob sighed. “No, Princess. He’s planning to come back for you.”
“What?” Her chest heaved.
“He doesn’t want you here, dealing with a tyrant who isn’t even capable of love.”
“Wh—?”
“Don’t deny it.” Jacob gritted his teeth. “I’ve watched how he treats you. Like a possession. He’s using you, Tatiana. You’re a pawn in his game. His mission is to find Jack and punish him by beheading him in the square. He’s increased his guard, arresting beta-mers, and using illegal poisons. And he’s planning his coronation, even though you haven’t given him a…” He looked away, disgusted.
Her breath came out quick. “No.”
“But you can get away. Leave him. Leave this. I can take you to Florida. I know where the safe house is. Then we can tell your dad about everything.”
She gasped and their eyes met. A fire crackled between them—one of loyalty, of understanding, of unity, of purpose. He’d gotten through to her, finally. He rose, and held out his hand, ready to go. Ready to leave.
As she reached for him, his mind raced with his plan. Dorian still had control of the Scotland gate, and since the distance took hours to traverse, even at merlightning speed, and Azor hadn’t paid much attention in securing it, they should be able to escape undetected. The cape would cover both their scents, leaving no trail, and once in Loch Ness, they could backtrack to Florida. They’d be free.
His hand wrapped around her slender fingers, sending a bolt of desire through his body. At her trembling, he knew she’d been fighting her growing feelings for him, too. He’d seen how she’d looked at him, reacted to his touch in the past. The heat between them was undeniable and with Azor’s absence, Jacob could break the promise spell and heal her broken soul until she wanted to kiss him.
She pushed to her feet, hope in her eyes. Jacob stared at her lips, wishing she’d ask him now. He’d kiss her. He’d treasure her forever.
Her tongue darted out, licking her lips, when her mouth curled into a frown. She dropped his hand. “You’re lying to me, Jacob. This can’t be true.”
“What?” Jacob’s face grew pained. “No, Princess. It’s all true. The last thing I want to do is manipulate you. Your safety is my only priority.”
“Right,” she sneered. “Your only priority? You’ve made your position pretty clear. And if my father is coming to attack, he’ll take Azor out. He’ll murder him. How is that any better?”
Jacob gritted his teeth. “Princess, listen to yourself. Must I remind you how Azor treats you? He doesn’t even care enough to come find you.”
“He’s busy,” she said, throwing her shoulders back. “And all you’ve ever wanted was to take me from Azor anyway. My place is here, with him.”
At her refusal, he wanted to tell her the truth, that it wasn’t just his loyalty to her father that fueled him. He’d become attached to her, grown to care for her deeply, and Azor’s mistreatment was driving him mad.
She thrust out her jaw, speaking between her teeth. “He may not be the man I dreamt of being with my entire life, but I won’t let my father hurt him.”
Jacob rubbed the back of his neck, working to keep his cool. How could she still, after everything, defend this
asshole
? “Please, Tatiana—”
A loud exhale at the porthole interrupted Jacob.
“Tatiana,” Azor said, breathless. “There you are.”
And in one small turn of her head, Jacob watched her expression change. Tears trickled down her cheeks as her body wobbled forward, arms limply outstretched.
“I knew you’d come for me,” she whispered.
“There, there,” Azor said, jumping from the porthole, and phasing midair. He scooped up her legs and she fell against his shoulder. “The scare is over. Let’s go home.”
With a splash, they were gone. Jacob fell to his knees, reaching out to the empty air that had just held her. She’d been there, within his grasp, and willing to go. They could have disappeared far away from the danger… and he messed it all up.
“Argh!” he yelled, pounding his fists into the floor. “Damn you, Azor!”
The mind-jacking power of the promise had tricked her once again. He pinched his eyes shut, shaking his head. Why had he expected anything different? Hope she’d fight back? Choose him instead? None of this should have been a surprise. She’d never leave him, even with everything. If only he was guarding someone else—anyone but her. He palmed his hair and breathed out a harsh breath, before he stood and dusted off his hands.
He had to return, like always, and resume the role as protector. And it was going to kill him.
18
: : :
Angelfish
Inside the compound, Coralade and Shanleigh were a flutter of conversation like their sister had returned from the dead while Nicole hugged onto Tatiana’s neck. Jacob shook his head in dismay. Would Tatiana see through those two at least? Did she already forget their vicious gossip?
His eyes met Nicole’s—Tatiana’s only true ally in the compound—and she breathed a sigh of relief, mouthing a, “Thanks”.
Jacob tried to grin in return, but felt sick inside. Yeah, he’d found Tatiana, but he hadn’t saved her from anything. Nicole would soon learn the hell this place was.
“There,” Azor said as a snap rung through the water.
Jacob’s head whipped to their location.
Tatiana smiled, fingering a delicate gold bracelet stamped with the Natatorian royal symbol. “It’s lovely. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Azor grinned.
Jacob’s heart hammered, hiding his glare under a straight face. This wasn’t a present, but a restraining bracelet—one filled with poison—and if she left the depths in Natatoria, she’d be dead within hours without the antidote.
As the mermaids admired the bracelet, Azor moved closer to Jacob with a knowing grin. “I can’t have my little precious angelfish wandering off now, can I?”
Jacob clenched his jaw. “Don’t you think she should at least know?”
“And ruin this moment?” Azor shrugged, surprised. “She needed a pretty bobble for her wrist, after everything. I have to ensure the safety of my possessions, as I'm sure you can understand. With the Tahoe gate about to be reopened, one can’t be too careful.”
“But she’ll die if someone abducts her.” Jacob’s tone, controlled, hid his desire to rip out Azor’s beating heart.
“Then I suggest you make sure that never happens.” Azor knocked Jacob in the chest, flashing him a condescending look before returning to Tatiana’s side.
As Azor led Tatiana to the porthole, all Jacob could see was red.
Murder would end this
. He calmed his gills while the servants returned to the kitchen and the guards to the barracks. Azor would be in his room with her, kissing her, touching her.
Jacob gripped his trident harder. It took all his self-control not to race upstairs and slaughter him now. How did Azor even know Tatiana was at her parents’? And why did he decide to look for her then? He’d made Jacob look like a liar.
“Smooth,” Grommet said, swimming over to where Jacob hovered in the water.
“Leave me alone,” Jacob grunted.
“I thought you’d finally done it,” he said, cocking an eyebrow.
“Yeah, well…”
“You’re one sucker fish for punishment.” Grommet punched Jacob in the arm. “Well, you look the part at least. No one would know where your true loyalties lie.”
Jacob laughed. “I need to put in for a transfer.”
Just then, the front doors of the compound opened.
“Get yer girlie hands off me, yah thieven bloke.”
Jacob and Grommet swiveled around. With shackled hands, Badger yanked on the chain from an unseen assailant. Jacob felt the blood drain from his face as he tried to appear calm.
Then, from nowhere, the end of a javelin pummeled Badger’s face, whipping his head backward. Blood and a lone tooth took flight into the water from his split lip.
“Quiet, traitor,” Blanchard seethed as he lugged Badger into the foyer.
Azor swam in from upstairs and a wicked smile spread over his face upon seeing the newest arrival.
“We caught him returning from Scotland. He was seen on land using a telephone,” Blanchard informed him.
“I knew it,” Azor said while tapping his lips with his finger. “Only a matter of time ‘til your true disgusting self showed, beta.”
Badger spit out more blood. “Why don’t cha let me outta these here shackles and then be accussin’ me proper. I’d fancy you a pop in the kisser before you knew what was comin’, ya panty-wearing coward.”
“Don’t talk like that to the Captain,” Blanchard bellowed and reared back to hit Badger again. Jacob flinched, ready to stop him.
Azor quickly intervened. “Leave him, Blanchard.” He swam up and got in Badger’s face. “Maybe one day you’ll get your wish, old man. But until then, you’ll rot in jail.”
“I did nothin’ wrong. You have no proof,” Badger spat.
“I could have you jailed for your disrespect alone. Who were you calling in Scotland, Badger?”
“Yer girlfriend and she be wantin’ her panties back,” he said, giving them a bloody sneer.
Azor pulled his eyes into slits; all of his prior happiness disappeared from his face. “Lock him up.”
Jacob worked to calm down his heart rate as outrage swirled in his gut. Inside, his heater revved out of control, boiling the water around his arms. His muscles ached in restraint, the temptation to stab Azor and free everyone from his miserable existence coiled in his fingers. He could do it and Grommet would have his back. He gave Grommet a nod, ready to pounce, when another group of mers flooded into the hall, pulled in by the Dradux.
Badger caught Jacob’s eye and shook his head, calling Jacob off.
“Yer makin’ a mistake, Azor. Mers don’t take kindly to martyrs and class warfare,” Badger seethed.
Azor ignored him and swam past, giving Jacob an appraising look before heading out the front doors. “Lock the rest of them up. I’m going to the palace.”
Jacob nodded shakily, watching another moment of opportunity fade. Badger gave him a quick smile before disappearing behind the double doors. The Dradux followed Azor and the rest went into the dungeon. Once the front room emptied, Jacob pounded the butt of his trident against the stone floor, cursing himself for not taking the opportunity.
“It wasn’t time yet.” Grommet gave a sympathetic look.
Jacob cast him a sideways glance. “I had him, right there. An open shot.”
“Yes, but then the others would have kindly slit your throat in return.”
“I don’t care anymore, Grommet. I need to stop playing it safe.”
“But what about Tatiana?”
Jacob closed his eyes and sucked in the briny water, wondering what she was doing upstairs alone. “We’re running out of time.”