"I had to do what was right," he said softly, stepping forward and placing a shaking hand on Paxton's chest. He was still afraid his mate might push him away and never forgive him. "I know you're angry, and you a have every right to be. But I couldn't let our people die—all of our people," he said, motioning toward the mer and then back toward the still frightened humans, "without doing something. I love you, with all my heart, but I had to try."
Gabe stared up at his mate, silently begging for forgiveness and understanding. He didn't even realize he'd been holding his breath until he suddenly found himself swept up into a crushing embrace and the familiar scent of his mate filled his lungs as he gasped.
"Oh, my own. I love you… even when you act rashly." Ever so softly, Paxton kissed Gabe's bruised temple before setting him back on his feet.
Glancing over at the frightened, starving humans, Paxton sighed before turning back to Gabe. "They agree to hand over Father Willis and the ones who assisted him in his evil?"
Gabe nodded quickly. "They were horrified when the truth finally came out, Pax. The evidence in the hidden hut doesn't lie and neither does the collection of pearls found in Father Willis's possession."
Paxton sighed again. "Very well, my own." Wrapping an arm around Gabe's waist, Paxton led the two of them over to the humans.
"I am King Paxton of the Merfolk, and the City of Lavantia. My mate, Gabriel, has explained the situation to me. Father Willis has wronged my people and caused the deaths of dozens of humans for his own gain. Hand him over—and those who aided him—and I will agree with my mate in allowing the rest of you to go free, with the condition of monitoring from the mer. Also, once a year we will have a celebration so that my people may meet with yours and those who choose to mate may have the option to do so. Other than that, I swear on my name as King we will leave you all in peace. Are we in agreement?" The authority in Paxton's voice made Gabe shiver, and almost as if he knew, his mate tightened the arm around his waist in response.
Paxton eyed the humans as they talked softly among themselves for a moment. Gabe could tell by the look on his face as he studied the half-starved and scared humans Paxton was worried and disturbed by their condition.
No doubt his condition to monitor them has more to do with making sure they are taken care of then keeping an eye on them
, Gabe mused. He also liked that Paxton had added in the condition that the mer and humans meet once a year, for possible matings to take place.
Everyone deserves to be loved the way my mate loves me
…
Finally, a tall blond woman stepped away from the crowd and walked hesitantly toward Paxton.
"We didn't know what Father Willis was doing," she said softly, apparently frightened to be voted as the spokesperson to face down the powerful mer King. "But that is no excuse for our ignorance and blindness to his ill deeds. We understand he wronged you and your people horribly, just as we now know he did us. Many of our loved ones have been stolen, and it's time the perpetrators are brought to justice." She glanced back at the humans watching behind her, before straightening her shoulders and facing Paxton with a determined look. "Father Willis's, Simon's, and Horace's lives are yours to do with as you wish, as long as no one else is hurt. And we'd appreciate the help in rebuilding the village." Suddenly she blushed and shot a shy look over at the troops of Merfolk standing behind Gabe and Paxton. "The meeting once a year would be okay too… not many of us are as opposed to matings with your people, as Father Willis had everyone believe."
Paxton smiled gently down at the woman, and Gabe felt his chest puff up with pride. His mate was a great leader, and no matter the situation, would never take his anger out on an innocent or force someone to do what he wanted. Like his mating to Gabe, Paxton always gave his people a choice.
"What is your name?" he asked the woman.
"Cynthia," the woman answered hesitantly.
Paxton smiled at her again and motioned for one of the soldiers behind him to come forward. "Cynthia, this is Jerrol. He and his mate will act as the go-between for Lavantia and Bimini Island. He will help your people, and bring any issues and worries you have to me."
The young soldier nodded politely at the human woman, and Cynthia blushed hotly in reply. "Thank you," she said to Paxton.
Paxton nodded. "Then we are in agreement. May the Seas bless us with many happy matings among our people." Motioning with his hand, Paxton signaled the soldiers. "Take Father Willis and the others into custody. They will face trial in Lavantia and be punished for their crimes."
A group of grim-faced soldiers nodded and Gabe saw Aaron move out of the way so the mer could take over watching the prisoners. Aaron quickly rushed over to Gabe, followed closely by Mary. Paxton was pushed out of the way and soon the three humans were jumping around hugging each other.
"We did it!" Mary cheered as she hugged Gabe tightly.
"We did!" Gabe replied with a laugh.
"Man, I was so fucking scared when I saw you pushed out of the forest all tied up. I was sure we'd failed and it was blowing up in our faces." Aaron chuckled, shaking his head.
Gabe saw a flash of movement out of the corner of his eye. "Don't think you're in the clear yet," he warned, just as a very pissed off Leando stomped over to them.
"What were you thinking?" the Captain demanded and he grabbed Aaron by the shoulders and shook him. "What part of 'stay in Lavantia where it's safe' didn't you understand? You've earned yourself a spanking for this stunt, mate!" he growled.
Aaron opened his mouth, no doubt to give a sarcastic reply back, when he suddenly paused and tilted his head, staring up at his mate with wide, lust filled eyes.
"Promise?" he asked.
Leando looked shocked then his eyes burned with desire right before he pulled Aaron close and crushed his mouth down onto the human's.
Paxton laughed as he walked over and put his arms around Gabe's waist again. "Leando sure has his hands full with that one." Gabe nodded his head while Mary giggled. Paxton turned to look at her with an arched brow. "Don't think it's too funny, Miss Mary. Seas only knows what my sister has planned for you after all the trouble and stress you've put her through."
Mary blushed and nodded. "I've missed Dalia the whole time we've been gone as well. I'll make it up to her somehow," she promised. "Can we go home?"
Gabe nodded in agreement. Yeah, he liked the sound of that too. Home no longer was the small island in the middle on the Bermuda Triangle; now it was a beautiful underwater city filled with love and acceptance.
"Yes, let us go. Our work is done here," Paxton replied. Leaning down, he whispered softly in Gabe's ear. "Don't think I've forgotten about your punishment as well, my own. I'm thinking a week tied to my bed and at my mercy might be in order."
Gabe shivered at the erotic promise in his mate's voice, but before he could respond there was a loud commotion from over by the humans.
"No! You can't do this! I won't let you!" Father Willis screamed, as he broke away from the mer holding him. Although he looked frail and weak, he was apparently stronger than he appeared. "You've ruined everything! They deserved to die! You all deserve to die!"
Reaching into his billowing robes, Father Willis pulled something out of his pocket and pointed it right at Paxton. Gabe saw a flash of sunlight on metal, and his mind screamed
gun
! even as he dove in front of his mate to protect him.
A loud
crack
split the air and a flash of light blasted down from the sky, followed by a scream so terrified and full of pain, Gabe would never forget the terrible sound for as long as he lived. Closing his eyes, he braced himself for the impact of the bullet….
Only it never came.
Slowly, hesitantly, Gabe opened his eyes and turned to look over his shoulder to where Father Willis had been.
Gasping in horror, Gabe could only stare down at the charred remains of what once had been the village priest. The blackened skeleton lay curled up on the ground, still smoking from where the lightning had struck him. The smell of burned flesh filled the air, making Gabe gag.
Looking up at his mate, Gabe watched Paxton slowly lower his arm from where it pointed toward the body. It was only then he realized his mate had called the very lightning down from the sky to protect him.
If that's not love, I don't know what is
…
"He's gone. Let's go home, love," Gabe said softly, wrapping his arms around Paxton's waist. "We can negotiate the whole 'me tied down to your bed' idea there."
Paxton pulled Gabe close, almost as if he was trying to burrow him right under his skin. "Thank the seas you are all right. I think my heart nearly stopped when you stepped in front of me. I love you, my own, and I promised he would never hurt you again. Thank you for trying to protect me," he whispered into the hollow of Gabe's throat as he buried his face in Gabe's neck. Pulling back, he placed a kiss so soft and heartfelt on Gabe's mouth it brought tears to the smaller man's eyes.
Paxton smiled as he grabbed Gabe's hand and began to lead him toward the beach, leaving his soldiers to deal with the other prisoners and the body. Gabe knew Mary would settle and reassure the humans before following. "Are you going to try and wriggle out of your punishment, my own?"
Gabe shook his head. "Nope, I was actually thinking that a week might not be enough."
Paxton smirked and raised a brow. "Oh, and how much will be, my own?"
Gabe grinned. Reaching up, he threaded his fingers through his mate's glorious green hair and pulled Paxton's face down to his own. "Let's start with forever and go from there…" he whispered, right before he lost himself in a kiss.
T
he
E
nd
About the Author
Amylea Lyn is a little odd, a lot weird, and just plain strange. At least that's what everyone tells her. She lives in the middle of a desert, filling her laptop with too many stories to count. Most days, Amylea can be found sitting in her favorite chair after work, bugging those around her for fun tidbits to make her stories more interesting.
When she's not writing, Amylea spends her time daydreaming her fantasies, talking to herself without realizing it, experimenting with different baked dishes that she force feeds her family, and plotting ways to get back at her psychotic cats.
All in all, she likes to think of herself as pretty normal… even if it's only by her own standards.
Website
http://www.amylealyn.webs.com
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/amylea.lyn
Blog
http://www.amylealynromance.blogspot.com
Email
Titles by Amylea Lyn
Available from
Silver Publishing
Love's Crash Landing
Whispered Secrets, Hidden Eyes
Melting the Ice Prince
Into the Triangle
OUTSIDE THE CITY
Nature of the Beast
The Beast's Promise
Redemption of the Beast
THE BROTHERHOOD
Solid as Stone
Available from
Torquere Press
Dream a Little Dream
Let's Get Familiar
Available from
Dreamspinner Press
Meant to be
Reviews
Love's Crash Landing
"…a good ride from start to finish and well worth reading again… I would gladly recommended this one to those who like a good funny story that is also sensual."
—Sandra, 3.5 out of 5 Stars, Night Owl Reviews
"This is a wonderful and fast-paced story that kept me riveted from the very start… I truly hope this isn't the end of Gavin and Mi'Kel's story."
—Teresa, 5 out of 5 Angels and a Recommended Read, Fallen Angel Reviews
*
Nature of the Beast (Outside the City #1)
"
Nature of the Beast
is an entertaining story and one that should not be missed."
—
Critter Nymph
,
5 out of 5 Nymphs, Literary Nymphs Reviews
"…found Nature of the Beast by Amylea Lyn to be well written with characters you can't help but to love. … If you're looking for a paranormal story chocked full of romance and action
Nature of the Beast
is a definite must read."