Page 6 of Magic Potions and the Merman's Lure

“I have no idea,” I say instead, giving him a bright smile. Regardless of the strange sexual tension I’m experiencing, I don’t want to mess this up. If that one little book is all we have regarding his species, then this is too good of an opportunity for us. “Just be prepared for a lot of strange questions. And personal ones,” I add. “I know for sure that they’re going to want to ask you about your species’ magic in the way you attract humans as well as your reproduction and anatomy.”

My mouth goes dry when he arches a brow, and a look of interest crosses his face as his lips curve in an alluring smile. “It depends on how this study is engaged—and with whom. If I am paired with you, I might offer a more tactile observation and exploration.”

My pussy screams yes, but the rest of me is staring like a deer in headlights. “I’m not sure if that’s going to be required, actually.”

His smile widens and he seems even more devastatingly attractive, sharp fangs and all. “I will be happy to do anything that is required—only if it is with you.”

I am not sure if I am blushing again or simply never stopped. My face is really warm, and my heart feels like it’s hammering away.

“Unless you are afraid,” he murmurs, and his expression loses its intensity to regard me in a way that is considerably softer—sweeter even.

I chuckle weakly and casually push the paperwork to him along with a pen. “I’m afraid that decision isn’t up to me, but there is a section at the end for anything you wish to add. I suppose that they would take it into consideration.”

Unlikely, but no reason to tell him that.

He peers down at it. “I do not know how to read or write your human characters.”

I should have realized. Most fae species have adapted quickly and have learned to read and write if they didn’t already know how. Why did I think he would magically know how to if he was coming from the freaking sea?

“Oh! I suppose that merfolk live so far out that you really don’t have any reason to learn,” I say quickly.

“Aquanas,” he interrupts, and I blink across the desk at him in confusion.

“Excuse me?”

Another smile stretches across his face, but this one is far less heated as his eyes brighten and dance with amusement.

“We are Aquanas. Humans say merfolk, but this is our word for our kind,” he corrects gently and taps his chest with his first two fingers. “I am Ro.” He pauses for a second. “That is not entirely accurate. I am Ro’karek, hunter.”

I nod in greeting. “Keri, uhm, Keriwyn, librarian,” I reply and immediately feel like an idiot.

Of course he knows who I am. Adiele said my name the moment they came inside. And then I just had to give him my real name? I never tell anyone my name because it’s embarrassing. Mostly because my parents haven’t a drop of Irish heritage or culture in them but got “creative” because it sounded Irish and magical to them. It was simply wishful thinking on their part, thinking that perhaps that a “magical” sounding name would give them an exceptionally magically gifted daughter.

Clearly not.

That doesn’t stop Ro from looking like it’s the best thing since sliced bread. His lips move quietly over the letters as he repeats my name to himself, and I imagine that he’s caressing each sound with his mouth every time he says it.

I look over at Adiele, silently begging her for help. My friend sucks in her cheeks and shrugs apologetically, clearly leaving me to take care of the situation myself. I bite back a disappointed groan and smile patiently at Ro.

“Here, I’ll help you fill these in, and then you can just put whatever mark represents your signature at the bottom.”

He nods slowly as he considers. “That is acceptable. Please print my request at the bottom to be paired with you. I want my request on this matter to be clear.”

I bite my cheek but agree as I begin the process of walking him through the paperwork and filling out each question one by one, sometimes having to stop and correct a response when he realizes afterwards that he didn’t quite understand the question right. It takes time, but the few people who come in are the usual stragglers who just like to browse and take some notes. They wave to me as they pass, and I make a mental note that they are here so that I can write it down in the log while I continue to fill in every response on Ro’s behalf.

“It usually takes three or four days for someone from the Arcane Society to get back to applicants, but you’re such a rare case that you may hear back from them first thing,” I point out as I work on finalizing the papers in front of me.

A look of regret passes over the male’s face, and he shakes his head. “I won’t be reachable tomorrow. It is the full moon, and those who are called to the sea are bidden to return if they do not have the necessary supplement—and I do not.”

“Thanks to the Underidge coven and all their sneaky bullshit,” my friend mutters.

I grimace sympathetically and note that too. It’s finally done, and I sigh with relief as I slip it into a large envelope that will be set aside for Mr. Clarence to collect this evening. I’m both relieved and a little sad when Adiele practically hauls him out the door so that I can return to work.

It makes me wonder about her silence followed by that sudden pushiness. I didn’t think she was into him last night when she spoke of him—and I have no doubt that he’s the male she meant—and gods, let’s hope not! But now I’m not so sure. Although Ro is obviously flirty, is it possible that there is something going on between the two of them? And why does that depress me?

I sigh as I return to work. It’s not my business anyway, so there is no use torturing myself over it. In all likelihood, I won’t see him again unless I run into him when he’s with Adiele. There’s no reason to give it another thought.

But I do. And I continue thinking of him well into the night. And this time when I sleep, the merman in my dreams has a face when he makes me his.

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