Page 31 of Marked By the Sea

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered. An arm wrapped around my rib cage, and his claws gripped my side. I knew who it was without even looking.

“It’s yours,” he breathed into the top of my head.

“No, I—”

“Everything I have is yours. We didn’t start off right, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but… I’ll spend the rest of my life makingup for it.” He was quiet behind me, his body tense, as if he thought I’d say no.

“You say it like I’d leave,” I teased.

“You’re right. You’ve already made your choice,” he teased.

Turning to face him, I wrapped my arms around his neck. My fingers played with the curls at his nape. His eyes sparkled like sunlight dancing on the surface of a restless lake. I squealed as his claws gripped my cheeks and he lifted me. Placing me on the window, he brought his lips to mine and kissed me like he needed it as much as I did. Our lips tangled in a heated dance. His growl sent electricity shooting down my body.

“I’ve thought of bringing you in here more times than I can count. Now that you’re here, I didn’t know what to do with myself,” he growled against my lips when we broke apart.

Rowan was by my side; his fingers brushed my hair back. I grabbed him by the back of the neck and pulled him in so our lips melded together before parting. I claimed his mouth with my tongue until tentacles slid over my arms.

“Tentacles off. I’m carrying her to bed,” Riftan mumbled.

“Wait,” Rowan interrupted.

“What is it?” I rasped.

“Is this okay? After what almost happened? We want to take care of you. Not hurt you any more than we already have.” His eyes were green now, and his scales matched.

“Yes, gods, yes, but thank you for asking. Thank you for caring. Thank you for coming for me. If you guys hadn’t shown up when you did, I would have shattered.” My voice choked on the last few words.

“If we’d known, we would have come sooner,” Rowan swore.

Riftan’s body was tense against mine. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.

Did he blame me for what happened?

Did he hold any resentment towards me for his uncle’s death?

I still needed reassurance. Two claws tipped my chin up, and I had no choice but to look into his eyes. I wasn’t expecting the sadness staring back at me.

“It wasn’t your fault. You did nothing wrong. I failed you. I let my stubbornness get in the way. If I had admitted my feelings for you, I could have kept you safe. Instead, I insisted you meant nothing, but I was wrong. And for that, you suffered. I’m sorry.”

“It’s oka—”

“No, it’s not. Hex and Row tried to tell me, but I wouldn’t listen. I didn’t think I was capable of more, and I didn’t deserve you, Gem, but I planned on doing everything I could to.” Warmth bloomed in my chest at Riftan’s promise.

Gods.

“Riftan wasn’t the only one who failed you. We all did. That’ll never happen again.” Hexon’s words caressed my heart.

“We’ll kiss every bruise, every scrape, every inch of your body, so there’s nothing left but our touch,” Rowan vowed.

“And I’ll mark every surface, so there will be no question of who you belonged to,” Hexon growled. He hovered behind my faerie.

I wanted this.

I wanted them.

Now.

“And you? How will everyone know I’m yours?” Lifting my chin, I looked into my merman’s eyes.

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