Page 115 of King of Tides

Reilly releases a low whistle. I can feel he’s speechless. So was I. I didn’t know who to be angry with.

“I’m not mad at Billy. I’m mad at myself. I knew what could happen taking her there. I’ve known Kenji for too long to have fallen for any of it.

“I don’t want to admit it, but I think he’s behind all of it. Somehow, he masked his involvement, but this has him written all over it. I just don’t understand why. Why risk centuries of friendship on one of his games?

“That weakling couldn’t have been pretending to be Kenji all that time. If he were, how did Billy end up with one of the most powerful water spirits ever inside of her?

“There are answers to everything. I believe the entire picture will show itself soon. We will all be home within the next few days, and we can sort it all out.

“If Kendrick is right about Father, it will make sense in due time,” he replies and pats me on the back. “You should go talk to your mate. Let her know you’re not angry with her.

“I can feel your children growing, this is not the time for her to question your feelings or to be upset.”

I smile. I’ve been waiting for Billy to sense our children. I already have names in mind for them.

“You are right. Thank you.”

I stand and head for our apartment to let my mate know my ire is not with her. I was just angry to see Intikam in possession of her.

***

I findBilly in our bed, fast asleep. I stand with my arms folded across my chest as I watch her. I love this woman so much.

I will kill Kenji if that monster inside her brings her any harm. I was too young to remember how Intikam came about. Kenji should have been too.

I only remember when Kenji brought the spirit to me and asked that I lock it away. I remember his somberness and reluctance to hand him over. However, at the time, I thought it was the right thing to do.

“You better have a good reason for this,” I growl under my breath as I undress while walking the stairs to get to our bed.

I will have to change the design of our room again with small children living with us. So much in my world is changing. I climb under the sheet and splay my hand on Billy’s belly.

“We will be okay, my pretty mate. I love you.”

Acting Weird

Isit next to Ardan on the bleachers at Hydra, wondering how this has become my life. I’ve told Mack and Eddy about my biological sisters, and I’ve shared that I don’t think I’m going back to the force.

I was shocked when Ardan agreed to allow me to bring the boys to meet them. Although it had to be under three conditions. One, he had to be with us. Second, we had to explain to Beck and Bourne that Mack and Eddy are human and a part of the human world, so they couldn’t reveal what they are.

Third, at least two members of my guard had to come along. I had no problem with any of that. The boys are smart and seem to understand our secret. Although, I have concerns with Beck. He’s so innocent and overshares at times as he wants to make friends.

“Grandpa Mack, can we go swimming?” Beck asks, eyeing the doors to the swimming pool area.

“Not today, maybe next time,” Ardan answers for Mack.

I look around and my heart swells. Mack took to the boys as soon as I told him they were my sons. No questions asked.

I’ve never seen him this happy. Eddy has taken to the two as well. That’s not surprising at all. Eddy just has a warm nature about him.

“You boys know how to swim, or will I need to give you lessons?” Mack asks with a wide smile.

“We can swim,” Beck replies. “Like fish in the ocean.”

“In that case, you can come by anytime. Come box, come swim, just come by to hang with this old man. Hydra is your second home. My doors are always open to my grandsons.”

“You hear this, Billy? I don’t remember ever having free rein in this place. Now look,” Eddy teases.

“You weren’t as cute as my boys are,” I toss back.

---