Page 92 of King of Tides

When Kenji locks eyes with me, something in my stomach stirs to life. Not in a sexual way, but almost as if I’ve looked into the eyes of a kindred spirit. As if some part of me knows him.

“You must be Ardan’s mate. I am Kenji. This is my grandson, Amadeus. I believe you are already acquainted with Kai.”

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you all,” I say.

“Yes, beautiful indeed. Kai has had only good things to say about you.”

I look to Kai and smile. She returns the smile, but I note something is off about her. I don’t know her well, but her vibe feels strange.

She’s standing next to Amadeus, but it’s as if she’s trying not to acknowledge him. He’s doing the same. I shrug it off as not my business and turn my attention back to Kenji.

“It’s good to see you, old friend. Thank you for welcoming us in and for the heads-up. This is my mate, Billy.”

“Welcome home, Billy,” Kenji says.

As soon as the words leave his mouth, I feel strange. Something in the words seems to echo around me. Almost like they surround me and then reach into me.

Is this his powers? Is he trying to trick me? Ardan places a hand on the small of my back and moves closer to me.

I immediately relax. Although the feeling as if something has awakened inside me remains.

Kenji tilts his head at me and gives a mischievous smile. I narrow my eyes at him. He’s not the innocent man he wants me to believe he is.

“Perfectly matched. The gods never make a mistake. It is we who alter and break their designs,” he says ominously.

Amadeus begins to shift from foot to foot as if those words were to address him. I’m still mystified that so many generations are between the two. If I didn’t know better, I would think the two were brothers.

Maybe a year or two removed. The only aging factor is the white hair, but I’ve learned that to be common among the merfolk. It’s so beautiful and has such a shine to it.

“I look forward to getting to know more about you. Come, I bet you two want to freshen up,” Kenji says.

“Can we show her the gifts you gave us?” Beck asks, looking to Kenji hopefully.

“No, he told us not to share them. You have to be more disciplined when given secrets,” Bourne says.

“Patience, young Beck. All things come in time,” Kenji says.

“He is in his true form. What does that mean?”I mind-link Ardan.

“Really? I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Wait, what do you mean? You’re not seeing what I am?”

“As I said, he shows each individual what he wants them to see. I’m getting the old man today,”he replies.

“What does that mean for me?”

“It’s a show of respect.”

“And for you?”

“He wants me to be at ease. He’s giving me the appearance of dominance in the situation.”

“Is that a good thing?”

He laughs in my head.“This is Kenji. You will never know until he wants you to. This is normal. He has not started with his tricks yet.”

“What did Beck mean about the ladies?”

---