Page 23 of The Sea Witch's Son

The dense trees mark the end of the Seaborn property and from them leads a narrow path that disappears into the thick wilderness. Not many residents venture to this side of town, partly for fear of the wild beasts lurking in the forest, but mostly because the Sea Witch enjoys tricking unsuspecting travellers to venture back into her cavern for some one-on-one time.

I walk along the trail, listening to the crows chant overhead. Leaves brush my suit jacket as I push branches aside, stepping over falling logs and hostile weeds. By the time I make it to the clearing, the crows are circling overhead, watching closely for their next meal.

The growl comes from the trees to my left, low and threatening as I head towards a large bolder. The moment I get withintwo feet of the rock, the beast attacks, snarling and snapping its teeth as it comes tearing out of the forest.

With a sigh, I reach for my bag and toss it at the animal. The beast jumps, catching it midair, and wastes no time tearing through the paper.

“Why do you insist on keeping such a savage animal as a pet?” I direct the question at Calista, who slides out from behind the rock with a grin.

“Ronan is not an animal. He’s my precious boy.” She coos at the dog shredding into human flesh like it’s his favourite pastime.

I grimace, watching the animal finish his meal and trot happily over to his owner. A bright, sparkly collar decorates the Doberman’s muscular neck, the diamonds spelling out the rabid beast’s name.

“I hate Ronan.” Gus grumbles, walking out from behind the rock, “He always goes for my balls.”

Calista laughs, bending down to press a kiss on the mutt’s face, “My baby knows to go for a man’s weak spot. He takes after his mama.”

Ronan purrs against her touch, thumping his tail against the ground.

“A vile creature.” My comment receives a growl, “But I do enjoy watching him chase Gus around the yard.”

“He didn’t chase me around the yard. I remembered to bring meat this time.”

“Took you long enough.”

Calista grins, watching us interact, “Salted tongues are Ronan’s favourite. Well done, Marlin.”

Gus scowls at the ground like an overgrown toddler. He didn’t grow quite as tall as I expected, falling just short of 6’1 and well below my height, but his bulk and brawn both developed according to the plan.

It took a few years, but eventually he grew into the brute Calista needed and the simpleton I wanted.

“Did you regain the four pounds?” A smirk tugs at my lips, “I heard Lionel put up a fight.”

Gus throws his head back and moans, “I’m down two pounds even though I doubled up on the eggs this morning.”

Calista snickers, “Daddy will be so disappointed.”

“You have no idea. He makes me send weight updates every day.” Gus sighs, “I lied and said I was maintaining.”

I tilt my head, studying him, “Your neck does look less swollen.”

“Fuck off, Marlin. You know how Gaston gets.” He lets out another groan, “Why does Lionel have to be so hot? Throw in the fact he’s straight and I can’t get enough.”

“Is he actually straight or is he like you and looks for loopholes?” Calista muses, petting Ronan’s head absently, “The lines get so blurry here.”

“He’s actually straight. You should have heard his screams in the men’s changeroom.” Gus sighs, “I’m getting hard just thinking about it.”

I frown, thinking about the location of my locker, “I hope you cleaned up afterwards.”

“I had him bent over the bench. Nothing to worry about.”

Calista studies him with a narrow gaze. Ronan sits quietly next to her, his head resting on her leather-clad thigh, waiting for her next command.

I would be hard-pressed to say Calista Drache has a moral compass, but she does have a belief system in place. One that sees violence as a necessary punishment when a crime has been committed.

And for the little princess with scars running up her legs, there is no crime more heinous than rape.

“Try a bicurious one next time. Might keep the cardio to a minimum.”

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