Page 53 of Cage Me

Ninsy looked out over the water of the spring. She squinted her eyes as if the sun's reflection of the water had her seeing mirages. She cupped her hand over her eyes and gave a small chin jerk. Then she grabbed Azy's arm and gave it a squeeze.

“Good, you're going to need it.”

Ninsy went back inside the tent, but before as he could follow three very tall men, who looked a lot like wet Vikings walked out of the water and straight toward her.

Shit, shit, shit.

She didn't recognize these men in particular, but knew exactly what they were.

Mermen.

What she didn't understand, was why they were here. She so did not need these guys in her life right now. Mermen were domineering, testosterone filled bags of misogyny and racism. The Mami Wata only interacted with them a few times a year. For mating.

Sex only, not true mating.

Not like what she thought she had with Cage.

But, what did she know?

Merman believed that magical races should not mix. Which had a lot to do with why they hated her.

Azy stood a little bit taller, trying her best not to show that they intimidated her at all. “Gentlemen.”

The tall one in the middle dipped his head in greeting. “Azynsa.”

Uh-oh. They knew her name. That wasn’t a good sign. She sure hoped they were here to make trouble with the dragons. They were as powerful warriors, but who didn't fight the same kinds of battles.

They were usually working to conquer new waters. Not all mermaids around the world bowed to their need to be in charge. The Mami Wata had been aligned with the mermen long before Azy came along. She didn't like it, but had been instructed to treat them with deference. It was the best way to keep them from bothering her.

“What can I do for you?”

The merman scoffed at her like her questions was idiotic. “We are here to take you back to your people. Your time with the dragons is through.”

She would have thought they would be glad she was out of the ocean. Regardless, she was not ready to bow to them and be dragged away. She had plans that would do more for the Mami Wata then these dickheads never done. “I'm sorry you have wasted your time.”

The leader of the pack glared her. “Your sisters are worried about you. Many fear you are dead. It is our duty to protect them and you.”

Cage’s voice came from behind her. “You should've thought of that when the demon dragons were attacking them and kidnapped her.”

Uh-oh. Azy smelled a pissing match coming on.

Cage in all his golden glory, came up and stood next to her, legs spread wide and arms crossed. The mermen might have been able to take him on, but Jakob and Ky joined in the fun and games.

“Hello there, douchebags of the sea. Caught any crabs lately?” Ky’s greeting was not exactly friendly.

Jakob simply growled at them.

“We appreciate your assistance in helping our women in their battle and in rebuilding their home. Your water dragons have been dismissed. We are here now.”

“Ta, bro. But, I think we will stick around.” Seems like Ky had had dealings with the mermen before.

There had to be more to the mermen showing up here and now, then wanting her back. She took a close look at the group standing in front of her and noticed they all had burns. They were mostly healed, but she knew what that looked like. They were the burns of fire whip. They had been battling demon dragons, and maybe even the black Dragon himself.

They were they were here, no, not for her, they were here to ask for the help of the dragons.

Ninsy had said she would need her inner strength. Azy felt it bubbling up inside. Or, maybe that was her complete and utter irritation with the males of every species she knew.

She raised her hands into the air, close your eyes and very kindly asked the water element to douse them all. It so nicely complied.

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