Page 98 of Treasure of the Abyss

“Melaina is missing,” Rhea hissed. “Yesterday, I found her here, in your den, with your human. Where is she?Melaina!”

Macy’s stomach twisted; the same desperation had been in her parents’ voices when Sarina was swept out to sea and lostforever.

“This is foolishness, Rhea,” Dracchus said. “The youngling is nothere.”

“I swear, she’s not here.” Macy held the female’sgaze.

“Liar!” Rhea launched herself atMacy.

The males reacted faster than Macy could register; Jax grabbed Rhea’s wrists, shifting to place his body directly in front of her, and Dracchus looped his arms around the female’s waist and lifted her off thefloor.

“Enough of this!” Jax wrestled the thrashing female; knowing how strong he was, Macy was impressed by how much effort he exerted in stilling Rhea. “Melaina is not here, and has not been here since I returned yesterday. Macy does not haveher!”

Rhea’s struggled for a moment longer then let out a pained wail. Her body wentslack.

Jax looked at Dracchus. Neither of them released their hold onher.

“She has been missing all morning,” Dracchus said. “We’ve searched all the buildings and have found no sign. Rhea flew into a rage when she found out we had not searched this area, and claimed that Macy had takenMelaina.”

Jax didn’t react to Rhea’s cries. “Is everyone capable helping in thesearch?”

Dracchus nodded. “Even most of thefemales.”

“Melaina told me she liked to venture outside the facility and explore,” Macy said. “Maybe she’s outthere.”

“That is where we’re going next,” said Dracchus. “I need you to lead a party, Jax. There’s been a razorback sightednearby.”

Fear skittered along Macy’s spine. She couldn’t imagine Melaina out there, defenseless,helpless, against one of thosethings.

“Of course.” Jax dropped his eyes to Rhea. “We need to go now to find your youngling. You are needed in thesearch.”

Rhea nodded. Cautiously, Jax and Dracchus released her, keeping their wary gazes upon her. She didn’t so much as glance at Macy and was quiet as Dracchus led her into thehallway.

“I want to help,” Macy said when they weregone.

Jax shook his head. “You are not going outthere.”

“I want to help find her,Jax.”

Macy pictured Melaina’s sweet little smile and large, curious eyes. How could she do nothing? How could she sit by and allow another innocent life to be taken by theocean?

“Even with your suit, you cannot move as quickly as a kraken, and I will not risk another attack from a razorback.” He closed the distance between them and placed his hands on her shoulders. “It is best for you to remainhere.”

“I don’t want to be useless, Jax. I canhelp.”

“You are not useless, Macy. But I cannot allow you tocome.”

“If I were kraken, you wouldn’t denyme.”

“Human or kraken, I would do anything to keep yousafe.”

Macy pressed her lips together. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “You mated with Rhea, didn’tyou?”

His jaw muscles bulged. “Yes.Briefly.”

She dropped her gaze and pushed aside the flare of jealousy that had erupted inside. It was in the past. “Could…Melaina beyours?”

“No. Melaina had already been birthed when I mated withRhea.”

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