Page 33 of Beneath the Surface

Kannon snorted.

“But as far as mating you? No. I don’t regret that at all. You mean more to me than the ocean itself. I… I need you.”

Kannon relaxed in his arms. “Dammit, how can I stay mad when you say stuff like that? From the moment I looked at you, there was this pull. No one has ever affected me like you have. Of course, I haven’t been seriously interested in anyone else since you bit me either.”

“We need to talk.”

“I agree. We need to talk, and talk calmly.” Kannon shoved his wet hair out of his face. “I know you’re probably more comfortable in the water, but I’m really not. At least, not yet. Can we do this on land?”

“I guess that’s only fair. Your unease of the water comes from me. But you’re right. I’m much more comfortable in the water than on land. I sincerely hope you can adjust.”

“Compromise. If this thing between us has a chance, we’re going to have to work on compromise. I also have a lot of questions I need answers to.”

“I will answer to the best of my ability.” Nisha released Kannon. “Why don’t you go ahead and wait for me on the beach? And, um, maybe it would be best for you to start heading on back. I can meet you at the bungalow.”

“I’m getting the distinct impression you’re trying to get rid of me.”

“That would be because I am.”

“Why?”

“Because honestly, my transformation might be a little… For an introduction to my kind, it might be a little extreme.”

“I’m here talking to you, so I’d say I’ve done been introduced to your kind. Now quit beating around the bush, and tell me what it is you’re trying to say.”

“I’m saying it can be rather… gruesome. There is no flash of light and suddenly I have legs. When I say transformation, Imeantransformation. My tail splits and—I guess for lack of a better word—it devolves and forms human legs. It’s not pleasant. It’s not pretty. And yes, for a very brief time, it is painful. I don’t want to freak you out.”

“Okay, see? That’s what I’m talking about. Blunt, precise, and to the point. I don’t want to head back to the bungalow, especially after what happened, without you with me. So I’ll go to the beach, and I don’t know, turn my back and not watch. How’s that?”

“Good enough. Just rememberyouwanted to do this when you hear the transformation.” Nisha released Kannon and watched as his mate swam back toward the little beach.

When Nisha was satisfied Kannon was far enough away, he too swam to the beach and pulled himself out of the water. Looking up, he saw Kannon still facing him. Their eyes locked for a moment, and they stared at each other.

“One day I want the time to examine every square inch of that tail of yours.” With that, Kannon turned around and presented his back to Nisha.

Nisha flipped around so he was on his back. Resting on his elbows, he stared up at the cave, waiting. One day soon, he’d be more than happy to let Kannon explore. He eased back until he was flat on the sand. Breathing deeply, he prepared himself.

As the change started, he clamped his lips closed, refusing to let the pain out as it tore through him. He really wished Kannon would have gone ahead and not heard this. Desperately he struggled to keep his cries inside. Centuries passed as the change ripped his body apart and remade it.

Once it was finished he lay in the sand, panting. He knew he needed to get up and go find Kannon, but he needed a minute. Just a minute to acclimate himself. Closing his eyes, he focused on the difference, now that he had legs instead of a tail.

He controlled his breathing and focused on centering himself. In… and out and… in and… out. As he settled into his human body, he felt a presence beside him. He opened his eyes to see Kannon sitting next to him on the beach.

“Are you okay?” Kannon reached out, but before he touched Nisha, he froze.

“I am, yes. I thought you were going to wait for me.”

Kannon sighed. “I was going to, but… That sound. That sound… my God, Nisha. I didn’t turn around, but as soon as I could I hurried down here to you. That was… something. I honestly felt kind of sick.”

Nisha set up and calmly wiggled his toes. “I did warn you.”

“Yes, you did. I’m glad now you didn’t let me watch it. That was seriously disturbing. We might get to that someday, but not right now.”

“Maybe.” Nisha stood then held his hand out to Kannon. Kannon clasped it and let Nisha pull him up.

“Um, what are you going to do about clothes?”

Nisha walked over to a waterproof bag, opened it up, and got a pair of shorts out. “I keep some things here for instances like this.” Nisha quickly dressed and returned to Kannon.

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