Page 68 of Prince of Tides
Something I’d sworn I wouldn’t do. She’d asked foronething during her pregnancy, and that was for me to be present.
“Fuck,” I spat at nobody in particular before leaping from the edge of the Bastion wall and heading for the beach.
I wouldnotlike my next conversation, but it had to happen.
Upon landing, I shifted back to a human form and headed for the palace. I’d seen Laurie leaving the broken window, trailing Gisele. The older shifter would likely bring her down to the beach, so I waited, making sure everyone on the birthing barges was doing okay.
The wail of a newborn filled the air, breaking the silence that had settled over the beach and bay. Many smiles were shared, despite the death floating a few feet away. Loss was a way of life with the Tidal Clan. But creation was what kept us going. And now we saw that, despite the attack, we had saved those who mattered most. Our young.
“What is it?” I grunted as Suh landed nearby and resumed his human form, the thick-chested dragon making his way over to me.
“Sir …” Suh said uncomfortably.
“Just spit it out. Don’t waste our time, Suh. What’s on your mind?”
“It’s what you said out there, sir,” Suh said. “About there being more of you.”
I looked at him sharply. “Yes?”
Suh nodded at the doors to the palace. “That’s your mate, is it not?”
“Where are you going with this, Suh?” I growled as I faced him, already suspecting the outcome.
“Take the Test,” he said. “Take up the weapon of the prince. Then you can give the spear to someone else.”
I glared at him, irritated by his forcefulness. “That will take some time, Suh, and it’s not any of your business.”
“It’sallof our business,” Suh said, not backing down. “Our people are suffering because the Trident of the Seas sits unused. It is your duty!”
“Can’t you see I’m working on it?” I raged, losing my temper. “Once we’re mated, I’ll finally be able to use the Trident, but not before, okay? So drop it.”
Suh bristled at the dressing-down, but he relented.
Unfortunately, that was the least of my problems.
“So, that’s what this is all about?” Laurie asked from behind me in a tiny voice. “You brought me here so that you could use this trident? I’m just a means to an end, aren’t I?”
I sagged, looking skyward before slowly turning around.
“Laurie,” I pleaded, spreading my hands wide. “It’s not like that, okay. It’s not.”
“I should have known you were too good to be true,” she whispered, spinning in place before storming back up to the palace.
Gisele gave me a sympathetic glance, then went after her.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Laurie
Despite her advanced age and non-functioning leg, Gisele caught up to me almost before I’d reached the doors.
“Did you know?” I snapped, wheeling on her once we were inside.
“Know what? That you’re Rip’s mate? Of course.”
“That he was just using me to get a better stick!” I said hotly, shaking my head. “This isn’t the first time someone has said that word. ‘Mate.’ Why does everyone keep saying it? What the hell is going on here?”
Gisele looked uncomfortable.
