Page 13 of Siren's Kiss & Feral Beasts
Obsidian, black and smooth like sea glass, it remains dormant until touched by fate. Glowing a fiery blue only when true mates touch and the bond snaps into place. Moreover, after the bite, it’s tradition for the male to keep it close to his chest until their daughter comes of age, and then it’s passed down.
That tradition died with the betrayal of Queen Lucienne, though.
It’s made her weak. Sick.Lost.
My grandmother hasn’t been the same since Ephraim Daire stole it from her, and that’s a wrong I’ve vowed to right, no matter the cost. Even if it means killing the king of all wolves anddisplaying his black, pirate heart at the entrance to the Marivelle kingdom, so be it.
Family comes first. No matter the cost.
But what if I’m the price?
4
NERISSA
“Lost in thought, Princess?” I’m pulled back to the present by a sudden, gruff voice, and my body turns to face the intruder. Smile a little cocky, Orion stands closer than I expected. A few feet from me, he has broad shoulders, average height, and a dark blue tail that matches his eyes. In contrast, his hair is white—almost silver—beneath the sun’s rays. “What’s got you so preoccupied?”
His eyes traverse my body, up and down from my fin to my breasts. They’re covered in my favorite kelp silk bra with shell accents polished to look like glass beads in shades that match my tail. Orion doesn’t hide his attraction, and I’m uncomfortable, but that’s nothing new. It’s been the same since we were young.
Back then, it was his pompous attitude.
Now, he’s overconfident and pushy. Forgets that in the hierarchy, he’s below me.
He’s the son of Grandfather Atlas’s friend, groomed from a young age to be our general after his father stepped down. Not that he fought for or earned the position; his reward came simply from being the son of a loyal advisor and court member.The same man who stepped in when my grandfather became king, personally chosen for that position.
“Morning,” I say, my voice low as I glide backwards, a practiced smile in place.
“It’s past noon, Nerissa. Way past morning.”
“I just woke up, so for me…” I trail off, the meaning clear.
“Would it make you happy if I said it?” In response, I arch a brow but remain quiet. Orion exhales roughly at that, the scales along his chest vibrating. “Good morning, Your Majesty.”
“Was that so hard?” I ask, but before he can reply, I continue. “And to answer your earlier question, I’m thinking?—”
“About?” I don’t call out his rudeness for cutting me off. Instead, I swim around him toward the entryway. I’ve never liked being alone with him.Opportunist and a chauvinist.“Where are you going?”
Pausing at the entryway, I look back at him from over my shoulder. “Is that truly any of your business?”
“I’m not the enemy.”
“Yet, you’re delaying my trip to the kitchen.”
“No one told you to sleep in.”
“Is that an admonishment I detect?” My tone is a little sharp, but like everything else, it goes right over his head.
“Where were you last night?”
“You’re overstepping, General. Remember your place.”
His shitty grin says he enjoys my annoyance. “Be nice.”
“Orion, I’m five seconds from?—”
“Your grandfather requests your presence in the dining hall, Nerissa.” He swims toward me, skimming his arm against my side before stopping outside my room. There, he waves a hand toward the royal feast chambers. Without a word, I move to pass by him, but his hand shoots out and takes hold of my wrist. Shuddering is my immediate response, but I fight the urge backand stare at his hand on mine. “I picked up your favorite moon leaf cakes with sea grapes.”
My favorite? Yes.
