Page 69 of Siren's Kiss & Feral Beasts
They slice through the dark waters, black sails straining against the wind—a declaration of war. The Five Seas have answered. Wolves from every pack, from every corner of the waters I rule, sail beneath banners that snap like whips in the night.
This year’s hunt will be different, I’d sent word out with the change in the rules. Blood will not be spilled for dominance or tradition.
This is for honor. For loyalty. To protect our people.
For our luna.
I’m coming for you, love.
Shots ring out, followed by the thunder of small cannons. The sky ignites, each boom a pulse through my chest. The hunt has begun.
Maleth, who’d been standing to my left, leans closer. His voice low. “Once you find Severus, and he’ll be on that boat, I’m claiming my kill. Following.”
I tilt my head. “Following?”
“He’ll run.”
“How do you know that?”
Maleth’s silver eyes sharpen, his stare meaningful. Respectfully, he meets my eyes, needing me to understandwhy. His truth. “Because my father is a coward, Alpha. He’s not a fighter, but an opportunist. And once thatopportunityslips from his cold, dead fingers, he’ll save his ass.”
“He doesn’t get away, Maleth.”
Placing his hand over his chest, he nods his head. “You have my word. He will die.”
27
NERISSA
Istare at myself in the mirror, fog rolling in from the sea like a living thing, thick and curling around the ship. It’s hard to see anything past the plume, and I pray that just beyond the physical manifestation of my fear is my wolf. That his boats are nearby, and my family didn’t turn their back on me when I needed them the most.
My chest rises and falls with each pull of the damn electric air. It’s slipped in from the open window, humming as I put the final touches on my costume. Grandma Lucienne watches me, nervously wringing her free hands as I slip into the wedding attire for my people. How, without meaning to, I make a spectacle of what we value as traditions.
The bra, a delicate opal coral bead, catches the muted lights as I turn in the mirror. Each bead is chosen with care, contouring over the slopes of my breasts and covering, framing each nipple in a way that isn’t obvious but if you look hard enough, you see the bare tip.
It’s meant to highlight what now belongs to your mate. A tribute for him to uncover and covet, making it impossible to last past the ceremony, and you retire early to the marital suite.In a true ceremony, I’d be in my tail until the bite, and then everything is fair game. Today, though, I’m in a thin and billowy skirt, the white material shifting with each minute movement, with a slit that reaches my hip.
No underwear. Nothing in my future husband’s way, and I shiver in disgust at the thought of being tied for life to Orion. Every step must be careful, measured, and with self-awareness.
I refuse to flash anyone.
Grandmother Lucienne steps in beside me, her delicate hand on my shoulder, pushing the long strands out of the way. “Nerissa, your father and the family pod—everyone is here. Beyond the fog, twenty pirate ships are ready to strike, with Magda and Elara holding the cloaking illusion up. Smart move on giving Kai the robe.”
A breath of relief escapes me, and I bite back tears. “He came?”
“I’m right here.” He walks out from behind a floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes. I’m shocked it could conceal his frame, but the position of a high-backed chair in front of it masks his size. That, and an armoire directly beside it in the same finish as the chair. Dark wood, thick fabric, and so many little trinkets that the eye is too busy taking everything in to playfind the alpha.
“When did you…?”
“Doesn’t matter.” Within seconds, I’m being lifted off the ground and kissed, my earlier red lipstick wiped off with the onslaught. It’s deep and lingering, and I’d gladly give up my last breath to never stop feeling those lips on mine. Footsteps come closer, the wood creaking, and he pulls back long enough to look me up and down. Give my nipple and the beads a quick tug. “You look gorgeous, smell amazing, and taste even better. I want to claim you wearing this, little treasure. Don’t let Orion touch a single bead.”
The possessiveness in his tone has my thighs clenching, but the look in his eyes makes me whine, a sound my grandmother raises an eyebrow to. “Don’t judge.”
“Not at all.” From a pocket in her dress, she pulls out a small switch blade with a clear quartz handle and a ribbon of sea-silk.I thought I’d lost it. How did she find it?She places both in my hand, the reason very clear, and I secure it to my thigh in a way that it appears part of the attire. My heart tightens, throat dry in gratitude.Thank you, I mouth, but she shakes her head, placing a small kiss on my cheek. “All I want is your happiness, my child.”
“And I yours. It’s never too late to claim Eph?—”
“Quiet. Someone’s at the door.” A second later, someone tries to turn the handle but finds it locked. That gives Kai time to slip into place again, my grandmother unlocking the door before taking a seat in front of the curtain. “Come in.”
