Page 14 of Where the Current Takes Him
“You…” Beau cleared his throat. “You heard right.”
A flicker of relief ghosted across the Mer’s face. “I also thought it would be prudent to discuss expectations in a neutral place.”
Beau tilted his head. “Expectations?”
Loriun’s eyes darted away for a moment, and vibrant, scarlet fins flared at the sides of his face. “Well. I do not know, for example, if you prefer to live by yourself for a few months.”
Beau’s lips parted. “That’s an option?”
The Alpha’s eyes darkened so slightly that Beau wondered if he’d imagined it.
“Of course. I would never pressure you into a situation you aren’t comfortable with.”
Hesitation crept into Beau’s thoughts. His inner people-pleaser was screaming for him to give the beautiful fish-manwhatever he wanted, while his rational mind desperately craved space and solitude.
“Interspecies couples are provided a house,” Loriun went on. “It is a specialized home, meant to cater to both Mer and human. If you prefer, you may live in the home while I remain in my current accommodation. We can… take things slow.”
Guilt was already gnawing at Beau. Anyone could see the Alpha didn’t want him to agree, but on the other hand, when would Beau ever get the chance to have his own space ever again?
“I think…” Beau said tentatively, “that’s a good idea.”
Loriun’s broad shoulders sank, just barely.
He’s disappointed.
“Whatever you need, Beau,” Loriun said, his tone whisky-smooth, “I will provide it.”
∞∞∞
Nothing in Beau’s wildest dreams could have prepared him for the home now looming over him. Loriun had already unlocked the door and disappeared into the foyer, but Beau could do little more than take it all in. The house stood two stories tall and was crafted from pale birchwood. Even in the evening darkness, it shone with a bright airiness that could only be felt in a beachside cottage.
Human touches were already apparent. There was a sprawling front lawn, and a charming stepping stone path leading through a white picket fence and to the front porch. Admittedly, the grass appeared to be a dark purple color, but the idea was there.
In a daze, Beau trailed after Loriun, passing through a front door painted in a sandy cream shade. The inside was even more overwhelming. It was fully furnished in a palette of white, cream and pale blue. Photos of beaches and seashells lined the walls, and the floors were smooth, ceramic tile.
A little splash caught Beau’s attention. Along the back wall, the floor appeared to descend. As he stepped closer, Beau realized that the home was resting directly on the surface of the ocean. A large square had been cut from the living room floor, and the pool lined with a riverstone wall.
“It’s meant for Mer.” Loriun’s voice came from behind him, causing him to jump. “A place for us to relax alongside our human partners.”
“Right. Of course.”
Large windows made up the majority of the back wall, offering a stunning view of the vast Florida Sea.
“What if there’s a storm? Won’t the house flood?”
Loriun chuckled. “Our island is protected. Look closely.” He leaned closer to Beau and stretched out a finger, pointing into the waves.
Beau’s heart rate picked up as the smell of musky cedar engulfed him. The Mer was practically resting his chin on Beau’s shoulder. It took a moment for him to focus on what Loriun was trying to show him.
Under the moonlight, a large wave rolled toward the shore. But before it could come within a few hundred meters, it crashed against… nothing.
“What—” Beau started to ask, baffled.
“It’s a sort of shield. Like a bubble around the island.”
Beau hardly heard him. He was far too distracted by the feeling of the Alpha’s breath caressing his cheek.
“The bubble is somewhat permeable. It lets water, rain, wind, and animals through, but it dampens any destructive force.”
