A Mermaids Longing

FUTURE LOST 1:A MERMAID’S LONGING An Ellora’s Cave publication written by MYRA NOUR MS Reader (LIT) ISBN # 1-84360-627-5 Other available formats (no ISBNs are assigned): Adobe (PDF), Rocketbook (RB), Mobipocket (PRC) & HTML © Copyright MYRA NOUR, 2003. All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave. Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc. USA Ellora's Cave Ltd, UK This e-book may not be reproduced in whole or in part by email forwarding, copying, fax, or any other mode of communication without author/publisher permission. Edited by BRIANA ST. JAMES Cover Art by DARRELL KING

Warning: The following material contains strong sexual content meant for mature readers. FUTURE LOST 1: A MERMAID’S LONGING has been rated S/Borderline E, erotic, by three individual reviewers. We strongly suggest storing this electronic file in a place where young readers not meant to view this ebook are unlikely to happen upon it. That said, enjoy…

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Chapter One Marielle

The waves lapped at her thighs, teasing, tempting her to enter their gentle embrace. Marielle examined the surface carefully before plunging in and taking several powerful strokes, which carried her forward many feet. Again, she glanced quickly around. No fins or breaks marred the ocean’s calm glassy surface this morning. Blinking hard, her clear, protective eyelid slid softly into place, only then did she dip her face into the slightly cool water. She hated the sting of salty water in her eyes. Although her inner eyelids would automatically glide into place once she dove beneath the waves, Marielle always engaged them beforehand. Some of her friends chuckled at her cringing in this one area, when she was fearless in so many others. She peered beneath the watery veil, searching for large bodies moving below, especially those of the fierce sharks. Her long hair spread around her, floating gracefully like the silkiest of seaweed. Tiny, brilliantly colored fish caught her attention, but they swam lazily by, no alarm moved amongst their ranks. A lobster scuttled slowly, not nervously, along the sandy bottoms depths. All clear. Marielle dove deep, exhilarated by the deeper water’s refreshing chill. She swam near a long-fronded plant and tickled a sea horse that curled its tail around the fibrous leaf. It eyed her with little interest. These tiny creatures knew the Mer people were not counted among their predatory enemies. A passing puffer fish caught her eye, and she

paddled around him in fast circles, until he tired of the game and swelled up in self-defense or ire. Passing puffer fish caught her eye. She chuckled inwardly and swam nonchalantly away. Let the little fellow think he’d won a victory over her. She locked her long, slender fingers and toes into position, and then powered herself through the dark blue depths in a speedy underwater dance that outraced the darting fish around her. Then, stiffening her legs and tightening her arms firmly next to her body, Marielle shot forward with even more speed, as she moved her frame in the motion used by her friends, the dolphins. She loved to swim this way, but couldn’t maintain it for extremely long periods of time—it was tiring. She maneuvered into a joyful flip, then headed toward the surface, breaking the calm in one abrupt movement. Her leap into the air was not nearly as effective as a dolphin’s, but was just as fun. Kark’s comical face greeted her immediately when she surfaced, and the dolphin completed an enthusiastic jump of her own. Marielle was happy to see her dear friend. She was the most fun to play games with, even though her other clan members were all high-spirited. Kark’s presence always reassured her. Dolphins were also much better at spotting dangerous predators, or even the huge misshapen monsters that occasionally swam up from the ocean’s bottomless depths. “Fish!” The dolphin flipped her head for emphasis. “You’re always hungry,” she giggled, then waved her hand at her friend, who plunged beneath the surface several times. Marielle knew that each time Kark dove, she’ d catch a tasty morsel, and consume it swiftly before she reappeared nearby. The merrily smiling mouth and twinkling eyes splashed next to her. This time Kark held a brightly yellow fish. “You know I don’t eat raw fish.” Marielle repeated their ritual. After every meal, Kark always offered her the last succulent catch. The dolphin gave a flip of her long nose, her way of shrugging. She flung the fish upward and caught it efficiently, gulping it down in one mouthful. The water around and beneath them churned suddenly. Kark’s clan had gathered round to greet her. She exclaimed over a new pup, which shyly kept its distance. The proud mother, usually shy herself, chatted some minutes with Marielle about her new baby. She and Kark spent an hour playing and swimming with her friend’s relatives, then swam off for some private time. “When island?” She gazed into the dolphin’s keen eyes, then turned her attention to that far off temptation. She shrugged. “One day.” “One day too old.” Kark ended with a dolphin laugh. “Don’t be silly, it’ll be many years before I find a mate and have children.” She dove beneath the jewel-toned waves to escape her friend’s inquisitive look. Marielle dug an oyster from the sand’s sucking clutch, her mind on Kark’s remark. The dolphin was young. Soon she’d mate, while Marielle had not yet even met a boy who stirred her interest. Sure, she’d practiced hurried kisses stolen beneath star-filled skies, exchanged hot caresses and even made love while swimming safely in the land-locked lake. But no youth, no matter his male beauty, or artful tongue, had won her heart.

The young men of her land were all handsome, their bodies slimly muscular from long days spent swimming in the ocean. Yet, they all looked and acted alike. Marielle knew she was being too harsh. The villagers’ isolation produced a race of blonde humanoids, all of similar height, with slender bodies. Even the eye coloring was monotonous, though they ranged in the green, gray, or blue spectrums. How she longed for brown, hazel, or golden orbs, like those depicted in the sacred books. Marielle’s true problem was that she had an adventurous heart, which she’d not found a match for in any of the villagers. Her brother was the exception. She sighed inwardly. Her brother used to share many of her schemes and ramblings to the far corners of their world. Now he was married with two children, plus he was in line for the chieftainship. As a result, he had settled down and was serious about every decision he made. He would never consider such a dangerous proposition as swimming to the far-off island, which called to her daily. She didn’t know why it drew her, or how, but it did, just like the legendary Sirens of old called to passing sailors. She’d tried to find a kindred spirit, but had failed. Other small villages were scattered along the coastline. The people often met during celebrations or on market days, so she knew most of the available young men. None met her lofty standards. Not one had shared her vision of attaining the far island’s shores one day. The few she’d allowed into the old place and shown the wonders of the ancient ruins, smiled politely, but no real interest stirred in their breasts or eyes. Perhaps they were too inbred. Or maybe it was the fact that the villagers’ lives were easy and enjoyable. Food was plentiful. A quick swim in the ocean and any Mer person could resurface with a large fish clasped in their hands. Then there were lobster, oysters, crabs, and shrimp to dine on—an endless smorgasbord. Seaweed and other tasty sea plants supplemented the nutritional fulfillment of their meals, along with land plants they grew in small plots behind each cottage. Their lives were idyllic. They had no need for discovering far places or investigating the strange cities of the ancients. But Marielle had a need. Her restless heart had yearned for years, her questing eyes devoured each book laden with adventure or exotic lands. Her thoughts circled back to the available young men, but she wanted someone different, in looks, and in his attitude toward life. A bump against her arm told her she’d been daydreaming for too long. She glanced at her companion, happy to see the apologetic look on Kark’s dolphin face. The dolphin nosed an oyster from the bottom and played “knock the poor creature about” for some few minutes. Marielle opened the shell in her hand. Using her small knife, as she intended all along to open the oyster, she retrieved the lovely pearl from the gelatinous heart. It would complete the necklace she was working on. She tried to ignore Kark’s antics, but couldn’t hold the belly laugh in. It burst forth in a spew of bubbling breath. Shaking her head, Marielle swam for the surface. She could easily hold her breath for ten minutes, but her friend’s silliness had released the last of her air pocket. At least she’d not been lost in musing as long as she thought. She took in several deep breaths, intending to rejoin Kark, but her friend’s smiling face reappeared next to her. “Fish.” “You know, you’re right, I’m getting hungry too.” She waved at the dolphin and

swam toward shore. Once there, she retrieved the gem from her pocket, examining it for imperfections, there were none. When she arrived at the cottage she shared with her mother, she pulled out the strand of perfectly matched pearls from the intricately carved jewelry box. It needed one more to complete it. It took her some time to patiently use the hand tool to screw a hole into the center of the oyster’s creation. Impatience could result in an off-skew hole.

Chapter Two The Ancients

That night her dreams were filled with a tall, dark-haired stranger who kissed her passionately beneath a star-filled sky. After she awoke, Marielle was restless and horny. She went in search of Cay, the only young man who stirred her senses with intensity. He was very handsome and kind-hearted, and she liked him. If only he had an adventurous heart, then maybe he would be a good mate. She found him swimming in her favorite inland spot—a secluded lake. It was large. Mer people could frolic unseen in many different areas. Stripping quickly, she dove beneath the warm water, coming up just in front of his smiling face. He’d seen her onshore, and as always, he was happy to see her. White-blonde hair caressed his neckline and dark green eyes sparkled mischievously into hers. “Came to play?” “Maybe.” She paddled around him slowly, soaking in the sight of his slim, swimmer’s build, ripped with muscularity. It made her hot every time she took in his handsome body, and she was already worked up as it was. But, she also loved to tease Cay, who enjoyed it in return. “Is there anything worth playing with this morning?” “You tell me.” He reached out suddenly and pulled her into his grasp. Marielle’s stomach clenched. If only he acted this demanding more often. But no, usually his approach was soft and gentle. She waited and he swooped down on her lips, pleasing her no end with his aggressive manner. It wasn’t that she didn’t like gentle lovemaking, but Cay’s more forceful manner made her feel as though he desired her enough to fight for her. Usually, his softer approach signified he was interested in her, but not with the fully involved and intense emotion she wanted from a man. Perhaps he was just horny too. It had been a few weeks since they coupled, and she happened to know Cay pursued no other maid at this time. Running one hand through his sodden hair, she pulled his head forward for another kiss, when he started to edge back to stare at her face. Falling backward, she drew Cay down with her into the liquid warmth. Their kiss continued unabated as they swam slowly just under the surface, rubbing each other’s bodies with excited hands. They both loved screwing underwater, something done with ease for Mer people, at least for ten minutes at a time. Her nerve endings sizzled as Cay’s webbed skin slid across her breasts. His flesh stuck on one puckered nipple. Using a pumping motion, he pulled her breast up and down, his webbing suctioning to her beaded skin. She gasped and little air bubbles escaped her mouth. Her breast felt tighter, plumper, and ached to be squeezed even harder. She moaned as he seemed to read her mind and clamped onto her breast with a fierce kneading. Startling Marielle from her

erotic haze, Cay released her flesh suddenly. Removing her arms from his neck, he dipped down and suckled one nipple. His throat closed with a special flap when he opened his mouth and flicked the nub rapidly, so no water would rush past his mouth. Marielle giggled. The lap of his tongue coupled with the swish of the water tickled. But then the tickling stopped and an erotic tingling shot through her nipple. She shoved his head urgently against her flesh. Marielle wanted more of this feeling, she wanted Cay to suck harder. He nipped at her flesh and pain shot through her nipple. He’ d bitten too hard. But then she was overcome with shards of pleasure that shot through her whole breast. She gurgled beneath the water as the pleasure built, arching her back and thrusting her nipple deeper into his mouth. Her clit burned with unfulfilled need, and seemed to be on fire in contrast to the cool liquid that lapped against her pussy. Suddenly, she wanted to give her partner the same wonderful sensations. Pushing Cay back, she attached herself to his smaller male nipple, exciting it more beyond its already hardened state. His hands moved restlessly in her sodden locks. Clearly he liked getting his nipples sucked as much as she did. With a last flick of her tongue, she propelled her body with a swift kick of her finned feet, then positioned herself over his hips. It took only a fluid movement of her webbed hands to ease down upon his staff. Her channel tightened around him as he shoved all the way inside her. Tension built around her pussy and little tingles of electricity lanced from her channel. Cay had an adequately sized male organ and he knew how to move. They used their webbed appendages to make movements up and down in the water, instead of grasping each other’s shoulders. It was their favorite underwater sex game. The sensation was different, a soft sliding up and down, fluid like the water that surrounded them. Her inner walls gripped his cock as it rammed inside her, then released with a suctioning sound. The feeling was exquisite—wet silk and velvet-covered hardness rubbing against each other. At each thrust, more heat erupted from her pussy, until she was sure the water would boil at any moment. Marielle strained against Cay, seeking more contact with his hard length. As if in agreement, they abruptly wrapped their arms around each other. Then using their feet, they swam swiftly through the water, twirling and spiraling in an underwater dance that increased the sensation in their genitals tremendously. She could feel her flesh inside swelling, tightening around his hardness, increasing her pleasure even more. Cay’s cock was snugly lodged inside her, their twirling movements giving her an inner massage that set her pulse racing. His cock pounded into her sensitive flesh. Marielle bit her bottom lip, as the taut tension within her pussy seemed unbearable. Both knew when their air supply was close to depletion, but they continued their thrusting movements until the time was nearly up. Only then did their upper bodies stop moving as their hips continued to shove toward each other at a more frenzied pace. Marielle concentrated on the sensation in her lower lips. Throbbing, aching need. She was ready to burst. Her pussy clenched his cock like a fist, milking it. With each movement of her inner muscles, a tiny orgasm flushed through her pussy.

She watched Cay’s face as he climaxed. He was a beautiful male, and she enjoyed watching his heated expression that was not dampened in the least by the water’s embrace. Her vagina gripped his cock and she flung her head back, joy filtering along her nerve endings. Now the water felt cool in comparison to the heat running along her skin. She clutched at his arms hard enough to leave welts as her pussy convulsed. In sync, they swam to the surface with bodies still locked in contact. Little electric tingles and a gentle pumping of her vagina made the last of her orgasm delicious. She moaned as the pulsing shot through her clit. They sucked in air and moved their lower bodies in gentle waves, riding out the last of their orgasm. Afterwards, they talked as their bodies dried in the hot sun. Stretching out along a large flat rock after their session was relaxing and they both became sleepy. Cay tried to take Marielle in his arms for a snuggly nap, but she laughingly pushed away and jumped up. She had other things on her mind, other places to go. Although her climax had been nice, it wasn’t mind-blowing Her body was satisfied. A flash of momentary guilt flickered through her as she walked away. Why did she always question every encounter with the sublime young men? Their society was open-minded about sexual encounters, unlike the more uptight attitudes she read about in a few of the ancient texts. Sex was usually quite nice. But she always went away feeling as though she were missing out on something. Marielle shook her head silently. Maybe I’m just greedy? The next instant, her analytic inner voice interrupted. Maybe I just haven’t met the right man yet? Shaking off her self-doubts, she hiked a familiar trail, one she loved dearly. Rounding a sand dune some time later, she paused and stared up at her most favorite place in the world… at least the world she was familiar with. The spire pierced the low-lying, thin clouds, which enveloped it today. It was an imposing building. All the dwellings in the village were simple one-story cottages made of mud and grass. The villagers’ lives were simple, they had no need for towering structures or intricate compositions. Yet, they still admired the beauty of their ancestors’ construction. Marielle’s warm thoughts centered on the small room at the top, where treasures from the past were stored. It was the sacred place where the village priestess kept memories alive by passing them to each succeeding trainee. She was proud to be the most recent initiate, because her mother was the current holder of ancient wisdom. When a daughter was born to a priestess, her child inherited the respectable position. Springing up the rocky path with sure steps, Marielle entered the dark archway of the old place. No one, not even the priestess, knew its name. So, they called it the old place or the ancients dwelling. Although she doubted anyone had ever lived there. The building was too tiny to be proper living quarters. Its circular shape shot straight upward, the inner secrets accessed through the steep, spiraling stone stairs that wound around the interior wall. The steps were smooth and worn with the years’ passage and the tread of many feet. Marielle was happy the old ones had made them of stone. Wooden steps would have crumbled into dust eons past. Inside it was cool, a relief from the sun’s intense heat. She took the stairs two at a time, anxious to gain the inner sanctum. A cozy, round room met her eyes. Shelves lined the circumference, from floor to ceiling. They were

freshly built shelves, ones she’d pestered her brother to build to replace the older, cracked boards that had resided there since her mother’s youth. On those carefully shaped boards rested the true treasures –volume upon volume of precious books, rescued from decay by an ancient priestess. Each fragile work of the ancients was placed inside a clear, hard covering. None of her people knew what this substance was called. There were no words written on the magical substance, and they didn’t have the knowledge to replicate it. It was tough, but a strong blow would crack it. Most of the books fit nicely into the material’s ready-made shape. But a few larger volumes were uncovered and vulnerable to the elements. These, Marielle and her mother kept wrapped in crocizard skin, which repelled water, and therefore made a perfect covering. Here was the true secret of why she desired to join the priestess ranks –to gain unrestricted access to the old knowledge. While it was true any villager could study the books, with a priestess watching over them, few bothered, most only learned the rudiments of reading. They left it to the priestess to keep the ancient wisdom alive and known. She stopped at the strange and wondrous instrument perched in front of a window. She did not know its name either. The secret name had never been revealed in any volume. She smoothed her hand down its slick tubular shape, and then bent slightly and peered into its eye. This was the reason her heart ached to explore other places—the ancient instrument allowed her to view other worlds. It was already set up in the window facing the island. She adjusted it slightly, changed the angle a bit, and was rewarded with a good view of the island’s rugged shore. Waves crashed against the slim strip of beach, and splashed upward a dozen feet onto the steep cliffs. No tiny figures were visible on the beach line today. Marielle was extremely curious about these strangers. The distance was too great to make out the details of their features. But she could tell their hair was not blonde—their locks were dark, but beyond that, she couldn’t discern their features in detail. With an adjustment, she moved to a section of the island that drew her most fervent interest. A v-shape split the cliff’s purity, as if some giant had struck a hard blow, parting the monstrous rocks. The rift was wide and provided an intriguing view into the interior. She could see water shimmering inland, indicating a large lake. Land shot up from the water’s center—broken by what appeared to be another island. An island within an island. Upon its shores, a tall, pyramid shaped mountain pierced the lower clouds. It was an awesome sight, a strange natural creation that was so unlike the sameness of her homeland, with its pristine beaches and tropical growth. She smiled to herself. Marielle really didn’t know if the faraway land was an island or not. The small stretch of land was all she could see, and it was surrounded on three sides by water. An island sounded more mysterious, so her obsession became what she desired it to be. Marielle was convinced she and her people inhabited a mainland, even though no one had ventured beyond the beach wrapped peninsula to disprove this theory. She gently pushed the old magic eye to a window opposite the island. Thank goodness she’ d convinced Sar years ago to construct a platform with carved wheels. It made moving the eye simpler, and at the same time, protected it from being dragged across the

uneven stone floor. The other window overlooked a vastly different landscape, one filled with gigantic, twisted trees and lush vegetation. In the distance she could see the ruins of an ancient city. The buildings ranged from squat, multi-storied ones, to thin spires, whose tops breached the treetops. Some of these had crumbled away with age, and Marielle wondered just how tall they’d been originally. Vines had overgrown most of the structures, making them look more like huge, odd-shaped plants. But, other areas were clean of obstructions, allowing the lovely brickwork and steel shapes to emerge, some showing intricate detail. Steel and brick. These were substances they did not have in her homeland, but which she’d eagerly read about in the books. Many of the ancients’ buildings had also been made of wood, but those had toppled into decay long ago. It was a wild, lovely place. It appeared even more so because it was also filled with strange, wondrous beasts. Creatures whose names she recognized from studying the volumes, tigers, wolves, lions, bears, and elephants. Of course, these beasts looked somewhat different than their ancestors depicted in the books—some vastly changed. The tigers and lions appeared much larger, although it was hard to tell. She could only judge their present day shape against the trees around them, and then compare with the photos in the books for height differences. The felines also had fangs that protruded from their savage-looking mouths. Many other creatures called the ruins home, but the distance was too great and they were too small to properly see. Then there were the monsters—that was the only term she could attach to them, their gigantic misshapen forms sent shivers through her each time she spied them. These beasts seemed to prefer the night, for she’d seldom seen them in the light of day amongst the overhanging forest giants’ shadows. Marielle shivered at her imaginings of secretive beasts. While her adventurous heart might wish to explore the ruins, her mind told her it was far too dangerous a venture.

Chapter Three The Dark Rift

She peered at the ancient ruins through the magic eye. The only thing that kept the villagers safe from such fierce denizens was a sharp chasm, which split the land between them. The elders thought a great earthquake had caused the fissure. The rift ran from the ocean’s edge to the other end of their homeland. Marielle’s imagination pictured it as a grinning giant, waiting for unsuspecting creatures to enter its maw. When one stood cautiously on the lip and gazed downward, the opening at first seemed bottomless. But, glimmers of water glistened where the sun’s rays managed to pierce the deep shadows—pools, which probably gave life-sustaining moisture to the chasm’s residents. Spindly plants crept up the sides of the crevice, wherever clumps of dirt clung to precariously small ledges. At the bottom squat, ugly, denuded trees grew, their growth impaired by the sparse sunlight that struggled to penetrate the inky depths. Between their knotty configurations, splotches of dark, poisonous looking ferns took up residence. The only reason Marielle knew this much of the mysterious life at the rift’s bottom was because she and Sar had trundled the magic eye out one day while her mother visited a relative in a nearby village. They’d spent hours categorizing the savage beasts in the ruins, and making quick mental notes of the deformed shapes that fit no particular species. They’d turned the instrument on the chasm last, but spent less time examining its dusky interior. Its landscape had a sameness that quickly became boring, and the few animals they spotted caused shudders to reverberate through her. Only that once had they dared to take the magic eye to the rift. After a slight crumbling in the rocks beneath the instrument caused it to sway dangerously, only a swift heart-pounding grab by Sar saved it from plunging into the abyss. The fear of losing such a valuable object kept them from ever sneaking it out again. Marielle shook herself from her musings, returned the magic eye to its proper place against the wall, and then picked up one of her other favorite books. It was a book about ocean creatures. It fell open to the dolphin section. She smiled fondly at the happily depicted dolphins. Some of their kind no longer swam the jeweled waters, and this saddened her. She often wondered if they were one of the species lost to extinction. One finger stopped on the bottlenose. They were Kark’s long dead ancestors. Her eyes paused on the author’s description of dolphin intelligence, and she chuckled to herself. Her friends were so much more. She was so happy dolphins had not mutated in a grotesque manner. No ancient writings indicated dolphins could speak, or that humans understood their body language. Kark and all his clan could speak a string of basic words and phrases. They also had developed a body language that was clearly understood by the Mer people. Of course, her people’s attributes were probably more inclined to understanding their

underwater companions. But it took no special skills to interpret dolphins’ spoken words. She was glad that dolphins had developed this way, when so much had been lost or changed in a bad way for other species. Many of the sea creatures depicted in this wonderful book no longer swam in the vast waters. She suspected radiation was to blame, just as it was also the culprit in changing certain animals and fish into something vastly different than their depicted ancestors. Some of the huge whales were unchanged, just as with dolphins, Marielle thought they were more intelligent than the ancient humans surmised. Or maybe it was that Mer people had an increased ability to understand their fellow creatures. It was always a pleasant experience to meet one of the gentle giants, and though the body language was more difficult to decipher due to their size, they could still manage to exchange greetings and information. But, many of the ocean’s denizens appeared to have been changed by radiation. The deadliest creature was the paralyzing shark. It was also small compared to its peers, barely reaching a Mer person’s body length. Yet it was the predator that sent the greatest fear through her people. If it swam within twelve feet of its intended prey, it would spit a dark red fluid from a cavernous throat, immediately paralyzing the victim. Afterward, the shark took its time consuming dinner. Marielle was glad her people had not mutated. Yes, they had changed. But a wise priestess from long ago had concluded these changes were due to natural evolution. Who was she to question such wisdom? Without thinking, her hand went to their most precious book, the history of her people. She reverently withdrew the volume from its casing, which in turn lay inside a heavily carved box. This was a place of honor only it occupied. It was brightly colored, clearly a child’s storybook. Yet, it was the only words of the ancients that described her people in any form. “The Little Mermaid” it proclaimed.She turned the pages carefully. The bright red locks of the heroine and her namesake drew her eyes. Like always Marielle fingered her own straight, pale blonde hair. How she wished for those bright red tones. Blonde was boring. Everyone had blonde hair. She chuckled over the crabby crustacean. She’d tried to make friends herself with different crustaceans, but their name fit their nature, they were irritable creatures that snapped at anyone getting in the way of their endless search for tidbits from the ocean floor or sandy shore. Her finger lingered on Ariel’s magnificent tail, as if by doing so, she could absorb its sensuous, scaly beauty through her fingertips. Sighing, Marielle ran her hand down her own slick thighs. The Mer people had evolved into more human forms, resembling the prince in the story. She spread her fingers wide, then her toes. The only remaining tie to their true mermaid/mermen ancestors were webbed feet and hands. She had nothing against the humans pictured in the books, but her fondest wish was to be fully a mermaid. She’d never understood Ariel’s desire to give up her gift to become human, even for the man she loved. Marielle smiled at the sketch of the hero. Of course, she’d never been in love, but still, she couldn’t imagine making such a choice. Placing the text back slowly in its special box, she grabbed a rag and dusted. At a tap on the door, Marielle swiveled quickly, smiling and waving the handful of

children inside. One of her duties as an initiate into the priestesshood was teaching interested children to read and write. She enjoyed the two hours immensely, and stayed after they left to straighten up. How she wished more children were enthusiastic about the old ways, but the truth was, reading and writing were not needed to help one learn to fish or till the land. The villagers didn’t discourage their children, but neither did they push them to learn the ancient arts. The lukewarm interest of her fellow Mer people only fueled Marielle’s determination to seek excitement elsewhere. Later, her steps down the cliff wandered unerringly toward the beach, the side facing the mysterious island. She had made up her mind. She would go tomorrow.

Chapter Four The Mermaid’s Tail

Before she left, she wanted to get in one last swim with her handmade tail. The long distance to the island prohibited her use of it. Although its use made her much swifter in the water, it was also more tiring. She picked the tail up lovingly, from where it lay draped over a chair in her room. Her extra bed covering had been placed beneath it to protect the material from snagging on the chair’s rough texture. Luckily for her, a crocizard had washed up on the beach last year, and she had been the first one to discover its carcass. It was one of the largest crocizards any of her people had ever seen, as long as seven Mer people in length. Happily for the Mer people, these were rare occurrences. The few Mer people who’d been unfortunate enough to run into one in the ocean had never escaped alive. Usually the mutated monsters were spotted from a distance, the swimmer swiftly making for the nearest shore. The elders of years past had named the beast, thinking it looked like a cross between a crocodile of ancient times and a huge lizard. The body markings looked like the great crocodile, but its head sloped to a slimmer shape, more like a monitor lizard, with a snake-like tongue that shot out to wrap around its victims and pull them into its wide maw. The carcass had been too decayed to use for food, a shame, for crocizard was a tasty treat. But, its tough skin was priceless. The strong, pliable, scaly outside skin was used for tarps, and the Mer made it into heavy coats for the chilly, heavy rains, which swept the coast during winter. However, the thin layer of surprisingly delicate skin underneath the coarse outer layer made it the most valuable. The leather was soft and supple, once one learned the process of turning it into such material. It could be made into various clothing items, and was highly treasured for its “wrapping” tendencies. It would cling to items it was wrapped around, and the material was completely waterproof, making it sought after for things like protecting the books in the old place. Marielle had dreamed of making a tail just like Ariel’s for herself for years, and knew only the crocizard’s skin would suffice in the salty water environment. Finding the huge creature had been the most exciting event of her whole year. Being the one to discover its remains and alerting the others before the waves could wash it out to sea once again, had entitled her to a generous portion of the precious skin. She’d planned, drawn sketches and measured herself innumerable times before she ever attempted to cut the skin into the correct proportions. She’d spent several weeks working the tiny stitches through the leather carefully, making them almost unbreakable by utilizing string she’d made from the creature’s guts. The finished piece was surprisingly beautiful, especially to her. The pale green leather had an underlying sheen of silver. That made the material glow, as if lit by moonbeams. Holding her breath, Marielle had slipped the piece around her feet and wiggled it all the way to her waist.

She had clapped her hands happily in child-like glee. It was a perfect fit. The crocizard skin had a stretchy quality and it clung to her form as if it really were a part of her anatomy. She’d patterned the waist after Ariel’s tail, gently sloping to a “V” in the middle. She found this made the costume seem less confining around her middle, than what she guessed a straight cut would have fit. Luckily, she had just enough left over to make a matching bra. Her mother had shaken her head and smiled gently when Marielle modeled the finished piece. She didn’t want to share it with anyone else until she tested its worthiness in the water’s grip. So, she rolled it up and stuck it inside a palm leaf basket, and headed for the beach. She searched for an isolated spot, then slipped behind a rock and wriggled into the tail as quickly as she could. Her entry into the water was awkward. She had to make funny duck-like waddles before she was near enough to plunge beneath the waves. She realized that next time it would be easier to dive from the rocks. Marielle had floated on her back a few seconds as she examined her tail, excited and awed by its beauty. The only thing spoiling the affect was her webbed feet sticking from the bottom instead of a mermaid’s fin, but they would have to do. Locked into position, her feet could almost be mistaken for a small fin. She stayed near shore while she learned the rhythm of swimming with the tail. It took only a few minutes, since her habit of swimming in true Mermaid fashion fit the tail as if made for it, which it was. Only one thing surprised her—she shot forward with a speed that almost matched the dolphins. Now, months later, she knew how to use the tail efficiently. After an exhilarating swim she headed back toward shore. Marielle stretched out on her back and paddled lazily in the safe shallow water. The ocean floor beneath dipped sharply and any large creature swimming toward her would get stuck on the drop off, their large body unable to accommodate such a move. The tail was a symbol of sensuality to her. The swishing water playing over her body, coupled with the silky texture of the tail, inspired daydreams of a sexual nature. Her mind floated as freely as her body. The tall, dark man came into her mind. Was he one of the villagers she spied on the distant shores? She didn’t know. It didn’t matter, right now he was hers. He was human, so she pictured them walking along the sandy beach. He held her hand and it felt strange, his long limber fingers entwined with her webbed ones. Excitingly different. The sun was setting, washing the jeweled water with rose and orange tones. They stopped, faced each other and the wind lifted her tresses and cooled her neck. His hands came up to caress her neck gently and massage her shoulders. They were both nude. With no clothes to encumber their caresses, his hands slid down her chest, circling her breasts slowly. His skin was rough, calloused. Her breasts tingled at his touch. Plucking one of his hands off her breast, she ran her forefinger along his palm and then between each digit. Smooth. Sighing she drew his hand up to her mouth, and then stroked her tongue along each finger, as if she could taste the differences in their flesh. He sucked in his breath when she slid her mouth over his forefinger. He tasted of salt and warm flesh. She ran her tongue along a calloused finger, enjoying the contrast of his male skin against the softness of her tongue. She suckled on it for long seconds. Her

insides churned and sharp shards of heat shot to her lower lips. She felt swollen and needy. Releasing his hand, she placed it on her breast. Marielle leaned her neck backwards as he kneaded it. He plunged to his knees and licked her belly with long strokes of his warm tongue. She was boneless, weak. Trembling, she slid to her knees. Grabbing her head, he brought her forward for a forceful kiss, one that demanded her surrender. She had relinquished her will long ago to this dark-haired dream lover, but he did not know this. His aggressive possessiveness made her feel as if she were the only woman on the planet. At least for him. The groan that slipped from his masculine lips told her he needed her more than any woman he’d ever met. And, oh yes, she desired him beyond any handsome Mer youth she’d ever had as a lover. While her dream lover’s hands roamed over her body in the dream, her hands slid down her water kissed flesh. She kneaded her breasts lovingly and tweaked her nipples until they ached. Her fingers rolled the peaks as her lover would have suckled them gently. Sliding one hand down her stomach, Marielle pressed her mons. She groaned. Her clit pounded for release. The tail made touching herself more intimately impossible. But thoughts of her dream lover dipping his fingers into her moistness as she continued to rhythmically press her hand against her lips was all she needed. A shudder ran through her as the orgasm thudded against her hand. She rubbed her palm up and down. The silken skin of the crocizard felt exquisite. The softness coupled with resiliency made her think of a tongue. She moaned as her imaginary lover slipped his tongue between her lower lips. Her heart beat erratically as he lovingly soothed her pussy with slow strokes. Then his gentleness turned demanding as he changed to swift flicking movements that made her clit ache. “Oh,” She cried aloud as her clit spasmed again. Marielle continued to caress her lips, riding out the last of the pleasurable sensation. Floating buoyantly—and totally relaxed, it was at least an hour before she headed for home. As she peeled the tail down her skin, Marielle sighed. Will I ever meet a man as hot and wonderful as my dream lover?

***** Marielle watched her mother carefully as she prepared a poultice for a sick child. She didn’t watch to learn, she already knew the treatment her mother applied. She observed to memorize her mother in the art of caring. The way her brow wrinkled as she concentrated, the slender outline of her figure in the evening shadows, made her appear almost Marielle’s twin. She didn’t realize until later, as she lay sleepless and staring up at the dusky ceiling, that she’d truly made up her mind. Memorizing her mother’s smallest duties cemented it in her mind. If luck held with her, she’d return some day soon and embrace her mother once again. If not, last night may have been her final farewell. She knew well her mother’s routine, she’d be up at dawn, pruning her vegetable and herb garden. Marielle didn’t know if she could bear to say goodbye, although her mother would be unaware of her intentions. When sunlight crept into her tiny room, she got ready quickly then spent a few

minutes watching her mother weed. Tears shimmered and she swiped at them hastily, turned and collected a small bag of fruit to tie at her waist. Who knew what vegetables or fruit the island held? She loved to eat fruit every day. She certainly wouldn’t go hungry, ocean delicacies would be but a short swim away. Snapping her fingers, Marielle fetched the extra flint. She’d rather not eat raw fish unless she was desperate. Patting her pocket, she reassured herself the short knife was secure deep inside. It would serve many handy functions. Marielle stepped over to the chair and ran a hand lovingly over the handmade tail. She was leaving it behind. Swimming that distance with the tail would be impossible. She’d do it the same way every Mer person did, by pulling herself along with webbed hands and kicking vigorously with her webbed feet. Only one thing might keep her from leaving today—if Kark’s clan were nowhere around—a rare occurrence. Kark had promised to swim across to the island with her. Her friend would help keep watch for the huge monsters that swam the ocean’s depths. After reaching the beach, Marielle stood at the jeweled water’s edge and scanned the surface. Several sleek figures broke the placid surface a hundred feet from the shore. She pushed through the waves, and then dove beneath its glassy surface, coming up next to a surprised youngster. Kark nudged her from beneath, executing a jubilant flip once she broke the water’s cap. They chatted aimlessly for a minute, the dolphin going on about a delicious school of tiny fish they were pursuing. Mainly, her friend talked while she stayed silent. Her next comment showed the dolphin was paying attention to how Marielle was feeling. She posed almost motionless in front of her, moving languidly. “Why worry?” She turned her eyes to Kark’s inquisitive face, then to the island. “Today’s the day.” The dolphin dipped her long nose and splashed Marielle with cool spray. “Good, adventure.” “Yes,” she paused thoughtfully, “or danger.” Kark gave a chuckling response, her eyes disdainful. “Shark dumb, shark slow.” The only danger dolphins truly feared were the huge sharks, and then only because their vulnerable young easily fell prey to the predators voracious appetite. Adolescents such as Kark turned their noses up at the plodding movements of their worse enemy. Of course, the sharks were in reality swift creatures. But dolphins prided themselves on their speed, and thus refused to view the sharks as anything but slow moving sea scavengers. And the fast-thinking dolphins considered sharks idiots as well. “We go?” “Yes… have you told your mother?” “Many moons past. She say no.” Kark plastered a huge dolphin grin across her attractive face. “No stop me.” “Hmmm. I don’t want to make your mom mad, but I really need you to help me keep watch.” “Come,” she flipped her head toward the island, and then swam away swiftly. Marielle followed at a slower pace, turning for a last glance at her friends. They had

serious, knowing looks on their intelligent faces, which caused a shiver of worry to flutter through her system. Every few minutes she searched the ocean’s depths, even though Kark scanned ahead with her sonar. The sea was filled with dangerous predators. You could never be too careful. They swam for hours before Marielle treaded water and nibbled from her fruit ration. Kark feasted as they traveled, whenever the urge hit her. The island still seemed so far away, yet they had to have traveled half the distance by now. Not long after their break, Kark spied a large shape beneath them and sounded the alarm. Marielle shuddered as she peered below, barely making out a misshapen beast, neither completely fish nor reptilian. She stayed practically motionless, only her hands and feet moving minimally to maintain her position. It worked, or the monster had no appetite for Mer people. The great beast passed far beneath, taking several seconds for its mammoth shape to disappear in the murky water. A ripple of relief shot through her. It was dark by the time they reached the rocky shore of the island. Marielle shivered when she stepped out of the water. The chilly air hit her wet skin, and she wondered if it were a temperate zone, unlike the tropical one of home. She barely made out Kark’s outline as she waved goodbye. The dolphin was going to stay near shore until the morning, then make the trip back. Alone. For the first time, Marielle worried about her brave friend. Shivering, she searched the rugged coastline, the moonlight making it possible to pick out an incline in the rock face. It was not a cave, but it would still offer shelter from the wind, which whipped her wet locks into a frenzy. Quickly gathering dry driftwood she found lodged in the rocks, she started a small, cheerful fire. The rock crevice was most welcoming, and the fire warmed its cozy size swiftly. It might not have been the smartest move to make a fire when she knew nothing of the natives, but she could not afford to become ill. After her hair dried, Marielle ventured to the water’s edge and caught several crabs for dinner. An apple dug from her pack completed the meal. She settled down onto a bed made of dried seaweed she’d been fortunate enough to discover. It made a fairly soft mattress. Her eyes blinked sleepily as she thought of what the morrow would bring. Would she run across the mysterious, dark-haired natives? Would they be friendly? The opposite thought made her chew her bottom lip momentarily, but Marielle’s optimistic nature rose. Surely they would be as curious as she? Her last thought was the hope her mother would understand her need to leave. She’d left a long note tacked to her bed covers. The sun warmed her body to a pleasant glow before Marielle rubbed the sleep from her eyes. It was morning. The beach was deserted, except for a few industrious crabs scavenging the ocean’s border. She nibbled a light repast of fruit, washed her face in the cool water, and then turned inland toward the split cliffs. It didn’t take her long to discover signs of human habitation. Steep steps were cut into the rift’s edge nearby. A quick climb up a few hundred yards and she reached the divide. The channel was wide, a well-traveled path cut through its center. Discarded, dried crustacean shells littered the rocky trail, and old fish bones lay scattered along its edge. Marielle wrinkled her nose. Her people were very neat. Trash was buried or flung far in the ocean if it was something like fish parts that would be devoured by

scavengers. Suddenly, she evaluated at her own reaction. These were not Mer people. Perhaps their culture thought differently of such matters. She shook her head at her own distaste. The channel ran for about a mile, and then abruptly ended in a huge valley, surrounded on all sides by majestic mountains. Marielle stood breathless with excitement. Only in her ancient books had she seen pictures of these gigantic stony structures. Unlike the more familiar sea cliffs, these were covered in strange, yet lovely trees. Dredging up images from the ancient tomes, she recognized them as fir trees. The combination of mountains and fir trees, which usually indicated colder climes, made her rethink her island theory. Maybe this was mainland after all. Perhaps it stretched far, far beyond the mountain range. This caused new excitement to surge through her breast. Marielle brought her gaze downward again. For now, she needed to explore what lay before her—a village. It looked similar to her home. Many houses were scattered about a central plaza or marketplace. The garden plots were located near the village edge, unlike behind each house as her people preferred. Many areas seemed overgrown with weeds. Once she started carefully down the gently sloping trail that led to the village borders, Marielle noticed she’d been spotted. A small gathering of people assembled in the plaza, while others poked their heads from cottages and watched her approach warily.

Chapter Five The Ocean Goddess

She stopped at the edge of the village and waited for the group to move. She was thrilled by their very different looks. Their hair was varying shades of black and dark brown. When they paused not more than ten feet away, she noted brown eye coloring was a common trait shared by all. Marielle examined them while they did the same to her. Most were half a head or more shorter than her. Their bodies were stocky and their skin swarthy. It took her some few seconds to realize the biggest difference in their appearance, their feet and hands were clear of webbing. They were human! She took a deep breath of wonder. They were just like the prince in the Mer people’s sacred book. The crowd parted down the middle and a man stepped forward. His arms were bulky with muscles, but the flabby stomach bulging over his native costume ruined his appearance. His clothing consisted of a knee-length material made of animal skins and a massive necklace composed of fangs. Glancing around, Marielle saw no one else wearing such a large piece of jewelry. He must be the chief or priest. The man grunted a string of strange words. She shook her head and spread her hands wide. Sharp, indrawn breaths and wide-eyed astonishment told her they’d spotted her webbed limbs. “Chica de pez.” Several people whispered. “I don’t understand.” “Si. Eglish?” “English, yes,” Marielle was relieved. “Amiga?” The man wrinkled his brow, then added, “friend?” “Yes, friend.” She smiled, pulling cautious grins from several onlookers. The rough looking man said, “I am Wago, the chieftain.” He looked at her expectantly. “Marielle.” Whispers of her name made the rounds of the crowd, although spoken with an accent she found charming. Except the chief. He’d spoken clearly, but in a guttural tone that grated on her nerves. “Where you from?” She pointed behind her. “The mainland across the sea. We call it Ryda.” All the people grouped in front of her peered toward the far distance, although from this far inland, her homeland was not visible. “The sea your home?” Marielle shook her head. It was her second home, but she sensed these people thought she lived beneath the waves. She could explain later, she guessed, if she stayed

around long enough. “Come,” he waved toward the largest hut. “Boen vien dos… welcome to our village,” he corrected himself. Marielle followed him down the sloping path, surrounded by a mass of humanity. She did feel welcome, but at the same time there was an indefinable look in their eyes and faces she couldn’t fathom. A small plaza with a large, ancient fountain in its center met her curious eyes. The dry fountain stood in front of the largest hut, which she guessed might be the chief’s abode. The crowd opened a pathway to the stonework and she walked between the human pathway, not sure why they wanted her to, but sensing it as clearly as if they’d spoken the request. Marielle took in a startled breath. On top of the fountain sat a very old statue, its features weathered into a marble-like smoothness. Yet it was still recognizable. A mermaid. The figure sat sideways, her fishy tail drawn up elegantly to the side. Her long tresses flowed about her, as if windblown. Unfortunately, whatever lovely face had once graced its head was long ago melted away by the elements. “Chica de pez.” Several people reverently pointed to the statue, then to her. “Mermaid,” she said for her audience. The English version made the rounds, and it suddenly hit Marielle –the people held mermaids in high esteem. They almost had a worshipful look in their eyes. “Come, “ the chief invited her with a wave of his burly arms. She entered curiously, the villagers following behind. She’d been mistaken. It appeared to be a gathering place, several long tables made of rough-hewn planks took up the far wall. A large blackened pit was hollowed out in the center, and an odd looking creature was roasting over a cheery, crackling fire. It made the interior uncomfortable in the mid-morning heat. But the sizzling meat sent off a tantalizing odor, which made her mouth water. The group headed for the tables and Marielle went along in their midst. The chief pointed to the end of a bench, which stretched the length of the table, then sat down next to her at the head of the table. Several rotund women busied themselves about the room, some fetching meat carved from the beast. Others flitted back and forth to an adjoining room, returning with drinks, fresh vegetables, and fruit. The feast continued for several hours, and Marielle felt like she couldn’t take another bite if it were forced upon her. She felt drowsy, which was strange. She was very active throughout the day and never tired even after swimming all day. She shrugged. Perhaps she was tired from her journey, maybe more from the excitement than anything. The people around her seemed to have the same idea, for some slumped down among the discarded cups and plates, snores erupting in a surprisingly fast time. A few struggled up, then flopped down onto the dust floor and went immediately to sleep. The rest made their way lazily to the door and Marielle thought they must have been heading for their individual dwellings. She found the atmosphere stifling and followed the retreating villagers outside. A scraggly looking fir looked inviting, in spite of its meager shade. She stretched out, the

only one beneath the tree. A snapping twig drew her bleary eyes, the chief had laid down a few feet away, only his square-shaped head sheltered in the sparse shadows. His heavy breathing arose but a few minutes later.

***** Over the next few days, the routine took the same path. After the noon meal, all the people took naps. Marielle was surprised she fell into the same habit. The air was less stifling than the moisture-laden climate of her homeland, but something in the atmosphere made her feel lazy. She didn’t see one villager she could term industrious. This was borne out in the fruits of the villagers’ fields. Weeds grew profusely between scraggly growths of vegetables in the gardens, producing less tasty vegetables. She had been invited to stay with Wago, and though reluctant at first because of the way the chief’s eyes skimmed over her form, Marielle accepted. No one else offered guest quarters and she wondered if Wago had forbidden it. The only reason she acceded, was that the leader’s house did have a guest room, a simple extension to his large hut. Then there were his wives. Surely he would behave in front of them. Multiple mates were something she wasn’t used to, Mer people married only one partner. Two of the short women were young, still slender due to their age. They seemed very timid, barely glancing at her face as they stood behind the chieftain when he extended his invitation. But their countenances were also sweet, so Marielle thought they would make the stay pleasant. The third wife was squat, reminding her of an ugly toad. Her features were rough and worn, but it was her belligerent attitude that set the stamp of unattractiveness to her. If it were not for his younger wives and not knowing where else to sleep, Marielle wouldn’t have accepted his invitation. Of course she could have trekked back and forth every day to the small cave near the cliffs, but that was impractical due to the distance. Plus, it offered no protection from storms. Besides, it would probably be construed as an insult by the villagers to refuse the chief’s offer. After she’d stayed with Wago for three days, she discovered a surprising fact. A tall amber weed grew thickly around the village edges. The flower blossoms reminded Marielle of dandelions. If one touched the blossoms, instead of puffy seedlings billowing about, it resulted in a powdery deposit on their hands. The slightest wind blew the white powder everywhere. Upon discovering the odd plant, she’d run a finger along one of the heads and tentatively tasted the substance. It was tasteless, but for hours afterwards she felt lethargic. The flower had a tranquilizing effect and was probably responsible for the villagers’ languid, lazy way of living. Not one person seemed particularly productive, all appeared concerned only with living day-to-day. Not knowing quite how to approach the chieftain, soon after her discovery, Marielle simply blurted out the facts based on her knowledge of medicinal herbs. Wago looked at her with a bland expression. “Si. It is so.” “But… it could hurt your people,” she insisted, taken aback by his uncaring attitude. He shrugged his massive shoulders. “Been this way before my great-grandfather’s time.” He gave her an inscrutable look. “The people like a relaxing lifestyle, and make ruling them easy.” He grinned, pulling his mouth wide in a fake smile that sent

shudders through her. Now she understood. He controlled the populace by keeping them drugged and uncaring. It took a few more days before Marielle discovered a second great secret. Wago wanted her to become his fourth wife. After being his guest for a week, he approached her and demanded she marry him. She refused immediately, using the excuse that she needed to return to her people soon. Her earlier observations concerning the drugging effect of the weed the villagers called bado cemented her decision to leave days ago. She’d been waiting for the right opportunity to broach the subject. Marielle was horrified by the chief’s angry response to her refusal of his marriage proposal. He grabbed her arm and dragged her to his hut, where he kept her locked up all day. That night he tried another approach. She had lain down on the grass pallet, too aggravated to sleep, just lay staring angrily at the ceiling. She’d made up her mind to sneak out during the night. The pathway back to the ocean would be treacherous in the dark, but she had no choice. A slight rustling told her someone had parted the bamboo curtain, which served as a door. She could guess who. Indeed, the chief’s bulky shape stood silhouetted by the weak light filtering in from the one window in her room. A torch stuck in the ground, gave faint light. She sat up. “What do you want?” Marielle tried to control her anger, but didn’t succeed completely. “No need be mad.” He hesitated slightly. “I offer a great honor.” “I don’t love you.” “It true, but love not always part of marriage bonds.” “For you, maybe.” She stood slowly and faced him. Wago waved one hand toward her. “Do you know my people worship the ocean goddess?” She nodded. “I thought as much.” “I not share their religious feelings. But if I produce offspring of Celestra, would seal my power as chief.” “I am not Celestra, nor am I a descendant of the goddess.” He shrugged. “No matter, people think so.” The chief took a sudden step toward her, startling Marielle in spite of the fact she’d expected such a move. In the tiny room, it put him within touching range. He placed one meaty hand firmly on her nearer arm. “You let me show you what a good husband I make?” He tried to look charming, but the faint light only seemed to accent his shallow features. His smile was a leer and his eyes gleamed with lust. She tried to jerk her arm back, but it was like pulling against a thick trunk. Unmovable. She was a little frightened and very frustrated at his barbaric actions. Putting a firm tone to her words, she said, “Let go.” Instead, he twisted slightly, bringing them face-to-face, and then tried to place both massive arms about her waist. Predicting this move, Marielle pushed hard against his

shoulders, while hitting one of his ankles hard with the side of her foot. Down he plunged, tossing the grass mattress wildly about as he struggled to his feet. His face was suffused with dark anger, she could see that even in the feeble light. Jumping up quickly for someone of his size, he grabbed her around the waist and squeezed tight. It was hard to breathe. Marielle wondered if he thought to make her pass out and attack her unconscious body. His thick lips twisted in a triumphant sneer, but he’d forgotten about her arms. With one webbed hand stretched wide, she covered his nose and mouth. The flexible skin between her fingers suctioned onto his orifices and he gasped for air. Good, she’d paid him back in kind. When he released her waist to pry her hand loose, she was ready and swiped at his face with the other hand. He bellowed. Four long scratches welled on his cheek and he ignored the droplets of blood as he backhanded her with a slap to her face. Marielle plunged to her knees and watched him warily for his next move. “You will regret that.” His words came out barely a whisper instead of a shout. She was surprised when he turned abruptly and shoved forcefully through the curtain door. She sighed and spoke aloud to herself, “You don’t know how much I regret coming here.”

Chapter Six The Attempt

Gathering her few belongings quickly, Marielle paused at the front door, but didn’t see the chief anywhere. She made it to the village’s border before running into any interference. Two burly warriors faced her, the torches they held flickered over their angry features. She knew they had probably been roused by Wago and didn’t relish having their sleep disturbed. She doubted they were regular guards posted to protect the village. Nothing so far had given her an impression of such orderliness. “Let me pass. I only seek to return home.” One man took a step closer, crossing his arms, making his arms bulk up for effect, it seemed. “The chief want you to stay.” Marielle made a swift feint to his side, but failed to notice the other guard thrust out a wrist-thick staff. She plunged to the rocky path, scraping her knees badly, causing her to spring to her feet more slowly than normal. They each quickly grabbed an arm, then dragged her back to the chief’s hut and threw her onto the mat. Wago didn’t reappear that night, but each time she took a peek outside, a guard paced back and forth in front of the house. For three days the chief didn’t speak to her or approach her again at night. She received skimpy rations that kept her stomach protesting in roiling grumbles. Depriving her of food wouldn’t work. She would have told him so, if he’d reappeared. But, she was getting thoroughly sick of being cooped up. She began to formulate the beginnings of an escape plan. She needed to get a more detailed layout of the village and surrounding land in order to plan an escape. When the chief returned on the fourth day carrying a tray laden with mouth-watering food, she accepted the offering graciously and tore into the food with gusto. Licking her fingers to savor the last of the drippings from the delicious roast pig, she eyed the leader, who sat cross-legged near the door. “I have been thinking over your proposal.” His face broke from its stoic lines, a flash of surprise and hope momentarily flitted, and then was replaced with one of suspicion. “Yes?” “If you want me to consider staying as your wife, I need to know more about your life here.” “Ask,” he said disarmingly. “No. I want to see how your people live. See your farmers’ fields, your fishermen and hunters’ skills, and the artistry of your crafts people.” “Why?” He grunted. She slid her eyes down coyly, but really it was to hide her disgust. “If I am to become your wife, children would be expected, correct?” “Yes, I say before.” “I would make a good mother, and I want to make sure the environment would be

good for any children I might bring into it.” She brought her eyes back up to gauge his reaction. His small eyes lit with excitement. “I show you around tomorrow.” He left soon after, his small close-set eyes gleaming with plans it seemed. Just as I thought, Wago is so proud of his shabby village and its people. Her suggestion had ignited his interest. The next day as they toured the village and surrounding area, Marielle knew her first fleeting assessment had been on target. The people were lazy for the most part, their fields untidy and overgrown with weeds. Proof of their slovenly ways were also evident in doors that hung askew, patches of thatch sloppily slapped on wind-blown roofs, and the small children who were filthy, some sporting sores from untreated cuts. She saw no way to easily escape Wago’s clutches. He’d assigned guards near the pathway to the ocean. The village was surrounded by steep mountains. She had no idea if there was even a way through them. The only other avenue for possible escape was the huge inland lake. The chief showed her the lake last, and she saw why. It took only a few minutes of contemplating its placid surface before she noticed the gigantic denizens of its murky depths. Eel-like creatures, at least three men in length, twisted just beneath the surface. They slithered through the water with ease. Their dark green mottled skin would make them hard to spot in the deep green-brown colored liquid. Wago waved at two men nearby. They tugged a rope attached to the neck of a large pig. Grunting angrily, the boar made their job difficult all the way to the lake. Once reaching the water’s edge the pig threw its snout up and squealed loudly, backing away with enough force to knock one man down. Four additional men joined the others and together they heaved the boar up and pitched him unceremoniously into the gloomy water. An eruption of wiggling bodies zeroed in on the hapless swine, tearing it to pieces in mere minutes. As they fought over the feast, Marielle got a good view of the lake monsters. Their heads were round and so were their mouths. Huge maws opened wide, filled with several rows of long, needle sharp teeth. A sour taste washed through her mouth. Thankfully the poor pig’s desperate squeals ended right after it hit the water. Now she knew why Wago had shown her the lake last. Perhaps he thought she’d try to swim across if she changed her mind, or was lying to him. Glancing around, she noticed the pig had been thrown into the lake several hundred feet from the village. No use getting monsters used to feeding time and connecting the event to his people, she thought inanely. “Why?” She couldn’t stop from asking. Facing the corpulent leader, she was disgusted by the smug look on his face. He laughed and slapped his knees. “Not ceremony, if what you think.” He pointed to several hundred feet in the other direction, where men emerged from the water carrying nets. “The garbi make impossible to fish the lake.” He shrugged, “They eat most fish too.” He pointed back toward the ocean. “Not for stream running from ocean, all fish gone long ago.” “But you’d be rid of those horrible things too.”

“Si, but we get much from ocean stream.” Now she was curious. What could survive the gluttonous appetite of the garbi? “Come.” Wago walked toward at the area the men had just vacated. The algae was so thick, the water looked black. Stopping near the men, she noted the swarming of tiny bodies beneath the plants. “Look.” The chief pointed to the nets the men were releasing. A flood of wriggling pink shrimp floundered on the ground. A group of women descended on the shrimp, grabbing handfuls and dumping them into baskets. Wago rubbed his stomach. “Good eating.” “But… how?” She looked back toward the garbi, who having finished with the luckless pig, were at this moment swimming swiftly toward the succulent shrimp. “Many, many shrimp.” The chief held his hands out as wide from his body as they would go. Maybe these people didn’t have a word for thousands or millions. That’s what the population would have to be to survive the voracious appetites of the lake monsters. Even as she thought this, the garbi tore into the center mass of pink flesh. Seeming to sense her questions, Wago said, “Shrimp come from sea only two days in month.” He waved at the chaos beneath the water. “Come to eat algae.” “So… the shrimp swim in huge swarms to consume the algae, the garbi devour the shrimp… but there are so many shrimp, it doesn’t decimate them.” “And we get good food.” Wago smacked his lips loudly. The chief turned aside to supervise the dispersal of the catch. Marielle was sure he wasn’t needed, but wanted to show her his leadership abilities. She turned while he was occupied and examined the island within the lake. It was large. This close, she could see the details of the long waterfall that fell in splashing rivulets down a steep cliff. She realized it was not just the island she stood on which had drawn her exploring spirit, nor spying the villagers from afar. But the island on the lake had also captured her interest. Now as she examined it up close she knew that in reality, it was that island which truly drew her most avid attention. She felt drawn to it. There was something on its shores she must see. She didn’t know what. Or why. But she had to go there. The other island also offered her the only feasible escape she saw. And also the most deadly. Marielle purposely turned from the lake and asked questions of Wago about the shrimp, wanting to lure him into thinking she was interested in the village’s lake crop. He spent the next hour showing her how they were cooked, then stored. She tasted the freshly cooked shrimp and oohed over its delicate flavor. When he said goodnight to her that evening, a pleased smile lit his features. He seemed convinced she ’d been impressed with her perusal of his village. Thankfully, he didn’t press his sexual attentions on her either. Perhaps he was satisfied with her faux enthusiasm. Marielle was worried but excited that night, thinking about what tomorrow would bring for her—either escape or death. Hence, sleep eluded her for a long time. Her thoughts fell on the island again, and strangely a man appeared in her daydream. He seemed to be a part of the land, perhaps that was why he invaded her mind. Tall, with dark hair, his features were not clear but she realized he was the same man she’d fantasized about recently. Did this signify something? She didn’t know. But somewhere in the back of her mind she was convinced that all the lines of her life

crystallized at this point in time. She was meant to come here. Meant to meet this mysterious stranger. Would the fates be kind? Would she finally meet the man of her dreams? Marielle laughed silently. She didn’t even know what the man of her dreams looked like, other than vague images. But she knew with every fiber of her being that once she met him, she would know him.

Chapter Seven The Deadly Escape

Turning her thoughts away from any unpleasantness, she concentrated on the man. In her mind, she’d swum across the lake and as she set foot on land, he came toward her. She did not want to see his features, because she wanted to be surprised and delighted when they finally met face to face. So, she imagined his tall, muscular body and dark hair that made a startling contrast to his skin. Her mental palette added dark eyes. There, her man was complete, as much as she wanted at this point. Those dark eyes devoured her. They slid over her body, pleasure shining in their deep depths. She shivered. How delicious to find a man who wanted her so much. A man whose eyes told her he wished to eat her up. He had the bearing of an adventurer, strong and bold. Her heart thudded with the emotion this evoked. Would he make love as aggressively as he looked? Her dream man stopped in front of her and pulled her immediately into his arms. He did not politely ask but took what he wanted. Oh, how she loved that. How long she’ d dreamed of meeting just such a man. One hand slid through her hair, turning her face slightly, allowing him to claim her mouth. His lips were hard and demanding. Moistness gathered in her lower lips and she moved restlessly. His hands slipped down to her top and he tugged at the straps, breaking them in his haste. Then with one pull, he released the fabric from her breasts. Stepping back for a few seconds, he slid his eyes over her whole body, as if he’d never seen anything so beautiful. Her nipples hardened under his stare and she arched her back when his hands took a mound in each hand. Hard hands kneading her soft flesh made her stomach quiver. He watched her face as he teased the nubs, rolling the hardened skin between his fingers, making them tingle. Slipping to his knees, he rested his face against one breast and she felt the tug on her nipple before looking down and seeing his lips caressing it. He stared up at her as he flicked the nipple and she closed her eyes for a few seconds, letting the wash of desire flow through her. She glanced back down, watching him. Her breath came in pants as he tugged the pebbled skin outward, sucking and nipping it lightly with his teeth. Her skin felt hot. She wanted him to suckle all of her flesh and pushed her breast further into his mouth. She ached with unfulfilled need. As if sensing her frustration, the dream man flicked one nipple, then leaned down and placed his arms behind her back and knees. Gently, he lowered her to the soft grass. Anticipation swept through her. His hands slid across her belly and she arched upward. They slid to the tie on the side of her skirt and he loosed it, pulling it from beneath her and flinging it to the side. He knelt between her bent legs and then slowly spread them wide. His eyes went there, to the center of her woman’s pleasure. He caressed her first with his look, and then his hands slipped to her lower lips and parted them gently.

She moaned as his face lowered and he nuzzled the curls atop her mons. He breathed deeply and she thought he liked her fragrance by his action. Dipping down, he buried his face in her pussy, and oh, his tongue flicked her moistness, making it even slicker. His tongue moved slowly up and down her clit, and it throbbed in response as he flicked it with his tongue. Then, he sucked up one inner lip and gave it attention. Dropping it, he licked and sucked the other fold. He continued to lick in circular motions, around her clit, bringing the tension within her to full eruption. “Oh.” Marielle groaned aloud and her hand strayed to her lower lips as the dream man licked her as no other man had before in real life. His tongue returned to her clit and he flicked it back and forth swiftly. She reared upward and moaned in reply to his caresses. His tongue went wild in response, moving in rapid strokes that caused her to pulsate against his wet flesh. “Yes!” She screamed and shoved her hand in fast strokes against her lips as the dream sequence continued. The orgasm gripped her with fierce heat, making her stomach quiver and legs clench against his head. He rode her climax and lapped up every drop. Afterward, he kissed her mons and knelt between her thighs. His body began to fade and Marielle mumbled in protest. Pulled from her daydream, she stared around the dark room. She was alone. The dream man remained just that—a dream. She was left with only her throbbing clit screaming for attention. In frustration, she slipped a finger inside the folds and found her hot nub. It took only a few strokes and a real orgasm rippled through her. It was strong and satisfying, but not nearly as much as the imaginary one had been. She squeezed her hand between her thighs, trying to imagine it was his head instead, but he had faded from her imagination. Sighing, she gently rubbed her hand against her outer lips and shuddered when another climax erupted. Marielle slept heavily that night. The next morning as she jumped up, she felt alive, every nerve tingled. Would this be her last day on earth? Or would it be the start of a wondrous, new adventure? She spent the morning watching women weaving baskets and chatting amiably. Wago wandered by several times and seemed pleased with her behavior. She knew it was time for the pig slaughter when she noticed several men carrying the shrimp nets. And she could hear some poor swine squealing in the distance. Jogging to catch up with the men, she ran into the chief. “Come to watch fun?” His laughing countenance made her queasy, but she smiled happily into his face, putting on the act of her life. He bragged about a kill he’d made that morning as they strolled along. Some luckless deer had lost its life at his spear point. Marielle knew she was probably being too judgmental. People had to eat. Mer people ate fish. It was his attitude that drew the line for her, as if animals were simply put on this place for his enjoyment. Hunting was a big sport with the village men. Trying to act the chieftain, as always, Wago began directing the men in dragging the

reluctant pig to the water’s edge. She’d waited for just such an opportunity. It may be the only one she had. Slipping quietly into the watching crowd, she walked around several weed-topped hills and came out on the opposite side from where the pig would be thrown. It was about the same distance as the men waiting to pitch their nets into the water. No villagers were around. Everyone gathered near the pig or the fishermen. She waited until the poor creature was pitched into the lake before slipping silently into the murky water. Mer people could move very quietly when needed, and she needed that skill now. Closing her inner eyelids, she took one last look at the wriggling, vicious melee erupting around the hapless pig, and then slipped quietly into the water. Positioning her body, she took off in the swift swimming motion of the dolphins. She shot through the dark liquid and surfaced silently after five minutes, checking the position of the garbi. They were through with the swine and were attacking the schools of shrimp. Good. Dipping back down, she continued toward the island. After another five minutes, she resurfaced for air. This time, she could see no bodies rippling anywhere near the lake’s edge. This worried her. She searched the placid lake, no giant eel shapes in sight. She’d noticed the creatures were surface swimmers, so this was comforting. But, just as she started to sink into the water, she spied an undulation about fifty feet behind her. It was one of the beasts and it was swimming straight for her. Without looking back again, she slipped beneath the water and shot into her dolphin swim. This time fear put an extra spurt of energy into her efforts. A shudder ripped through Marielle at the thought of being caught by that thing. It would be as horrible a death as any shark attack. She surfaced when she noted the ground began to slope upwards and switched to using her webbed limbs for better control. Thirty feet and closing. The nightmarish garbi was silent, but she could sense its nearness, like someone picking up electric tingles from the closeness of an impending storm. Ten feet. The water waved over her slightly from behind. It was right behind her desperately paddling feet. Her knees ground painfully against the rocky shore, but she ignored the pain and jumped up, running the last few steps. Her feet slipped in the muddy bank and she started to falter. But out of nowhere, a hand grasped one flailing arm and jerked her to safety on dry land. Marielle felt the whoosh of air moving against her heels as she was pulled forward. Her heart was beating ninety miles an hour and she could barely draw a breath. Trembling violently, she was compelled to stare back at the water first before seeing who had rescued her. The frightening black eyes of the garbi glared at her from the murky waters. It had stopped where the shore dipped sharply and twisted its ugly body in seething anger. With a snap of its tremendous jaws, as if saying, “I’ll get you another day”, it disappeared beneath the water’s cover. Taking a shaky, deep breath, she turned within the arms of whoever had helped her. Marielle stared up in disbelief into the loveliest pair of brown eyes she’d ever seen. Of course, she’d only seen the villagers’ brown eyes, but his were more striking. It was her dream man. Her knees buckled and he caught her as weakness overcame her.

Chapter Eight The Mermaid

Matt caught the girl in his arms, easing her to the ground. He hadn’t known what was swimming toward him when he noticed the disturbance in the lake. But spying the nasty creature in pursuit of whatever swam toward shore, he had watched with interest. Seeing a human head appear above water had shocked him. A girl was desperately trying to out-swim the beast. And doing a good job of it. But when she banged her legs against the shoreline, he’d thought she was done for. The huge eel snapped at her feet before she lunged forward. Reacting without thinking, he’d grabbed one of her hands and pulled her to safety. Now she was here, in a faint or exhaustion. His first thought after seeing her in the water was that she was the mermaid he’d dreamed of just last night. Her swimming ability was too fast for human strength. But examining her quiescent form, human limbs met his eyes. Softly, so as not to disturb her, he ran one finger down the webbing between her hands. Running his eyes downward, he nodded to himself. Webbed feet too. Not quite human. Mutant. She shivered. She might be in shock. He grabbed his blanket and then broke more thick branches to stoke up the campfire. Matt didn’t want to awaken her until her body told her it was time, but she still looked uncomfortable. Taking another blanket, he rolled it and placed it gently beneath her head. Ah. Now, that was better. He felt her pulse. It was strong and her breathing had settled to a slow, steady rhythm. Settling a few feet away, he stared at her in wonder. When he’d made his decision to come outside a few weeks ago, he expected to find the world totally different from the underground world he’d grown up in. But, he’d never expected to discover such a glorious woman. True, she wasn’t totally human, yet she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. She was a little shorter than his six foot two inches, but not by much. Her body was slender with a petite bone structure. He wanted to run his hand down the long strands of pale blonde hair that stretched out around her body. He wondered exactly what shade of blonde it would be once dried. They had blonde haired people amongst his group, of course, but nothing as pale as her tresses promised to be. He’d gotten a good look at her lovely eyes before she’d passed out. A light gray-green shade that looked like the hue of a stormy sea, according to the pictures in the ancient books. No one among his fellow Americans had this exact hue. He glanced back at her still form. Her skin was brown. Matt touched his arm. It was red mottled. A few spots were beginning to turn a bit tan, but paled in comparison to her color. Most of his skin was still the pale white that made going out into the sun’s rays painful. He was trying to expose himself gradually. The first day when he’d stumbled outside, he’d been blinded by the bright sun and fell into the shade of an immense tree nearby. He’d lain for an hour with his eyes closed, cracking them gradually for minutes at a time, getting his eyes used to the brightness. After the first day, his eyes had grown

somewhat used to the sunlight, at least it no longer hurt when he was in the shade. But once his eyes had adjusted, he’d walked for an hour beneath the hot sun, enjoying its warmth beaming down upon his skin. Luckily for him, his eyes had hurt, so he sought the shade again. Otherwise, he might have died. The next day his exposed skin was cooked to a bright red. It hurt. He’d forgotten the old text explanations of sunburn. But now, he recalled enough to know he must not scratch it. Fetching his first aid kit, he’d dug an ointment made from aloe from the bottom, and saturated his poor flesh with it. Its cooling balm had been heavenly. Still, it had taken several days before his skin stopped hurting. It’d been his first lesson in staying out in the sun for too long. His attention returned to the girl. She wore a tiny triangle of material over each breast, similar to a bra, while a short swatch of matching material rode just below her belly button—some sort of skirt that tied on one side. He wondered what her body looked like beneath the cloth. Her breasts were small, but that didn’t matter to him, he’d never been a breast man anyway. He was a face man. Interesting faces fascinated him. And her oval shaped face with a small pointed chin, large ocean colored eyes, and lush lips, transfixed him. “Oh,” she groaned. Even though he’d been staring at her, he was surprised when she started coming around. Jumping up, he knelt at her side. He didn’t touch her, although he longed to. No telling what her culture felt about touching between strangers, and he certainly didn’t wish to frighten her right off the bat. Those unbelievably large eyes slid slowly open, glanced around in confusion, then found him. She focused on his face, staring back at him with interest. “Are you real?” A shiver ran through Matt. She had such a lovely voice, low-toned and utterly sexy. And she spoke English. “I’m real. My name is Matt.” “Matt.” She repeated, placing an unusual accent on the pronunciation, like she’d never heard it before. “I am Marielle.” “A nice name.” He grinned. “I’ve never met a Marielle before.” “And you’re the first Matt I’ve met.” They both paused and looked at each other. Matt felt the frivolousness of their conversation, flat, useless information when they had so many important tidbits to exchange. He wanted to ask her a million questions, but first things first. “Are you hungry?” At her nod, he picked up the extra tin plate and placed pieces of cooked rabbit and potato on it. Would she eat either? Although potatoes were grown in his underground home, the only meat they had available were several species of fish raised in large tanks. He’d been trying to get his stomach used to other meat gradually by taking small bites. He set the plate next to her after she sat up, and handed her his canteen. “You’d better drink some water first.” Her hand lingered on his as he handed her the canteen. “You are human.” He didn’t know what to say. Certainly, he couldn’t say “and you are a mutant.” So

he said, “Yes.” Holding up one webbed hand, she spread it wide. The skin between her fingers was delicate, almost transparent. “Have you ever seen a Mer person before?” “No.” Matt stared at her thoughtfully. Mer? Did she think she was a mermaid? Now was not the time to question her. Maybe when she was rested. “Have you seen a human before?” “Yes, the villagers across the lake are human.” “So they are.” At her questioning look, he added, “I can see them through my binoculars.” “Bino… I don’t understand this word.” “Here, look.” Matt picked up the binoculars, which lay nearby. Putting it up to his face, he scanned the lake, then handed them to her. “Ooh,” her voice was excited after she peered through the lenses. “I can see the villagers. Ugh, there’s Wago.” She lowered the binoculars. “It reminds me of the magic eye.” “What?” A magic eye? Marielle described the instrument her people called the magic eye. He grinned. “We call it a telescope.” “Really.” Her voice came out a mere whisper and she stared into space. Returning her look to him, she asked, “Do you… find my webbing odd?” He grinned. “No, just different.” She nodded and took the canteen. Staring at it curiously, she finally sipped water from the rim, and then made a face. “I know… it’s not like drinking from a faucet.” At her confused look, he corrected, “I mean not like drinking from a stream.” “What is a faucet?” He waved at the food. “Eat, drink and I’ll explain.” Her features ran from curious back to confused as he told her about faucets and pipes. Clearly, her people didn’t have such luxuries. “What kind of meat is this?” She asked as she delicately took a nibble. “Rabbit.” He smiled. “I never tasted it either until recently.” “Really? Why?” “It’s a long story and one I think should wait until you’re feeling better.” His eyes went to her scraped knees. “I’d better clean those cuts.” He pointed to her wounded flesh. She nodded trustingly and he fetched the first aid kit. It didn’t take long to cleanse the scrapes and apply antibiotic ointment. Marielle didn’t flinch once, but watched him with interest. She yawned widely. “I must ask you about your herbal treatments.” “Sure, later. You’d better rest for now.” “Yes.” She agreed as readily as a child and stretched out on the grass, settling her head on the blanket. Her breathing became deeper as she drifted off into a sound sleep in mere minutes.

Matt was shocked that she trusted him so easily. True, he’d saved her life, in a sense. But she acted like she knew him. Shrugging, he got up and strolled some hundred feet away to the shade of a huge oak. This spot was where he’d chosen to make a home. He didn’t have the necessary tools to make a cabin, but from studying the ancient tomes before venturing out, he’d chosen a simple design that would provide adequate shelter. A small, round hut. He’d already pieced poles together for the structure and was almost finished with the roof, which was composed of palm fronds. He had run out of the rope he’d brought with him to tie the poles together securely. But, Matt had memorized instructions from one of the books on ancient crafts, which included rope making. Using one of the techniques, he’d made his own rope from long strands of stripped branches. It was hard, arduous work. That was the reason the hut wasn’t complete yet. He had to tie the fronds firmly to the poles and that took many pieces of his homemade rope. Matt worked for hours, glancing every once in a while toward his unexpected guest. But, still he was surprised when he patted a last strand of rope into place and stood back to stare with satisfaction at his completed roof, to feel a light tap on one shoulder. Marielle had walked up silently behind him. “Your home?” He nodded. “That’s the plan.” “Nice.” She ran a hand down one pole. “It reminds me of the Ouka village some miles from my home.” “Do you come from there?” He pointed to the village across the lake. “No.” Her fine hair flew about her lovely face. “Much further, across the ocean.” “Across the ocean,” Matt echoed her words, staring thoughtfully toward the village. He wished he could see the ocean, something he’d always desired to do. Snapping out of his musings, he asked. “And what kind of home do you live in?” “A cottage, um, about four times larger than your hut.” He watched her as she spoke. He realized her hair had dried and the color was a lovely shade of beige blonde, like the sandy beaches depicted in texts. It fell in a straight, shiny fall to her slim waist. “Where is your home Matt?” He stared over her shoulder, toward home. “An underground city. A place I’m sure you’d find as strange as your people living above ground seems to me.” Her eyes were shining with curiosity. “I’ll tell you all about my homeland later.” He swiped at his sweaty arms. “I need to go wash off.” For some reason he became aware of his sweaty state. The stickiness of his clothes against his skin was unpleasant, but he knew it was his appearance he was concerned about. Marielle turned and stared at the lake. “Not in there?” Her voice trembled. He laughed, drawing her attention back to him. “No, I have a very nice pool I use for bathing.” “A dip in cool water sounds wonderful. Do you mind if I come along?” Did he mind? Did she have any idea what men fantasized about? Gorgeous, naked nymphs were prominent in many dreams. His lips quirked at his own ridiculous

thoughts, certain that she only meant a refreshing swim. Thankfully, the pool was only a five-minute hike. He was already overheated from his work and walking in the sunshine for even those few minutes had his system screaming for relief. He paused in the shade, soaking up the coolness that seemed to reside in this lovely place. The ten foot wide pool was a natural formation caused by the tumble of stones that blocked the sparkling stream in just the right spots. “Ah,” Marielle sighed. “It is very nice.” With that statement, she slipped out of her bra in seconds, then untied her skirt and left it lying on the ground as she stepped into the water. “Coming?” He’d never wanted to come so bad in his life as he did when he got a bird’s eyes view of the beautiful girl standing stark naked in the sunlight. Smooth, tanned flesh met his eyes everywhere he looked. Her small, pert breasts made his mouth water and her dark pink beaded nipples begged for his caresses. Matt’s stomach knotted. Her nipples were long, maybe an inch in length. What would such luscious breasts taste like in his mouth? His cock was hard, pushing against his fatigues painfully. His eyes slid down her brown skin to her lower lips. Pale blonde hair lined the lips, so fine he could see the pinkness of her flesh through it. His cock ached at the sight. “Do you think I’m pretty?” She smiled, her snowy white teeth a startling contrast against her tanned face. “Pretty?” Matt repeated like an idiot. His eyes fixated on her lovely gray-green orbs. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” “Good. Now, with that out of the way, can we swim?” She dove into the pool, coming up like some luscious water nymph, her hair plastered to her body. It swirled around those round breasts, tantalizing and partially hiding them, while the water lapped against her upper thighs. Matt shuddered and tried to get a grip on his senses. He was close to climaxing just looking at her. “Besides,” she said with a flirtatious tone. “It’s only fair I get to see you nude as well.”

Chapter Nine Sex With A Water Nymph

Marielle was astonished beyond words when she saw the handsome man who had rescued her. He was tall and dark, just like the vague image of her dream lover. She did not believe in portents, as some of her people did, and unlike Vida, the witch, she had no psychic abilities. But, he did fit the tall, dark stranger she’d dreamed about on more than one occasion. Hence, she felt comfortable in his presence and it seemed as though she knew him. He was very polite, and seemed most concerned with her well-being. She found these observations pleasing. His background seemed to be filled with mysteries, ones she hoped to uncover soon. After her nap, Marielle was feeling better than all right. She felt alive and invigorated. She’d barely escaped death. She had met a most interesting, handsome stranger. She was living an adventure, just as she’d longed to do for years. What else could a girl want? After Matt suggested a cool dip, she knew what else she wanted. She wanted something hot and invigorating, but totally different from a refreshing swim. Marielle wanted to make love. She wanted to make her nerves sing and shout, “I’m alive”. She wanted her pussy to scream with joy as she fucked the dark-haired human. As she frolicked in the water and waited for him to join her, her eyes slid over his body, enjoying his very different form. His face was square-jawed. He looked unyielding, some people might even have said he looked mean, but she already knew better. She’d never met a warrior except through reading, but she’d hazard a guess his represented a warrior’s countenance. Unlike the males in her village, his hair was cropped short and brushed back from his forehead. It was a dark brown, while his eyes were a few shades lighter brown. His unusual hair and eye coloring made her pussy grow moist. Finally, a man who looked the opposite of the men in her village. He looked dark, mysterious, and dangerous. Just looking at him made her horny. What she could see of his body was very nice. A tight fitting white shirt covered his broad chest. The material appeared very soft and hugged the muscular outlines of his torso. But the heavy material covering him from waist down made it impossible to guess what his lower body looked like. He was a very pale white in splotches. But areas of his arms and face were also dark pink and a few areas were tanned. Then she remembered his mentioning living underground. That would explain his multicolored skin tones, as if his body couldn’t make up its mind what color he should be. Curiosity gripped her. She must get him to tell her more. But later. He stripped the shirt from his chest and she found the contours of his male form more than pleasing. She wanted to play with his dark brown male nipples, and swirl her fingers among the hairs across his upper chest. He unbuttoned his pants, but then hesitated. Was he shy? Marielle didn’t think so. Her eyes went to the bulge in his pants. She dipped beneath the water to hide her giggle. Perhaps he thought he’d offend her

with his hard cock. Resurfacing, she stared at him. “The water is wonderful.” She walked a few steps toward him, displaying her body, showing him that she had no qualms in that direction. His eyes lashed her form, came up to meet her stare. His brown eyes heated with lust. Oh, yes, he certainly wanted her. Without taking his eyes from her, he slid the pants down and kicked them to the side. He wore some kind of short, tight fitting undergarment, which she found interesting. The bulge beneath the material fascinated her more. Marielle didn’t move her eyes from his groin as he slipped the material off his body. Afterwards, he straightened and stood stock still for her examination. Very nice. She licked her lower lip, wondering what he’d taste like. His cock was a nice size, larger than Cay’s had been. It was thick too, larger than her wrist. Its color was darker than the men of her homeland, a dark pink with a purplish mushroom head. Such an instrument would fill her completely. Moisture gathered between her legs, melding with the cool water. Matt’s stomach tightened and his cock jumped after he peeled off his undershorts. The most beautiful woman in creation stood but a few feet away staring at his cock and licking her lips. He’d hesitated in stripping because he wasn’t sure what she’d think of such an action, but then she’d brazenly walked toward him until most of her luscious body was exposed. Her action clearly told him she wanted him as nude as she was. Her eyes said she wanted to fuck. Once he reached the pool, he made a quick dive into the deeper end, coming up just behind her. It was cool and refreshing, but his body felt on fire and his cock throbbed. Marielle dipped quickly into the water and came up in front of him. “Do your people like making love?” He was startled by her question in spite of her behavior. “Yes, of course.” She flung her wet hair back over her shoulder, the action pulling his eyes to those small, luscious breasts, barely visible beneath the water’s cover. “Do you wish to make love to me?” Choosing action instead of words, Matt grasped her tiny waist and pulled her into his arms. Her eyes stared into his, filled with mischievous glints and heated sparks. She was an interesting combination. He slid one hand behind her neck and swooped down to her mouth at the same time. She was startled by his swiftness, her breath catching for a second. Slanting her head, he applied deep pressure to her lips and they softened beneath his onslaught. Sliding his tongue along her lower lip, he caressed it, then slipped his tongue into her mouth. She opened wider. Her soft, wet tongue met his in an exchange of swiping caresses. His cock ached and he longed to plunge it into her warm mouth or hot, sweet pussy. “Oh, yes,” she groaned against his lips. He kissed down her silky cheek, and then licked her delectably cute chin. Continuing downward, he kissed and licked his way down her neck. Her flesh was as soft as velvet, its wet warmth smelled like the fresh water around them, as if her pores had soaked it up. “Mmm, you smell like nature.”

She laughed. Her laughter was cut short as he found one breast, stroking and kneading it between his fingers. The firm flesh made his balls tighten just by touching it. Bending down, his tongue first swirled around the already hardened nipple. His cock felt ready to burst just from the sight of that long pebbled flesh, but he held off, building his anticipation. Finally, he sucked it into his mouth. It fit the length of his tongue and the lust ripped through him as he pulled it deeply into his mouth. It was long enough that he could twirl his tongue easily around the pebbled skin even as he sucked on it at the same time. “I love your breasts.” He detached for a few seconds, then he flicked his tongue rapidly over the stiff pink nipple, watching her face while he did. Her cheeks were flushed a dark pink as well and her eyes darkened to pools of stormy gray. Matt didn’t understand the primitive urge that hit him, but he wanted to suck all her flesh inside him. Gobble her up. He made a good stab at it, sucking on each nipple and laving her breasts, until she writhed in the water and groaned several times. Without warning, she pushed against his chest and said, “Now it’s my turn.” Going straight to his chest, she squeezed his flesh and then he felt her wet, warm tongue swirling around his nipple. It tingled. His nipple hardened and her tongue stabbed out, flicking hard against it. His hands tangled in her hair and he gently pushed her head towards his skin, wanting more. Her tongue slid in a slow glide down his chest, toying with his navel for long seconds. His gut clenched and heat spread out from her tongue, setting his cock on fire. She rose up, faced him and asked in a husky whisper, “Have you ever had your cock sucked underwater?” Matt’s dick twitched when she asked and he could only manage a slow shake of his head. Her eyes stayed on his, as she dipped slowly under the water. He closed his eyes once her head disappeared beneath the surface. Something hot and soft slid from the bottom of his shaft all the way to the head, and then swirled around and around the tip. His balls hurt and his cock ached terribly. The mixture of cool water lapping gently against his engorged cock and her warm tongue sliding up and down was agonizingly wonderful. The sensation was delicious beyond words, beyond thought. When her hot mouth closed over the head, his buttocks tightened. He did not want to climax yet and concentrated with all his will on stemming the flow of sensation. Without thought, his hands slid to her hair and he massaged her scalp as her tongue stroked his cock while it was inside her warm cavern. She moved her head up and down slowly. He sucked in and held his breath when he felt his whole length slip down her throat. Not once, but repeatedly, she deep throated him. She did not spit him out, nor come up for air, but kept at his cock in a constant sucking motion. The cool water slapped against his butt as he stabbed in a fucking movement, in rhythm with the up and down strokes of her head. His cock felt like a vacuum had attached itself to him. Marielle combined powerful sucking with shoving herself all the way to the hilt on his cock. It was too hot, too fucking wonderful. Matt gripped her head tighter and plunged his dick into her greedy, sucking mouth.

For a few seconds, Marielle slipped off his cock. He could feel hot moisture leaking from the head, but she greedily slurped it up. He couldn’t hear her slurp it, but could feel the motion of her lapping at his juices. After giving his cock head a last lick, her mouth slid back onto him. Her head began to bob up and down faster and a few strokes later he bellowed, “Marielle.” At the same time his sperm gushed in to her mouth, he held her head against him, turned on beyond belief by her swallowing his fluid. After she released his cock, Matt flopped back in the water and floated—every bone in his body seemed weightless. “Marielle?” His head rose as he looked for her. There she stood, near his waist and looking at him with a very pleased smile on her cute face. “Are you okay?’ Cocking her head sideways, she asked, “Why wouldn’t I be?” He gained his feet and faced her. “Because, although I have no idea how long you were underwater, it seemed like a long time.” “Hmmm.” She turned her eyes skyward. “Probably about five minutes.” “Five minutes! You… you don’t breathe underwater, do you?” She giggled. “No, but we Mer people can hold our breath for ten minutes.” “Amazing.” Matt was truly astounded. She was not really a mermaid as she thought, yet she seemed to possess some of the qualities one might expect from such a legendary creature. He’d studied mutations in the scientific texts left by his ancestors. Marielle and her people seemed to fit mutative genes, especially when her people had been exposed by living on the surface. “But, how did you manage to take me into your throat and not choke in the water?” His cock twitched at that thought. “We have a flap that covers the opening. I’d show you, but it’s too deep in our throat for you to see.” “Oh.” He stared at her bemusedly. “Very handy.” She smiled. “Yes, for staying underwater for long minutes and other activities.” He stared off in the distance. “If one can breathe underwater… just imagine the possibilities. You could discover treasure in sunken ships.” Shrugging, she said, “You could, except the ships are located at the bottom where the monsters make their homes.” “I hadn’t thought of that.” His glance returned to her. “Can you describe some of these monsters?” Were they really monsters or did Marielle’s people label the huge denizens of the ocean as such? After she got through describing several species of shark and the gigantic whale with gross tentacles, Matt realized these creatures were mutants too. As he watched her talk, her whole body animated, he knew two things. He had much to discover about the world beyond this land, and he wanted her again. His body felt refreshed and his cock had risen beneath the water just watching her speak, and listening to her sultry voice. Taking a step nearer, he rubbed one hand down her arm, stopping whatever she’d been explaining. “Don’t you think it’s time for me to satisfy you, my mermaid?”

Chapter Ten Sex With A Human

Marielle was pleased with his endearment. She waited to see what he had in mind. “Since I can’t breathe underwater,” he waved at the land. “Can we go over there?” He’d pointed to a lush grassy spot. “But we can make love in the water.” He grinned. “That’ll be fine, but first I’d like to taste your lips.” With that statement, he placed one hand over her mons and pressed hard. She sucked in her breath. Just his touch felt wonderful. And the thought of him dipping his tongue into her lower lips made her grow moist beneath his hand. Grabbing that invasive hand, she waded through the water, tugging him along. Once gaining land, Marielle stretched out on the grass, spreading her hair out behind her so it would dry. Matt stood over her for long seconds, his eyes flickering heatedly over her body. Droplets ran down his muscular form, drawing her eyes to his ripped biceps, then his brawny thighs. Her glance flew upward, settling on his cock. It was hard and shining with moisture. He looked good enough to eat and she couldn’t keep herself from licking her lower lip as she’d done earlier. He was ever the soldier—self-composed and ready for action. She wanted to make him pant for her, bring him to his knees with desire. Kneeling quickly, he kissed her lips and drew back. “Now, it’s my turn.” Marielle was breathless with excitement. Matt had knelt, although it wasn’t the mindless kind she had in mind. Returning to her lips, he licked her ear slowly, stirring a fiery ball that centered in her stomach. When she stroked his tongue with hers, he suckled her tongue. Now that fire liquefied, turned into molten heat that slid from her stomach to her pussy. Matt’s lips moved down her flesh, to her breasts. Oh yes, that’s what she wanted. His tongue dragged over her skin, laving one breast before latching onto her hard nipple. His licking made her breasts ache and she arched upward. Smiling around her nipple, he opened his mouth wider and took as much as he could of her flesh inside. Releasing her a few seconds later, he concentrated on her nipple, flicking it hard and fast. Marielle groaned and ran her hands through his short locks. Her hips moved restlessly. Heat scorched her senses and ran along her sensitive nerve endings like small wildfires. Abruptly, she pulled his hair, raising his head. “Enough.” She shoved his head in the direction of her groin. “Eat my pussy.” He chuckled. “Gladly. Anything you desire.” Matt knelt between her splayed thighs and slipped both hands beneath her buttocks. When he nuzzled her hair with his nose and chin, Marielle sucked in and held her breath. He breathed in deeply. “You smell delicious.”

His words made her clit throb. She closed her eyes and moaned when she felt his warm, wet tongue first lap her slit. He licked in one long stroke, from bottom to top. Using his hands, he pulled her closer and sucked her clit into his hot mouth. “Oh,” she moaned. She was starved for his gentle caress and shoved her pussy upward to meet his tongue. He suckled gently for seconds, and then his tongue laved her clit up and down, alternating with circular movements. Her clit throbbed. The heat throbbing from her clit made her writhe. She was on fire! His warm tongue slid down her slit, to her core. When his tongue slipped inside, her thighs clenched. Her hands left his shoulders and stroked her breasts. As his tongue stabbed in and out of her moist channel, she rubbed her nipples, evoking more heat in her pussy. Gripping her butt, he pulled her back and forth gently as his tongue fucked her. “Yes!” Marielle screamed. Her breathing was ragged and her clit pulsed in an erratic beat. She felt like a woman possessed, writhing beneath his expert caresses. His tongue slipped quickly upward, flicking her clit with fast strokes. Her hands flew to his head, grasped his hair and pushed him into her pussy. “Fuck me,” she screamed, almost mindless with the blaze that ran through her whole body, centering on her aching clit. Matt flipped his head back and forth, making his tongue rigid, flicking her clit at the same time. “Ayee,” she screamed. She convulsed against his hot tongue. He lapped gently, until her orgasm shuddered to a halt. After resting his chin on her mons, he said, “Hmmm, you taste as good as you look.” “Come here,” she wiggled her fingers at him. He slid up her body. She reached up and pulled his head down for a passionate kiss. While they slid their tongues in and out, Matt slipped his cock into her soaked vagina. Marielle’s breath hitched as his cock entered her, filling her completely. She moved her hips forward as he withdrew, leaving only the tip teasing her opening. Chuckling, he grabbed her ass and pulled her hips forward hard as he plunged inside her again. “Ahh,” she moaned. “That feels too good.” “Should I stop?” His silly grin told her he was teasing her. In answer, she gripped his muscular ass and pulled him into her with force. It was a silken passage since her juices coated his swollen cock. He withdrew again and using his hand guided the head to her clit, sliding it up and down before bobbing the mushroom tip just inside her pussy. She whimpered and pushed toward him, capturing him within her silken passage. Shifting position, he draped her legs over his shoulders and leaned into her. Her legs spread wide. At this angle, her pussy was wide open, and when Matt plunged into her, he went deep, all the way to her womb. Her inner folds felt scalding. This wonderful human lover was killing her with his expert lovemaking. “Do you like it deep?” His voice was husky, sexy. “Yes, keep doing what you’re doing, lover.”

Matt shoved into her with strong, savage thrusts. It was harder to breathe in this position, with his body pressing down on her, but she didn’t care. The sensations were too hot to stop. In fact, she wanted more. Her breasts compressed more when he leaned in and latched onto her mouth. “Oh, oh,” she couldn’t hold back the little whimpering moans. The motion of his cock plunging into her while his tongue thrust inside her mouth over-stimulated her nerve endings. Raw emotion and need overwhelmed her. She not only wanted his cock and tongue inside her, she wanted to grasp his ass and shove all of him inside her body. It was an insane thought, but that was the greediness her body demanded. Ignoring her crazy thoughts, Marielle concentrated on pure sensation. She undulated beneath him, her pussy grasping at his cock greedily. She was being stretched and filled by his large dick, until tiny shards of pain, along with pleasure, tore through her swollen lower lips. He drew back, grabbed her thighs and pulled her back and forth. His strength made her feel feminine in comparison as he moved her body easily. But, suddenly, she wanted to be in charge. “Stop.” “What?” Matt’s brow knitted. She shoved at his chest. “You lie down now.” “Oh.” He grinned and withdrew, sprawling on the grass, his cock hard and slick with her juices. Marielle knelt over his hips and positioned herself over him. She slid slowly up and down his cock, her pussy lips caressing with him with her slippery heat. “Woman, you really are going to drive me crazy.” “Mmmm, I hope so.” With that, Marielle slid onto his hard flesh, sheathing herself to the hilt. Bracing her hands on the ground on either side of his face, she started a rhythm of up and down sliding movements. A slow groan of ecstasy escaped her lips. Her clit was pulled back and forth as she rocked, sending a delicious tingle throughout her pussy. Matt’s hands gripped her waist and helped with the motions. After a minute of these ministrations, she leaned backward, one hand rubbing his hard male nipple, the other stroking his thigh behind her. At the same time she rotated her pelvis, enjoying the intense contact between her vagina and his cock. Her clit received attention in this position too, her movements stroking it against his body. Her breathing came heavier. Shards of pleasure shot from her pussy. His cock stabbed her very center and she rode it, rocking back and forth to squeeze every bit of sensation she could. Her vagina gripped him tightly. She was climaxing. It flowed through her lower body in waves and she struggled to continue her movements. “Marielle!” Matt’s hands dug into her waist and he ground his groin into her. His seed gushed into her channel and her inner muscles tightened involuntarily. Closing her eyes, she purposely milked the last of his orgasm. Afterward, he cuddled her in his arms, spoon fashion and they drifted off to sleep. When they awoke, the sun barely hung onto the lip of the earth, throwing coral

gold hues over everything. Matt jumped up and hauled her up by one arm. “Better get back to camp before it gets too dark to see.” He redressed hurriedly, urging her to do the same, his glance flicking around the perimeter of the pool. “What worries you?” “I’ve been outside a few weeks and at night there are large animals which roam around the camp. I haven’t seen one yet, but I hear their bodies passing through the underbrush.” “Oh, are there dangerous animals living here?” Matt shrugged. “I’m not sure, but better to be cautious. It is very possible mutants have evolved due to radiation.” He flushed, glancing quickly at her, but his remark passed right over her. Apparently she did not consider herself among that group. “Radiation. I know this term.” “How?” He hadn’t even considered that she knew about this subject. While they walked back to camp, she explained. “Long ago my people found a journal. It explained much of our ancient’s world.” “That’s interesting. Do you know where it was found?” “Oh, yes. During my grandfather’s time, some stones fell from what they thought was a pile of rubble. A piece of steel stuck up, so they dug it out.” “You know about steel?” He found this surprising. “From some of the ancient texts. We had no steel remaining on Ryda, until the discovery.” Her eyes were afire, giving him a clue that she loved learning about the past. “So, what did your people uncover?” “A square structure made of steel, buried in the earth. It was small, but it held much treasure.” “Treasure?” What would her people consider treasure? “Knowledge of the ancients.” She smiled happily, confirming her fascination with the past. “The journal, which explained many things, was the greatest discovery. We also found some strange objects—we still do not know their true purpose. And three skeletons.” She paused, as if in respect of the dead. “Being buried beneath the earth protected the contents. We were able to enter only because one corner had ripped open some time in the past and was covered by the stones. Most of our ancient books were discovered in this tomb.” “Ah. Sounds like a bomb shelter.” This was getting more interesting. “What is that?” Her lovely eyes questioned him with a curious look. “A place where the ancients hid from radiation.” He paused. “That’s what my home is… but it was built to hold many people instead of only a few.” They had arrived at camp and he set about starting the fire as they talked. “Plus, your shelter was probably for civilians, while my ancestors were military personnel.” He threw a branch into the greedy flame. “Our society is still very

regimented.” “Explain military and civilian, please, I do not know these words.” “Civilians were individuals like yourself, those not in the military.” Matt told her as simply as possible about the military life. The morning exercise routines, the uniforms worn by all, and the structure of enlisted and officers. Even women in their society were soldiers, following the rules until their death. Children were less regulated, but were still expected to behave and act respectfully toward their elders. “You don’t seem to agree with this lifestyle.” Her eyes examined him, as if for clues.

Chapter Eleven Explorations

Matt sighed. “I don’t disagree with it… we needed structure to survive the Great War and the oppressing conditions of adapting to living underground.” “You have lived your whole life beneath the earth, yet you sound so unhappy with it.” He stirred the fire. “Not unhappy… I just wanted something different.” He shrugged. “I’m not even sure what, but I felt it deep in my heart,” he stabbed at his chest, “that we should reclaim the land outside.” Marielle stared at him, her eyes startled. “I too sought something different. I wanted adventure, a change from the ordinariness of my life.” Examining her slim figure, he said softly, “We seem to be kindred spirits.” “Will I see your world one day?” “I don’t see why not.” Matt pulled out potatoes from his pack and unwrapped meat that had been cooked. He nodded toward the flesh. “I smoked it, so it’s safe to eat.” She smiled. He split up the meat and gave her a tin plate. Then he carefully placed the vegetables next to the glowing coals. “When?” Her question startled him out of his thoughts. “I was thinking of returning in a few weeks, when enough time had passed to prove to my father that radiation is no longer threatening the environment.” He rubbed at his arm, peeling some of the tanning skin away. “By then maybe I’ll be one color.” He glanced at her and smiled. “If I appeared like this, there’d be no convincing my people that I wasn’t being eaten up by radiation exposure.” She smiled. “I can wait a few weeks.” She glanced around. “That’ll give me time to explore this island.” “Me too.” “You have not searched everywhere yet?’ He shook his head and stuck out his arm. “Been trying to get used to the sun and living outdoors.” “Of course.” She bit into a piece of the meat. “I can help you finish your shelter.” “That’d be great.” She was a wonderful girl, not just a sexpot. He was also pleased with the intelligence and curiosity she displayed, in spite of growing up with little education. And with her deep desire for adventure, she truly was a girl after his own heart. “In exchange, you take me to meet your people.” “Sure.” Sounded like a good deal to him. Plus, having another person to talk to would be wonderful. He hadn’t counted on the acute loneliness outside. “I am so curious how people can live underground.”

He nodded absentmindedly, staring at the fire. Yes, she would find it a curious change from her life in the beautiful world outside. Later, he arranged Marielle’s blanket across the campfire from him. But she quickly flipped her blanket next to his. With a mischievous smile, she said, “Remember the animals? I think I’ll be safer closer to you.” He had to admit to himself she was right, but he hadn’t wanted to push himself on her, in spite of their hot sexual encounter earlier. He watched her move beneath the blanket, and then she placed her two tiny pieces of clothing neatly next to her. His cock rose to attention at the thought of her slim, nude body. Matt turned on his side to hide the evidence of his arousal. They both needed sleep.

***** A serenade of sweet bird songs overhead woke him, but he came wide-awake when he felt Marielle’s bare bottom snuggled against his groin. Sometime during the night, she’d moved into his arms. “Good morning.” She moved gently against his hard erection. “What a nice way to wake up.” Matt flushed, but at the same time he pushed himself against her soft flesh. Marielle had a way of expressing herself that was so natural, without pretense or artifice. He found it refreshing, but it took some getting used to. Without further thought, his cock took on a mind of its own, sliding up and down the crevice between her round cheeks. Warm, soft flesh welcomed his playful caresses. “Hmmm. A little lower would be better.” Her tone was playful. Following her womanly invitation, he held his cock with one hand and slipped it between her lips. Hot, slick flesh met his aching dick. She was ready for him and her wiggling hips meant she wanted him as much as he desired her sweet pussy. She felt perfect. The world felt perfect. He could have stayed making love to sweet Marielle for days. At least, that’s how she made him feel—horny and desirous of her company every minute of the day. Her tight sheath clamped around him like a glove. He groaned, and grasping her hips, plunged into her slick heat all the way. It was too warm beneath the blankets and Matt threw the covers back. Cool morning air hit their hot skin. It felt delicious blowing across his overheated body. He shoved into her slippery passage with relative ease. Her juices coated his cock so that moving in and out was smooth, even in this awkward position. He breathed in deeply, entranced with her musky, naturally feminine smell. Shoving slowly into her velvety folds fit the languid morning fuck. The circular movements of her pussy wrapping around him created even more intense, exquisite sensations. “Marielle, you’re so hot.” She giggled. He realized his statement had been a bit naïve, but that was the way she made him feel. Like she was the first girl he’d ever fucked, though he wasn’t a virgin.

Sliding his hand down her thigh, he raised her leg, giving him less restricted access to her vagina. He plunged in deeper and harder. “Oh, yes.” Her groaned words made his cock throb. With his free hand, he found her clit and rubbed it gently between his thumb and forefinger. Her breathing deepened and she moved her groin up and down, shoving back forcefully onto him. Matt felt her juices slip down his cock and run into the crease of his thigh. “Yes!” Her voice was taut, rich with desire and need. Her response caused his balls to tighten and if possible, his cock became even more rigid. He shuddered. The blood pumped through his veins and his sperm shot into her hot pussy as she convulsed around his cock, milking it for long seconds. When he tried to place his arms around her, she wiggled from his grasp and jumped up. “Aren’t you hungry?” He yawned. “Starved.” “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” “What?” Matt sat up but she’d already disappeared down the trail to the pool. Shaking his head, he got dressed and started the fire. Guess she was going to take a quick morning dip, in spite of her parting words. After ten minutes, he began searching the bushes. If she didn’t come back soon, he’d go looking for her. Could she have gotten lost? It didn’t seem likely, the path was a clear trail. Could she have fallen and hurt herself? Matt huffed out air at his own silliness. He was turning into a worrywart, something he had never done in his life. What is up with you? It was a slim slip of girl, a water nymph who thought she was a mermaid. She’d done this to him. Tied his stomach up in knots. He heard leaves snapping underfoot before he saw her luscious body part the bushes around the camp. She was smiling and her body was dripping wet. When she stopped in front of him, with difficulty Matt dragged his eyes from the droplets running down her slender abdomen. She held something toward him. A fish. He took it and gave her a curious stare. She waved at the large bass. “I noticed yesterday there were some fish in your pool. They probably swim in and out of the stream.” “I hadn’t noticed.” He pulled his knife from a pocket and quickly cut off the floundering fish’s head. No use letting the fish suffer even if it was going to be their breakfast. Scaling and gutting it took only a few minutes. Marielle handed him a long stick and he stabbed it through the bass’s flesh, then placed it carefully over the homemade spit he’d constructed last week. A perfect fit. In just a few minutes the fish began to give off a delicious aroma. “Thanks. Fresh fish is a nice change from dried meat.” “Here, I found these on the way too.” Marielle withdrew two small apples from the hidden pocket in her skirt. “Are they safe to eat?” She cocked her head. “Safe?” “I mean,” he waved aimlessly at the fruit. “I’ve not had a chance to sample taste

everything out here.” “It is the same variety as one we grow on Ryda.” With that statement, she picked up one red skinned apple and bit into it. Shrugging, Matt followed suite, delighted at the rich texture of the fleshy fruit. “Hmmm. Much better than those we grow.” “I must see these underground gardens you speak of.” Her eyes sparkled. “Soon.”

***** Two weeks later, Matt stood back from the hut. He was very happy it was finished. Sleeping in even the primitive hut was better then being outdoors when it rained. They probably would have been done in a few days if it hadn’t been for their frequent interruptions. Making love comprised most of their hard earned breaks. Sex in the pool had developed into their favorite past time. Then there was screwing at night by the cheery campfire, slow morning fucks, and even a few feisty romps through the forest. They had also been gradually expanding their explorations, going farther each day and in different directions. Today, he was retightening the homemade rope around the poles. Fierce winds last night had loosened more than one section. “Are you finished with your house?” “Our house.” Matt smiled at her. “I’m bored,” she purposely threw her lush bottom lip into a pout. “Uh oh, I know what that means.” He couldn’t keep a grin from erupting. Sex with Marielle was always hot and satisfying. She stroked one hand down his chest. “Not that.” Her eyes turned toward the cliffs adjacent to the small mountain where his home was located. “I want to explore the waterfall.” Matt had desired to do so from the beginning, but his hut building had interrupted his plans, and then of course Marielle had completely thrown that right out the window. “Okay.” He grabbed his pack and stuffed some dried meat and a canteen inside. The waterfall looked like a fair hike. Once they left the immediate area around the camp, the forest closed in densely around them. Going was much slower. They stopped for lunch next to the stream, the same one that fed his pool. Its source seemed to be the waterfall. A huge tree with large, gnarly roots above ground made an ideal spot to sit. Its shade was welcome and a slight breeze blew across the water, cooling them even further. In fact, it was so pleasant, Matt would have agreed to squander the afternoon away if Marielle hadn’t grabbed his hand and hauled him up. Breaking through some clinging vines an hour later, they found themselves at the foot of the towering fall. A large pool stretched at least thirty feet in width—and it spread out in front of them. The sparkling water fell in forceful sheets down the fifty-foot cliff, splashing in frothy sprays into the pool. At either side of the fall, the water fell in thin sprinkles and hit the water with dancing splashes. The sides of the cliff were covered in vines, while the area surrounding the pool crawled with verdant growth. It

was a secretive, seductive atmosphere. Perfect for an afternoon of hot sex. “Wa hoo!” Marielle screamed, stripped quickly and dove into the water. She resurfaced, a dripping wet nymph awaiting him, proud little breasts stabbing their tight nipples at him. Almost tearing his clothes off, Matt waded into the pool. Marielle slid down into the liquid’s embrace, breaking the surface some twenty feet away. He swam vigorously toward her, but she slipped away just before he reached her. This time, she stopped beneath the gentle spray of the waterfall’s edge. Droplets ran down her slender form, loving her body with slow caresses, as he desired to do. Leaping forward, he grabbed her waist on either side. She laughed, clearly not intending to escape this time. “Do you know how much I want you?” Marielle threw her wet locks backward with both hands, pulling her breasts into perfect round orbs. “No. Show me.”

Chapter Twelve The Waterfall

She watched the lust rise in Matt’s dark eyes with interest. He always made her feel so wanted, so needed. She only teased him with her challenge. One of his hands slid up her waist and along her arm, raising goosebumps. He stopped at her hand and drew it toward him. Watching her face, he kissed every inch of the back, making her shiver. Then his tongue slid along the webbing between her forefinger and middle finger. Her shivers erupted into shudders. She was very sensitive there. Her thighs went weak and trembled. “Oh.” “You like?” His eyes teased her, dark and hungry for her. His pink tongue flicked out and tickled the delicate skin between her next set of digits. She moaned—a mumbled word that had no meaning except one of desire. Her pussy was on fire. She wanted him inside her, now. But, then, she also wanted him to continue this wondrous assault on her flesh. Dropping her hand, he encircled her waist and crashed his lips to hers for a kiss as fiery as her lower body felt. Her breasts were squashed against his hard chest, evoking a feminine weakness she was at a loss to explain. Water sprinkled over their bodies, washing them with cool refreshing spray, while the heat between them built to an unbearable level. Withdrawing from his lips, she moaned, “I must feel you inside me.” Gripping her thighs, Matt pulled her up his body, and then slid her pussy down until her opening poised over his hard cock. Staring into his brown eyes, she knew her own reflected their heat as he moved her slowly downward. She closed her eyes briefly as incredible sensation hit her. Softness melded around unyielding hardness. Her juices coated them both. Her breath hitched as Matt pulled her upward and then let her fall back down again, filling her completely. When he made the move again, she was ready and helped by using his shoulders for leverage. She shoved down firmly, again and again. She couldn’t get enough of him, didn’t know if she ever would. Grasping her thighs tightly, Matt walked a few feet and laid her on a flat, moss covered rock. Its spongy surface tickled, but made a nice place to continue fucking. When Matt rammed into her, it was exquisite. Her back arched and Marielle sighed when his lips closed over one nipple. Her head thrashed back and forth as she went mindless with pleasure. With one brawny arm, he brought her body upward, sucking on her pebbled flesh as he rotated his hips. What a sense of power it gave her to see Matt kissing her breasts

so lovingly, almost in a worshipful manner. Releasing her suddenly, he withdrew and flipped her over, positioning Marielle on her knees. “I want your beautiful ass,” he whispered against one buttock. She shivered. Her pussy felt exposed and vulnerable, but she wanted it that way. She moved one leg, widening her stance. Closing her eyes, Marielle gloried in the sensation of Matt’s mouth nipping her butt. Her breath caught as his warm tongue dove between her lips and sought her clit. She whimpered and shoved backward into his face. “Mmm.” Matt made loud slurping noises on purpose, like he was eating something too delicious. His tongue dipped and flicked between her lips, over and over. Marielle shuddered as a strong orgasm beat through her clit. “Yes!” She screamed as her clit went into spasms, while her hands dug into the moss, clawing up chunks. She pulled forward away from his tongue when her climax ended. “I can’t take any more.” He kissed one buttock and she felt him positioning himself. “But you can take this, I bet.” With that, he slipped his cock against her pussy lips, sliding it up and down. She moaned. As he pushed gently into her channel, Marielle knew he was right. She could take this, and desire it with every tingling nerve in her body. “Yes, lover, that feels so good.” Marielle moaned again, happy to hear his groaned response to her words. Matt posed over her body, his arms just behind hers. They fucked like two animals and she reveled in the primitive sensations this position pulled from her. Her heart sped up when she felt one breast being kneaded hard. Looking down, she watched Matt’s hand massage her breast, then tweak her excited nipple into a dark red bud of arousal. She groaned, rubbing her head against the rock, her hands digging at the moss. Her breasts felt so full in this position and she shoved them deeper into his hands, meeting his long thrusts into her pussy with circular movements. There seemed to be a cord connected between her sensitive nipples and throbbing clit. Every time Matt plunged into her, an aching reaction sprang from her breasts to her pussy. He straightened, then gripped each cheek with a hand. His thrusts became more forceful. “Baby, you’re so tight, so hot.” And her pussy did feel as if it were on fire. His husky words only served to fuel her own lust. She shoved back, meeting his thrusts. She loved the sound of Matt’s body slapping into her cheeks and the slippery wet noise of his cock plunging into her slick flesh. Marielle sensed another orgasm building within her.

As her vagina tightened around him, his cock swelled. He was coming too. “Argh.” Matt garbled out an un-intelligible word, pumping into her with his hard dick and spurts of hot liquid. Marielle collapsed onto the boulder and Matt fell with her. Yet, he held his weight off her. They stayed this way for long seconds. She felt totally sheltered within the clasp of his whole body. She had an urge to stay there forever. Matt rolled over and brought her with him, so her buttocks were cuddled against his groin, her body encircled by his arms and legs. “Hmm, that was wonderful.” She stroked the hairs on his arms. “I’ll say.” He softly kissed the top of her head. The moss felt uncomfortably tickly now that her attention was not elsewhere. Patting his arm, Marielle sat up and stretched. “How about a swim?” She turned to see Matt’s eyes glued to her breasts, his cock rigid once again. She grinned. Leaning down, she kissed the tip. It jumped and she saw the pulse beating through a vein. “Later.” She smiled at Matt’s disappointed face and stepped into the shallow water near the rock. Once she resurfaced from a dive, she heard the splash behind her. Matt sprang up beside her and they spent some minutes frolicking in the water. She was eying his cock with renewed interest when she noticed something behind him. Matt’s back was towards the waterfall, and this close she could see what looked like a cave behind the falls. She pointed. “Look, isn’t that a cave?” He turned and peered toward the waterfall. “Maybe. Could be just a shallow impression.” He returned his look to her. “You’re dying of curiosity, aren’t you?” “Yes. Aren’t you?” She laughed. He shrugged and grinned. She knew he was too, but his thoughts had been wrapped around another fuck. Grabbing her hand, he plunged around the end of the fall. Giggling, she splashed through the shallow water. “Oh.” They paused and looked at the huge cavern that was revealed. “Maybe you should stay here while I take a look.” “Not on your life.” Marielle jumped ahead of him, but Matt quickly caught up and took her hand again. “All right, Miss Adventurous Heart, but let’s be a little cautious.” “Why?” He caught her eye with a serious expression. “Remember the unseen animals.” “I forgot.” She grinned, trying to pacify him. She thought Matt was worried over nothing, but she would play along and let him be the protector. They walked slowly into the large opening. Rock walls shadowed by the rippling play of the water and sunlight met their eyes. A few steps more, after rounding a bend, they came out into a smaller cavern. She spied a dark hole near the back. “Look.” She whispered, not sure why she did so. Matt simply nodded. She started forward, but his arm held hers fast. “You look.”

His voice was low-key. Marielle examined the tunnel opening, and was startled to see several silvery objects. Matt began backing out and she followed, not understanding why until she noticed the eyes seemed to be nearer the opening than they were a moment before. Once safely outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. “What were those?” “Not sure… probably some of those unseen animals I keep harping about.” She looked at him closely. He was trying to make light of the subject, but his countenance was serious. He clearly was worried. “We’d better be going.” “Can’t we rest a bit first?” Matt stared up at the sun.” I guess it’s okay, there is still lots of daylight left.”

***** Against his better judgment, he agreed to laze away some time under a shady tree. He wasn’t even aware of drifting off to sleep. When Matt awoke, the sun’s advance disturbed him. They had only a few hours to sunset. It had been at least a two-hour hike to the falls. He had been concerned before about their safety due to the unknown animal population. But now, he knew they needed to make it back to camp before night closed around them. He had sensed something menacing living in the caves behind the waterfall. He hadn’t said anything to Marielle, but he’d wondered if what had been hidden from their eyes, could be the mutants. It was a known fact their underground caverns and passages ran adjacent to some of the corridors in his homeland. Could their main lair be located in the caves behind the water’s cover? It seemed likely. The cliff that the waterfall poured down was situated next to his home. While living underground, he’d never considered if the mutants went topside. They were thought to be underground inhabitants, like his people, but had mutated due to exposure to radiation. He’d never heard anyone name them. It seemed as though his fellow citizens preferred to not speak of the others. They were the unspoken, only mentioned to warn the children away from the patched area in a back corridor. This was the place where hordes of the inhuman beasts had boiled into his people’s secure home. Matt shuddered and turned to watch Marielle’ s gentle breathing. It didn’t help. His thoughts wouldn’t be turned from what he’d seen that awful day as a thirteen year old. No one knew why the wall in that area caved in that fateful day. Perhaps it was simply weak, or some thought the mutants had been digging away at it until it finally crumbled. Matt had heard women’s screams and men’s yells. Running from a parallel passage, he’d been shocked when he’d seen the carnage unfold, and had hidden behind a bend in the wall. Hunched, grotesque figures poured from the opening, and fought the few soldiers that faced them with fierce determination. Their features were unclear, as Matt was too far away. But he’d seen the startling white flesh, shining with sickly brilliance beneath the hall lights. The soldiers fought hard, but in a few short minutes they’d been overcome.

The putrid white mutants grabbed the dead and injured by a limb and started dragging them across the fallen rubble. Groans proved a few of the fallen were still alive. A shrill scream drew his dazed eyes. An ugly hunch-backed thing had flung a female soldier over one shoulder and hopped toward the hole. Pulled from his lethargy by the frightened cry, Matt started forward. Later, he realized he would have been killed, but luck was with him that day. A squad ran from the corridor behind the creatures, yelling loud to gain the mutants attention. With seeming superhuman speed, the inhuman things galloped back through the gaping hole. Matt tried to go into the opening, but a sergeant shook his head and pushed Matt backwards. “Stay here, boy.” He obeyed the man without thinking. Obedience was drilled into them from the time they were toddlers. The blood soaking the ground all around his feet made him shiver violently. The brutal evidence left behind made him glad he was considered too young to join the fray. But at the same time, he felt like a coward. The sounds of fighting continued for some minutes before the squad reappeared at the opening, minus a few brave men. “Too many of them.” Matt would never forget those muttered words by the Sergeant, and the mingling of fear and disgust on his face. He knew the Sarge was a brave soldier. His stomach was queasy and he suddenly was very glad he’d been too young to be of any help. After a short time, another squad had reinforced the men. They stood watch over the gap until cement was brought and the hole completely filled in. The entire time, pale eyes blinked at them from the other side of the opening—at a distance, but still defiant. After that, teams of six soldiers were always kept on guard at the cemented filled hole, in case the mutants tried to gain entrance again. Following that day, Matt had frequent nightmares for years, but finally, they had petered away. Something he was grateful for. Today, he’d once again been forced to face that horrible memory. Maybe it wasn’t them, but he didn’t plan on taking any chances. He’d already wasted precious minutes caught up in his fearful memories. “Marielle, wake up.” He shook her. Not waiting for her response, he jumped up and stuffed the pack. “What’s the hurry?” She yawned and stretched lazily. “Get up.” His voice came out more forceful than he had intended, but not recanting, he pulled her up quickly. “You’re in an awful hurry to get back home… I thought we were having a fun time here?” “We are—we were.” He couldn’t keep the frustration from his voice. He didn’t have time to explain right now. Instead he pointed at the lowering sun. “Remember? Big animals–danger.” She sighed and followed him through the bushes. “I think your animals are going to turn out to be squirrels. They’re pretty noisy, you know?” Matt flung back over his shoulder. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you a story. A tale that

will frighten you, but one you probably need to hear anyway.” “Mmm. I love stories. How about a bedtime one tonight.” They broke through the brush into a clearing and he faced her. “No, that’d keep you awake all night.” He took her hands and caught her eyes with a serious look. “Now, let’s just concentrate on getting back to camp swiftly.” “Okay.” She gave him a curious stare. But she kept her word, not saying anything until they stopped for a quick break.

Chapter Thirteen Matt’s Fearful Memory

Marielle thought she was beginning to really get to know Matt. But as they trudged through the thickly growing trees, she wondered if she really did understand him. His behavior this evening bordered on panicky. Something she would never have connected to him. Once they reached camp, he looked more at ease but he was very quiet. She prepared supper while he started a fire. It was much larger than the normal campfire he built. It lit the small clearing with a cheerful blaze. Matt stacked a large supply of branches nearby and sat staring into the flames for a long time. After several hours, she was getting sleepy. “I’m going to bed.” “No.” Matt jumped up and grabbed her arm. “I thought we could sleep here tonight, close to the fire.” “But it’s not chilly.” He placed one hand along her cheek. “Please, just do it for me.” Nodding, she shut down her natural curiosity. Clearly Matt didn’t wish to share tonight. He was spooked by something, and seemed to draw assurance from the fire. Her thoughts returned to the eerie looking eyes they’d spotted in the dark depths of the cave. Did he think those eyes belonged to some of those unseen animals he kept talking about? She watched as he placed another thick branch on the fire. No. She thought it was more than that. He seemed to know what those eyes were, or at least, thought he did. What kind of animal could scare such a strong, brave person as Matt? True, she’d not seen him fight anything since she’d been with him. But the measure of a man could be taken from his daily actions and his words. He was strong, confident and very determined. He was always considerate of her needs. He did little things to make her more comfortable, whether it was making her a mattress of dried leaves or questioning her before she bit into strange vegetables. When they explored, he always offered her a hand when they traversed rough terrain. And his words. When he described his strange soldier world, she could tell duty, honor, and bravery were all important to him and his people. She heard a branch snapping and glanced toward the darkened forest. Matt scanned the area with his eyes, but did not act nervous, simply alert. As she observed him, she remembered one incident in which Matt’s brave heart came into play. They’d been exploring and they ran across one of those unseen animals he always wondered about. The beast stood in a clearing, rooting in the muddy earth. It was a swine, similar to those kept by the villagers, but was definitely wild. It was even stouter than the unfortunate pig she’d watched being devoured by the lake monsters. Hearing them, its head shot up and it stared at them with small beady eyes.

“Don’t move.” Matt whispered, shoving her slowly behind him. Marielle stared at the three-inch tusks thrusting from its lower jaw. It could rip them apart with those extended teeth. She shivered. Matt slowly raised the heavy stick he’d been using to push vines out of the way. She hadn’t noticed until now that he had sharpened one end. It would make a deadly weapon. Her eyes returned to the thick hide of the bristly haired pig. Stuck in that thing, she doubted it’d do more than irritate it. Matt didn’t move an inch as he and the huge swine stared at each other. Finally, the pig snuffed, then turned and twitched its tail as it disappeared into the heavy undergrowth. Marielle came out of her musings and watched Matt walk around the perimeter of their camp, examining the bushes with his eyes. Something had given him the willies at the fall, but she didn’t think it was a boar. She shivered, in spite of the heat from the fire, suddenly glad Matt had suggested they sleep outside tonight—by the bright fire. She recalled those pale silvery eyes. Surely they belonged to animals used to murky darkness. Matt was right. They needed a cheerful fire, just in case any of those cave denizens had followed them once night fell. But what kind of creature lived in caves, yet traveled outside only at nightfall? Marielle searched her memory of the ancient texts. Of course there were bats, but those eyes were too large and located at a man’s height. Marielle hugged her body. That fact hadn’t sunk in until just now. She shrugged the next minute. She’d seen plenty of huge, mutated beasts across the ravine. Perhaps it was a large nocturnal feline? That thought didn’t give her the comfort she’d hoped for, but neither did Matt’s restless pacing. She’d decided. No matter his ability to fend off her questions, tomorrow he was going to tell her what he knew. The stories he tried to frighten her with had only ended up tantalizing her imagination. She slept fairly well that night, only coming awake a few times because she’d heard rustling in the bushes. Every time she glanced up, Matt would be standing next to the fire, his alert stare taking in the growth around them. She was confused by his behavior, but felt safe with him by her side. The next morning, she woke to find Matt slumbering fitfully. He was sitting up, propped against a log, his chin digging into his chest. Walking quietly, she prepared breakfast. When she strolled into the bushes to relieve herself, he jumped up. “Where are you going?” “You know.” She waved a hand aimlessly. “Mother Nature?” She added, trying to hold back a laugh. “Besides, it’s daylight.” “Right.” He squinted into the sun. “Just don’t be too long.” When she returned, Matt was doing that restless pacing again. He looked tired and the skin beneath his eyes had darkened. “I think today would be a good time for us to visit my people.” That was abrupt. It was something she had looked forward to, but she was sure yesterday’s cave dwellers had caused this sudden announcement. After they ate, Matt began to gather their belongings. When he finished, she placed

one hand on his forearm. “First, I want to hear the story.” He simply stared at her. His face appeared disgruntled and distracted. “You know, the one about the creatures with silvery eyes who live in caves.” Matt sucked in his breath and held it for seconds before releasing it. “All right.” The tale he shared with her shocked Marielle to the core. Sure. She knew there were mutant animals that had become gigantic savage beasts. But humanoids who had mutated? And attacked humans like rabid animals? Poor Matt. Now she knew why he’d been so jumpy. He had a right to be. At only thirteen, he would have felt he was a man and should have helped with the fight. “Are you ready to go?” He asked abruptly after he finished the tale. “Yes.” She kept her voice low, unable to keep a touch of sadness from invading. They headed in the general direction of the waterfall and Matt became more alert as they neared it. He kept the long knife that he used to chop at clinging vines in his hand, even when the way was relatively clear of growth. Probably a mile from the fall, they veered to the right and hiked several additional miles before stopping. “Home.” Matt smiled and pointed to the base of the mountain. Marielle peered at the heavy bushes completely covering the area. Finally, she spotted the sheen of gray steel between leaves. “Your people hid the opening well.” Matt laughed. “Not really. No one has been outside for hundreds of years, so it is overgrown.” “Until you.” She smiled at him. He didn’t notice her teasing grin. He was staring at the bushes. “I had a devil of a time getting the door open.” “Matt, are you really the first and only person from your people to come outside?” “Yes.” He turned to her. An odd, quirky smile twisted his lips. “My people are brave, but when it comes to the outside… it’s a different story.” “But, why? The outside is so pleasant?” “They don’t think so.” He smoothed the hair at her cheek. “Do you really want to hear this now?” “Uh huh. It is most curious.” “Well, I’ve thought about it a lot over the years—why my people are the way they are. Our texts tell us that the radiation cleared from the upper earth many years ago. But yet, none of my ancestors ever attempted to come out.” “How strange… it sounds like they were afraid to.” Matt nodded. “That’s the conclusion I came to. I questioned many of the older people and found some interesting facts. Are you familiar with the term ‘agoraphobia’?” She shook her head. “It means someone has a fear of going outside their home… that’s the most severe form.” “You mean all your people have this phobia?” She frowned. That would be astounding.

“Not every last one. But, there may have been a few in the beginning. Living as we do, there’s going to be some inbreeding. So, I think this trait was replicated and became stronger over the years.” He shrugged. “During the dark years following the war, the radiation detection devices were damaged and not repairable. So, at first, my ancestors weren’t sure when it would be safe.” “Interesting.” “Yes. But it is not good for the people to become stagnant. We have become fearful to venture outside, even though all the old records say it is safe to do so.” Matt looked frustrated. “But, you didn’t inherit this phobia?” And she was so very happy he hadn’t. “True. I know others who didn’t either, but they are satisfied with their lives… ” His face turned from frustration to unhappiness. “People are often reluctant to change that which works well for them.” She rubbed one hand down his arm. “Maybe you can get those others to follow you outside?” He stared at the hidden doorway. “I had hoped as much.” Turning, he caught her eyes. “My father is like me, but he is the leader and follows what the people want.” “Your father is the leader.” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice. This was an honor, no matter what society one came from. Matt smiled slightly. “Are you ready to meet the leader?” She held out one hand and he gripped it firmly as they approached the door. Using the knife, he chopped away the heavy growth, until a large gray door stood before them. Marielle watched with lively interest as Matt raised a small box lid located to the side of the door. A handle of some kind rested inside and he pushed it up until it clicked in place. The massive door started to open slowly and they backed away a few feet. It creaked abysmally, as if it truly it had never been opened before this instant. It stopped about halfway, but enough so they could easily walk through. Inside, they stood within a ten foot steel encased room. Marielle was thankful the door didn’t close behind them, otherwise it would have been pitch black. Another heavy steel door faced the one they’d entered. Set at head level was a square metal plate. Matt pulled up the lid of a box next to the door, twin to the one outside. Inside it though, was a strange looking contraption. An instrument made of woven metal. Two knobs were beneath it. Pushing on one knob, Matt spoke into the instrument. “This is Captain Matt Thomas.” A strange, scratchy sound emitted from the metal plate, and an excited voice followed. “Is that you, Matt?” “Can you get Colonel Thomas?” His voice was calm and commanding. “We thought you were dead!” The sound instrument went silent as they waited. “That sounded like Private Wilson. They have kids manning the comm now.” “He seemed most happy that you are back.” Matt laughed. “I’m well-liked, but there are many who are going to be unhappy

with my trip outside.” “Why?” “I’m threatening their safe little world. The unknown can be frightening.” “Yes, but also very exciting.” Marielle thought she was really going to have problems understanding his people. She blinked in sudden realization. They were happy with their lives, didn’t want change or adventure. Now that had a familiar ring. She held in a giggle. Maybe she wouldn’t have such a hard time understanding them after all. Her own people thought much the same, except they weren’t fearful of the outside, just traveling beyond their own lands. “Captain Thomas?” A strong voice suddenly shot out of the metal box. It sounded much louder than the other voice had been. “I’m back. Alive. And safe.” “Matt?” A touch of reserved disbelief seemed pulled from the man who spoke. “Father, it’s me.” “What do you want?”

Chapter Fourteen The Underground City

Matt sighed. He knew his father would be angry with him for breaking the golden rule of not going outside. His short, angry question proved he was right. “I know you’re standing on the other side of this door. Just open the window and look at me. I’m fine.” Silence reigned supreme for a few long seconds before the metal plate covering the window was unlatched and swung away. His father’s stern face looked back at him. “So, you look normal.” His father’s eyes ran up and down his figure. “But you could still be contaminated.” “Then get the unit to examine me.” He held both arms away from his body, trying to show he had nothing to hide. “Wait there.” The uncertainty was gone, replaced with the strict commanding voice. He closed the steel plated window. After a few minutes, his father’s voice came back on. “Close and lock the outer door.” Matt did so, leaving them in total darkness. Oops! He’d forgotten to tell the Colonel about Marielle. She’d been standing behind him while they talked. Oh well, they’d meet her in a few minutes. The door slid open with surprising ease and two bulky figures slid quickly inside, soldiers suited up in white protective gear, complete with breathing apparatus. They both paused temporarily when they spotted Marielle, but then held out the Geiger Counters in their hands. First one ran his all over Matt, and then while he used the Counter on Marielle, the other soldier ran his instrument over Matt too. Matt held back a chuckle. They were past paranoid. The radiation units stayed silent, as he knew they would. One soldier punched the knob on the comm and said, “All clear.” The door slid open again. He and Marielle were waved through, the soldiers following behind. The heavy door was quickly closed and locked. “What is this?” The Colonel almost screeched. He pointed at Marielle. “A friend.” One of the covered soldiers responded, “We thought you knew about her, Colonel.” Matt’s father gave the man a cold stare, shutting off any further explanations. “You should have told me about her.” Matt shrugged. “Sorry, just forgot.” “Apparently she has no traces of radiation exposure. Where did you find her?” His rapid-fire questions made Matt edgy. His father seemed determined to make his homecoming as unpleasant as possible. “She found me. Very brave girl. She swam across a monster infested lake to reach

the island.” He paused. “By the way, this is Marielle.” The Colonel glanced at her briefly, and then returned his sharp stare to him. “Where did she come from? Are her people located in a similar facility as ours?” “Father, you can ask Marielle.” When the Colonel’s eyes stayed on him, he answered, “Her people live on land located across the ocean. And no, they live on the outside, always have.” “What!” His father’s voice boomed. “Outside? Have you brought a mutant in our midst?” Those eyes flitted across Marielle, seeking out her secrets. Suddenly, Matt felt like an idiot. He’d forgotten about Marielle’s differences. They meant little to him, but could spell trouble here. He held his breath, hoping his father wouldn’t notice her webbed skin. Later, he could explain and calm his father. Marielle had been so excited at the prospect of seeing Matt’s home. The enthusiastic voice of the young man who’d spoke into the speaker machine had warmed her. His people loved Matt, if she could go by the man’s response. But then his father had talked. He made her nervous. His tone was so severe. He would be an unyielding man, probably a very serious leader. She hated to think what kind of enemy he would make. Fierce. Frightening. Marielle tried to reign in her escalating anxiety. My, I’ve not even met the man yet. Then the men with odd coverings had entered, running strange instruments over their bodies. The only thing that kept her from bolting was Matt’s calming hand on her arm. That, and the closed steel door. Once they went through the other door, she was both curious and nervous about meeting the Colonel. She blinked when Matt’s father faced her. He was but an older version of his handsome son, his hair shot through with gray, and his body stockier than the younger man. Other than looks, he was nothing like Matt. His attitude was as strict and ram-rod straight as she’d expected. His eyes were unrelenting in examining his returning son, and even more penetrating when he turned to stare at her. “She’ll have to be taken to the doctors for examination.” He nodded at one of the soldiers who started toward Marielle. “She will not!” Matt’s voice rose, as hard edged as his father’s had been earlier. “Marielle is a friend. I had hoped she’d be welcomed as a guest.” “But, Captain… son.” The father lowered his voice, tried to sound soothing. It came out patronizing instead. “We don’t know what hidden deformities she might carry, or diseases.” “She’s the healthiest person I’ve ever met, so forget the needle pushers. And she’s definitely not deformed.” Matt grinned and it made Marielle all warm inside. He was defending her to his father and doing a good job of it. “We’ll discuss it later, then.” The Colonel smiled, making it look more like a grimace. “Nope. I’d planned on staying a few days, catch up on things, tell you about the outside world. But if you insist on hassling Marielle, we’ll leave right now.”

The Colonel eyed them both, his face expressionless. “All right. I would like to hear your report of conditions outside. You may stay in your quarters, of course.” He looked Marielle up and down. “I guess we can bunk her with some of the young female soldiers.” “No, father. She stays with me.” Matt’s jaw clenched tight, as if he expected an argument. “That’s the way of it, huh?” He glanced between the two of them, his expression was unreadable. “All right then, why don’t you get her settled in your quarters, then come to my office and give your report.” Matt nodded, then looped his arm through hers. They separated from his father and the other two. Marielle was glad. Their presence made her nervous. They walked down steel gray corridors lit by long oblong objects placed strategically every few feet. Otherwise, it would have been pitch black. She ran one hand along the walls as they passed. Cold, smooth. Marielle shivered. For some reason her feet lagged, and she was far less enthused about exploring this strange world as she’d first thought. To redirect her misgivings, she asked, “How do your lights work?” Matt smiled at her, stopping in front of one. He lifted a clear glass tube and showed her the odd looking items beneath. “These are bulbs.” He pointed to one. She touched one tentatively, drawing her hand back immediately. It was hot. “But… how?” She peered at the bulbs in puzzlement. “I see no fire.” He chuckled. “They’re solar bulbs. In fact, everything here runs on solar power.” “You mean the sun?” At his nod, she asked, “But you live beneath the earth—there is no sun.” “You’re a smart girl.” He smoothed a lock of her hair.” Later I’ll take you to the power station and explain everything in more detail. But, right now I need to take you to my room and then go see my father.” Echoing voices came from around the bend of the hallway ahead. Marielle’s heart did a flip-flop. She was anxious to meet Matt’s people, but at the same time she felt like running the other way. What would they think of her? Matt squeezed one of her hands. “Do me a favor, sweetie.” He waited until she turned her curious eyes to him. “Keep your hands together.” “What? I don’t understand.” He held up her hand and spread them so the webbing showed, and then closed her fingers. “If you can, keep them closed.” “Why?” Her voice came out shriller than she’d intended. Her nervous state was coming out through her voice. Matt glanced toward the approaching voices. “My people have never seen someone… different than them. It’d be better, at first, if we let them get to know you before we spring any surprises on them.” She shrugged. “Okay.” But silently, secretly, she wondered what the big deal was. Matt had never seemed distressed by their differences.

“Matt! My God, you’re back.” A man around Matt’s age came bounding toward them after rounding the corner. Another man and a woman followed more slowly. “Back for a visit, and to show everyone I’m just fine.” He held out his arms and turned around. “No radiation outside, my friend.” “You know I never believed that either.” The blonde man said, then his eyes flashed to Marielle, where she’d been half hidden by Matt’s huge frame. His mouth hung open as he stared at her. Matt turned, slipped an arm around her waist and dragged her to stand beside him. “This is my friend, Marielle.” “Marielle.” The handsome man stuttered and stuck out his hand. Carefully, keeping her fingers together, she placed her hand in his and pumped a few times. Matt had taught her his people’s greeting before they entered. “How? Where?” He peered at her as if she were a ghost. “Marielle,” he looked at her, a twinkle in his eyes. “This is Robert.” “Glad to meet you.” She smiled. Matt’s friend seemed nice, just confused. “Marielle lives on the outside, as all her people do.” “If they grow them that beautiful, maybe I should explore outside too.” He grinned at her, making Marielle feel a tad more comfortable. The woman had approached and stood next to Robert. “But, what about the radiation?” she asked. Her black hair and stocky built reminded Marielle of the lake villagers, except her hair was cut short, and she wore a uniform like Matt’s. Matt shook his head. “There is no radiation.” “Maybe not now.” The tall, thin man with large eyes spoke. “But what about after the Great War.” Matt shrugged. “I don’t know, but they did survive.” He patted her shoulder. “And here’s the proof that humans could and did survive on the upper earth.” Marielle stared at Matt. She wanted to say she wasn’t human, but he’d already cautioned her about his people’s fears. Perhaps it’d be better to go along for now. “I’d love to chat, but father has asked for a report.” “Oh.” Robert look disappointed. “Maybe we can talk at dinner.” “Sure,” Matt answered, taking her by the arm and walking away. They met several more groups of people and were asked similar questions as before. Matt’s excuse about reporting to the Colonel worked like a charm in getting them quickly away from curious eyes and questions.

Chapter Fifteen The Revelation

Finally they halted before a door. Matt’s name was on a panel. A simple flip of the handle and they entered. He shut the door and stood still as she walked forward. It was only a few steps until she bumped into the bed, large enough for only one person. Marielle spun around slowly. A square shaped steel room. Shelves ran around the perimeter, filled with strange objects. Three rectangular shapes along one wall drew her interest. Tugging on the handles, she pulled a drawer out and saw clothes neatly stacked inside. “A hide-a-dresser.” Matt said over her shoulder. She rubbed one hand along the slick metal. “It is most handy for such a small space. “That was the thinking.” Closing the drawer, she went to the first of two thin doors and pulled. It didn’t budge. “It slides.” Matt reached over her shoulder and slid the door open. “Oh. I’ve never seen such a door.” With wonder, Marielle peered into the tiny closet. Shelves were crammed with neatly stacked clothes and items, while a long rod held clothes. They hung from bizarre looking metal things. Matt saw her stare, because he took one down and handed it to her. “A clothes hanger.” “Oh my.” After examining the closet to her heart’s content, Marielle slid the other door open. A strange assortment of objects met her eyes. A bowl shaped object hung suspended against the wall, with three metal fixtures sprouting from it. “Sink.” Matt turned one metal piece and water shot from its mouth. Marielle stood with her mouth open, speechless beyond words. Then she remembered Matt’s explanation of his life after they first met. “A… faucet?” “Yes.” He grinned. “This is hot, this is cold.” She shook her head in awe. “Truly, your people have many miraculous things.” “Your ancestors had them also.” She nodded, remembering pictures in the ancient texts she’d never understood, until now. Matt walked two steps to an odd white thing she had no words or description for. “A commode.” “What do you do with it?’ Matt flushed, something she’d never seen him do. He waved at the commode. “You… ah, take care of mother nature’s business there.” “Ah.” She moved closer and stared down into the large hole. “Wouldn’t it get, um, messy after a while?”

Matt laughed, his discomfort suddenly gone. He pressed down on a metal tube and the sound of water whooshing filled the small space. She peered down. Water swirled round and round down the neck of the thing. “Voila. The water keeps everything clean.” Marielle clapped her hands. “How marvelous.” “If you like that, you’re going to love this.” He stepped a few feet to the opposite side of the room and slid back another door. This one was made of glass, but it was opaque. “A shower.” After Matt explained what a shower was and how it worked, she was dying to try it. As if reading her thoughts, he said, “I’ve got to leave in a few minutes. Why don’t you try it while I’m gone?” “Could I?” She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice. “Sure. It’ll give you something to do while I’m away.” He walked into the adjoining bedroom. “Of course, you’re free to look at anything of mine.” “Thank you, Matt. You are most gracious.” He chuckled. “That’s a term I never would have applied to myself.” Her eyes strayed to the shelves, so she didn’t see Matt walking to the exterior door. It opened and she turned toward him. “I may be gone for a while. Will you be okay?’ She nodded, excited and nervous at the same time. “Do me a favor? Don’t leave this room.” With a gentle smile, he stepped through the door. “Sure.” The thought of leaving this safe haven without Matt was very disturbing. His world was too different. She could content herself for hours in this tiny place. She examined each strange object on his shelves. The greatest find was several books. With puzzlement she fingered the crisp pages. They did not appear ancient. Perhaps Matt’s people were still reproducing the texts. A fission of excitement shot through her. Could her people be taught this ancient art form? Thumbing through the pages, she was disappointed. There were few pictures, mostly page after page of writing. And these seem to be technical and in a language she couldn’t understand. After a good hour of exploring Matt’s small bedroom, she went in to take a shower. Once under the warm spray she sighed with pleasure. Never had she been splashed with water of this temperature. Using the soap he’d shown her, Marielle giggled at the bubbles that erupted from her lathering. The Mer had cleansing powder, but it did not cause bubbles of air to float from vigorous rubbing. How delightful. Perhaps she could take a small piece back with her? Eventually the water turned cool, then cold. Ah. Now, this felt more like the ocean’s cool depths. She stood beneath the downpour of water, refreshed by it. Marielle enjoyed drying off with the towels. This was a new concept. The Mer spent so much time in and out of the water they didn’t bother drying, except to let the sun’s hot rays do it for them.

Restless, she explored Matt’s bedroom again, going over every object a second time. She even thumbed through the neatly stacked clothes in his closet and drawers. Exploration was interesting, but eventually boredom set in. When would Matt get back? She missed him. Throwing herself on the hard bed, Marielle stared up at the plain gray ceiling. So much of Matt’s world was colorless. Cold gray walls to live within —and clothes made in the same style as every other person around him. It was a regimented life. So similar to his peers, as to be indistinguishable from one another. What kind of person would such an environment make? Matt. A strong man who was determined and disciplined and sought to overcome every obstacle in front of him. Yet, he was different. He wanted more than the others did. He wanted adventure, something exciting and new. She smiled. Like her. Marielle hugged herself. They had much in common, even though they’d grown up in vastly different environments. Poor Matt. He was deprived of many wondrous experiences. Being raised in a steel cage would do that to you, she ventured to guess. But at least he was eager to explore new worlds. Welcomed each day with excitement. Oh, yes, they were two hearts of the same meld. He was so intelligent and knew so many things she’d never even heard of. Yet, he never treated her as inferior. In fact, he asked her opinion about many things. Marielle smiled. She really liked Matt a lot. Her wandering eyes focused on a rectangular object next to his bed. How had she missed it before? Maybe because it was small and tucked in behind the lamp. Picking it up, she was astonished to find a picture of Matt staring back at her. He was so handsome and severe looking. She ran one finger down that rugged face. His life had been too regimented, his adventurer’s heart bound in a steel box all his life. She kissed his picture. “No more cages for you, Matt.” She whispered. For some reason her eyes teared and she wiped at them in surprise. Staring at the dampness on her fingers, she realized how sad it would have been for her to be held in place as he’d been. Sure, she’d been trapped on her homeland, but still it was not quite the same imprisonment. A great desire grew in her heart. She wanted Matt to be happy and she would do anything to help him achieve that end. Marielle stared at the soldier in the picture. He was a not a sad person but it was obvious he’d not found his place in this world. That’s what she wanted to help him do. What would it be? Her mind wandered in new territories. Would he be a great leader like his father? Find a new people? Discover new lands? Chewing her lower lip at those thoughts, she could not help but think about the Mer people. Would Matt return to Ryda with her? Would an adventurer be content in her homeland? Would she? Marielle answered herself the next instant. She could be now. She missed her mother, her friends and relatives. She missed her warm inland lake and the cold ocean. She dearly missed Kark and her clan. She missed the taste of fresh crab and fish. She sighed. There were too many things she missed to count. Would Matt choose to stay on this island? That thought made her stomach knot. She sat straight up and clutched his picture to her chest. “I cannot return without you,” she

whispered. Her hand trembling, she brought the frame to her knees and stared at his face. Why? Why would you give up everything you love? The answer was in her heart, had been almost from the beginning. She loved Matt. Everything about him was what she desired in the dark. He owned the matching adventurer’s heart she’d never thought to discover. He was her dream lover come to life. “But do you love me?” Her voice was laced with sadness. She knew he liked her. They were good friends. But, love, she just didn’t know. The truth had just now hit her, so how could she expect Matt to know either? The thought of living without Matt was impossible to contemplate. Not after finding that which she’d sought her whole life. Would he ask her to stay with him? Or would he agree to go back to Ryda if she asked? Marielle sighed. She would not find the answers by herself. She would have to discuss this with him, but not until they left the oppressive atmosphere of his home. She was enjoying this discovery of a vastly different world from her own. But at the same time, the monotone gray walls and ordered life of the soldiers made her nervous. She loved freedom, fresh air and open spaces. These things would seem as foreign to Matt’s people as her lack of knowledge in the technical area would be to them. Matt’s people were advanced. They were intelligent. Vast stores of knowledge from the ancient time had been preserved, studied and imitated. But, they’d lost much of humanity. Missed the joy of living outside, exploring new lands, and meeting new, strange cultures. Matt had said they were inbred. So was their thinking.

Chapter Sixteen The Inquisition

Matt was exhausted. His father had drilled him with questions for almost two hours. At times the Colonel’s face looked disbelieving, at others curious and thoughtful. But he had promised to hold a meeting of the team who oversaw the bunker’s efficient governmental running. A vote would be taken as to whether a small unit of soldiers would be sent to the upper world to explore the outside. After he was dismissed, his father threw in a dinner invitation for tomorrow. It was not a question but a directive. Only when he paused before his door did Matt realize he’d forgotten to mention Marielle’s differences. Maybe before dinner he could have the Colonel to himself long enough to explain. Marielle was sitting on the bed, staring into space. She jumped up immediately, delight lighting her lovely face. Running the few steps to him, she thrust her arms around his waist. “I missed you.” Matt ruffled her hair. “I can honestly say I’m glad to see you too.” “It was that bad?” Her eyes twinkled up at him. “Not bad… just tough.” He picked her up and sat down on the bed, settling her on his lap. “One good thing came of the meeting.” He paused as she wiggled her luscious bottom on purpose and his cock swelled in reaction. Clearing his throat, Matt said, “Father is going to seek a vote as to whether a team will be sent outside.” “How exciting.” Marielle’s enthusiasm was real, but her attention wandered. She stroked his jaw. “You know what would be more exciting?” “What?” He could barely hold in a chuckle. “If you’d make love to me—right now—here on your bed.” “That’s a request I can’t refuse.” Matt grabbed Marielle and flipped her over onto the bed. She flashed him a sexy smile as he leaned over her. “So,” he pecked her lush lips lightly. “You like my room?” “Hmmm, yes. And I like you.” “Ditto.” Matt stroked her cheek gently and stared into those wondrous stormy eyes. Lust flitted through their dark depths, but also feelings she seemed to be trying to suppress. Leaning down, he kissed her deeply, drawing on her tongue like a succulent treat. He also had strong feelings toward his sweet Marielle and couldn’t blame her for her hesitation. Running one hand down her side, he slipped beneath her bra, massaging her breast gently. Her breath sighed into his mouth as he rolled that extraordinary nipple into a

long nub. Wanting to taste her, he untied her straps and pulled the material down. Matt nuzzled her breast, enjoying the silky texture of her skin against his cheek. With the barest flick, he lapped her nipple. Satisfaction flashed through him when Marielle arched her back. He sucked the nipple into his mouth, pumping the sensitive flesh with his mouth. His tongue swirled around the pebbled nub, exciting it into its full length. He drew on the nipple like an infant suckling. Marielle groaned and thrashed restlessly. Her response and the taste of her flesh made his cock even harder. Releasing her breast, he caressed her stomach with his hands, following with his tongue. Her sweet navel called to him and he dipped his tongue over and over into the tiny recess. “Oh, Matt, your tongue is so hot,” she giggled. She was ready and more than willing for him to plunge his cock into her softness. His dick was impatient, it throbbed with its desire to fuck her. “Really, love.” He paused above her hipbone, and then suckled it for a few seconds. How hot would her pussy be once he dove between those luscious lower lips? Untying her skirt, he flung it off to the side. His cock jumped when he saw the heat in her eyes. She knew what he intended. Spreading her legs, he knelt between her thighs, never taking his eyes from her as he edged downward. Wet, pink flesh filled his vision, and the musky scent made him so horny, he wanted to ram into that yielding flesh immediately. Patience was a virtue, for he also wanted to taste her and give Marielle the pleasure of his tongue. Her skin was so soft, so inviting, he pressed his nose and lips into her pussy’s warmth. His tongue slid around the outer lips, marking the area as his, then slipped gently around the folds. Marielle moaned. Rimming the lips first, he then slid inside the folds. Spreading the lips wider with his hands, he sucked on her clit slowly. The tiny nub became hard and pushed upward out of its protective hood. His tongue slipped around and around the clit. It throbbed against his flesh. “Oh, Matt.” A sigh was released at the end of her groaned words. Using a combination of suckling and licks, he stirred her senses even further. Her increased moans and the upward thrust of her hips told him he was hitting her erotic zones. Glancing up for a second, he was gratified by her tightly squeezed eyes and flushed face. She was close. Dipping down, he attacked her clit with fast flicks of his tongue. She panted and grabbed his hair. Matt continued his strong strokes, until he felt the rush of liquid on his tongue and trembling in her thighs. “Ah!” He slowed his licks, enjoying her sweet sighs. He stopped only when her hands pulled at his head. “Please, Matt, it’s too sensitive.”

“All right.” He slid up her body and poised over her. “Does that mean you can’t take anything else from me either?” He saw by the quirk of her lips she knew he but teased her. Her response was to spread her thighs wider. “Come, my handsome Matt.” He eased into her wet flesh and groaned as her channel tightened around him. Welcoming him, needing him. His cock was painfully hard, and ached to release into her clutching flesh. Moving in slow stokes, he watched the sexual flush come over Marielle’s cheeks. Leaning down, he sucked on her lower lip, then played his tongue along its fullness. A fire ran along his nerves, all the way from their entwined lips to his cock. Hot. Needy. His balls felt ready to explode. Holding onto his resolve for precious minutes was tough, but worth the effort. Marielle’s soft, satisfied sighs urged his restraint. Opening her eyes, she watched his face as she gripped his hips and pulled him back and forth, pushing him deeper into her yielding flesh. Warm, wet, hot skin massaged his cock, while her hands continued their urgent movements. Her hips shoved upward, gaining deeper contact between them. He couldn’ t hold on much longer. Marielle bit her bottom lip and her breasts flushed a deep red. Those delicious nipples stabbed at the air with their hard points. Her orgasm was coming.

Chapter Seventeen Cry Mutant

After they finished making love, he took Marielle to his favorite mess hall. Many of his friends and a few relatives were there, and introductions took a while. Supper was served buffet style, which Marielle found fascinating. Potatoes, green peas, pinto beans, and carrots were offered—all home grown. Bass was the only meat dish, but it was delicious. By far, Marielle generated the most excitement. Neither could eat, so many questions were asked of them. His people found it unbelievable that the human race had survived on the outside. They would have denied it, except the evidence sat in front of them, chatting and smiling amiably. Thankfully, Marielle was careful to keep her fingers together, and he didn’t have to worry about her feet. The webbing between her toes didn’t normally show. “Are all the women as beautiful as you?” A young private asked. “Hey, that’s my line.” Robert laughed. Marielle smiled graciously. “All the women and men of my land are nice looking.” “I think I’m going to volunteer for this team you mentioned.” Robert said. “Me too.” The private piped up. “Hmm. We’ll have to see if the council passes it first.” Matt looked at the two interested men. “I don’t see why not,” Robert stated. He waved in Matt’s direction. “You’ve been outside and you’re fine. The discoveries you report are things I’d like to see with my own eyes.” His friend’s eyes went to Marielle. He definitely appreciated her beauty. Robert had always been a ladies’ man and it was this interest which probably fueled his sudden adventurous wish. Supper was a long affair, but finally he excused them both. Marielle was so excited it took a while for them both to fall asleep, but cuddling her in his arms, they did finally manage to drift off. The next day, Matt had planned a full day of explorations for Marielle. After a quick breakfast in the mess hall and after running interference with curious soldiers, they soon were on their way. Marielle stared in childlike wonder when he took her to the gardens. It was a huge room. Plants were arranged in neat rows at waist level. Artificial light replaced the nonexistent sunlight. The squash, tomatoes, and many other varieties seemed to know no difference. Sergeant Hogan offered Marielle a ripe tomato. She bit into it, a delighted expression washing over her face. Matt watched with interest as Marielle questioned Hogan. She was extremely knowledgeable concerning husbandry. They spent at least an hour in the gardens before he could nudge her on to the next

area—the school. If he’d thought she was excited about the gardens, it was nothing compared to her delight over the children. He’d forgotten she taught Mer children the basics of reading and writing. It was one of the pleasant surprises he’d learned about Marielle over the course of many exchanges about their worlds. They spent several hours at the school. Marielle questioned the teacher and children, and they in turn asked her a multitude of questions. The children were very thrilled to meet someone who actually lived on the surface. Marielle was fascinated by the stacks of volumes available and read a few out loud at the children’s request. She was a natural storyteller, making the growls of a dragon come alive or fear of a lost child seem real. Finally, they sat in the back of the room and watched the learning process. “We’d better be going,” he whispered. “Do we have to?” Marielle asked in a half teasing, half serious tone. “The teacher is having a hard time keeping their attention with us here.” He nodded toward the craned heads of several children, who smiled back at them. She sighed. “You’re right.” They slipped out. The rest of the day, he showed Marielle the many wonders that made an underground city work. The deep wells where they pumped up their water sources, huge rooms devoted to the soldiers’ fitness, and endless corridors leading to individual residences. She squealed when they stopped to watch a team making new books. He quickly explained why they still used this primitive method. Marielle’s confused expression told him she did not know about computers. He filled her in on this most wondrous invention of the ancestors as they headed to the room that held the only one left to them. She stared with curiosity at the square beige computer and the man who sat in front of it. “How can it hold all the knowledge from books?” “There’s a chip in which all the information is stored.” Marielle’s confused look said it was way beyond her to understand such a concept. He shrugged. “Let’s just say it’s one of the secrets of the ancients.” She nodded, satisfied with his explanation. “We’re lucky to have this one left. Originally, my people had many computers, but through the years they stopped working. Parts were salvaged to keep a few running until there was only this one left.” The man turned and gave them an annoyed stare. “Can I see it ‘work’?” Marielle lowered her voice to a whisper. “Maybe later. Right now that’s a scientist using it. I have to sign a roster and have a good reason to utilize it.” He smiled at her. “I guess letting someone who’s never seen a computer experience it for the first time would be a good reason.” Matt knew they were bothering Greg, who was using the computer. But he wasn’t working on anything earth-shaking. He waved at the scientist’s back. “But for now, I think we can look over his shoulder.” Marielle stood in complete silence, watching the lines of writing appear and disappear as the man worked.

Greg turned and said sarcastically, “Do you mind.” “I think it’s time to leave.” Matt whispered in her ear. By the time they entered the mess hall for supper, Matt was ready for a break, and even Marielle’s feet lagged. Thankfully, the room held only a few soldiers. Answering a multitude of questions was low on the list of things he desired right now. At a corner table sat his father. The Colonel made a sharp “sit here” motion. Matt nodded reluctantly. Another thing at the bottom of his list—dinner with the Colonel. He’d forgotten about the invitation. “Get ready for the inquisition. “ Marielle flung one lock of hair over her shoulder. She looked nervous. Matt looked as enthusiastic about sharing supper with his father as she felt. The Colonel made her nervous. What would he ask her? They were filling their plates when a darling little girl with curly brown locks ran into the room and threw her arms around Matt’s thighs. “Uncle Matt.” Kneeling down, he gave the child a hug. “Hi, Tiffany. Where’s your mom?” “On guard duty.” The girl stared up at Marielle. “Who’s that?” Matt chuckled and stood up. “This is my friend, Marielle.” He grasped the girl’s hand. “Marielle, this is my sister’s daughter, Tiffany.” “Glad to meet you.” She leaned down and smiled at the child. “You’re pretty.” A small hand ran through Marielle’s hair. “And you.” The child giggled gaily, then grabbed Marielle’s hand. Now she was sandwiched between them. The child smiled up at Matt, then Marielle. Matt was telling her about his sister when Marielle felt little fingers wiggling around her fingers. Glancing down, she was shocked to see that Tiffany had released Matt’s hand and using both hands was examining the webbing between her fingers. Tiny fingers pulled at the skin and she giggled. “Marielle has frog hands.” She squealed as only a child can in such a high-pitched voice. Chairs scraped as the handful of soldiers jumped to their feet. Matt edged in front of Marielle as the Colonel approached, the others grouped behind him. He stopped in front of his son and stared into his face. “Let me see your hands.” It was a demand, not a question, and even though it was directed at her, the Colonel never took his eyes from Matt. “Go ahead.” Matt instructed. She noticed a nerve tick in Matt’s jaw. Glancing nervously at his father, she held out both hands, fingers spread. Only then did the Colonel turn his piercing stare to her. A sharply drawn breath came from him, and sibilant whispers erupted from the soldiers.

“She’s a mutant! Why didn’t you tell me?” Matt’s father asked, anger lacing his voice. Marielle watched as if through a haze as Matt and his father exchanged heated words. Mutant? He called her a mutant. Was Matt explaining her heritage? Shaking free of her reverie, she heard the Colonel talk about labs and examinations. “I told you before—you won’t do experiments on Marielle.” “I’m afraid you have no more say in this matter.” The Colonel stepped to the side, taking Tiffany with him, and nodded at the soldiers. “Take the mutant to the labs.” When the first one laid a hand on her arm, Matt leaped into action, hitting the man in the jaw and knocking him to the floor. “Captain Thomas, stop interfering with my orders!” One of the soldiers took Tiffany and carried her out of the room, while two tried to grab Matt. A punch to the stomach stopped one momentarily, but the other soldier got in a blow to Matt’s head. Matt wiggled his jaw, and then grabbed the man and threw him over his shoulder. He landed with a loud thud on the floor. The man groaned and didn’t attempt to get up. During the flurry of fists, the last soldier had grasped her arm firmly. Marielle chose quiescence. No use attempting to fight this soldier if Matt was overcome. She wouldn’t leave him. And besides, where would she go? This complex was huge and she had no idea where the exit door was. Marielle watched with surprise as the melee increased. Matt was holding his own against three. Fists flew, legs lashed out in strange kicks that knocked opponents to the ground, and bodies plunged to the cold stone floor. Matt was clearly the best fighter. He got in the most punches while efficiently blocking blows and leg kicks. After a few minutes of furious fighting, Matt stood alone, his sides heaving. His lip was bloody and a cheek bruised, but the other combatants were sprawled on the floor around him. Matt started toward her. The Colonel stepped forward and ordered, “Release her.” Marielle saw the sense in this directive. Matt could easily disable the man holding her too. He reached over and pulled her to his side, then faced his father. “You’re making a mistake.” The Colonel said solemnly. “Why? Because she’s different?” Matt’s lip curled in obvious distaste. “Yes. She may turn on you one day.” Ignoring his father’s ugly remark, he said, “We’re leaving.” “Go then.” The Colonel followed them to the door. A team of soldiers ran down the corridor toward them. The soldier who had taken the child out was in the lead. The Colonel raised one hand, stopping them in their tracks. “Matt and… his friend are leaving.” Matt held her hand as they turned to go. “You won’t be welcome again.” These were the Colonel’s last words. Matt paused for a second, and then threw his shoulders back before they continued out the door.

Chapter Eighteen Disbelief

Poor Matt. This was not the way he should be saying goodbye to his father. It was all her fault. One forlorn teardrop escaped and ran down her cheek. Thankfully Matt didn’t notice. Walking at a brisk pace, his eyes flicked down corridors as they passed. Perhaps he was expecting an ambush? That thought was most unpleasant. It meant he didn’t trust his father. She was very glad when the sturdy gray door appeared in front of them but minutes later. Matt must know all the shortcuts through the maze of corridors. Two soldiers stared at them as they approached, but stepped aside and opened the door. Apparently they’d received orders from the Colonel. Fumbling in the dark of the small room on the other side, Matt slid the outer door open with a shove from his body. Bright sunlight greeted them. It felt heavenly and Marielle spread her arms wide to receive the sun’s blessing, though she kept her eyes shut a few seconds. She’d not realized how dim Matt’s home was compared to the outside. “Whew. I’m glad to see my new home too.” Matt’s remark was understandable.She examined his face. His eyes were closed, head thrown backward in a worshipful stance as she’d just been. From what she’d seen of his homeland, it was not suited to his adventurous heart. Neither did the regimented life seem like him either. Like a snake, he had shed his earlier strictures, coming out the other side a much freer, happier person. His head came down and he caught her staring at him. “Ready to go home?” “Really? You would go back to Ryda with me?” The thought sent a shaft of joy through her. Surprise flashed across his face. “I meant my hut,” he waved in its direction. His expression turned serious. “But, that’s an interesting proposition.” Marielle flushed. Matt hadn’t been speaking of her homeland. Matt’s eyes slid from her as he stared up at the sun again. He frowned. “I’d forgotten it was so late in the evening.” “Should we start for the falls?” He shook his head. “That’d put us in its vicinity at nightfall.” He glanced around the area. “We’d better find a good spot to make camp.” Striding ahead of her, he began searching the surrounding bush. Some minutes later, he paused in a natural clearing. Bushes completely rimmed the small space. “I think this should be pretty safe.” Matt quickly laid down their pack, which he’d grabbed quickly from his room on the way out. Then moving with determined steps, he began gathering firewood. Marielle jumped in and helped, but when she kneeled and was set to light it, he stopped

her with a hand on her arm. “I think it’ll be safer to sleep without a fire tonight.” “Why?” Matt was acting paranoid, like he did that day at the waterfall. “We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves… we’re too near the falls.” He stared out at the darkening woods. She was totally confused. “Then why gather the firewood?” Matt smiled gently. “I want it handy in case it’s needed.” With that enigmatic statement, he fished through the pack and withdrew an extra undershirt. Picking up a thick branch, he wrapped the soft material around the end, then secured it with some of his homemade rope. “A torch?” Now his actions made sense. He nodded and placed the torch on the ground. “It can be lit very quickly.” “Matt, do you really think the mutants slink around at night?” Her voice was partly teasing, but edged with seriousness too. “All I can say is, it’s a possibility.” He prepared their beds side by side and next to the firewood, then placed the torch alongside his bedding. Since Matt faced away from her, she cuddled against his broad back. Soon the heat of his body beneath the blanket warmed her and she fell into a restless sleep. Sometime in the early morning hours, just before the sun rose, she awoke suddenly. Her dreams had been filled with lumbering mutants, horribly ugly beasts that reached for her. Their language was guttural and not intelligible, yet she understood them. They wanted her to join them. Marielle shivered. It was not just the brisk morning air, but the memory of the Mutants which shook her. Am I truly a mutant? Her thoughts went back to the confrontation in the dining hall. Horrified faces had turned toward her after the little girl squealed out her statement. Their expressions had been as fearful and disgusted as those the Mer people reserved for the monstrous forms inhabiting the ocean. Withdrawing her hands from the blanket, Marielle stared at her webbed digits, as if for the first time. Were they that horrible? Was she really so very different from the humans? All her life she had believed herself, and her people, to be descended from mermaids and mermen. Am I wrong? Have all my people been mistaken about their heritage? That thought made her stomach queasy. If she was wrong about this assumption, were there other things in her life as well that she was completely off track about? Marielle stared at Matt’s broad, muscular back. Do I really love him? Or think I do? Confusion rioted through her body. What was right? What was incorrect? She just didn’t know any longer. Marielle frowned and tried to remember everything Matt had told her about the mutants, the ones who had attacked his people long ago. Were they really as horrible as Matt described them? Could his memory have been affected by his youth, or influenced by others around him? She stared down at her hands. What if they were simply different than the humans?

Like her. Did that mean humans were intolerant of any variety? Matt certainly hadn’t acted as if it mattered to him. Marielle wiped at tears sliding down her cheeks. She didn’t care and didn’t bother to wipe them away. A sense of loss overcame her as she pondered her true identity. She didn’t know who she was anymore. Mutant? Or Mer? Certainly not human. Matt’s people had made that abundantly clear. She ran one finger down the delicate webbing between her forefinger and the middle digit. She didn’t feel like a monster. Didn’t think like a monster. So what right did the humans have to call her a mutant, and lump her in with the terrifying creatures of Matt’s nightmares? Unless… they really weren’t mutants, or at least, not the terrifying beasts the humans thought they were. By the time the sun had warmed the landscape to a toasty glow, she’d made her mind up. She was going to see for herself.

***** Sweat ran down her sides by the time she reached the falls and dove into the water with zest. A few minutes of splashing around and she headed for the cave. It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust, and then she walked toward the back of the cavern’s entrance. It was huge. It was gloomy. It was spooky. And Marielle wondered if she was being an idiot. What did she hope to accomplish? Her mind had been so sure when she started out. See the mutants? Talk to the mutants? It seemed rather silly now. Her steps slowed. Besides, she was getting downright scared. She shivered from the chill air in the cavern hitting her wet body, but part of the cold was due to pure fright. Maybe this hadn’t been such a great idea. Marielle had never turned her back on an adventure in her life, so she continued on. Rounding a curve in the wall, her eyes barely made out another large cavern with a tunnel extending from the opposite end. Shadows played along the walls as the sunlight filtered through in a sporadic fashion. Why did this place creep her out even more? Marielle shook her head at herself. It was the murky darkness and leaping shadows, that was all. In spite of her resolve, she decided this was far enough. She had turned to leave when her peripheral vision picked up movement. Jerking around quickly, she held her breath as a darker shadow moved from behind a stalagmite formation. Her eye caught movement from behind the matching rock at the same time. She squinted, but when the forms left the rock’s shadows, they were easy to see, even in the gloom. The mutants. Their white flesh appeared to glow, as did their silvery eyes. A violent shiver ran up Marielle’s spine. Abruptly, she changed her mind. She didn’t care if she ever spoke to these deathly looking creatures. Their features were still covered by the dimness in the cave, but in seconds they would be visible. Marielle didn’t want to discover what they looked like. Turning quickly to run, she smacked into a hard, cold chest. Fearing the worse, whatever that was, her eyes ran up the white flesh to the face. Her legs went weak, but she wasn’t the type to faint even in the face of terror. Thankfully, the creature holding

her exerted pressure with its arms and she passed out. Matt had stayed awake much of the night, only drifting off as daylight crept over the horizon. Rustling in the bushes had alerted him to possible danger several times, but it turned out to be small animals. Marielle had muttered in her restless sleep. He worried about her state of mind. It couldn’t have been pleasant to have mutant slammed in her face. Determined to turn her mind from yesterday’s events, he flipped over. Her empty blanket met his eyes. “Marielle?” He jumped up and searched the surrounding foliage. She’d probably just gone to the bathroom. No slim form met his questing eyes, nor did she answer when he called. Stroking his jaw, he glanced around the area again. A small track in the dirt caught his attention. Grabbing his pack, Matt followed Marielle’s footsteps. It didn’t take long to surmise she was on the path to the waterfall. No. God, no. “Marielle, what were you thinking,” he said aloud. Surely a dip in the refreshing water could have waited until they both hiked the trail? An uneasy thought came to him, but Matt shoved it into oblivion. Disregarding the occasional track, he jogged down the overgrown pathway, arriving in half the time it would have normally taken. Scratches and bloody tracks laced his arms from clinging thorns, but he ignored them. Concentrating on Marielle’s footsteps once he reached the falls, he frowned when he discovered they headed straight to the gushing water. “Marielle?” No answer. Matt’s heart sped up. Why didn’t she answer? Quickly divesting himself of shoes and socks, he waded into the water fully clothed. He reached the edge of the waterfall and the cave opening behind. Pausing, he listened. No sound could be heard except that of the water’s deafening downpour. He no longer called Marielle’s name. Stealth seemed to be called for, and he wasn’t really sure why, simply call it a hunch. Retracing the steps they’d taken two days ago, he entered the huge, low-ceilinged cavern. After waiting for his eyes to adjust, he picked out muddy tracks and followed the slim footprints. They headed straight toward the cave’s dark interior. Treading quietly, Matt rounded a bend in the cave. Faint light filtered from the outside, flitting in shadowy plays of light over the entrance into the tunnel they’d discovered last time. It reminded him of the corridors back home, except these were natural and hadn’t been carved by manmade machines. He stood in an area only slightly smaller than the entrance. Two stalagmites were dimly seen forms against the far wall. A shiver ran down his back. He had a sudden image of monstrous beasts crouched behind the rocks. Taking a flashlight out of his pack, he first played it over the rock formations. Nothing lurked behind their rugged forms. With a downward swoop he picked up the faint traces of Marielle’s footsteps. There was no mud here, just scattered dirt. After following the tracks mid way to the tunnel, he froze. Matt sucked in his breath. Three sets of footprints were dispersed around Marielle’s delicate imprints. They were large, bigger than his bare print. Did these belong to the mysterious creatures with the glowing silver eyes? Matt’s jaw clenched. Mutants? His flashlight played over the area. Clearly a scuffle had ensued.

Further on, Marielle’s footprints disappeared, and it took him a few heart- stopping seconds to realize she’d been picked up. One set of footprints sank deeper into the dirt where Marielle’s footsteps disappeared. Searching the ground carefully, he could detect no signs of blood. Good. She’d not been injured. The next instant he was shaken by the thought that she could simply be choked to death by such brutes. Why would they need to rend such a delicate woman? No. Matt shook off his despairing thoughts. She couldn’t be dead. Somehow, he knew he’d detect an acute emptiness if that were true. He’d never told anyone about his hunches, which were often right. And just now, one of those hunches said that Marielle was still alive. Matt stood facing the dark tunnel. Marielle was down there, in the lair of the creatures that sported silvery eyes. She was alive. And he was going after her.

Chapter Nineteen Law Breaker

His fingers played over his knife. He’d need more weapons, and help if he could get it. Turning decisively, Matt retraced his steps. Once across the pool, he jogged toward the mountain peak. Home. When he reached the steel door, he was relieved the switch worked and the heavy door creaked open. His father hadn’t ordered its disconnection. The young voice that answered his punch on the intercom sounded like the same private as last time. “Matt, is that you?” Sounded like the same words, too. “Yes,” he paused. “I need to see my father.” A few seconds of silence, then, “But you were ordered not to return.” He sighed and pushed the button again. “I know, but I need help. Tell my father it’s the mutants. And tell him that Marielle is not with me this time.” Matt’s stomach felt like a hard rock as he awaited his father’s response. After many long agonizing minutes, the intercom scratched into life. “What do you want here, Matt? And what’s this about mutants?” “Please, Father, I need your help and your advice.” The Colonel had always liked it when Matt appealed to his role as leader. “Just a minute.” The plate in the metal door opened and his father peered at him. “The mutant is not with you?” He shook his head. “Step to the left,” he commanded Matt complied. His father was suspicious as ever, making sure Marielle wasn’t hiding behind him. The plate slammed shut. Then the Colonel’s voice came from the intercom, “All right. Shut the outer door.” Once he did, the large inner door opened wide. No white suited soldiers met him this time, only the curious private and his stern faced father. Staring at him a few seconds, the Colonel nodded sharply, then briskly turned. Matt followed the rigid figure to his office. The Colonel closed the door after him and waved Matt to a seat across from him. A cold steel desk sat between them. Matt’s stomach clenched. How many times had he sat in this very spot over the years and been lectured on deportment and duty? His father fully expected him to take the leadership one day, and had been grooming him all his life for the role. After Matt expressed his desire to explore the outside world, those lectures became

more frequent and severe in tone. “Well?” The Colonel’s sharp question cut into his reminiscing. Without preamble, he told about Marielle’s trek into the tunnel and his suspicion that it was the mutants’ home. “What do you expect me to do about a silly girl who goes where she shouldn’t?” “I… I was hoping a few soldiers could go with me and rescue her.” Now that he voiced his request and saw the almost amused look on his father’s face, Matt knew it was probably a futile request. “Why? She’s a mutant too. Probably where she belongs.” Matt hit the steel desk hard with both hands. “Marielle is mostly human. She is nothing like those things. She’s kind, brave, funny, and bright.” “If she’s so intelligent, why did she go there?” An unpleasant smile lurked on the Colonel’s lips. Matt didn’t like his father’s snide tone or his facial expression. “Because she was probably trying to prove to herself she is not a mutant like them,” he shouted. “And you had a hand in that, Father.” Did Matt see just the slightest bit of embarrassed light in his father’s eyes? Maybe, but it was gone the next instant, replaced by disapproval. “Don’t raise your voice to me, young man.” Matt eased back into the chair, calming his features. The Colonel hated insubordinate behavior. “Well, can I expect any assistance?” “This friend of yours,” the Colonel waved one hand. “Even if she were human, she’s not a member of our city.” He leaned forward, a granite look in his eyes. “Why should any soldier here be put at risk for an outsider?” Frustration and anger hit Matt like a brick thrown in the face. Even though he thought the request was futile, he’d hoped he was wrong. “You are refusing to help?” A nerve jumped above his eye as he waited for a response. When the Colonel simply stared back at him, Matt rose to his feet. “I hope you will allow me to get lunch before I go?” The Colonel nodded. As he started to leave, his father said, “Just don’t talk to your friends about this venture.” “Sure.” Matt paused at the door, realizing this would be the last time he saw his father. Returning to the desk, he stuck out his hand. “Goodbye, Sir.” His father returned the handshake with firmness. “Goodbye.” Those steely eyes measured him. For a second regret flashed in their depths. He seemed to sense this was their last farewell. “Son,” his voice made Matt pause again. “Good luck, out there.” Matt went through the door swiftly, stopping outside and taking a deep breath. Why did the Colonel have to throw out that remark? He could have left angry and without any misgivings. But the thoughtful statement made Matt feel guilty for what he was about to do.

Lunch was not what he had in mind. That was just an excuse. Matt was going to break the most sacred of their laws. One which would horrify and shame his father. That’ s why he knew there’d be no returning for him. Luckily, he met no one on the way to the weapon’s room. Lunchtime had a way of clearing the halls. Matt thought briefly of asking Robert to go with him, but if his friend wished to return later, he’d be court-marshaled. This would have to be a lone mission. No soldier guarded the door. There was no need. A code lock kept children from wandering inside, and very few soldiers knew the code. Thankfully, Matt did. As the leader’s son, he was privy to the weapons area. Besides, he’d always shown an avid interest in the ancient weapons, which his father did not discourage. Matt punched in the code and then glanced quickly around before entering. The room was mammoth. This huge warehouse held all the different weapons used in the Great War. Different size boxes were stacked in all directions and filled most of the floor space. Walking through the warehouse was like wandering through a maze. Running his hand along boxes as familiar to him as his own furniture, Matt headed straight for the center. A large space had been left for the one big machine. It was a tank and his favorite. Matt grinned as he imagined running down the mutants with that deadly instrument of destruction. Tanks and guns had not ended the modern age of their ancestors. It’d been atomic bombs. But still, all weapon use had been outlawed. Why his ancestors even kept them around, Matt wasn’t sure. Maybe it was their military heritage, or as a stark reminder to their descendants of the destruction and danger weapons could cause. Patting the tank affectionately, he walked briskly around it, down another corridor of boxes, and stopped at a tall cabinet against one wall. He opened the glass case and took down an M-16 machine gun. Matt stroked one hand along its sleek design. Pulling a drawer open, he took several boxes of ammo and stuffed them in his pack. Once loaded the ancient gun would come alive and be the deadly ally he would need. He’d never fired the weapon, or any of the others. No one had since the Great War. But he’d studied old manuals and knew how they worked. The gun looked new, like all the dangerous denizens of the warehouse did. A unit came in weekly to dust, clean, and rub the weapons down with oil. Matt had volunteered since his youth to help with this chore. Being the Colonel’s son, his assistance had been accepted. Matt knew each weapon. They were old friends. Slinging the gun over his shoulder, he went straight to a box filled with grenades. These, of course, weren’t overly handled through the years. Just dusted off and the packing material around them checked to see it stayed dry. A dozen grenades fit in his pack. Matt had clipped on one of the military utility belts earlier. He secured two grenades at his waist. Next, he moved to the back of the warehouse, running his hands over a missile launcher on the way. He could kill many mutants with that baby, but it was too bulky for the hike, and would be too cumbersome in the tunnels as well. Too many weapons would restrict his maneuvering ability and the freedom to fight effectively in close contact. Prying open a large box, Matt smiled. He carefully pulled the flamethrower from its

container. All animals were fearful of fire: the mutants shouldn’t be an exception. Plus, he figured the nocturnal creatures would find fire harmful to their sensitive eyes. It would be a very useful weapon, even if he chose not to set a mutant on fire. He slipped the strap around his neck. It was much heavier then he’d remembered. Shrugging, Matt ignored the weight pulling on his neck. It was too handy a weapon for him to disregard. Slipping out of the warehouse was more difficult then entering. And it would be impossible to slip the weapons past anyone he met in the hall. Luckily, the warehouse was located in a less traveled corridor. Matt made it down the long hallway before he ran into trouble. Four soldiers walked toward him. They stopped after spying him, shock on their faces. “Captain Thomas, what are you doing?” A sergeant stared hard at him. “Breaking the law.” What else was he going to say? “Arrest him,” the sergeant ordered firmly. Matt had slipped the weapons off while the men stood in confusion. He knew there was no use pointing the weapons at his fellow soldiers. They knew he’d never fire on them. The sergeant watched while his men jumped Matt. He threw a crushing blow to one soldier’s jaw, downing the man instantly. A private swung a punch to Matt’s stomach, while the other tried to grapple him from the back. Matt pitched the soldier over his shoulder, then exchanged blows with the one left standing. The private knew how to fight. They spent several strenuous moments throwing punches and blocking blows. Out of the corner of his eye Matt saw the other soldier watching them. Maybe he thought their champion would win. Matt knew time was running out. Soon, someone would hear the scuffle and come to investigate. He spun quickly and landed a blow to the private’s face. When the man went down, the other private attacked him immediately. He was no match for Matt’s skills and was knocked to his knees after a few punches. The third soldier lay where he’d first been downed, still out cold. The sergeant stepped closer. “I wouldn’t try it. “ Matt threatened, holding his fists at the ready. “I know I can’t match your abilities, Captain Thomas.” The man looked at him searchingly. “Why?” Matt slung the weapons back on as he answered, “Simple. I am going to rescue a friend from the mutants.”

Chapter Twenty Mutant’s Lair

The sergeant was left with his mouth open and probably many unanswered questions. Coming to the end of the corridor, he heard footsteps. It was probably a team sent to investigate. Slipping into a room, he waited for them to pass. Matt couldn’t believe it when he didn’t see any more soldiers, or any civilians. Luck was with him, until the shrill eruption of a siren cut short that professed luck. The alarm had been raised. Civilians would go to their quarters, while the military would be searching for him. No time left. They would soon realize he was taking the shortest route to the outer door. Jogging was hard with the added weight. He struggled to breathe, his heart hammering by the time he reached the last corridor. Pausing at the end, Matt barely managed to regain his breath before tramping footfalls down a parallel corridor alerted him to imminent danger. Adjusting the straps, he stepped into the tiny booth where the door mechanism was located. The young private who’d greeted him several times was waiting. Matt expected some resistance, sure the soldier had been alerted to watch for him. He took a slanting blow to the face, but then knocked the young soldier back into his chair with one punch. “Stay there.” Matt flipped the switch to the outer door. The private stared at him with disbelieving eyes as he slipped through the barrier. Once through, he took a deep breath and closed it with no regrets. His life was out here–in this wonderful outer world and with the woman he loved. Matt found his thoughts startling. “I love her.” He spoke it aloud. Marielle opened her eyes, but a sharp pain shot through her head, and besides her eyesight was blurred. Closing her eyes, she tried to remain calm and assess her surroundings with her other senses. An odor of mold and dampness tickled her nose, while unknown smells were a mystery. The air hitting her skin was chill and moist. Sounds faraway were too muffled to distinguish. The only sound close to her was the crackle of a torch. What kind, she had no idea. The Mer people used fish oil obtained from monstrous bass. It kept their torches burning for hours. Moving both hands, she surmised she lay sprawled upon a flat, rock surface. At least that’s what it felt like. Shielding her eyes, she cracked her lids slightly, sighing when the pain receded to a dull thud in her temples. Blinking, the area came into focus. Definitely a cave. Turning her head gingerly she surveyed her surroundings. A small cave, reminding her vaguely of Matt’s by its cramped size. But this one was formed by nature. There was nothing intriguing about the room. It looked much like the outer cavern she’d entered, only smaller.

A shudder ran through Marielle as the memory of the mutants hit her. Sitting up shakily, she glanced around, even though she knew the room was too small to hide anyone. Not even a bed or chair marred its smooth surface. She looked down at the flat rock wedged against the cave’s side. Running one hand along its planed top, she noted it had been shaped and polished. Staring, she realized the rock was not a natural extension of the wall. It had been set there as a rough bed. The room was fairly round in proportion, about twelve feet across. At the opposite end from the bed, a leather curtain covered the entrance. What was waiting for her outside? Marielle shivered. One of the mutants? She didn’t want to see even one of them again, but that was impossible, since it appeared she’d been brought to their lair. That thought made her jump up, but a sudden dizziness made her ease back down onto the rock. Why had they brought her here? Wrinkling her brow, she tried to remember what Matt had told her of the mutants. Her brain seemed to be sluggish. But the next instant, her memory of his words returned. The mutants had dragged the dead and injured into their lair—but for what purpose? No one knew. But Marielle’s mind could think of several possibilities, all horrendous. Could they capture people for slaves? Maybe, but why take the slain then? What did one do with dead bodies? The answer caused a ripple of shudders to erupt. Her breathing was erratic, her heart thudding in her chest. Could the mutants be eating the dead? Cannibals? Well, not in the true sense, because they had mutated from their original forms. But still, they were once human, according to Matt’s theory. Her stomach was queasy and a sour taste rose in her mouth. Marielle tried to come up with another explanation. She couldn’t for the slain soldiers, but what about those who were still alive? If they were not used for slaves, then what? She remembered Matt’s reference to a hulking figure making off with a screaming female soldier. Dizziness hit her at that thought. Did the mutants desire human females for sex? For mates? She certainly hoped not. Being a slave would be a much-preferable choice. Her eyes slid to the curtain as she went over what she’d seen in the large cavern. Misshapen beasts, which were clearly not true humans, but vestiges of their ancestry still skulked about their mutated forms. The three who had attacked her were shorter than her by at least a foot, but their stocky bodies made them appear larger. Their hunched shoulders reminded her of Neanderthals she’d seen in the ancient texts. Even their foreheads bulged slightly. That’s where their resemblance to humans ended. Their pale white flesh spoke of their underground existence, and aversion to sunlight. Even their long, unkempt hair was pure white. Marielle furrowed her brow, but try as she might, those were all the details she could recall. Rubbing her hands briskly along her arms, she shuddered, knowing before long she’d know more about the mutant’s appearance than she wanted to. Getting up slowly, she was glad when dizziness didn’t hit her again and all the pain was gone. Pausing at the curtain, she listened. No sound, except far off activity. Taking a

deep breath, she edged the leather back slightly and peeked out. No inhuman form skulking in the hall. They must be sure of themselves. Sure I can’t escape. Marielle gulped past a lump in her throat and slipped outside. Dark corridors ran both directions as far as she could see. She would have tripped on the uneven floor if not for the smoky torches stuck in holes along the way. She walked cautiously, her nerves on edge. Every little crackle from a flaring torch made her jump. After a dozen feet, another leather curtain appeared in the wall’s sameness. Should she peek inside? What if a one of those horrible mutants were standing on the other side? Not sure why, Marielle slid the curtain over minutely and put her eye to the crack. Shock raced through her. A human female sat hunched over, sewing a garment. The room was much larger than hers had been and sparsely furnished with primitive furniture. The woman’s red hair spilled into her lap. A movement in the corner gained Marielle’s attention and she drew in a sharp breath. The woman looked up swiftly, staring right at her. “I haven’t seen you before. Who are you?” The woman’s kind voice sounded rather discordant coupled with her worn, worried features. At her words, two children stepped from the corner where Marielle first spied them. Uncomfortable with the situation, she nonetheless stepped inside. “I’m Marielle… I was kidnapped today.” She touched her sore head. “At least, I think it was today.” “I’m Sarah. I hadn’t heard of a new capture.” The woman’s tone was immensely sad. “What are you doing here?” Marielle waved a hand ineffectually at the room, encompassing the strange children staring up at her. Children who were much paler than any human she’d ever seen, and whose faces were marked with bestial features. The woman sighed. “Isn’t it obvious?” She drew the children into her arms. “I was captured many years ago as a mate, and mother.” “I am sorry.” She whispered, not knowing why she did. Sarah was probably one of the soldiers captured in the raid years ago, but Marielle did not wish to cause the woman more pain by asking. Sarah shrugged. “I am used to it… now. And I have my children.” She stroked each child’s cheek. The children continued to stare at her with unblinking silvery eyes. Marielle shivered. Creepy. “Will you help me?” The red head tilted and a sad smile edged her lips. “To escape?” “Yes.” “I can’t.” The woman’s head went down and she stared at her hands kneading her dress. “Can’t or won’t.” Marielle was angry. “A little of both, I suppose.” She hesitated before answering. “Escape is impossible, I tried many times… before my children were born.” She caressed a hand down the boy’s hair. “And anyone caught trying to help an escapee is severely punished.”

Marielle wanted to ask how, but restrained herself. The woman was already stressed, and as weird as it was, Sarah seemed to have accepted her life with the mutants. Had made a kind of peace with it. “Can you at least point me to the quickest way out? I’m sure you understand I must try.” She nodded, gazing at Marielle with a kind, knowing look. “If you go right once outside, the hallway runs into the tunnel behind the waterfall after several hundred feet.” “Wonderful.” “Wait,” she called as Marielle swept the curtain aside. “You really don’t want to go there.” “But I must.” She didn’t want to think about the distressed look on the woman’s face, and what could make her warning seem so forbidding.

Chapter Twenty One The Leader

Once outside the curtain, Marielle breathed a sigh of relief. The atmosphere inside that room had been stifling and full of hidden despair. Treading cautiously, she bypassed many other curtained rooms. Not wishing to see another sad-faced woman, or worse, maybe run face-to-face into a mutant, she chose not to peek into any more rooms. The sounds of activity came to her as light filtered strongly into the corridor. Her heart sped up. Was this the cavern where the sunlight played onto the walls? Peeking around the wall’s bend, disappointment shot all he way through her. It was a huge cavern, but not the one near the waterfall. The area was not lit by sunlight, but instead several mammoth pots provided a weak glow. Beneath them, fire burned fiercely, lighting the whole area quite well. It looked like someone was cooking a feast. Glancing around the room, Marielle confirmed her observation by spying carcasses hanging from ropes. Pigs, goats, possum, and some species she wasn’t familiar with. Perhaps one was a wild dog. The shaggy haired corpses reminded her of wolves. The animals were strategically hung near the pots. Movement caught her eyes, as several mutants came from around the furthest pot. That’s why she hadn’t seen them right away. They carried several limbs cut from various animals. Unceremoniously, the meat was pitched into the boiling water. Looking around sharply, she made sure no one else was about and that she was well hidden in shadow. Glancing back the way she’d come, the long corridor was also clear. Turning, she gave herself the time to examine the mutants, as she’d wanted to do. Three hulking figures—their forms were clearly discernable in the false light created by the cooking fires. They had pallid, termite-white flesh and flaccid hair to match. They had the same primitive facial features as she remembered. She was still too far away to distinguish anything more. Alarm flashed through her when one of them started toward the pot closest to her. She hoped he didn’t plan on coming any closer. Even though she was above their positions, she wanted to keep her distance, if possible. Was it her imagination that his skin and hair had a greenish tint to them? Marielle wasn’t sure. His face was definitely as bestial as Neanderthal man. Low brow, thick lips, and a broad face—with long, fine white hair growing heavily along his lower arms, and legs. Thick hair covered his wide chest. Thankfully, a skirt covered his groin, hitting him just above the knees. She wouldn’t care to see the sickly white cock such a creature must surely sport. Examining the room, she noticed a ledge curving around the circumference. The rock walkway ran some fifteen feet above ground level. Perhaps she could sneak along it to the other side without being seen. The firelight shot through the shadows of the ledge, but enough remained that she felt confident she had a fair chance of going undetected.

Glancing over her shoulder again, she slipped around the corner, crouched down and began edging slowly along the ledge. The mutants continued their bloody cooking duties, chopping parts off carcasses and throwing them into the pots. Marielle took a deep breath as she paused midway in a deep shadow. She wished she hadn’t, because the odor of freshly slaughtered animals was overwhelming. Pressing a hand firmly over her mouth, she held in the cough that threatened to erupt. Breathing through her mouth helped calm her system. Eying the next gloomy spot, she slid quickly into its welcome embrace. A large grunt from one of the mutants drew her gaze downward. She shouldn’t have looked. The mutant was below her, in a part of the room that had been hidden from her view before. He was hacking vigorously at a carcass. The corpse didn’t look like the others. No. Her mind refused to believe the evidence of her eyes. But when the mutant grabbed a limb and swung the carcass toward him for a better blow with the axe, the firelight highlighted the human corpse. From mid chest to groin, the body had been split, the skin looked shrunken. Marielle held a hand over her mouth as bile rose. The corpse had been gutted. With a fierce whack, the mutant cut the leg loose. He held it up triumphantly and laughed. The other two chuckled along with him. When that bloody leg swung free, Marielle let out the barest squeal. It squeezed past her vocal chords at the same time the beasts below laughed in glee. All three halted, then turned as one in her direction. Marielle froze in paralyzed fear. They had heard her. How, she didn’t know. Maybe they had finer senses, more in tune to their animalistic appearance. Stealth was a lost cause. Without thinking, she ran along the ledge. She’d almost reached the end when one of the mutants appeared suddenly in front of her. She saw that he’d climbed up a small ladder. Backing up slowly, she turned to run back the way she’d come. Cursing, Marielle screeched to a stop. Another mutant stood in her way, while the third threw encouraging grunts from below. “Don’t hurt her. She belongs to Midark.” She was shocked. The mutant behind her had spoken perfect English. It was marred only by his guttural, deep voice. Almost like a beast had spoken. Marielle’s frozen state dissolved, and she tried to slip swiftly by the mutant blocking her path. His huge paw grasped her arm in a painful grip when she neared him. She tugged against it, but finally gave up after a few tries. It was like trying to budge a tree trunk. “Take her to Midark’s quarters.” She was pulled along. Marielle wasn’t resisting, she wanted to leave the death area, but she was dragged like a small child trying to keep up with an adult. The smell rising off the creature was horrendous—a combination of unwashed flesh, the sharp twang of blood, and a moldy odor. Staring at the hand gripping her arm, she was surprised, but now realized where the greenish tint on their skin came from. Mold grew in patches along the deathly white flesh, and hung in tendrils amongst the lank white hair. That also explained the moldy smell.

They dragged her along, passing several mutants in the corridors. She was stared at with unblinking curiosity. She knew they had to have bypassed the room she’d awakened in minutes ago. Finally, they reached a kind of hub. Several corridors converged in a central area. Many mutants were gathered there, but she didn’t have time to assess what they were doing. She was pulled to one corridor and pushed through a curtained door. She was alone. Marielle took a shaky breath of relief. Glancing around, she was surprised at the huge room. The walls had been smoothed, giving them a glassy appearance. It looked really lovely for a cavern. The torches played across the golden striations running through the rock face. A large rock bed took up one end of the room. It had been spread with many fine furs. It would make a cozy sleeping place. Several crudely made chairs sat against the wall. A huge brown fur covered much of the floor. Walking over, Marielle slipped her shoes off, running her toes through the downy softness of the fur. She wasn’t sure, but it could be bear. The shaggy quality looked like the great beasts she often watched across the ravine back home. Another flat, planed rock obviously served as a table, for two wooden plates and matching goblets graced its surface. Two of the rough-hewn chairs faced each other across its expanse. Curious, Marielle walked over to the table. She picked up one of the goblets. It was delicate, a beautifully wrought object with intricate carvings around the lip. Gazing down, she saw the plates were made in the same fashion. “They are quite exquisite, aren’t they?” A cultured, deep voice spoke behind her. Marielle whirled, still shocked by the being who met her eyes. He was clearly a mutant, but different in subtle ways. He was about half a head shorter than her, the same as the others, but his build was much slimmer. Besides the skirt, he also wore a short-sleeved shirt. His face was less broad, the brows almost human, and his lips finely molded. Those silvery eyes captured hers with their intelligent gaze. She shivered. “Who… who are you?” Marielle hated the stutter that shot from her. “Midark, the leader here.” She groaned inwardly. Not another leader to contend with. “What do you want with me?” She remembered the mutant’s reference to her belonging to Midark, and a sick flush hit her cheeks. But she wanted to hear his intentions. He took a few steps toward her. “I like a woman who gets directly to the point.” Midark smiled, his handsome lips spoiled by the tiny canines that appeared on either side of the center point. “What are you?” She took a step backward. Those sharp teeth frightened her more than any aspect of his appearance had so far. He spread his arms in an open position. “Mutant, as you can clearly see. As you are.” He stared at her hands. Marielle placed her webbed hands against her sides. She didn’t want him running over them with his chilling eyes. “I’m not like you.” “No, you are different.” “I’m not a mutant,” she whispered to herself. With a shiver, she realized he’d heard her anyway. He simply smiled, as if understanding.

“Now, back to your question.” His moon-washed eyes flicked over her body, not heating it as Matt had done, but chilling her to the bone. “You are to be my mate.” “Great!” Marielle folded her arms in disgust. Not another annoying, arrogant Wago. Midark walked to within an arm’s length. His icy colored eyes captured hers. “You don’t understand. You have no choice in this matter.” How did he guess that she even thought she had a choice? Rubbing her arms vigorously at the sudden chill in her body, she wondered if he read minds. Instead, she asked, “Why do I not have a choice?” He smiled again. Those pointy canines were more visible, but she held her ground. “You will be unable to resist me.” Marielle stared at him in confusion and shock. What did he mean? “Come now, wouldn’t you care for dinner?” He bowed and waved toward the table. “I would like to know the name of my lovely dinner partner?” “Marielle,” she mumbled. Earlier, she’d failed to notice a large covered dish at the far end of the table, since her attention had been riveted on the wood dishes. Stepping past him, she slid into the chair he indicated. Midark picked up the large covered platter, set in front of her and then sat down across from her. After he lifted the cover, she was surprised to find a selection of vegetables and dark, greasy meat. Using a large fork nearby, Midark speared a few pieces of each and placed them in her plate. Then he filled his own. “Ah, forgot the drink.” He sprang up and fetched a pitcher from a small table. Pouring the liquid into her goblet, he remarked, “Water. Spring fed.” Marielle took a minute taste. It was cold and refreshing. She waited for him to take a bite before she sampled a vegetable. Not bad, but it could use spicing up. Her fork skirted around the meat. No way was she touching it. Noticing his eyes upon her, Marielle knew he guessed her abhorrence for the meat. He grinned, a chilling slide of his lips. “You had other questions?” Her hand froze over a potato she was about to spear. She didn’t dare ask him what animal the meat came from. And she had a clear impression he wouldn’t answer if she asked how he thought to gain her acceptance of him as a mate. She glanced quickly at his skin. It was the same sickly white as his fellow mutants, but minus the green tint. “Why isn’t your skin green like the others?” Midark chuckled. “As you may have surmised, the green growing on the others is a form of mold common here.” He folded his hands and stared at her with a bemused face. “I, and others like me, have better bathing habits. Thus, we keep the mold from attaching to our skin.” “Oh.” His smile brought her thoughts elsewhere. “What about your teeth? Are you part animal?” This time he slapped his hands on the table and laughed loudly. “No, my dear. It’s evolution. My people enjoy their meat, and over the centuries our teeth have

changed to accommodate that desire to rip into flesh.” Marielle couldn’t hide the shiver that ran down her spine. “I saw what kind of meat your people like to consume.” She was purposely confrontational. No use hiding behind pretense. He would have gotten a report, would know where she’d been discovered. “Hmmm. True, we are discriminating in our tastes.” He stared at her. “One gets tired of the vegetables dug up outside, and those we manage to grow underground.” “So,” she stared at the potato on the end of her fork, refusing to look at him as she asked, “you eat your own dead?” “Why waste perfectly good meat?” He chuckled.

Chapter Twenty Two Sexual Slave

Marielle let the vegetable drop back on her plate. Her stomach rolled. “Of course, occasionally, we have been lucky and killed for our meals.” She knew without asking he spoke of the raid. A sour taste rose in her throat. She pushed it back down with determination. The last thing she wanted to do was throw up in front of this monster. “And capture mates too?” Now she stared eye-to-eye with him. “Mmm. Yes, that was a lucky catch some years ago. Of course, there have been a few successful forays into the villages across the lake too.” Marielle was stunned. How did they manage to avoid the deadly eels? His expression spoke volumes. He had no desire to share that secret with her. “Eat.” He waved at her plate. “I’ve lost my appetite.” He shrugged, and then forked up a large, tasty looking mushroom. “You should at least try this delicacy. It is truly the crowning glory of our gardening efforts.” Marielle forked a small mushroom in her plate. She didn’t want him to know just how frightened she was of him. Taking a tiny nibble, she was pleasantly surprised by the flavor. It was delicious, and like no other mushroom she’d ever eaten. Spearing the rest of the mushroom into her mouth, she chewed it slowly, entranced with its wondrous taste. She really was hungry, in spite of her queasiness earlier. In a few bites, she had finished off the mushrooms on her plate. Glancing up, she noticed Midark had cleaned his plate too, except for the mushrooms. They sat untouched. A cold knot formed in her stomach, and a strange feeling flowed through her veins. She was slightly dizzy and disoriented. “What have you done, poisoned me?” She jumped up, but grabbed the chair for support as her head spun. “No.” He shook his head, his fine hair flaring across his shoulders. “Just taken the first step in convincing you that you will be my mate.” “What do you mean?” Marielle edged back into the chair as she asked, her legs were weak. “This mushroom has strange properties. A kind of mind control, if you wish.” “Mind control?” Midark came around the table, but she couldn’t manage to get out of the chair, even though she wished to run from him. “Let’s just say its influence will help mold you to my will.” With that statement, he stepped next to her chair, bent and swooped her into his arms. Marielle struggled, but her body was boneless and completely ineffectual at pushing against his hard body.

Her head spun, then settled when he gently lowered her to the fur covered bed. She tried to move, but only managed a flounce. Midark simply watched her, his eyes sharp as that of a predatory bird. Knitting her brow in concentration, she attempted to move a hand, but it wouldn’t do anything but quiver. Midark stroked her temple, “You will not be harmed. I will not take advantage of your helpless state.” “I don’t understand.” Her words came out slowly. Speaking was as difficult as squeezing her words past a steel barrier. His pale hand slid down to her jaw and he turned her face toward him. “You will do only that which your mind agrees with.” Marielle didn’t understand any better, and she was no less terrified. She didn’t believe him, and certainly did not trust his word. The leader continued to observe her, until she realized her body had completely relaxed. Not so her mind. Midark’s hand slid down her body, coming to rest on her left breast. She knew she couldn’t trust him. Strangely, he didn’t move his hand, but rested it lightly over her heart. “You have a lover?” His words were more a statement, but she answered him anyway. “Yes, Matt.” “Close your eyes.” And she did, without any hesitation. Inside, she cringed. She’d obeyed him like a loyal subject or slave. “Think of Matt. Let your desire for his body burn through you. Rejoice in your feelings for him.” Matt sat next to her, his large hand warm upon her breast. She was so happy that her heart sped up in reaction. She stretched beneath his touch and placed both her hands on top of his. She moved his hand in a circular motion, pushing down so it kneaded her flesh. She thought it odd that she was able to move now, but maybe Matt’s presence has released her. “Hmmm, that feels nice.” Her eyes opened and she stared at his handsome face as his hand followed her urgings, stroking her breast. Removing her hands, she stretched them above her head and arched her upper body. Matt grinned, a triumphant gleam flashing through his eyes. She thought that was rather odd, not Matt-like, but shrugged it off as hot tingles shot through her nipples. “What do you desire?” Matt whispered hoarsely. She licked her lower lip and stared up at him. “To feel your hands all over my body.” Both his hands slid to her bra, undoing the ties in seconds and flinging it to the side. His eyes burned her flesh, and her nipples pebbled even more. She groaned as his hands slipped beneath each breast, pushing them upward. Her nipples stabbed the air, insistent on the attention they desired. Matt lowered his head slowly, seeming to prolong his own pleasure as he continued to watch her face. She moaned when his hot tongue slid around one aching nipple. She arched her back, pushing the swollen flesh into his wet mouth. He suckled gently, evoking a restless shifting of her lower body.

“Oh, yes.” His suckling turned harder and a rush of moistness gathered in her pussy. She unconsciously spread her legs as he kneaded her breasts with his hands and his tongue worked magic on one nipple. Her hands dug into the soft fur and her head flayed. “You like?” Matt had detached himself to ask such a silly question. She giggled. “You know I like.” Releasing one hand from the fur’s downy depths, she pushed his head toward her breast. “Continue.” “You wish me to pleasure you?” He asked against her nipple. She arched, thrusting it back into his waiting mouth. “Yes.” A fire burned between her thighs, one that couldn’t be denied much longer. His hot tongue was driving her close to the edge already. “Harder,” she panted. Matt obliged, sucking more fiercely. Even his teeth came into play, nipping at her beaded flesh in an erotic new way. It hurt, but at the same time felt wonderful. Her whole body trembled with flashes of burning desire. She wanted to fuck him so badly, but also wanted the sensual foreplay to continue. “Ah,” she moaned loudly, pushing her hips toward him. Her clit throbbed like crazy, as if someone thumped it repeatedly with little erotic blows. “I can’t stand it anymore, Matt. Fuck me!” She widened her legs, invited him in with her panting breaths and arms that reached for him. She hadn’t noticed until that point that he was still clothed. His hurried undressing almost made her giggle, but she was too hot to allow humor inside her desire. As his cock bounced free of its constraints, a funny thing happened. Her eyes were glued to his staff and for a second she saw a smaller, very pale cock instead of the magnificent one she was used to. Her breath hitched in her chest as her eyes slid quickly up his form. Matt’s face flitted for a second, then Midark’s triumphant, grinning face appeared. The next instant, her handsome Matt was once again hovering above her, his hand around his cock as he readied himself for her. Something shot through her sexual fog and she remembered what had happened before they started on this searing erotic ride. Her knees trembled as she closed them together, halting his positioning between her thighs. “Stop!” “What’s the matter, my lovely?” “You’re not Matt!” Her voice trembled. Would he rape her in spite of his earlier assurances? She was vulnerable, spread before him like a hot treat. Midark sighed heavily. Moving off the bed, he stood beside her, his cock pointing at her mid section. “I could still pleasure you, Marielle.” “No!” She grasped the edge of a fur throw and pulled it over her groin. He shrugged nonchalantly. “It is a shame. Does not your body still burn with fire?”

Marielle flushed red. Yes, her breasts ached to be suckled and her pussy was liquid fire. “It’s those mushrooms.” He nodded, staring at her pebbled nipples. Marielle pulled the throw higher to cover them. Midark’s engorged flesh began to grow flaccid, but still he persisted. “If you allow me to stroke your lovely body again, Matt will return. It will be as if you fucked him.” “No!” She screamed, sitting up to face him. “You could never replace Matt. No one could.” “Ah. You love him.” A quirky smile lingered on his lips. She took a sharp breath in. She had barely admitted to herself that she loved Matt, but never aloud. But neither would she deny it to this filthy creature. She chose silence. Let him think what he will. Reaching for his clothes, Midark redressed quickly. “Next time, then.” “What do you mean?” She couldn’t stop herself from asking her question, nor keep fear from edging her voice. He turned back to her, his hand on the curtain. “The next time you eat the mushrooms, you will not be able to resist me.” “I did this time.” She put a confident tone to her words, something she didn’t feel. “The mushroom is addictive, you will succumb quicker and more fiercely to the mind control next time.” She trembled. “Then I won’t eat any more.” He leered at her body. Marielle realized the fur had slipped. She snatched the cover and pulled it up over her breasts. “The addiction… works on the physical senses as well. When I bring a bowl, you will devour it like a starving beast.” “You are the beast.” Marielle whispered, unsure if he heard her or not. Without further words, Midark slipped through the curtain. She wondered if he went to fetch another serving of the mushrooms. She shuddered. Will I be able to resist? She didn’t know. But remembering the sexual heat that flushed through her earlier when she thought Midark was Matt, she had her doubts.

Chapter Twenty Three Cleansing Thoughts

Jumping up after a few minutes, she dressed hurriedly. Going to the opposite side of the room from the bed, she perched nervously on a chair. After an hour went by, she realized Midark was probably saving her demise into mind slavery for another day. She slumped back into the chair. She was totally exhausted. Whether it was an aftereffect of the mushroom or simply her frayed nerves, she couldn’t guess. She slipped into a restless doze without being aware of doing so. Awaking, Marielle looked around worriedly. No one else was in the room with her. She took a grateful breath. Standing, she stretched, then began to pace the room. After thirty minutes of this, she sat in the chair again. Better reserve my strength. I might need to fight Midark when he returns. Her thoughts didn’t calm. Getting more upset wouldn’t help her cause. Worrying herself into a frenzy could make her too weak to resist whatever Midark had in store for her. Sexual slave. Mind control. She must change the directions of her thoughts or she’d go crazy. Escape was impossible. There must be dozens of mutants just outside this room. She now belonged to the most powerful being in this place. Marielle’s thoughts cycled, and then skidded over her and the leader’s erotic encounter. In spite of her skirting behavior, her nipples hardened and her clit ached. Alarmed, she tried once again to change the direction of her thoughts. The only safe subject was Matt. Matt. Sweet, loving Matt. Love? Oh yes. Hadn’t she come to that truth in his room not long ago? She thought about their friendship, and how they loved doing activities together, whether it was building his hut or gathering food. How making love enraptured them. She was not blind or innocent. She knew Matt reveled in their sexual experiences as much as she did. She sighed. Oh, how I love that gorgeous body of his. And that cock. Her mouth watered just thinking about its magnificent length and power. She loved to draw it into her mouth, suckle the hardness and stroke the soft tip with her tongue. Her body responded to her thoughts. Her clit throbbed and her breasts ached for his touch. His touch. She needed Matt’s caresses—not Midark’s. Running her hands over her bra, Marielle kneaded her breasts as she recalled the last time they’d made love under the falls. One hand slid inside the material and tweaked the nipple into a rigid point. She groaned aloud. Startled at her own actions, she stopped for a few seconds. Then realization hit. She needed a cleansing of Midark’s insidious filthy invasion into her mind. She badly needed Matt to overtake her senses, fill her mind, and overwhelm her body with his memory.

Her hand rubbed around her nipple, pebbling it again, while her other hand slid beneath her skirt and under her thong. “Yes,” she spoke aloud, picturing Matt’s hand slipping beneath the cloth and caressing her pussy with knowledgeable strokes. It felt so good. So right. Using her thumb and forefinger, Marielle excited her clit into a nub as hard as her nipple. The pulsing ache had been almost painful. She needed release. Stroking faster, while seeing Matt’s handsome face buried in her pussy licking wildly as she rubbed, pushed her over the edge. The orgasm ripped through her with a savage thrust. She arched off the chair, continuing to rub her slippery pussy, riding the orgasm until it faded. Only after her pulse calmed and she resettled her clothing did Marielle think about the fact that Midark could have walked in on her. He hadn’t. And she didn’t care. She’d cleansed her body of its “wrongness” in being turned on at the leader’s presence. She purposely pictured him, as he stood nude by the bed. She felt nothing. Not even a twinge of desire flared. Marielle sighed. She’d conquered the demon for right now, but she didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. Laying her head against the chair back, she relaxed and thought about Matt. Not about her sexual partner, but the other parts she so enjoyed about him. His smile. She missed his sense of humor and his caring attitude. And she realized one great truth. What was there not to love about Matt? Glancing down at the flamethrower, Matt realized he needed to try the ancient weapons out before he faced the mutants. They might not even work. Stopping in a large meadow, he set everything down, and picked up the machine gun. Setting the M16 firmly against his shoulder and holding his breath, he fired toward a log, one shot at a time to check his aim. At least the old weapon worked and it was accurate. Then he switched it to fully automatic and enjoyed blasting the log. He was surprised when the spray of bullets chewed one end up. Worked very effectively. He didn’t even have to be a great marksman with such a weapon, especially when utilized as a fully automatic. Propping the M16 against a tree, he picked up the flamethrower. The spew of fire was also a nice surprise. It sprayed in a hot vein that stretched at least a dozen feet. After a few more practice runs, he laid it carefully on the ground. Reaching into the pack, he withdrew one grenade. This could be the most deadly weapon, but would it work after all these years? Stretching his memory, he remembered the steps to detonating it. Matt pulled the ring, waited a few seconds, and then threw it across the meadow. He kept waiting. Nothing happened. He counted at least a minute. Apparently the old grenade didn’t work any longer, or it was a dud. Taking out another grenade, he decided to try one more time. This time it went off with a loud explosion. Matt rubbed at his ears. That was loud. But he grinned widely. By God, the thing worked beautifully. It was more powerful than he had imagined. Hope flared through his chest. Maybe he’d have a chance against the mutants. He resettled the weapons on his body. As Matt set a fast pace toward the mutants’ lair, he wondered what the beasts had

done to Marielle. Dark images of his sweet Marielle being sexually savaged by a hulking form made him angry and anxious. Even darker thoughts fought for air, but he shoved them down. She was alive. He knew. To change the twisted path his mind seemed determined to follow, he latched onto his self-proclaimed revelation. Love. Was that so hard to see? Not really. Marielle was achingly beautiful, and she approached sex with a natural exuberance that was refreshing. She was sweet, smart, and brave. She was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was to make rope or catch dinner. Her bright laughter and the fascinating stories of her life had warmed his spirits on more than one occasion. Her adventurous heart was unstoppable. Marielle was everything he ever wanted in a partner, and more. When Matt broke through the bushes near the fall, he was surprised. The hour had passed quickly while his mind stayed on Marielle. He walked around the pool so that the equipment wouldn’t get wet. Who knew if the ancient weapons would work then? Retracing his earlier steps, he soon stood in front of the murky tunnel. Taking out his flashlight, he searched the darkness. No humped forms or silvery eyes skulked inside. Shifting the flamethrower into position, he started forward. The tunnel ran long and straight as far as he could see. He was glad no hidden nooks or adjoining tunnels marked its length. No mutant could sneak up on him. A strong odor that was hard to pinpoint drifted toward him as the tunnel opened into a cavern. Flipping off the flashlight, he peered into the huge cave. No mutant in sight. But the sides of the dripping cavern were filled with large mushrooms. That was the indistinguishable scent. Mushrooms. The brown skinned fungi with white spotted coloring were not particularly attractive. But Matt surmised they were probably tasty. Walking around the edge of the cavern towards the tunnel opening on the other side, he guessed this to be an underground garden. The moist atmosphere would be ideal. Staring at a patch of growth near him, he could see the careful spacing. Not an accidental natural order. His people grew mushrooms too, but not nearly in this abundance, and theirs was a smaller, white variety. Edging slowly into the tunnel’s lip, he covered the flashlight and dared a quick glance down the dark passage. Another long stretch. After walking a few dozen feet, another unpleasant odor assaulted his nostrils. It smelled like death. The odor became cloying and heavy as he neared the end of the tunnel. Matt could see clearly without the aid of the flashlight, since a dull reddish light filtered down the tunnel. Not sure what he’d find, he was still shocked at the sight that met his eyes. Another huge cavern—it too was used as a food source—with three huge pots bubbling over large fires. Spying movement, Matt watched several ugly mutants stir the liquid with long wooden sticks. Examining the room, he saw where the odor emanated from. Carcasses. So, the mutants were definitely omnivorous. They apparently enjoyed their meat as well as vegetables.

Not so different from us. The next instant that thought made him feel stupid. A bloody, human corpse hung next to a pig. Both legs had been chopped off, and Matt could guess where they were. A sour taste rose up his throat. The mutants were as different from his people as wild beasts. Truly, they were the stuff of nightmares. He’d not been that far off in his youthful dreamscapes. Horrible images that had haunted him for years. Peering through the shadows playing on the walls, he saw a ledge running above the mutants’ position below. It’d be better if he could slip by the “cooks” and not alert the others to his presence until absolutely necessary. Crouching down as he walked, he’d made it almost to the other side. Then the flamethrower banged into the rock wall. Matt froze, but even though he stood within the shadows surrounding him, the mutants stared directly up at him. Muttering in a guttural manner, they spread out, one running up a stone staircase to cut off his frontal approach. The other two plunked primitive ladders onto the ledge, scaling it in seconds and jumping behind him. Matt whipped the flamethrower toward the pair and fired. Ear piercing screams erupted as the flames licked their forms. Running away, their hands flayed at the long arm hairs. He shivered, some small part of him glad. He really didn’t want to roast them alive, no matter how despicable they were. Swiveling, he aimed the thrower toward the other mutant. The inhumane thing held its hands up, clearly understanding, then leaped off the ledge. Matt backed toward the tunnel, keeping his thrower directed at the three, who were standing in the middle of the cavern. Checking the tunnel entrance, he noticed it was clear. Walking sideways, he felt some relief the further away from the mutants he walked. A shrill bellow made him pause. Several long, drawn out yells followed. It sounded like an alarm. So much for surprise. His back bumped into bare space. Turning quickly, he found a leather curtain. Edging it back carefully, he peered into an empty room. Walking on, he found other curtains, but didn’t bother looking behind them. Maybe some might have mutants waiting behind them, but if they didn’t bother him, he wasn’t going to bother them. Still, he aimed the flamethrower at each curtain he passed. His neck hairs raised. Those hidden rooms presented too much danger, but there was no help for it. One curtain a few feet away was flipped aside and Matt was shocked to find himself face-to-face with a human woman. She sucked in her breath and stared at him. A shiver ran down his spine. He knew her. Wrinkling his brow, a memory came to him. She’d had shorter hair, a younger face, and a uniform. It was the female soldier he’d seen carried away long ago.

Chapter Twenty Four The Rescue

“You’ve come for the new woman.” She stated flatly, and then pointed down the way he was headed. “She’s there, in Midark’s quarters.” “Come with me.” Matt stuck out one hand in a friendly fashion. She stared at his hand, then her eyes came up and locked on his face. Her eyes glimmered and she looked both confused and happy. But then a movement behind her caught his and her attention. Matt stared at the half mutant children as they clutched at the woman’s skirt. She placed a hand on each child’s shoulder. “I cannot.” She stared at his chest, her face resolved. He understood, as strange as it was. He did not agree with her decision either, but he wasn’t her. “Thank you,” he whispered, and then turned with determination. The woman’s plight had caused a fission of sadness to flush through him. But it gave him hope also. Marielle might have been taken as a potential mate. A large cavern opened at the end of the tunnel. Light poured over him before he neared it. There would be no slipping up on whoever awaited him. He walked out onto a large ledge and stared down into a central area of the huge cavern. It was filled with mutants. They were milling and muttering, pointing at him. Some growled like beasts, showing impressive canines. Several tunnels connected to the area below, and more mutants came pouring from each one. Apparently the shrill screams of the others had worked well within the echoing tunnels and caves. Glancing back to make sure no hulking figure slipped up behind him, Matt started down the rock carved staircase. As if this were a signal, the mass of misshapen mutants surged forward. As Matt started down the stairs, he fired up the flamethrower, setting those bounding toward him ablaze. Screaming shrilly, they ran back down and rolled on the dirt floor. The other mutants stopped, stared at their fallen companions, then back at him. Their mentality must have been dull, as a new surge of bulky bodies started up the stairs again while a mass of mutants converged on him from both sides of the ledge. No time left for niceties such as warnings. Matt flashed the flames over the ascending figures, then swept it across the running mutants to either side of him. High pitched animalistic screams, rolling figures, and bodies on fire were all around him. Matt swallowed his natural distaste of doing something so horrendous to any living thing. “Get back!” He didn’t know if they understood but aimed the flamethrower at a few mutants standing defiantly at the bottom of the stairs. They backed up, edging into the crowd behind them.

Eying the ledge before descending, Matt was satisfied to note the mutants on the higher level, had withdrawn. Stopping a few steps from the bottom, he demanded, “Where’s the female with webbed hands?” A few creatures near the front looked at one another, then one pointed across the cavern. “Midark’s home.” It surprised and pleased him that the mutants not only understood English, but spoke it as well. He moved the nozzle of the thrower back and forth, pushing back the grunting mutants with just the threat of using the flame. Once he reached the opening of the tunnel that’d been pointed out, he kept the flamethrower aimed at the disgruntled mass of inhuman figures, and called, “Marielle?” His voice echoed eerily. After a few more times, he was startled by her voice. It was very close. His heart thudded. Was it her or some trick? Marielle’s sweet face and body appeared abruptly as she stepped from the shadows. “Matt.” Her voice was low-keyed, but thrummed with held-in excitement. She ran the few steps to his side and clutched his arm tightly. Her eyes were huge as she turned to stare at the mutants. “How are we going to escape?” She paused but seconds. “For that matter, how did you make it this far?” Matt grinned. In spite of the danger, he had what he’d come for—Marielle. He patted the flamethrower. “They don’t care for this old weapon.” “What does it do?” She stared at it curiously. “Just watch.” Matt aimed the gun at a mutant who had edged closer. While he watched the approaching mutant, his eye caught movement in the opposite direction. He fired off a spray of flames, lighting up two mutants who were sneaking up from the side, then flared it over the form of the one approaching from the front. Their screams were joined by angry rejoinders of their fellow mutants. Marielle gasped. They definitely weren’t leaving without a fight. The crowd pressed backwards as Matt advanced, Marielle clutched to his side. They were mid-way across when a booming voice cut through the grumbling mutterings around them. “Get them.” Matt didn’t have time to see who commanded the mob. His flamethrower spewed fire, causing a quick retreat. Marielle spotted a few figures rushing toward them from behind. She screamed and pointed to them. The thrower sputtered feebly as he aimed it at them, then died completely. The mutants facing them realized the tide had turned, their squashed-looking faces grimaced in joy. They’d rip him to pieces with their bare hands. Matt swung the heavy weapon around in a circle, knocking down those massed around them. Chunking the thrower at a mutant, he whipped off the machine gun, and then fired into the muscular bodies jumping over their fallen comrades. The mutants’ bodies jerked, as if they were having seizures. Their fronts were

riddled with neat little holes. A few died immediately. The others stood puzzled for seconds, touched the blood spurting from wounds, then crumpled slowly to the ground. Matt grabbed Marielle’s arm and ran toward the stairs. No more Mr. Nice Guy. He fired into the crowd blocking them, mowing a path with his weapon. He ignored Marielle’s horrified cries. The staircase was clear by the time he reached it. He stepped sideways up the stairs, moving quickly, while keeping his eyes on the mutants below. But they seemed to have all the fight taken from them. Fallen comrades were being prodded and checked, while dead mutants were dragged off down a tunnel. Staring up, Matt was pleased to find the ledge clear too, except for one mutant. He stood some distance away and watched them with angry glowing eyes. He looked different, more human. “That’s Midark, the leader.” Marielle whispered as they fled into a tunnel. Midark. The one she had belonged to. Matt’s stomach knotted. Later, he’d hear the whole story. The next instant, his reason had fled. That bastard had better not have hurt her. Halting abruptly, he turned to her. “Did Midark hurt you?” If so, he’d have to go back and kill him. She shook her head vigorously. “No.” She paused and took a breath. “Just frightened me.” He stared at her. She seemed to be telling him the truth. Marielle was a bad liar. But, he also got the impression her simple statement was hiding much. Later, Matt reminded himself. He nodded, then jogged until they reached the cooking area. Matt glanced at Marielle. He wished he could spare her this horror, but there literally was no getting around it. As if sensing his thoughts, she said, “I’ve seen this before.” He frowned, but led the way around the ledge. One more question for her to answer later. Only one mutant stirred a pot below. The other two had probably gone for treatment of their burns. The cook stared dispassionately at them as they ran by. Breathing a sigh of relief, Matt passed the area quickly, then set a fast pace down the tunnel leading to the outside. Marielle kept up easily. A quick look around the cavern outside and they ran across it swiftly. Sunlight. They stood with faces turned upward, soaking in the rays. The sprinkling sprays of the waterfall welcomed them. “Oh, Matt.” Marielle threw her arms around his waist and snuggled her head against his chest. He dropped the machine gun and wrapped both arms around her. “I wanted you to come. I prayed for it… but I didn’t know if you would.” “If I would?” Matt turned her face upward. “Don’t you know I would never leave you in such a place?” “It seemed impossible.” Her eyes slid to his chest and her voice dipped lower in tone. “And I wasn’t sure how much you’d risk for a friend.”

He slid one hand under her chin and tilted her face toward him again. “For a friend… yes, that would have been a lot to ask. But for someone I love, not much at all.” “Love?” Her beautiful sea green eyes were shimmering with held in tears. “Yes, my silly mermaid. I love you.” Matt pulled her into his arms for a kiss. Her arms slipped around his neck and their kiss deepened, became a bonding of their souls as well as lips. He withdrew and asked, “And you?” “Matt, I’ve loved you from the moment you pulled me from death’s jaws.” He grinned. Her response was slightly melodramatic, but nevertheless it warmed his heart. His cock had also awoken at her nearness. It pushed against her belly. “I need you.” She wiggled against his hardness, making his cock twitch. He glanced around. They were too near the mutants’ lair for his comfort. She seemed to read his thoughts. “It’s full daylight. They won’t come out for hours.” He looked at her, then at the cave. “Please. You don’t know how badly I need to wipe certain memories from my mind.” Matt hugged her. Poor Marielle, she’d been through so much. “You don’t need to beg me—ever.” With that he kissed her while looping his arms beneath her legs, carrying her deeper into the water.

Chapter Twenty Five Do or Die

Marielle ran her tongue along Matt’s lower lip. He tasted so sweet. He was sweet. Gratefulness overcame her again and she hugged him tight. “Don’t worry about anything.” Matt whispered against her mouth, “Just feel.” Marielle arched her neck as his tongue slid down her jaw to her throat. She was so sensitive there. Matt’s wet tongue swirled around the spot where her neck joined her body. It was her hot spot. She moaned. “Yes, love, “ Matt spoke against her flesh, making little shivers go down her back. He slid her clothes off, and then in turn she helped him shed his. Their bodies were slippery. It was excitingly erotic rubbing against water-drenched flesh. Matt lifted her buttocks and she slid with ease onto his hard cock. They both groaned into each other’s mouths. She was hot with desire and wanted him with every fiber of her being. She drew back slightly. “Would you like to try something different?” Matt nodded, gazing at her with a puzzled expression. “Kiss me, and don’t break it. We’re going under.” She locked lips with him and then started dipping downward. Matt followed. She stopped only when the silky water completely covered them. Matt probably thought it was but a kiss continued underwater. When she sensed his air was becoming depleted, she blew into his mouth. He acted startled and jerked away. Marielle grabbed his face and brought him back for another kiss. Again she breathed air into him. This time Matt seemed to sense what she wanted and took the air in. His eyes widened as he stared into her eyes. She was breathing for him. It must be a singularly strange feeling. In between breaths, she caressed his tongue with hers. The sexual sizzle seemed to help take Matt’s mind off the air exchange. He returned her kiss with fervor, his tongue stroking hers with hot flicks, and plunged his cock into her all the way. His hands gripped her waist, moved her back and forth as he fucked her. Their movements were languid and buoyant. Excitement shone from his eyes. He seemed to be truly enjoying their unique experience now. Marielle’s pussy was hot and slick. Just seeing Matt’s arousal made her hotter. She let her legs float wide as Matt shoved hard into her pulsing channel. This position caused his cock to plunge deep inside her. She moaned into his mouth. He pulled her butt up and down with force. He filled her completely. Matt sucked hard on her tongue. He was nearing his peak. Marielle continued the air kiss while pushing down on his shoulders, gaining even more contact between their

heated flesh. Her pussy convulsed around his hard shaft. At the same time his seed spurted into her. Marielle’s insides were slick with her own responsiveness and his sperm, but she welcomed his hot liquid with the massaging movements of her inner walls. Only when his cock stilled and her own orgasm finished did she flip her feet, moving them upward. “Marielle, that was… I don’t even know what to say.” Matt caressed her cheek gently. She giggled. “That you liked it.” “Honey, that’s an understatement.” He grinned at her. By the time they walked back to his hut, it was early evening. Frankly, Matt was worried about the mutants attacking. “What are we going to do?” Marielle must have had the same thoughts, by her worried question. “I don’t think they’ll leave us alone, now that they know we’re here.” Matt stared at the forests. “Could we go to your people?” “No.” He gave her a gentle smile. “Even if we could get them to accept you, I broke the sacred weapons law. I think your people are our only choice.” He hesitated. “I just don’t know how we’re going to make it across the lake.” “Swim.” She said confidently. “I don’t swim well, and there’s no way I’d make it the whole way.” Matt was right. In the pool, his swimming ability was barely adequate. “I can pull you across.” “Maybe, but what about those giant eels?” Marielle thought about her close encounter with the monster. Even if they waited until the garbi were being fed a swine, they were sure to attract attention by her pulling Matt along. She eyed his equipment. “What about your weapons?” Matt looked thoughtful, then picked up the machine gun. “Damn. Only a few rounds left.” Placing it back down next to his pack, he exclaimed, “Wait a minute, I forgot about the grenades.” Pulling one from his pack, they both examined it as it lay unthreateningly on his palm. He glanced at her. “I don’t’ know if it will work in water.” “There’s only one way to find out.” Marielle wished she could think of anything except having to face the garbi again. “That will be a very dangerous experiment.” Matt frowned. “Do we have any other choices?” “None that I can see.” He touched her arm gently. “We can try in the morning.” He examined the bushes around them. “I better set up a defense for tonight.”

Matt wanted to be out in the open in case the mutants tried to jump them. They chose their old campsite and piled a large stack of firewood nearby. The fire they set once dusk fell was bigger than normal and lit the whole area. They sat for a while, quietly, staring into the fire. “Penny for your thoughts?” Matt interrupted her introspection. “Thinking.” “About the mutants?” “Yes, and me.” She stared across the flames at him. “Do you think I’m a mutant?” Matt picked up a small branch, broke it, and pitched it into the fire. Then he stood up and came around the campfire, sitting next to her. “I’ve been thinking about that on the way here.” “And?” She couldn’t keep the worry from her voice or eyes. What if Matt decided he couldn’t love a mutant? He had declared his love, but people changed their minds. Even though she’d asked him if he thought she was a mutant, what else was he going to say? It’d been pretty obvious to her since running into those creatures that both species were affected by radiation exposure. “What?” Matt had said something, but she was so deep in her thoughts, she hadn’t heard his words. “I don’t think you’re a mutant.” “You don’t?” Could she believe him? It seemed her heart did, for it sped up at his words while joy laced through her. “Look, your legends, stories of the mermaids and mermen… how do you know they ’re true?” “Matt, that’s blasphemy.” “That’s not what I mean, sweetheart.” He took her hands in his. “What if the storyteller didn’t get it correct? What if true Mer people didn’t have tails, for example?” “I don’t understand. What are you saying?” Matt’s mind was brilliant, she often had trouble keeping up with his observations. He shrugged. “What I’m trying to say, and not very well—who’s to say that your people are not true Mer people?” He spread the fingers of her hands. “Who is to say that the real Mer didn’t have webbed hands and feet?” “But the books.” “From very long ago.” He smiled softly at her. “You also hold your breath for up to ten minutes underwater, and from what you’ve told me, can communicate with almost every creature in the ocean.” “That’s right.” “Well, baby, in my book that classifies you as a Mer person.” He waved at her legs. “You don’t need the tail to convince me you’re a mermaid.” Marielle stared into the flames. Was Matt correct? What he said made perfect sense. “What about the mutation?” “Do you really think I can compare you to those grotesque things back in the caves?” She shook her head. She was starting to believe he was right, but pushed a bit more.

“So, you don’t think the radiation could have caused my people to change?” “Maybe,” he paused. “But it could also be due to natural selection. Evolution.” “How?” “Your people live near the sea, they get most of their food from it, they swim in it constantly.” He pushed a lock of her hair behind one ear. “Nature has a way of adjusting animals and humans to fit their environment.” “Matt, you’re so smart,” she sighed. “Whatever the cause, it doesn’t matter to me.” His voice was firm, his eyes loving. Marielle’s heart was happy. She snuggled next to him as he gently changed the subject, telling her some childhood prank he’d pulled. It didn’t seem long before her eyes drooped. Marielle tried to stay awake, but she was so exhausted from her terrifying experience. Matt’s watchful presence reassured her as he stood guard, the machine gun at ready. The next morning, Matt woke her with a gentle prod. He handed her an orange. “When do you want to leave?” She shrugged. “We can go as soon as we prepare everything.” She didn’t want to tell Matt there’d only be one attempt. Once they were in the water and the eels came, either the grenades would save them or lead to their destruction. Perhaps Matt thought her swift swimming ability could still save them if they got into trouble. But she doubted it would. Not when faced by so many savage, fast swimming garbi—and while she struggled to help a not-so-great swimmer. As Matt said, they really had no other choice. The mutants were after them now, and they couldn’t return to his homeland. Matt had been rearranging their pack. He removed all the grenades and clipped them to his belt. “I’ll need them at hand.” He patted one grenade. He looked strange and dangerous. “You’d better strip down. We’ll need to be as light as possible.” He nodded, then slipped out of his boots and heavy camouflage pants. Matt looked so handsome, but there was no time for fun right now. Matt walked over to the water, staring at its muddy depths. “What do you want me to do?” Marielle shoved a strand of hair from her face. “Your swimming is clumsy. It will probably attract the garbi quickly. At her words, a lop-sided grin slid across his face, but he didn’t disagree with her. “Maybe the best way would be for you to float on your back and let me pull you through the water.” Matt nodded. He adjusted the pack, taking one grenade off the belt. “Ready. She searched the surface. Large ripples on the far side reassured her. She walked in thigh deep, then waited while Matt settled into a floating position. Gripping the area where the straps joined near the top of the pack, she swam out a few feet. It worked well enough.

Glancing across the lake, she saw the garbi were still intent on some prey there. Taking a firm hold, she started the dangerous swim. Marielle stayed on the surface so she could keep an eye on the giant eels. Matt did well after he adjusted to the strange sensation of being dragged through the water. She’d instructed him not to use his arms or feet. No use attracting the garbi on purpose. They had made it over half way when she noticed a sleek body heading toward them. “Matt,” she whispered, so nervous her belly quivered. “Should I try to out swim it?” She treaded water and Matt had righted, dog paddling beside her. “We’d never make it. But you could.” Marielle shook her head vigorously. “Forget the heroics, we’re both getting out of this together.” She touched his hand, the one that held the grenade. “It’s now or never.” Matt gave her a long look, one rift with determination and love. Then he turned toward the fast approaching eel. She saw immediately he’d have trouble throwing the grenade while treading water. Marielle grasped his waist from the back. “Now your arms are free to defend us, my love.” Matt’s body stilled as he allowed her to tread furiously for them both. The garbi was only a few dozen feet away. Pulling the ring, he counted out loud, then threw it with deadly aim. It splashed down just in front of the eel. Marielle held her breath and released it in a rush when the grenade exploded loudly. Water spewed into the air and chunks of bloody meat splattered around them. “Yahoo.” Matt flipped about in her arms and gave her a hard squeeze. “We’d better get going.” She stared over his shoulder at the fast moving mass of eel bodies headed their way. Matt unclipped another grenade, kissed it, then adjusted his body for the swim. They were not going to make it. The eels cut across their path and were speeding toward them. Marielle repositioned herself and held her breath as Matt pitched the grenade into the center of the wriggling bodies. Many chunks of flesh flew into the air. Matt shouted and Marielle smiled. The remaining garbi were grabbing mouthfuls of the shredded meat and attacking the wounded.

Chapter Twenty Six Ryda

Grabbing Matt’s straps, she started fiercely for shore, swimming backwards so she could make sure no eel followed. The feast went on for some minutes. They were twenty feet from land before the garbi turned their attention back to her and Matt. But it was too late. With joy Marielle struggled up the muddy bank, Matt beside her. They flopped on the dirt, laughing and exhausted. Hearing human voices a few minutes later, Marielle groaned. She’d forgotten about the villagers. Now they had to be dealt with. Matt jumped up and leant a hand to her. She cocked one eye at him when he unclipped a grenade. She really didn’t want to see the people blown to bits like the garbi. Well, maybe the leader. Wago chose that moment to push to the front of the crowd. “Get her!” “Stay back,” Matt said firmly, holding up the grenade. The villagers stared at his hand in puzzlement. Apparently none had seen this type of weapon being used on the garbi. Several brawny men started forward and Matt threw the grenade to the side. It exploded, showering people with dirt and rocks. But the effect was spectacular. People screamed in fright and ran back toward the village. Even Wago hightailed it swiftly, after throwing her a disappointed look. Marielle couldn’t help it. She laughed, holding her belly. Matt chuckled, clearly not understanding the full impact of her joy. “Come on,” she waved at him. Quickly she led him around the outskirts of the village and to the pathway to the ocean. No one blocked their way or accosted them. Marielle breathed a sigh of relief and happiness once the blue stretch of endless sea appeared over the horizon. She started down the steep incline, but she’d lost her companion. Matt stood at the top of the cliff, staring at the ocean. He was dumbstruck. Finally, his eyes switched to her. “It’s so much more beautiful than I ever dreamed.” She smiled. Matt loved the beauty of her second home, the ocean. It made her even happier. This time when she started down, he followed. Once reaching the shore, she laughed gaily as she dipped her toes in the foaming waves. Matt did the same, his face awash with delight. A long flat, rock jutted out over the waves. Marielle ran onto it and stood near the end. She placed both hands around her mouth and let loose with an ear piercing call. A series of long shrills followed. “What was that?” Matt came to stand next to her. “A dolphin call.” “Are you trying to contact your friend, Kark?” “Yes. I sent a message to any passing dolphin. They will pass it on to another and so

on, until Kark knows I need her help.” She pointed across the wide expanse. “See, there’ s Ryda.” “That’s some friend, to come that distance.” She nodded. “Kark is a good friend.” She turned and grabbed a scuttling crab. “We might as well have dinner. It will probably be morning before she can make it across.” Matt appeared very impressed with the exquisite seafood dinner she provided, after a few quick dips in the ocean. They sat back and chatted while watching the pleasant fire they’d made on the shore. It was many hours before they settled down to sleep, but it was the best one she’d had in a while. Marielle was awakened the next morning by Kark’s chattering call. She splashed quickly into the water. “Kark.” Once waist deep, she embraced her merry faced friend. “Gone long.” Kark flipped her nose. “Many adventures?” “Yes, many tales to tell… later.” Kark’s curious eyes watched Matt stretch into wakefulness. “Mate?” She could only nod and watch as Matt stepped into the water slowly. “Come meet Kark.” “Hello, nice to meet you.” Matt exemplified politeness. “Happy, happy. Mate come.” Kark said with a laughing tone. Matt froze, his face clearly shocked. “Matt, didn’t I tell you Kark could talk?” He swallowed, then whispered, “No, never.” “Mmm, silly me, guess I just forgot.” Poor Matt, nothing had shaken him like this, not even the mutants’ grotesque appearance had rattled him as much. “Are you ready?” Her question pulled Matt from his startled state. He nodded, keeping a curious eye on Kark, who executed several impressive jumps. “It’ll be more efficient if I pull you like before.” He positioned himself without another word. Marielle swam for hours, finally stopping for a break. She slipped Matt’s pack off and took out several pieces of fruits. It was easy for her to tread water using only her feet, leaving her hands free. Kark dove under several times, offering her last tasty catch, a large green fish, to Matt. Marielle was pleased he’d been accepted so readily by her friend, but at the same time she was a bit jealous. Shaking off her mood, she covered a smile as Matt politely refused the fish. After the break, Kark took over towing Matt along. He looked relieved. Perhaps being tugged on his back was strenuous. Or maybe he worried about tiring her too much. Hours later, they were only half way across. Marielle was exhausted and her shoulders ached terribly. Kark looked as energetic as ever, but she couldn’t expect the dolphin to help Matt all the way by herself. Chomping on an apple, she stared at the waves. She did not look forward to the next leg of the journey. It was her turn to pull Matt. Kark jumped next to her, then started swiftly away. Had she seen a particularly

succulent treat? After a few minutes the dolphin came speeding back. “Bring friend to help.” Marielle stared aghast at the small pod of great white whales swimming sedately toward them. The matriarch rolled gently on her side, eying them curiously. After Marielle explained what was needed, the old whale agreed with a twitch of one huge flipper. In whale sign language it meant yes. Kark, who understood whale better than her, got the particulars straightened out. An adolescent male swam slowly in front of Matt. “Ride,” Kark instructed. Matt looked at her, uncertainty written across his face. “Go ahead,” she laughed. “They’re going to help, give you a ride all the way.” It took Matt a minute to stretch along the whale’s broad back, positioning his body so it wouldn’t slide off. The other whales started swimming, then the young whale moved in gentle gliding motions. Marielle and Kark swam one on each side of the escort. Matt did slip off a few times, but each time, the whale waited patiently until he was firmly seated again. Finally, Ryda’s shoreline loomed large in front of them. Matt slid off the whale after the large mammal stopped. They waved goodbye to the kind-hearted pod and to Kark. The land had never seemed so welcoming before. Matt knelt down, and made a big show of kissing the sand, then they both flopped onto it. As they lay on the shore, Marielle felt the joy of returning home radiate throughout her body. She stared across the waves at the island. It no longer looked mysterious or inviting. She now knew its secrets. She glanced sideways at Matt. He was stretched out on the sand, grateful to be on land. Here lay the treasure, the reward for her adventuring. She snuggled into his arms. No more wandering for her. She would be content by Matt’s side. Marielle listened to the waves lapping the shore. She had everything she desired, everything she’d ever dreamed of, or could have wished for in her deepest heart. She was home. And she had her soul mate to share a lifetime with.

***** Way before they reached the edge of her village, Matt was the center of attention. It seemed every person ran to meet them. Friends and neighbors talked excitedly as they headed toward her cottage. Cay informed her that her mother was treating a sick child inside their cottage, explaining her absence from the growing throng. Once they approached the house, her mother came to the door, surprise flashing across her face as the noisy crowd descended on the cottage. Her face glowed when she spotted her. “Marielle,” she screamed, running the last few steps and embracing her tightly. Her mother was stunned when she spotted Matt, but welcomed him with open arms. It took hours before the three of them could be alone.

Marielle was pleased at how well her mother and Matt got along. And his acceptance into her people’s hearts went just as well over the next few days. Matt seemed endlessly fascinated by their society and asked her hundreds of questions. He loved the ancient place just as much as she did. She sighed. Some of the old building’s mystery had been taken away. Matt had told her its unknown name— lighthouse. She smiled and shook off her silliness. Her lover was informing her and her people of so many wonders her head spun. Marielle was alone at this moment because Matt was meeting with the village elders, discussing ways to improve their living conditions. Everyone seemed willing to adopt his strange ways, but the concept of plumbing escaped their understanding. She chuckled aloud, recalling her own confusion upon seeing faucets and commodes the first time. It had been an extremely busy week, and they were already discussing marriage plans. Come tomorrow, she was determined to relax a bit. Introducing Matt to her favorite beach should do the trick.

Epilogue The humped back of a huge body broke the calm surface. Just as quickly as it had appeared, the beast disappeared beneath the water’s cover, only its immense head partially visible. Its eyes swiveled toward the beach. Two humans embraced upon the sand. Their laughter was picked up by the light wind and carried to its sensitive ears. Loneliness struck so deep, it clove through its ancient heart like a blade and made it blink. It was she. The Mer child he had watched grow up through the years. He’d been drawn to her by her joyous attitude and longing for something beyond her known world —something he’d lost eons ago. He’d enjoyed eavesdropping on her conversations with her dolphin friend. Both were often quite entertaining. Many times he’d swum deep in the black depths, keeping an eye on her lithe form far above him. Making himself a self-appointed guardian had not been his intention. He only sought relief from his solitude. But with her adventurous spirit, the girl had barely escaped death on several occasions. More than once, he’d sent fierce sharks and other creatures fleeing in fear. No. They would not touch the one bright ray of happiness in his solitary existence. He lived vicariously through the mere slip of a girl known as Marielle. He sighed. The water bubbled furiously from his exhaled breath. Now it seemed Marielle had found a mate. His heart grew heavier, lonelier. For a few seconds, the leviathan thought about plunging to the darkest depths and letting the mammoth sharks living there shred his body to pieces. No more pain. But a shard of thought shot through his barnacle-covered hide. Perhaps Marielle would have a child. One that would brighten his world once again, just as Marielle’s mother had done before she settled down with her mate. A glimmer of faint hope shone within the eyes as large as a human head. Glancing once more at his precious Marielle, he slipped beneath the water, unseen and unheard. “What was that?” Marielle jerked from Matt’s arms, sat up and stared at the calm water. Squinting, she noticed a large ripple far off shore. Perhaps it was a school of fish? “What is it?” Matt sat up beside her and ran one hand down her back. She shivered. “I don’t know… it was strange.” She glanced at him. “I just had such a feeling of sadness shoot through my whole body.” She stared back at the ocean. “Like I was the most lonely creature in the whole world.” “Prenuptial willies.” Matt chuckled. “You’ll never be alone. You have me.” “Promise.” She snuggled into his arms. The earlier feeling was fading, but it lingered long enough for her voice to sound slightly pensive. “Always.” He kissed her and squeezed her tight. Pushing back, she stared into his eyes. “Even if you get bored—being stuck on Ryda the rest of your life?”

“Bored? Impossible!” He laughed hard and gave her a peck on the nose. “How can any man get bored around you? There’s always some mystery you wish to investigate. And you’ve got the most fascinating friends I’ve ever met.” He ran one finger down her cleavage. “Any hidden treasures?” “Maybe,” she giggled. He kissed her on the lips, deeply and with passion. “Besides, how could I get bored when you’re a sexpot.” “Matt!” Marielle was pleased by his explanations, even his teasing remarks concerning her sexual desire for him. “And there’s Ryda,” he added. “So many ancient secrets to uncover, I’ll probably have to pass their unraveling on to my son.” “Or daughter?” She poked him with an elbow. He tickled her side. “I have a feeling either will be immensely nosy.” “Nosy?” “Curious.” Matt’s tickles turned to caresses that slipped down her thighs. His kiss set her blood on fire while his rough, male hands sent shivers of delight down her belly. “Right now, this is the other treasure I wish to explore further.” Marielle groaned into Matt’s mouth as his hand slipped beneath her bra, kneading her flesh into an aching, needy creature. He was so very right. They had many mysteries to uncover, and the sexual side of their relationship would be the most fun one to probe. Then there was love. It truly was the greatest treasure of all. And she was the luckiest woman on Ryda, for she had a man worth more than all the shimmering pearls in the ocean.

The End

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