Galene had a sense of humor, considering the circumstances. Stralath looked up at the kite that danced in the wind and chuckled. At the store, she'd insisted on choosing the mermaid design, and now her siren kite sat high in the sky. On the other hand, his parrot kite stuck low to the ground.
"I think I picked the wrong kite!" Stralath shouted. "Pull in on the line as the kite points up so it will climb." Galene tucked a strand of pale hair behind her ear. "Be gentle—you're jerking it around."They stood a few feet apart, on a grassy exposed hillside beside the Korean Bell of friendship in Angel's Gate Park. Galene had spoken about the monument's history as they'd set up their kites—The bell was presented by the South Korean government to the United States to symbolize friendship between the two countries. It was also a popular spot for kite flying due to the strong winds coming off the ocean. Stralath felt the sense of peace and wonderment thaMiro had moved quickly down the coast, and now she was almost too far from the waters she called home. Now, she was in the big city of Los Angelos, and even the crowds and traffic overwhelmed her, she stayed focused on her task.Finding Zalo took all of her energy. Now that Miro knew the English language and how to read, she’d searched library databases for old newspaper clippings around the typhoon. Although she’d found articles and clippings, none had led her to her sister. And Miro had called for her siblings in every town, and nothing. Why did Zalo not hear her calls? Unless she was… unless she was dead.Miro’s feet slowed, and she stopped in the middle of the busy sidewalk and looked around. As she’d ventured inland—further away from the ocean. Thanks to her advanced fisheri brain, Miro had learned to speak fluent English within the week. Compared to her siren language, English wasn’t that hard. And the humans see
“Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark” was the movie that currently had Stralath howling like a lunatic. Galene smiled as she studied his profile. She liked his deep laughter and how he didn’t care what others thought. His total absorption in the world around him was attractive. Most likely because he may never come back.Galene straightened—as much as she could in the slouchy bean bag chair. It felt like the perfect evening—a clear starry night. She took a sip of her soda as Stralath shoveled popcorn into his mouth. He looked like an excited kid—his eyes sparkled as he watched the screen. The outdoor theatre sat on the rooftop and provided an intimate setting for viewing.The ten-minute intermission sign flashed across the screen, and Galene stretched her legs and lay back, looking at the night sky. Stralath set aside his snacks and did the same. Many theatergoers stood up and walked away, and they were left alone in comfortable silence.“You’re
Stralath lay on the asphalt, staring up at the night's sky. What had just happened? His human body hurt—excruciating pain that kept him down when he should be chasing after Galene. Why had she run? One moment, they'd almost kissed, and the next, she'd sprinted away like a professional athlete."Don't move. You may have hurt your back." A kind-looking lady peered into his eyes as the rest of the bystanders buzzed around like frantic bees. He rolled his head to the side and swiped at the blood running into his eyes. She ran in that direction, and he'd lain here too long. Gritting his teeth, Stralath rolled two his knees. The look in her eyes had scared him—like she'd been possessed. And he'd so badly wanted to transform into his Mesaphina form to stop her. With so many humans around, he'd had no choice but to push Galene roughly out of the way. If he hadn't, she'd be the one lying on the road.The driver gripped Stralath's shoulder, and he shoved the hand away. His i
When Galene had escaped from the hypnotic effects, she'd found herself in a park, facing an astonished woman under a tree. She had glimmering lilac-colored hair that fell heavily forward as she stood."Zalo?"The stranger made strange sounds with her mouth—not words—as tears trickled from stricken eyes. Although not magical like the song that had drawn Galene to the park, the odd language sounded somehow familiar, and Galene took a step back. Free of the effects of the powerful calling, Galene's frantic thoughts turned to Stralath. Her head felt like a foggy swamp, and she tried to recall what had just happened. They'd kissed at the Melrose theatre, then… and then she'd run into traffic? A car had hit him! And she'd left him lying on the ground.Hysteria surged as she swiveled quickly. In a lightning-fast motion, the woman grabbed Galene's wrist. "You can't hear what I'm saying? Answer me." She looked desperate and confused."
"No!" Zalo sobbed. Fighting his firm hold, she reached out to the male intruder, who now waded through the breakers at a frantic pace. Zalo punched Darghelm in the side of his head, and for a brief moment, she was free and wading towards the distraught stranger. Both Miro and Darghelm transformed at the same time—their tails took shape, and Darghelm darted towards Zalo.And then something bizarre occurred. The man transformed, doubling in size and sprouting fur. The otherworldly creature snarled, and Miro let out a siren scream. A primitive warning sounded in her brain as her spores sprung from her neck, and she unsheathed her barb.She caught a glimpse of claws and teeth before diving toward her sister. Darghelm had Zalo back in his hold, and he pulled her out of the shallows as the furry monster closed in. Miro struck out with
"Well, this is awkward," Cleona grunted as she sat at the picnic table in the now deserted park.They all cradled coffee cups at one o clock in the morning, and Galene needed the caffeine to keep her upright. The events of the evening had her feeling drained. Her head pounded, and her wrist ached. She couldn't imagine how Stralath must be feeling. He'd been hit by a car—because of her. She eyes his side for the millionth time as she sank to a seat."Stop." He stood close but didn't even look her way. "I'm fine. Mesaphineans heal quickly.""You were bleeding—badly.""And now I'm not."When he'd transformed into a massive furry creature, he'd looked fearsome—with terrifying fangs and alien claws—a horror she'd never fathomed. But, when Galene had met his dark, panicked gaze, she'd recognized the honorable man who'd stuck by her side. And she'd clung to him instead of shrinking away. Her reaction had surprised even her, but there was a familiarity—a connectio
"Six missed calls from Coco." Cleona handed Stralath her phone. He walked away from the picnic table, cursing as he called the NIRL agent. He'd lost his phone in the water when he'd transformed. He didn't care about the communication device, but the K-pop BTS autographs scribbled on the back were now lost forever. A slight loss compared to Galene losing her life.Glancing back, Stralath watched as Darghelm paced. Galene gestured with her hands as she spoke with her sister."What's up? I'm busy." Stralath rolled a sore shoulder."Apparently, you are." Coco sounded annoyed. "Cleona briefed me. You're now breaking NIRL protocol?""Write a report. I had no choice—I wasn't spotted by humans.""We have a bigger issue on our hands. Three bodies—were all found in a rental cabin in Echo Park. One of the victims is a well-known model, and there will be heavy media coverage."Stralath knew where this was heading and rubbed his forehead. "Cause of
Kalder pulled down the roller door, shutting them inside the warehouse. The industrial neighborhood lay quiet before dawn—just how he liked it. He needed to focus on his business, not the pretty fisheri princess who took up most of his thoughts. Galene was a mystery he couldn't solve, and unlike any pod members he'd ever met. She now hung out with a large human who hovered by her side like a feral guard dog. Except there was something more to the large man that Kalder couldn't pin down. He wasn't a fisheri, and he almost didn't seem human. Who was Galene's champion defender? And why did he get on Kalder's last nerve?Setting aside his frustrations, Kalder turned to his vibrio business partner, who sat on a crate, texting on his damn phone. The smooth asshole had screwed up their first orders and now needed to pay. Kalder looked down at his expensive jeans and rubbed a hand on his designer t-shirt. He didn't want to get it soiled with vibrio blood, but he had no choi