The Mermaid Catches Her Mate Read online

  “I’m sure you’re aware that this town is all about celebrating the supernatural experience. Most of us are actors trying to make a living here, in addition to our day jobs.” She was a horrible liar, but hoped he bought her story. “I secretly moonlight as a mermaid. You got a problem with that?” She feigned offense at his lack of acceptance.

  Nocturne Falls had quite a boom with the tourists when the silly sparkly vampires became a smash hit at the theaters. There was no stopping the rabid fans from pouring into this town, especially when the highlight of the place was the vampires and all the other supernaturals. The Ellingham’s also owned a big chunk of the lands and brought this fantasy to the hearts of the people.

  “I see.” Ace unconsciously took a sip of the hot drink before it was cooled down enough. Immediately, he hissed and rubbed his lower lip.

  “You okay?” Luna asked. She could see the spot on his lower lip turning red and swelling up. Concerned, she rushed to the kitchen to find something to counteract the burn.

  “I’m fine. Really,” he called after her from the living room.

  She opened the freezer and realized she didn’t have an ice pack, quickly pulling out the bag of emergency stash of chocolates. On her way back, she noticed several bottles of Moonbow spring water sitting on her counter.

  “Solution solved,” she said under her breath. Her lips curled into a sly smile, grabbing one for him.

  “Here.” Luna held out the frozen bag of chocolates and he took the offering. She placed the bottle on the table in front of him.

  Ace eyed the chocolates with a smirk before pressing it against his lips. “Thanks, Nurse Luna.”

  “Maybe you ought to drink water instead. Seems my klutziness is rubbing off on you,” she teased.

  He nodded. “Good try, but you won’t be steering our conversation away.”

  “I’m doing no such thing.”

  “Yes, you are.” He put the bag on the table and picked up the bottle and uncapped it. Ace read the label, “Moonbow. That sounds familiar.”

  “The town was originally named after one of the actual waterfalls in the hills outside of town. When the moon is especially bright, you can see a moonbow in the mist of the waterfall.”

  Ace paused, rubbing his jaw. “Ah. Isn’t Nocturne Falls the place that grants wishes?”

  “Yes, it is. And the water you’re about to drink will make it happen.” Luna nodded. “I’ve seen it work its magic before.”

  “Hm. Is that right?”

  She added enthusiastically, “Maybe you’ll get what your heart desires if you do.”

  She would say anything at this point to convince him to down the magical liquid. After all, it would blur the edges of reality for mortals so they wouldn’t see the truth. Maybe it would make Ace forget he’d seen a real live mermaid.

  “Aye. Sounds convincing enough.” He lifted the bottle to his mouth and stopped, moving it away.

  Luna cringed. Drink it already! her mind screamed.

  “Well, if you don’t mind me sayin’, you have the most realistic costume I’ve ever seen. Did you make it yourself?”

  “I consider myself an alchemist of sorts.” That was true enough. She continued, “As a kid I experimented with making all kinds of things from makeup, costumes, to clothes. Whatever it was, I’d do it to keep me from getting out of trouble with my mother. That’s why I became a hairstylist. I love colors and pushing the envelope when it comes to style and products.” Luna wondered why she was telling him so much about her personal life. Well, she figured he wouldn’t remember their conversation later, so any secret she told would be safe within these walls. No need to lie.

  “Sounds like we have some things in common, lass.”

  He tipped the bottle in salute and practically inhaled the entire bottle of Moonbow. She’d never seen how humans reacted to the effects of the drink, so she held her breath, waiting for it to work.

  Ace grinned and set the empty bottle on the table. “Mighty refreshing.”

  The buzzer sounded on the dryer and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “I suppose that’s my cue to change and go.” He stood up. “It’s getting late. Don’t want to over stay my welcome.”

  Luna’s face fell and she noticed he mistook her expression.

  “I suppose I could stay longer—” he let the sentence hang.

  She blurted, “Fine idea! Maybe a bit longer to finish your tea at least.”

  Luna gnawed on her lip, wondering why he was unaffected after draining the entire thing. What went wrong? “How about you take a seat for now? I’ll get the clothes.” She jumped to her feet, grateful for the delay even if it was misconstrued. She took a step and he swayed, palming his head as if he had a massive headache.

  “Whoa, there. I feel a might dizzy.”

  She reached out to steady him. His rock-hard biceps made her eyes widen in surprise but she recovered enough to speak. “You had a pretty bad tumble tonight. Maybe it’s catching up with you now.”

  Relief flooded her at the prospect of the magic liquid working. She glanced up at him and narrowed her eyes. Luna thought it was an illusion created by the dim lighting in the room, but she could’ve sworn his icy blues briefly changed to a bright translucent silver.

  Ace closed his eyes before she could take a better look. A moment later he opened them and acted confused. “Where am I?” he asked in alarm. “What happened? Why am I at your house?”

  “You don’t remember?” Luna hoped she didn’t sound too pleased about his memory loss.

  He lightly rubbed his temple and shook his head. That’s when he noticed his current attire. “Why am in, it appears, your robe?” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Did we?”

  “Heck, no!” she protested. “You must have gotten a pretty good knock on the head when you fell in the water.”

  “How did it happen?” His eyes widened. “Did you save me?”

  “If you can’t remember, there’s no need to answer that.”

  Whew! Crisis averted. This was a much better alternative than finding a way to keep him from being suspicious of her. She didn’t need to worry about him telling anyone now. If he remembered, well, she’d take care of it when that day came.

  Luna said cheerfully, “Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be okay.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “You’ve been acting strange all morning,” the unicorn shifter crossed her arms and leaned back against the office chair. “I’m not going to work on your online sales until you spill the beans.”

  The naturally classic beauty with pastel rainbow hued hair pushed the hot pink glasses up the bridge of her perfectly upturned nose. With Keke’s stubbornness, there was nothing she couldn’t pry out of Luna once she’d made up her mind. That’s when they showed their true horn.

  “Why do you wear those glasses when you have perfect vision?” Luna tried to change the subject.

  She grinned sexily, “Guys dig it.”

  Luna mumbled, “You would know.”

  Pulling off her non-prescription glasses, Keke tossed them aside. “I’ve known you for a few years now. I can sense you’ve got something you need to get off your chest. Go ahead. I’ll give you some Uni-love.”

  After a few seconds, Luna responded nonchalantly, “My cover was almost blown last night.”

  Keke pushed away from the desk and swiveled in her seat. “How did that happen?”

  “I’m sure you’re well aware that Ace Conall is in town with his magic show.” Luna leaned her back against the edge of the work station.

  “How could I miss it? He’s been the talk of the town!”

  “Well, I’ve had the misfortune of meeting him.” She added under her breath, “More than once.”

  Keke clapped her hands together excitedly. “Is he a hottie potatie in person or what?”

  “He’s alright, I guess.” Luna shrugged. Her cheeks heated up at the memory of him sitting practically naked on her sofa las
t night.

  Keke’s voice raised two octaves, “Oh my, goodness! If that look doesn’t say it all!” She let out a whinny as if she imagined something sordid.

  “Shut up. It’s not what you think.” Luna sighed in annoyance. “He caught me swimming in the lake.”

  “What? Question is, were you in mermaid form?” Her eyes narrowed. “Wait a moment. You didn’t take him home? O-M-G…Matsya, you did, didn’t you?”

  “It’s not what you think. Don’t jump to conclusions,” Luna protested. “He fell in the lake and I couldn’t exactly let him go home soaking wet, now could I?” She crossed her arms, tipping up her chin. “You don’t have to worry about a thing. I managed to get him to drink the Moonbow water. Everything worked itself out.”

  “I sure hope so.” Keke’s tone turned serious, “You know it’ll get complicated if he remembers. He’s an international celebrity and who knows what may happen if word got out.”

  Luna nodded. “I know. I’ll take care of my own problems, ‘kay?”

  “Fine.” Her friend swiveled back around in her chair to face the computer screen. “On a happy note, your website is on fiiiiire!” She pointed to the sales orders for the week. “Putting your pearls in oyster shaped candles was brill! Not to mention a total hit! Those ring candles were so last year, if you ask me.”

  Luna shook her head at seeing the exuberance radiating from her best friend. The woman was not only her neighbor, but also the owner of a substantial sized nursery farm that produced exotic hybrid flowers. She was also a whiz with technology and business savvy, to boot. She earned a sizeable income through worldwide sales and distribution of her florals.

  Early in their friendship, Keke had stumbled upon Luna’s laundry bags full of priceless pearls hidden in the closet. Luna confessed that the Matsya’s tears would turn into pearls. Keke decided immediately that she would turn the tears into a profit by setting up an online store that sold those precious gems in various ways. The business was a financial goldmine and Luna made it a point to give generously back to the ocean through foundations and charitable organizations.

  “So did you make a decision?” Keke asked as she went through the sales orders and made sure they were dispatched to the warehouse staff.

  “About what?”

  “Y’know about what. Leaving Nocturne Falls so your dad can retire.”

  Luna shrugged. “I’m leaning toward going. It’s the right thing to do.”

  “There’s still time to change your mind.” Keke wiggled her brows. “Or else someone may do it for you.”

  Luna sighed, “I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”

  The unicorn shifter shook her head and giggled. “It’s about time you get some action. I was starting to wonder if you’d shrivel up and die all alone in that sea cottage of yours!”

  “KEKE! You’re one to talk. Who’s the flavor of the month these days, huh?”

  Her best friend expertly steered the conversation away to work related issues that needed to be resolved. Luna had known Keke had secrets about her past, but she knew the reasons were probably too painful to share. Truthfully, Luna was relieved to shift the topic away from Ace. That way, she didn’t have to imagine him lounging on her couch in all his masculine glory every time he was mentioned.

  Holy, Seahorse! For someone she didn’t particularly care for, he was invading her head more than he should. Perhaps it was time to hit the dating pool again. Maybe her attraction to the magician stemmed from a lack of suitors. The last time she’d been on a date was—well, she didn’t keep track. What she did recall was that it didn’t quite go well. The falcon shifter had taken her to a fancy seafood restaurant when she’d clearly mentioned she was vegan. He’d surprised her by ordering for them in advance. She’d witnessed in horror as the never-ending shellfish carnage piled up to the sky. Some of them could’ve been her friends. She shivered just thinking about that night.

  Luna frowned at the prospect of more of the same when it came to the men in town. There was no one she had connected with or who understood her. She doubted there would be anyone back home.

  “What’s whirling in that squirmy mermaid head of yours?” Keke put the computer on sleep mode and slid off the chair. “Forget it. I know just what we need. Let’s hit Howler’s to wash away our man troubles.”

  “Speak for yourself, town Lolita. I have no man troubles,” Luna snorted.

  Keke waggled her eyebrows. “Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

  Luna wasn’t in the mood to go out as she followed the rainbow haired beauty through a crowd of people. The popular dive bar was unusually packed but Keke didn’t care, she walked straight for the bar just as two patrons paid and left.

  Sometimes Luna wished she possessed the same confidence.

  “Talk about luck.” Keke whistled to the bartender. “Hey, big guy! Two Moon specials on tap.”

  The buff man with an intimidating air about him winked at her as he quickly filled their orders.

  Luna glanced over at the surly women nearby. “You realize there are some unhappy supernaturals eyeing you right now? I’m sure they’d love some good unicorn meat. I hear it’s a lot like chicken.”

  Keke eye’s sparkled. “Bring it on!” She rubbed her hands together. “Nothing sparkly magic dust won’t fix.”

  Luna rolled her eyes. “Why did I let you force me to go out?”

  “You’re a real buzz kill sometimes, Matsya. What am I going to do with you?” She handed Luna a drink.

  “I’ll be happy to take her off your hands,” the familiar sexy voice answered.

  They both turned around to face Ace. Tonight, he was full on bad boy mode in an all-black ensemble. Not made up into his usual polished celebrity image that was pursued by the paparazzi. No, he fit right in with his powerful presence, and the dust of fresh stubble across his face added to the dark and dangerous allure.

  Luna’s mouth went dry and she suddenly had the urge to quench the visual spell he casted with a cold brew. Wow. He looked so delectably edible! Of course, not in a carnivorous kind of way.

  “So you’re the infamous Ace Conall?” Keke gave him a thorough once over, then her gaze landed behind his shoulder. “And who’s that divine creature? Bodyguard?”

  “Nah. That would be me mate, Kearney. He’s a quiet sort until you get him jabbering, then he’ll keep going.”

  “Actually, Keke and I were doing a mini girl’s night.” Luna tried to find an escape before the Irishman and his buddy inserted themselves into her plans.

  “There’s plenty of nights for that.” She gave Luna an exaggerated wink. “He seems harmless to me. You kids have fun.” Keke walked over to Kearney and looped an arm through his, not spilling a drop of her beer in the process. With her free hand she checked out his bulging bicep. “How about buying me another drink?”

  “You’re not done with the first one yet,” Kearney mentioned.

  “We have all night for that.” Keke laughed as she led him away.

  Kearney made a strange face as he glanced over his shoulder at his best friend. Ace gave the man a quick wave before turning his attention to Luna.

  “I’ve heard this place has the best food. How about a meal between friends?”

  “I’d hardly call us that,” she pursed her lips which garnered a laugh from him.

  “By the end of the night, I’m sure you’ll see me in a whole new light,” he assured.

  As if by magic, a booth had suddenly become vacant across the room. “There’s a seat over there, lass.” Ace took her hand as if it was the most natural thing and tugged her along after him.

  She tried to pull away, but he had a firm grasp on her. Heat crept up her arm where their fingers entwined. There was a definite attraction that she couldn’t dismiss. Luna’s lips curled into a smile, giddy as a teenager as she enjoyed the moment. Who knew what this was all about, but it was a thrill she’d missed out on when she had to grow up fast.
>
  Luna decided to give him a fair shot to prove he wasn’t the playboy the media portrayed him to be.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Howler’s was exactly the place Ace could be himself. Everyone was more interested in guzzling ale and enjoying a good meal rather than hunting him down for a photo op. There was no pressure, no need for pretenses or turning on the charm. He’d always appreciated the recognition, but lately it became more of a drag.

  As he sat across from Luna, he couldn’t stop staring at her lips. Plump and inviting. He’d wanted to kiss her in a bad way. Heck, he envied the beer glass grazing her lips. Whoa, boy. He had to keep his thoughts in check or he was liable to do something he hadn’t done since he was a wee lad.

  She picked up her portabella burger and took a healthy bite, practically moaning as she closed her eyes in appreciation, and popping a crispy fry into her mouth in between bites. His heartbeat quickened and he had to smile at her reaction. He liked a girl with a hearty appetite. Ace held out his napkin for her and she grinned, using it to wipe the ketchup smudged across her lower lip. He pondered how she’d react if he leaned in and licked it off for her.

  Focus, man! his rational mind warned.

  Ace thought it was best to strike a conversation. “How did a gal like you make her way here?” he asked, genuinely interested in her response.

  She didn’t seem like the typical supernatural that populated the town. She exuded a sort of loneliness under that firecracker personality. Something that tugged at his heartstrings.

  Luna cradled the beer between her palms. “I guess I had something to prove to myself.”

  “Understandable. Sounds like a lad I know.” He took a drink of his ale. “So, how’d that work out?”

  “Very well, thank you.” She leaned in and asked, “How’d that work out for you?”

  He nodded and laughed, lifting his glass up. They clinked cups. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such entertaining company. That’s when flashes of her trying to cram the Moonbow down his throat made him laugh harder. Her reaction to his reluctance to drink had been priceless.