Whispers of the Tide

Determination

Connor’s POV:

I sat in a dark corner of the tavern, I was halfway through my fifth whiskey. I couldn’t help but rub my chest where this fuckin weird blue circle was buzzing in my chest. The sliver lines tattooed across my chest wrapping around the mermaid encompassing her in the intricate design. I had to admit, It didn't look terrible blending into and around what I already had decorating my skin.

When I saw the silver swirls and glowing blue spiral on Serene’s pale, smooth skin I was in awe. It arched perfectly over her mouth watering cleavage, drawing my eye even more to the plumpness of her breasts. She was naked in front of me and seeing that she was safe after stressing those arseholes had got hold of her, I had lost all control.

Before I knew what I was doing I was kissing her. Sparks had ignited, and my body was burning from the inside out. I had hardened the moment I had pulled her up onto the ship. I had to touch her.

I hadn't known why I was so drawn to her or why my chest was burning whenever she was near. But kissing her was better than I could have ever imagined. It was like being found after being alone in the dark my whole life. Finally seen, no longer alone. 

I was about to throw her over my shoulder and take her below deck to ravish her body when that white light interrupted my plans. 

“Soulmates.”

Her words echoing in my head. How the f**k is that even possible! She was a mermaid for f**k sakes and I was human. Soulmates wasn't a thing that would leave a mark for the whole f*****g world to see. s**t like that was reserved for the supernatural. 

We could never be together, I didnt want a fuckin soulmate. I didn't need or want to be tied down. But I wouldnt say no to a good f**k.

I need to find a way to break the soul mate connection.

I needed to put space between us. Looking down into her eyes, I saw tears start to gather. I had to look away. I had told her to get dressed. I didn't want anyone seeing her naked apart from me. I know that shouldn't matter to me, but it definitely did. I didn't want her, but no one else could have her either. f**k that sounds so selfish and controling. I ran my hand over my face in frustration. 

I needed another woman beneath me to make me forget. 

Fuck it.

I looked across the tavern. We were here to investigate the missing woman, the prostitutes here would have information, I was sure of it. I could have a quick f**k and get the information I needed. 

My eyes landed on a busty brunette with a tight round arse. As I looked at her, my mind instantly went to Serene. Her perfect face, bright silver-blue eyes, plump kissable lips. The way her hair always seemed to cover her just enough for her to never appear as naked as she often was.

Her firm abs and long toned legs. Her arse, perky and perfect for grabbing. 

I slumped down in my seat and downed my drink.

There was no way I could screw another woman without thinking of Serene. It made me sick to even think about it.

“See anything you like, Captain?” A husky voice asked right next to me.

I looked up to see large, round breasts right in my face. I hadn't even heard anyone approach. I I had been too caught up in my thoughts of Serene.

I looked up to see the face that belonged to these huge t**s. It was the brunette I was just eyeing up. She c****d an eyebrow at me and pushed her t**s together in front of my face.

I inwardly cringed.

“I saw you checking out my goodies Captain, want to see if I feel as good as I look?” She asked, trying to sound seductive. Then she monovered herself to straddle my lap.

“I'm actually after some information.” I responded ignoring the fact she was sitting on my lap, her t**s pressed right up against me now. I needed to be friendly to get what I needed. But I felt sick to my stomach as she started running her hands over my body. 

“How about, ride now, ask questions later.” she suggested with confidence as she undid the top button of her blouse, her t**s of full display now. Not that anyone cared. 

I then felt a shiver run through my body and my company smiled thinking it was in response to her.

I knew better. The door swung open and of course Serene walked in with Lee following close behind her. She was wearing my navy shirt and one of my brown belts.

Shoeless as always. She looked sinfully good, My c**k hardened. A regular response I had to her. 

Our eyes instantly found each other. I noticed her gaze move across to the woman straddling across my lap, tears welled in her beautiful eyes.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest right in the centre of the mark. I saw her hand fly up to clutch her chest. She must feel it too. I winced. 

I didn't want to cause her pain. I knew that somehow her feelings about what she was looking at was affecting our matching soulmate mark.

The annoyingly husky voice of the woman on my lap stole me out of my trance.

“Come on captain, I can feel you're in need of some assistance with that massive c**k of yours. I have a room upstairs. We need a little more privacy for what I have planned for you.” She tucked her t**s in and stood up wrapping her hand around mine to pull me up with her.

She pinched our two drinks in her other hand and led me towards the staircase.

My eyes flicked to Serene, but I only saw a flash of her as she left through the door, slamming it behind her.

I looked to Lee then who was looking at me shaking his head. 

I couldn't tell them I was only trying to get the information we needed. But It actually wasnt any of their fuckin business. I wasn’t with Serene, I made no promises. I am Captain Connor Drake, I can do what I fuckin like!

Serene’s POV:

How dare he go straight to another woman right after finding out he has a soul mate. I was furious, I had never felt rage and jealousy like I was right now. I saw the apology in Lee’s eyes as I informed him I wasn't sticking around to watch the show. The last thing I wanted right now was pity.

I stormed out, not caring that I slammed the door behind me like a child throwing a tantrum.

Once I was outside I ran towards the beach, I couldnt breath. The pain in my chest reflected just how I was feeling. The sharp stabbing pain right to the centre of the spiraling circle, a manifestation of the stab to my heart.

I did not want to be affected by what I had seen when entering the tavern, but something came over me and I could not hold it back.

I ran and ran. I ran toward the beach and ran all the way down the sand alongside the crashing waves. I only stopped when I reached the end of the bay and was faced with a cliff of rock.

I slumped down into the sand, digging my feet in the cool grains.

I had just calmed my breathing when I heard voices of a couple arguing. I got up and sat amongst the rocks, not wanting to be seen or intrude. 

The woman was crying and yelling at the man about seeing him with another woman.

I rolled my eyes, it must be the night for it, although I was not in a relationship with the captain, He wasn't mine to have or be upset over. 

The man was yelling back that the other woman was just a friend then he said something about not being bothered anymore and stormed off, leaving the woman sobbing alone on the beach.

She turned and headed towards the water.

At that moment a familiar bright glow appeared in the ocean just past the breaking waves. I was careful not to look directly at it, given my previous experiences with this strange glow. 

The woman dropped her hands to her sides and stepped into the water heading for the light.

No, no, no! I still didn't know what this light was but I knew it was not good. I stood and started running towards her.

“Miss! Stop! Please stop!” I yelled out to her.  She showed no sign she could hear me. 

She was in the waves now only a few meters from the strange glow.

 I could make it to her in time  if I just got into the water.

I went to leap into the water after her when arms wrapped around my waist, I screamed and thrashed not wanting to let this innocent woman down. 

“Let me go!” I screamed.

“Serene, you will be no good if whatever happens to her happens to you too.”

I looked over my shoulder to see Lee had me locked in his strong grasp.

I turned back towards the women just as her hand reached out to touch the light glowing from the water. Then she was gone.

A loud sob escaped me. My knees gave way, but Lee held onto me and eased me down onto the sand to hug me, the way a father would hug and console their child. 

I did not realise how much emotion I was holding.

I cried and he let me, my tears soaking into his neatly pressed shirt. Finally letting out what I had been holding over the last few months.

Tears for my father, my mother, for Talian’s proposal, my best friend's betrayal and the realisation I would never have true love without the pirate captain.

When my tears had finally dried up, I was once again ready to face the world and find out what was happening to these people.

I would uncover my mothers secrets and show everyone what I was capable of.

No more hiding.

I was more determined than ever.

I would be the strongest queen the ocean had ever seen.