Floating Alone by Zenina Masters Read Free Book Online Page B

a day early.” Irdan wrapped his arm around her waist.
    “When did you to start your... uh... relationship?” Leforth smiled at the awkwardness of the situation.
    “Well, we were at the Crossroads yesterday and things were cemented this morning, so to speak. The change occurred this afternoon in front of witnesses.” She made a face.
    The senator’s eyes widened. “What change?”
    Irdan nudged Marina with his hip. “Perhaps we could make an appointment to have coffee or lunch tomorrow?”
    She frowned. “I have the release in the morning. I suppose anytime after that is fine.”
    “Release?”
    She leaned forward and smiled at Leforth. “I am releasing two healed bull manatee back into the waterways tomorrow morning. They are eager to get back to the ladies who are receptive right now.”
    Imilia smiled hopefully. “Their mates?”
    “For this season, yes. The males literally come and go. The manatees are solitary animals. They are curious, socially motivated but don’t depend on a herd dynamic.”
    Imilia smiled, “So they are ready to return to their waters as soon as they are released.”
    “Yup.”
    While the conversation turned to her favourite topic, Irdan kept his hand around her waist and his father smiled whenever he noted the gesture.
    It was a peculiar evening, and their group was there until the majority of the crowd had dispersed.
    Maweel had joined their group at some time in the evening, and they were standing and laughing as they shared tales of the everglades.
    When Marina swayed against Irdan and a wave of exhaustion was overcoming her, she looked up at him in confusion before she passed out in his arms.
     
    * * * *
     
    Irdan caught her and felt the surge of power that was building in her body again. There was another change coming.
    His mother looked at her. “She is glowing.”
    Irdan nodded. “Yes, the balancing is bringing her all the wild magic in the area. She’s becoming a true elemental.”
    Leforth smiled. “Well, it will be a good thing considering her love of wildlife. As a fey elemental, she will have a right to her territory. With her power, it will extend well into the human preserves.”
    “She is going to need help establishing her territory, Aunty.” Maweel smiled.
    Imilia looked at her son’s unconscious mate. “I will see what I can do.”
    Irdan glanced around. “I am going to take her home.”
    Maweel sighed and handed him the fob. “Take your car. I don’t think she even knows where you live yet.”
    Irdan took the fob with his fingers and gave his mother and father a polite nod. “Let me know about lunch tomorrow.”
    He nodded to the host of the event as he carried his mate out of the dregs of the fundraiser. He had already donated a few thousand to the cause, so he left without guilt.
    A few of the humans were shocked at the image of him carrying a glowing fey in his arms, but he keyed the fob and opened the car doors at his approach. He tucked Marina in, put on her seatbelt and got around to the driver’s side. He drove home, parked and carried Marina to the water.
    He dismissed their clothing as he walked into the surf and carried her in and under the waves.
    Her body jerked at the touch of the water, and her eyes opened wide as she pushed free of him. He watched her glowing skin swim into deeper water before she started to thrash and twist.
    Her fourth form was breathtaking and every inch the sea goddess. Grey skin, emerald scales and twenty feet of scaled tail propelled her through the water. He shifted to his beast form and followed her as she cruised through the water.
    She glanced at him with glowing yellow eyes, her ears were now fins that extended through her hair. She smiled and touched his head.
    He felt the electric touch of her through the heavy hide of his scales.
    She turned toward the open water and then looked back at the shoreline. Her fins changed direction, and she frowned. In a moment, she was streaking toward what she heard, and he