Sea God's Siren (The Brother's Keep) by Tessa Stockton Read Free Book Online

If you choose to go back, you’ll not remember me . . . I will be wiped from your mind . . . and you’ll be blind for having cast your eyes upon me in the first place. For no mortal can look upon me unless bonded in this way, with my mother’s knowledge of it anyway. There are consequences.” The tendons in his jaw flexed. “With me, you’ll be given your sight back in or out of water, and you’ll know no greater love than what is between us.” His voice grew hoarse. “Mermen are great and faithful lovers, because they ever seek the enchantment of their one perfect mate.”
    A tremor of both desire and fear shot through Syrena’s heart. “Who makes your laws?”
    “My parents. They are powerful witches and can cast dreadful spells. Things didn’t always used to be like this, though.”
    “I thought your mother disallowed you from interacting with me?”
    “She did.” Dagon glanced away. “To punish me for insolence and to make me weak.”
    “Then it doesn’t matter. We’re doomed anyway.”
    “No.” He gripped her, squaring her shoulders. “There is always a way.”
    “But even your brothers work against you!”
    “They always have. I’ve never believed in their manner of doing things. That’s why I’ve been imprisoned many times in my mother’s hold. I hide from her, because I don’t wish to hurt and deceive others per her and my father’s, the serpent’s, efforts, causing others to stumble and fall. Yet, I don’t know where to go for help, where to look for freedom. My kind is nonexistent. I am the last due to their foul play.”
    She twirled her fingers through his greenish hair, lightly touching the few shells and water beads laced in it. “How is it you’re tied to such a vile lot . . . when you are so kind and affectionate?”
    “I know not,” Dragon whispered in a depressing manner. He kissed the inside of her elbow, burying his head in her bosom.
    Syrena glanced out of the sea’s portal. The Bright and Morning Star beamed through the layers of currents. She pointed. “I’ve been told that star guides others.”
    “So I’ve heard also. I’ve talked to it, but it’s never answered.”
    “Supposing it’s true, there must be a way one could make contact?” She stroked his hair. “Sailors might know.”
    “Then we should find us a sailor.” He laughed softly.
    “Only if we don’t curse him in return.”
    “We’ll be sneaky. I’m beginning to think we ought to proclaim our love to all kinds in every realm.”
    “A love rebellion revolution.” She giggled questioningly.
    “Exactly.” He straightened. “Things need to change around here.” He shrugged. “Then you can see your family and our commitment wouldn’t be such a sacrifice.”
    Syrena glanced at him with bashfulness. “Dagon?”
    “Yes?” he murmured.
    “Were you a child while I was a child in your care those few days?”
    He smirked. “No. But I’m patient. I would have waited until your full womanhood, like now”—his eyes roved—“to take you.” Dagon hummed. “I’m ancient compared to you, but have the needs, wants, and desires of a stallion-ray. Does age matter to you?”
    “Only that it seems our time together will be short, on account of my natural span.”
    He shook his head. “When you die in my arms, then I will die. Like I said, a merman cannot live without his mate. Now, for the vow.” Dagon slipped a loop of finely etched pink coral from one of his earlobes and held it up. Iridescent light from the portal caused it to glimmer. The reflection cast another prism off the matching loop he wore on his other ear. “What is your decision?”
    “Take me.”

Chapter 11
    Becoming One
    Syrena awoke upon Dagon’s sturdy frame. The cave grew more humid over the past several days, or was it that she caught her lover’s passionate fever? She folded her hands on his chest, resting, and admired his peaceful countenance.
    He stirred beneath her, then opened his eyes and smiled.
    Other than