Mari turned to face them. “I know someone who will. Damn I hate to do this, but I want solid answers on why they’re attacking my town.”
Rhys’ gaze narrowed, arms crossing over his chest. “Your town?”
“Damn right. Clear everyone another hundred yards back, I have a call to make.” Striding for the beach she listened as everyone fell back. Mari stood right on the edge of the crest, the water lapping the toes of her shoes, and closed her eyes. Breathing deeply, arms up, elbows by her side, palms up, Mari called forth the energies of the land. Her skin tingled, brain numbed as energies flowed freely through her system. Her eyes fluttered as she took a step forward, right hand raised. She knelt and brought her hand down, slapping it on the surface of the water as she yelled, “Triton, I call for you!” The energy wave reverberated over the top of the water like a pulse, sending a sonic boom type of sound to the ears of everyone within hearing distance. Stepping back she stumbled a bit before arms went around her waist.
“That was something.” Rhys smiled.
“Takes a lot of energy.”
“I guess the hell so,” Drake replied as he stepped up. “Did I hear things or did you just call a mythical creature?”
Mari chuckled. “Don’t you know by now that all mythical beings are real, Roven?”
“You’re telling me Triton, King of the seas and oceans, exists?”
“Of course Triton exists, and he’s a prince. His father, Poseidon, is king.”
“I thought Gods like them were myths,” Rhys stated.
Mari chuckled. “They are not Gods, they are Other Kin, very old Other Kin.”
“And they just come when you call?” Drake asked.
Mari’s lips lifted as her brow hiked up. “Only the ones I’ve played with.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rhys asked as he turned her to face him.
“It means that I have some very old friends.”
“Just how old are you?”
Her smile grew as she kept his gaze. “Don’t you know you never ask a lady her age? Besides, that’s something for us to discuss later.” Turning her gaze to the Kelpie when it started fidgeting, her smile widened. “I’d say Triton’s coming.” Moving out of Rhys’ arms, she turned toward the sea as a water spiral shot straight up to the sky and a man emerged from within its center, smiling when he caught her gaze.
“Triton, is here!” he called out, arms tossed out to his sides.
Chapter 2
Mari laughed as Triton lowered the waterspout like a bridge and rode it to land. “You show off!” she chuckled as he picked her up and twirled her around. She noticed Drake and Rhys look at each other before Rhys glared her way. He folded his arms across his chest. “All right put me down you oaf.”
“Oaf, oaf, I’m the Prince of the Seven Seas and Oceans and I get oaf?”
“Yes.” She smiled, taking his hand within hers. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“It wouldn’t happen to be that big vamp with a pissed off look would it?”
“Ha, yes it would,” she laughed, leading him right up to Rhys and Drake. “Rhys, this is my friend Triton. Triton this is Rhys, my soon to be life mate, and our friend Drake.”
“Life mate?” Triton boomed. “By the Gods, she’s finally settling down.” He whooped with laughter. “It’s about time, Sissy, I now forgive you for not calling me for a century.”
Mari slapped his huge bicep. “Stop it you trouble maker. Now back to business, the other reason I called.” She motioned over to the Kelpie, noticing the smile leave his handsome face. “He came ashore and attacked with no warning. He injured a water nymph badly. Triton, he didn’t try to shape shift or lure. What have you heard about Alston?”
“We were figuring something like this was going to happen. All the signs toward a sea attack on Alston have been showing; the creatures of the water are anxious.” Looking down at her and then up to Rhys and Drake he said, “We need to talk in a more secure location. I’ll have my warriors come fetch him and get answers.”
Mari stood by as he lifted his hand and four mermen emerged from the sea. Taking hold of Rhys’ hand she leaned into him as Triton gave his orders. Once his men and the Kelpie disappeared into the sea, Triton turned with a smile.
“You’re lucky I was close by.”
“Where?” Mari asked.
“Hawaii. Gods I love Pele, she’s such a little hottie,” he whooped.
“Oh I’m sure,” she frowned. “Why were you so close?
“Ah, I had a little visitor saying I should come this way.”