King of Tides (The Immortal Iron Brothers #3)

Chapter 3

Water Visions

I sit on the side of the boxing ring, taping my hands as Mack and Carson are locked together in conversation. I don’t mind; I want to be left alone with my thoughts.

I have a lot on my mind. I have three sisters, and we all share the same scumbag father. I haven’t been able to tell the family I grew up with about them because I’m embarrassed about who my father is.

Candido isn’t someone to be proud of. My sisters are lucky not to have known him. Well, all except Ray. However, none of them seem to know the kind of man we come from.

I’m staring off into space as Mack comes over and sits beside me. He’s the closest thing I have to a father. He’s the only father figure I’ve ever known. I still remember the day I turned up on his gym’s doorstep.

“You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, sport. What’s up?” he says.

“Nothing, Papi. It’s all good.”

“I know you better than that. I’m here to listen. Go on, tell me what’s on your mind. I might be able to help.”

I lean my head on his shoulder and release a heavy breath. He reaches to palm my head and holds me in place as he kisses the top of my head.

That’s the closest I’ll allow to a hug. It took years for us to get there. Mack has been patient with me since day one. He has demonstrated the patience of a saint with us all.

Now this man I can be proud of. Has he always done the right things? Not at all. Not with three mouths to feed and a business to run to do so.

However, this gym was once my home. I’ve watched Mack do what he needed to do to make sure Hydra keeps its doors open, not because of greed or power.

This man took in three runaways and made us a family. He gave us love when the world refused to treat us like human beings who deserved to be safe and protected. There is no way I could ever repay him for that.

“I’m fine, Papi. I promise. Let me get into this ring with Carson and I’ll prove it,” I say to reassure him.

“ Hija , you know once you’re in my ring, you need to be fully focused. Don’t get in there with a monkey on your back.”

“Ugh, Papi, I said I’m fine.”

“Still my little girl,” he chuckles and gets up.

I punch my fist into my palm and roll my shoulders as I stand. Carson comes to hold the ropes open for me to step in and then he follows. I bounce around in the ring to loosen up and get my thoughts together.

“You all right?” Carson asks.

“Not you too. What the hell?”

“We know you, mommy. You wear your feelings on your face when you’re around family,” he says as he searches my face with his gaze.

“Less talk, more of me kicking your ass. Let’s get this started,” I say and nod at Mack to call the fight.

We bump knuckles and the fight starts. I dodge Carson’s first attack easily. Mack has been training us from the time he took us in.

Carson is another of Mack’s strays. He’s been like a brother to me. The other cop in the family. He works uptown with them bougie folks.

If I wanted a shot at Ricci, I needed to land midtown. That’s just what I did. I mean, how is it no one else sees Candido or his brother for who they are?

“Come on, Billy, keep your hands up. Don’t let him outfight you,” Mack calls into the ring.

I had been dirty and hungry but determined to make it on my own when Mack came into my life. I couldn’t stand the foster home they had placed me in and had the right mind to get the hell out of there before something happened to me.

The social workers were getting tired of me. I had been through at least three by that time. Mrs. Perkins was nice; she had been the last one assigned to me, but I didn’t think she was going to be so kind once she found out I ran away.

Mack found me trying to dumpster dive in his cans. He took me into his gym and gave me a sandwich and a soda. I probably shouldn’t have taken either, but I was so hungry, and he gave off good vibes.

I’ve always been able to read the vibes of others. That’s why I ran away. That family was evil, and they were going to hurt me if I stayed.

“Billy,” Mack growls. “Focus. Whatever’s going on in your head, you need to save that for later. Your opponent isn’t going to hesitate to use your distractions against you out there. Keep your guard up and stay focused.”

Carson throws a punch and lands it right on my jaw. I dance back, shocked he was able to land a hit and pissed that I allowed it. Carson grins and begins to move with more swagger as he circles me, looking for another opening.

“You’re going to pay for that,” I hiss.

He shrugs. “If you say so.”

I move in with a combo and land it swiftly. The impact of the blows sounds around the gym, but I don’t get cocky. Carson is a good fighter.

I’m just better. I keep attacking his weak points until I’ve tired him out. However, my mind goes back to my rambling thoughts as I think of last night.

That whole crime scene and arrest were crazy. I’m still trying to figure out how to best submit my report. I don’t want to come off looking crazy.

Then there was my run in with my neighbor. My fine-as-fuck neighbor. That man just looks like he knows how to take care of his woman. I’m even digging the nose ring.

Too bad his club’s name has made its way onto my radar. I think they’re in cahoots with Ricci and his operation. I don’t have any proof yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

My captain can’t block me for forever. I’m going to get to the bottom of this and put Candido Ricci behind bars once and for all.

“Damn it, Billy,” Mack growls as Carson takes advantage of my lack of focus.

“Got you,” Carson breathes in my ear as he holds me in a headlock, his chest heaving against my back.

I curse myself for losing focus and allowing him to best me. This one was mine for the taking. I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately.

Carson releases me. I frown and run my forearm across my sweaty forehead. These sessions are to keep me sharp out there in those streets. Failing is unacceptable.

“I’ll treat you to lunch. You can tell me what’s on your mind while we eat,” he offers.

“Nah, I have a ton of shit to do. Maybe next time.”

I don’t miss the disappointment that comes to his face. Carson is handsome, with a great physique. I don’t think Carson has ever seen me as family—at least not like a sister as Mack always wanted.

I know he’s not my blood, but we’ve always been close. We’ve just never been more than friends. Not for his lack of trying.

I’ve been down once or twice to allow him to take my V card, but something has always stopped it from happening. Freak floods in the bathroom.

Fire alarms going off and setting the sprinkler system off. After the first two times, I figured it was a sign it wasn’t meant to be. I mean, I care about Carson.

He knows that. He also knows I’m not emotionally available. Together, we would never work out.

Sometimes, I wonder if I’m just asexual. I mean, I have no real desire for sex from either gender. I never feel like I’m missing out on anything.

The times I’ve tried to go there have always been botched. There were the times with Carson, then Mike, Lou, Andre, and Vernon. I think I was more concerned with the fact that I’ve never done it instead of actually wanting to do it.

However, once things fell through for whatever reason, I didn’t much care. Sex is more of a curiosity for me. I’m not really pressed to have it.

“Billy?”

“Huh?” I say, looking up at Carson.

“Next weekend. Do you want to come on a date with me?”

I knit my brows. I haven’t heard a word he said. I look around and Mack is on the other side of the gym, barking out orders.

“I … I … uh.”

“Never mind. You know, you can’t do life alone, Billy. I get that you’re strong and you can do it by yourself, but you shouldn’t have to. You don’t have to. I’m always here,” he says as he reaches to brush his thumb against my cheek.

“Car, you’re like a brother to me. I know you want more, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m okay with my life. I like having my own space and not having to answer to anyone.

“Be honest, you’re a cop. I’m a cop. In what world will that work? The job will always come between us. We’d be like ships passing in the night. You’re bound to get tired and want to move on,” I say.

“I would never want to move on from you. You’re the reason why I stay.”

“I shouldn’t be. Listen, I need to go. See you next week?”

He takes a step back and nods. I feel like shit for not being able to give him more, but I’m not about to force a relationship I’m not feeling. That will never be me.

“Yeah, next week,” he says. “Or we could have a few beers sometime this week after work.”

I shrug my shoulders. “Maybe.”

He gives me a blinding smile. “I’m going to hold you to that. I’ll text you.”

“Cool, later.”

I turn to leave the ring and sigh. You can’t say I haven’t tried to tell him it’s never going to happen. This wouldn’t be the first time. It’s like he’s convinced himself I’m going to change my mind.

I’m not. I never want to settle. When people settle, they wake up one day miserable as they look around at their lives. Then the home is broken.

I would never want to do that to a child. There is nothing worse in the world than being small and feeling alone. I know that feeling too well.

I grind my teeth. Candido Ricci isn’t just scum. He’s the worse kind of scum. A criminal and a deadbeat father.

I’m ashamed to know I come from him. As I step into the locker room to shower and go home, I glance in the mirror, trying to see if I can find a trace of that scumbag in my face. I must have gotten my warm cocoa-brown complexion from my mother.

Although Ricci is a tanned Italian man, he’s not anywhere near as dark as I am. I’m clearly a Black woman even with my reddish-brown wavy hair and reddish-brown eyes. I have never passed the brown paper bag test and couldn’t pass for white even if I tried.

I’ve seen two of my sisters and they are both lighter than me. A frown comes to my lips, and I roll my eyes. My father wouldn’t be able to deny any of us. When I look into his eyes to lock him up, I will be looking into eyes I’ve seen almost every day of my life.

“Of all the assholes in the world, you would be my father,” I mutter to myself.

A gasp leaves my lips as I stumble back a step. I could swear that the mirror I was looking into just rippled before my eyes as if made of liquid. Lifting my hand to palm my forehead, I shake my head clear.

Maybe I’m pushing too hard. I’m spreading myself thin. Between my work hours and the hours I put in investigating my sperm donor and his family—I might be driving myself crazy.

I still can’t explain what happened the other night. I groan and turn to strip down and wrap my hair up before grabbing my towel and heading for the shower stalls.

The place is empty today. Mack has been complaining about the lack of female clientele. I’ve been wanting to sit with him to brainstorm to fix that. This place is his life.

I would hate to see him struggle to keep the doors open. Maybe I can leave some flyers around for him or lead a self-defense class for the ladies or something.

I turn on the shower spray as ideas begin to run through my head. The warm water begins to cascade down on me, loosening my muscles. Releasing a moan of relief, I lift my face to the spray.

Suddenly as the water hits my face, it’s like I’m sucked out of my body and I’m plunged into water. Bubbles pour from my nose as I begin to move my arms and legs. Looking around, I try to figure out what’s going on.

Schools of fish in all sorts of beautiful colors float by and gorgeous reefs of coral are all around me. A dolphin swims up to me and it’s like he’s assessing me.

I laugh as it begins to bob its head as if reading my thoughts. I reach out to touch it, smoothing my hand over its head. The dolphin looks me in the eyes and it’s like I come out of my body once again.

This time I’m looking at the scene from above. I’m watching myself look around in confusion. I can see the dolphin still floating before me as I stroke its head.

Then something catches my eye from behind me. It’s creeping forward slowly. I open my mouth, trying to warn myself as the creature rises up behind me.

However, I can’t make a sound. I blink a few times, trying to make sure I’m seeing what I think I am. I’m frozen as I watch what looks like a huge dragon floating behind me before my eyes.

The thing looks like something out of some Japanese artwork. It seems to be glowing, giving off a blue hue. It’s large and menacing looking, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to attack.

The dragon is observing me floating before it, much like I’m doing them. I tilt my head as I process what’s happening. The me before me turns and reaches up to place a hand on the side of the dragon’s face.

The two look familiar with each other. In my confusion, I take the creature in some more. It’s much bigger than I originally thought. I can now see its body fully. It has large wings resting against its sides and a long body with a tail floating behind it.

Suddenly, the dragon’s underbelly begins to glow brighter than the rest of it. Out of nowhere, it opens its wings and engulfs me within them. I cover my face with my arm as a blinding light emits from where they are.

I gasp as I pop back into my body and I’m back in the gym shower. I look around frantically. I’m still alone as the water cascades down on me.

I think I’m losing my mind.

My heart is racing and I’m more confused than ever. I make quick work of my shower, wanting to go home and get some sleep. This is getting out of hand.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Ardan

I needed this ride. I’m in a shit mood. I spent the morning handling club business just to have Ricci summon me to handle some shipment coming into the docks for him.

I grow tired of this shit. I’ve wanted to be done with the Ricci family for decades now. In all honesty, I resent ever being locked into servitude in the first place.

If only I had done as Kendrick asked and been on time that night so long ago. The ’20s were a fun time for me. I had to be in the mix of things. Running with stars and legends like Babe Ruth, Charlie Chaplin, Duke Ellington, Josephine Baker, Coco Chanel, and Al Capone—who had no idea what I was—had been fun. Times were changing and I was right in the center of that change.

I was more interested in a good time than being where my brother asked me to be. I fucked up royally that night. When you bind one brother, you bind us as a bloodline. You don’t get one; you get us all.

I’ve accepted that as my punishment for leaving Kendrick vulnerable that night, but Bradan and Reilly didn’t deserve this. I will forever feel responsible for what has happened to my brothers. However, the only thing that can fix this now is for all four of us to find our mates.

“That seems like it’s never going to happen,” I mutter to myself as I pull into the docks and head for the loading area the Iron Brothers own.

Amadeus, the captain of the merfolk, usually handles all dealings we have down at the docks. However, Ricci wants me to make sure everything goes smoothly with this particular delivery. I loathe that guy.

After coming to know real gangsters in my past, I can’t find it in me to hold an ounce of respect for that asshole. He’s not as smart as he thinks he is. If it weren’t for me and my brothers, he would have lost everything his father and those before him built a long time ago.

I pull up to the main office, where I know I will find Amadeus and cut the engine. Swinging my leg over my bike, I roll my shoulders back and take a look around. I can tell the human workers from the mermen.

It’s never hard to tell the difference, at least not for me. Merfolk have a glow about them. It comes from the energy they pull from the atmosphere.

“Hello, brother,” one of the workers says in Mermish, the merfolk language—not to be confused with Aquan, the language of the royal merfamily and ancient water folks.

His name is Conway. He’s one of the brothers and spends enough time at the clubhouse for me to know him by name and face. From what I’ve seen, he has a thing for one of the water fairies. I give him a nod as I continue to head into the warehouse.

Despite the rumors and myths, merfolk aren’t weakened when on land. They’re magical beings. Their magic is always at work. When outside of water, their magic pulls from the moisture of the atmosphere. There’s always moisture in the air.

Sometimes more than others. You’re just not likely to find them in Vegas, Arizona, or any type of desert. As long as they can pull from that moisture, they can survive just fine on land.

However, we thought it wiser to protect their species by starting the myth centuries ago that they need to be in water, or they become weak and can die.

Amadeus is one of the oldest of his kind. I’ve known his father before him and a long line of fathers before him. They all come from noble blood, direct descendants of Kenji, one of my most trusted friends—not a merman, but born of their blood.

His mother was the daughter of the original merking, back when merfolk were known as sirens or water nymphs. His father was a shapeshifting trickster with the gift of alchemy.

That’s what makes Amadeus the perfect captain for his people. He’s the first in several generations to display the talents of Kenji and his parentage. In addition, he and his fathers before him have been loyal for as long as we’ve had ties with them.

I step into the main office of the warehouse as Amadeus steps from his office while speaking with one of the young mermaids. Kai is his assistant and one of the fiercest warriors among his people.

“Ah, Ardan. It’s good to see you,” Kai says.

“Always a pleasure, baby girl. You staying out of trouble.”

She gives me a mischievous smile. “I’m trying.”

I give a laugh and shake my head. Kai can be a handful. Amadeus and I have had to get her out of trouble on more occasions than I care to count.

“What brings you here, brother?” Amadeus asks, interrupting our exchange.

I turn my gaze to him. He takes after his ancestor Kenji with his white hair and monolid eyes. Over the millennia, Kenji and his family settled in what is now known as Japan. They have since taken on the features of the humans in that region.

His broad upper build fills his Iron Brothers cut well. His lower body tapers in as his natural form would, with his fin visible. His aura is greater because of his heritage and the manifestation of his inherited gifts.

I’ve only known six of Kenji’s descendants who have shown signs of inheriting his gift. Five of whom he has chosen to lock those gifts within. I completely understand why—that type of power can be dangerous—and that’s only one reason for his decision.

“He comes to see me. You know this,” Kai teases.

“Mind your mouth, Kai. This is the king you are speaking of,” he bites out. “Why don’t you go wait in my office?”

I can’t help the scoff that leaves my lips. He is very protective over Kai, not that I’m interested in the young girl. I have enough years on her to be the start of her lineage. Gorgeous girl and exquisite when in her mermaid form, but not my type.

“I’m here on business. Need to collect a shipment for Ricci and run it through the tunnels for his guys to collect,” I say, turning my full attention to him.

“That container just came in. I’ll have a few guys load it up and take it down to the tunnel for you. Do you need a driver?”

“No, I’ll handle this one myself.”

I can use my magic to drive the truck while I ride my bike. We hate involving others in Ricci’s business when we don’t need to. This is a simple drop. There’s no need to involve anyone else.

Besides, I want to make this quick so I can head to my apartment. I’ve been feeling restless, like that’s where I need to be. My mind goes to my neighbor.

I would love to talk to her again. There’s always been something familiar about her. The other night was the most we’ve ever spoken to each other. Her voice was like warm honey, and she smelled as good as she looked.

If only …

“Ardan?” Amadeus calls my name, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Sorry, brother, what was that?”

“I have been summoned by Kenji. I leave within the next few weeks. I wanted to let you know Kai and Ocean will take over things here for me,” he repeats.

I nod. “I will keep an eye on things here as well. You never take time away. Try to enjoy this, brother. Time with Kenji is always an experience.”

“I will try.” He gives a bow and turns to handle the business I’ve come for. Amadeus has never been one for many words. This is why we work well together.

I glance at my wristwatch. If I’m quick, I can catch my little neighbor before she leaves for her shift. A frown comes to my face.

I shouldn’t know her schedule as well as I do. Perhaps it’s time I start going to the apartment less and not more. Who the fuck am I kidding? I look forward to my sightings of the pretty human.