Marked by the Sea (Monsters’ Mates #1)

Chapter 2

Amora

I’d been unable to enjoy the palm trees and island music playing as we checked in. For the first couple of days, I was still freaking out. The waves crashed in the distance, and even though I turned from it, it didn’t assuage the knowledge that I was surrounded by water. Kicking myself, I wondered if putting up more of a fight would have made them relent and left me back home.

My eyes stayed trained on the waters beyond the open double doors that led out to the beach. I had big plans to hide until we left, but my parents refused to let me hide in peace. There were signs everywhere for sea creatures, and I thought it was funny. For a moment, my gaze darted over the cluster of people who tanned on the beach and played in the water.

My parents had been after me to venture out and put my toes in the water, but I’d barely made it near the shore. I hadn’t missed the determined gleam in my mother’s eyes. That only meant one thing for me—trouble. Whenever she concocted a plan, she would stop at nothing. I wouldn’t be surprised if she dragged me down the beach and pushed me into the water.

A shiver ran down my spine at the thought. The door flew open, and I jumped three feet into the air. My mother stood in the doorway, her hand on her hip, and her brown hair up in a bun. My father stood behind her, his blue eyes downcast, and I knew shit was officially hitting the fan. Whatever she had planned, it was happening now. And there would be no escaping.

“Amora.”

“Mother.”

She stormed in with a purposeful stride, and my father followed, close on her tail. This was it. I watched as she stood in front of the doors. The two of them blocked my view of the beach.

“We’re going sailing today. Let’s go.” My mother was throwing orders now. Weren’t we here so they could spend time together? This obsession with my fear was getting out of hand.

“Like hell we are,” I laughed.

“Watch it, young lady.” My father was finally taking a stand. Against me. But I wasn’t a child anymore, even if I felt like it.

“Why are you doing this?”

He huffed; his chest dropped as he stared at me.

“Don’t look at him. He won’t help you. This was my idea. I’ve had enough of your skulking around. We’re on a beautiful vacation, and we can’t do anything because of your refusal to go anywhere near the water!”

“Gee, I’m so sorry my fear is getting in the way of you having fun,” I snorted.

“You will not speak to your mother like that,” my father snapped.

My eyes filled with water. His words were a betrayal. I can’t, and I quote, disrespect her, but she can play with me and my fear to her heart’s content.

“I’m not skulking around. I’m relaxing, and I haven’t been cooped up in my room. I go out! I’m not the one who told you to drag me along on this trip! Stop pushing me!”

I was yelling, and a few heads turned toward my room. I was angry, and the gates I’d held closed finally broke. I was legally an adult now and didn’t have to put up with their shit. My chest squeezed, and my throat tightened at just the thought of going near the sea.

“While you live under my roof, eat my food, and spend my money, you will do as I say. Babe, grab her.”

My father advanced forward at her order, and I shifted back on the couch, pure panic bubbling up as I shook my head.

“If you would get up, I wouldn’t have to drag you out of here,” my father said.

“Daddy, please,” I whispered.

His steps faltered, but when he looked at my mother and saw the resolve there, he turned back to me. The care I’d seen there fleeting, already replaced by determination. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I realized I had no choice. There was no way I would get out of this.

“Don’t make this any harder than it needs to be.” Biting into the inside of my cheeks, I pushed off the couch. I had two choices: get up myself or wait for him to carry me. At least this way, I could make a run for it.

“Amora.” My mother’s voice was a low warning.

My fingers trembled as I walked past my father and out onto the deck. When the wood gave to sand, my steps faltered, and I came to a stop. This was my chance. My gaze darted as I tried to find somewhere to hide. An arm looped with mine. I could brush her off, but as my father stepped up behind me, I knew I wouldn’t get away. I looked at my mother; she smiled, but her eyes were firm.

“The boat is ours,” she sang happily.

As if I cared. She pointed, and I couldn’t help but look. A black sailing boat near the boat launch loomed closer than I would have liked. She led me toward it, but when we got to the boat launch, I couldn’t bring myself to take another step. No matter how hard I tried, my feet wouldn’t budge. My father gripped my shoulder and lifted me up bridal style. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and held on for dear life.

I squeezed my eyes shut as my mother spoke to the captain. Being taken by the Handlers didn’t sound so bad now. He gripped me tight, and when he jumped, my stomach churned. When we dropped, we swayed. My lungs squeezed, limiting my air intake. I screamed, repelling all the oxygen. Although my eyes were closed, I was surrounded by the deep blue.

“Put her down,” my mother’s cold voice demanded. I clawed at my father as he attempted to lower me.

“No, no, no,” I pleaded.

“We’re already on the boat,” my mother sighed, as if I were inconveniencing her.

“Put your two feet on the ground and know that you aren’t in the water,” my father said encouragingly. He lowered me and put my hand on the wall. I kept my eyes shut as I repeated his words like a mantra.

Not in the water.

Not in the water.

Not in the water.

Not in the water.

Not in the water.

And then we were moving.