Marked by the Sea (Monsters’ Mates #1)

Chapter 18

Coral beams led to a high ceiling. Where a door should have been, there wasn’t. It just led into another room, and from what I could see, a third room. Leaning forward, I tried to look through the other archway but couldn’t see the end. The largest window I had ever seen spread from one side of the black coral wall to the other, and before it, a different-colored coral ran along the length beneath it, with—I blinked. After the shock of what I was seeing subsided, I watched as fish scuttled in and out, while others peeked their heads out, only to recede back into the safety and security of their home.

I had never seen fish—outside of the aquariums my parents forced me to go to as a child. Even then, I couldn’t get a good look. Enjoying the moment was out of the question. But here, now, I could see them up close without a glass in between. It made me think I must have hit my head again. That, or I had finally gone insane. This should have been impossible—was impossible because of my condition. Even if I believed they made “the kiss” work and brought me down here, I would have had a panic attack and died of heart failure.

“I can’t wait anymore! How’re you doing?” Rowan’s excited, yet nervous voice came from my left. I was only able to catch an inch of blue before it was swallowed up as the bed dipped. My shoulders almost kissed as two massive figures sat up—squishing me. On Rowan’s side, tentacles wrapped around my ankle, calf, and thigh. One braced my back as another slid around my neck. Purple and light pink lay out before me. Side-by-side, the size difference was notable. I knew they were bigger than me, but I couldn’t have known how much more. Glancing up, red, kind eyes bore into me.

Yep. I’ve gone crazy.

Noticing the guys were here should have been the first thing I noticed when I woke up.

To my right, a beautiful fluke gave way to obsidian scales as my eyes climbed higher, only pausing on his cock pocket for a moment before trailing up the ridges of his taut abdomen, noting where the jagged scar ended on his waist before continuing up his chest. The side of his torso pressed to my cheek as he put his weight onto his left hand just behind me. It was a feat ignoring the piercing within reach of my tongue as I lifted my gaze to his towering form, where I found dark pools matching his fin, observing me intently.

“I’m dead, aren’t I?” I rasped. A resounding slap, followed by a growl from Hexon, pulled my attention to the other two.

“If you don’t like it, then move! She can’t breathe!” Rowan exclaimed. He shoved Hexon, only making him laugh.

“No, Mora. You’re not dead,” Hexon assured me. I ignored the glint in his eyes as Rowan climbed over him. Folding my legs, I gave him room to settle down in front of me. We were two naked peas in a pod, and I wanted to laugh because, once again, my nakedness didn’t bother me. I could feel Riftan’s eyes on the side of my face, and I could feel the heat working its way up my neck. Rowan grabbed my hand and leaned forward. His kiss was feather-soft, and my lashes fluttered shut as I sighed. When I looked at him again, he was looking at me with a goofy grin. A tentacle lay across his lap and looped around to wrap around his waist. Hexon’s love language was definitely physical touch.

“You scared us back there when you passed out—”

“We thought you were dead,” Hexon interrupted. Rowan nodded solemnly as his eyes lowered.

“Oh, ye of little faith,” Riftan mused to my side.

“I could have drowned.” I hit him with my free hand. It almost felt like a chance at a new life.

“But you didn’t,” he replied smugly.

“You’re impossible, you know that? I never thought I’d say this, but yeah, I prefer this,” I gestured to the room, “to the cave.” Riftan went quiet as Rowan’s legs bounced.

“It was risky, but I knew it would work. I’m glad it did. How does it feel to be under?” I could feel Rowan’s excitement.

“It’s nerve-wracking. I have a fear of deep water. I should be freaking out, but I’m not. So it feels like I’m dreaming,” I laughed nervously. Rowan squeezed my hand.

“You’re not dreaming. You’re safe, and this is real,” he said encouragingly. I didn’t know what to say, so I nodded. I had gone from waiting for them, to almost getting assaulted, to being dragged beneath the waves.

“Did you ever see yourself down here?” One of Hexon’s tentacles pulled my cheek so that I faced him. His hooded gaze missed nothing. The other two were staring intently, and I knew I had to answer. I nibbled on the corner of my bottom lip, and the tentacle jerked against my skin.

How did he always look turned on?

“Yes. I wouldn’t say I thought of being under the sea, but I had thought of being with you all in your home. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I made myself jealous by imagining…” I took a shaky breath. “By imagining you with other women.”

I held his gaze as I avoided Riftan’s. He was the only one here with a woman. And now that I had reminded myself of that, I couldn’t help but wonder where she was at.

“She’s gone.” Riftan’s words sent a jolt through me. It was as if he could read my mind. Looking at him, my heart lifted as a glowing shark swam in through the window.

Good feeling gone.

Yanking my face out of Hexon’s grip, I did a double take. Upon confirming that there was indeed a shark swimming toward us, I screamed. There was no way I was seeing this right, but as it effortlessly glided through the water, adrenaline coursed through me. My eyes almost popped out of my head as I climbed over tentacles, chiseled chests, and muscles to avoid being shark food. Looking over my shoulder, I found her swimming in my direction, and I flailed my arms to swim like I should be able to, but didn’t even move an inch. I screamed as hopelessness washed over me. There was no escaping. Bracing myself, I waited for the inevitable.

I was going to die.

When laughter erupted, my eyes flew open. Flipping back around, I found Hexon’s head thrown back, a tentacle pressed to his forehead as his shoulders shook. Rowan’s blue eyes were nowhere to be seen as he held his waist. He swiped a tear and waved his hand in front of him.

“I’m sorry,” he wheezed.

When I turned to Riftan, I forgot how to breathe. Bright blue peeked out of crescent moons. Both corners of his mouth were pulled back, flashing me with his pearly whites. I had never seen him smile so wide—so real. He shook his head like I was a foolish child, but I couldn’t find it in me to be anything but one thing: enamored.

“I’ve never seen anyone swim—or whatever the hell that was—away from Misery as fast as you just did. What did you think she was going to do? Eat you? Unless you’re a shrimp or a small fish, you’re safe.” Riftan chuckled. Misery, the shark, rubbed up against my arm, and I swear she gave me an amused smirk before she swam up to the merman. I watched as he ran his claws down her length.

Yeah, because that’s normal.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s not every day a shark swims through my window,” I huffed. His mood was infectious, but I crossed my arms and attempted a glare to pretend I was upset.

“Oh, that was precious! Sorry, I couldn’t help but laugh. I’ve never seen something so funny! Misery, the cat shark, is Riftan’s pet,” Rowan cackled.

“Her name’s cute, but you are crazy for sleeping with a shark. It’s actually insane.” I eyeballed her as she disappeared into the reef. I was now on the edge of the bed, closest to the archway. Peeking over my shoulder, I took in all three of my guys. Rowan sat between a cluster of Hexon’s tentacles, and Riftan leaned back on his hands. I couldn’t believe this bed was big enough for all of them. Something shiny next to the coral caught my eye—the trident. Everything went silent as I stood to my feet. Tentacles slid down my body as I turned from the three-pronged spear that had held me down. Walking to the window, my gaze trailed over the reef before I looked outside.

Nothing I imagined could have prepared me for what I saw. An underwater city lay below me and stretched out as far as the eye could see. Tilting my head back, I watched as schools of fish swam above the city in the “sky.” Whales and sharks hovered outside what looked like a protective layer. My gaze dropped as I watched Riftan’s people move about their day.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered. An arm wrapped around my rib cage, and his claws gripped my side. I knew who it was without even looking.

“It’s yours,” he breathed into the top of my head.

“No, I—”

“Everything I have is yours. We didn’t start off right, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but… I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for it.” He was quiet behind me, his body tense, as if he thought I’d say no.

“You say it like I’d leave,” I teased.

“You’re right. You’ve already made your choice,” he teased.

Turning to face him, I wrapped my arms around his neck. My fingers played with the curls at his nape. His eyes sparkled like sunlight dancing on the surface of a restless lake. I squealed as his claws gripped my cheeks and he lifted me. Placing me on the window, he brought his lips to mine and kissed me like he needed it as much as I did. Our lips tangled in a heated dance. His growl sent electricity shooting down my body.

“I’ve thought of bringing you in here more times than I can count. Now that you’re here, I didn’t know what to do with myself,” he growled against my lips when we broke apart.

Rowan was by my side; his fingers brushed my hair back. I grabbed him by the back of the neck and pulled him in so our lips melded together before parting. I claimed his mouth with my tongue until tentacles slid over my arms.

“Tentacles off. I’m carrying her to bed,” Riftan mumbled.

“Wait,” Rowan interrupted.

“What is it?” I rasped.

“Is this okay? After what almost happened? We want to take care of you. Not hurt you any more than we already have.” His eyes were green now, and his scales matched.

“Yes, gods, yes, but thank you for asking. Thank you for caring. Thank you for coming for me. If you guys hadn’t shown up when you did, I would have shattered.” My voice choked on the last few words.

“If we’d known, we would have come sooner,” Rowan swore.

Riftan’s body was tense against mine. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.

Did he blame me for what happened?

Did he hold any resentment towards me for his uncle’s death?

I still needed reassurance. Two claws tipped my chin up, and I had no choice but to look into his eyes. I wasn’t expecting the sadness staring back at me.

“It wasn’t your fault. You did nothing wrong. I failed you. I let my stubbornness get in the way. If I had admitted my feelings for you, I could have kept you safe. Instead, I insisted you meant nothing, but I was wrong. And for that, you suffered. I’m sorry.”

“It’s oka—”

“No, it’s not. Hex and Row tried to tell me, but I wouldn’t listen. I didn’t think I was capable of more, and I didn’t deserve you, Gem, but I planned on doing everything I could to.” Warmth bloomed in my chest at Riftan’s promise.

Gods.

“Riftan wasn’t the only one who failed you. We all did. That’ll never happen again.” Hexon’s words caressed my heart.

“We’ll kiss every bruise, every scrape, every inch of your body, so there’s nothing left but our touch,” Rowan vowed.

“And I’ll mark every surface, so there will be no question of who you belonged to,” Hexon growled. He hovered behind my faerie.

I wanted this.

I wanted them.

Now.

“And you? How will everyone know I’m yours?” Lifting my chin, I looked into my merman’s eyes.

“Before the day’s end, you’ll wear my mate-mark on your skin. If the crown that will adorn your head isn’t enough, everyone will know you are mine when they see my mark.” Riftan’s cock pressed against my belly and ribs as it slid out of his cock pocket.

“Yes, yes, please,” I begged. Riftan lifted me, my body flushed against his. He headed toward the bed, and the others followed closely.

“I’ll make you happy, my Queen.” His words lit a flame in the pit of my belly.

“I look forward to it, but right now, I want you to fuck me.” A collection of growls filled the room, and I giggled as my face heated. Riftan lowered me gently, and I breathed raggedly as three sets of eyes stared down at me. My gaze lowered to the cocks that were hard—for me.

Clenching my thighs together, I took my time looking from one to the other. A tentacle wrapped around Hexon’s base and squeezed. Never in my life would I have thought I would end up with three men, but I was not complaining. When no one moved, I whined.

“What’s taking so long?” I glared at Riftan.

“You look good in my bed,” he growled.

“I look good in any bed,” I teased.

“You’ve never been in another man’s bed, and you never will.” My merman lowered himself, lifting my legs; he kissed up my inner thigh before placing them on his shoulders. Behind him, Rowan dropped to his knees and began licking up Hexon’s pre-cum as it leaked from his tip. Riftan’s soft lips kissed my pussy, and my hips bucked. The duo was forgotten as my merman let out a low chuckle as he glanced up at me. Seductive crystal blues watched me as he parted his lips, and his forked tongue slid out. Impatiently, I widened my legs—offering myself to him. The long, thick pinkness dragged up my exposed core, and I let out a shuttered breath.

“Yes.” The plea was a prayer. He licked me back to front, his tongue flicked my clit, and my toes curled. When he took another taste without dipping inside of me, I was done. I grabbed him by the horns and yanked him until his lips pressed to my pussy.

That’s what these are for.

“Fuck me with your tongue, or give me your cock, Riftan.” His eyes widened at my order. Then the corner of his lips curled.

“Your wish is my command.” Then his tongue speared into me, filling me the way I needed. Hexon’s eyes flickered from the faerie on his knees to my face. Tentacles cupped the back of Rowan’s head as he drove into him mercilessly. I kept my hand on his horns as Riftan moved back and forth, in and out. He made good work of eating me out. With Hexon’s filthy words about how good Rowan’s throat felt around his cock and the merman with the forked tongue so deep in my pussy, I was getting close. My thighs trembled as he hit a spot that made everything tense. His tongue sped up, tasting, claiming everything for himself.

“Yes! Oh, fuck, Riftan! Right there,” I moaned, tightening my grip on his horns as fireworks went off. He rubbed his face in my cunt as I came. My body felt boneless as he lapped up my orgasm. When I came down from the high, my body twitched with each stroke of his tongue.

“I’m going to fuck this pussy, and with my pulse on your clit, I’ll make you cum over and over again.” His words sounded like a threat. Movement behind him caught my attention. The first thing I saw was Rowan’s tight little ass. His legs wrapped around Hexon’s head, and his fingers grasped at silver hair. The kraken’s arms gripped Rowan’s thighs, and his tentacles held the faerie as he sucked his cock.

“Oh,” I moaned. My legs dropped to the bed as Riftan straightened and peered over his shoulder. His hand dipped to his front, and I watched as he tugged on his cock. His finger used his pre-cum to coat his length.

“Oh, Hex. You’re so good at that,” Rowan moaned as a tentacle teased his backside. Hexon growled, and I watched as the faerie arched his spine.

“I’m coming. Gods, I’m coming.” His hips jerked, and his cheeks tensed as he emptied himself. When he turned back to me, his face glistening with my juices, I wanted him more than ever before.

“You ready to take my cock?” His cock twitched as he drew closer.

“Yes. If you don’t give it to me now, I’m going to ride you,” I warned. My merman smirked.

“Patience, Gem. I’ll give you just what you need.” And he was a man of his word, lowering himself until he was on top of me. His tip nudged my entrance, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. One hand slid under me, and claws dug into my shoulder as he entered me.

“More, Riftan. I need more,” I begged. I needed him more than ever before. Hexon dropped Rowan beside me. His tentacles grabbed his ankles, flipping Rowan around on all fours in one fluid motion. He reached for me, and I met him, our fingers interlocking as Hexon spread his cheeks and then began filling him.

“Always so ready for me, aren’t you?” Hexon’s appreciation could not only be heard in his tone but seen in his red eyes as he stared down at Rowan. The faerie’s eyes crossed as he squeezed my hand.

Despite the size difference between me and my merman, he positioned himself so his face wasn’t far from mine. He fed me more of his cock, forcing me to turn from Hexon and Rowan. It didn’t matter how many times I took him. Every time was like the first time. His girth spread me wide until pain accompanied the pleasure. But that was only the first hurdle. My jaw fell open as he kept going until he couldn’t. Just when I thought I couldn’t take any more, he gyrated his hips, suckled on my neck, and deeper he went. My nails dug into his back, and tears filled my eyes as our hips met.

“Fuck,” I hissed from the pain and then moaned as his pulse latched onto my clit. My back arched, and my hips lifted off the ground as far as I could. Riftan kissed up my neck, my ear, and cheek as vibrations ran over my clit. My vision blurred. I opened my mouth, but no words came out as I came.

“You’re doing so well, Gem. Look how your greedy cunt squeezes me.” Riftan’s words warmed my heart as wave after wave washed over me. I clung to him as he started moving.

Oh, oh, oh.

The sounds of Hexon’s hips slapping against Rowan’s reached my ears, and I glanced at them. Tentacles held Rowan’s back down. Others held his legs still, while Hexon’s hands clenched tightly around his hips. He wasn’t holding back—feeding Rowan every single inch with each thrust.

Riftan withdrew and slammed into me, forcing my gaze back to him. His pulse sucked and vibrated as his hips pulled back, pulling out of me, only to stretch me open again. With every motion, I bounced. His claws dug into my shoulder. If he hadn’t been holding me to him, it felt like I might shatter into a million pieces. Riftan’s lust-filled eyes dropped between us to watch our coupling. His bulge slapped against my entrance, and I knew I needed his knot.

“Going to fill your belly with my seed.” His promise had me pulling him closer.

One.

Two.

Shlop .

I screamed as I took his knot. It hurt, but felt so fucking good. Stars blinded me as my orgasm built again. He bit into his lip as he pulled his knot out of me. He didn’t pull all the way out. I felt like I was going to faint as he pushed it back inside of me. It was easier that time, and I was grateful when he pushed deeper still.

“Perfect. So fucking perfect for me, Amora.” The words were a prayer on his lips.

His knot spread my insides as his tip reached new heights. Pressing my lips to his, I sucked it into my mouth. As much as I wanted this moment to last, I was powerless to stop it. Our tongues collided, and I moaned as everything clenched. I didn’t have to chase my orgasm; Riftan gave it to me.

“Riftan!” I screamed before my nails dug into his back. My merman groaned as I squeezed his cock, and Hexon growled as he spilled into Rowan.

“Almost there. Come for me again,” Riftan ordered as he picked up speed. He bit my neck; the pain was blinding, and I came. I came harder than I’d ever come before. He fucked me harder. Faster. Releasing my flesh, he dragged his tongue along my neck.

“Oh,” I moaned with each merciless slam of his hips. His pulsr refused to let me go. Sucking and sucking—lighting my body up.

“Such a good little human for me. It’s done now. You bear my mark, and soon you will wear my crown,” he growled.

One.

Two.

Three.

“Fuck,” I cursed.

“Just like that. Oh, fuck, Gem.” His knot inflated—locking me in as ropes of cum filled what little space was left inside of me. It shouldn’t have been possible, but I came. My body jerked aggressively as I milked his cock. I collapsed. My legs dropped to the bed, and my arms fell to my side. Riftan kissed my forehead, my nose, and my lips gently. He pressed his forehead to mine, took a deep breath, and moved back. Staring into my eyes, he flashed me a brief smile.

“She’s really gone?” I breathed. I didn’t want to talk about her, but I needed to be sure.

“Yes. As soon as I could, I left you in my brother’s care. She’s gone. I’m sure there will be trouble with her father, but that’s a worry for another time. You are my focus.” Riftan’s words were not only a relief, but they were comforting.

“Okay, Riftan.”

“You’re the only one for me, Gem. There’s something I need to tell you. Now that you can’t escape me, it’s as good a time as any. I know I haven’t shown it, and this has never happened to me before, but I love you. I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you, but the feeling festered. It grew and grew until it was impossible not to see it. I was just too damn stubborn to believe it. I love you.”

Beside me, Hexon had Rowan in his arms as they watched us. Happiness shone in Hexon’s eyes, and a smile played on Rowan’s lips. Tears blurred my vision and rolled down my cheeks.

“I love you, too,” Hexon and Rowan said together.

“I never expected this. I wasn’t going to be any more selfish than I already had been. You guys liked me, kept me, brought me down here, and got rid of her. I was already so lucky to have the three of you. Love? I thought I was the only one, and I told myself I’d be okay with just having you all, but now that I’ve heard those words… I knew it never would have been enough. I love you, too, Riftan. I love all of you,” I sobbed as I looked at my mates.

“Say it again,” Riftan growled.

“I love you!” I half-cried, half-laughed.

He sealed our lips together and then rolled us over, so that he was on the bottom and I on the top. I flinched as his knot pulled against my opening. It was still too large, and cum leaked down my thighs. Tentacles massaged my calves, thighs, and ass.

“I am not ready for more. I lost count of how many times I came, Hex,” I whined.

“You took him so perfectly. It’s my turn.” The kraken smirked and lifted his eyebrows suggestively.

“Where’s the rush?” Rowan teased as he shoved Hexon’s shoulder.

“We have time.”

He was right. We did.