Kelpie Boyfriend: Reece #2(special preview)

Reece grabs my hand and holds it over his heart. “I know why my Dad is acting the way he is.” He tangles his fingers in my curls. “If anything ever happened to you, I would seek vengeance against anyone who caused you harm. I would drown an ocean of men to have you returned to me.”

I loop my arms around his neck and kiss him, the taste of blood still lingering on his tongue. “Let’s go to the island, now, while it’s raining. No one should be there and they wouldn’t go when there is a storm. We can see her, we can make sure she’s ok.”

“Simone,” he whispers. “You don’t have to do this. I know you’re scared.”

I hold him tight. “I’ll be with you. I can do this.”

Reece kisses me again. “I love you. I won’t let anything happen. I swear.”

“I know,” I coo. “That’s why I’m not afraid.”

We gather our things and go to the water. Reece takes his Kelpie form and I ride his back. I shiver and hide my face as we ease into the ocean. Even more so than the lake, the ocean is my worst fear of all. I cling to Reece for dear life, shaking the entire time, and not just because of the cold. Rain beats down on us from above, so I am surrounded by water on all sides. It is my worst nightmare come true. 

Reece swims around the rock island until he finds the opening to a cave. We have to dive underwater to get inside, and by the time we surface inside the cave, I am sobbing and almost screaming from fear.

“Is that Simone?” A weak voice calls out.

“Mama!” Reece screams.

Calliope sighs. “You came.”

We swim forward and a light shines inside for the briefest moment. We see Calliope chained face forward to a massive stone. Reece swims up to her and tries to bite at the chains.

“Stop, baby, that is going to do no good.” Calliope argues weakly. 

I come down into the water, grabbing hold of her and hugging her close. “I’m so glad we found you!”

“I’m sorry you’ve been worried. I am so happy to see you safe and well.” She lifts her head as the beam from the lighthouse enters the cave again. “How is your father?” She murmurs to Reece. “Please, don’t sugar coat it, tell me the horrible truth.”

“He’s not stopped playing his violin anytime he’s awake. He’s drowned so many people. And he searches through the forest until he grows sick.” Reece presses his forehead to his mother’s. “It’s a wonder there are still people left alive.”

“I knew it,” Calliope sighs.

“How many wishes are left?” I ask urgently. “How much longer?”

Calliope takes in a deep, slow breath. “One last one,” she murmurs. “But I do not think they plan to use it anytime soon.”

“Dammit!” Reece strikes against the rock.

“The longer I am here, the more their suffering will be. So I am not worried. They will reap their true reward in the long run.” She then relaxes herself. “I am just happy to see you two. It has been so long since I’ve seen a face I didn’t want to bite off.”

“I’m so sorry, Calliope.” I rub her back.

“Do not apologize, darling,” Calliope hums. “You have no reason to feel guilt over this. Be angry with me and Rivariel. That’ll make me feel better more than anything.” She then grunts. “I smell blood.”

I look to Reece anxiously then nod. “I’m having my bleeding right now.”

“Oh, you poor thing. In the ocean, in the rain, and suffering that uterus nonsense.” She tsks her tongue then chuckles. “It’s been so long since I’ve ripped the flesh off a man.”

“Soon, Mama. I promise.” Reece whispers.