Triton's Destiny

Part Twenty-Four

Maki swam as fast as he could, chasing down the intruder with powerful strokes of his tail. He was pretty sure he could catch up and he knew he needed to. He had to intercept before anything incriminating was said or anything drastic was done. Protecting Tristan was his top priority so he shot through the water with that singular mission to drive him. He wouldn't let anyone hurt his human or take him away.

Seeing his target at last, he tucked his fins in close to gain a little speed. Then he stretched out his hand and grabbed the other triton's arm, his momentum spinning them both around in a dizzying spiral. He grabbed on with both hands and glared into a pair of stunned amber eyes. Why the hell are you spying on me?!

Hana stared at him, her chest heaving and her gills flaring as she fought to catch her breath. Maki, I wasn't! I swear–

Don't lie to me, Hanalei! I saw you!

Maki...

He shoved her away from him, crossing his arms over his chest. You have no right to intrude on my privacy!

Her surprised expression descended into a fierce scowl. Privacy?! What godsdamn privacy?! You were out in the wide open air, moaning and writhing like some...

Like what, Hana? His words were low and provocatively dangerous, even in his head. It's not wrong to feel desire and enjoy it.

Out where anyone can see you?!

His nostrils flared as he bared his teeth. Not anyone could see. Just nosy ocean dwellers who don't know better than to mind their own business.

Eyes flashing, she darted forward and shoved him back by the shoulders. Are you playing human for him, Makaio? Does he know what you are?

He lowered his head and glowered at her. He knows.

And does he know that you can't be with him?

Maki lifted his chin defiantly. I can be with him. I am with him. That's Tristan.

I know! The heavens, the underworld, and everything in between knows, with how you were screaming his name all across the harbor!

Narrowing his eyes, he leveled a hard glare at her. I'm not fucking apologizing to you. I'm the only one in charge of my life!

And you're throwing it away! You're being reckless! How the hell do you expect to stay with this human?! You're a triton, Maki!

I don't know! I haven't figured it out yet! But I'll do whatever it takes. I love him, Hana. I refuse to be without him. I need Tristan.

She threw up her hands and rolled her eyes. What you need is some fucking common sense! How the hell can you love someone–a human!–that you don't even know?!

I do know him. I know him better than most tritons. He's kind and compassionate, hardworking and creative, and nothing, nothing like the stories we've been told our whole lives. He saved me from a flock of birds on the beach. And showed me the town. And protects me every moment we're together. He'd never hurt me for any reason. And I won't let anyone hurt him either. He's my mate, Hana.

She continued to glare at him, but her expression had lost its furious edge, softening into tormented concern. Does he know you feel this way?

Not yet. Maki shook his head.

You need to tell him.

He shook his head again, more firmly this time. Not until the moment is right. I need everything with Tristan to be right.