Star Blessed

Heated Moments

MERIBELLA

The rest of the day was calm, and Meribella didn't know if the quiet helped or hurt. Without drama to occupy her time, she was finding it hard to keep her mind from dwelling on her problems. Specifically one well-muscled, cocky, irritating, kind, handsome as sin, werewolf. Even being surrounded by the lapping waves and aroma of the salty sea didn't help with the stray fantasies that crept beyond her worries.

"Get it together woman," she snapped, pulling on her wetsuit and telling Thorne she'd be home later.

"You're going to swim today? They're still calling for storms this evening."

She waved away Thorne's comments. "I'll keep any eye out. I won't be out after dark."

Outside, the humidity pressed against her skin, and the ground was slick from misting rain. Water dripped and splatted against the sidewalk, a steady percussion interrupting the eerie silence. Her walk was uneventful, most people choosing to stay inside where it was dry, and she found herself missing the friendly greetings and chatter.

Camden was becoming home, much more than any place she'd stayed with her Mam and mother. Turning down the small path to her favorite beach, the fog broke around a tall figure, startling her, but only for a moment. The blue eyes burning through the mist settled her pulse, and she rushed into his arms with a girlish giggle.

"Well, hello. What did I do to deserve this greeting?" Raff asked, dropping a chaste kiss against her lips, the quick peck leaving her wanting, but he stepped back before she could ensnare him.

Suddenly shy, she shrugged. "Guess you caught me in a good moment. Or maybe I was just trying to get around you so I could get to the beach?" Waggling her brows in what she hoped was a combination of flirty and sexy, she attempted to step past him.

Raff's hand slid through hers and he tugged so that she spun around to face him. "How about we get out of this rain and grab a bite to eat?"

Spending the afternoon with him sounded heavenly but so did a dip in the ocean. "Sure, but I can meet you after my swim."

Something strange crossed his face. Fear? "Is it really safe for you to be out there today? The swells are pretty big. A storm is coming in."

"I live on a boat. I saw the waves before I headed this way. I think I can handle myself. Selkie, remember?"

"Meribella--please, just don't go to the beach today."

"Raff," she insisted, pulling her hand out of his. Irritation was building now. She was unused to having her independence impinged upon. "I will be fine."

Earlier, she'd set a leisurely pace, but now she stepped quickly, her footfalls hard against the ground, giving her emotions sound. She'd never imagined the kind of woman she'd be in a relationship, honestly, because she'd never imagined being in one, but this moment made it clear that she wouldn't handle being restricted very well. Particularly, if the man was trying to keep her from the ocean.

What were you thinking, Meribella? He's a wolf... the ocean is not going to be on the top of his favorite places. He probably prefers damp, dank woods...

A memory rose up... Never had she imagined she'd find a place in the world that would resonate with her as deeply as the ocean, but every time her foot struck the damp earth, her heart filled with tranquility.

"It's just a dream," she hissed.

"What was that?" Raff asked. He wasn't far behind her, and she wondered if it bothered her that he'd followed her.

But she didn't have time to contemplate that thought. The scene before her jerked her mind into a different territory. Bright yellow caution tape roped off the entire area. And while nothing looked out of place to her untrained eye, the coppery tang of blood was heavy and clouded her olfactory receptors. Gagging, she stumbled back, her feet snagging on the uneven ground. Raff steadied her before pulling her back to the path.