Rigged | Reverse Harem

Sweet Riley Harper, keeper of half of the hearts in their sleepy hometown, had a sickness in them. There was salt running through their veins rather than blood. They had their whole life picked out and ready, their mother made sure of that. After all, Riley had their pick of the small beach-side town they grew up in. Every boy in town dreamed of Riley, but all Riley dreamed about the sea. Of crushing depths and frigid waters, currents that could sweep them away without a second thought and waves with enough force to drown them.

They would die down there . Ever since they were a child, Riley knew they were meant to be swallowed by the sea. It was a delirium, almost, the hours spent surfing, swimming, diving, spending more time under the water than they ever did on land.

Really, Riley thought, mom should have seen it coming.

Working as an offshore welder on an oil rig was not the average job for a pretty little thing like Riley Harper. It was one that made them happy, though. Their own little slice of heaven, one where they could oh so easily fall off the edge and-

It was perfect, all until they found the most beautiful ring on one of their dives and five creatures straight out of myths started circling their rig.

Mermaids. Bonds. Mates.

None of it made sense.

Cover by Figqss