The man was even more delicious up close. Reef was glad his initial impression hadn’t been wrong. Digger was alpha on this ship—that much was obvious. He was tall and broad with pale blue eyes, brown, closely cropped hair, and a shadow on his chin and jaw. Reef wondered what those bristles would feel like. For himself, he didn’t grow facial hair, one quirk of being the kind of shifter he was.
Digger had a hard face, one tanned by the sun with some lines that spoke of years lived. In the right light, Reef noticed a few gray hairs. How old was he? Not that it really mattered. Reef was attracted and fine with it. Honestly, the shame that humans felt when desiring another, and the internal battles they seemed to fight, were utterly ridiculous. Animals were driven by instinct, by primal urges: hunger, sex, survival. Humans seemed to always be trying to separate themselves from those urges, which was why, in Reef’s opinion, most of them were crazy.
But he found himself liking the crew. And now that his transition was fully complete, he was better oriented to life above the water and could start formulating a plan. Shifting from having gills and fins to having lungs and legs wasn’t very pleasant. Since he was still young, it took only a few minutes to readjust to the environment. But as he grew older, it would become steadily harder, and then he’d have to choose: a life in the sea or a life on land. His father had chosen land. His mother had chosen the sea.
Reef shook himself. He had a few decades before such a decision was needed.
“Are you sure you’re not hungry?” Jewel asked, pushing a plate toward him.
The smell of cooked fish perked his interest, and he slid the plate closer.
“Thank you.”
Jewel smiled happily. She had a nice smile, and her skin was beautiful: a dark brown that made her light brown eyes stand out. The woman called Angie and the man called Hook still looked at him suspiciously. Let them be suspicious. He wouldn’t be here long enough for them to formulate a reason for his appearance. They’d never guess the truth. Humans had long forgotten that their legends and myths were based on truth. Now science was their god. Poseidon would weep in anger if he could see how far the humans had fallen. At least that was what his mother always said.
Reef regarded them without fear. It should be a few days before he really started to feel the effects of being in this form, namely, the emotions that came with it. As a shark he could stay relatively emotionless and remain even in his temperament. But the more time he spent on land, the more susceptible he’d become to those chaotic passions of humans. A few years ago, he’d enjoyed the uneven waves, but now he found them annoying and distracting.
Biting into the fish, he glanced at Digger, who sat at the other end of the table, considering him out of flat eyes. Reef wasn’t at all discouraged by the blank expression. He’d felt Digger’s need since he retained most of his shark’s extra senses, albeit in a dimmer form, on land. The man was in deep need, and there was a dark hunger in him that nearly had Reef drooling. He was sure he could remain disconnected from human clinginess long enough to have some fun with the captain, then make his way back to the sea. He liked his life uncomplicated, which was why guarding the scrolls was an imposition.
If he was lucky, he’d manage to accomplish two things on his mission: recapturing the scroll and unleashing the beast he sensed inside Digger. His cock hardened at the mere thought. He tried to be discreet as he tugged at the borrowed jeans that encased his groin in an unpleasant fashion. He and Kevin were of similar body types, though Kevin was taller. The cuffs and sleeves were rolled several times but the rest fit well enough.
It was unfortunate that they cooked the fish. It lost much of its taste when they set it to fire, but Reef still finished everything on the plate, even if some of it was green. He didn’t like green stuff.
As soon as he pushed the plate away, Digger stood.
“Let’s call it a day, people. We have business to attend to tomorrow.”
Digger sent him a look, and Reef read it clearly: And you have some questions to answer.
Reef smiled a little, unconcerned.
Digger frowned. “The couch is comfortable enough, Reef. I’ll get some fresh blankets for you.”
“Thank you.”
Everyone said goodnight and separated to their own cabins. But Digger pull Hook aside and speak quietly to him. The way Hook nodded and glanced at him made Reef realize he’d be watched all night. Not obviously, but Hook would stay awake. Seemed Captain Digger was suspicious as well. That was okay; it meant the man wasn’t a moron. But it did put a crimp in Reef’s plan. He’d hoped to look around for the scroll while everyone was asleep. Maybe tomorrow night. He didn’t dare stay any longer than that.
That would also give him time to seduce the alpha.
Digger approached him with a few folded blankets and Reef took them, making sure his fingers slid across the back of Digger’s hands. He smiled, his gaze lingering over Digger’s chest before lowering suggestively, then lifting it again to meet Digger’s eyes. Digger’s face was blank, but he couldn’t control his scent of arousal or the way his pupils dilated. Reef widened his smile with invitation.
“Thank you for the blankets,” he said, making sure his voice stayed low.
Digger cleared his throat. “You’re welcome.” Then he turned and left. Reef wasn’t discouraged but he was a bit disappointed. Well, maybe tomorrow night Digger would take watch instead of Hook, and they could have themselves some fun.
Sighing, Reef curled up on the couch—which was surprisingly comfortable—and closed his eyes, enjoying the rocking of the ship.
Reef was going to make Digger burst his jeans. Never had he met someone so blatant in his desire and his pursuit. There was no question Reef desired him. But why? Digger looked in the mirror and all he saw was an old man of forty-one hardened by war and death. What would a smooth-faced twentysomething want him for? And should he see it as a miracle?
Digger regarded his bare chest in the mirror. The few faded tattoos couldn’t wholly cover the scars that slashed and dotted the skin—a bullet hole here, a knife slice there. There were more along his torso, his back, across his arms, even a few on his legs. What would Reef think when he saw them?
When, old man? You’re already thinking of when?
Digger scowled. Damn right when. Hell, if Reef was so determined and willing, what reason did Digger have to resist? It wouldn’t be an offer that came twice.
The mystery Reef presented made the entire predicament even more arousing. And that hair… those eyes… like a shark’s eyes. It wasn’t the first time he’d thought as much. Digger remembered the shark he’d encountered and the intelligent look in its dead eyes.
Shaking his head, Digger pulled on a shirt and rolled into bed. Right. That slender, naked man often spent his days swimming around as a shark. You’re going senile, old fool.
Folding his arms under his head, Digger regarded the planks above him and listened to the lap of the water against the hull. For some reason he was reminded of that poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the one about the Ancient Mariner. Last Christmas his entire crew had gifted him a handmade compiled collection of poems and literature that dealt with the sea. He’d read through it many times and one of his favorites had been the one by Coleridge. Digger snorted at his own whimsy. Reef was certainly no blessed Albatross, and yet his unexpected arrival and unusual appearance were hard to ignore. On impulse he grabbed the collection from his trunk and flipped through until he found the poem.
The entire crew had died after the Ancient Mariner had killed the Albatross, except for the Ancient Mariner himself, who was then cursed to wander around and tell his shameful tale to strangers. Well, Digger was certainly not going to kill the beautiful Reef, that was for damn sure. He’d had enough of killing. For several lifetimes. He set the book on the table beside his bed and lay down again. He closed his eyes. The Sea Hag’s gentle rocking calmed him, and he hoped things would be clearer in the morning.
Reef vaguely felt the pulse of the scroll coming from Digger’s cabin when he passed it to use the bathroom—or did sailors call it the head? Relief quickly gave way to indecision. He hated indecision. Now that he knew where it was, he could easily grab it and make a quick getaway. But that would only accomplish one purpose of his being here. He wanted Digger. The captain had haunted his dreams the entire night, and now Reef was close to simply jumping in the man’s arms and taking him down. But that wouldn’t do, not at all.
Blowing out a breath, Reef pushed his hair away from his face and slowly zipped up his pants. This form was still a bit awkward, and it would take a little longer to remember all the rules of looking like a human. Society and its mannerisms always puzzled Reef since, as a shark, he simply took what he wanted. He fought for territory, food, and mating rights, and the rest of the time he stayed away from other sharks, except for his clan. Simple. But humans… they lived on top of one another, always in each other’s space, territory, always stealing or sharing food, or mates, or whatever else their greedy hearts desired. They had society, politics, deception, love, betrayal, war, famine, and so many more motivations and chaotic passions. Living among humans was complicated.
But the sea… the sea was simple. It always came down to survival. That he could understand.
Walking down the corridor, he stopped short when Digger’s cabin door opened. The man himself stepped out and jerked in surprise upon seeing Reef.
Reef made sure to smile. “Good morning, Captain.”
Digger cleared his throat. “Good morning, Reef. You slept well?”
“Very well. I suppose you want answers now as to why you found me floating naked?”
Reef wanted to remind Digger that they had found him naked. He hoped the man got a look at him. The fact that Digger cleared his throat again reassured Reef that his efforts weren’t in vain.
“Let’s have some breakfast first.” Like a gentleman, Digger gestured for Reef to walk ahead of him. Reef did, hoping the movement of his hips attracted Digger’s attention. Digger might act like a gentleman but Reef sensed the beast inside. What would it take to unleash it?
The others gathered quickly and they ate a light breakfast of fruit and toast. Reef wanted some meat but he toughened up and said nothing.
“Are you fishermen?” Reef asked.
Angie snorted. It was Jewel who answered him.
“You could call us treasure hunters.”
“Really? What sort of treasures? Like shipwrecks?”
“Yes, actually—”
“All right, boy,” Hook interrupted, glaring at him. “Time for you to answer some of our questions.”
Jewel threw him a look. “There’s no need to be rude, Hook.”
“Try being practical,” Hook said. “We know nothing about this boy except for his name, and you’re revealing all our secrets.”
“Secrets? What secrets, Mr. Paranoid?”
“Enough,” Digger said with quiet authority. Both Hook and Jewel glanced at him before throwing each other fuming looks, then looking away. Reef noticed that Felipe and Kevin stayed silent, focusing on their food. Angie leaned against the wall in a corner watching them all with a smirk.
It thrilled him to see the ease of Digger’s command. Those steady blue eyes regarded everyone at the table, and Reef needed to adjust his jeans again.
Then Digger settled his gaze on Reef and his expression softened a little. “If you would, please tell us how you ended up in the water.”
Gaining everyone’s undivided attention was a little nerve-racking but Reef pushed past it.
“I wasn’t as good a sailor as I thought.” Reef believed he managed the self-deprecating grimace well. “I bet my friends I could sail around North and South America by myself. But I sailed too far away from shore and got caught by rough waters. Down went my ship, and I managed to float on some wood planks before I lost my grip on them. I figured I was close enough to land that the tide would take me in. Then you found me.”
It was as good a story as any.
Hook sat back with a snort of derision that Angie echoed. Jewel looked sympathetic while Felipe and Kevin appeared to be upset for the fictional boat that the merciless sea had torn to pieces. But it was to Digger that Reef directed his attention. Whether the man believed his story or not, Reef couldn’t tell, but Digger nodded and that seemed to settle the matter.
“All right, everyone, we got work to do. Get to it. We dive in an hour.”
The table was cleared efficiently and soon everyone was out on the deck except for Digger and Reef. Reef’s heart drummed a little faster in excitement, even though he doubted Digger would make a move with his crew still within earshot. Digger leaned his elbows on the table.
“You should feel lucky we found you when we did,” Digger said. “These are shark waters, and I came across a great white just yesterday.”
Reef widened his eyes. “You did? Yikes. I am grateful to all of you. I really am.”
Digger nodded. “We’ve got a job here, Reef. It might take us a few days, since I’d rather not leave a hot spot until I’ve got all I can get from her. Then I’d be happy to take you ashore. Can you hold out for a few days?”
Reef smiled. He could hold out for far longer if his prize was to know what that big body felt like pressed against him.
“I can. I like your ship and your crew. And I like you.”
Digger tilted his head slightly. “You do, don’t you?”
Reef’s smile deepened.
Digger snorted. “I’m old enough to be your father, Reef.”
Reef’s eyebrows rose. “Your point?”
Digger laughed. It was husky and almost sounded rusty, as if he didn’t laugh often. Reef grinned, pleased with himself.
Digger stood. “You’re something else. Come on.”
Reef walked over to Digger and cautiously took his hand. Digger looked surprised but then a pleased smile broke over his hard face. His hand was callused, and Reef could only too well imagine the feel of it gliding over his skin. He barely suppressed a shiver as he tilted his face up, invitation clear.
Digger looked down at him and there was heat in those pale eyes.
“Hey, Sarge, you coming?”
Hook’s voice fractured the spell and Reef nearly cursed. But then Digger squeezed his hand briefly before letting go and walking up to the deck. Reef watched him, disappointment churning. He waited until Digger was out of sight before turning his head to look down the corridor. He could still faintly feel the scroll’s pulse. It was right there. He only had to take it, slip it into his sweater or even under his arm, then….
Reef flexed his hand, feeling the phantom touch of Digger’s calluses. There wasn’t any rush. These treasure hunters had no idea the weapon they held, so what was one more day? One more night? He’d tossed the other scroll far from the reef and watched it sink into the dark depths of the ocean. Now he needed to repeat the process with this scroll. In fact, if he timed it right, he could grab the scroll, toss it away, then come back and have a little more fun with Digger. He wasn’t sure if humans could feel the energy pulse the way he could, but so what if they found it missing? Even if they did try to blame him, what proof did they have? What motive? Why grab a valuable object and toss it overboard? To their minds it wouldn’t make sense.
Reef would hold that plan in reserve. He needed to find out if Digger was worth returning to.
Turning away from the pulsing, Reef climbed up to the deck.
Reef was his shadow and Digger didn’t mind one bit. He knelt to check the oxygen tanks, and Reef crouched beside him, a rather serene expression on his face, a half-smile with odd, patient eyes. Every time their gazes met, Reef’s smile would turn suggestive, his sharp face elegant in a severe way. Damn if he didn’t look like a shark, but far prettier.
“I know it’s silly,” Digger said. “But when we spotted you with our light, I thought of those selkie legends from Ireland and the UK.”
Reef raised his brow and chuckled. “A selkie?”
“Yeah. A magical seal creature that can shed its skin and take human form.”
“I know what a selkie is. I’m familiar with all sea-related folklore and myth.”
“Are you, now? Well then, maybe you’re a mermaid.”
Reef snorted out a laugh. “Do I look like a bare-chested woman?”
Digger laughed and let his gaze wander over Reef’s spare body. His groin stirred and he quickly looked away. He cleared his throat.
“Well?” Reef whispered and leaned closer. “Do I?”
Digger glanced at him again. “No.”
Reef flirted with him with those haunting eyes. “Perhaps I’m an Oceanid or a Nereid. Except they’re always female. Guess sailors of old didn’t want to see sexy magical men.”
“I’m sure many sailors did. But their stories never got told.”
“Or Greeks were huge misogynists, and they thought the ocean was as capricious as a woman. Never mind that men are the violent ones.”
Digger chuckled before letting out a sigh and standing. Reef stood as well. Digger eyed Angie.
“Don’t be too quick to dismiss the violence of women.”
Reef followed his gaze and smirked. “Oh, I don’t. I’m scared spitless of my mother.”
Digger turned to him. “Your mother? Won’t she be worried about you?”
Reef shrugged. “We’re not close. We are an… independent family.”
“Huh.”
“And you?”
Digger shook his head. “My family is here, on this boat.”
Reef smiled.
“What’s an Oceanid or a Nereid?”
Reef chuckled. “Water nymphs. They frequently drowned the foolish mortals who fell in love with them.”
“Always men, I take it?”
“As I said, misogynists.”
“Well, then I really hope you’re not one of those nymphs. I figure I’ll die by drowning one day but hopefully not too soon.”
Reef pressed against his side and tilted his head back to gaze at Digger’s face. “For one thing, I’m certainly no woman, sprite or mortal, as you’ve clearly seen.”
Heat rose to Digger’s face even as it pooled in his balls. The lack of embarrassment or shame in Reef’s expression was refreshing. Nudity didn’t appear to bother Reef in the least.
“And for another thing, you’d have to fall in love with me. You don’t seem the type of man to fall in love easily.”
Digger met and held Reef’s gaze. He was forced to question his own sensibilities as he considered this strange man at his side. Reef smelled of the ocean, clean and cool, yet dangerous, and the thought that he should proceed with caution flashed in his mind. He had hidden depths, and Digger suspected unseen wonders only a lucky few got to glimpse. And Reef wanted to share those wonders with him.
“No,” he said softly.
Reef squeezed his arm before stepping away. Digger shivered, unaware until that moment that Reef had been so warm against him.
The hour past swiftly and when Digger sat on the rail of the boat, about to fall backward into the water, he’d made his decision. He was going to have that young man and indulge himself as much as he could. Who knew when another opportunity would present itself? If one would? It had been years since he’d touched and been touched. He wasn’t aware of how much he’d missed it until Reef flirted with him.
He knew his crew noticed the attention but they didn’t say anything. Not yet, anyway. He’d never kept his desire for men hidden but neither did he proclaim it to the sky. He couldn’t understand those people who wanted everyone to know who they wanted to fuck and then demanded respect for it. He supposed he was old-fashioned that way: what happened in the bedroom should stay in the bedroom. It was no one else’s business.
As Digger continued to consider Reef, he realized why the man seemed odd, besides his eyes and hair: there was a stillness to him that belied his age. What twentysomething was that still, that observant? Digger got the feeling that nothing escaped those dark eyes. He stood so quietly, so steadily on the rocking boat, and there were times when he tilted his head that he looked almost… alien.
Shaking himself, Digger turned his attention to Jewel and Kevin when they sat next to him. With a nod to Hook, Digger pushed off and fell into the water along with his team.
Reef longed to swim and stared at the ocean with yearning. But he managed to turn his back to her and looked at Felipe, who was wrapping rope around his palm and elbow, his bare arms glistening in the sun. Hook had retired to the cabin with Angie. Reef wondered if they were mates.
It wouldn’t be too difficult to slip past Felipe and sneak into Digger’s room. He could grab the scroll and… no, he’d wait. But he might as well fill the time.
“Felipe, why does Hook call the captain ‘Sarge’?”
The bronze man smiled. “Cause Digger used to be a sergeant in the war.”
“War?”
Felipe raised an eyebrow, pausing in his rope twining. “Yeah, you know. The war in Vietnam?”
“Right. Of course.” Reef remembered vaguely hearing about it on his occasional trips to land but couldn’t even find Vietnam on a map.
“How long?”
“From the beginning of it.”
Reef blinked in shock. “How long did that war last, again?”
“Too long,” Felipe murmured and continued to twine the rope.
A soldier, then. A warrior. That made sense and explained the control, the authority, and the hard look of Digger.
“Is Digger his birth name?”
Felipe laughed. “Are you kidding? What mother would name her son Digger?”
Reef shrugged.
“Why do you want to know?”
Reef tried to appear casually interested. “Just passing the time, Felipe. And your captain is an interesting man.”
Felipe stared at him a moment longer with narrowed eyes but then shrugged. After setting the rope aside he walked around the deck, cleaning up.
“He got that name in the war for how many graves he caused to be dug.”
Reef tilted his head. A successful warrior, then. But had he liked the brutality of war or had he mourned it? Humans were strange about such things, as he understood it. They were torn over the question of war: they wanted victory and to dominate their opponents, yet they became queasy at the bloodshed. They jeered their soldiers who waded through the blood yet scorned them if they didn’t protect what they called freedom. Soldiers themselves were conflicted, it seemed: some relished the brutality, others lost their minds, still others became so numb they often ended their lives as soon as the war was over. He remembered hearing about the war now, on the TV before his clan was sent to guard the scroll. He’d watched the footage and his thoughts hadn’t changed: humans were chaos. They were prey trying to be predators without knowing the meaning of the word.
But what of Digger?
Felipe’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Hey, Reef, want to help me over here?”
“I’m coming.”