The Mark of the Phoenix
The Triplet Mermen Trilogy
http://www.bookstrand.com/book/the-mark-of-the-phoenix
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AVAILABLE: Wednesday, May 9th
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Contemporary Fantasy Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifter, mermen, HEA]
Edwin Barrett is a phoenix shifter who protects other supernatural beings. A siren comes on land to lure men and women to their deaths. Believing Baltic Pelagius to be that siren, he attempts to annihilate him. He's thwarted by Drake Pelagius and Caspian Pelagius. The Pelagius brothers are identical triplets, but he only has eyes for Drake, who convinces him of Baltic's innocence. They work together to find the siren responsible for those deaths and investigate the reason for several merpeople missing from the pacific ocean.
Drake doesn't expect the strength of his attraction toward Edwin. Agreeing to date Edwin is wonderful. Getting mated to Edwin is even better. As a merman, mating is meant to last for an eternity. His life is supposed to be peaceful and calm, but neither he nor Edwin can rest until their duties are done. Multiple dangers lurk just around the corner.
Will they ever acquire the happy ending they yearn for?
Excerpt
STORY EXCERPT
A few seconds later, the petals disappeared. The next thing he noticed was the bright sky and a sea of colorful flowers sprouting high and alive in a wide field.
Edwin slung one arm around his shoulders. “It’s a maze.”
“Yeah. I can see that, too. How are we—” Drake gasped. “Is that…”
He was flabbergasted at the sight of a silver chariot with intricate designs of various sea creatures all over it, but he was even more astonished by the lone unicorn that was pulling the vehicle.
“Go on, sweetheart. The unicorn will welcome you. You’re both pure and clean.”
He turned toward Edwin. “What about you?”
“I can’t. Unicorns won’t have anything to do with non-virgins.” Then, Edwin smirked. “You can have a short moment with that one-horned horse. I promise I won’t be jealous. Much.”
Drake chortled. “You’re acting silly, but you’re also sweet and amazing. Thank you.”
Edwin nodded. “You’re welcome. Now, go ahead before I change my mind.”
Drake threw his boyfriend one more delighted smile before stepping closer to the unicorn. He stopped about three feet away from the majestic creature and gazed into the unicorn’s eyes before bowing his upper body. When he straightened up, he was elated that the unicorn accepted him by closing in and bumping against his cheek gently with its horn. He rubbed the unicorn’s horn before kissing its muzzle with his nose. He caressed the unicorn’s forehead and poll before moving lower to its crest, withers, and back. Then, he embraced the unicorn for a minute or so before relinquishing his hold and bowing for the second time to thank the magnificent creature for indulging him. After that, he made his way back to Edwin.
“That was awesome. What’s next?”
Edwin reached for his right hand and led him to the chariot, keeping a wide berth away from the unicorn. “The unicorn will bring us to our destination.”
Drake knew of his beauty even though he wasn’t narcissistic about it. He remembered being teased by his friends, some of the other merpeople in the sea, about how pretty he was. They even called him “princess” just to get a rise out of him. That was the reason why he loathed most of those stupid fairy tales that the humans were obsessed over. However, he didn’t mind Edwin treating him like the most precious treasure in the world. His boyfriend held his hand to steady him as he climbed onto the chariot before getting up himself.
Once the two of them were safely seated inside the chariot, Drake peeked out through the glass window. “I don’t know where we are, but this place is incredible.”
“This is a whole other dimension. Rose is a fairy. She specializes in creating custom dates for lovers.”
“Awesome.”
Drake watched in amazement as the chariot rushed through the maze of beautiful flowers. The trip lasted for a while, but it felt too short for him. He was enjoying himself so much he wished it could go on forever.
“We’re here, sweetheart.”
He waited for Edwin to alight before stepping down himself. It was a small meadow with several kinds of roses growing all around it. The sky wasn’t as bright as before, but there was enough light. Then, he gasped. There were floating fairy lights all over. A small table was set in the center of the meadow. There was some food on the table along with a chilled bottle of wine. He was touched that Edwin went to such an extent to impress him. However, he was even more astonished when Edwin poured some of the wine into his glass after they were seated across from each other. The bubbles and blue liquid were familiar. He felt the tears welling up in his eyes.
“Is this…” He trailed off. This wine must have cost a fortune. “Wow…”
He observed as Edwin rubbed the back of his head in the most adorable manner. “Rose promised to get us a bottle of the most exquisite Deep Sea Wine. I hope you’ll like it.”
Drake couldn’t speak. The tears were threatening to flow down his cheeks. Instead, he raised his wine glass and waited for Edwin to do the same before sipping on the wine. The burst of rich flavors assaulted his senses. It was sweet and intoxicating, but it was also simultaneously a little salty and sour. There was a smokiness to it that reminded him of home.
“This…this wine is beyond compare.”
“So are you, sweetheart.”
Drake blushed and chuckled at the same time. “Slick.”
“Simply stating the fact.”
He laughed. “Stop it. I’m all warm and embarrassed now.”
“I can never compliment you enough. You’ll never understand how lucky I felt when you agreed to go out with me that first time around.”
He glanced down at his wine glass on the table. “Yeah?”
Edwin nodded. “The more I get to know you, the more I like you.”
Drake cleared his throat before glancing toward Edwin. “I…I feel the same way about you.”
Edwin beamed in an obvious excitement. “Fantastic. I’m glad I’m not the only one.”
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