15. Meridan
Meridan
FIFTEEN
C yreus snaps out of the post-sex haze before I do. "You're getting cold."
"I'm fine." My lips feel wooden, fingers stiffening. "Just need to move around."
"No, you're not." His grip firms, and the water around us warms as he increases his body heat. "This is exactly what happened before. I become so focused on you that I forget how vulnerable humans are to cold water."
"Somewhat enthusiastic," I say, lifting my head to look at him. His smug expression fades to worry when he spots my blue-tinged lips. "Six orgasms isn't thorough, it's excessive."
"I wanted to ensure your complete satisfaction." His tentacles guide us toward Deep Pockets. "Not at the expense of your health. We need to get you out of the water."
He lifts me onto the dive platform with gentle efficiency, then pulls himself up beside me. I'm shaking uncontrollably now, skin mottled from the cold .
"Cabin," he directs, steering me toward the door. "Dry clothes, hot shower, something warm to drink."
"You sound like rescue services," I manage through chattering teeth.
"I sound like someone who's nearly lost you to hypothermia twice. How would I feel if you died because I was too self-absorbed to monitor your physical condition?"
The raw concern in his voice cuts through my cold-induced fog. He's genuinely frightened that he's endangered me, that his alien nature makes him inherently hazardous to humans.
Twenty minutes later, I'm bundled in every available blanket, clutching steaming coffee while the boat's heater labors. Cyreus sits across from me in the confined cabin, maintaining his human form, his expression tight with concern.
"Better?" he asks, studying me closely.
"Much." The shivering has subsided, though a deep cold still lingers in my bones. "Thank you for taking care of me."
"I should have been attentive from the beginning. Twice now I've endangered you through carelessness."
"You didn't endanger me. We both got carried away." I reach for his hand. "It's something we'll need to monitor, that's all. Part of our reality."
His fingers remain cool against mine, a tangible reminder of our biological differences. "Your species isn't built for extended immersion in cold water. Mine is. I too easily forget how quickly the cold affects you. "
"Then we adapt. Set time limits, check in regularly, whatever works." I squeeze his hand. "This doesn't change anything between us. It just means we need better safeguards."
"What's on your mind?" he asks as I sip the hot tea.
"How surreal this feels. Yesterday I was a single salvage diver with a failing business. Today I'm..." I pause, searching for appropriate terminology. "What am I exactly? 'Girlfriend' seems inadequate, but I don't know the Agual equivalent."
"Chosen mate," he replies without hesitation. "Though the bonding ceremony would formalize it in my culture."
"Bonding ceremony?"
"A joining of minds beyond physical connection.
It creates a permanent link between partners—emotional, mental, sometimes even physical awareness across distances.
" His tentacles drift around me as he speaks, unconsciously protective.
"But it's irreversible. Once bonded, we become part of each other for life. "
The weight of his words settles over me. "How long do your people typically live?"
"Several centuries. Perhaps four or five human lifespans."
I blink, processing the implications. "So if we bonded, I'd be committing my entire life, while you'd be making a much longer investment."
"Time loses meaning when you've found your perfect match." He cups my face gently. "But yes, you would be choosing to spend your existence with someone whose nature you're still discovering. "
"And you'd be choosing someone who'll age and die while you remain in your prime."
Pain flashes across his features. "I try not to dwell on that aspect."
The conversation has veered into heavy territory but we’re interrupted.
The radio crackles to life, startling us both. Charlie Morrison's voice cuts through the evening air, tension evident in his tone.
"Deep Pockets, Deep Pockets, this is Tidewash Harbor. Please respond."
I glance at Cyreus, then at my boat floating peacefully at anchor. "I should answer that."
"Must you?" Something possessive edges into his voice. "Can't your human world wait?"
"Not if Charlie's calling directly. He only does that when something's wrong." I move toward the boat, Cyreus following. "Besides, I've been out here all day without checking in. People might be concerned."
I pull myself onto the dive platform and grab the radio, Cyreus remaining nearby in the water, out of sight should anyone approach.
"Tidewash Harbor, this is Deep Pockets. Sorry for the delayed response."
"Meri, thank God." Charlie's relief is palpable. "I've been trying to reach you for hours. Where are you? "
"Just doing exploratory diving. Had my radio turned down. What's wrong?"
"Coast Guard's asking questions again. They want to know if you've been working the sanctuary waters, and they seem serious about it." His voice drops. "Also got a call from your insurance company. Something about overdue payments?"
My stomach tightens. The insurance payment I've been postponing, hoping this month's salvage would cover it. "How overdue?"
"They didn't say, just mentioned possible policy cancellation if they don't hear from you by close of business tomorrow."
I close my eyes, real-world problems crashing back like a rogue wave. No insurance means no legal diving, which means no income. And with the Coast Guard investigating...
"Thanks for the heads up, Charlie. I'll handle it."
"Be careful, Meri. Whatever you're doing out there, maybe it's time to consider a different approach."
I sign off and set the radio down, suddenly exhausted by the reminder of my precarious situation.
"Difficulties?" Cyreus asks gently.
"The usual. Money, insurance, legal issues." I sit on the platform's edge, feet dangling near him in the water. "The Coast Guard is investigating, which means they're building a case. And my insurance company's threatening cancellation."
"Insurance? "
"Protection against financial loss. If my boat sinks or I'm injured diving, insurance covers the expenses. But it's costly, and I've fallen behind on payments."
"How much do you need?"
His question catches me off guard. "What do you mean?"
"To resolve these problems. What amount would relieve the pressure you're under?"
I stare at him. "Cyreus, you can't just throw money at this. Even if you had money, which... Do you have money?"
"I have access to considerable wealth. Salvage from wrecks your people can't reach, precious metals and gems scattered across the ocean floor." He moves closer, resting his arms on the platform. "I could easily eliminate your financial troubles."
"That's not how this works."
"Why not?"
"Because I need to earn my own living, not have it handed to me.
Because accepting your money would create a dependency that would fundamentally alter our relationship.
" I run my fingers through damp hair. "Because I've spent twenty years building my reputation as someone who handles her own problems."
His expression shifts to bewilderment. "If I can provide for you, why choose to struggle?"
"Because providing for myself is core to my identity. Because my work matters beyond the income it generates." I lean forward, trying to help him understand. "Cyreus, if you solved all my problems with underwater treasure, what would I do? Sit around waiting for your visits? "
"You could explore the ocean with me. See parts of your world no human has witnessed. Learn about my people, my culture..."
"And surrender everything that makes me who I am."
The words hang between us, revealing the first real crack in our perfect connection. He's offering what he thinks I need, and I'm rejecting it because it's not what I want.
"I don't understand," he says finally. "In my culture, when mates bond, they share everything—resources, responsibilities, survival itself. Why choose hardship when comfort is available?"
"Because the hardship is mine. Because I've built something here, even if it's precarious. Because being rescued isn't the same as being loved."
"You think I'm trying to rescue you?"
"Aren't you?" I study his expression. "You saved me from drowning, then offered to solve my problems with treasure. That's not a partnership, Cyreus. That's... caring for a pet."
He recoils as if struck. "That wasn't my intention."
"I know. But that's how it feels." I soften my tone, touching his hand. "I don't need you to fix my life. I need you to be part of it—problems and all."
"Even if those problems threaten what we're building?"
"Even then." I squeeze his fingers. "Because what we're building must be strong enough to withstand real life, or it's not worth having."
He remains quiet, processing my words. When he speaks again, his voice is measured.
"Your culture values independence differently than mine. "
"Yes. And that's something we'll need to navigate." I stand, pulling my feet from the water. "Right now, though, I need to return to harbor and address the insurance situation. And check in with Fergus before he organizes a search party."
"Of course." Disappointment colors his voice, creating distance that wasn't there before.
"Cyreus." I wait until he meets my gaze. "This doesn't change how I feel about you. But it means we need to learn how to love each other without losing ourselves in the process."
"And if we can't?"
The question cuts deeper than he likely intended. "Then we'll find another solution. But I won't give up on us just because it's complicated."
A small smile touches his lips. "You're remarkably determined."
"It's one of my better qualities." I begin preparations for departure. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
"If you wish."
"I do wish." I pause to look at him directly. "Cyreus, just because I won't let you solve my problems doesn't mean I don't want you in my life. It means I want you in my actual life, not some fantasy where everything's perfect."
"I'm starting to understand." He drifts slightly away from the boat. "Go handle your responsibilities. I'll be here when you're ready to continue this conversation."
I start the engine and begin retrieving the anchor, but before departing, I lean over the stern rail once more .
"For what it's worth, the treasure offer? It's sweet that you want to care for me. Maybe we can find ways for you to do that without undermining my independence."
"I'll consider it."
"Good." I blow him a kiss. "Until tomorrow."