Chapter 282 - Take My Life, not My Heart (2/2)

”Tell me again how this attack is my fault?” Arei growled. The violent pitching of the ship suddenly stopped as a wave carried the familiar redhead aboard beside him. He didn't turn his focus off the men. ”Chary, thanks for the help.”

”Any time little brother.” She purred from beside him. ”I thought you may want to know; dad has Jos onshore. She's sedated now and he's looking over her injuries... seems like quite a few...” Her eyes moved accusingly to the men standing in even more wide-eyed shock before them. Her smile widened and she brought her candy-apple red nails up to tap against her pearly white teeth. ”So, which one are you leaving alive? I'm not nearly full yet nor have I had my fill of fun...”

Arei's eyes narrowed on Marcus. ”That bastard. Have your fun with the rest.” Men began to scatter as Chary's wicked smile curved upwards. ”Not so fast boys. Don't you want to play so more?” A barbed tentacle shot out and caught one, pulling him back to face her. Her bottom lip puckered as she searched the man's terrified expression. ”I can be just as fun as her, don't you want to play with me?” When the man quickly began shaking his head no, she let out a burst of laughter. ”Well too bad, because I want to play with you!” Her jaws began to dislocate and several rows of razor-sharp teeth could be seen as her beautiful face morphed into that of the sea monster she'd been cursed to be.

Gasps sounded around the deck and the smell of bile and excrement filled the air as the remaining crew watched Charybdis bite off the man's head and swallow it whole before shifting rapidly back to the beautiful woman. Chary chuckled as she dropped the body to the deck at her feet. ”What can I say, I'm a just the head kinda girl... but don't worry I always swallow.” She winked as the barbed tentacle shot out to catch another man. Panic rang out across the deck as men began to dart in all directions, some pitching themselves overboard. ”Hahaha! That's it! Jump, my friends down below are still ravenous as well!” Chary called out between fits of maniacal laughter.

Arei didn't say a word as he held the councilman's gaze. The dark man's espresso complexion had completely drained to pale ash as Arei stalked forward.

”Wha...what are you going to do to me? You can't kill me I'm a-” Marcus stuttered but was cut off.

”A councilman?” Arei shook his head as he neared the man. ”Not any longer...” A harsh dark expression adding to the chill of his stoic words. When the vampire tried to turn and run, Arei shot out at him and caught him. He slammed the vampire's head hard against the metal railing of the ship. ”As much as I'd like to feed pieces of you to the sirens down below, I have too many questions for you.” He slammed the man's head against the rails once again, this time knocking him unconscious. He lifted the man roughly into his arms before turning to Chary. ”I got what I need, the rest are yours. Have fun.” He nodded to her, before shooting into the air, the vampire in tow. He landed on the beach next to Poseidon who was still examining Jos's mangled body. ”How is she?” He asked as he dropped Marcus's unconscious body roughly to the sand.

”She took some good hits but nothing she can't heal from.” He waved his hand toward the water, and it followed obediently over Jos's wounds. ”She would heal easier if she were able to shift herself, but this will have to work.” He waved his other hand over her still body causing it to shift into a hybrid form. He worked the healing waters over her until the largest wounds had fully closed up. Poseidon shook his head as his lips fell into a heavy frown. ”Even though tonight wasn't successful for the vampires, now that they know about this weakness they'll find a way to exploit it.”

Arei nodded in agreement. ”What do we do?”

Poseidon nodded toward Marcus's crumpled body. ”We start by interrogating that ȧsshole, and getting Jos home safely.”

Arei nodded. ”Can you deal with him?”

”Sure thing...” He watched as Arei lifted her into his arms and let his massive wings extend out again. ”Keep me in the know.” He waited until his dad nodded before shooting into the air with Jos wrapped protectively in his arms.

Poseidon watched until they were out of sight before shifting his gaze to the now sinking ship. He placed his hands on his hɨps and let out a content sigh. ”Ah... it's always nice when my children get to be themselves on their own terms...” He turned his attention to Marcus. ”Don't you agree?” He kicked the unconscious man as he moved to gather his things. He didn't turn when he heard light footsteps on the beach behind him, instead, he tugged his shirt up over his head and held it up.

”Thanks, dad...” Chary said as she pulled it over her head.

He nodded as he stood up, shoving his wet phone and wallet into his pocket. ”Anytime, dear. I figured you'd want to stop by and see Jos before you head home.” He turned a teasing smile toward her. ”And as much as I know you enjoy being nȧkėd, I figured you'd prefer something to wear.”

She flung her arms around Poseidon's neck. ”Thanks!”

He chuckled as he patted her wide, muscular back. ”You're very welcome, dear.” He released her and walked over and scooped the vampire up. He let out an irritated sigh. ”I wished your brother wouldn't have thrown him down in the sand. I'll have to take a shower before the interrogation... You know how irritating it is to interrogate someone after a shower, knowing you'll just have to take another after...”

Chary chuckled as she took her father's extended hand. ”I could help you. No man in this world has secrets great enough to keep when his dɨċk is at risk of being bitten off.”

A wide smile spread across Poseidon's lips. ”You know what, not a bad idea. Consider yourself my lead interrogator.”