Ranjord’s new queen had busy days-she was visiting with their three new sigmas, the female Larentia and the men, Crimson and Rambaldi. She’d trained a little bit with them. She felt like she maybe wanted children, but felt like this was too hectic a time to bring it up with Aegir; she could wait to ask.
A howl split the air and the queen smiled, her ears perking in anticipation. She raced quickly to the beach. An Aquatis male floated half in the water, and the introverted queen had to admit that maybe visiting with the sigmas-grave Rambaldi, watchful Larentia, excitable Crimson-had maybe made her more appreciative of company. Plus, she, as the pack’s alphess, wished for it to grow.
“I am Marella, Queen of Ranjord and Queen of the Sea.” Her eyes scanned the shark man. He had an aura of sadness about him: Oh well, he’d fit right in with Rambaldi. “You look comfortable. Of course we’ll accept you! Come, come out of the water, it’s not exactly warm at this time of the year; and I’m sure my husband would like to get to meet you.” The words sent such a thrill through her-she was married, she was a queen. “Your name?”

“I’ll pull you in like the waves of the sea . . .”