In Darkness, page 7
She comforted Clarence the best she could. When the moment arrived, she donned part of her wet suit and waited. Raymond and the others arrived not long after.
Once again, she enticed Clarence into the holding net, and they transferred him to a mobile tank. Jewels kept a grasp on him during the process and on the trip to the ship. Thirty minutes later, they headed for open sea.
“Not long now, Clarence,” she whispered, patting his head. “You’ll be okay.”
“Jewels,” he said, “I’m not sure.”
A chill washed over her. “Don’t say that.”
“I think it might be my time.”
“No,” she whispered, pressing her cheek against him to hide the tears in her eyes. “I can’t lose you. We’ll get you in the ocean and you’ll see. Open water will help.”
Clarence remained quiet for the rest of the trip. Jewels clung to him, hoping against hope returning to the wild would save him.
The boat slowed and Jewels looked up. Raymond swung into view.
“This isn’t far from where we found him. We’ll release him here.”
She nodded and stepped away from Clarence’s container with reluctance. Everyone moved into position to hoist him out of the tank, Raymond barking orders. Jewels helped guide the sling into the air and out over the water. When they began to lower Clarence, she jumped in the ocean.
“Almost there,” she said, reaching for the sling. It eased into the sea and she opened the ending wider for him. With great effort, he wiggled free. Jewels glided beside him, her hands holding his side.
“Don’t stay in too long,” Raymond called out. “There may be other predators in the area.”
“Okay,” she said over her shoulder. Jewels pressed closer to Clarence. “Are there any other sharks here?”
“I…I can’t tell.”
“I can’t stay with you for long.”
“I don’t have long anyway.”
She gave him a squeeze. “Stop saying that.”
“Jewels, listen. I’m dying. I can feel it. But no worries. I’m not scared.”
A sob escaped her. “Please, no…”
“Thank you for saving me, for being my friend. I’m so grateful you found me.”
Tears flowed down her cheeks and a hole opened up, threatening to swallow her. “Clarence,” she gasped, struggling to speak.
“And I love you.”
His words broke her, and she sobbed so hard, she couldn’t catch her breath. Patting his hide and forcing her anguish under control, she inhaled slow and deep.
“I love you,” she whispered. “And I’ll never forget you.”
“Thank you,” Clarence said, twisting his head to get a clear view of her. “I’ll never forget your touch. I wish I could’ve returned it.”
His tail thrashed and he slipped from her grasp, sinking into the water.
“Clarence?” she called, frantically reaching for him.
“Goodbye, Jewels.”
Her fingers sliced through water, but Clarence was gone.
“No…”
She allowed several gut-wrenching sobs overtake her. The one person she trusted, the only one to remain faithful—gone. Her one true friend! No loss ever cut so deep. She wanted to follow him, close her eyes and never wake in a world without Clarence.
Her name drifted on the wind. Fighting her tears, she turned in the direction of the voice. Raymond waved and called her name again. The cruiser drifted several metres from her position. Without Clarence’s protection, another shark might appear. Taking a large breath, she swam to the boat. Raymond and another crew member helped her on board. Her legs buckled and they deposited her on a short bench.
“Are you okay?” Raymond asked.
Wiping the combination of salt water and tears from her face, Jewels nodded. Raymond patted her shoulder.
“Let’s head back!” he called to the others.
No one spoke to her on the return trip. Jewels wallowed in her misery, yet she appreciated the lack of invasion. Nothing anyone could say to make her feel better or change the situation anyway.
He’s still gone…
When they reached the aquarium, she staggered to her feet. Raymond met her before she climbed out of the boat.
“Jewels, are you going to be okay?” he said, peering into her face.
She offered a curt nod, but her quivering lips and raspy breath told another story. Raymond took her hand and patted it in a fatherly manner.
“It’s been a rough day. Take tomorrow off. You’ve not had a day off in weeks. Time to chuck a sickie.”
She mumbled a thank you before swinging onto the dock. The first to depart the ship, she took off at a rapid pace. Best to get away from well-intended comments designed to make her feel better but producing the opposite effect. Because nothing could change the truth.
Clarence was gone.
Chapter Nine
Jewels awoke far earlier than intended. Exhausted from crying and emotionally spent, sleep had overtaken her by eight o’clock the night before. Awake before dawn, she couldn’t remain in bed any longer.
The aroma of seawater still clung to her hair and she opted for a shower first. The warm spray soothed her muscles but did nothing for the throbbing ache in her chest. She spent most of her shower staring at the liquid swirling down the drain, unable to think past the void in her life.
She managed to choke down a biscuit. Her first bite of food since the previous morning contained no taste. She wondered if anything would contain flavour again. She dumped the plate into the sink and stared at the remaining crumbs.
So little remains of Clarence. I can’t believe he’s gone.
Annoyed by the fresh tears, she wiped her eyes and stared out the window over her sink. Dawn broke, the sun sending streaks of light across the water.
What am I going to do today?
The sunrise reminded her of happier days when she visited the cove at first light. She and Clarence would play in the water until she either went to school or to the aquarium. She’d not visited their special place since Clarence’s rescue. Despite her misgivings, Jewels decided on a trip to the cove.
Tossing on a light jacket, she grabbed her bike and pedalled to the cove’s entry point. Light bathed the trail in a warm glow and she picked her way down to the sand. Her feet sunk into the dry grains and she paused, scanning the horizon. Birds called overhead, their cries interspersed with the breakers hitting the rocks. For a brief moment, the sounds soothed her. Then reality hit again and Jewels gasped.
“I’m going to miss you so much.”
Refusing to succumb to another bout of tears, Jewels forced her feet forward towards the water’s edge. Sections of sand gave way to boulders, the spray from the waves shooting over them. She knew every outcropping, every tidepool, after so many hours spent in the cove. Yet one small rock appeared out of place.
“What the…?”
Not a rock. The object moved when the surge struck it.
Hope rose in her chest and she bounded into the surf. Her dismay at not finding a shark’s body shifted to concern when Jewels discovered a man at the water’s edge. She jumped when another wave rolled over him and then grabbed his arms and pulled him further up the beach. Another wave crashed at his feet but it no longer reached his face. She turned him on his side and felt for a pulse.
His heart beat strong.
She gave him a shake and a slap on the back. “Hey! Come on, breathe!”
A couple more whacks and he coughed up seawater. Jewels held on to him while he hacked up more liquid and gasped for air, his frame shaking.
“You’re okay,” she said when his convulsions subsided. “Take deep breaths.”
She crouched behind him, waiting for his recovery. She glanced at his body and realised he wore no clothes. Panicked, her gaze snapped to his face. She focused on his hair, the dark curls plastered against his scalp. They framed a chiselled face, young and tanned. Even in his current state, he was quite attractive.
He leaned his head back, pressing it against her knees. Her hand shifted and his fingers wrapped around hers. Before she could speak, his dark eyes opened and stared up at her.
“Jewels.”
Her frame jerked straight. “Yes. How do you know my name?”
His hand came free and he reached up, his fingers hovering near her cheek. “Because I have spent the past several months with you and longed to touch you, hold you, just once.”
Her breath caught, sending a jolt down her spine. “Clarence?”
A smile crossed his lips and his eyes closed. “Yes.”
Soft fingers caressed her cheek. Electricity ran through his touch. Jewels revelled in the sensation even as logic took over.
“But you can’t be,” she said. His eyes opened and she edged away from his touch. “Clarence is a shark and he died last night.”
“The shark died, but thanks to you, the man is reborn.”
She shook her head. Scooting back, she eyed the stranger with suspicion.
“No. You heard about Clarence in the news and are pretending to be him. Tormenting me further!”
“Jewels.”
He rolled over and glanced down. She kept her focus on his face while he adjusted his position to hide his nakedness. The man looked up at her, eyes pleading.
“I know it’s hard to believe. But did you not believe a shark spoke to you and to you alone?”
“How…how do you know he spoke to me?”
He pressed his lips together, his head shaking slowly. “We spoke almost every day.”
Her mouth hung open. How could this man be the shark who befriended her, gained her trust, loved her? She wanted to believe, craved it, but…
“Prove it,” she said, settling on the sand. “Tell me things only Clarence would know.”
A smile spread across his face. “The day we met, I was trapped in a tidepool. You stayed with me until I could swim free.”
Hope shot through her and she gasped.
“I remember the first day you brought the beachball. Took me a while to get the hang of it. We played with it many times afterwards and I never popped it. There was the day you hung on to me and we sped across the water. Only to have another shark end the fun.”
Her hands clasped across her mouth. She’d told no one of their adventures together. Not the details, anyway.
“And one of the last things I told you was I loved you. And I thanked you for being my friend. And I meant both with every fibre of my being. I love you so much, Jewels.”
At his final words, she uttered a sob. He edged closer and offered his hand. Jewels looked into his eyes, dark but soulful, and shoved aside all doubt. She gripped his palm and slid closer. His fingers clasped hers. She leaned in close and his other hand caressed her cheek. Uttering a soft cry, she closed her eyes.
“Is it really you?”
He exhaled, his breath soft on her face. “Yes.”
She permitted a smile to cross her face. “Oh my God, how?”
“You saved me.”
“Saved you?” She opened her eyes and gazed at him, confused.
“What you see here,” he said, holding up his arm and glancing at his body. “This is the real me. I fell off a boat—my father’s yacht actually—in the middle of a storm. When I came to, I was a shark. I was confused and didn’t understand. When the human part of me resurfaced, I tried to speak to other humans. Only you responded.”
She nodded and squeezed his fingers. “I heard you very well.”
“You did. You comforted me.”
“You sounded so afraid.”
He nodded and propped up on his elbow and cupped her face. “I was confused and frightened. I knew I wasn’t just a shark but possessed no memory of my human life. But you saved me.”
His choice of words perplexed her. “How did I save you?”
He smiled, his dark eyes lighting up. “You loved me. You trusted me. You brought out the good in me. You helped me return to my human form.”
Jewels laughed and pressed her head against his. His arm encircled around her and she snuggled close for a hug. One a long time in the making. He embraced her so firmly yet gently, his touch protective but not overwhelming. So similar to Clarence. Because he was Clarence.
“I suspect,” she began, slowly easing out of his hold, “that your name is not Clarence.”
“No.” He uttered a short laugh. “It’s Jonathan.”
“Not even close!”
His eyes twinkled. “Maybe not, but you can still call me Clarence.”
Jewels laughed, the remaining pain and uncertainty falling away. She glanced down and remembered he still wore no clothes. Tugging at her jacket, she pulled it off and covered him.
“Sorry I don’t have more.”
“Sorry I don’t have the clothes I fell into the sea with,” he said with a laugh, tying the sleeves about his middle.
“You said off your father’s yacht?”
“Yes. I’d taken the cruiser out with some friends. We were…partying, and not paying attention to the weather. A storm blew in and I went overboard. I must’ve blacked out. When I came to, I was swimming but no longer human. But I couldn’t remember anything of my life before. Only that I wasn’t supposed to be a shark.”
“When did you fall in? Do you remember the date?”
He frowned. “May third or fourth. Not sure which.”
Jewels covered her mouth with her hand. “That was six months ago.”
“Wow.” Jonathan leaned back and shook his head. “My parents are going to be shocked to see me again. I’m sure they gave me up for dead.”
“I guess we ought to get you to a police station.” She glanced at the coat tied about his waist. “After we stop at my place and get you some clothes. I have some baggy sweats that might fit. A bit daggy, but they’ll work for now.”
“Sounds like a plan. But Jewels,” he said, cupping her face, “I want you to know I’ve not always lived the best life. I’ve done some crazy things. But that world is in the past now. I believe I became a shark for a good dose of humility, something I’ve always lacked.”
His dark eyes intensified. “You’ve changed everything for me. You helped me find that humility, the ability to care for someone else. I need you in my life. I want to continue protecting you.”
Her heart melted at those words. “I’d like that.”
Moving closer, he placed his lips on hers. Curling her arm around him, Jewels returned his kiss with an equal amount of passion. When they parted, he stroked her cheek.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered. “Clarence.”
He grinned and gave her a wink.
The End
The In Darkness series continues with THE WEREWOLF.
About the Author
L. Diane Wolfe
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, and she offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/ - Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C
http://www.spunkonastick.net/ - Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ - Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Other titles by L. Diane Wolfe
IN DARKNESS: THE VAMPIRE
eBook ISBN 9781939844903
Stuck working as a barmaid for her demanding father, Anna dreams of adventure. When mysterious strangers enter the bar, she overhears they seek Zancrela, an ancient fortress filled with treasure and a magical library. Taking her chance, she offers to guide them. The conditions: deliver Zancrela or die. As they journey through the wilderness, she discovers their secret: they are vampires. And most view her as food. One takes interest in her and her heart dares to hope, but it might not be enough to change her fate. Will Anna find Zancrela or become a vampire morsel?
HOW TO PUBLISH AND PROMOTE YOUR BOOK NOW!
Print ISBN 9780982713952
eBook ISBN 9780982713990
Have you dreamed of publishing a book but didn’t know where to begin? This book guides you through identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the scoop on traditional publishing & self-publishing; print & e-book setup, formatting, and distribution; finding your target audience; generating reviews & media interest; networking & developing an online presence; promotional materials & appearances. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success!
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH SPUNK!
THE KEYS TO LEADERSHIP & GOAL-SETTING
Print ISBN 9780981621029
eBook ISBN 9780982713921
Are you ready to break through the barriers obstructing your goals and move into a position of leadership? Then do so with SPUNK! Learn the steps required to overcome obstacles and become an effective leader. The five Keys guide you through developing a positive attitude; learning people skills; raising self-esteem; overcoming fears; and setting goals. Energize your dreams and discover the leader within today!
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK I…LORI
Print ISBN 9780981621005
eBook ISBN 9780981621081
To the outside world, Lori Anders has it all. A gifted swimmer with Olympic dreams, she appears destined for success. Yet despite her certainty in the pool, something inhibits Lori from achieving her full potential. Jason’s affections renew her hope and force the shy swimmer out of her comfort zone. But, will it be enough to achieve her lifelong dream?
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK II…SARAH
Print ISBN 9780981621012
eBook ISBN 9780981621098
Once again, she enticed Clarence into the holding net, and they transferred him to a mobile tank. Jewels kept a grasp on him during the process and on the trip to the ship. Thirty minutes later, they headed for open sea.
“Not long now, Clarence,” she whispered, patting his head. “You’ll be okay.”
“Jewels,” he said, “I’m not sure.”
A chill washed over her. “Don’t say that.”
“I think it might be my time.”
“No,” she whispered, pressing her cheek against him to hide the tears in her eyes. “I can’t lose you. We’ll get you in the ocean and you’ll see. Open water will help.”
Clarence remained quiet for the rest of the trip. Jewels clung to him, hoping against hope returning to the wild would save him.
The boat slowed and Jewels looked up. Raymond swung into view.
“This isn’t far from where we found him. We’ll release him here.”
She nodded and stepped away from Clarence’s container with reluctance. Everyone moved into position to hoist him out of the tank, Raymond barking orders. Jewels helped guide the sling into the air and out over the water. When they began to lower Clarence, she jumped in the ocean.
“Almost there,” she said, reaching for the sling. It eased into the sea and she opened the ending wider for him. With great effort, he wiggled free. Jewels glided beside him, her hands holding his side.
“Don’t stay in too long,” Raymond called out. “There may be other predators in the area.”
“Okay,” she said over her shoulder. Jewels pressed closer to Clarence. “Are there any other sharks here?”
“I…I can’t tell.”
“I can’t stay with you for long.”
“I don’t have long anyway.”
She gave him a squeeze. “Stop saying that.”
“Jewels, listen. I’m dying. I can feel it. But no worries. I’m not scared.”
A sob escaped her. “Please, no…”
“Thank you for saving me, for being my friend. I’m so grateful you found me.”
Tears flowed down her cheeks and a hole opened up, threatening to swallow her. “Clarence,” she gasped, struggling to speak.
“And I love you.”
His words broke her, and she sobbed so hard, she couldn’t catch her breath. Patting his hide and forcing her anguish under control, she inhaled slow and deep.
“I love you,” she whispered. “And I’ll never forget you.”
“Thank you,” Clarence said, twisting his head to get a clear view of her. “I’ll never forget your touch. I wish I could’ve returned it.”
His tail thrashed and he slipped from her grasp, sinking into the water.
“Clarence?” she called, frantically reaching for him.
“Goodbye, Jewels.”
Her fingers sliced through water, but Clarence was gone.
“No…”
She allowed several gut-wrenching sobs overtake her. The one person she trusted, the only one to remain faithful—gone. Her one true friend! No loss ever cut so deep. She wanted to follow him, close her eyes and never wake in a world without Clarence.
Her name drifted on the wind. Fighting her tears, she turned in the direction of the voice. Raymond waved and called her name again. The cruiser drifted several metres from her position. Without Clarence’s protection, another shark might appear. Taking a large breath, she swam to the boat. Raymond and another crew member helped her on board. Her legs buckled and they deposited her on a short bench.
“Are you okay?” Raymond asked.
Wiping the combination of salt water and tears from her face, Jewels nodded. Raymond patted her shoulder.
“Let’s head back!” he called to the others.
No one spoke to her on the return trip. Jewels wallowed in her misery, yet she appreciated the lack of invasion. Nothing anyone could say to make her feel better or change the situation anyway.
He’s still gone…
When they reached the aquarium, she staggered to her feet. Raymond met her before she climbed out of the boat.
“Jewels, are you going to be okay?” he said, peering into her face.
She offered a curt nod, but her quivering lips and raspy breath told another story. Raymond took her hand and patted it in a fatherly manner.
“It’s been a rough day. Take tomorrow off. You’ve not had a day off in weeks. Time to chuck a sickie.”
She mumbled a thank you before swinging onto the dock. The first to depart the ship, she took off at a rapid pace. Best to get away from well-intended comments designed to make her feel better but producing the opposite effect. Because nothing could change the truth.
Clarence was gone.
Chapter Nine
Jewels awoke far earlier than intended. Exhausted from crying and emotionally spent, sleep had overtaken her by eight o’clock the night before. Awake before dawn, she couldn’t remain in bed any longer.
The aroma of seawater still clung to her hair and she opted for a shower first. The warm spray soothed her muscles but did nothing for the throbbing ache in her chest. She spent most of her shower staring at the liquid swirling down the drain, unable to think past the void in her life.
She managed to choke down a biscuit. Her first bite of food since the previous morning contained no taste. She wondered if anything would contain flavour again. She dumped the plate into the sink and stared at the remaining crumbs.
So little remains of Clarence. I can’t believe he’s gone.
Annoyed by the fresh tears, she wiped her eyes and stared out the window over her sink. Dawn broke, the sun sending streaks of light across the water.
What am I going to do today?
The sunrise reminded her of happier days when she visited the cove at first light. She and Clarence would play in the water until she either went to school or to the aquarium. She’d not visited their special place since Clarence’s rescue. Despite her misgivings, Jewels decided on a trip to the cove.
Tossing on a light jacket, she grabbed her bike and pedalled to the cove’s entry point. Light bathed the trail in a warm glow and she picked her way down to the sand. Her feet sunk into the dry grains and she paused, scanning the horizon. Birds called overhead, their cries interspersed with the breakers hitting the rocks. For a brief moment, the sounds soothed her. Then reality hit again and Jewels gasped.
“I’m going to miss you so much.”
Refusing to succumb to another bout of tears, Jewels forced her feet forward towards the water’s edge. Sections of sand gave way to boulders, the spray from the waves shooting over them. She knew every outcropping, every tidepool, after so many hours spent in the cove. Yet one small rock appeared out of place.
“What the…?”
Not a rock. The object moved when the surge struck it.
Hope rose in her chest and she bounded into the surf. Her dismay at not finding a shark’s body shifted to concern when Jewels discovered a man at the water’s edge. She jumped when another wave rolled over him and then grabbed his arms and pulled him further up the beach. Another wave crashed at his feet but it no longer reached his face. She turned him on his side and felt for a pulse.
His heart beat strong.
She gave him a shake and a slap on the back. “Hey! Come on, breathe!”
A couple more whacks and he coughed up seawater. Jewels held on to him while he hacked up more liquid and gasped for air, his frame shaking.
“You’re okay,” she said when his convulsions subsided. “Take deep breaths.”
She crouched behind him, waiting for his recovery. She glanced at his body and realised he wore no clothes. Panicked, her gaze snapped to his face. She focused on his hair, the dark curls plastered against his scalp. They framed a chiselled face, young and tanned. Even in his current state, he was quite attractive.
He leaned his head back, pressing it against her knees. Her hand shifted and his fingers wrapped around hers. Before she could speak, his dark eyes opened and stared up at her.
“Jewels.”
Her frame jerked straight. “Yes. How do you know my name?”
His hand came free and he reached up, his fingers hovering near her cheek. “Because I have spent the past several months with you and longed to touch you, hold you, just once.”
Her breath caught, sending a jolt down her spine. “Clarence?”
A smile crossed his lips and his eyes closed. “Yes.”
Soft fingers caressed her cheek. Electricity ran through his touch. Jewels revelled in the sensation even as logic took over.
“But you can’t be,” she said. His eyes opened and she edged away from his touch. “Clarence is a shark and he died last night.”
“The shark died, but thanks to you, the man is reborn.”
She shook her head. Scooting back, she eyed the stranger with suspicion.
“No. You heard about Clarence in the news and are pretending to be him. Tormenting me further!”
“Jewels.”
He rolled over and glanced down. She kept her focus on his face while he adjusted his position to hide his nakedness. The man looked up at her, eyes pleading.
“I know it’s hard to believe. But did you not believe a shark spoke to you and to you alone?”
“How…how do you know he spoke to me?”
He pressed his lips together, his head shaking slowly. “We spoke almost every day.”
Her mouth hung open. How could this man be the shark who befriended her, gained her trust, loved her? She wanted to believe, craved it, but…
“Prove it,” she said, settling on the sand. “Tell me things only Clarence would know.”
A smile spread across his face. “The day we met, I was trapped in a tidepool. You stayed with me until I could swim free.”
Hope shot through her and she gasped.
“I remember the first day you brought the beachball. Took me a while to get the hang of it. We played with it many times afterwards and I never popped it. There was the day you hung on to me and we sped across the water. Only to have another shark end the fun.”
Her hands clasped across her mouth. She’d told no one of their adventures together. Not the details, anyway.
“And one of the last things I told you was I loved you. And I thanked you for being my friend. And I meant both with every fibre of my being. I love you so much, Jewels.”
At his final words, she uttered a sob. He edged closer and offered his hand. Jewels looked into his eyes, dark but soulful, and shoved aside all doubt. She gripped his palm and slid closer. His fingers clasped hers. She leaned in close and his other hand caressed her cheek. Uttering a soft cry, she closed her eyes.
“Is it really you?”
He exhaled, his breath soft on her face. “Yes.”
She permitted a smile to cross her face. “Oh my God, how?”
“You saved me.”
“Saved you?” She opened her eyes and gazed at him, confused.
“What you see here,” he said, holding up his arm and glancing at his body. “This is the real me. I fell off a boat—my father’s yacht actually—in the middle of a storm. When I came to, I was a shark. I was confused and didn’t understand. When the human part of me resurfaced, I tried to speak to other humans. Only you responded.”
She nodded and squeezed his fingers. “I heard you very well.”
“You did. You comforted me.”
“You sounded so afraid.”
He nodded and propped up on his elbow and cupped her face. “I was confused and frightened. I knew I wasn’t just a shark but possessed no memory of my human life. But you saved me.”
His choice of words perplexed her. “How did I save you?”
He smiled, his dark eyes lighting up. “You loved me. You trusted me. You brought out the good in me. You helped me return to my human form.”
Jewels laughed and pressed her head against his. His arm encircled around her and she snuggled close for a hug. One a long time in the making. He embraced her so firmly yet gently, his touch protective but not overwhelming. So similar to Clarence. Because he was Clarence.
“I suspect,” she began, slowly easing out of his hold, “that your name is not Clarence.”
“No.” He uttered a short laugh. “It’s Jonathan.”
“Not even close!”
His eyes twinkled. “Maybe not, but you can still call me Clarence.”
Jewels laughed, the remaining pain and uncertainty falling away. She glanced down and remembered he still wore no clothes. Tugging at her jacket, she pulled it off and covered him.
“Sorry I don’t have more.”
“Sorry I don’t have the clothes I fell into the sea with,” he said with a laugh, tying the sleeves about his middle.
“You said off your father’s yacht?”
“Yes. I’d taken the cruiser out with some friends. We were…partying, and not paying attention to the weather. A storm blew in and I went overboard. I must’ve blacked out. When I came to, I was swimming but no longer human. But I couldn’t remember anything of my life before. Only that I wasn’t supposed to be a shark.”
“When did you fall in? Do you remember the date?”
He frowned. “May third or fourth. Not sure which.”
Jewels covered her mouth with her hand. “That was six months ago.”
“Wow.” Jonathan leaned back and shook his head. “My parents are going to be shocked to see me again. I’m sure they gave me up for dead.”
“I guess we ought to get you to a police station.” She glanced at the coat tied about his waist. “After we stop at my place and get you some clothes. I have some baggy sweats that might fit. A bit daggy, but they’ll work for now.”
“Sounds like a plan. But Jewels,” he said, cupping her face, “I want you to know I’ve not always lived the best life. I’ve done some crazy things. But that world is in the past now. I believe I became a shark for a good dose of humility, something I’ve always lacked.”
His dark eyes intensified. “You’ve changed everything for me. You helped me find that humility, the ability to care for someone else. I need you in my life. I want to continue protecting you.”
Her heart melted at those words. “I’d like that.”
Moving closer, he placed his lips on hers. Curling her arm around him, Jewels returned his kiss with an equal amount of passion. When they parted, he stroked her cheek.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered. “Clarence.”
He grinned and gave her a wink.
The End
The In Darkness series continues with THE WEREWOLF.
About the Author
L. Diane Wolfe
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, and she offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/ - Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C
http://www.spunkonastick.net/ - Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ - Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Other titles by L. Diane Wolfe
IN DARKNESS: THE VAMPIRE
eBook ISBN 9781939844903
Stuck working as a barmaid for her demanding father, Anna dreams of adventure. When mysterious strangers enter the bar, she overhears they seek Zancrela, an ancient fortress filled with treasure and a magical library. Taking her chance, she offers to guide them. The conditions: deliver Zancrela or die. As they journey through the wilderness, she discovers their secret: they are vampires. And most view her as food. One takes interest in her and her heart dares to hope, but it might not be enough to change her fate. Will Anna find Zancrela or become a vampire morsel?
HOW TO PUBLISH AND PROMOTE YOUR BOOK NOW!
Print ISBN 9780982713952
eBook ISBN 9780982713990
Have you dreamed of publishing a book but didn’t know where to begin? This book guides you through identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the scoop on traditional publishing & self-publishing; print & e-book setup, formatting, and distribution; finding your target audience; generating reviews & media interest; networking & developing an online presence; promotional materials & appearances. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success!
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WITH SPUNK!
THE KEYS TO LEADERSHIP & GOAL-SETTING
Print ISBN 9780981621029
eBook ISBN 9780982713921
Are you ready to break through the barriers obstructing your goals and move into a position of leadership? Then do so with SPUNK! Learn the steps required to overcome obstacles and become an effective leader. The five Keys guide you through developing a positive attitude; learning people skills; raising self-esteem; overcoming fears; and setting goals. Energize your dreams and discover the leader within today!
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK I…LORI
Print ISBN 9780981621005
eBook ISBN 9780981621081
To the outside world, Lori Anders has it all. A gifted swimmer with Olympic dreams, she appears destined for success. Yet despite her certainty in the pool, something inhibits Lori from achieving her full potential. Jason’s affections renew her hope and force the shy swimmer out of her comfort zone. But, will it be enough to achieve her lifelong dream?
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK II…SARAH
Print ISBN 9780981621012
eBook ISBN 9780981621098
