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    The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan
    The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan
    The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan
    Ebook223 pages3 hours

    The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan

    By Amber Kell and Stephani Hecht

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    About this ebook

    Previously Released

    Box Set Includes:
    The Swimming Swan
    The Helpful Swan

    The Swimming Swan
    When the sea god’s only son is told his fated mate is the marine biologist of his extremely wet dreams, Reef is beyond thrilled. Unfortunately, becoming human is harder than he thought, and if he doesn’t get the Arian Prince to acknowledge their blossoming love, he could become nothing but sea foam.
    In this next story of the Cob Brothers, Swan Prince meets the Little Merman, and the stakes have never been higher as the battle over Aria continues to spill over to Earth.

    The Helpful Swan
    When Prince Kedrik Cob sees the sexy man in leather decorating the store window, he knows he has to see him again. Unfortunately, his date for the night doesn’t figure in his plans, so he continues on his way. His mind doesn’t let him forget about the handsome stranger, so a few days later, he finds himself returning to the store.
    Cadell Shumaker has watched Kedrik for most of his life. After following the man from Aria to Earth, he places his store right in Kedrik’s path. Despite his positioning, it takes a while before Kedrik notices him and falls into his arms. Unfortunately, when Kedrik finds out Cade isn’t as innocent as he appears and a certain shape changing spell takes effect, more than a little magic is needed before this couple can make their way to happily ever after.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAmber Kell
    Release dateApr 27, 2019
    ISBN9780463675977
    The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan
    Author

    Amber Kell

    Amber Kell is a dreamer who has been writing stories in her head for as long as she could remember.She lives in Seattle with her husband, two sons, three cats and one very stupid dog. To learn more about her current books or works in progress, check out her blog at http://amberkell.wordpress.com.Her fans can also reach her at amberkellwrites@gmail.com.

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      Book preview

      The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan - Amber Kell

      The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan

      The Swimming Swan / The Helpful Swan

      The Cob Brothers

      Amber Kell

      Stephani Hecht

      Amber Kell Books

      The Swimming Swan/The Helpful Swan Cob Brothers

      Copyright April 2019 by Amber Kell & Stephani Hecht

      The Swimming Swan Copyright Jan 2012 by Amber Kell & Stephani Hecht

      The Helpful Swan - Copyright May 2012 by Amber Kell & Stephani Hecht

      Smashwords edition

      Cover design: Meredith Russell

      Editor: Jason Bradley

      Proofer: Becky Reeves, Susan Anne Kadlec

      ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise.

      Created with Vellum Created with Vellum

      Contents

      The Swimming Swan

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      The Helpful Swan

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      About Amber Kell

      About Stephani Hecht

      The Swimming Swan

      Dedication

      For everyone who grew up reading fairy tales.

      Chapter 1

      Fisher Cob sat on a drifting log and looked out over the sea. The waves crashed against the boulders, sending up bright spray into the sky. Oceans called to him; they always had. Something about the movement of the waves, the smell of salt and the feeling of utter peace of all that water banished his homesickness.

      As much as Fisher loved the Kingdom of Aria, he was going to miss Earth when he went home. Last time they’d talked, his brother Landon said they were heading back to Aria soon. Although of course he would return when his brother, the future king, demanded, Fisher had mixed feelings about going home. The man he’d been dating on and off for the past three months wasn’t permanent mate material. Nonetheless, Jimmy had been entertaining. Fisher would miss the freedom to date whomever he wanted without the entire court watching. At least on Earth, men dated him because they liked him, not due to his royal status.

      Fisher wasn’t looking for something permanent, unlike Landon, who had the entire kingdom on his shoulders and needed a supportive partner to handle the stress of ruling a country. Luckily, his relationship with Jimmy was winding down. By the fidgety way their dates had gone lately, his semi-boyfriend was already looking for greener pastures if not dating others. Since Jimmy’s flagging interest in their relationship neatly aligned with Fisher going back to Aria, he didn’t have any motivation to try and fix it. A bit selfish of him, he knew, but he didn’t like confrontation—another reason he enjoyed being second in line for the throne instead of first. No, he was content with following his brother’s lead in life.

      A waft of cold air pimpled his skin. He had missed the sun going down. He should’ve brought a jacket. Shaking his head at his lack of forethought, he slid off the log then splashed through the water to reach shore. Grabbing a sea smoothed stone he impulsively tossed it into the water. His gaze followed the pebble until he heard a loud Ouch!

      What the hell? Squinting, Fisher tried to make out anything among the waves. Was someone swimming out there? He couldn’t see a soul. The light from the setting sun reflecting brilliantly across the water prevented good visibility. Hello, he shouted.

      No response.

      Huh.

      If he hadn’t imagined the voice, the person must be all right. After all, if he’d knocked them unconscious with that little rock, they wouldn’t have been able to yell.

      Hey, Fisher. Jimmy’s voice barely reached him over the crashing of the waves.

      He spun around in surprise. Jimmy, what are you doing here?

      Jimmy gave him a bashful smile. I wanted to have dinner with you. I know this is your favorite spot when you have time to yourself. I decided to take a chance and swing by.

      Fisher’s stomach growled. Looking into Jimmy’s friendly green eyes, he smiled. Sure, that would be great.

      A casual dinner with cheerful company would finish his day off right. Jimmy didn’t harbor any deep feelings for him. There was too much laid-back surfer boy in Jimmy to obsess over anyone. They might not have a hot romance, but there was nothing wrong with friends with benefits, as Earth people called it. He went to the tips of his toes and let Jimmy tug him closer.

      Mmm, Fisher moaned against Jimmy’s mouth.

      Jimmy wrapped his hands around Fisher’s hips and pulled him tight in an unexpected show of passion. Fisher tried to ease back. They were out where anyone could walk by despite their isolated location, and Earth people didn’t show affection between men as openly as folks did in Aria.

      What the hell! Jimmy let Fisher go as a wave washed over them, breaking them apart. But it’s low tide, he exclaimed as the water swirled around his calves.

      Fisher laughed as their pants became soaked to the skin.

      Ominous dark clouds rolled in, casting shadows across the water. Fisher frowned. Let’s get out of this weird weather.

      Holding hands, they made their way across the sand and out of the tumultuous sea.

      Jimmy laughed. That was freaky.

      Fisher nodded, but he couldn’t help looking back. If they were in Aria, he would have suspected magic, but that just didn’t happen on Earth.

      Reef watched the men walk away together. He gripped his trident tighter until his knuckles turned white and his palm ached. Damn it, the slim blond should be his! That quiet man had watched the waves for the better part of the afternoon, and Reef had watched him in return. Reef had been closing in to introduce himself when that stupid pebble had smacked him in the forehead.

      He didn’t think the human was aiming at him since the surprise in the blond’s voice told Reef he hadn’t known someone was out there. Still, the skin on Reef’s forehead burned. There would be a mark in the morning.

      Psst… Reef.

      Rolling his eyes, Reef turned to see his sister, Starflower, floating behind him. What?

      Are you done mooning over your human?

      He pouted. I’m not mooning.

      She giggled. Of course not. I mean, why would you stare for hours at a human? He must have had some kelp stuck in his teeth, and you were trying to think of a polite way to tell him.

      Reef groaned. He’d obviously been caught, but he’d die before he’d admit it and give Starflower any more fodder for her teasing. Did you want something?

      Father’s back and asking for you.

      The tension in her voice told him their father’s return brought an ill tide. Pontus coming home early meant his meeting with the other gods must not have gone well.

      I’m coming. How he wished he was going elsewhere—like with that sexy human with eyes as gray as the sea. Reef could happily drown in those eyes—well, he would if he could drown.

      Relaxing his tail, he let the undertow pull him beneath the water.

      Why were you watching the human? Starflower asked, switching to telepathic communication.

      She was the youngest of Reef’s six sisters and the most curious, almost as inquisitive as him, making her his favorite sister. He’s obsessed with the sea. I like that.

      Starflower drifted beside him as they descended to their underwater home. You need to stay away from humans. If they see you transform, they’ll put you in one of their aquariums. She shuddered. Horrible places.

      I know. Reef might know better than to let a human capture him, but he was more than willing to let this particular human borrow him for a while. It wasn’t the first time the blond man had come to visit the water, and now Reef had a name to go with him.

      Fisher.

      What a perfect name for a merman’s lover. All he had to do now was get rid of the bastard who’d been touching his man.

      The sea boiled around Reef when he thought of them kissing. How dare that interloper touch his pretty ocean watcher! Jimmy, what kind of name was that? If pretty Fisher had been farther away from Jimmy, Reef would’ve used more of the sea’s wrath instead of just increasing the tide. A good tsunami would take care of that Fisher-grabbing idiot.

      Watching the two men embrace had made his heart ache. Even as he swam deeper to bottom of the sea, Reef’s mind remained with Fisher.

      The palace bustled with people swimming here and there, a sure sign of his father’s temper. Bracing himself for a show of anger, Reef swam into the sea god’s throne room.

      There you are!

      His father’s voice echoed through Reef’s head, a strong, booming presence that all but knocked out every other thought.

      Coming to a stop before Pontus, Reef floated before the throne. Greetings, Father.

      Where were you?

      His father’s expression didn’t encourage sharing the truth. Swimming.

      Reef wasn’t really trying to hide his whereabouts. After all, there was only so much you could keep from a telepathic king.

      Pontus sat upon his throne, his gray beard floating with the waves as he stared at his only son. The sea hags told me you are going to shore.

      What?

      The sea hags were ancient prophetesses who foresaw the future of all the sea people. In general, they foresaw major events and dangers, but they rarely paid attention to individuals, especially to one as unimportant in the scope of things as Reef. Although he was his father’s only son, Reef held no special place in court. Pontus was a sea god and would never give up his throne, so Reef didn’t worry about any future royal duties. Until this moment, Reef had been left to go his own way.

      They say your fate lies with another. One who lives on the other side of the portal to Aria.

      Although he’d heard of the Arian portal dwellers, Reef had never actually met one. The Arians were magical, but they worshipped no gods above their king of the sea. On a good day, his father was difficult. On a bad one, the ocean itself fled.

      I need to go to Aria?

      Pontus shook his head. Not yet. Your mate is on this side of the world. Find him. He is the reason you will need to travel to the other side of the portal.

      Nerves jittered through Reef. How will I find him?

      He’ll find you. Be prepared for your journey at all times, and let fate guide you.

      Good advice. Reef hoped he could follow it, because no matter who his fated man ended up being, his heart still longed for the pretty ocean watcher.

      A light sparkled in his head.

      Fisher.

      An image of the man sitting in a seaside restaurant, watching the water, filled his mind.

      Go after him.

      Reef didn’t recognize the female voice. None of his sisters sounded that perky. Shaking his head, he knew what he had to do.

      Looking at his father, he made his choice. I’m ready to seek my future.

      After a long examination of his son, the sea god tossed something at Reef. It flashed in the water as it floated toward him.

      Reef caught the object. A thick gold ring with a trident engraved on the front lay on his palm.

      Keep it with you always. It will protect you and help you to be human. Once you are mated, you will finish your conversion.

      The pain in Reef’s chest caught him by surprise. Will I lose my connection with the ocean?

      The thought of always living on land filled him with a loss so great he could feel it crushing him as if he’d gone down too deep into the ocean depths.

      Pontus stared at his son for a long moment. To be honest, I’m uncertain what will happen. None of my children have ever gone fully onto the land. I only know the prophetesses have said you need to join him, for the fate of the sea people depends on your success.

      Great, no pressure there. I will do my best.

      I expect no less. You are my only son. Make me proud, Reef. I will be watching.

      One of the servants swam up to Reef and handed him a small sack. Opening it, he saw it was filled with gold coins topped by three sand dollars.

      What are these for? he asked his father.

      You can exchange the coins for money on land.

      And the sand dollars?

      If you get into a situation where you need help, toss one of them into any body of water and I will come to you.

      Reef’s heart ached. Even as his father kicked him out of the ocean, the sea god still looked after his children in his own way. Thank you, Father.

      You’re welcome. Now, go get your man. The god cleared his throat, and for the first time Reef could remember, his father looked uncomfortable. Once you’ve claimed him, make sure you take a moment to introduce him to me.

      Reef smiled. Even if I spend the rest of my days on land, I will never forget my family, he promised.

      Thinking about Fisher, Reef accepted the swarming hugs from his sisters before floating back to the surface to find his man.

      Chapter 2

      Reef swam to the edge of the shore then paused, waiting for something to happen. How he could pass for a land dweller was still a mystery to him. He had no clue what would occur next, or how his tail and fins would become legs.

      When nothing special transpired, he wondered if maybe it was because he was still too far out in the ocean. He wiggled closer to the beach until his entire upper half was out of the water and the cool night air brushed against his bare skin. Still the minutes continued to tick by without anything happening. Despite being alone with nobody to witness his embarrassment, a heat came over his cheeks. It had gotten to the point where he’d begun to sympathize with a beached whale. His green tail flopped around in the shallow water, making loud, ineffective splashes.

      Well, this is just anticlimactic, Reef muttered as he glanced down at his body.

      Luckily the late time made the chances of running into a human low. The last thing he wanted to do was end up captive in a tank. While that kind of setup might make for a cute fantasy movie, it wouldn’t help his people at all.

      Just as he was about to give up and swim back into the ocean, a sharp pain slammed into his tail. Intense and gut-wrenching, it brought tears to his eyes. He clawed at his bottom half as he struggled not to scream, but all that came out was a weird squawking noise.

      Reef didn’t think it could get worse, but it did—a lot, lot worse. Soon a burning sensation flowed up the center of his body and spread through all his limbs, as if somebody were cleaving him in half with a fiery sword.

      Reef let out a garbled sound of agony as he fell to his side; water and sand kicked up into his mouth. As he took a swallow, his gut rolled in protest as, for the first time ever, he tasted the salt in the ocean water. He attempted to spit it out and only succeeded in choking on more.

      Then he didn’t care about the flavor of the ocean as the pain intensified. Once again he clawed at his lower half, only this time, his nails encountered skin instead of scales.

      I know it hurts, Reefiekins. Just think about Fisher and it’ll be all worth it, soothed that same strange feminine voice from before.

      I’m trying, but it’s bad, Reef groaned, barely noticing that he was having a conversation with an unknown speaker.

      "Well, what did you expect? It’s not

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