Hello my peeps!!! : ) I just wanted to say a couple things. This is going to be the ONLY, long, author's note. I promise.

Murtagh is more than likely definitely OOC (out of character for those who don't know it) because I have only read the first book. I tried to read the second, but it just has way too much details. It seemed to drag on, so I couldn't stand it. Therefore, I don't know what Murtagh really acts like. I am making him act the way I want him to act, and I love the power. *innocent smile*

THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY TIME I AM SAYING THIS… I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE INHERITANCE CYCLE WHICH INCLUES MURTAGH. : ( I ONLY OWN SAMANTHA.

I am NOT a frequent updater. When I update depends on how much stuff is going on in my life.

EvilBunny101 helped me to edit this chapter too. I LOVE her!! She is my BFF both on FanFiction and in real life. She has been pushing me to write this story, so you have her to thank. :D

Last but not least… ENJOY!!! and don't forget to REVIEW!!! The more reviews I get, the more inspired I am to write and the quicker I update.

*

My mouth opened in a silent scream; water swirled around me and gripped my neck. My arms thrashed about searching for a savior, yet my legs wouldn't move. It was like they were glued together. I tried to pull myself to the surface, but I couldn't see which path led towards the light and which led to death.

Panic conquered my heart and spots clouded my eyes. Darkness reigned, and my heart slowed. I gradually gave up my struggle and released myself to the torment of the water. My eyes closed in defeat. Painfully my body drifted down to the depths, but I was aware of a warm presence before everything went black.

*

I moaned softly and fluttered my eyes open. When my vision finally cleared, I looked around to notice the sea-green walls, the plain dresser, and the long mirror sitting innocently in the corner. I could have sworn I was surrounded by black walls a second ago, not sea-green.

My mind and eyes began to wonder until I spotted a window on the other side of the room. The moon shined brightly into the room, fighting the darkness that inhabited it. I quickly ripped off the sheets, intending on running to the window. Somehow, I ended up face down on the hard and quite uncomfortable floor. Graceful, I know.

When I looked down at my body, I screamed in shocked. I used my arms to pull myself over to the mirror and gasped at the figure reflected in front of me. The strange thing about mirrors is they never lie, yet this time I desperately hoped the mirror was lying to me. Bright, silver eyes stared back at me and long, wavy, silvery-white hair flowed down to the creature's waist. The silver colored lips reached from the skin that was so pale it looked luminescent. When I observed further down the creature's body, I nearly screamed again.

Instead of legs, there was a long, metallic silver tail.

I started to swish it up and down like a child who just discovered hidden treasure or whatever they find. Common sense finally kicked in when the idea that I was a mystical creature that really shouldn't exist except for in fairy tales happened to pop up in my mess of a brain.

"Oh no, no, no, no!" I objected. "This cannot be happening to me! I have a freakin' fishtail for crying out loud!" I watched as a few tears rained down my cheeks, but that was not what caught my attention. I saw my skin absorb the tears, so maybe this mirror wasn't really lying to me. Hopefully I am just dreaming though.

I was seriously rooting for the second option.

My thoughts vanished when I let out a frightened squeal as the door slammed open, and a young man entered the room. My eyes bugged as I tried to crawl to the corner of the room that was furthest away from the stranger which isn't the easiest thing to do with a tail, I might add.

When I finally reached the corner, I realized that the only thing covering my chest was the long hair I wished I didn't have; though, it seemed to come in handy right about now. I crossed my arms over my chest in hopes to hide everything and averted my eyes to the wooden floor, utterly embarrassed. It's not everyday some random guy walks into a room when you are half naked with a fishtail. I can tell you this night keeps getting better and better. I love my life…not.

"Are you alright? I heard you scream," he questioned gently. I lifted my head, eyed him for a moment, and then stared back down. He was looking right at me. One word came across my mind: creeper but a caring creeper…I think. "Can I get you anything?" he added soothingly.

"A shirt would be nice," I timidly replied. I could feel my face get hot, and I knew a blush was creeping across my face.

Fantastic.

I watched as he walked over to the dresser and pulled out a shirt from the top drawer. I noticed his black hair looked disheveled like he had just woken up, and he was wearing loose pants that reminded me of sweatpants. His shirt had no sleeves, showing off the rippling muscles underneath the skin of his arms as he closed the creaking drawer.

When he turned to face me I realized I had woken him up and scolded myself, hiding my face behind the curtain of my hair. He cautiously approached and held out the shirt for me which I quickly snatched from his hand and clutched it tightly to my chest. "Thank you," I managed to squeak out. "Could you please leave?" You are such a creeper…

I didn't say it out loud of course, but I thought it.

"Of course," he answered with a little amusement. When I heard him softly close the door, I let out the breath I had been holding as I roughly pulled the shirt over my head. After eighteen years of living, I'd have to say that was the most embarrassing moment of my life. Finding out I'm a half naked mermaid, having some creepy guy walking in on me and my topless state, and to top it all off, wearing a wet shirt was definitely draining me.

Wait…the shirt was wet? Hadn't it just been dry a few seconds ago?

I lifted the shirt and noticed that my skin was wet. My eyes drifted over to the bed I had been lying on not too long ago. There were a couple towels placed on the silky sheets; my guess was so I could stay hydrated. "Stupid mermaids and their stupid need for stupid water…" I irritably muttered under my breath.

"Great," I exaggeratedly sighed as I threw my hands into the air. "I'm stuck in who knows where with a fishtail wearing a damp shirt that is three sizes too big! Now what?!" Fate answered; my stomach growled. "Ugh," I mumbled. "I hope I don't have to eat fish even though I am unfortunately a fish freak. Yuck." I inwardly shuddered at the thought. Obviously, I don't like seafood.

My eyes wondered around the room, searching for the door. When I found it, I slowly crawled towards it until I was able to latch onto the doorknob and pull myself up. Unfortunately, I hit the floor with a loud thump, and a long string of curses escaped my mouth in fury. I opened the door, but in the process I caused myself to more than likely have bruises the next day. I heard a chuckle and noticed a pair of feet in front of me.

Great, the creeper.

I glanced up at the face of the young man who had walked in and helped me earlier. A smile slinked across his face at the sight of me. A blush graced my cheeks again, and I looked in the opposite direction.

"Are you hungry?" he inquired with merriment. I nodded my head slowly. "Would you like some help?" From a creeper? No way… maybe? Yes. I don't know?

I nodded once more anyway despite my inner confusion. He knelt down by me and placed a warm hand on my shoulder. "I am going to need to carry you. Is that alright? You need to flip over onto your back," he explained. I complied, knowing there was no way I could find and get to the kitchen in this lifetime. My back soon rested on the cool, wooden floor and the young man slid one hand under my tail as he encircled the bare skin of my waist underneath the shirt with his other arm.

A small sigh bolted from my lips as his calloused hands and the skin of his arms caressed me to make sure his grip was tight enough. My arms tentatively wrapped around his neck so I wouldn't slip and fall. My grip immediately tightened as he slowly yet steadily lifted me off the ground; I could feel the muscle lurking beneath his skin.

As he carried me to the kitchen, I closed my eyes and uncertainly rested my head on the crook of his neck. I could feel his body stiffen and heard his footsteps falter, but he soon relaxed. I could have sworn I felt him clutch me closer to his body.

Eventually we reached the kitchen I never would have gotten to if I crawled. He sat me down on a chair, and I could feel my lips form into a pout. I froze. Had I not just a few seconds ago called this man a creep? Now I was missing his touch?

This is strange and very absurd. Maybe my sister was right. Maybe I am insane… that's an eye opener for sure. I snorted at my own sarcasm. Pathetic, I know.

"Is something wrong?" he inquired gently.

"No," I replied just a little too quickly. "Just a little tired." I gave him a small smile, but I knew he wasn't really convinced. Luckily, he only nodded his head and changed the subject.

"What would you like to eat?" he asked.

"What do you have?"

"I have bread, cheese, water, some fruit, and meat," he replied.

"What kind of fruit?"

"Bananas, strawberries, oranges-"

"Oranges!" I interrupted excitedly. My eyed widened and I clamped a hand over my mouth, for his face looked slightly startled by my child-like outburst. I might be eighteen, but everyone has an inner-child. Mine just happens to like to come out more often than it really should. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt you," I whispered afraid that I had offended him.

"It's alright," he responded softly with a soothing smile on his face. "How many of the delicious fruit would you like to have?"

"Three, please. May I have some water too, please?" I murmured.

"Your wish is my command," he joked making a small smile tiptoe across my face. I tried to pay no attention to the thoughts about my insanity again, so instead I twirled one of the long strands of my hair in my hand while pondering about nothing. I was extremely deep in Alice's Wonderland that I didn't notice he had brought me the fruit and water. It wasn't until he shook me lightly that I finally jumped back out of the rabbit hole.

His face was close to mine with worry etched across his features. His gray eyes, which were peering through the strands of his black hair, danced with concern and some amusement at my… distractedness. "Are you alright? I seem to be asking that a lot, don't I?" he mused.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought," I whispered. He only chuckled and handed me the food. I quickly began to eat without realizing how hungry I actually was until the oranges had disappeared along with the four glasses of water. I guess I was hungrier than I originally thought.

I paused as I was in the process of wiping my mouth with the napkin he had brought me, remembering that he was watching me. I blushed nervously and began to twirl my hair around my finger, knowing that he knew I was embarrassed. Thankfully he didn't say anything about my lack of manners, but instead did something I never thought he would ever say to me in a million years.

"You're adorable. Did you know that?"

I think I felt my heart stop beating for a second out of shock. Did he just say what I think he just said? It was so random.

I managed to stutter out a thank you, my voice betraying the bewilderment I felt. I quickly looked down and curled my hair around my fingers uncomfortably. After a while, I slowly lifted my head and turned to study the young man that was cleaning up the food. Of course, I would have offered to help him except for the fact that I had no legs. Perhaps I should just stay seated, and I'd help more that way.

To pass the time, I just observed the man. Sure, it might be a bit stalker-ish but looking from afar isn't bad, right? Of course, I mean, he really isn't that special if you ask me…who am I kidding? He is gorgeous and sinfully, delicious looking man which any girl can see, and I just so happened to wake up in his house…

Wait a second. I don't even know his name, where he lives, where I am for that matter, and what the hell I'm doing here! Okay, so I need a plan. Stay calm, play it cool, and casually ask where the hell you are and who the hell he is. "I like it." I drawled out silently to myself.

When I glanced up to voice my questions, he was leaning against the wall with a smirk on his face looking right at me. I smiled embarrassed. How long had he been staring? I shook my head to rid myself of the thoughts before I was able to muster up the courage to ask him what his name was. Unfortunately, my voice sounded weak and flimsy which was the exact opposite of what I was aiming for. Wonderful…

He laughed softly before answering. "My apologies. My name is Murtagh. May I inquire yours?"

"Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam," I responded quietly.

"Why Sam? Samantha is much better suited for you. It just rolls off the tongue," he stated with a matter-of-fact voice as he moved to stand behind me and placed his large hands on my shoulders. "It is a very elegant name which defiantly suits the bearer of that graceful name," he whispered into my ear after he soothingly pushed my hair aside and laid it all over one of my shoulders. I'm am 100 percent positive he did not miss the constant blush that embellished my face so instead I looked down and played with my fingers awkwardly…again.

"Am I being too forward?" he questioned delicately.

"I don't know? A little…I guess," I sighed. "I am not used to the attention especially by a stranger I met only two hours ago."

"I will not lie to you, lovely one," he began cautiously. "I have every intention and hope of us becoming more than just friends. I know what I want, and I will do everything to get it. I want you. I desire your every thoughts and opinions, your company, and anything and everything you have to offer."

Not only is he a creeper, he is an intense creeper... how nice.

"That's a lot you're asking, and we don't even know each other," I mumbled shifting in my chair. I'm guessing he sensed my discomfort, for he swooped down and picked me up. I let out a squeak of surprise and clutched to his neck for dear life. He chuckled at my reaction. I tried to calm myself down as I tried to forget about the muscular arms and the man they belong to holding me. When we finally reached my room, he gently and carefully set my down on the bed; I instantly relaxed against the cool, silk sheets.

I inhaled deeply and began to speak. "How can you know that? You don't even know me, and I most certainly don't know you. I could be a total bitch for all you know. Plus, I don't even look like this in reality either. I could be really unappealing to you, and then you would take back all those things you said. I mean honestly, how could you,the sexiest man alive, like me, the weirdest and craziest girl alive? It jut doesn't work that way.

"This is moving way too fast! I mean…I don't even know what to say. Thank you? We have only known each other for two hours like I stated before, and that is way too short of a time for you to decide to 'desire' me. There is nothing 'desirable' about me," I babbled on using air quotes while he looked in amusement.

He placed a finger over my lips to shut me up and explained, "You have been here for three days. When the towels dried, you transformed back into your human self. Believe me; you leave everything to be desired. You think I'm sexy?"

"Is this lust you are experiencing because it certainly seems like it, and what do you mean I was here for three days?" I inquired raising my eyebrow completely ignoring the "sexy" question he asked.

"I assure you. It is not entirely lust. Just by looking at you I can tell you are intelligent and witty as well as calm yet fun to be around. To answer your other question, I saved you from drowning in a lake and brought you back here. You have been unconscious since then," he revealed nonchalantly as if it was no big deal.

I nodded my head, trying to numb the aching pain. "Ugh," I muttered. "My head hurts." I reached up to massage my forehead, but affectionate hands grasped mine.

"Allow me," Murtagh whispered relaxingly. He placed my hands tenderly back onto the bed, and he began to rub soothing circles on my temple. "I see this conversation has taken a toll on you. I should have known better than to keep you awake. You need to sleep. I will stay here until you fall asleep. Is that alright?" I nodded my head to his answer.

My eyelids slowly began to close as the overwhelming thoughts of the recent activates enveloped me. I let myself drift off to sleep knowing the conversation was far from over and would more than likely be continued tomorrow.

"Goodnight, Murtagh," I murmured peacefully with a small smile lighting up my face when the pounding in my head receded as he continued to massage me. "Thank you creeper…" I murmured dreamily. He chuckled at the nickname I had given him even though he wasn't ever supposed to find out, but when I am sleepy, things just tend to slip out.

"Goodnight, lovely one," Murtagh whispered back almost intimately before he placed a kiss on my temples, and I drifted off.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. =) PLEASE REVIEW!!!

xoxo,

FallingInLoveAllOverAgain