Then he kissed my forehead softly before standing up to change. As I watched him leave the room, I felt as certain as the sun that he would make a fine merman.

Thanks for your reviews and support and to "Peter" because you don't have an account I can't PM you but I am not actually a writer, I just do it in my spare time and just as a hobby but your review made my day! Keep reading and keep reviewing, guys especially you silent readers! Sorry for the delay – thanks again!

Syrena

I was fitfully awaiting Philip's return, lying on his bed with some distant hope that I could catch up on the many hours of sleep I had lost; but all I could think about was him.

And it was driving me insane.

I stood up and peered out the window onto the dusty street below but could not see any sign of Philip.

To pass the time, I decided to get up and wander around the house.

I could feel my teeth sharpening and I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried, get Philip of my mind. But without warning, I felt my stomach lurch and growl. Almost doubling over, I clutched my abdomen and when the pain subsided a little, I suddenly realised just how hungry I was. If raiding Philip's food cupboards wasn't going to pass the time, then I had no idea what would.

I changed direction and headed towards the stairs, hoping desperately that Philip had some nice food in.

It was at that point when all my waiting was over. The thought of nutrition evaporated instantly when I heard the front door click open.

Reminding myself to keep breathing, I had to force myself not to break my neck bounding downstairs when I heard his voice – his wonderful, deep, lovely voice – calling my name, so instead I managed to descend gracefully down the stairs to greet him.

But when I saw him, I could barely stop myself from loosening his tie. He caught my wrists with one hand and smiled gently, "Hang on a minute, Syrena; give me chance to breathe."

He laughed unexpectedly as my face fell. I was about to glare at him but then I noticed in his other hand he was holding a rather peculiar basket.

Placing it on the floor and wrapping his arms around me, he whispered in my ear, "Something tells me you're hungry."

He knows me far too well, I thought as I returned his embrace a little bewilderedly, "What's in the basket?" I mumbled into his chest – unable to contain my curiosity.

"Well, I saw Thomas at church today and he told me he had something for me at home so I walked back with him and he gave me a very large hamper basket full of food in appreciation for letting him stay over that night and I know for a fact that I can't eat it by myself. So, I was thinking perhaps we could go out and eat it. What do you say?"

I considered what he said, and as much as I would have loved to just jump on Philip and rip his clothes right off... I was hungry... Besides, it would be nice to go out somewhere, right? And I couldn't turn him down when his little smile touched his grey eyes and make them twinkle so beautifully. "That is a good idea, only I wouldn't know where to go."

His smile widened and he pulled away from me, "I know just the place."

...

I couldn't help but wonder where he was leading me as we strolled leisurely along the curving lanes just outside the city.

"Not much further now," He spoke as though reading my thoughts.

We were walking towards a small grove of trees, and just beyond it I could see the sun about to set above the shimmering ocean.

Trekking through the woodland, I could feel an unrecognisable sort of fresh yet damp taste on my tongue and I couldn't place what it was. Philip must have seen my face crumpled in confusion and he spoke, "It's the pinewood from the trees. I didn't like it the first time I smelt it but I find it incredibly refreshing now."

I nodded intelligently, "Yes, it isn't too bad." I hated it. But I hadn't realised that we were heading towards the harbour (which happens to be one of my favourite places) – I was quite certain we were to be eating with the pine trees...

"How about here?" I looked up and saw Philip spreading a small blanket just on a ledge by the port. He was busy unpacking the basket while I gazed on at the sun, admiring the way it was stretching its long lilac, orange and pink fingers across the darkening sky as though desperately trying to grasp the final, diamond seconds of the day.

I felt my breath catch in my throat. The only time I had ever seen a sunset like this was the night my Mother took me up for the very first time to see the surface. I still remember it all vividly... I was so excited, I could barely contain myself and I was clinging on to her imagining what it would look like and the moment my head left the water, I was shocked into silence. All trace of excitement had been wiped and replaced with nothing but tranquillity. I had never felt so peaceful in my life apart from at that point when I saw all the colours smudging together and the dark orange sun reflecting off the glistening, purple ocean.

I was still gazing into the sunset, when Philip placed his hand lightly on mine and I was brought back from the past. Ever so softly, he asked me, "Are you... are you alright?"

I turned to face him and noticed that his expression was creased with concern. I told him I was simply remembering my Mother and he suddenly looked awkward.

"Sorry... I er – didn't realise..."

I smiled, "Don't be sorry. I don't mind talking about my Mother, really."

Philip was silent for a moment and his expression was almost unreadable and just as I was about to question him about it, he suddenly pulled out an odd looking red... thing with a green rim and he pushed it into my hand.

"What... what is this?" I weighed the unfamiliar... thing in my hand and took a sniff at it.

To my surprise I couldn't smell a thing.

"Go on, just try it." Philip nudged me and hesitantly I lifted it up to my mouth and extending my tongue, I ran it softly across the red surface. I could barely taste anything apart from water although I tasted a very faint, sweet trace of... something but I couldn't work out what it was. I glanced up at Philip who was holding the same thing as me but not eating. Instead he was watching me, eyes full of laughter and I narrowed my own eyes at him, "What?"

Shaking his head and turning his attention back to his... red thing... he gave a small chuckle.

...

Philip

Watching Syrena eat the watermelon was one of the funniest things I had ever seen... Well, to be honest I hadn't actually had many amusing experiences in my time... but I could barely keep a straight face as I saw all the juice from the melon dripping down her chin and the savage glares I would receive every time I did so much as blink in her direction.

Once she had finished her melon (including the green skin which I advised her not to eat), I handed her a leg of chicken and she held it carefully, "Well, this is some kind of meat."

I nodded, "Yes, it's chicken."

She surveyed the chicken before taking a small nibble and rolled it around in her mouth. Nodding in approval at the chicken, she took a larger bite.

I returned my attention back to my own food and for a while we both sat in silence, eating away until Syrena cleared her throat, "What do you think you've done with this fish?"

I snapped my head up, surprised at how appalled she sounded.

I glanced at my sardine sandwich and ripped a piece off for her. "It's sardines on bread." I stated and she widened her eyes.

"You don't do that!"

"Actually, I do... here – try some." I handed the small piece to her and when she folded her arms and pursed her lips, I just tossed it on her lap, anyway.

"If you want to be difficult, go ahead, but I want to enjoy my sardine sandwich in peace." I smirked at her before raising the bread back to my mouth. "Of course, unless you're too afraid of eating some bread..."

Her eyes flashed but she picked the piece of sandwich up and practically threw it into her mouth. She forced herself to chew it and I noticed her eyes almost water as she swallowed.

"There now, that wasn't too difficult, was it?" I grinned mock-patronisingly at her and regretted it instantly as she picked up the remainder of the watermelon and flung it at my head...

Fortunately, I have hard head and it didn't really hurt... that much.

She began to laugh loudly and usually I would have loved the sound had it not been for the fact that she had just launched some rather painful fruit at me.

In between snorts, she leaned over, stole my sardine sandwich and began to eat it.

I was too confused to even think, let alone react.

Eventually, I brought myself to speak, "So... so you liked it after all that?"

She grinned, "Yes... I've come to the conclusion that I quite like human food, really. As weird as it is..."

She clambered towards me and nestled her head on my shoulder, "I couldn't eat another bite though."

I slipped my arm around her waist and pulled her on to my lap so she was facing me. Just as I leaned in to kiss her, she whispered almost too innocently, "How's the head?"

I paused and growled at her before wrapping my arms around the small of her back just as she gripped my shoulders, "I was very nearly scared there. You sounded just like an angry merman." Her mouth twitched and I cocked an eyebrow, "Maybe you're closer to the truth than you think."

She considered this for a moment, with a sort of longing expression and sighed, "I wish I was... I doubt you'll become one for a while."

"What's the hurry?" I asked, adjusting myself so Syrena was level with my lips.

"Listen... I didn't really want to tell you but..." She hesitated, "Well... Claudia told me not to mate with you for a while or at least not until you become a merman... She wants to eliminate all possibilities of Ascelina finding out who you really are."

I nodded reasonably, "That seems to make sense..." But Syrena made an impatient noise.

"What's the problem?"

"Don't you see?" She stared hard at me, "You know how hard it is for me to not mate with you for a long time."

I shrugged, "I'm sure we'll manage, right?"

She closed her eyes, "I suppose we'll have to."

"Anyway, we should probably be getting back... that is, if you're staying with me tonight?"

Something sparked in her eyes and she nodded, "Of course."

I hoped I was wrong about why she suddenly turned lively and animated at the thought of staying with me tonight... and also about why her teeth were very slightly poking out from beneath her upper lip.

...

Syrena

"Lay off the mating for a while. Try not to get his scent on you too much until he becomes a merman." Damn Claudia...

Well surely the sea water would wash away his scent from me, would it not? Besides, what Claudia didn't know wouldn't hurt her – well, it wouldn't hurt me, anyway, I added as an afterthought.

We deserved a bit of alone time.

That's the thing about being a mermaid – mating is a big part of our lives. And when we get an idea into our heads, it's quite difficult to get out again... particularly when it's one that we crave desperately. There are reasons why mermaids are so desirable because we are naturally seductive, which Philip takes to reminding me of constantly. And I say this in the humblest way possible, we are, in fact, the best species in the world at making love. Fact.

There he was, standing in front of me, the small smile he always wore widened and reached his grey-blue eyes as I slid my arms around his neck. He was all mine for the taking.

"Syrena, we really should get to bed." He said, leading me to his room.

"My favourite place." I muttered, quietly hoping he didn't hear me.

"You know we can't mate right now, Syrena..."

Apparently he did hear me. "I know, but think about it... who has to find out? There's no one else going to come here, is there? If we just stay away from the sea for a while, you know..."

"But won't Ascelina smell my human scent on you?"

"If she does, she's in for a real treat." I grinned at him and he clicked his tongue, impatiently.

"Yes, but I won't be... and neither will you."

"Oh, come on... let's be realistic, if we keep you out of the water and keep me out too, and then nobody will find out. Ascelina wouldn't dream of searching for me on land as she hates the human world."

He paused for a moment and I seized the opportunity to press my lips firmly against his. I trailed my fingers delicately along his jaw line as the kiss deepened and our tongues reunited themselves once again. I was vaguely aware that I was being directed towards the bed.

I tugged off his black tie and allowed a small smile to play at the corners of my lips. He sighed and I watched as his shirt fell from his broad shoulders. I leaned my head forwards slightly, taking in his scent and I couldn't tell you exactly how he smelt because there wasn't one word to describe it. All I knew is that I felt perfectly at ease when I smelled it; slightly musky, yet fresh and sweet at the same time.

He put a hand up to stop me but I pushed it away and in an instant, we were both on the bed. I could barely wait for Philip to be inside me as I began yanking off his trousers. I unbuttoned the baggy shirt he had let me borrow for the picnic and relished the way his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Changed your mind?" I asked and he nodded uncertainly.

"But if Ascelina kills me... I'm holding you entirely responsible."

He gave a strained, breathy laugh as I straddled him.

It felt so right, so perfect to be this way with Philip. The way our bodies moulded to fit together was almost as though that was the sole purpose for which they were designed.

I pressed my body against his and allowed my hands to explore his back. I was going to draw this out for as long as possible. So before I allowed our lips to meet for yet another passionate kiss, I teased him; gently opening my mouth and hovering just by his, barely letting them touch before I pulled back.

Another growl from Philip spurred me on to push him back so he was laying sprawled out on the bed. I had never seen Philip look so intimidated yet completely intimidating at the same time the way he was staring up at me with wide grey eyes that were flecked with longing and confusion yet they were also so wild and frightening at the same time. I was so caught up in his eyes that I didn't even feel his fingers dancing over my stomach and trailing towards my breast.

I caught his wrist and shot a sly glance at him before I brought his index finger to my lips. His gaze lingered on me as I extended my tongue and flicked it over the tip of his finger. He squirmed underneath me and I suddenly realised just how big he was getting.

Well, I was already aggravating him enough... what would tormenting him a little more do?

My eyes flashed wickedly as I leaned forwards and pressed myself against him and just as I was about to kiss him, he softened. Confused, I looked up and saw him touching his lower lip.

Even though he had been dramatically turned off, the sight of his blood sort of made me catch my breath. Oh, how I longed to taste it again.

Well, why shouldn't I? I mean... we both loved it last time.

It never occurred to me to find out why he was bleeding until he sat up and stroked his tooth with his forefinger.

"Syrena, I... My tooth... it's really sharp..."

But as I tipped my head forwards to examine it at a closer range, I could see it blunting quickly.

Then it struck me.

"Philip, do you think that could possibly be...?"

"... A fang." It wasn't a question.

So it was really happening. Philip was actually beginning to change. I highly doubted that the change would happen all at once and so quickly... and I was sorting of hoping it wouldn't be so soon. I was so set on him changing quickly so I could mate with him sooner, but now we were half way there, I didn't want to lose the Philip I fell in love with. And I absolutely adored the time I had alone with him and I could almost sense he was feeling the same way... on top of being incredibly terrified.

"Don't worry, Philip... No-one has to know yet."

He looked down, "I know, but I... I just... when they do find out... everyone will find out that you and I have... you know... I mean I know we have but it's just..." I could see what he was getting at and I could barely understand why he was so worried about why people would care that we had mated. My sisters of all people!

"Oh, come on, Philip, they probably already know! Besides, I can assure you that none of them will care... My sisters do it all the time. It's really not a big deal."

"Your sisters might not mind... but what about your Father?"

"He's just as bad as us, if not worse... I mean... there was this one time, well several times actually, when I swam in on him and my mother and even Ascelina going at it like a pair of –"

"–Okay, I get it." Philip sat up, looked away from me and folded his arms sulkily.

I found it awfully difficult to keep a straight face.

I couldn't think of anything else to say. So I didn't.

I threw my lips at his and when he reluctantly responded, I couldn't stifle a small giggle.

He ignored me and caged me against his chest with his strong arms; I couldn't move even if I had wanted to.

As our tongues battled each other for dominance, I felt him thrust involuntarily beneath me and I widened my legs in order for him to access me better.

"Are you ready?" He breathed into my ear.

I had never been more ready. I nodded, my nails digging into his back just out of anticipation. He directed himself towards my entrance and eased himself into me, gently... too gently.

I grasped his shoulders hard to give him a hint and by gods, did he take it.

Acting so quickly that I couldn't even comprehend what was happening, he reversed our positions so I was where he was, previously. As he locked my startled gaze with his not-so-startled gaze, Philip was inside me before I could even take a breath. I was pressed against the headboard as he rocked into me and I don't think we had ever been so intimate ever. It was when he stared down at me with his steely grey eyes that there were small sparks flying between us. I heard a distant scream as my whole body moved underneath his.

Then I realised it was me screaming. The headboard rattled against the wall as our bodies thrashed and writhed in almost unbearable yet pleasurable synchronisation.

But I was oh-so-close as his hand reached down between us and began massaging me and just as I was about to hit my peak, he stopped.

Just like that.

Pulling out of me, he dropped a small kiss on my lips to prevent me from speaking. I was a little angry and confused and –

In heaven!

I was too wrapped up in my emotions that I hadn't even noticed Philip's head between my legs. The way his tongue ran in patterns over and around my womanhood was almost more than I could take. My fingers weaved in his hair and tugged at his wavy locks with every lick and kiss from his lips. I threw my head back against the wall as he slipped two fingers up inside me as his tongue continued its circular motion.

His fingers pumping, I couldn't find the breath to groan anymore. And just as I felt myself climax again, Philip stopped.

Again.

He had better have something better in mind, or I wasn't going to be happy.

He sat up and placed his hands on the wall either side of my head. "I'm finishing off inside you, whether you like it or not." Philip's voice was so low and husky, had I not actually been watching him as he said it, I wouldn't have dreamed the tone belonged to him.

But admittedly, he sounded pretty damn alluring.

I placed my arms around his neck, ready for him to enter me again, but he scooped me up and propped me against the wall.

"What... what are you doing?"

"Trying something new." He replied in the same detached, gravelly manner. I watched his teeth sharpen ever so slightly as he pulled my legs around his waist.

It took a couple of thrusts before we got into the rhythm of the new position, but good gods, it was brilliant... if not slightly painful, also.

He dropped his forehead against mine and brought his lips to my open mouth. Our hot bodies slid against each other as he grinded into me over and over again. I couldn't hold back and I whispered breathlessly, "Philip... I... can't... wait... anymore..."

Philip snapped his eyes open and just as I finished speaking it was like watching the sea on a stormy day. Crimson waves gushed into his irises flooding the grey completely from them.

I wanted to tell him, to react in some way, but my body ached from pleasure and I felt myself contract around him at the same time he fired his load into me. With the sound both our screams and groans reverberating around us, we didn't even hear the door open.

It was just when I heard a gasp that Philip yanked himself out of me that I noticed – oh, help me now – Claudia standing rigid and stiff before us, her arms crossed tightly across her chest.

Philip growled and I touched his arm, "Be quiet."

He hunched over me protectively, glaring at Claudia.

I assumed he was acting the way he was because he was changing so quickly inside, he was probably confused and –

"It appears that I have a natural flare for walking in on you and Philip doesn't it?" She didn't sound upset, but I could tell she was livid by how dark her eyes had turned.

I had really let myself in for it now, hadn't I? Why, oh why do I let my hormones get the better of me every single time?

I couldn't look Claudia directly in the eye... I just couldn't.

"Philip, if you would kindly remove yourself from my sister, I would appreciate a word with her." Claudia said, carefully.

Philip looked at me and back at Claudia, "No." His voice was deeper and more dogged than it was before. With a flashing movement, she had her slender hand on his arm, her nails ever so slightly slicing into his skin.

"It wasn't a question." Her voice dropped a tone or two, and her expression became rather frightening.

Even Philip gradually seemed to be coming back to his senses, and he straightened up, slightly ashamed, "My apologies."

I half hoped he wouldn't move so quickly...

"Syrena... care to explain?"

"Well, I – that is – we were... mating..."

"Yes, I caught that much." A hysterical sort of smile twitched at Claudia's lips.

Bracing myself, I took a deep breath, "Claudia... I'm sorry."

"Not as sorry as you are about to be."

"What do you mean?"

"While you and Philip here were busy prancing about in forbidden territories, Ascelina paid us a visit."

"...And?" I couldn't stop myself from sounding slightly rude.

"It turns out that Tamara may have let something slip. Ascelina didn't say so, but she sounded terribly suspicious and demanded to see Philip right away. I told her that he wasn't available, so she wanted to see you. I said you weren't available and that you were away too. Then Ascelina, being Ascelina said that there's no such thing as being unavailable when it comes to meeting the Queen of the seas. I did all I could, but I'm fed up of covering up for you! So this time, it's your turn to get yourself out of the mess. We can only hope that Philip is already taking on the form of being a merman. It doesn't take too long to change... a couple of days, maybe. Let's hope you're in luck for all our sakes."

Without saying a word, I stepped past Philip and threw my arms around my sister's neck. After a second, she reluctantly returned my hug and spoke, "Syrena... you really are the most impossible... aggravating..."

Claudia trailed off as Philip groaned beside us. I turned my head in his direction and he was trying to cover up his midriff.

What?

...

Philip

I had no idea why, but watching Syrena embrace her sister when they both were wearing very little clothing, if any, was probably the most arousing thing I had ever seen. I clutched my now erected length and tried to force it down. To no avail, I felt anger bubble inside me and a moan slip from my lips.

"Philip... what's wrong?" Syrena did not pull away from Claudia but shot me a confused glare.

I couldn't tell her, because I didn't even know myself.

"Clearly, he's having difficulty keeping his hormones in check... That's supposed to happen, though. Generally, when the change takes place, hormones go haywire... and they find it very difficult to control their emotions; particularly anger... which means that I should probably leave before he completely loses it." Then she gave a final squeeze to Syrena and turned swiftly on her heel. Before she reached the door, she flicked her head in our direction, "Oh, and I'll tell Ascelina that you will be with her this evening. That should give you some time to... get ready." She smothered a smirk and her eyes scanned Philip ever so fleetingly before she strode from the room.

I flung my head back against the pillow, drenching it in my sweat.

Turning into a merman really had its disadvantages. I wiped a clammy hand over my forehead and exhaled deeply.

I felt seriously shocking. And I couldn't control my damn erection.

But then I was abruptly aware of something warm and wet on my lower regions. Propping my head up on the pillow, I watched Syrena enclose her mouth around me and begin sucking gently. Her slowly reddening eyes locked with mine for a split second and it sent me close to breaking point.

I really couldn't control myself. I didn't know what was wrong with me.

... Well, apart from the fact that I was 'transforming' into a merman... and had a temporary hormone disorder.

I sincerely hoped, somewhere deep down, that God would forgive me for this.

Her hand was rubbing in sync with her mouth and I just couldn't restrain myself for much longer. The friction rubbing between us was killing me. I let go and released myself into her mouth... and all over her face.

...But I had to give her credit – she wore it well.

"I suppose we had better go, hadn't we?" I asked, after my ecstasy had worn off.

Her fangs glinted at me, "Don't tell me you want to arrive early. It's not even midday yet. Besides... I can think up plenty of things we could be doing to pass the time..."

Sorry for the delay and if there are any errors. I've been really busy with college assignments and also been slightly ill too. Hope you enjoyed it, though! As always, keep the reviews rolling ;D