Chapter 1
The clinking of a champagne glass irritates my senses and I can feel my jaw tense as the room quiets down. My ears are the most sensitive on land but as I spend more time here, they have adjusted to the horrendous sounds humans love to make at all times of the day.
I make my way to the back of the room, ready to make a quick exit at another charity fundraiser for The Gran Aquario Mazatlan. It is the largest aquarium in Mexico and a landmark in Latin America dedicated to the Sea of Cortez.
Focused on education, research, and knowledge dissemination, it is a benchmark for aquariums across the world. Its research and studies have brought me into the world of academia, intent on solving the mystery of my own immortality and my people's long lifespan.
The speakers have started their blurb, introducing key members, sponsors, and their mission. I've heard it over a hundred times, and try my best to stay in the background as much as possible. I hope they make this quick so we can put an end to the night and I can get back to my readings.
No one here knows my true identity, it would be a risk to myself and my people. This is the only way I can protect them. Afterall, knowledge is power.
"...And a big thank you to our donors and attendees who have made this night possible." The speaker's smile is bright and excited, I can't help but smile in return. Jess has worked hard as the Aquarium's new director to make this place shine.
Jess oversees the management of the institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. Initially, Namora, my cousin and Jess's mother, was unhappy that Jess seeked a life outside of the safety of our oceanic haven. But that was a risk she took when she fell in love with Jess's father, a human.
"Lastly, I would like to end the night with an exciting announcement." The applause dies down and everyone's attention becomes sharp, including mine. I look around and make eye contact with a few of my colleagues, many shrug and are as lost as I am.
"Since our grand opening, the aquarium has made strides in research and education. The Aquarium now boasts over 4,000 residents representing over 300 species. This now includes our Marine Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation program." The pride I feel is indescribable, Jess has continued to honor both sides of her culture.
"Our zoo staff and visitors are our family and biggest supporters. Their safety is our priority, without them our facilities wouldn't be the pillar of excellence they are today." She quickly scans the room, looking for a face among the crowd.
"As many of you know, a hospital will open its doors to our community next week. One of few level 1 trauma centers, Hospital Medica Del Sol y Mar will be located right across the street from us." there is a pause of anticipation, "We are excited to announce our partnership with their staff and introduce Doctor Infante, Chief Medical Officer. Please welcome her to share more about this opportunity."
An applause breaks through and the crowd is unable to contain their whispers as a woman rises from her seat near the front of the stage.
She wears an elegant strapless black fitted gown with a black scarf draped over her slender neck. Her dark brown hair is slicked back in a tight bun and her sun kissed skin glows under the stage light. My eyes devour her from head to toe, she's the most stunning woman I have ever seen.
Gods, she's a fucking dream. I take a few involuntary steps forward and stop myself. There's a sudden urge to tear her away from this room. A hunger I've never felt before..
What is wrong with me? I look around and catch my associate researcher Jose watching me, an eyebrow quirked with a question. I try to play off the sudden interest and return my attention to this delicious doctor standing before us.
"Thank you Jess, I am honored to be here with you all tonight and share our future plans…with…" as she acknowledges the crowd, our eyes lock.
An electrifying feeling runs through my skin and it feels like there's the roaring of the ocean in my ears. A warmth spreads throughout my chest and my power feels unruly, wild for just an instant. Something tells me she feels it too. I immediately know what this means.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I am so fucked. This complicates everything.