Chapter 6
Phillips POV
When we reach the Yacht, I tell the stewardess to make sure that the estate rooms were ready, It was a short trip only lasting a few hours but I wanted them to be in comfort. The Duchess seems like a good match for Merrick and after the death of his true mate, some company would do him good. Before we left the dock I gave the boat a once over to make sure everything was good to go before we pulled out of the harbor. Never can be too safe anymore I said to myself. I was there the days that followed Alliyah's death, witness, to all the pain that Rick had suffered and I never wanted to see him in that kind of pain ever again.
Though I hadn't lost my mate, I felt a similar sting as my friend. I met Luca the summer of my 18th birthday, in Rhodes. Merrick and I were taking the first of many vacations that summer and while we are at the Palace of the Grand Master, I saw him. My wolf instantly knew he was my mate. I had seen some cases where one's mate could be of the same sex but it was always discouraged because same-sex couples couldn't make pups. You love who you love, and I loved Luca from the moment I saw him. It was short-lived and one-sided when a tall blonde with big boobs ran into his arms all the while he stared at me. I felt my jealousy overtake me, my wolf threatening to shift and bite her head off.
Luca approached me after sending her off to do something. He made a beeline right to me and reared back his fist striking me right in the jaw.
"Look I don't know what just happened," his voice wavering "... but this isn't right. I am straight and I ONLY like women! I could never love you."
My heart shuddered. "...But we are mates!" I whispered, desperation dripping from my words.
"I am in love with Ivy", he says pointing over to the tall blonde who was getting some ice cream from a vendor.
"She is carrying my child and I will not leave her!!! I reject you!" Luca screams, the harshness in his voice more of a command than a statement. That was the first and last time I saw Luca. I was lucky, at least it was quick, and even though it still hurt I was able to move on. Often in the arms of the chambermaids and the occasional stable boy.
After setting sail and once fully out in the Mediterranean sea, I go up on deck to enjoy the sea breeze and check on the newlyweds. Rick and the Duchess sit across from each other doing their very best to get to know one another. It's cute to watch them, knowing how nervous both of them are. Rick was easy for me to read, knowing him for as long as I have, he was practically an open book at this point. I sit back and try not to be seen and let them have some time alone, but as soon as Merrick sees he I can feel his eyes pleading with me to help steer the conversation. He was never really good with women, not until Alliyah. He was always kind of a dork and lacked the suaveness most alpha males had. With Alliyah I had seen a different light, he was caring and thoughtful. I decided I best join before he called me over
"Your Graces", I bow.
"Could you please just call me Ella?" she motions for me to have a seat
I glance at Merrick as if to get the go-ahead, and he nods rolling his eyes.
"Can I help with anything? Are there any other islands that you would like to visit on our way? I heard Malta is Beautiful this time of year" I offer.
"No that's ok, I really want to see Rhodes. The duke was just telling me about the Ottoman capture of Rhodes and it sounds fascinating."
I can see a smile dance across Merrick's face, if nothing else she would like history and that was his favorite subject.
"Of course, I will check in with the captain and get an ETA." I go to stand up and Merrick ushers me back into my chair.
"We were just having a conversation about you Phillip, I was telling Ella about the time you and I got trapped at that pub in Manchester" he breaks off in laughter, " with that busty woman who was missing her left eye" he falls backward in his chair rolling with laugher.
"Hey, Jade was awesome!!" I boast. Ella starts to look between the two of us I can tell He had not gotten through the story.
"Ok, buckle up for a wild ride." I move to the end of my seat and regale her with the tales of our youth, Merrick joining in where he felt comfortable. The Duchess held her stomach with laughter. I think it was the first time she let her guard down. I could see them relax and start to enjoy themselves. It was nice to relax too, not having to worry about the Duke or how much Alcohol was drinking. I had only seen him take a few sips from his flask, which was an improvement.
When we reached Rhodes the two had gone to freshen up in their own quarters. I signed us into the dock's registry and cleared us into the city. Coming up the stair to escort them to the limo that waited, turning the corner I am awestruck. The Duchess is dressed as a human! She wore a black t-shirt with a deep slit in the neck showing the top of her supple breast and a black long black skirt with a slit down the side that showed off her pale legs. Her red curls tried to escape the bandana she had tied them into. Moon rings decorated all her rings except the gold band that Merrick had placed on her hand at their wedding. Black doc martins and thick eyeliner I could have sworn the Duchess had been switched with a hot goth chick. I feel her eyes on me as I stop in my tracks to admire her.
Blushing I look away when Merrick came to the deck. Him having the exact same reaction as me, just awestruck. He didn't look too bad himself, with A dark blue button-up shirt that was left conveniently unbuttoned illuminating his well-defined abs and some board shorts that fit snuggly over his ass. I shook my head, get a grip I tell my wolf. Both of them smiled at me as if they hadn't seen me just staring at them, lustfully. I do my best to hide my embarrassment as we walk to the car but I know full well they both saw me staring.
Ella asks me if I mind sitting next to the Duke so that she can stretch out on the other side to take a nap. She looks so peacefully asleep in the seat, like an angel. I try not to look at her too long, but something about her looking like this turned me on.
"Did you expect that?" Merrick taps me with his shoulder and he motions to Ella asleep in the seat. "I mean wow! She was very pretty in the dresses that Miriam picked out but she looks downright gorgeous as a goth girl. Remember those two goth girls we met in London a few years back, she is even sexier than them. And she is mine!!" His eyes draw all the shapes of her body as he looks her up and down. I have to admit it was at this moment I was jealous of what he had. She didn't love him but she was his.
Sitting back in my seat I watch as all of the beautiful ancient buildings pass me by. Before too long I feel a head on my shoulder, the duke resting his head on me. "Merrick? I say softly, "are you awake?" I hear a soft snore coming from him and I smile. I really loved these moments.