#Chapter 21 When Kisses Aren’t Enough

Viviane’s POV

“It’s not that simple, Caspian.” I exclaim, shrinking away from him. “Mermaids don’t have mates the way shifters do – this is all new to me.” Seeming to hold himself in check, the future Alpha watches me retreat. “I don’t know what to think.”

Caspian squares his shoulders. “It’s not about what you think. It’s about what you feel.”

“Is it really that easy for you?” I counter, “you just know, unconditionally? You never feel unsure, you never feel overwhelmed by it all?”

“Yes.” He replies curtly. “It’s that easy. One whiff of your smell, one look at you, and I know.”

“But you’re also experienced, you know what it’s felt like with other women,” I remind him, “you have a very large frame of reference whereas I have nothing.”

“Nothing?” His wolfish eyes sharpen with possessive pride.

“Is that so surprising?” I inquire defensively, “Secret identities and dating don’t go very well together.”

“Then why have you risked it with me?” He prods, stalking me across the beach.

“Because