In Darkness by L. Diane Wolfe

Author:L. Diane Wolfe [Wolfe, L. Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Paranormal romance books, Paranormal romance books for adults, Fantasy romance novels, Romance fantasy books, Contemporary fantasy, Mystical romance, Animal adventure books, Shark book
Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press LLC
Published: 2023-05-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

“Easy now!”

Jewels adjusted her hold on the sling. Inside, the manta ray shifted his weight. Kicking her flippered feet harder, she kept her end of the netting above the water. Almost there. A bit lower and freedom awaited the ray.

“Let him go!”

She pulled her section higher, as did the two people flanking her. Arms raised and the sling blocking her view, she missed the moment when the manta ray slipped out the other end. The lack of tension in the sling, not to mention the cheers on the adjoining side, signified success. Lowering the sling, she and her companions added their voices to the victory cry.

“Well done, everyone,” Raymond called, his declaration resounding across the ocean waves.

Releasing the sling, she glanced at the boat. Her superior beamed with pride at the group, and she found herself grinning in return. Raymond never failed to encourage his team, even the trainees such as she. One of the few men she honestly respected.

He clapped his hands once. “Everyone back on board.”

The sling hoisted out of the water. Jewels waited until it cleared the railing before paddling to the ship. The first to reach the platform, she hauled herself out of the sea. Raymond offered a hand and she swung into the boat.

She took two steps to clear the way and removed her flippers. When the others returned to the craft, she retreated to the bow of the ship to give them room. Jewels set down her flippers and slicked back her hair. Still smiling, their successful release filling her with joy, she stared at the open sea where they’d freed the ray. He now glided through the water, well below the waves.

If only I could swim beneath the surf with Clarence…

“Jewels!”

Gasping, she seized the rails and peered down. There in the rolling current floated a familiar shark head.

“Clarence!” she hissed, glanced at the others. Everyone continued to linger in the stern of the ship. “What are you doing here?”

“You said you’d be on a boat releasing a ray. I approached when he entered the water and knew I’d found the right one.”

Stealing another peek at her co-workers, Jewels bit her lip. “Yes, but it’s not safe. Someone might see you.”

Clarence sank lower into the water. “What would happen if someone saw me?”

“I dunno,” she whispered, pressing her chin on the railing. “They might panic. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Thank you. But I’m the one who’s supposed to protect you.”

His words sparked a warmth in her belly, and it spread throughout her body. “You are so sweet.”

“Hey, Jewels!”

She jerked to attention. One of the others looked her direction. The man slung his flippers over his shoulder.

“You’re not sick, are you?” he said.

“No!” she stood even straighter. Sweat formed on her palms and she fought the urge to glance at Clarence.

The man stared at her a moment before nodding and retreating to the ship’s cabin. Blowing her stray bangs away, Jewels leaned over the railing.

“Thank you for protecting me, but I don’t want anyone to see you.

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