Bite Me Harder (Guardians of the Deep 2)

“That all depends on how good your WiFi is on the island,” Sylvia said.

They all laughed.

Thirty minutes later, they’d already seen everything there was to see on the main beach and Penny had explained all the dos and don’ts about living on Shamrock Island.

“Oh, let me show you the pond,” Penny said.

“The pond?” she asked. “As in the pond?”

Back in their hotel room, when Penny had first explained everything about dating a tiger shark shifter, she’d told her all about the first time she’d seen Thane shift and how it had been in a safer environment than out in the ocean. He’d taken her to some pond that was fed by a waterfall and everything you’d expect from a romantic island scene.

Penny’s newfound strength and stamina made it easy for her to trudge through the forest to look for this hidden location, and Sylvia found that she had a hard time keeping up with her pregnant friend.

“Man,” Sylvia complained. “I need to start this shark shifter workout regimen you’re on. You’re fuckin’ fit, girl.”

“Beats the hell out of going to the gym,” Penny said. “I’m naturally strong and fast and can swim like you wouldn’t believe.”

After what seemed like an eternity, Penny pushed through a last strand of hanging leaves and Sylvia followed her out into the open area. It was as majestic as her best friend had described. It was the stuff you’d see in the old Blue Lagoon movies.

Sylvia couldn’t believe her eyes when she scanned the area, taking in the breathtaking view, and finally settled on a spot of sand that led into the pond. Sitting there on the ground, this time wearing a pair of black cargo shorts, was Coby. He had his finger stuck inside a book, keeping his place in the story, and was watching them with his brow furrowed. Sylvia looked back at Penny.

“You’re welcome,” Penny said.

“You knew he’d be here?” Sylvia asked.

“Thane told me. Apparently, they bumped into each other while Thane was on his morning patrol. Cobalt followed him back to the island, borrowed some shorts, and took Poet’s diary with him. And…”

Penny leaned in close and rested her chin on Sylvia’s shoulder.

“…I heard he asked about you,” she whispered.

Sylvia pulled back, releasing her friend’s chin from her shoulder.

“Get out,” she said.

“I’m serious. Ask him.”

“I’m not gonna ask him that.”

“Don’t be a pussy.”

“So, you gained muscle, stamina, and a foul mouth,” Sylvia said.

“You can thank me later,” Penny said. “And if you can’t figure out how to get home, listen for the ocean waves…or ask your friend if he’ll escort you back.”

Sylvia wanted to jump on Penny’s back and hug the life out of her for hooking her up with such an amazing morning.

“Umm…” Sylvia said as she slowly approached Coby. “Funny seeing you here?”

She posed it as a question because she knew it was a cheesy line and was gauging whether or not he was in the mood for her corniness or if he would rather be left alone altogether.

“Yes,” he said, keeping up what Sylvia had realized was his silent but sexy demeanor.

He was a man of few words.

And what are words really? Other than something to fill your mouth with, when I’ve got so many other things I’d rather you stuff into your mouth.

More men should use less words. Sylvia had always thought if more men would shut up and listen, there would be a lot less failed marriages and much fewer single mothers.