Into the Triangle Read Online Free PDF Page B

the jungle with your important bits flopping about all over the place."
    "O-oh," Gabe stuttered in surprise. "It's like a jock strap." He ducked his head as he began fighting to get the pouch and strings in place. In the end, Aaron ended up having to help him, the unfamiliar clothing almost defeating both men until finally, Gabe was clothed and feeling much more comfortable now that he was covered.
    "Okay, now tell me what happened while you were at the lagoon," Aaron said, slapping Gabe on the back and walking back in the direction of the village, forcing Gabe to follow.
    "Well, it's hard to describe…" Gabe sighed, trudging along. Exhaustion swamped him and the events of the past day were starting to catch up with him. He just wanted to lie down and sleep. Gabe rubbed his brow, fingered sliding over his pearl. "Nothing is making sense anymore."
    Aaron smiled encouragingly. "Just start from the beginning, after you left me at the village."
    So Gabe explained what had happened since he'd wandered away from the village to the lagoon. He told Aaron about the merman and even about the kiss. "Then I heard you calling my name, and I told him I had to leave. He looked so sad… and now it's all I can do not to run back to the lagoon." Gabe sighed. "It's weird, but I miss him. How is that even possible? I don't even know him and he's a merman, for goodness sake! Where I come from, things like that don't even exist…"
    Aaron didn't seem concerned however. He nodded. "I think it's the bond forming, from what I remember Douglas mentioning. It's a pull toward your merman—one that makes it almost impossible for you to ignore. I'm not saying you can't, because if you wanted to, you can choose not to accept the bond; but I believe the pull is a way for the Merfolk to get a fair chance at having a relationship with their chosen ones."
    Gabe nodded. That made sense. "I think his name is Paxton. I mean, that's what the waves whispered to me… and now I sound crazy again." He sighed, shaking his head.
    Aaron laughed. "The mer are mysterious creatures. I've honestly never seen one in real life before. But if you think your merman's name is Paxton, then I think that sounds good to me."
    By that time they had reached the edge of the village, and Gabe took a deep breath as he prepared himself to meet the rest of the people he'd probably be spending the rest of his life around. But before he could walk into the village proper, Gabe found himself stopped by a hand on his arm.
    Turning, he faced Aaron, noticing the serious expression on the other man's face.
    "Before you go meet Father Willis, there are a few things you need to remember. Don't mention the fact that you are, you know," Aaron lowered his voice and whispered, "homosexual. And just to be safe, I wouldn't mention your merman's name." He seemed to hesitate a moment before continuing. "Father Willis has some very strong ideas about the Merfolk—not all of them good—and, well, let's just say, he's not at all shy about sharing them."
    "The guy sounds down right peachy," Gabe replied sarcastically as a sinking feeling began to develop in the pit of his belly. "And how does he feel about those the Merfolk have marked as chosen ones?"
    Aaron shrugged and glanced away, not meeting Gabe's gaze. "Let's get this meeting over with… then I'll take you to my hut so you can rest."

Chapter 6
     
    Gabe fought the urge to squirm as he was examined by a cold, assessing gaze.
    It was official; Father Willis gave him the creeps.
    There was something about those cool, rheumy black eyes that reminded Gabe of every disappointed and disgusted look he'd ever received from his parents. Those eyes seemed to be judging him, and Gabe had the sneaking feeling whatever the older man looked for, he was sorely lacking in it.
    Standing there in the center of the village, in front of the huge hut that belonged to the priest, Gabe tried not to flinch as the older man walked around him.
    "So, you are the man who