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drives them mad. It’s like depriving a person of air or food. They can’t survive for very long.”
    “Wait.” She folded her arms. “You’re telling me that they literally go insane—straightjacket, padded-room insane?”
    He scoffed. “Don’t sound so shocked. We have hearts, you know. And there’s nothing more important to a merman than his woman.”
    Liv felt a few random pieces click into place. Her feelings for Roen, from the first moment they’d met, had defied all logic. It was like a fire in her heart and soul she couldn’t put out. Then, after leaving Roen behind on the island, she’d tried to move on with her life, only to find Roen infiltrated her dreams—when she managed to sleep—and occupied a solid portion of her daytime thoughts. The harder she’d pushed herself to think of something else, the more she burned to physically be near him. It was completely irrational. It had been driving her mad. However, if this mate thing was real, it explained everything. It explained why Roen had repeatedly laid his life on the line for her, too.
    Oh God. I’m his mate. The realization startled her. Partially because she didn’t know such a thing really existed. Yeah, she’d heard Roen mention the word, but she figured it was merman-lingo for a woman they considered to be “keepers” versus sex toys, or something like that. She’d had no idea what it really meant.
    So did Roen know all this? If yes, why hadn’t he told her?
    “Jason, you said Roen denounced me. But if the connection between mates is so strong, how’s that possible?”
    “Obviously, you weren’t his true mate. It’s rare that we’d ever make that sort of mistake because it’s not a choice—it’s something that just happens. But I guess it’s possible. Case in point, Roen refused to finish the claiming ritual with you and then had you tossed off the island. A merman would never be able to do that to his true mate. He wouldn’t be able to resist her, and he’d definitely never separate from her voluntarily.”
    Liv felt more little clicks inside her head, the seemingly random pieces latching together and painting a bigger picture. Roen was the most stubborn, fearless, determined person she’d ever met. If anyone could defy the rules, he could. That meant he’d resisted his urge to be with her and then lied to his men. All probably in an effort to protect her somehow.
    Except, maybe Shane didn’t fall for it.
    Liv’s brain tingled—she knew she was onto something. Ohmygod. Maybe none of this is really about me. Otherwise, Shane would’ve gone for her the first time around. Maybe Shane wants to pick a fight with Roen, using me as bait. Why? What did Roen have that Shane wanted?The only answer she came up with was control of the island.
    “Jason, what would happen if someone challenged Roen for the island?”
    “Like who?”
    “Does it matter?”
    “Not really. Under our laws, anyone can challenge, although no one would be stupid enough to do it without a thumbs-up from the Big Girl herself. Why? Think you’ll go for it?” He laughed.
    Not in a million years. She wanted nothing to do with this place. Nevertheless, his discriminatory, backward attitude irritated her. “Maybe I will.”
    Jason shot her a look. “Women are only good for two things: being mermaids or making babies.”
    Liv sneered with revulsion. “Golly gee, Jason. Thank garsh we have you big strong men in little skirts to put us small-brained females in our places, garsh.” She made a little hoedown rocking motion with her fist.
    “You’re welcome.” He took a bow right when someone knocked on the door.
    “About fucking time!” Jason yelled. “Next time, you babysit the crazy-stupid human.”
    This guy is such an ass!
    “Okay, landlover.” Jason yanked open the door. “Time to get you ready for tonight’s big event.”
    Liv’s stomach lurched. If she was right, then the situation was no longer about her and Dana, it was much bigger: Shane