Thorn let out a tired breath. “I made a promise.”
Ah, now she understood. “To Nibo.”
He shook his head to correct her assumption. “Someone who means a lot more to me than that. Not that that says much, since he means nothing to me at all. Suffice it to say that a lot of people moved a lot of bodies to get you this chance. You should be grateful.”
“I’m not ungrateful.”
He arched a brow at her that questioned her sincerity.
“What’s that supposed mean?”
Could he sense the treachery she plotted? Not that she had acted on it, but to hear her father and pastor speak, a thought was as good as an action. And in that case, she was guilty through and through. There was barely a minute that passed that she didn’t think about that damnable crook and what she was supposed to be doing to get it.
Of course, it was followed next by her desire to take said crook and shove it up a place of Nibo’s anatomy that would make Vlad the Impaler happy.
Two warring desires that both disgusted her. Because honestly, she just wanted to be left alone.
Nay, not true. She just wanted to be whole and loved. To be human again.
Just for one minute.
Thorn reached out and placed a sympathetic hand on her arm. His gaze turned gentle. “What was done to you, Miss Moore, was wrong. No one should ever seek to control another. Believe me, I had my own daddy issues that make yours pale in comparison. And like you, I ran from the destiny my father tried to iron-fist me into. I ran to the farthest hill I could find, stood on top of it, and defiantly dared him to try and knock me from it.”
“And what happened?”
“He kicked my ass and dragged me around the hill a few times.”
Not the answer she was hoping for.
“But,” he said slowly, “once I picked my teeth up from the ground, and I could breathe again, I eventually learned to walk on my own. Then I learned to attack. The trick is learning when not to.”
Her stomach sank at his words, as she definitely had a feeling that he knew about her bargain. “I just want my body back.”
“We all want to be human, Valynda. Just make sure that in your quest to regain your body, you don’t lose your humanity. Or more to the point, your soul. For that would be the greatest tragedy of all.”
He was right. But it was so hard to remember that when others turned against her. “Have you made any progress on when I might have a body again?”
Thorn shook his head. “Sadly, you’re asking me for powers I lack. To make flesh and blood … that is something reserved for very few.”
“Captain! Ship avast!”
Valynda scowled at the sharp cry that rang out from the crow’s nest.
Bart went running past so that he could grab a spyglass and try to see what they were looking at. “Colors, Mr. Devereaux?”
There was a brief pause as he looked out to see. “An English frigate. Pirate hunters.”
Valynda’s heart sped up as her gaze went to the red Roger flying proudly over their black sails, which would draw such beasts like a magnet.
Worse than a black flag, the field of solid red around the Sea Witch’s skull-and-crossed-dagger emblem told those they went against that they gave no quarter. No mercy.
No prey. No pay.
To a pirate hunter, that flag meant bank.
To them, it meant trouble.
Bart passed a sick grimace toward their captain, Devyl Bane. “Strike our colors, Captain?”
Ever true to his warring nature that had once set him against the best and worst the world of man and demons had to offer, Bane shook his head. “Turn us about, Mr. Meers. Let the bitches catch up.”
Her knees weak, Valynda took position as they made ready for battle. This was the part she always dreaded most about being a member of the Sea Witch’s crew. Having already survived one sinking, she wasn’t eager to repeat the experience. Something not helped as she saw their resident merman pause beside his wife to help her hike up her skirts and secure them so that she could fight with her legs unfettered by the material. Fret etched itself across Cameron’s face as she cupped Kalder’s cheek. “Careful with you, husband. I’d hate to replace you.”
Laughing, he kissed her. “No fears, me fearse. You take care, as you’re fighting for two. Don’t make me mourn either of you.” And with that, he jumped over the side of the ship, into the waves, so that he could lend a hand from where he was the strongest.
Valynda listened to the rumble of the long nines as the cannons were rolled into place belowdecks. Smoke choked her as the linstocks were made ready to light their wicks.
The air became thick with anticipation. Few spoke anything more than orders to the others. Not that any here could die. Still, battle was a serious matter, whether you were alive or dead.
And everyone here was a warring lot who looked forward to what they were about to do, hence why they’d been picked for the crew. All save her. Growing up the daughter of a cobbler, fighting a battle was something she’d never thought she’d participate in.
But she was glad to have a chance to regain her soul.
And her body.
Which meant doing what she didn’t want to on this day, and probably the morrow. Valynda took up her staff and made ready for what was to come. Completely focused on the horizon, where the enemy ship grew larger by the heartbeat, she let out a scream as someone appeared behind her and drew her against a hard chest.
Cameron stared at her with a gaping expression as Valynda turned to find Nibo grinning at her.
“Devil step on your tail, cat?”
She popped him on the arm. “You scared the bejesus from me! Why would you do that?” Especially right then!
“Thought you heard me when I popped in.”
Drawing a ragged breath, she glared at him. “Didn’t know you were here. I should put a bell on you!”
Completely unabashed, he tsked. “I’m not exactly quiet.” Holding up his bangle-bedecked arms that jingled mightily, he illustrated the point nicely. Still …
“I was preoccupied.”
He winked at her. “So I see.” Glancing toward the approaching ship, he narrowed his gaze on the ominous crew that wanted to bring them in. “What are you doing, Bane?”
“Dancing with the devil, Nibo. You?”
“Doubting your sanity. That’s Jonathan Barnet. Why are you letting him get this close?”
The captain shrugged. “Haven’t had a headache in the last two months. Figured it was time. After all, everyone needs at least one good brain tumor once in their lifetime.” He jerked his chin toward the ship. “This one comes with friends.”
Nibo laughed. “That he does. Weapons, too. Big ones, I’m told.”
“Good. It’s no fun to attack those who can’t defend themselves. More the merrier, I say.”
“Then you ought to be deliriously happy right now.”
Bane flashed him a most uncharacteristic smile that was actually frightening. Both in its eagerness and the fact that it was such an unnatural look on the handsome man’s face that it was downright terrifying.
Valynda groaned at their inappropriate bantering. Men! She’d never understand them. Aggravated at Nibo for his timing, she grimaced at him. “Thought you told me you weren’t a fighter.”
Nibo shrugged. “Not a runner, either, ma chère. I will hold me own in a fight.”
“And why are you here?”
“You were calling for me.”
Had he gone daft? “Nay, I was not.”
He scowled at her. “Pretty sure I heard my name on your sweet lips. ’Tis a most unmistakable sound.” He lowered his voice so that only she could hear him. “That does unmistakable things to me body.”
Clearing her throat, she glanced about nervously to make sure no one else had heard that. “Pretty sure you didn’t.”
He looked over at Thorn.
“You’ve gone senile, old man. And don’t be casting those eyes at me. God knows
I didn’t call for your sorry arse. I’ve no use for you whatsoever. And especially not for those two trolls you usually travel with. Have to say I’m glad you left their rotten souls at home for once.”
“Captain! They’re hoisting up the white flag!”
Bane actually looked deflated by the news. “Well, bugger me that.” Grinding his teeth, Captain Bane glared at Thorn.
“What? I had nothing to do with it. Why you looking at me with those downcast eyes?”
“Something this disappointing feels like it should have your name engraved upon it.”
“Seriously?”
Before anyone could speak, Captain Barnet requested permission to come aboard.
Both Will and Bart turned toward Bane with looks that said they couldn’t wait to see what he had to say about that. And honestly, neither could Valynda, given the captain’s behavior thus far.
“Sure. Why not?” Captain Bane said in a sullen tone that conveyed just how unenthusiastic he was about it.
With a deep growl and grand show of irritation, he sheathed his sword, then looked to Strixa, their resident water witch. “Could you at least sink their ship to make me feel better?”
She actually laughed at his beleaguered tone.
Lady Marcelina tsked at her irritable husband before she kissed his cheek. “There, there, my warring love. I’m sure you’ll have the chance to gut something before nightfall. Cheer up.”
“So say you. Haven’t had a good gutting in days. Beheading either.” Bane crossed his arms and stood aside as Barnet swung over from his ship to their main deck so that he could talk to them.
Valynda started forward, but Nibo kept her by his side, silently reminding her that Barnet, as a human, wasn’t supposed to interact her. While she had a spell over her that kept most humans from seeing her true straw form, it didn’t work on all of them. Those who were sensitive or special, such as Cameron and her brother Paden, saw through the spell. Therefore, it wasn’t worth the risk for her to mix with humans any more than was necessary, lest they think her a monster.
Nibo had the same problem as a psychopomp. His form was nebulous. To those with a good heart, he appeared as he did to Valynda—beautiful beyond description. Handsome and young. A man in the prime of his vigor.
To those who were corrupt, however, he was a monstrous, hideous beast who was known to send them into screaming fits of madness.
While she’d never glimpsed that side of him, she’d heard others scream in all-out terror when they looked upon him. Xuri had tried to explain it to her, but she couldn’t imagine the demonic horror he described that showed up like some skeletal beast intent to drive all reason from the damned.
It was why her friends had run the night he’d appeared. They hadn’t seen him the way she had. Their hearts were blackened by their conceit and petty jealousies. By their inability to see the beauty of others. They were too caught up in their own pomp and self-importance.
For that, she was sorry, because he was a creature of absolute grace. Every part of him. From his broad, sculpted shoulders to the riot of curls that framed the most perfectly formed face ever made. She could spend eternity in silent worship of his body alone.
If only he hadn’t betrayed her.
Every time she thought of it, it tore her heart out anew. Who could be so cold?
“Captain Bane.” Barnet held his arm out for their captain to take it.
It was obvious Captain Bane would rather not, but after an elbowing from his wife, he did. “Have to say I’m rather surprised by the chance you took, Barnet.”
“Not as much as I am by the fact you didn’t open fire on me. Grateful, too, that you’re still a man of honor.”
For it was well known that Captain Bane never fired the first shot. But he rather made a point to always fire the last one.
And, in the end, he left none standing.
Bane inclined his head to him. “So, to what do I owe this … chance encounter?”
“I came looking for you as a favor for Rafael Santiago.”
That got everyone’s attention, as they owed a debt to the infamous pirate who’d helped them out more than once.
“What about him?”
“St. Noir was killed.”
A ripple went through the Deadmen crew. Jean-Luc Tessier had been a legend among the pirates they knew. Acting and raiding as Captain St. Noir, Jean-Luc had taken more than his share of treasure, but always with a style and sense of fairness that was uniquely his own.
Yet the one thing he was known for was being Rafael’s best friend.
Bane winced. “How?”
Turning sheepish, Barnet swallowed before he answered. “I …” He sighed. “I went after Calico Jack, not knowing that St. Noir had sent Bonny and Read back to him for protection while he took on the Spanish. I stupidly thought the ladies were still with St. Noir and under his protection.”
“Why would you do that?”
Barnet held his hands up. “Thought it fair for a debt I owed the rank bastard, especially since the women were supposed to be off with St. Noir and clear of Calico’s crew.” He let out a long sigh. “It was bad timing that I deeply regret.”
Valynda exchanged a pained grimace with Nibo as she told him just how bad it really was.
For everyone.
“Anne Bonny was pregnant with St. Noir’s child,” she explained in a whisper.
Barnet looked as disgusted as Nibo did. “I would never have gone after Jack had I known the women were there.”
Bane let out a weary sigh. “I take it that they’re in custody?”
His features even more tortured, Barnet nodded. “Bound for the gallows as soon as their babes are born. The instant St. Noir heard the news, he made plans to go after them, but before he could, his quartermaster betrayed him and his crew to the Spanish. St. Noir stayed behind to delay them from reaching his men and to give them time to escape … bastard dogs slaughtered him where he stood.”
Bane winced again in sympathetic pain. Most of them did, point of fact, as loyalty was something every Deadman understood and respected. That was what made them a family—their willingness to sacrifice their souls for each other. “I take it that Rafe is going after Anne.”
Barnet nodded. “He feels he owes it to St. Noir, and I offered to help. But it’s more than the two of us can do on our own. Since you’re such good friends with Santiago, and I knew you frequented the waters here, I thought I’d ask for a sword to help him. Last thing I want to do is send another man to the Locker.”
Before the captain could answer, something roared out from far below. Deep and guttural, it shook the boards beneath Valynda’s feet. Nibo grabbed her arm and pulled her against his body as the ship tipped sharply to its side. Will went skidding across the deck, as did Cameron until her brother caught her. Both of them transformed from their human bodies into Seraphs—their angel-like state that allowed them to fight demons in a stronger-than-human body. Cameron’s white wings exploded out from her back, as did Paden’s.
“What is that?” Valynda gasped.
Nibo used his staff to pin them to the deck. “You don’t want to know, chère. Suffice it to say, it’s not something you want to make angry. Rather, it’ll come for us and make us a little nubby treat, eh?”
“Not amused.”
He grinned, and charmed her in spite of her protestations. Damn, why did he have to be so alluring?
Black clouds rolled in overhead like billowing smoke from a massive fire. Screams rang out from Barnet’s ship. As a human crew, they had no idea what was happening. Indeed, Barnet was pale and shaken by the sight of the changes in the men and women around him.
“What are you people?”
Bane didn’t answer as he raised his flintlock and took aim for a demon rising up and over Barnet. Barnet barely ducked out of the way before Bane shot it in the head and caused it to explode all over the deck in a grisly, besmirched stain that befouled the air she attempted to breathe. More came up from the sea, fl
ying in wave after angry wave to attack with claws and fangs.
Nibo shielded her, batting them away with his crook. “Get below!”
Valynda hesitated.
The demons grabbed on to the sides of the ship in an attempt to pry off boards. Something that made it hard to blast them, since any blow could go through the demons and damage the hull that was part of Mara’s body.
This was terrible. They were about to go down and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
“If we sink, it’s a bad idea to be below.”
“You’re not going down.”
She started to ask him what he meant, but before she could, lightning flashed, dividing the dark clouds. The sky turned a sickly green. Around them, the sea began to churn. Kalder was thrown from the waves up to the deck, where he landed near Cameron. Disoriented and obviously confused, he glanced about at them.
Valynda was as confounded as he was while the ship continued to pitch and roll. The wood shrieked in protest as it seemed determined to splinter and leave them to drown.
At least until a tidal wave rose straight up before them.
Nibo raised his crook. The moment he did, the wave exploded into a thousand skeletons and bodies that rained down upon the demons.
The human crew screamed out as the Deadmen scrambled to get out of the way.
Nibo’s eyes turned bright orange. He used his crook to control the souls of those he’d just summoned from the bowels of the sea to go after the demons and protect her and her friends. With stunned expressions, Thorn and Bane turned to gape at him.
Nibo ignored them while his army of the dead engaged the demons and fought them down. Valynda scurried to stand beside him as one of the demons came toward her, intent on biting her. She’d fight them, but she’d learned the hard way that these were coated with a thick, tar-like membrane that would infect any who touched them. Even her.
And it burned like the dickens.
More than that, it bonded to the skin and caused it to rot and smell for eternity. Even straw bodies. So rather than fight, the best course of action was to flee and let someone else risk that kind of infection.
At Death’s Door Page 12