by Patty Taylor
McGregor frowned. “They belonged to Finley, Captin’. I figured he wouldn’t be needin’ them anymore.”
“Get rid of them. Destroy all the rest of his clothes.” Quinn ordered and drew Beth closer to him. “He canna hurt ye now. The lad jumped ship. We willna be seein’ him again.”
“I wish you were right.” Beth whispered. Beads of sweat filled her forehead. “He’s coming back. You don’t understand. Finley doesn’t have a choice. He won’t stop until he gets what he’s after.”
“There’s nothin’ left for him to come back for. McGregor already checked. The lad took all his valuable belongin’s with him.” Quinn tried to reassure her. “I know it sounds weird, but you have to believe me. I just know.” She clutched the gem dangling around her neck, her gaze locked with his. “It’s me he’s after.”
Chapter 9
Beth closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Quinn’s neck while he carried her back to his cabin. The Highlander waited until Kalista glided behind them into the room and kicked the door shut with the back of his foot.
“Dinna be frettin’ yerself about young Finley. He canna hurt ye here.” The charming boyish grin vanished, replaced by a sweeping shadow of anger. The muscles in his face grew taut. “He knows what the crew would do to him first, before I got me own hands on him.”
“Don’t you see? It’s driving him. Finley has about as much control over this evil as much as I do with this.” She shoved her arm in front of them, exposing the Maras mark. “He won’t stop until he finds me. That’s the one thing I am sure about.”
“We reach Shetland Islands tomorrow.” I know I promised not to pressure ye about bringin’ yer she-wolf to the surface, but ye canna wait any longer. Come first light, I’ll take ye ashore with me and help the shifting begin.” Like a caged animal, Quinn paced back and forth in front of her. “The first time can be the worst, but ye’ll get used to it soon enough.”
Her body tensed. She stirred uneasily on the bed. The breaking of her own voice startled her. “After those words of encouragement, I’m not sure whether to thank you or curse you right about now. I’m not ready to turn into a werewolf, Maras, she-wolf, or whatever you want to call it. I fought it the other evening. I’ll fight it again.”
“Ye dinna understand.” He stopped in front of her and clasped her hands. His nearness roused her senses. His masculine scent took her breath away. Goosebumps prickled across her arms. His gaze bore into her eyes. “The she-wolf is the only hope ye have against the Maras right now. Ye can control yer she-wolf. Ye canna control the Maras.”
“Wait. I need to sort this in my head.” The image of the black wolf popped into her head. Memories of his eyes filled with compassion when he rescued her raced through her mind. His soul’s true core still shined through, even in his wolf form. Her heart skipped a beat. “I think the lightbulb just lit.”
Quinn’s face clouded with uneasiness. A fever must be making her talk of foolish things. He pressed his hand to her forehead.
Beth jumped down from the mattress and threw her arms around the back of his neck. “It’s a long story. I’ll explain later.” Her skin tingled from his touch. He held her tightly against his body, her bosoms squeezing against his bare chest. She quivered, his lips pressing against hers. Her blood boiled like a volcano ready to erupt. His lips were hot, leaving her mouth burning with fire and wanting more.
Quinn gripped the shirt she was wearing, raised it over her head, and hurled it to the floor. Fiery kisses covered her neck.
Her nipples hardened between his cajoling fingertips, and her firm breasts molded beneath his expert hands. Like warm lotion gliding across smooth skin, his fingers ventured down her belly and stopped at the top of her shorts. She gasped. His manhood pressed against her. Her hands trembled, digging her fingers into his back and drawing him closer.
Kalista whimpered. A loud rapping thumped at the door.
A low growl rumbled from both their chests. The magic of the moment was broken.
Quinn raised his head and glanced over his shoulder, shouting, “I warn ye. This better be bloody damn important.”
Beth’s fingers shook, hurrying to clutch the discarded shirt and cover herself.
Quinn snarled, his eyes flashing amber. He bent, grabbing his kilt, and wrapped it around his waist. Cursing beneath his breath, he headed to the locked door and flung it wide open.
A red-faced McGregor stood in the doorway. A wide grin spread across his face when he spotted Beth. “Sorry to bother ye, Captin’. I’m afraid we have another wee problem.”
“We discussed this earlier, McGregor. ’Tis not another storm headin’ this way for days.” Quinn raked his fingers through his hair. His muscles flexed on his back. “Do ye mind tellin’ me what’s so bloody dire important that it couldna wait ’til morn?”
“Aye, Sir.” McGregor gripped his crutch, his fingers drumming against the center wooden dowels. “I’m not quite sure how to begin. I’ve never ran across one before, Captin’, and don’t how to explain this.”
“Go on McGregor. After interruptin’ us, I suggest you try . . . hard.” Quinn raised his voice, growing impatient. Beth swore she saw the hairs bristle on his back.
“Well, Captin’ we have an unexpected guest on board.”
“If Finley dares . . .” Quinn grabbed a small dagger from inside his leather leggings.
“’Tis not the lad Finley, Captin’.” A raised bushy eyebrow caused wrinkled lines to form on McGregor’s forehead.
“Out with it, man. My patience grows short.” Quinn’s nostrils flared as his voice grew curt. “No man can survive out in this ocean unless he’s part-wolf, sea creature, or can fly.”
“Aye, Captin’.” McGregor leaned to the side and nodded toward Beth. “She’s come to see the healer and granddaughter of the late Griselda.”
Caught off guard by hearing her grandmother’s name, Beth hurried to grip the shirt before it fell to the floor. McGregor turned his face while she jostled it over her head and tied it in front of her. She headed to the open door.
“Wait, lass.” Quinn grabbed her arm. “We dinna know anything about this woman. Ye stay here ’til I question her meself.”
“I’m afraid she’s no ordinary woman, Captin’. She’s part-Undine.” McGregor glanced back at the open door before leaning forward and lowering his voice. “Ye should have seen ’em. They were jumpin’ out of the white crests of sea foam like a school of playful dolphins. Next thing we know, this one hurdled through the air and landed on board.”
“I dinna like any of this.” Quinn’s eyes widened with concern. He slid a chair across the floor and motioned for her to sit down. “Best ye stay here, woman.”
Beth straightened and gripped Quinn’s wrist. “Griselda’s my grandmother, and the person responsible for sending me to the future in the first place. She did it to protect me until it was safe enough for me to return to my own people. Don’t you see? I must talk to this Undine. Maybe she knows something that can help me.”
McGregor cleared his throat. “Beggin’ yer pardon, sir, I think ye both need to come on top and see for yerselves. I don’t think she’s come to hurt the lass.”
Quinn let out a long sigh and shook his head. “’Tis against me better judgment, but ye may be right. Under the circumstances, I guess we dinna have a choice. But I warn ye, woman, the first sign of trouble, and I want ye to head back here as fast as ye can.”
“Yes, Captain.” Beth jumped and hugged Quinn. “I promise. I can’t believe I’m actually getting a chance to speak to someone that knew my grandmother.”
Quinn grasped Beth’s hand and headed for the stairs. “Your grandmother must have been a powerful sorceress.”
“From what I’ve been told, Griselda was an exceptional witch in her youth. The woman endured a lot of pain to help the people she lo
ved.” Beth’s heart raced, a tight knot twisting in her stomach. She squeezed Quinn’s hand and followed close behind him up the narrow steps.
Kalista glided toward a beautiful young woman with long snow-white hair, hovering between several gaping crewmates. Like the dancing light orbs Beth had seen frolicking in the forest behind her cottage, this tall and slender creature floated in midair with her bare feet never touching the ground. Beth caught a glimpse of wing-tipped fins on the back of the Undine’s ankles as a breeze wrapped the flowing lavender chiffon material around her knees. Her pale skin glowed like tiny crystals, mirroring her fiery golden eyes.
The mesmerizing young woman opened her hand in front of Kalista. A round object glowed, and Kalista fluttered her wings and nodded her head. She grabbed the shiny item and glided off toward the setting orange sun. The Undine smiled and turned her attention back to Beth. She motioned with her hand to come forward.
“You are the healer called Elizabeth.” Her words carried a musical tune. “Griselda was a wise woman. It was unfortunate that your evil twin Gabrielle destroyed her.”
Cold chills ran down Beth’s spine. She clutched her hands in front of her, her fingernails cutting into her palms. “Yes, I am called Beth. I’m sorry I never got to meet my grandmother. But why are you here?”
“Your grandmother was a kind witch and saved many lost souls, including creatures of the sea. Griselda also possessed the gift of sight.” The night sky glistened with sparkling stars. The full moon showered a spotlight on the floating woman. The Undine’s eyes narrowed, searching Beth’s face as if she sensed Beth had inherited the same gift. “Griselda summoned us before her death and asked for our help. I cannot take away the mark of the Maras, but I can lead you to someone that can.”
“Who is this person you speak of?” Quinn asked, stepping closer. “Where can we find them?”
The Undine’s long white locks of hair lifted into tiny fingers and settled over Quinn’s heart. She smiled and cocked her head to the side. “Aye. You must be Quinn. We’ve heard much about the mighty captain of the Sea Wolf. So you are the lone alpha that searches the seas to save the lives of his kindred spirits. Much in store lays ahead for you as well, my friend, Quinn McCord.”
The Undine centered her attention back on Beth. “You must go to the Faroe Islands and seek the witch named Halldora. She dwells in a dark place hidden behind a waterfall and awaits your arrival. But beware. You must not forget about the witches’ inherent pact. It’s crucial she’s presented a gift in return for her help.”
“There are many waterfalls in the Faroe Islands,” Quinn interrupted. “I have money to pay the witch. I dinna like this sound of a gift as payment in exchange for advice from an old witch.”
A lightning bolt zoomed from the heavens, plummeting to the ocean. Water splashed over everyone.
“I must go.” The Undine floated toward Beth and cupped Beth’s chin in her hand. “Make sure to choose your offering wisely.”
Before Beth could open her mouth and ask the stranger anything more, another horrendous bolt of bright light wrapped around the Undine’s body, and the woman vanished, leaving a shimmering trail of silver and purple powdery crystals dancing across the deck.
Chapter 10
“I’m tellin’ ye, lass, ’tis a foolish idea to even consider seein’ this Halldora.” Quinn sat across from her at the tidied table, cracking his knuckles. He lifted a mug full of ale, took a hefty swig and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “We have enough to deal with at present without worryin’ about a witch we know nothin’ about.”
McGregor hobbled inside the room and laid a stuffed basket filled with bread and cheese in front of them.
“I have a bad feelin’ this gift might end up costing more than ye bargain for.” Quinn plopped the tankard on the table with a thud.
Beth flinched in her seat, startled from the noise. “I don’t see what other choice we have, unless you have a better idea.”
“Gift or not, who’s to say the Queen of the Maras hasn’t gotten to the witch first, and the old hag leads ye into a trap?” McGregor voiced his opinion, blocking Quinn’s view of Beth’s reaction, as he reached in between them and helped himself to the jar of honey. “Aye. I have to agree with the Captin’.”
Beth propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand. Quinn resisted leaning over and kissing her parted lips. Her eyes narrowed, staring into space. She leaned back in the chair, crossed her arms, and exhaled. “I don’t believe my grandmother would send me to someone out to do me harm. And besides, Captain, I believe you were the one insisting we stop at the Faroe Islands before heading to Iceland in the first place. I still think you should reconsider and turn this ship around. If you take me home, you can help me find Darby. He knew my grandmother, so there’s a good possibility he probably knows about Halldora, too. If it weren’t for you saving my life and being in Keara’s sketch in the first place, I’d . . .”
McGregor stood, cleared his throat, and grabbed a piece of cheese from the basket. “I believe I’m needed on deck, Captin’.”
“I’ll join ye shortly. Tomorrow we land on the Shetland Islands.” Quinn nodded, ignoring the daggers in Beth’s eyes. “I think ’tis time we both settled a few things before we go ashore.”
Quinn felt Beth’s stare focused on him while he waited for McGregor to close the door. He turned his attention back to her pretty face. By the heavens, she was even more beautiful when she was mad.
“Quinn. I need you to be honest with me.” Her bewitching blue eyes implored him. “How much time do I have before I turn into this Maras’ demon, and why are you so bloody determined to go to Iceland?”
He grabbed her hands in his and gave them a light squeeze. He resisted the temptation of pulling her into his arms and telling her he would always protect her and that everything would be fine. It would be best if she knew now what she was in for. “I believe ye’re safe ’til Samhain Eve. But I willna lie to ye, lass. The closer we get to the time, the harder it will be for ye to resist the Maras Queen’s curse. ’Tis why ye must not put off callin’ on yer she-wolf any longer. She’ll protect ye.”
“I guess there’s no other choice than to summon her and get it over with. Does this mean I get to see you change into your wolf right in front of me? I’m not sure I can handle that yet.” The color in her cheeks paled. He didn’t need to answer her question. Her telling eyes relayed she already knew his reply. The answer lay deep in her heart.
The connection that bonded them together intensified as the raging fire raced through his bloodstream. Beth was an intelligent woman and realized her life was about to change forever.
She snatched her hands away from his, folded them in her lap, and frowned. “I’d like to know why you think going to Iceland is going to help any of this.”
Quinn stood and strolled over to the desk and unlocked the bottom drawer with a key he took from a concealed pouch tucked inside his leather leggings. The sparkling lights radiating from a fine chunk of crystal stone in brilliant colors of sky blue and scarlet red glimmered up at him. He carried it to the table and placed it in front of her. “This came from the Land of Fire and Ice.”
Beth straightened, her eyebrows raised. “It’s exquisite. I’ve never seen a stone like that before.”
“Aye, ’tis a rare and precious gem found only in the Land of Fire and Ice. Hundreds of years ago, the Gods summoned the woodland sprites and instructed them to harvest the fallen tears of fairies once huddled around a dying unicorn. The sprites skillfully collected the sacred teardrops and preserved them in tiny jars made from diamonds and emeralds. The fairies created a crystal waterfall with healing powers conjured from the precious frozen tears in memory of their departed friends. To this day, the teardrops are protected and kept heated by the preserved flames from the last dying breath of a slain dragon.”
The sparkling gem glowed bright red. Vibrant streaks of blue flickered from the stone as Quinn turned it over.
“Only magical beings and creatures of the wild are granted entrance to the sacred waterfall. ’Tis hidden deep beneath the ground where mere humans canna tread to find it, and ’tis heavily guarded by hideous trolls. It’s been told of lost souls inflicted with terrible wounds or close to death have been healed once they bathe in these springs.”
Quinn squeezed her hands. “Can ye not see, lass? Ye’ve been stricken with a demon’s curse. I’m willin’ to bet my last breath this crystal water can cure ye. It canna hurt to try.”
Beth opened her mouth and clamped it shut again. They stared in silence at each other. Finally, she spoke. “Did you take this crystal from there?”
“Nay. I’ve not stepped foot in the cavern.” He watched as she turned the shiny rock in her fingers.
“Do you know where the cave’s hidden?” A shadow of hope crossed her face.
“Gunther will lead us there. The Land of Fire and Ice is his homeland. After what ye did for him today, ’tis no question in me mind he’ll take us there.”
“But we still need to find the witch Halldora. I know you’re not crazy about that idea, but I can’t afford not to at least go and see what she has to say.” She gingerly placed the crystal in the center of a linen napkin on the table. “If my grandmother foresaw this meeting, then I’m destined to go through with it.”
“I’ll have McGregor go below and search through some trunks for something of value to give this witch. I still dinna like any of this. I warn ye now, lass, ye have one day to find this Halldora, and no more.” His first misgivings about this witch nonsense increased by the minute. He was determined not to waiver on this decision.