by S Lawrence
Everything but the sharks have sunk back below the surface. The sharks are in a feeding frenzy as the water turns red.
We leave it behind, each of us using the hidden engines to get as far from the King as we can before cutting them off.
We sail up the deep channel that once held great lakes. Few ships will go into this area and only we know of the deep canal that is hidden behind a small island. It wasn’t there before the war, and we don’t know how it got there but we found it years ago, and it takes us north without having to sail around. We stop and drop anchor right outside the rock cliff.
The sun has risen and as I look at the stone face of the cliff, I realize it is the same as in the cave. The entrance, while much larger, is cut in the same way.
The elusive god is helping us once more, maybe.
* * *
She had been a thing of beauty, and I filmed it all for Remy. I hope it convinces him to stay longer, to watch her become everything we know she can be.
Everything is going as planned. Liam is a good boy, watching over her just like I’d hoped he would. The men are protecting her while getting her where she needs to be.
I hadn’t expected the King to find them so soon, but they managed just fine. They were smart to come to the canal. Luckily for them, someone created it so long ago.
Closing my eyes, I listen and I can hear it. The tablet is calling to her. To them maybe. The keys did, and that wasn’t planned. Maybe all the meddling over the years had changed them a little, made them a little special like her.
Maybe I’m not the only one still playing in the world of humans.
* * *
They had gotten away. Again.
“Maybe I’ve chosen the wrong King.”
His head jerks around at my softly spoken words, his hand going to the whip he is so fond of.
“Don’t try me, woman,” he growls.
“I am no mere woman. You know that.” I flash in front of him, relishing the look of fear that appears for a moment before he can hide it. “Do not threaten me. I made you king.”
He doesn’t like the reminder.
“You haven’t told me something, Nemesis. A creature destroyed that ship.” It’s an accusation.
“I told you there was a girl. Now you know she is real, and they have her.” I pause, looking down at my nails before locking my eyes on his. “If they get to the power first, she will rule. You.”
I disappear before my rage breaks free. The King isn’t the only one angry about tonight’s outcome. I felt him close.
Fucking Nestor.
Death is too good for him. I will punish him, maybe for eternity.
Chapter 33
REYNA
He lost so much blood.
It is on my clothes and skin. Someone brought a basin of water hours ago, but I haven’t moved from his side. I reach out and touch his slightly parted lips, feeling the breath whispering through them. I’ve done it what seems like hundreds of times since he passed out.
The crew is watching us, me, closely. I don’t blame them; a giant sea creature lifted me from the water and placed me on their deck, and then their captain collapsed moments later.
I know they don’t believe I’d hurt him but I hear the whispers. I’m no goddess but I guess there is no denying that I am something much more than I was a few days ago.
I choose to ignore it and them for the moment. Standing up, I cross and close the door they’ve all been wandering by, glancing in. Stopping by the dark table with the black bowl full of water, I wash my hands and use the rag beside it to wash off my arms. The water is dark with blood when I’m finished. I strip off my stained clothes and walk over to a chair in the corner. Like everything else in the room, it is a dark fabric but this time, it is a blue with gold threads running through it.
A pale gray shirt has been tossed on it, and I grab it, pulling it on over my head, letting his scent wash over me. Hagen. They all smell differently, but Hagen smells like nothing but lust.
I move back to his side, stand looking down at him for a minute before climbing on the bed with him. I gently tuck myself against his side, lying my head on his chest so I can feel him breathe and listen to the steady pound of his heart.
I’m tracing a scar that runs over his ribs when sleep finally claims me.
I dream arms are holding me tight.
“Reyna.” His voice is thick with sleep and something more.
“Hagen,” I sigh and shift.
“Ow, woman, watch my leg.” The hint of exasperation in his voice makes me smile a little against his ribs.
“Sorry.”
“I’m offended I’ve slept through you being in my bed. You should have woken me.”
I let my head fall back some so I can look up at his face. “You’d been shot, lost a lot of blood, and passed out. I thought you needed some rest.”
“Holding you might have made me feel much better than a rest.” He smiles at me before dipping his head and kissing me heatedly.
I lose myself in it. So much so that I move again, causing him to groan against my lips.
“Damn it, girl, maybe I was wrong.” He chuckles even as his hand slides down my side, stopping when he reaches my hip.
His fingers curve around my butt cheek then flex, digging in as he pulls me up his body. I’m careful to make sure I don’t hit his wound again.
“We shouldn’t be doing this,” I murmur against his chest.
“I think we should be doing just this and so much more,” he counters. “This and so much more.”
“Really? And what of the others? I thought you’d agreed we should all go slow.” I look up at his face once again.
“Did I?”
I nod.
“Have you or have you not kissed the others?” He raises an eyebrow, daring me to lie.
“Yes, I kissed them.” I don’t say anything else, give away no more details.
Would it hurt to do more? To do everything?
A knock at the door keeps me from having to make a decision.
“Enter,” Hagen calls out while keeping me held against him.
“Sir, the captains are coming.” The man’s eyes look anywhere but at us, and I realize I’m not the only one trying to figure out this arrangement.
“Where are we, River?” Hagen asks while releasing me and forcing his body more upright.
“Anchored outside the channel.”
River, I like that name, finally looks at us as I sit up and pull the oversized shirt over my folded legs. Glancing between them, I wait for more of an explanation but none comes.
I hear Cyder talking loudly to someone, and seconds later, Fallon’s voice joins his. It is Lash’s face that comes into view first as he steps into the dimly lit room.
“Jesus, Hagen, this room is like a cave.” He squints, focusing on us in the low light.
“River, can you light a couple of the lamps? It appears Lash is scared of the dark.” River nods and rushes to do as his captain requested.
“I’d just like to be able to see Reyna.” He winks at me, and I can’t help but smile.
Hagen mumbles something under his breath as he swings his legs over the side of the bed. Unlike the other two rooms that I’ve seen, his is set up most like a bedroom, with a small desk in front toward the door. That’s it, no table for eating. This isn’t a social place; this is a place of solitude, and I can tell he is uncomfortable with all the people that are piling in.
“Can we possibly take this out on the deck? If you are fine getting out there.” I look at him as I stand, pulling at the bottom of his shirt to make sure I’m covered. His eyes lock on the motion, and he realizes what I’m wearing. A heated possessive look enters his eyes. “My other clothes were bloody.”
He leans close, and I bend down, my face less than an inch from his. “I like you in my clothes.” His voice is low before his lips touch mine.
He kisses me slow, marking me and reminding me of what he had offered before we were inte
rrupted. I didn’t need the reminder. The idea of it hadn’t left my mind. When I finally break away from him and stand, I see they have all joined us. I look at each of them, searching but finding not one flicker of jealousy or anger.
Instead, I see heat and lust on each of their faces. River has disappeared, and I’m thankful to have a moment alone with them. Cyder closes the door slowly, and I feel like a rabbit surrounded by a pack of wolves.
Wilder steps forward and holds out his hands, which are filled with clean clothes. “I thought you might need some things.”
“Thank you.” I take them and stand on tiptoe, kissing him on the cheek.
I’m frozen, clutching the clothes to my chest.
“Get the fuck out so she can change,” Hagen barks at them as he struggles to his feet. “Hand me some clothes, Fallon. Cyder, get over here and help me out.”
He turns his head and nods it once before pinning them all with a glare that leaves no room for any arguments. They are gone in seconds. Lash is last and he smiles at me as he closes the door.
I wouldn’t have thought he would be the quiet one but I realize he hasn’t said more than a few words to me. Laying the clothes on the bed, I’m almost unwilling to take Hagen’s shirt off and instead I pull up the fabric to my nose and inhale deeply.
I commit his scent to memory, as I’ve done Fallon’s and Wilder’s. Glancing at the door, I wonder for a moment about Lash and Cyder. Hagen shouts something and the pain layered through his voice spurs me into action. I’m dressed in less than a minute but I stand by the door for a moment, smoothing the dress over my skin. It is made of the softest fabric I’ve ever felt and is a beautiful pale pink.
I glance at the blood-covered nightgown. I must remember to ask about where I can clean it.
Drawing a deep breath, I open the door and step out and I’m immediately greeted by Liam, who jumps up, placing his paws on my shoulders. Luckily, years of him doing this has trained my body and muscles. They keep me from hitting the deck on my back. Wrapping my arms around his body, I hug him tight as his tongue laps at my face. Normally I would have admonished him after the first “kiss” but I can feel his distress and let him verify I’m alright.
“Not my blood, I promise.” It might have been washed off, but I know his nose is smelling the coppery scent of it on me still. “I keep leaving you behind, don’t I?” I feel heartbroken at the thought, hate that our world has been turned upside down by all this. Reminded that I’m not the only one that lost my home. “I will figure all this out and get us a home. I promise.” I whisper in his ear and I swear he looks at me with so much knowledge in his dark amber eyes.
I let him drop back down on all fours, jog off across the deck, and leap up the stairs to flop himself down by the wheel. Much to the first mate’s disliking, but he learns real quick to keep his grumblings to himself as Liam pins him with a look and lifts a lip showing bright white teeth.
Smiling, I cross to where the others have found seats on low-slung chairs. Hagen pats his, but I instead walk over in front of Cyder and smile. He scoots over the tiniest bit, and instead of trying to cram myself in the four inches he cleared for me, I watch his face as I lower myself onto his lap.
It only takes him a few moments to recover. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me back against him. I draw my legs up and let them hang over the arm of the chair. Fallon winks at me, and Wilder shakes his head. Lash just watches us, and I wonder if he’s hurt.
This will be a delicate dance between them all. I hope I can learn all the steps. They talk and I let the conversation flow around me, not listening to the words but letting the different timbres of their voices lull me like a song.
Letting my head fall back on his shoulder, I stare up at the sky that is filled with cotton-like clouds. I draw in a deep breath, and Cyder’s scent fills my lungs. Ocean and moss mixed with a hint of citrus. It is a bright, light scent that goes with his bright hair but is at odds with his slightly sour demeanor.
His breath is warm against my neck as he talks with the others, heating it and making it feel moist. His hands roam over the exposed skin of my arms. My muscles turn liquid, and my body practically molds itself against him. I feel a vibration in his chest, a sound of pleasure. He lets his lips settle against my fluttering pulse, and I let my eyes fall closed.
My body begs for rest after the events of yesterday, heck, the last week.
“Reyna,” Cyder murmurs. “Fallon brought the chest and the keys. Do you want to try to open it?”
Do I?
It means more changes, more revelations. I don’t answer.
“We don’t need to. I can take you to my ship,” he offers, and I smile.
“She could stay here,” Hagen reminds him.
“She isn’t a piece of meat,” Lash says and he sounds angry.
I open my eyes and lock them on him, sitting across from us, watching me very closely.
I sit up, and Cyder loosens his arms immediately. “I know we should. I should, but…”
Liam raises his head, sensing my distress. I stand and begin to pace, cutting back and forth between Lash and Cyder. Finally, I stop in front of the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. I stare at his dark eyes and the even darker lashes that frame them.
Lash doesn’t speak, just waits for me to say or do something. I suddenly feel completely overwhelmed by everything.
My destiny.
Their destiny.
Saving the world.
This relationship.
Tears threaten to fall, and Lash sees it, understands it. He pushes himself up and stands inches from me. He just stands there not moving, not doing anything. The others have fallen silent watching us, watching me fall apart.
Because that’s what I’m doing. Falling to pieces.
I step into him, burying my face against his chest. The final set of arms comes around me. They tighten to the point of crushing me, stealing my breath.
“Fall, Reyna. I will catch all your pieces.” His voice is steady but low.
And so I do. I cry and sob. Yell and rant. All against his chest. All while he holds me together. I don’t know how long I cry but finally I’m done. I push away, and his thumbs rub over my cheeks, wiping away the tears. Then he reaches down and pulls up the end of his loose fitting shirt and uses it to wipe the snot I’m sure is all over.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“Don’t be. We all fall apart at least once. Some of us many, many times.” He keeps his eyes locked on me.
I kiss him. Surprising him, if his stiffness is anything to go by. I kiss him until he opens his lips and lets me inside, and then we melt together. His cinnamon and spice scent conjures up images of dark, hot nights.
We break apart when a loud bird call cuts through the air. We look up and there high above us is a large bird of prey, circling. I fight to catch my breath, for he has stolen it.
They have all stolen pieces of my heart.
“Let’s open it.” I nod at Lash as he raised a brow, silently asking me if I’m certain.
I am.
Fallon sits the chest on top of a table that has appeared while I cried my eyes out. We all gather around it, and he hands each of us our keys. They move around the table, trying the indentations until they find the one that fits their carving.
I wait until they are ready and then I insert mine in the top, a tiny hole in the very center of an intricate Celtic knot design, just like those on the sides. We all hold our breath as we hear a faint click when we all turn the keys at the same time.
The bird circling glides down, landing on one of the chairs. It watches us and it sends an eerie feeling rushing down my spine.
“Open it, Reyna.” I’m so caught up in staring that I don’t know which of them speaks but I reach out. My hand is shaking, my heart is pounding, and I’m gulping my breaths.
The top lifts easily, and my eyes widen.
The past can’t be changed.
But maybe, just maybe, it can help
change the future.
The End….
until next time.
Epilogue
A week. Not much time for a life to be completely changed. If I’m honest, it changed the moment I saw him floating in the water, near death.
A pirate.
They come on the tide, and death comes with them.
I didn’t heed the warning. Everyone died. I watched my home burn as he dragged me away into the darkness of the night.
Swept out to sea and a new life. A life with five pirate captains and a destiny that both terrifies and calls to me.
It calls to me like the thing the Pirate King and many others search for.
The question is... Is it a siren luring me to my death?
Acknowledgments
When I wrote my first book, I had no idea I would end up here. And I couldn’t have, not without the support of so many people. My husband, who I can’t even begin to thank for his support and the work he does to make my dreams come true. My kids, for endlessly believing that I am going to be famous and that everyone will love my books.
My best friend, who spent countless hours reading and checking for mistakes. She has always believed more in me than I do myself. She is Louise to my Thelma.
To Summer, for amazing editing and support. I was looking for an editor and I found a friend.
To the Betas: who find the mistakes and cheer me on.
To those readers who took a chance on Celtic Fire and have supported me through that series as I found my voice, I can’t thank you enough. There are no words for what you’ve done for me.
Susan
About the Author
S Lawrence is an emerging author of paranormal fantasy. She is a mom, a wife, a veteran and a fangirl. She lives just outside New Orleans and can be often found wandering the streets of the Quarter.