A Pirate's Obsession (Legends of the Soaring Phoenix Book 4)

by ML Guida

  “Second, if you won’t give me your son...” Zuto knelt in front of them. “I’ll find another.” He grabbed Angelica’s chin and held it tight. “Starting with your sister. She’ll give me the girl I need.”

  Angelica jerked her chin free. “No!”

  Zuto stood. “I happen to know she has not returned to the sea. I sense her presence. She’s worried about you. I’d bet she’d do anything to save you.”

  “Leave her alone!” Angelica prayed he was wrong.

  Isabella, leave. Go back to Father.

  “She can’t hear you, but I sense, even if she did, she wouldn’t leave.” He looked into the foray. “We must find her a mate. I have a surprise for you.”

  Not caring if she revealed that the demon was right, Angelica yelled, “Isabella, leave. Now! You’re in danger! Please!”

  Angelica’s eyes filled with tears as she looked down the gloomy beach, out at the black sea, and in the dense jungle, hunting for a sign of Isabella.

  She was colder than she’d ever been in her life. Her true love was unconscious and had forsaken his hand to be with her, but was it too much. Had Zuto killed him? Now, the bastard planned to take her sister?

  Someone grunted and screamed. Angelica’s eyes widened.

  Zuto tossed Leif Black out of the battle. The pirate skidded across the sand like a pebble on a lake. He rolled over, gasping for breath. He had a nasty jagged cut on his cheek and a purple bruise on the other. One arm appeared to be broken since he held it close to his chest. He had bloody scratches on his knuckles, and crimson stained his chest. “Master, I donna understand.”

  Two of Palmer’s lackeys were on either side of Zuto

  “You will, dear boy, you will.” Zuto’s eyes darkened, and he curled up the tip of his lips. He seized Leif’s hair and pulled him up on his knees as if he were a naughty boy. “You’ve been chosen.”

  Dread filled Leif’s eyes. “Chosen for what?” Hesitation and fear riddled his low voice. Even a great warrior like Leif feared Zuto.

  Zuto released his hair. “Why to mate with an undine, of course.”

  “No,” Ronan said, as his eyes fluttered open and he struggled to sit. “Angelica belongs to me.”

  “You can have her,” Zuto said. “I don’t need your son. I did promise the crew of the Fiery Damsel they could have her after I was through with her though.”

  Angelica clutched Ronan tighter. She couldn’t go back, wouldn’t go back.

  “William!” Ronan looked into the midnight sky, and in a coarse voice cried out, “Where are you?”

  “Ah, yes, let’s call the flying lizard. I have a surprise for Drakon.”

  A burst of flames flared between Zuto and Angelica and Ronan, cutting the demon off. William landed with Mariah riding astride him.

  “William.” Ronan shoved Angelica toward him. “Take Angelica to the Phoenix.”

  Angelica shook her head. “No, Ronan, I won’t leave you.”

  Zuto walked through the flames. “Did you think your dragon fire would cut me off?”

  “No, we knew it would not.” Mariah slid off William, her wand raised toward the moonlit sky. “Mother Isis.”

  “She can’t hear you. I’ve taken precautions this time.”

  Mariah ignored him. “Protect us.”

  The cries of the battle behind them raged—the screams of the dying and wounded, the clashes of swords, the firing of pistols. The burning spider cast a dying glow on the wounded and desperate pirates. The beach was deep in the stench of gunpowder and sulfur. Angelica hoped for anything to save them, a shield, a boat, transport them, but they remained where they were, she and Ronan holding hands. Ronan leaned his weight against her. If she’d been petite like Mariah, he’d be face down on the sand, but she was stronger and had a larger frame.

  Zuto’s lips turned into a sinister smile. “By the way, Drakon, you’ll no longer be the only dragon rescued from the spirit world.”

  William opened his mouth, spitting out a stream of fire. Angelica cringed, shielding her eyes from the heat. The two lackeys burst into flames. They screamed, running around in circles. Angelica gagged on the stench of burnt flesh and hair. She peered through the fiery blaze and saw no pity in Zuto’s eyes, no remorse.

  Wind rushed over Zuto, and his hair swirled around his face. He raised his hands high over his head. “I’ll call upon the forces of darkness and ask my lord, Maketabori, to release Dracul from his slumber.”

  William hissed a blazing inferno that rose higher and higher into the dark sky, but it wasn’t enough. Overhead, the clouds swirled faster and faster. As they parted, a white light flashed down, taking a billowy dragon shape.

  William shrieked. The shape turned, looking at him curiously. Recognition and sadness reflected in its eyes.

  Zuto pointed to Leif who was still on all fours. “Spirit, I command you to enter Leif Black. Nogard.”

  Before anyone could move, the white dragon soared like a shooting star and slammed into Leif. He screamed, his body convulsing. He lifted into the air, spinning around uncontrollably, his body turning red and orange and blue. With a loud cry, he collapsed onto the ground unconscious.

  Zuto went to reach for Leif, but Mariah climbed onto William. William snatched Leif by the shoulders and flew into the dark sky.

  “Nooo!” The demon ran along the beach. “Bring him back here.”

  Angelica looked around wildly for help, but William and Mariah were gone, drawing the demon away from them. Kane and his crew were retreating toward the long boats. There was no way for them to get to them in time. They were on their own. She refused to have either Ronan or herself be captives again. She wrapped her arm around Ronan’s waist. “We must flee while we can. The darkness will cover us.”

  “I’m spent, Angelica. If we flee into the jungle, we’ll be caught.”

  “No, the sea. Zuto can’t leave the island.”

  “You can’t swim any better than I can.”

  “But you can. Draw on your selkie power. When we escaped from the Fiery Damsel, you were able to hold your breath longer than any man.”

  He frowned. “That was you, not me.”

  “I released your power.” She put her hands on his cheeks. “Believe in yourself.”

  She still couldn’t get over that her brave pirate had never discovered he had selkie blood. She had to convince him. “You need to try. For your son.” She dragged him to the crashing waves. “The Phoenix isn’t far off. Trust me.”

  Doubt flashed in his eyes, but he stumbled after her as if in a trance.

  ***

  Ronan couldn’t believe the faith the woman had in him. This was their one chance, their only chance. Zuto was on the other side of the battlefield and Palmer was too busy fighting Kane to notice his two prized captives were missing. He groaned miserably. Luck wasn’t all on their side. The burning spiders highlighted their footsteps leaving a trail of their escape.

  “Take a deep breath,” Angelica said. “Then breathe into my mouth. You can do this.”

  He wasn’t sure if could, but he called upon the power within him. His vampire powers surged through him, but it wasn’t enough. He could change into a bat, but he wasn’t strong enough to carry Angelica, and he refused to leave her.

  The Soaring Phoenix looked so far away and he was so damn tired, but he wouldn’t give up. He called up on the selkie power he didn’t even know he had. He took three deep breaths, each longer than the last.

  Not waiting a minute longer, he grabbed Angelica’s hand and waded into the crashing waves. The sea had always been his home, and he had to trust her now. The familiar mist sprayed his face, sending chills over his sweltering skin. He inhaled the fragrant air. Angelica squeezed his hand and nodded. Her face was fierce, and there was no fear in her eyes.

  He had to do this. As he walked deeper into the ocean, water skimmed around his ankles. Angelica had to lift her knees high to move to keep up with him. Her dress clung to her legs, swirling around her like an umbrella. He
thought about stripping her out of her heavy clothes, but there wasn’t time. He’d have all he could handle hauling her to the Soaring Phoenix.

  His dried blood would be a magnet for sharks, but they didn’t have any other alternatives. Besides, he’d rather gamble with the hungry sharks than face a vengeful demon or the demented crew of the Fiery Damsel.

  Sheer determination forced him to lead Angelica deeper into the water. The rolling waves pushed them back toward the beach as if an invisible force propelled them. Every step he took was like trudging through waist deep quicksand. Angelica slipped on the sand, pulling him backward. He gritted his teeth, hoisting her up to his side.

  “Angelica, are you hurt?”

  She shook her head. “No,” she gasped. “I tripped on my dress, keep going.” She wiped a wet strand of hair out of her eyes. “Before Zuto discovers we’re gone.”

  As she said those words, Zuto hurried toward them, swinging his arms, his narrowed eyes promising death and pain. If they didn’t go now, they never would.

  “Ronan, hold your breath.”

  Hoping she was right about his selkie abilities, he inhaled a gulp of air and dived under water, clutching her hand tight. He waited for the fear of drowning to overtake him, but strangely enough, he was calm. His lungs expanded, pressing against his ribs, and he was able to swim without panicking. He kicked his legs and pulled Angelica. She pointed to her lips. He nodded and kissed her, giving her some air.

  As he feared, her clothes became their worst enemy. They were determined to drown them both. Letting instinct take over, he swam toward the direction of the Soaring Phoenix. ’Twas as if he’d known how to swim all his life. How could have this been hidden from him?

  Angelica slowed their progress. Her legs were entangled in her dress, but she didn’t give up, struggling to kick. Blond strands of hair draped over her face. She kicked her legs, trying to stay above the surf. She swallowed water and gagged. He kissed her again, hoping to fill her lungs with air.

  She broke away and pointed toward the surface. He nodded and pulled her along. She spat out water, her face pale, floating on her back.

  “Get them you fools!” Zuto shoved beleaguered pirates into the water. Some of the men changed into bats, flying into the air, but some had torn wings and crashed onto the beach or sea.

  But once again, their luck failed them. Some of the bats headed toward them. The Soaring Phoenix seemed so far away as if it moved purposely, taunting them.

  Kane and his men had retreated toward the long boats, still fighting. They didn’t even see them or if they did, they’d never get to them in time.

  “Need some help?”

  Ronan turned. ’Twas the same woman he saw walking on the beach.

  Angelica tread water, but she kept falling below the surface, waves splashing onto her face and Ronan had to pull her against him.

  “Isabella!” Her voice cracked. “What? Where?”

  Isabella had a curvy smile, and merriment flickered in her big green eyes. “I know the demon thought he’d trap me, but he failed.” She looked between Ronan and Angelica. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

  Ronan met her suspicious gaze. “Aye, we are.”

  “Look out!” Isabella snatched both Angelica’s and Ronan’s arm and propelled underwater just as a bat splashed into the water. The bat transformed into Ronan’s hated enemy—Quinton Palmer. His red hair swirled around his head. He snarled and swam after them.

  But there was something different about him. The bloody bastard was encased in a golden aura and the black spear he clutched glowed. “You’re all dead.”

  Christ, he could talk underwater.

  Ronan held his breath, trying not to give into the panic threatening to overtake him. He couldn’t save Angelica and fight Palmer. His big jacket ballooned around like him a mushroom, slowing his progress.

  He gave Angelica another kiss to keep her from drowning. She smiled and Isabella raised her eyebrow as if in surprise. He tightened his grip on Angelica, afraid he’d lose her. Palmer could wait. He’d have to get Angelica to safety. Isabella grabbed Angelica’s other arm, and together, they put distance between them and the red-headed devil.

  Anticipation soared through Ronan. Mussels were plastered on the bottom of the wooden hull. They were almost there. He looked over her shoulder, but his relief floundered. Some how Palmer was gaining speed. Damn Zuto! Who knew what magic that spear possessed? Obviously, swimming as fast as an undine was one.

  Isabella motioned for them to swim, pointing to the ship. Ronan kicked his legs and hauled Angelica to the surface. He could see the Soaring Phoenix’s sails billowing in the wind. He pulled on his vampire strength to get them to the surface.

  “I can slow him down,” Isabella said. “He can’t see me.”

  Ronan wanted to reach for her, but he’d only the one hand and he couldn’t risk releasing Angelica. He didn’t see where Isabella went and hoped she was right, but she was foolish for underestimating the demon’s black magic.

  When he burst through the water, the sound of firing cannons and the smell of sulfur greeted him. Waves splashed onto him and Angelica. Her face was ashen and she bobbed up and down like a piece of driftwood, but she was conscious. Kane and his men were paddling the boats, but they moved at a pitiful rate as if something was pulling back onto the island. There was a full moon, but for some reason, they couldn’t change into bats. Kane’s face was bloody, and he favored his left arm. Ronan didn’t see Ewan and hoped he wasn’t dead.

  “Ronan!”

  He looked up.

  Both Mariah and Hannah leaned over the railing of the Soaring Phoenix. He was never so glad to see Hannah. He’d no idea how she’d escaped, but was glad she was alive.

  “Hang on!” Mariah cried. “William will bring you aboard.”

  Perched on the ship, William released a loud shriek. He stretched out his huge wings, and wind rushed over Ronan.

  He smiled. “Angelica, we’re here.”

  She fluttered open her eyes. “You did it. I knew you would.” She draped her arms around his neck and kissed his bruised lips. “My vampire selkie.”

  William flew down and grabbed Ronan’s shoulders, his talons digging into his flesh. Ronan wrapped his arms around Angelica’s waist, holding her tight. As William hauled them out of the water, he glanced down to see where Isabella had gone, but dread rose in his throat. There was blood in the water, and Isabella and the glowing Palmer had vanished.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Ronan clung to William’s talons. Air whooshed over him. He shouldn’t have left Isabella, but he couldn’t risk Angelica’s life.

  “Isabella!” Angelica screamed, tightening her grip on his neck.

  His weariness and exhaustion forgotten, he wrapped his arm around Angelica’s shaking body. “What’s wrong?”

  She dug her nails into his bare shoulders. “I can’t see Isabella. Palmer was chasing her. He had a spear. Where is she?”

  He ignored the throbbing pain. All he wanted to do was comfort Angelica. Below, he saw the blood floating on the surface, but there was no hint of Isabella or Palmer. Where were they? “Angelica, I fear that was no ordinary spear. Palmer can’t swim, but yet, he swam almost as fast as us. The spear must be cursed, giving Palmer the ability to see your sister.”

  The wind blowing around her, Hannah raised her palms, facing Kane and his men struggling through the water. How the devil had she escaped?

  A wave lifted the long boats, gently escorting them to the Phoenix. Hannah dropped her arms. Like always, blood dripped from her nose after she used her powers. She wiped her nose on her sleeve and rushed to the railing to greet Kane.

  But besides the captain and his men, there was nothing else in the water.

  William released them. Ronan landed on the deck, his arm still wrapped around Angelica’s waist.

  His eyes filled with fury, Kane climbed up on deck and grabbed Hannah’s arms. “After William rescued you, you needed to stay below
deck.”

  “Not when I can help.”

  “You stubborn, wench.” He held her tight and kissed her, silencing her protest.

  Angelica broke free of Ronan’s arms and rushed to the railing, dodging rushing crewmen. “Where is she?”

  She was falling into hysterics which wasn’t a good place to be in the middle of a battle with the smoke and noise and turbulence. He had no answers for her. She’d been so brave fighting on the island, but at what cost?

  Her eyes filled with worry, Hannah came up alongside Ronan. “She needs to get below deck. I fear the demon will call upon the darkness to re-capture her.”

  On shore, Zuto had his arms raised high over his head. What devilry was he calling upon now?

  He put his hand on Angelica’s shaking shoulder. “Love, she’s gone.”

  He drew her into his arms, wishing he could chase away her terror. “If she’s on board the Fiery Damsel or on Zuto’s island, she’ll be safe.”

  She lifted her head. “How can you say this?”

  “You forget.” He pushed her wet hair off her face and tried to give her a reassuring smile. “We have Zuto’s dragon. He wonna let anything happen to Isabella, because he needs those two to mate. This gives us time to come up with a plan.”

  Her brow crinkled, doubt flickering in her eyes. “I want to believe you, but...” Her frown deepened, and she ran her fingers through his hair. “Ronan, your eyes—they’re no longer red. Do you feel different?”

  “Feel different?” The pains and throbs in his body flared. Salt water stung his cuts. He wanted to sleep in a hammock for a week. “Aye, I feel worse than a dinghy emerging from a hurricane, but I learned I can swim and hold my breath longer than any fool on this ship.” He forced a smile. “The hunger’s gone. I no longer want to feast on the crew.” He leaned closer. “But you, you I could feast on for a week.”

  She tried to smile, but tears slid down her cheeks, and her lower lip trembled. He wiped her cheek with his thumb, wishing he could say words of comfort.

  Kane limped toward them. Hannah had her arm intertwined with his. The Capt’n had a gash on his thigh, and his other arm was pressed against his side. “Ronan, how the hell did you get here before us?”