Hook: Exiles of the Realm

by Adrienne Bell

  “Not exactly,” James said.

  “I really wish I could explain everything right now, Em,” Mercy said. “But there’s no time.”

  Her friend’s whole face hardened as she looked Mercy up and down.

  “Fine,” Emily said, grabbing her keys out of Mercy’s hand. “Then you can tell me on the way to the emergency room.”

  “No,” Mercy tried.

  “We need to go to Lands End,” Fenrir said over Emily’s shoulder.

  “At four o’clock in the morning?” Emily’s brows shot up. “Don’t be ridiculous. Mercy needs help.”

  “And she’ll get it there, I promise,” James said. “You just need to trust us.”

  Emily’s eyes narrowed. “And why would I do that?”

  “We don’t have time for this,” Mercy reminded everyone. “Emily give me your keys, or call us a cab. Either way, we’re leaving now.”

  “Okay, fine,” Emily rushed to say. “I’ll drive you across town. But if you look any worse once we get there, I’m calling an ambulance.”

  “No.” Mercy shook her head. “You can’t come with us.”

  “Why not?” Fenrir asked.

  “For all the reasons.” Honestly, was she the only one who truly understood just how dangerous this whole magic thing could be? The last thing she wanted to do was drag another person she loved into the fire with her.

  Fenrir shrugged. “But she can drive a car.”

  “Good point,” James, the traitor, said. “How fast can you get us to Lands End?”

  “On empty city streets?” Emily said. “Pretty damn fast.”

  “But I’m fine to drive,” Mercy tried again.

  “Really?” James arched a brow. He eased his grip around her middle, and Mercy’s legs wobbled like overcooked noodles underneath her. She dipped down toward the floor before James re-tightened his hold.

  Mercy let out a sharp breath. “Fine,” she said. “But she’s staying in the car once we get there.”

  Emily answered with a harsh laugh. “Good luck with that.”

  “Okay, that’s it. I’m calling 911.”

  Mercy lifted her head just far enough off of James’ shoulder to see Emily digging into her purse. Her friend stumbled her way along the dark, packed dirt trail behind them. Mercy had tried her best to talk her friend into staying in the car, but it hadn’t done much good.

  Of course, her best wasn’t what it usually was.

  Fortunately, this time Fenrir had her covered. The moment Emily pulled her phone out of her bag, he casually plucked it from between her fingers and tossed it over his shoulder.

  “Jackass,” Emily yelled. “Why the hell did you do that?”

  “Calling your authorities won’t help your friend,” Fenrir explained. “It would only slow us down. We need to keep moving.”

  “With a woman so weak she can’t walk on her own?” Emily asked incredulously. “Down a pitch-black trail?”

  “I should have realized you’d have trouble seeing through the dark,” Fenrir said, extending his hand. “I have excellent night vision. I’ll guide you.”

  Without hesitation, Emily pulled back her fist and socked him in the arm instead. Fenrir didn’t even blink.

  “Keep your hands to yourself, buddy.” Emily scowled, before hobbling forward again. “My point was we should be taking Mercy to a hospital, not an ocean cliff.”

  “We can’t do that,” James said, his voice more determined than ever.

  “Why not?” Emily pleaded.

  “You’ll find out soon enough,” Fenrir said.

  Mercy’s stomach turned over at his answer. Dear God, it was true. The best she could hope for was that her friend didn’t have to watch her die horrifically. She’d just have to pray that if the worst came to pass, Fenrir would shield her from the sight.

  And with every step James took, she grew more certain that this was the last trip she’d ever take. Raised goose bumps covered James’ arms as he carried her. The bracing ocean winds rushed through the cypress branches. But Mercy felt like she was under the desert sun at high noon. Her mouth was parched. Her limbs exhausted. Her skin tender to the touch.

  She could only hope to finish what she’d started with Hades before the wyvern magic roiling through her veins truly caught fire.

  Mercedes.

  Hades’ voice called even louder now. Strong enough for her head to spin. She groaned in pain as a new line of sweat beaded just above her upper lip.

  James must have sensed her concern because his grip around her tightened even as he sped his step. “We’re almost there. You’re going to be just fine, sweetheart,” he said, but Mercy couldn’t tell from his shaky tone if he was trying to convince her or himself.

  She rested her head against the hollow of his shoulder. If she only had a few minutes left, she knew how she wanted to spend them…basking in James Hook’s embrace. It was a strange revelation. She’d sworn she would never fall in love with him…but that was before. Before she’d felt his touch. Before he’d awakened the joy inside her. Before she’d glimpsed what was really in his heart.

  No one had fought for her before. No one had stayed by her side when she was sick. No one had carried her when she was too weak to go on.

  But James had. Without hesitation. Without complaint. If that wasn’t love, then Mercy had no idea what was.

  And now she couldn’t deny the depth of her emotions for him.

  His steps kept quick and sure as they rounded the bends and travelled down the slope. It didn’t take them long to reach the end of the trail and slink around the boulder. A moment later James sat her down in the center of the circle, then cradled her against his chest.

  As good as his support felt, Mercy still shook her head.

  “You need to get back,” she said, trying to crane her head to see those gorgeous blue eyes one last time. “Just in case.”

  “I’m not leaving you.” His voice was firm, but an undercurrent of fear resonated in every word.

  “But if I start to bur—”

  “You can lecture me later,” James cut her off. “Right now, talk to the bastard who called you here.”

  She opened her mouth to repeat her demand, but Hades’ voice exploded against the sides of her skull.

  Mercedes.

  “Y-Yeah. Stop yelling,” she stuttered through the pain. “I’m here.”

  I’m not used to being made to wait.

  “Well, I’m not used to being roasted from the inside out,” she said. “So, I guess it’s a day of firsts for all of us.”

  I’m sorry to hear that your condition has worsened.

  The funny thing was she would have sworn he meant it. Mercy never imagined hearing words of sympathy from the Lord of the Underworld. Then again, she’d never imagined becoming a human flamethrower either, which was exactly what was going to happen if she didn’t get to the point quick.

  “So, have you thought about our proposal?”

  I have.

  Mercy waited for more, but nothing came. It seemed a perk of being immortal was doing things in your own sweet time.

  “And?” Mercy prompted him.

  I still do not trust the word of the worst villains that the Realm has ever tossed through the Gate.

  Mercy let out the frustrated breath she’d been holding. Seriously? She couldn’t have rushed out here, risking not just her life, but the lives of those that she loved, for nothing. Blisters began to form on the tips of her fingers and toes as anger blazed through her. Her final act couldn’t be a failure. She refused to accept that ending.

  “Then you’re an idiot,” she spat.

  “Mercy,” James tried to calm her.

  She ignored him. “I don’t care if you are a damned god. You don’t know anything about these guys. They may not be saints, but they aren’t devils either. I know them, and I can promise you Oberon didn’t banish them because they were evil, but because he knew just how good they were. And another thing—”

  I believe you
.

  Mercy blinked. “What?”

  While it is true that I do not trust your friends, Mercedes Herrera, I do trust you.

  “Why?” The question slipped from her before she could think better of it.

  After our last encounter, I tasked my sorcerers with discovering your true character. Suffice it to say, I was exceedingly impressed. You are an intelligent and brave woman, Mercedes. Much like myself you don’t suffer fools or scoundrels.

  Mercy sucked in a quick breath, taken aback by his sudden compliments. Her anger cooled as he continued.

  The point is, you are correct. I would be a fool to allow my prejudice to sway my decision. You know these exiles. You trust them, and I trust you. So, yes, I agree to your proposal, Mercedes Herrera. And I sincerely hope that those creatures you call friends know how lucky they are to have you.

  Even through the fog of white-hot pain pressing against her skull, Mercy couldn’t help but smile.

  “At least one of them does,” she said.

  I am glad to hear it. I will ready my forces, and await your signal.

  “Thank you,” Mercy said. “I don’t care what they say, Hades, you’re not so bad.”

  A light laugh sounded in her head. I look forward to meeting you face to face.

  “Strangely, so do I,” Mercy said, surprised that she actually meant it. Of course, the chances of that happening were pretty low. “But I wouldn’t hold your breath. I’m sort of on my last legs here.”

  Then I will keep you no longer.

  And just like that the pressure of his presence dissipated…but not the fire growing inside her. She sagged against James’ chest, but the flames didn’t retreat as her strength flagged. This time the blaze remained. Heat bubbled through her veins, roiling harder with every breath Mercy sucked in past her cracked lips.

  The magic wasn’t going to leave. The realization slapped Mercy across the face.

  James seemed to know it too. He twisted her body in his arms, until he could cradle her against his chest. Mercy fought to keep her eyes open.

  “Stay with me, sweetheart,” he pleaded, gripping her tighter than ever before. “I’ve got you. Everything is going to be fine.”

  The shimmering tears pooling in the corners of his eyes belied his words. The truth was written clearly on his face. The ethereal fire had grown too strong. It was going to consume her.

  But not just yet.

  There was still one last thing she needed to do.

  “Liar,” she teased weakly. “But you’re right about one thing. Everything is going to be okay. Hades agreed to your deal.”

  James didn’t blink. “None of that matters. Not without you.”

  She raised her hand to his face. Her breath hitched at the sight of her bright red skin against his pale cheek.

  “You’re worried about the second part of the curse,” she said.

  James shook his head. “The only thing I’m worried about is you.”

  Mercy ignored his denials. She had to get this out. While she still had the chance.

  “But you don’t have to be,” she said. “It’s all going to be okay. I know I told you that I’d never fall in love with you, but it turns out you’re not the only liar.”

  His gaze narrowed slightly. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “W-What are you saying?”

  “What do you think? I’m telling you that you managed to do the impossible.” She tried to laugh, but her voice crackled like embers. “You managed to make me fall in love with you.”

  He stilled. The only movement she felt was the hammer of his heart beneath her cheek.

  “You love me?” He repeated her words as if he couldn’t quite believe them.

  “Like crazy.” A small smile lifted her lips before she began to cough. The bitter taste of ash coated her tongue. “Now go. Quick. Before this gets much worse.”

  “No.” He shook his head hard.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, James.”

  “And I don’t want to leave you.”

  “What the hell is that?” Emily’s panicked voice broke through the tender moment.

  Mercy glanced over at her friend. She had just opened her mouth to plead with Fenrir to carry her friend away, when Mercy noticed that Emily’s gaze wasn’t on her. It was on a speck of blue light swirling over the cliffside.

  A high-pitched whistle wailed. The winds picked up, tearing into the shrubs and trees around them as the glowing dot grew.

  Crap.

  Flint wasn’t content to let her incinerate in peace. He was going to make good on his threat to rip her heart out first.

  Then he’d do the same thing to James.

  Anger surged in Mercy’s chest. Searing heat singed her lungs as she dragged in a breath of cool ocean air.

  Over her dead body.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Of all the treasures he had plundered, of all the jewels and relics he’d stolen, James Hook had never seen a more welcome sight than the portal opening on the cliff.

  From the moment Mercy had collapsed in his arms, he’d been pleading with the Heavens to send him a way—any way—to save her. And for once in his life they’d actually answered.

  With Flint of all people.

  Sure, the thought of slitting Flint’s throat was appealing. It was no less than the bastard deserved, and it would go a long way to soothe his desire for revenge, but all James really cared about was the portal Flint brought with him.

  His second chance.

  His last chance to save Mercy.

  And James was determined not to piss this one down his leg. Of course, that meant keeping everyone else occupied—and out of his way—while he went to work.

  James turned his head toward Fenrir who easily held a struggling Emily by the arms.

  “Get her out of here,” he called over to the wolf. “I’ve got this.”

  The line of Fenrir’s jaw hardened. A suspicious gleam shone in his eye. The beast didn’t have a short memory. “What are you going to do, Hook?”

  “Clean up my mess once and for all,” James answered. “Now get Emily out of here. You know she’s not safe.”

  And she wasn’t. None of them were. Not even Fenrir could argue that. He dragged Emily back toward the side of the boulder, though not far enough to disappear completely. Emily kicked and thrashed as she went.

  “What do you mean it’s not safe? What the hell is going on?” she shouted. “Why are you leaving Mercy? You have to go get her.”

  Mercy.

  James gazed down at her face. Her usually beautiful smooth skin glowed like a dying coal in the darkness. She didn’t have much time left. He had to act quickly. As gently as he could, he lowered her down to the ground. He brushed her soft, brown curls back one last time.

  “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” he said. “I’m going to fix everything.”

  “No.” Mercy shook her head. Understanding lit up her eyes. Understanding and something else. Anger. Righteous anger. “James, you don’t—”

  “Shhh,” he cut her off with a whisper. “Don’t speak. Just hold on a little while longer. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  She stared at him, silent disapproval shining bright in her soulful brown eyes. He should have guessed that the first expression he’d ever seen on her beautiful face would also be the last. Fitting.

  James bent down and pressed a kiss against her forehead. Heat stung his lips, but he didn’t pull back. He didn’t care how much it hurt. He wanted this kiss to last forever.

  But it couldn’t.

  Eventually, James wrenched away and faced the growing portal…just in time to see Flint step out.

  “What a touching scene,” the bastard said the moment his heel struck dirt. “I’m so honored to be here to witness your final goodbye.”

  James squared his shoulders as he stood. He eyed the rest of the soldiers stepping through onto Earth—a full dozen. The same amount it had taken Flint to subdue him back at the palace. Hell, they might even be the s
ame men as before.

  But James wasn’t the same. His time on Earth—his time with Mercy—had changed him. Now, he didn’t have a shiver of trepidation at the sight of their deadly fae steel. All he felt was anger…and resolve.

  A few of the soldiers’ gazes flashed toward the side of the rock where Emily and Fenrir were taking shelter, but no surprise showed. No anger either. They obviously weren’t here for the wolf.

  These cold-hearted creatures had come to hurt him and the woman he loved. To kill them. And he wasn’t going to let that happen.

  A slow smile spread across Flint’s face as he looked at Mercy. “It looks like I arrived too late to slaughter your woman, Hook. I suppose I’ll have to be content with ripping your heart out instead.”

  A low growl rumbled deep in James’ chest. His hands clenched into tight fists at his side as his back teeth ground together. Suddenly, he didn’t care if he had to rip Oberon’s whole army apart, he was ready to end this. Right now.

  James lunged forward with a guttural roar. It didn’t matter that he didn’t have a weapon. He’d shred Flint with his bare hands if he had to.

  The fae guard closed in tight, lowering their blades. James twisted around, trying to angle through a gap, but the space was too small. Cold steel sliced through the heavy wool of his coat, down to the flesh below. Excruciating pain seared through his shoulder, radiating out in every direction, but James didn’t stop. He couldn’t. He pushed forward, as fast and hard as ever and through the band of soldiers.

  Only one thing mattered right now—saving Mercy.

  James dug in his heels at the last moment, skidding but not stopping in front of Flint. A cloud of dust flew into the air as their bodies crashed together. Flint stumbled, tilting toward the ground. James shot an arm out to steady him. His hand slipped masterfully around Flint’s waistband, until his fingers found what he was looking for—the hilt of Flint’s dagger.

  In one smooth motion, James pulled the blade from its sheath and positioned himself at the bastard’s back. Before Flint could recover his footing, James pressed the razor-sharp blade against his enemy’s neck.

  “That’s far enough,” James called out to the fae encircling them. The soldiers paused, but kept their halberds held high. Their bright eyes glistened threateningly in the low pre-dawn light. For a moment, no one said anything.