Blood of the Sea Omnibus

by Heather Renee

  He was right. Prime wouldn’t know that I could use Jameson’s dagger unless that had been something Pierce noticed during the brief fight on the beach. Knowing how prideful Pierce was, though, he wouldn’t want to mention that we had gotten the upper hand against him, and he likely told Prime nothing of our escape. We just had to hope the connection was still there. Whatever linked Jameson and I allowed me to wield the weapon to the same effect as if it was him.

  Before I could follow that train of thought, running footsteps were heard from the hallway. Quickly, I kicked the dead chickens into the cell next to Jameson’s, glad when they landed in a pile of straw and praying that it would be enough to keep them hidden. My arms wrapped around Jamison’s neck when I returned to my previous position, just as Evander came racing into the room.

  I turned to look at him and hoped that my eyes were no longer red. Evander and Prime had no idea that I had any abilities. Granted, I had just displayed one of them, but hopefully they thought it was my only one. However, I couldn’t access these abilities unless the conditions were right. I needed to practice letting my emotions out, so I could tap into them at will, because we would need them for our escape.

  Evander was breathing hard, his chest heaving as his red eyes bled back to green. I drew closer to Jameson, pressing my forehead against his jaw, needing the contact, because I was sure that Evander was going to drag me out of there for running off on him. As I breathed in Jameson’s scent, I hoped it would suffice until I saw him again. It felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest.

  “Lavinia,” Evander snapped from behind me, and my body trembled.

  What little bit of Jameson I could feel tensed, and despair nearly choked me. A sob built in my throat and I fought to swallow it as my arms tightened, clinging to him through the bars. I didn’t want to leave him down in the cell all alone.

  “Lavinia, move out of the way,” Evander persisted, but I remained rooted to the spot, unwilling to move until he continued. “We aren’t going anywhere.”

  My head whipped around to stare at him. My guard dangled keys from his fingers, nodding for me to release Jameson so he could open the door. I was hesitant to do so after what I had overheard earlier, but I also wanted nothing more than to hold Jameson without metal between us. Deciding to comply, I hoped it wasn’t a ruse to get to Jameson and punish me for running.

  My gaze shifted upwards to Jameson’s face, wanting to get an idea of what he thought while Evander unlocked the prison. Jameson’s jaw clenched as he considered the open pathway, but then my guard turned back to me and jerked his head toward the door.

  Watching Evander warily as he stood beside it, I approached. His green eyes keenly watched me, but I couldn’t make out what he was thinking. I stepped into the cell, never taking my eyes off Evander, in case he tried something. The second I was in, he swung the door shut. Jameson remained close to the bars, also watching my guard closely.

  Once the door clicked, I was suddenly turned toward Jameson, and his lips were on mine, kissing me with urgency. I kissed him back, running my hands up his chest while he devoured my lips, until I was nothing but a quivering pile of need.

  “So, have ye figured out an escape plan yet?” Evander asked casually when Jameson and I finally came up for air.

  “What are you talking about?” Jameson snarled.

  Evander ignored him while he looked at me expectantly. “Prime is blinded by you, and you need to go.”

  “Blinded?” I asked confused.

  “He has plans for you, the full extent even I don’t know, but he be willing to throw everything away on a whim now that yer involved. The sooner you both get out of here, the better.”

  “Why are you telling us this?” Jameson asked, his hands squeezing my waist.

  “Let’s just say I have a vested interest, and having ye here be no good for anyone.”

  If we had been having this conversation the night before, I might have believed him, but after overhearing him with Prime that morning, I wasn’t so sure what to do anymore. If he could aid us in our escape, that would be easier than trying to come up with something on our own, but he could also be hindering us, and we would be none the wiser. Although, we had Jameson’s dagger, and I wouldn’t hesitate to run Evander through with it if he betrayed us.

  We just had to hope the risk was worth the reward.

  “What’s your plan?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t making a mistake that would cost one or both of our lives.

  Chapter 5

  Evander’s plan was simple, almost too simple, and I had little faith it would work. He let us know we were sailing between several islands, and there was a small one that Prime was planning to weigh anchor at for a few days. During that time, Prime planned to work with me to try to unlock any vampire abilities that I might have before we arrived at another main island.

  We needed to stay as far away from the island they were headed toward as possible and make our escape a reality before we passed the first sets of land, which meant we had mere hours to put things into motion. Jameson didn’t like the plan any more than I did, but we didn’t have any other choice.

  We needed Evander in order to escape prior to Prime pushing my limits, and though we were putting our trust in a vampire who may or may not be plotting against us and Prime, we still had some surprises up our sleeves: Jameson’s hunter status and my other abilities. If it came down to it, we would do whatever it took to get away.

  “Can I have some more time with Jameson before we put everything into motion?” I asked. I needed to make sure we had a back-up plan in case Evander was double-crossing us instead of Prime.

  Evander nodded. “Don’t take too long or I might change me mind. What I be doing for you could send me to the bottom of ye ocean for all eternity. Remember that.”

  Neither of us said anything as we watched him walk out of the brig. Evander even closed the door behind him, truly giving me and Jameson some privacy.

  I turned back to Jameson. “What do you think?” He had good intuition. I was going to trust whatever he thought was best.

  “I don’t think we have any other options, but I don’t like it, either. You’ve been around him more than me. What do you think?”

  My shoulders sagged. “As of yesterday, I would have said it was a great idea, but I overheard him this morning with Prime. It’s hard to say where his loyalties lie. With Prime, us, or himself. I have a feeling it’s the latter, and that could be dangerous for all involved.”

  His hand squeezed my hip. “We’ve faced a lot in these last couple months. Whatever Evander or Prime wants to throw at us, we can handle it. I say we try Evander’s plan and, if it doesn’t work, you may just need to leave here without me.”

  I gripped his dirt-ridden shirt. “No. I won’t ever do that. You need to be sure this will work, or have a back-up plan, because there is no leaving you behind.”

  His lips pressed briefly against mine before he took a moment to consider my words. “I have an idea. If Evander’s plan goes awry, I think we can use it against him. If what he says is true, Prime needs you more than Evander. Burst into tears and tell Prime that Evander threatened you. Said if you didn’t leave the ship, then he would kill me, and your only stipulation was that I come with. You complied to keep me safe. It’s believable and would take care of Evander at the same time.”

  “Okay. Let’s do this, then.” I wrapped my arms around him tighter than before, in case things went south. The back-up plan was solid, and I was certain it would save us if things didn’t work as planned, but Prime was unpredictable at times, meaning doubts still niggled in the back of my head.

  Finally pulling away from Jameson, I moved to the door. When I opened it, Evander was nowhere to be seen. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered if he decided to leave us instead. I took two steps toward the stairs to see him coming down. With a sigh of relief, I walked back into the cell area, and waited for him next to Jameson.

  “How are you feeling? Two chicke
ns are not enough food after so many days without sustenance.” My mind kept running through all the ways neither of the plans would work, and having Jameson too weak to execute them was a surefire way to ensure they both failed.

  His hands ran up and down my sides, calming me. “It will be enough to get us off this ship. If what Evander said is true, the islands aren’t too far from here. I’ll make it.”

  Evander chose that moment to walk in again. “Of course, it’s true, and I take it that means yer ready to go?”

  “We are. What do we need to do to set things in motion?” I asked.

  “Jameson needs to hit you.”

  A deep snarl tore from Jameson, and he lurched for Evander. “I would never strike her!”

  “Calm down, mate.” Evander held his hands up with a smirk on his lips. “I didn’t think you would, but Prime needs to believe you did.” He leaned over, picked something up from the ground, and tossed it to me. “Use that against yer cheek.”

  I opened my hand. It was a jagged piece of metal. “You want me to cut myself and pass it off as Jameson backhanding me?”

  “Essentially.”

  Evander was not garnering much support from me, but Jameson wasn’t objecting at that recommendation, so I raised the shard to my cheek.

  Jameson leaned down. “Make it deep…” he whispered.

  Or it will heal too fast, I finished the sentence in my head. I knew what he meant, and he was right.

  I squeezed his hand with my free one, then pressed the rough iron to my face. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the sharp edge further into my soft skin. My teeth gritted together as I fought the innate urge to pull it away.

  Instead, I pressed harder once more and quickly jerked my hand in the opposite direction, tearing my skin open. Blood coated my cheek and, within moments, dripped down my chin and neck. I took my hand from Jameson’s, holding it against my face, so I didn’t get blood everywhere.

  Evander hissed. “Maybe that wasn’t a good idea. Yer blood…there’s something different about it. Maybe it’s your human side…” His breath grew heavy as he failed to finish his thought.

  “Control yourself!” Jameson snapped.

  Closing his eyes for a moment, Evander did just that. “It should be fine with all of the outside scents when we be on the deck. It was more of an observation.” He walked toward us and pulled out his keys. “I’m going to unlock your shackles, but you need to keep them on until it’s time. One wrong movement will ruin everything. It needs to look like you broke out of them. Toss them overboard when you free yourself, so there isn’t any evidence.”

  Jameson nodded his understanding. I wasn’t the least bit worried about him making a mistake. It was Evander we would both have to keep an eye on.

  “Let’s go.” Evander grabbed Jameson’s arm and dragged him away.

  Tears built in my eyes as I followed behind them. It wasn’t hard to do. I had so many things to weep over that the cries came freely. We were in bad need of a reprieve. Our week on the other ship with our friends was not long enough.

  When we arrived on the second level of the ship, more pirates were present. Evander snapped orders at one of them. “Get Prime. Tell him Jameson needs to be punished and to bring his sword.”

  Even though I knew that Jameson wasn’t supposed to truly get hurt, my heart constricted at Evander’s words, causing more tears to flow down my bloodied face.

  Jameson’s steps began to falter as the show began. We arrived on deck, noticing a crowd gather as word got around to the other pirates. None of them wanted to miss the chance to see someone executed. Pirates were a twisted bunch.

  I stayed away from Jameson and Evander, keeping near the spot I previously stood with Prime when Rowland had been punished.

  My shoulders shook as the cool morning air blew around us. I was wearing a dress, not anything good for swimming, but at least this one had less layers than the one I had been wearing when we last had to swim. The cream-colored corset top fit snuggly against my body, while the skirt flowed to my ankles. It was my favorite out of all the dresses Prime had provided me. I was almost sad knowing it would soon be ruined, but it was worth it to get off the ship and away from him.

  Prime whistled a sinister tune I’d heard him use before as he strolled onto the deck. His sword rested on his left shoulder, and a grin was firmly set on his face.

  He stopped and inspected my cheek. “Don’t worry, daughter. You will have your revenge. No man should ever hurt you and each that do will pay the price with their life.”

  Whimpering, I nodded and reminded myself that this was all a ruse, but I said nothing. I was afraid my voice would betray me if I did.

  “Jameson,” Prime tsked. “I thought you cared for my daughter. I trusted you with her, and now you have marred her delicate face. I’m tempted to take my own revenge on you, but I believe in closure. Lavinia will have hers, and you will cease to be a problem.”

  Prime turned in a circle to face his crew.

  “Two days in a row I have stood in front of you with a man who dared to strike my daughter. If this doesn’t show you that I will not tolerate disobedience, you are useless to me. You might as well jump ship now.” Nobody moved a muscle as Prime handed me his sword. “Now, my sweet daughter, go show Jameson what happens when someone harms you.”

  Finding strength within, I took it willingly. “Thank you for allowing me to do this. You always know what I need, and I’m so glad you found me.” I managed to hold his gaze while I spewed the lies from my lips.

  “Like I’ve said, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. I knew this boy was no good for you. I should have killed him when I found you and we wouldn’t have this problem, but it seems to be just the thing you needed to realize I’m here for you.” His hand settled on my shoulder. “Being at my side is the only way to survive this life. Now, go cut the last of your human life away, and let’s move on, my daughter.”

  Evander stepped away from Jameson, who had fallen to his knees near the edge, feigning weakness. I hated to see him as he was. He was playing his part better than I imagined he would. It almost made me believe he was too weak to go through with it. I took a step back, second-guessing everything until Jameson lifted his head just high enough that I could see his determined stare, and my strength returned. We would do this.

  Stepping just far enough away from Prime and closer to Jameson, I made certain the sword would not touch him when I struck. I just needed to threaten him for Evander to act. I was afraid if I actually cut Prime that things would end badly for me.

  The thud of metal hitting the wood deck was our sign, and I knew it was time. Jameson broke free from his shackles and withdrew the hidden blade from his trousers. Two vampires advanced on him, but Jameson stabbed the first one within a blink of an eye, then tossed the other over the side.

  Then it was my turn to act. I twisted toward Prime. His eyes were on Jameson and he paid no attention to me. I swung the sword up, but Evander knocked it from my grasp.

  “How dare ye attempt to strike Prime.” His voice thundered. “Ye will be punished for that!”

  I scrambled away, my back bumping against the mast, true fear pulsing along my skin.

  Prime glowered at me as he caught on to the situation. “You had me fooled, Daughter. I thought we were bonding, but alas, you choose this man over your own blood.”

  Evander rumbled before he grabbed my shoulders, turning me toward him. I couldn’t decipher the look in his eyes. Everyone was playing their parts better than I predicted, causing me distress. With a fluid motion, he backhanded me so hard that I felt something in my neck snap.

  Well, that wasn’t part of the plan.

  I heard Prime’s angry shout, and Evander released me. I was closer to the railing than I thought and felt my body tumble over, which was also not part of the plan. Darkness overtook me as seawater swallowed me. Normally when I died, I retained some awareness of what was happening around me, but I had also never been hit that hard
before, and I assumed the combination also knocked me out of consciousness. There was nothing I could do except hope Jameson was right behind me and I wasn’t about to be fish food on the bottom of the ocean.

  Awareness returned achingly slow, and I wasn’t sure it was a good thing. Everything from my head to my toes was frozen, and water lapped at my face. Deciding not to push myself, I let my body awaken on its own. My subconscious was finally alert enough that I knew I was moving or, at least, someone was dragging me.

  “Almost there. We’re almost there,” Jameson’s voice murmured close.

  As feeling returned, I realized I was somehow strapped to Jameson’s back. I had no idea how far we had traveled, but I knew without a doubt I was not helping us get where we needed to go by taking my time to wake up naturally.

  I concentrated on my toes and, when they wiggled, I worked my way up until I found my voice. “Jameson, stop.”

  “Lavinia?” He sounded so tired. “Hold on. Let me cut you out of the rope.”

  My hands tugged at the scratchy braid, and I slid under the water briefly before I got my bearings. “H-h-ow did it go? Are we being f-f-ollowed?” My lips wouldn’t stop shaking from the iciness of the water.

  Jameson pointed toward an island in front of us. “We’re almost there. Let’s get back on dry land before you freeze to death. Your human body isn’t tolerating the water as well as my vampire one.”

  I didn’t argue. Plus, the movement was sure to help warm me. Jameson tugged me along until I was able to get my limbs moving properly. Once I did, we made it to the beach in no time.

  Stumbling along the shore, I sank to my knees on the sand as my chest heaved from the effort of walking through the crashing waves. Jameson sank down next to me, then gently pulled on me to lay beside him.

  We had made it.

  We had escaped Prime, which was no small feat. We were on the sandy beach of an island that I didn’t recognize, but it was away from Prime, and that was all that mattered.