“You’re worth dying for,” Jake’s hand rose cupping the side of her neck.
“No,” Anna sobbed. “I’m not.”
“Anna, I love you,” Jake pulled Anna close enough to press his lips to hers in a kiss meant to be his last.
As Jake pulled away, Anna ripped the vial from her neck, pouring the elixir over the wound in his chest. “It’s my choice.”
“Anna,” Jake looked up at her in shock as the elixir began to close the wound in his chest before their eyes. “Why? You can never go home now.”
“You’re worth saving,” Anna smiled down at her Pirate, watching his eyes fill with wonder at her words.
“Anna,” Jake groaned as a single tear streaked down his cheek. Anna brushed it away with her fingers as she felt the pull of the portal weaken. In moments, the swirling funnel was no more than a breeze, disappearing into the ground from where it came. She stared at the emptiness for a time, accepting all she gave up by her actions. Anna would never see her family again; never return home again. She could only trust in the belief her family would want this for her; would want her to be happy. For the first time in her life, Anna knew she’d made the right choice.
Chapter Nineteen
Matthew assisted Jake to his feet, releasing him as the Pirate found his footing. Sully slumped a few feet away, sobbing uncontrollably as two Fairies guarded him. Jake shuddered as he remembered the feel of the blade entering his chest. He’d known it was a death sentence the moment the knife touched his skin. The punishment for his attacker, the traitor before him, was death. Jake knew this, as did the other men in the clearing, but he couldn’t bring himself to complete the act. Taking the life of the man who once was his mentor and friend hurt Jake more than the man’s treachery ever could. It would destroy him. Unable to leave him behind, Jake stumbled to Sully’s side.
“Jake,” Sully stared up at him in shock. “I killed you.”
“No, mate,” Jake knelt cautiously at his side, still weak from loss of blood. “I’ll live.”
Sully looked relieved as he took a shuddering breath. “I’m sorry, son,” Sully gasped. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“You were going to kill her,” Jake felt his throat catch. “You swore you’d protect her, swore on your life and honor, but you tried to kill her.”
“Aye,” Sully nodded jerkily.
“Why?” Jake’s voice held a plea for understanding.
“I’m sorry, Jake,” Sully sobbed. “I had to protect the crew. I had to protect you.”
“Protect me from what?” Jake questioned.
“The Dark Guild knew she was with us,” Sully whispered. “They won’t stop just because she’s beyond their reach. It’s the only way to protect ourselves.”
“No, Sully,” Jake shook his head sadly.
“We have to fulfill the prophecy,” Sully reached his hand out to clutch at Jake’s torn shirt. “If we fulfill the prophecy, they won’t pursue us.”
“What prophecy?” Anna asked from above them.
“It’s the reason you were brought here, Anna,” Mina stepped forward. “Ages ago, the portals between worlds were sealed shut in a spell which required all of the magic in both realms. But, all magic comes at a price. A prophecy was born which states the realms will remain separate until the spell is broken.”
“Lest on highest moon of Summer Cycle a Chosen doth step through, her blood upon this cursed soil, the spell and realm it shall undo,” Mara sighed as she finished Mina’s story.
“What does that mean?” Anna shook her head in confusion.
“The Chosen are special people in your realm who can sense the existence of ours,” Mina continued. “Through dreams, visions or by other means, they are connected to our world.”
“And, you think I’m one of these Chosen,” Anna clarified.
“Aye,” Mina grinned. “Not only one of the Chosen – but thee chosen. The one sent to merge our realms.”
Jake stood, moving to stand beside Anna. Dane tied a rope around the Quartermaster’s wrists before pushing him toward their camp just beyond the trees. Jake wrapped his arms around Anna, pulling her to him with a desperation which threatened to consume him. Anna turned into his embrace, her head resting over the gash in his clothing where Sully’s blade pierced. She could have left and gone back to her life in the Mortal Realm, but she stayed. Anna chose to save him. She chose him. The thought was so overwhelming Jake trembled, fisting his hand in her hair and burying his face in her shoulder to hide the depth of emotion he felt.
“Now what happens?” Anna whispered.
“Now, we get out of here before any other creeps show up to fulfill the prophecy,” Mara mumbled. Jake could tell the Fairy was disappointed. “We will return to the Mermaids and reacquire the elixir. They gave it to you once, they will do so again.”
“No,” Jake’s tone drew the attentions of those around him. He pulled back from the woman in his arms, staring down into her surprised brown eyes. “No more secrets. Enough damage has been done because of secrets.”
“She can’t stay here, Pirate,” Matthew stated sadly. “You can’t protect her; no one can.”
“It’s not our choice to make,” Jake stared down at Anna. “I don’t want you to leave, but it has to be your choice.”
“Was Sully right?” Anna asked. “This Guild, will they come after you if you don’t fulfil the prophecy?”
“I don’t know, Love,” Jake shook his head. “But, I vow if you choose to stay, I will fight for you until my last breath.”
“As will I,” Char agree. “All my forces are at your call, Anna.”
“And, you will have my warriors,” Matthew swore. Jake stared at the Fairy in surprise, having expected Char’s vow, but not the stranger’s promise.
“You can’t be agreeing to this, Matthew,” Mara stated in shock.
“We believe in happy endings for all creatures, Mara, even for a Pirate,” Matthew smiled at her. “If the child wishes to stay, she will have my sword.”
“The Council won’t like it,” Mara shook her head in resignation before turning to Anna. “What is it you want, Anna?”
“You almost died for me once, I won’t let you do it again,” Anna stared at the blood on Jake’s white shirt.
“I won’t let you choose to leave me without a fight,” Jake informed. “Not this time, Love, it was too hard the first time.”
“I don’t want to leave,” Anna shook her head. “But, I won’t have anyone harmed because of me.”
“There is a way,” Mina stepped forward. “We can fulfil the prophecy.”
The Fairy’s suggestion was met by immediate gasps and denials as Jake’s crew stepped between Mina and Anna. “Nay, Lass, I will not let you do harm,” Doc barked, his tone hard in his unfamiliar sobriety.
“She need not be harmed,” Mina shook her head. “The prophecy only states her blood must be spilled. Anna doesn’t have to die for the prophecy to be.”
“We don’t know what may happen,” Matthew argued.
“Aye,” Mara agreed with the black Fairy. “The prophecy may end both worlds.”
“It won’t,” Mina’s tone was confident.
“I’ll do it,” Anna spoke clearly.
Anna’s statement was met by immediate gasps and arguments. “No, Anna,” Char shook his head.
“We shouldn’t rush into this,” Mara held up her hands in plea. “Let’s discuss what could happen.
“This is a bad idea,” Char shook his head.
An argument ensued over the wisdom of Anna’s choice and how they would go about drawing her blood without damage. Anna growled as she pulled away from him. She grabbed the knife from the holster on Jake’s belt, slicing her palm with the blade before anyone could react.
“I’m tired of everyone else choosing for me,” Anna announced. “I would rather end it all right now, on my terms, than spend the rest of my life wondering when someone would do it for me.”
“Okay, Love,” Jake reached fo
r her, but stopped when she pulled back.
Anna held the knife out to Jake, fisting her injured palm out to her side. She tightened her fingers, spilling a slow stream of blood onto the dirt at her feet. Jake watched the puddle of blood grow, his uneasiness rising at her pallor. “Enough,” Jake grabbed Anna’s hand, prying her fingers open to view the gash on her flesh. He tore a sleeve from his shirt and wrapped it around her wound, stemming the flow of blood.
“It is done,” Mina whispered in obvious amazement. “The prophecy is fulfilled.”
“We’re still here,” Char added, looking around at the forest. “I guess the world isn’t ending.”
“Perhaps, more is needed,” Mina stepped toward Anna.
“No,” Jake grabbed his woman, pulling her into the protective cradle of his arms. “No more blood, Fairy.”
“You’ve done enough, Mina,” Mara stepped between the silver Fairy and Jake, her chin raised in defiance.
“Yes,” Mina smiled as she stared down at the pool of Anna’s blood. “I have indeed.”
The crowd turned their attentions where the Fairy stared, watching as Anna’s blood swirled as if being stirred by an invisible source. It funneled into the ground, disappearing before a brilliant red light burst from the earth. The beam speared up through the thick clouds and out of sight. “I wonder what that did,” Mara whispered.
Jake knew he should be concerned, but with Anna resting in his arms, he couldn’t find the strength. Nothing mattered beyond knowing his woman was safe.
***
The day closed in the same manner it opened; gloomy, wet and cloaked in darkness. The sun cast a last ditch beam of effort across the land as it sunk behind the clouds, offering a brilliant show of orange, pink and red flares. The lights of Meridelle glimmered in the distance and Anna sighed as their journey came to a close. A part of her was relieved to be back in Meridelle, but another part ached to run.
The trek back to the Crimson Jewel was emotionally and physically draining, as Doc, Dane and Jake took turns guarding Sully on their return trip. Despite the man’s betrayal, Jake and his men refused to leave one of their own behind. Anna was amazed Jake didn’t want revenge for the traitor’s act, but he assured her Sully would be punished, albeit not by death. After securing the man in the cells, the crew set sail toward Meridelle.
Anna stepped onto the stern castle, smiling at the blue clad sailor manning the wheel. Jake cleaned up from the day’s travel and changed into the uniform of the Meridelle fleet officers. She held in a chuckle as Jake shifted uncomfortably in the heavy coat, pulling at the collar futilely. “Let me,” Anna suggested, releasing the top button of his jacket. “There, much better.”
“You are a vision,” Jake spoke softly as he brushed a lock of her hair from her face.
Anna decided to leave her shoulder length tresses loose, changing into a bright sapphire sundress before running a hand through the uncontrollable tangles of her curls. “And, you look very handsome,” Anna placed her hands on the lapels of his coat. “Though, I must admit, I do miss the Pirate in black leather.”
“He’s still in here, Love,” Jake’s grin was dangerous.
“Is he,” Anna ran her hands over his chest, enjoying his shudder at her touch.
“Only the good parts,” Jake assured.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Anna questioned
“Of course,” Jake’s voice wasn’t as certain as he would want her to believe.
“You swore you’d never serve a King,” Anna reminded.
“Technically,” Jake looked past her. “He’s only a Prince.”
“Jake, if this isn’t what you want,” Anna hesitated, wanting to believe he was sincere, but doubting it.
“What I want,” Jake spoke as he pulled her into his arms. “Is to be a man you would be proud to have by your side.”
“You already are.” Anna assured, placing a hand on the side of his face. “No uniform or job title is going to change that.”
“Oh, Love,” Jake sighed deeply, pausing long enough to claim Anna’s lips with his own in a brief kiss. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say that, because I hate this uniform.”
“Aye!” A chorus of loud agreement went up from the deck below them as every member of Jake’s crew overheard their Captain’s claim.
Anna laughed at the obvious disgust of the Pirates who had also donned the tight, heavy uniforms. “Well, I much prefer the black leather slacks and tight white shirts,” Anna smiled shyly at Jake.
“I supposed we can forgo the uniform,” Char remarked grudgingly, but Anna saw the humor in his eyes.
“And, I never want to serve a Kingdom,” Jake added, his eyes focused on Char. Anna watched the Prince’s face fall at Jake’s statement. “But, I’d be honored to serve a brother.”
Anna smiled at Char’s shock and pleasure at Jake’s claim. “And, I’d be honored to call you brother,” Char bowed his head respectfully.
Anna smiled up at her Pirate, feeling proud to be standing at his side. Mara and the other Fairies quickly left them once their crew returned to the Crimson Jewel, claiming need to find answers. Anna knew they worried over what the prophecy would bring to the realm. She knew her action had consequences, but Anna didn’t worry over them. Whatever the future brought was unimportant as long as Jake was by her side.
Epilogue
Jake stood at his brother’s side, greeting guests as they congregated in the castle ballroom. He was honored by Char’s proud introduction and slightly amused by the shocked expressions of the realm’s most influential denizens. As the novelty wore off, Jake found himself searching the throngs of people for familiar faces. His men were clustered along the far wall, their steins filled with ale and their voices rising high above the chatter of partiers. Jake smiled at the attention they drew. It was several more moments before Jake found who he sought.
Anna stood by the wall of glass doors along an opposing wall, her eyes fixed on him. Jake shuddered at the small smile she sent him when their eyes met. It was a week since their return to Meridelle and Jake had little time to spend with the woman. His time was consumed with the royal duties Char assigned him. Jake knew he should be honored his brother wished to share the Kingdom with him, but he missed being able to come and go as he pleased. Especially, since his new role left little time for wooing a certain woman he intended to claim as his own.
Excusing himself from the line of greetings, Jake slowly pressed through the crowd toward Anna. The cream colored dress she wore clung to her chest and abdomen, flaring out around her hips to flow teasingly around her legs and ankles. “Are you enjoying the party, Love?” Jake placed a territorial hand on her hip.
“It’s certainly more entertaining than the last,” Anna chuckled as the Jake’s crewmen launched into a loud rendition of a common Pirate tune. “How about you; are you enjoying your first royal ball?”
“I can think of other things I’d rather be doing,” Jake used his grip on her hip to pull her closer.
“Jake,” Anna chided his flirting with a shy look around them.
“Come with me,” Jake bent and whispered the request in her ear before taking her hand in his.
“Jake, this party is in your honor,” Anna stated with a laugh as Jake led her out of the ballroom and toward the exit. “Don’t you think we should stay?”
“Castle parties are boring,” Jake commented as they were blocked by a large throng of people.
“Are you in a hurry?” Anna asked as Jake scanned the hall for another way out.
“My love,” Jake stopped walking, turning to pull her into his embrace. “Since you stepped into my arms and chose to stay with me, all I’ve thought about is being alone with you.”
“Oh,” Anna breathed in shock as Jake leaned down and kissed her thoroughly.
Jake put all of the promises for the future in his kiss, cradling her against his chest as he tormented her lips. Anna twined her hands around the back of his neck in invitation to
deepen his kiss. Jake felt his desire rise, threatening to provide embarrassing proof of his need for her if he didn’t gain some control. He pulled away slowly, his reluctance clear in the tight hold he kept on her.
“Why did you stop?” Anna’s voice held the same heat Jake felt.
“Believe me, Love, stopping is the last thing I want to do,” Jake groaned at her question. “But, we seem to be drawing some attention.”
Jake looked around at the majority of guests who tried to avoid watching their embrace and the few who openly stared. He didn’t mind their stares as his reputation was already set in their minds, but he wouldn’t risk Anna’s privacy. “What would you suggest?” Anna’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and arousal.
“The docks aren’t very far,” Jake whispered as he brushed a kiss on her temple.
“I thought you were in a hurry,” Anna chuckled.
“Did you have a better idea, Love?” Jake pressed a line of kisses down her jaw and neck. He knew he should release her as he was only making his own need worse with each touch of her flesh, but he couldn’t seem to stop touching her.
“I do,” Anna pulled back, taking his hand in hers and pulling him toward the staircase at the rear of the hall.
In moments, they were locked in a bedroom away from the prying eyes and loose tongues of the party guests. Jake looked around the richly decorated bedroom as he paced. His eyes fell on the bed before turning to the woman hesitating with her back against the closed door. “This is your bedroom,” Jake remarked, stalking closer to her as she nodded.
“Jake,” Anna whispered his name hesitantly as he barred her against the wooden panel at her back.
“No reason to be frightened, Love,” Jake felt his arousal ebb at her hesitation.
“I’m not frightened,” Anna shook her head, looking down at the floor. Jake cupped her jaw, raising her eyes to meet his.
“Do you trust me?” Jake spoke softly, almost afraid to hear her response.
“Of course,” Anna seemed surprised by his question and Jake felt his body relax at her assurance.
Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) Page 18
