The seriousness in his voice forced the drowsiness away and had me sitting up. I pulled his coat tighter around me and scooted closer to him. His arm came around my shoulder and I could feel it shaking. Steel’s eyes were glassy, but no tears were falling. I waited for him to say something. I didn’t want to push him to talk if he wasn’t ready to.
When I thought we were going to be sitting in silence for the remainder of the night, he sighed. “I know you don’t know anything about me really and that’s my fault. I’m not usually one who opens up, especially about my past. But after all we’ve been through, I think it’s time you know a little more about my past.”
He drew in a shaky breath before continuing, “My dad left my mom before he even knew she was pregnant with me. She was a whore who worked in a brothel and he’d been a client. Pregnant whores don’t get much sympathy or assistance, so she was doomed to fail before she really had a chance to live. My mom was only seventeen when she had me and I was delivered in the whorehouse. She almost died during childbirth, but claims that the life returned to her after taking one look at me.”
He paused again and there was a hitch in his voice now. “My mom was an amazing woman who was dealt a bad hand by fate. She loved me, took care of me, clothed me, fed me. Everything a mom should do, but our home was in the whorehouse. It was all I knew for the longest time and I was seen as a bastard. Sons had no use to the owners of the brothel, so mom was given a choice when I reached age five. She could either send me away or sell me into slavery. If she didn’t do either of these, then—per her contract with them—they would sell both her and me to the highest bidder. They were greedy bastards who should’ve been killed for the way they treated other people, especially the women and children.”
“That’s terrible,” I interrupted with a gasp and my eyes blurred.
With the way he acted, I would’ve never thought he had such a bad start in life.
“Do you know what she chose?”
I shook my head and waited for his answer with bated breath. Whatever she chose must’ve been bad because none of the options sounded reasonable.
“She decided to run with me. Her goal was to get us out of town and she would find us a home instead of a brothel. Only, she didn’t make it that far. We were discovered quickly from the owners who wanted their money. Well, mom was. She’d forced me to hide in a nearby bush and made me promise that I would survive for her. I was a good child, so I did as she asked without hesitation. I didn’t even come out when they dragged her away from me as she fought them tooth and nail. I blame myself for her being in the position to begin with. If it wasn’t for me, there would’ve never been a choice for her to make.”
“It isn’t your fault, Steel.” I squeezed his arm encouragingly. “She loved you from the sound of it and would be happy you escaped. Have you been to see her since?”
Steel’s body vibrated under my hand as he shook at that question. The tears were coming freely now and it was a heart wrenching sight to see him cry. I thought it had been bad with Bastian, but this was ten times worse.
He cleared his throat and took a bit more time before he was able to speak clearly again. “I went to see her when I was a teenager, but it was too late. She’d died a year after the attempted escape from a fever and the other whores believed it was the plague. They were kind enough to pass her belongings on to me without the owner’s consent. There was a simple sapphire necklace, a gold pocket watch, and a silver hairbrush. It wasn’t much, but it was all I had from her. Now, it’s all at the bottom of the sea along with my ship.”
“Oh, Steel, I’m so sorry.”
“Me too.”
“Thank you for telling me all of this,” I said after a few quick heartbeats passed. “It means a lot to me. More than you can imagine.”
“Thank you for listening and not judging me. That means a lot to me.”
“How did you survive on your own?”
“The captain of Poseidon’s Whore discovered me in the next town over and raised me on his ship. He, too, had been an orphan so he knew how it felt. His pity was his greatest gift. I accepted his invitation because the name of his ship seemed fitting enough and it wasn’t like I had anywhere else to go.”
“I wish I would’ve known you then.”
He shook his head. “No, things turn out the way they do for a reason and this was how our story was supposed to play out. Our meeting wasn’t a coincidence and it’s the first time I’ve been truly happy in a long time.”
“I never thought I would be happy again after losing my parents, but you brought it back to me too.”
“You know me spilling my secrets makes you my girlfriend.”
“Oh it does, does it?” I smirked even though my stomach flopped and my heart soared at the word “girlfriend”.
“It does, what do you have to say to that?”
“I’d say… what took you so long to ask?”
He laughed and kissed me softly. “I have no idea.”
We cuddled for a bit longer, until Steel broke away. He rubbed his face roughly. “That’s enough crying and soul-searching for one night. I know things aren’t looking up right now—besides that I can officially call you mine—but I think we need to celebrate.”
“What are we celebrating besides me being yours?”
“We’ll toast to those who are still alive and remember those who aren’t. It’s a miracle any of us are still on this planet after facing the Kraken. We should’ve all been killed after that fight.”
He stood and pulled me to my feet. I put my arms through Steel’s jacket so I was wearing it properly. I reveled in the warmth it provided and there was no way he was getting it back tonight. The twinkle in his eyes as he watched me put the coat on told me he already knew that fact though.
The two of us approached the men who were scattered on the ground. Some were glaring at the sea, some were passing around a silver container and drinking from it, but none were sleeping. They all had a mixture of anger and sadness on their faces and a party might be just what they needed to lift their spirits back up.
“All right, men. No more pouting. Yes, we lost our ship. Yes, we lost our gold. But that doesn’t mean it’s all over for us. We’re lucky to be here and we should damn well start acting like we appreciate the fates for sparing us,” Steel said as he looked each one of his men in the eye. “I say, we celebrate life tonight and keep those in mind who aren’t with us. We start drinking tonight and we can sleep away tomorrow before traveling the rest of the way to Tortuga.”
“Here, here,” Gregor yelled as he held up a silver container. He drank out of it and those around us copied him.
“What is that?” I asked Steel.
He grinned. “That is a flask full of rum. A pirate can’t be found without his rum.”
“You mean to tell me that pirates keep rum on them?”
“Most do. I have two flasks. Check the pockets on the inside of my coat.”
I quirked my eyebrows at him, but did as he asked. There, in the inside pockets, were two flasks. I shook them and heard the liquid slosh around.
“Rum?” I asked knowingly.
“Why don’t you try some?” Steel smirked.
“Sera, Sera, Sera,” the others cheered my name, egging me on.
After all that had happened, the side effect the rum would have seemed minuscule, so I shrugged. “Why not…”
I opened the top and took a small sip. The burning sensation was welcomed with our current situation and the crazy emotions that came with it. There just wouldn’t be any dancing.
The men all shouted excitedly at me and began talking to each other. Steel had a wide grin on his face as he approached me.
“One is for you, while the other is for me,” he said as he took the second container.
“Did you plan that?” I asked.
“No, I usually drink two, but I’m more than happy to share some with you. Might get you a little frisky for tonight.” He nibbled my ear.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
I laughed again, but didn’t say anything since Gregor was heading towards us. The men behind him were building a fire and Gregor gestured towards it. “Once we get the fire going, the men and I were hoping you could tell us the story of how you defeated the Kraken. It might raise their spirits.”
“I’d love to.” I smiled brightly.
They pulled out logs for everyone to sit on around the fire and Steel and I joined them. I recounted exactly what had happened with the Kraken. I didn’t think it was too exciting, but the men loved it. They listened intently and some chimed in comments.
“To Sera,” the men toasted once I was finished with my tale.
“To me.” I laughed as I drank with them.
Even after losing men along with The Sea Nymph’s Revenge, tonight was turning out to be pretty decent. I was one of the crew now and Steel and I were officially together. I felt like I was on cloud nine with Steel next to me. But as I glanced around, I noticed that one face was missing. Bastian wasn’t with us. Upon further investigation, I found him sitting closer to the water.
I brought my flask over to Bastian who was by himself. Without asking, I sat next to him and handed him the flask. “I’m sorry about Barty. He was a good guy who didn’t deserve to go just yet. I think you should drink in his name tonight.”
“It doesn’t feel right with him gone. Drinking was more his thing than mine.” Bastian’s eyes watered again.
“I don’t really drink either, but I made an exception for tonight. I think you should too. My parents are gone, but I still feel like they’re with me in spirit. Barty’s there too, hovering around you. He’ll never fully be gone as long as you keep him in your memory.”
Bastian wiped his nose on his sleeve and then sniffed in the rest of the snot. “Thanks, Sera. You’re a good friend and I’m happy you’re here.”
“There’s no place I’d rather be.”
His mouth turned up into a slight smile and he took the flask from my outstretched hand.
“To Barty,” he said before he took a long swig.
When he passed it back, I took sip and said, “To Barty and everyone else who can’t drink with us right now. We’ll be reunited one day because that’s one thing we all have in common—death. Even sirens aren’t immortal, so that includes me.”
“That is true. I’ll toast to that.” He took another drink.
“Feel up to joining us by the fire?”
He looked at the men before nodding. “I think so.”
We rejoined the others and the men offered Bastian comforting smiles. People who thought all pirates were coarse and mean didn’t get to see this side of them. I was one of the lucky ones who did and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. These guys were humans, but it didn’t matter to me. I was a siren, and it didn’t matter to them.
Even though I was having a lot of fun, I was extremely tired from using my abilities for so long. The fatigue kept begging for my eyes to close, but I fought to keep it at bay. I didn’t want to miss this for anything. There would be time to sleep later. I wouldn’t get the chance to make this memory again.
The Kraken attack felt like it was ages ago with the people who were around me remembering old times. My body told me otherwise and my muscles were starting to ache from the lack of sleep.
As we drank and laughed, I looked around at the men surrounding me. They were all amazing in their own ways and I was happy to have them in my life. They were my new family and I couldn’t wait to get to know each and every one of them. I would take the time to learn who they were because Steel proved that there was always more to a person than meets the eye.
If you plan to continue with this series, there’s an epilogue…but I suggest you stop here if you don’t like cliffhangers and don’t plan to continue.
Thanks for reading!
Epilogue
As we talked and laughed, the wind drifted a hushed melody towards us. It was beautiful and sad. Then, the singing grew louder and broke through our celebratory dinner. It was familiar and as the eyes of the guys around me glassed over, I understood why. We were under attack by sirens. They found me and islands had to be a cursed for me to stay on.
I pushed my way to the front and gasped at the number of sirens that were poking their heads up in the water. They were singing in harmony as the sailors—my new friends and family—slowly danced to the water’s edge.
“Stop,” I yelled and the singing paused.
One of the sirens stepped onto the land and I recognized him immediately. He was the one who killed my mom on the other island. Rage burned within me and the clouds reacted as thunder boomed. He held up his hands and the singing ceased.
“In light of what we witnessed with the Kraken earlier and just now, you have to come back to Siren’s Call with us,” he said and kept his arms up.
“Why would I do that if all you’re going to do is kill me?” I asked.
“Unfortunately, we can’t do that now, but I suggest you come willingly or we’ll kill everyone else on this island.”
I ground my teeth. I didn’t want to go with them, but knew I had to when my eyes found Steel. He was staring at me lifelessly and my heart ached. None of the men on this island deserved to face the wrath of the sirens because of me.
“All right, but I’ll only come quietly if you let me say goodbye first.”
“Why would you want to say goodbye to these greedy humans?” He frowned in disgust.
“Look, I don’t know you and you don’t know me or them. Don’t stand there and judge any of us. I want to say goodbye and that’s not negotiable.”
He blinked at me and I was waiting for the quick no. Instead, he said, “Very well, but make it quick.”
The male siren waved his arms and Steel’s spell was broken. Everyone else was released as well, but Steel was the only one I was focused on at the moment. He blinked away the confusion and drew his sword. I placed my hand on his and lowered his weapon. His gaze finally found mine and his comforting arms pulled me into him.
“What’s going on, Sera?” he asked and I would never get used to the sound of my name as it left his lips.
“I have to go with them or else they’ll kill you,” I replied solemnly.
“No way. You’re not leaving me. Not without a fight at least.”
“Steel,” I breathed as I reached up to nuzzle my nose into his neck. He groaned, but I didn’t let it distract me. “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing you can do. The sirens can lead everyone on this island to their watery graves if I don’t. I won’t let that happen.”
“You don’t always have to protect us,” he yelled, but shook his head. “You can’t leave me.” His voice was barely a whisper that time and it was full of desperation.
I stood on my toes to reach his soft lips. The sirens began muttering their disapproval, but we both ignored them.
“I have to, but I’ll find you again even if it’s the last thing I do.”
His fingers tightened on my arms to hold me in place. It was rough, but didn’t hurt. “But you said they want to kill you.”
“I love you.” The words had come out of their own accord, but there was no taking them back now, especially since they were true. My lips connected with his again and he responded passionately as he deepened it. It was a plea for me to stay. “Until we meet again,” I said as we parted and looked behind him at the siren I was quickly starting to loathe.
The female sirens began singing again and I was released from Steel’s grasp. My arms became cold without his touch and I had to force myself to move away from him. I draped his coat around his shoulders and followed the male siren. It became harder and harder to move as my steps brought me nearer and nearer to the water.
I stole one more glance at Steel until I was shoved into the water by the male siren. I needed
to learn his name so I could curse it with every breath I had left within me. His fingers latched onto my wrist and it made my skin crawl. For Steel’s sake, I allowed the siren to tug me farther and farther away from him and the others. They were the second family that was taken from me, but at least they were still breathing. I vowed to myself that I would find them again.
I didn’t know how much time had passed, but we weren’t as far from Siren’s Call as I believed. At first glance, it looked like a pile of rocks sitting on the bottom of the ocean, but my disappointment was quickly replaced with awe as they took me through a small opening. Even though we were underwater, we broke through what felt like a giant air bubble, except there was now light instead of the dark, endless water.
“How is this possible?” I asked as a grand castle came into view.
It had two waterfalls on either side of it and sirens lazed about in the various pools. They all stopped what they were doing as they caught sight of me. It was an oasis located miles under the surface of the ocean. Miles under the island that Steel was on.
“It’s magic that can only be maintained by the siren king or queen. Without them, it would slowly fade away,” he answered. “That’s where I’m taking you—to see the king.”
My mouth dried but I didn’t say anything. It wasn’t like I had that much of a choice now. I was in their domain and my life was in their hands now. Finding Steel gave me a purpose, so I wasn’t ready to give up on breathing just yet.
The castle was made of beautiful stones and pearls. There were no doors as the male siren and I entered—the others who’d been following remained behind. The ground was cold and dry. I had to be dreaming. None of this made any sense. There were lines of columns made of stone that held up this beautiful structure. At first, I couldn’t believe my dad left this place willingly, but I understood that I wanted to do the same thing for Steel, even though this was paradise.
Once I finally stopped myself from gaping, I realized we were approaching a golden throne with red rubies lining it that was placed in the center of the room. A throne that had a man sitting in it. A man that looked familiar. A man that made me freeze in my steps. A man that looked exactly like my father. My father who was supposed to be dead.
Sirens and Scales Page 115
