by ML Guida
Panic filled William’s eyes. “Kane, don’t do this to me. I can’t lose Mariah, not like…” His voice trailed.
“Like Sharon,” Hannah finished.
William tightened his grip again, and ’twas as if an octopus ensnared her. Mariah struggled and gasped for breath. “William, I can stop this. Let me help, s’il vous plaît.”
The wind howled, and waves crashed onto the deck. Men slipped and fell, fighting not to be pulled into the churning sea.
She tilted her head. “Give her a chance, Kane, please.”
She raced away to the edge. She held out her hands, drawing upon her power and trying to save a man that had been whirled into the sea.
Kane ran his hand through his hair. “Let Mariah help.”
William narrowed his eyes. “You bastard. She’s my woman to protect. I’ll not let you put her in danger like you did Hannah.”
“Fool.” Kane dropped his hand. “Do you think I wanted to put Hannah in the middle of this war?” He gestured toward her. “I had no choice. Without her, Palmer would have defeated us. War is never fair, William. Mariah’s brother is aboard the Damsel and bent on destroying her.”
William stuck out his chin. “I’ll never let him harm her.”
Mariah glanced over her shoulder. His face turned grim as fear swam in those eyes. He was afraid for her. He cared? “William—”
He untangled his arms and gripped her shoulders. “No. I can’t go through the pain of losing…”
Thunder clashed and Mariah could not hear his words. Words she desperately wanted to hear. “I will not die.”
He turned his head. “Sharon argued she wouldn’t die the night before her brother slayed her.” His fingers bit deeper into her flesh. “Don’t you understand? I can’t go through that hell again. Not with you. I couldn’t—”
His voice cracked, and when she opened her mouth to reassure him, he kissed her hard. ’Twas not a gentle kiss, but one filled with hope and fear. He wrapped his arms around her, crushing her to him, and she clung to him, tasting the male protectiveness, indulging in it.
Men screamed, and rain hit them harder. William broke off the kiss and wiped a lock of hair off her face.
“We must go.” She clutched his shaking hand. “Before ’tis too late. Lark’s powers are growing stronger, darker.”
“Promise me you’ll survive.”
“I will,” she whispered and hoped to God she was telling the truth. That they would both survive. “I wish you would believe in my magic.”
“I don’t believe in any magic.”
She sighed and bit back tears of frustration.
He clasped her chin and tilted it toward him. “But I believe in you.” He kissed her lips lightly.
She blinked, not sure she had heard right. He believed in her?
“I’ll not let you out of my sight.” William looked at her warily. “What do you plan to do?”
She stared at his captivating lips. “Save the ship.”
He released her chin and held her hand. “Then lead the way.”
“Bien.” She led him across the deck.
He believed in her. Those words rolled around in her head. Hope swelled through her.
Ronan and other men carried buckets of water to put out the flames bursting out on deck. He glowered at William. A pang of hurt clutched her heart. Ronan had always had faith in her, but William’s words meant so much. Maybe she could trust William, not as a dragon, but as a man. She did not understand how those three little words chipped away at her iciness toward him, but ’twas not just sex magic. It had become something more, something special.
She hurried toward the stairwell.
William clasped her arm, and he pulled her to him. The rain pounded his scowling face. “Where are you going?”
Despite the torrent around them, her traitorous body responded to his nearness, to his scent and touch. “I need to get to my chest.”
They ran together down the stairs to her cabin. She retrieved her wand, candle, and athame. “We have to go outside.”
“Why?”
“The spell needs to be free among the elements. For it to work, I need to be one with nature.”
“One with—” He cocked his eyebrow. “You mean naked.”
She held the spell book tighter against her chest. “Oui, now out of my way.”
He blocked her path. “I’ll not let you go out there naked.”
“I can conjure a spell so the men will not see me naked, but naked I will be.” She studied him. She wanted him to love her, but he’d never trust the feeling. He’d think he only felt that way due to the bonding. “There is another way to stop it, but you will have to work with me. Decide quickly before Lark sinks us.”
He furrowed his brow and chewed on his cheek. Distrust, wariness, and fear flickered in his eyes, but he nodded.
“Well?” Mariah led the way out of her cabin and ran up the stairs. The ship rocked, and she flew into the wall. Pain gripped her shoulder.
“Damn it.” William seized her and carried her up the stairs.
“The stern, s’il vous plaît.”
The storm intensified, the rain blinding them. Through the swirling wind, maniacal laughter roared around them, chilling her heart. William shielded her with his body and dodged running crewmen fighting to keep the Soaring Phoenix afloat. Her sails flapped, and the waves hit the side of her hull harder and harder, washing up on deck. Crewmen struggled to keep from being thrown into the angry sea.
Rain beat on William’s face. “You should go below deck. This is too dangerous.” She could barely hear his voice over the storm.
“No, we can do this.” Mariah hoped she was right. She had never gone up against a warlock before.
He stopped at the stern. Passion filled his eyes. “Now what, temptress?”
Mon Dieu! Focus.
“William, you need to blow on the candle.” The wind whipped around her, tangling her hair in front of her eyes, and the boat tilted. She lost her footing and shifted her weight to keep from falling onto the slick deck. “Hurry please.”
“’It isn’t possible.” He blinked and gestured up at the sky. “The storm will blow out the candle.”
“Not against dragon fire.” A gust of wind buffeted her hand, and a menacing voice hissed a chant in her ear. She gasped. Lark. Pure evil dripped from his words. She shuddered and wiped her wet cheeks. “Si’l vous plaît, try. Before ’tis too late.”
William’s emerald eyes changed to a glowing gold. He nodded and blew. A soft stream of fire fanned around the wick, swirled around it, and ignited a bright flash.
The wind roared, and Mariah wobbled, but the flame grew brighter and rose higher. “Take the candle, William.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Trust me. Take it. This is no time to argue, no?”
He took the candle and his fingers brushed over hers. “I do trust you.”
She could throw her arms around his shoulders and kiss him. There was still hope for him, for them.
Concentrate.
“Now follow me.” She grabbed her wand and athame and held them high over her head and went to the very end of the stern. Once there, she stripped out of her dress. “Mother Isis, I call upon you to send the spirit, Akasha, to bless and protect us.”
Warmth washed away the frigidity, and the rain ceased. Tremors ran down her arm, down her torso to her toes. Power surged through her.
“The flame grew higher,” William yelled over the thunder.
“We walk in the shape of the magic star. First, Air.” She tapped her athame with her wand three times. “Earth.”
“What’s happening?”
Mariah ignored him. Her skin tingled. “Fire. Water.”
She turned around. A white glow outlined William. His shirt plastered to his skin, showing off every sculpted muscle. Black trousers outlined his thick thighs, and she could not help but be drawn to his crotch. His gold eyes burned bright. If only she could wrap her l
egs around his hips and impale herself on his shaft. His sudden kindness tore away her defenses. Hopefully, he meant what he said. “William, hold the candle high over your head.”
He complied, his head tilted back, his long thick hair sticking to his broad shoulders.
Shutting out sinful thoughts, she lifted her athame and tapped her wand. Each time she did, a fiery line formed along the deck, tracing a glowing silver star. “I ask the four basic elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water to send the black magic to where it came.”
William’s eyes bulged. “The ship.”
“The flames will not burn the ship,” she answered. “Keep the candle high over your head.”
“Akasha.” Her voice was strong and powerful. “Protect us.”
The flaming star shot up into the churning sky, and the outline of a silver star branded the clouds. A high pitched shriek pierced Mariah’s ears. ’Twas a hateful cry, as if someone’s heart had been ripped out. A small opening widened, and rays of golden light flowed down onto the Soaring Phoenix. But a black cloud rolled back in and masked the light.
“What is this?” a man called.
“More black magic,” another accused.
“’Tis the bloody witch.”
William stared up at the angry sky. “’Tis not working. Get below deck. I’ll draw him off.”
“We need to enhance the spell.”
He frowned. “What? How?”
She laid her wand on the deck and faced the doubt emanating from him. “Give me your palm.”
“Why?” He glanced up at the darkening, spinning clouds. “Get to safety.”
She cupped his face. “Listen to me.”
Fear flickered in his eyes. “You promised me you’d be safe.”
“I will.” Mariah released his tense jaw. She held the athame in her hand and sliced her palm. Blood dripped onto the wood. “To save the ship, you must trust me. Now give me your hand.”
William blinked, stunned by his brazen witch. “My God, what are you doing? Are you trying to kill yourself?”
“No, I am not. Now put the candle down and give me your hand.” She scanned the sky above. “The demons are counting on you to give into your indecision.”
Screams raged behind them. The crew fought for their lives, and the ship tossed back and forth. Waves bashed against the ship, determined to turn the Phoenix onto her side. Yet he and Mariah were not sliding all over the wet deck like the crew. Magic. He did not trust it. Would never trust it. But he trusted her.
“S’il vous plaît.” Something in her sensual voice broke through William’s indecisiveness.
He put the candle down. Why didn’t it tip over or slid around? Uneasiness crept up his spine. A white glow surrounded it, and the wax didn’t melt and the flame flickered.
“We need to fan the flame. Only we can do this.” Mariah stretched out her hand. “William.” She grabbed his wrist and sliced his palm with the dagger.
“What the devil?”
She lowered the dagger. “Now, kiss me.” She clasped his bleeding hand with hers. Tingles shot through his body. His heart pumped harder and blood slammed between his temples. He stumbled, and Mariah held onto him tight.
“’Tis white magic. Do not panic. Kiss her.”
William shook his head to clear his thoughts. He pulled her toward him. Her soft voice stirred more passion, unleashing feelings he’d long kept buried but couldn’t utter.
Without hesitation, his other hand slipped behind her head, tangling into those unruly curls. Her lips parted, and he pulled her hard against his wet body. With his soaked clothes, he felt as if they were both naked. Her budded nipples crushed against him. With quick angry thrusts, he indulged in the sweetness of her mouth, taking what he wanted. He devoured her as if it were the last time he would taste her.
Power surged through him, blood pumping wildly through his veins. He molded his body to hers, and she clung to him. His hair stood on end, and he swore any minute they would burst into tiny fragments. He wanted to keep kissing her. Her naked figure pressed against his clothed one sent him into a frenzy of desire. He’d never experienced anything so erotic. He wanted to thrust his cock into her hot core.
Angry howls of pain reverberated around them. Not men. Demonic.
The ship tossed back and forth. William stiffened and could not believe they did not bounce around the deck. ’Twasn’t right. If he truly cared about Mariah—Lord he did—he shouldn’t be risking her life in this war. He should drag her down to her cabin and force her to stay there, not indulge in her sweet taste.
Mariah kissed him harder, and he met her fervor, ignoring his guilt. Greedy to explore her mouth, he flicked his tongue inside. Her essence filled him. He had never realized a kiss could be so powerful, so tender, so sensual. She trembled and ran her hand over his back, caressing him, igniting desire. He wanted her and only her. Unnamed feelings flooded through him, and he had the urge to tell her how he felt, but he pushed them back.
“Coward.”
William ignored Drakon and concentrated on kissing his sweet witch. Pleasure rushed over him, and he shook. Fierce power ignited between him and Mariah. Magic exploded between them. An orgasm gripped him, stronger than any he had experienced before and never from a simple kiss. He tore away from her dazzling lips and roared as a release surged through him. White light or perhaps ecstasy blinded him. Not letting go of his hand, Mariah cried out his name. The white light enveloping them burned brighter, and he couldn’t see.
Someone spoke to him. The dragon? Blood thumping between his ears blocked out his voice. Mariah leaned her head on his chest, then kissed him. “We did it,” she whispered.
The bright light faded, and the fogginess left his muddled brain. “Did what?”
“Look…Listen.”
Cheers rang in William’s ears. He released her hand, and rather than an ugly welt, his palm was healed. He frowned. Darkness lifted, and the ship stopped rocking back and forth. The sun pierced through the clouds that slowly dissipated. Warmth filled him and he clasped her chin, his thumb caressing her cheek. What had the lass done to him?
“You need to get dressed.” His voice was husky, afraid any minute he’d plunge his cock inside her dark feminine curls.
She nodded. He laced up her soaked dress and admired her beautiful back. His desire only grew more dangerous as he brushed his fingers over her silky skin.
A blood-curdling scream split through the celebration.
Amadi cupped his hands over his mouth. “Over the starboard side!”
The water parted; sprays of droplets burst into the air. Something propelled toward the Phoenix. Something was coming. Something evil. Something for Mariah.
He shoved her behind him, intent to risk his life for her.
She clasped his arms. “William, move.”
“No.”
“If I cannot see it, then I will not be able to stop it.”
“Good, then you’ll be safe.”
She pounded on his back. “William, I can help.”
“Man the guns,” Kane yelled. “Damn it, Hannah, get below.”
“I can help.” Wind blowing Hannah’s brown hair behind her shoulders, she braved the foe, her palms facing the onslaught of the squirting spray.
The water churned, and a red mass pooled around in the ocean. Chilling laughter echoed all around them.
Kane slammed his arm down. “Fire the guns.”
Mariah slipped around William, and he seized her arm.
“No. William, release me. I need my wand.” Mariah struggled and stomped on his foot.
He winced but refused to allow his little witch to risk her life yet again.
Fear shot through Mariah. She waved her arm. “Hannah, Get away from the edge of the railing.”
Hannah stepped away from the edge, but kept her shaking palms facing the splashing water. She seemed to be in a battle with what was beneath the surface.
William gripped Mariah tighter. “What’s happening?”
She jerked away, but he refused to release her. He’d not fail to protect another woman he loved. Admit it. He loved this woman. Would die for her.
“Lark— ’tis him. I feel him. He is sending Palmer to seize Hannah.” Mariah’s shaking voice sent chills down William’s back.
William released her and allowed her to retrieve her wand. But he was ready to shove her behind him at the slightest indication of danger.
She raised her wand. “Mother Isis, protect Hannah from the black magic.”
White light flew out of the wand and shot into the spewing water. Water swirled around and sizzled. A water spout burst into the air as tall as the hull of the ship. Silver light chased a black form inside the tunnel of water. William couldn’t make it out, but it must have been Palmer. The spout slowed, but it was coming.
William raced toward Hannah. “Hannah, get away from there. He’s coming.”
“’Tis too strong.” Hannah dropped her hands and panted. She glanced over her shoulder. Her nose was bleeding, which meant her power was being drained. Not a good sign.
“Hannah, get back!” Kane hurried toward her.
She nodded, her face pale, and raced toward him, but she wasn’t fast enough.
William reached for Hannah but Palmer rose out of the sprout. He snatched Hannah into the swirling tunnel.
“I’ll kill you, Palmer!” With his dagger, Kane dove into the water and swam toward the spout.
The water spout died, and Palmer lifted out of the water with Hannah thrown over his shoulder. He glided across the water on his feet.
Hannah banged on Palmer’s back. “Kane, stay back. Save yourself.”
William grimaced at the horror in her tone. She knew what waited for her on the Damsel. Torture. Pain. Death.
“She’s ours, O’Brien. You’ll never see her alive,” Palmer jeered. A huge wave surged under Palmer and hurled him and Hannah toward the Fiery Damsel.
“Nooooo!” Kane howled and swam toward them.
Mariah clasped William’s arm. Tears glistened on her cheeks. “Je suis désolé, William. I tried. Lark’s magic, ’tis stronger than I imagined.”
William wiped her tears away with his thumb. “We have to do this together. Stay here.”
