by S Lawrence
Looking across to the other ship, I see two men mirroring them, the rope is taut between each side.
“Just hold on, Miss. We won’t let you fall.” I smile at the man.
“Thank you.” I nod at each of them in gratitude.
Exhaling, I step up, letting Fallon help me with one hand the chest held with his other. Cyder’s hands are on my waist, lifting me up to the rail. Fallon waits as I find my footing and grab onto the rope. I nod, ready to step into a new world.
The boats roll on the waves, and I grit my teeth as I start to sweat. My palms feel slick on the rope and I stop, frozen halfway between the ships. I can feel my head shaking in denial.
“Reyna. I’ve got you.” His dark, deep honeyed voice slides over me.
The warmth of his breath moistens the curve of my ear as the heat of his body burns at my back. I keep my eyes locked on Fallon in front of me as Cyder wraps his arm around my waist. His other hand slides over my shoulder and down my arm. The feel of it has heat unfurling deep in my belly, heat like nothing I’ve ever felt.
His fingers close over my own and loosen the death grip I have on the rope. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. Every man on all five ships is watching. Five are watching closer than any of the others. Waiting to see if I can do this. I’m under no illusion, this is life or death. This one moment could decide my entire future. But my eyes keep turning down, to the water crashing against the wood of the boats, and all I can think of is all the stories I’ve been told over and over my entire life.
The sea brings death. These men bring death.
“No harm will come to you here. He promised, and now I do also.” I glance back at him and see the others nodding, having heard his words.
Wilder, Hagen, and as I look back at Fallon, I see even Lash nodding. Five brothers, five pirate captains to protect me. I shiver as some unknown desire rolls through me.
“Come on, love, let’s get you across.” Pulling my hand free, he urges me forward with his body, the length of it flush against my back, butt, and thighs.
I focus on the plank and my steps, trying to ignore the muscles flexing as he moves us forward. Fallon smiles and turns forward, then starts walking briskly the rest of the way to the next ship, trusting Cyder to get me the rest of the way across. He does, never letting go of my hand or my waist.
At the edge, Lash steps forward holding out his hand, and I take it but I’m still unsure of him. Cyder lowers me down to him, and he wraps his other arm around me, too tightly. I stiffen and I hear a low growl. Glancing behind me, I see Liam has followed and is glaring through Cyder’s legs, daring the man holding me to do anything other than letting me down.
As soon as my feet touch the deck, I push away, watching as his face falls before hardening in anger. I have hurt his feelings.
Leaning close, I whisper, “I will not fall blindly into your arms. Do not push me.” Even to me, my voice sounds like a whip, and his eyes narrow as I step away. “Come, Liam.”
I make my way to Fallon. “Which ship are we going to?” I want to know how many times I must repeat the crossing.
“Mine.” He points to the far one, of course.
Straightening my spine, I walk straight to the next plank. The men that held the ropes on this ship have already crossed and the rope is stretched tight once again. I smile, wasting no time and not waiting for the others as I climb up and onto the board. Liam’s nails make clicking sounds as he rises up, watching and waiting for me to move forward.
You can do this, Reyna. You don’t need their stupid help or their hot hands on you. I almost convince myself, deep breaths pumping in and out of my lungs, and I focus on the other end of the plank.
“Do not look down,” I whisper to myself as I take the first step.
Head held high, I walk quickly across. pretending I’m still small and Daddy is letting me play on top of the bar, dancing and spinning… Not different than that, I tell myself.
Before I know it, a rough hand wraps around my wrist, and I look down. I’m at the end, and a cheer goes up from those behind me. Looking around, I see both crews are clapping and yelling.
“Let me help you, miss.” An older man with a scar covering one side of his face is standing with his hands held up but he waits for me to give him permission to touch me. “I don’t want that beast going after me, or you either, for that matter.” His eyes glance behind me before coming back to my face.
Liam shoves his face around my left thigh, and I giggle as I nod at the man. The other hand stays on my wrist until the thick ones of the gentleman in front of me closes over my waist. He lifts me as if I weigh nothing then sets me gently down and releases me. They both do.
“Which boat is this?” They both say ‘ship’ at the same time. “Sorry, ship.” I feel heat in my cheeks.
“No worries, miss. This is the Sea Raider.” Ah, Lash’s ship, odd that his men are the most respectful. “He means no harm.” The man with the scar leans close as he speaks.
“Well, he needs to learn some manners, but maybe you could teach him.” Now it’s his turn to redden. I smile and start across the deck, determined to get on with it. One more ship, two more boards. Piece of pie.
I don’t bother checking behind me. I know they follow and those that don’t, watch.
As I climb up onto the rail, I realize I’m not only making my way to Fallon’s ship. I’m moving away from my past.
I am changing with each step. How long before I’m unrecognizable?
Chapter 11
FALLON
She is strong, facing her fears, and determined.
She’s going to need all of that to face what’s coming.
We all follow, with Lash sulking at the back. I grin, looking back at Hagen, and he is smirking, both of us enjoying our brother’s complete failure.
Lash is a good person but he has never, not once, had to work for anything. Well, other than our freedom when we were younger. He was a beautiful child and often got the easier jobs because of it. As he grew, he learned to use his looks and charm to get exactly what he wanted.
In many cases, that was a woman’s affection. Reyna seems immune, or at least, less affected. I have no delusions that she didn’t at least notice his dark, striking looks. Women seem to love his golden complexion and black hair mixed with his icy blue eyes.
Jumping down onto the deck, I stride across and wait as one of the crew helps Liam up. The beast turns and licks the man. Licks him. His eyes roll to look at me before he lifts his lip, flashing one vicious canine at me. Asshole.
Hagen is now laughing at me as I growl at the monster.
“Good dog, you keep her close,” the crewman murmurs to the mutt as Liam trots off. I give the man a pointed look. “What? She needs protecting.”
I shake my head as I climb up. She’s here for less than an hour and she’s already taking over. Frowning, I glance back at Wilder and he nods. Well, fuck. She could be real trouble.
I stride after her and the dog, quickly but not so fast as to look like I’m hurrying or chasing her. It is a delicate process, one that everything depends on, especially since the attack.
We quickly reach the Bloody Rose, and she stands on the deck, looking like a queen as she watches us.
A queen.
My steps falter as an image forms and a voice whispers through my mind.
A voice I’ve heard only once before. I quickly look to my right and then to my left. Each of my brothers are looking at me, and I know they heard it too.
* * *
My chest swelled with pride as she strode across those boards. Liam almost gave me away with his kiss. I must remember to tell those in the Underworld how he is doing, how well he guards his charge. They had been reluctant to give him to me, especially since I wouldn’t tell them why I wanted the little mixed breed runt. There, he was a runt but here, he is an alpha, one that protects his pack of one. He would die for her, and when the time comes, his power will unlock, just as hers will.
&nbs
p; I fear Fallon is right in his thought that she will need all her determination and the power she will harness to do what must be done.
I have watched and guided these men as I could, seeing in them the attributes that would aid her best. I pray I have chosen wisely. Remy could give me no clues about those that could help her in this journey, only saying five would be key.
Why? He had no idea, and Loki is the only one left that could maybe shed some light on if it has to do with the power, but he and Cora stay away mostly, lost in each other and the universe. They do visit and they even visit their home in this world. It was protected, much like the city she, Aislin, and Emma loved so much.
Well, the city was protected from the water, but that was after death had flooded her streets with blood. It is deserted, abandoned by everyone, save a few that were guided gently to its riches.
I let the rope fall from my hands as the last one crosses, not that the men had needed it, continuing to watch and listen as they join her. She looks every bit as important as she is, and I see his thought. Queen.
Oh yes, she is exactly that. I send all of my Marked a message. The message.
‘One queen to rule them all.’
A laugh bubbles up as they stumble at my words. Satisfied that they will keep her safe, I move to the shadows and fade away. I must go bury the dead.
* * *
Shaking my head, I look at her in a new light.
“We have him in your quarters.” Lash steps closer to me as he speaks, his voice low.
“Good.” My hands fist at my side, and I hate the idea of her seeing what is to come, but she is a part of this now. “Reyna.” I jerk my head toward the large door that is carved with the rose.
“You want me to come with you?” She watches us all closely.
“His treachery led to the slaughter of your village. Don’t you want to be involved in his questioning?” She flinches at my harsh words but nods. Good.
Time for her to learn what I’m really like.
Chapter 12
REYNA
He sounds caustic, and his face hardens. I realize this is the pirate captain I’ve been waiting to meet. This man would kill me for no other reason than I’m a lander.
Am I still that, though? I don’t know? I don’t know what I am.
Fallon strides away, glancing at the others. I follow, making sure I am between him and everyone else. Even this new version of him makes me feel safe, and safety is a commodity I’m willing to trade just about anything for.
He stops in front of the door, and I stop at his side. It is beautiful, intricate and yet delicate. I reach out and run my fingertips over the smooth lines. It reminds me of the art in some of the books I’d found in the woods.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper as I lean closer to study the smallest details.
“Thank you.” His voice sounds like it did before, and I turn my head to look at him. His face has relaxed, and he once again looks like the man I traveled here with.
“You made this?” He nods, watching me closely. “Really beautiful.”
“Fallon.” Wilder steps forward, and I watch as the Captain returns.
It is eerie. He throws the door open, and it bangs hard against the wall behind it. I jump. I do manage to keep my mouth closed and muffle the gasp that threatened to explode from my throat. I’m not the only one that the door startled. A man in the center of the room jerks his head up.
He is tied to a chair, the ropes tight and cutting into his skin. They’re covered with dried blood, and I can see the skin is torn below them. He begins to struggle as we all move through the door. Fresh blood begins to flow.
I jump again when the door slams closed behind me and I whip my head around, looking behind me. Hagen winks at me, his hand still on the knob. Asshole.
I turn back and let my lips curve a little. I grew up surrounded by men, loud, boisterous men who liked to give me hell. That one back there has no idea who he’s dealing with. I realized a long time ago that my sweet and innocent looking face is one of my best weapons. I’m sure I’ll have to use every weapon in my arsenal to win this war I’m in.
Fallon has stopped, standing in front of the man who is struggling harder against his bonds. I watch, fascinated, as the brothers form a semi-circle around the man. His eyes widen and roll toward each man before coming back to Fallon. No one speaks, and the silence stretches, along with the tension.
I shift, and his gaze whips to me. He instantly thinks he’s found a friend. He sees a delicate woman who can’t possibly stand by while he is tortured. He’s wrong.
Any delicate parts of me were killed yesterday, along with my parents and friends. Those fires that destroyed my home burned away any reluctance I might have had for violence. I want answers as much as the men in this room. I scowl at the man and the hint of hope that had flared on his face fades away.
“How did they get to you?” Fallon’s voice sends chills racing over my skin, for it is the voice of death.
The man shakes his head. “Did they promise you treasure?” His eyes dart to the left, and he presses his lips together, remaining silent.
Hagen steps to the side, moving behind the man. His hands fall softly on the man’s shoulders, causing him to struggle even harder. Hagen, the one who cowered Liam. I understand his role in the group of men. Enforcer.
“Why did they come after me?” Again the man’s eyes touch on each of them that he can see.
I step closer, and Liam, who has been sitting by the door, stands and moves with me. He is ever my protector, and I love him for it. I run my fingers through the fur at his neck, thanking him.
I have grown up watching men and women in the pub, watched them play cards and just hang out, and in all those years, I became very good at reading body language and spotting liars.
This man is lying about something, maybe everything, with his silence. I watch him even closer as Fallon starts to speak again.
“Are you the only one?” Fallon asks, and I narrow my eyes as the man swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
“He isn’t.” I make it a statement, undeniable, and the man starts to shake his head. “There’s definitely more.”
They all turn, looking at me closely, and then as one, they look back at the man. Freaky.
Fallon leans forward, his hands on the arms of the chair, gripping the man’s hands tightly. “Are there more on this ship?”
The man tries to control his reactions but this time, he just looks away from Fallon, his eyes trying to look anywhere else, but I notice where they keep stopping.
“I don’t think they are on this ship, but there are some on the others.” The brothers all straighten, and their anger ratchets up. I’m surprised they believe me but happy they do.
This goes on for hours, but the man never says a word. I don’t look away when they question him with their fists. I want to but I don’t. Finally, Hagen and Cyder haul him out, and I watch as they dump him unceremoniously on the deck. The other three walk out slowly, and I stop just in the doorway. The crews fall silent.
All I can hear is the creaking of the wood and the water slapping against the sides. The brothers stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder, glaring out at their men.
Wilder steps forward, grabbing the man’s hair and pulling his face back to let them all see. It is a bloody mess, one eye swollen completely closed, nose at an unnatural angle, and the skin red and purple, darkening with every moment.
Fallon moves in front of the man, as Hagen and Cyder grab his arms, once again holding them out to his sides. Lash turns to face those men behind them. Fallon pulls out a wicked looking blade from his waist and turns, letting everyone see it glint in the sunlight.
When the rotation is complete, he looks directly into the man’s eyes as he begins to speak. His voice is loud and clear.
“We are a family. This is our home; these ships are our country. When we invite you into our home and family, we demand loyalty. In return, we treat you with respect.
This man has broken our trust. Broken my trust. Attacked me in my home. Tried to kill me. His plan, and the plan of those he works for, is to take our home. I will not allow him nor anyone else take what is mine. What is ours.”
I turn away as the blade whips in an arc through the air. Seconds later, a wet gurgling fills the air and then a loud thunk as the others release their hold on him. With it being done, I walk back into Fallon’s living quarters and slide down onto a small couch that sits near a window.
I stare out at the rolling waves, seeing for the first time a certain beauty in them. I keep my face averted, even when I hear steps drawing closer and the door closes. Only one has returned.
“I’m sorry you had to see that.” Fallon’s voice is strained.
“I’m not. It’s part of this life, is it not?” I turn, letting my arm drape over the back. “You do mean for this to be my life, don’t you?”
I know the answer but I want to hear him say it. “If you would like. But if not, I will take you to the nearest settlement and get you safely ashore. You are no prisoner, Reyna.” I watch him as he moves around the large desk and sits in the chair behind it.
“Does everyone feel the same?” While I trust him, at least a little, I don’t know the others. They interest me in ways I don’t even want to think about, but I’m not stupid enough to trust them.
“Do you think we would keep you here as a slave?” Anger darkens his face and voice.
“I don’t know you.” My own anger starts to boil, but I keep my tone level.
I flinch when he shoots to his feet and stomps across the room, not to me, where Liam lays watching through half closed eyes, deceptively calm, but to the door.
Jerking it open, he whistles high, three short bursts, and within a minute, the others have all filed in. I stay where I’m at as he closes the door behind them. Hard. They stand looking back and forth between us.
