by Jane Cousins
“All very good questions.” Nell acknowledged, picking up her field kit. “Unfortunately, we’re operating without a whole lot information to fill in all the gaps. I’ll let Elijah, Mac and Nico know what happened when I get back to the hospital. What about you Quinn, do you need me to ring your Mother?”
“Why would I want to bring my Mother in to this?”
Nell smiled, blue eyes gleaming with mild amusement. “Given those wounds, you shouldn’t be alone for the next twenty-four hours.”
“She won’t be.” Matias got to his feet. “I’ll be here.”
Quinn opened her mouth to lodge a protest but Nell beat her to the punch. “Excellent. One less thing for me to worry about. Now, Quinn, wait another hour and then you can shower off the poultice. And before you go to bed tonight, I want you to dab some of this... well, given the location not you, here.” Nell handed the small jar to Matias. “You’ll have to do it for her. And wear gloves. Until we understand what is going on you two need to keep your hands to yourselves.”
What the hell did her cousin mean by that pointed crack? Nothing was going on between her and Matias.
Before Quinn could argue, Nell was striding out the door, leaving them alone… in her bedroom. Heavens, and now was not the time to note the man was wearing only running shorts and nothing else, whilst only a thin sheet protected her own modesty.
“Matias. You really don’t remember fighting the hybrid creature that day on the boat?”
“No. Why?”
“Because that means your last memory of that day occurred before I arrived. Before you fought the creature. When we met up, there was blood running down your face.”
Absently Matias reached up to rub his temple marred by the white starburst scar. “You don’t think the creature had anything to do with this, do you?”
“Not unless it came at you from behind. And if that was the case, I think you would have had more injuries.”
“Shit.” Matias tamped down the need to punch the nearest wall in frustration. He didn’t need a broken hand or Quinn thinking he was out of control. Taking a deep breath, he pivoted and resumed pacing the room. His head aching. “I think I need your help in walking through what I do remember happened that day. My first instinct is not to think about that day, so I’m guessing I haven’t examined what happened in detail for a long time.” He had the distinct feeling he usually did his best to think about anything else but the events of that day. Preferring to read the clinically written reports but delve no deeper in to the final memories he did have.
“Just take your time.” Quinn’s voice was low and soothing. Her blue eyes full of sympathy and support. “Start at the beginning.”
Deep breath. He could do this. “That storm you saw on the horizon; it came out of no where at the precise moment we thought we’d found the wreck of the Santa Maria Rosa. But sometimes storms blow themselves out. So Papa decided it was worth our time to conduct a quick, preliminary scout of the site. After the anchor was lowered, Craig and I threw out the air buoys.”
“Air buoys?”
“Their floating devices on long chains with hooked anchors to keep them tethered to the sea floor. Given the depth we thought the wreck was at, we attached two balloons to each chain. Think of them as breathing stations, located at staggered depths. Given the family gift we can stay underwater long periods of time, but even we can get into trouble sometimes. If that happened we’d just swim to a balloon, stick our head inside and take a breath.”
“Ingenious.”
“My Grandfather’s idea.”
“So everything was prepared and you were heading down to scout the wreck? Alone?”
“With that storm brewing everyone else was needed to secure the boat. Kristiah was livid. She was obsessed with finding the Santa Maria Rosa and now that we might be right over her remains, she didn’t want to be cut out of the equation.”
“Well, without her you would never have heard of the Maria Rosa, right?”
“Right. But no one was trying to push her contribution aside. It was just with the storm approaching there was no time for her to suit up and then return from a depth like that fast enough to beat the storm.”
“So did anything unusual happen whilst you were scouting the wreck?”
“Nothing. I picked up a few interesting items that had the potential to help us date the wreck, some coins, a statue and that tablet I told you about and then I returned to the boat. Back on deck, my first job was to place everything I found in the cleaning vats to remove the sand scum and coral growth. I’d just finished when Copper popped up next to me.” He recalled clearly the way her light golden brown eyes gleamed with curiosity behind the round lens of her glasses. Her long, fiery, copper locks pulled back into a haphazard ponytail that seemed to be more down than up.
“What was her demeanour like?”
“Normal. Brimming with curiosity to see what I had hauled up from the wreck. I teased her about wagging on her studies and she just rolled her eyes at me and asked who could study through all the racket Kristiah was creating.” Matias chuffed a laugh. “I remember her saying once that when Kristiah went on one of her strident – if it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t have a lead on the Maria Rosa - rants, she swore birds fell out of the sky.”
“What happened next?”
“The anchor stopped rising.” Matias scowled. “And Copper picked up that damn tablet out of one of the cleaning tubs. Except…” The tablet he’d forgotten completely about.
“Except what?” Quinn made sure to keep her voice low, soothing. Just a little nudge here and there to keep Matias focused and talking.
“It’s strange. The more I think about the damn tablet, the more all these little details are coming back to me. It’s not like it was valuable or anything, except Copper seemed to think it was. She was excited at first and then she started to look really worried, scared even. She said… no, damn, I can’t remember.”
“Can you describe the tablet?”
“It was weirdly grime free. I’m guessing the black stone was obsidian. Blunt at one end, and… arched at the other, to a weirdly sharp point. It was narrow, no wider than my palm with gold edging… and gold writing. No wonder Copper liked it, she was a major geek when it came to that sort of thing. She showed it to me, but honestly… I had other things on my mind. The storm, the anchor, and I could hear Papa yelling, from the bow of the boat. Papa didn’t yell often but this time he sounded angry and… scared.”
“What happened next?”
“I thought I’d better go find out what was going on. Then I heard a scream… at least I thought it was a scream but it didn’t sound human. It was guttural and high pitched at the same time. Then the boat suddenly seemed eerily silent. I grabbed Copper and started along the deck to the bow. We passed the main living cabin and I remember looking in and seeing blood smeared across one of the windows. The boat was starting to really rock and roll by that point. I convinced myself there’d been a simple accident, the blood was no big deal.”
“And Copper?”
“I don’t think she even saw the blood on the window.” Matias badly wanted to shy away from the memories of that day but he forced himself to man up. “Copper almost went over the railing. She was so preoccupied with the tablet. She said something about a clue… or maybe it was an instruction. She was really pale and she kept tracing her fingers over the first line of writing. Saint Medard. She said she wasn’t sure anyone should be handling the tablet, no wait, she called it a knife, that it felt… dark. And she said something about a Guardian. Or The Guardian. How come I never remembered that before today?”
“It’s beyond annoying for a professional to say, but the mind is a tricky thing.”
“Shit. She mentioned something about eternal darkness.” Matias clicked his fingers. “That’s it, eternal darkness chasing the shattered sun. Though fuck knows what that means. I told Copper to relax, that Mama would be able to help with the translation and that Kristiah would prob
ably kill to get her hands on it…”
“And?” Quinn prompted quietly.
“Copper began to look panicked. I thought it was the storm. The fact that there was a problem with the anchor, but she was scared because of what was written on that weird knife. She wanted to hide it. Told me something bad was going to happen. And the words had barely left her mouth when I heard a scream… Mama screaming and Papa yelling. Copper grabbed me to stop me from running to help. Begged me to stay. That something was very wrong. We struggled but I managed to shake her off and went to find out what was going on.”
Quinn noted Matias’s hands were clenched into fists as he continued to pace the room. They were close to something now. She could feel it. “And?”
“I went forward to see what was going on. The boat was quiet again. Nothing but the wind and waves slapping against the side of the boat. Then I saw the blood, running along the deck, jumping and dancing as the boat pitched. Splattering red patterns. I had Copper to think about so I snuck forward and chanced a glance around the bulkhead and saw them… Papa, Mama… so much blood. The deck was already slippery with it, I remember stumbling, my hands coming up bloodied. I wanted to go to them. But I didn’t know who had hurt them. Who might still be on the boat. So I went back to Copper. I’m pretty sure she knew… from the look on my face I think she could guess what I’d seen.”
“What did you do next?”
“I needed a weapon and to get Copper somewhere safe.” Matias’s voice was monotone and low. “I remember Copper trying to tell me something. Dragging her feet, attempting to get my attention. But there was no time… all that blood. I needed Copper safe so I could go and… help my parents.”
“Where did you take Copper, Matias?”
He scowled and rubbed at his temples. “Not inside. Too dangerous. Tigo and Craig should have come running when they heard the screams. I was afraid maybe they were hurt too, so I told Copper to…” Matias’s shoulders slumped suddenly. “I don’t remember. There was a flash of light… blinding me… and then nothing. I can’t fucking remember.”
Quinn frowned. “Do you remember the name of the priest who mentioned in his diary that the Santa Maria Rosa was carrying something powerful, that would help Spain rule the world for eternity?”
“No. Why?”
Quinn picked up the phone lying on her bedside table. “I’m going to ring my cousin Erik’s wife, Cara. She’s a research wizard. Maybe she can track down what the Maria Rosa was carrying. And I’ll describe the tablet… the black blade, and what Copper said about the eternal darkness chasing the shattered sun.”
“Kristiah had been searching for information on the Maria Rosa for years before she asked my parents for their help. And even with all Mama’s expert research skills we found only the vaguest of details on the ship, her crew and her cargo.”
“Ah, but she didn’t have access to the materials that we keep in our library vault here at Haven Bay. I’ll also get Cara to look into any mention of hybrid Jaguar people.” Matias ran fingers through his dark curls, continuing to pace the room. Reminding Quinn all too uncomfortably of a large caged cat. “Are you okay?”
“I should be asking you that. I’m fine. Frustrated. Confused. I just... normally I’d go for a run about now. Burn off all the excess energy and emotion until I can think straight again.”
“I turned my garage into a yoga studio a few years ago, there’s a treadmill in there if you want to use it.”
Matias nodded abruptly. “That’s probably a good idea. You should rest some more and then maybe take that shower.”
Quinn couldn’t help but smile. “This stuff does stink, doesn’t it? Every time I think I’ve gotten used to it, I take a deep breath and my eyes start watering.”
“Yeah... okay, so you make that phone call and get some rest.” Matias did another lap of the bedroom. “And I’ll hit the gym and make us some dinner. We’ll talk more then.”
Matias left Quinn’s sparsely decorated bedroom, feeling like he was splintering apart. His gut pulling him in several directions at once. He hated to think Quinn had been hurt because of him.
He should distance himself from her. Protect her. But fucking hell, this was the first solid lead on Copper they’d had for ten years. If he was careful, maybe he could protect Quinn.
Shit, what was he saying? All he wanted to to do was touch Quinn, see if her alabaster skin was as velvety smooth all over as her soft hands. He had a feeling she would taste like whipped cream if he were to lick her. And those full lips of hers, he was betting, she would be more intoxicating than any liqueur.
And wasn’t that the hell of it. In order to protect Quinn, the very last thing he could do was touch, taste or kiss her.
Walking into the yoga studio, Matias was only vaguely aware of the soft calming ambience and the picture window that took up one entire wall, showcasing the serene, lush bay below. His eyes were purely on the treadmill, and wondering just how much punishment the machine could handle. Because the way he was feeling right now, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to ever stop running from the one thought that had clawed at him from the moment Quinn had told him she’d been on the Maverick.
What if... what if Quinn Bennett could go back again, but this time save his parents?
Chapter Fourteen
Matias had done it again. Managed to surprise her with a healthy meal that looked and tasted incredibly decadent.
“I raided your vegetable garden. I hope you don’t mind?”
Quinn shook her head, taking another bite of pasta. Hmm, the flavours burst over her tongue; fresh tomatoes and capsicum, a hint of chili, and a load of basil. She was hungry. Probably all the unexpected activity today. “It’s good. Really good.”
“You’re looking better. How are you feeling?”
Quinn fought the urge to shift uncomfortably in her seat at the small table located in the alcove just off her kitchen. Very conscious of the flimsy halter neck dress she was wearing in a pale shade of green. Chosen because the built in bra meant she wouldn’t have to deal with any rubbing straps against the healed but still sensitive skin across her upper back.
Conscious of how much bare skin she had on display, Quinn had wrapped a gauzy silver scarf around her shoulders. “I feel good. The smell is gone. The only thing is... deep inside it itches. It’s a little maddening and I have to keep telling myself there is nothing I can do about it.”
“I can only imagine.” Boy could he. The hour plus he’d spent on the treadmill appeared to have at least momentarily burnt off the excess energy that was thrumming through his veins.
Quinn sent thanks to the Goddess above, that the man was finally wearing clothes, even if they were borrowed, though she noted his feet were still bare. Hmmm, and the clothes belonging to her brother, the black jeans and matching t-shirt were a little tight on Matias’s muscular frame. Still, it was a step in the right direction. The man was fully clothed.
But even without all that distracting caramel flesh on display, Quinn found her attention continually wandering his way. “Sorry I don’t have any caffeinated beverages in the house.” She lifted her glass of water and drank down half the contents. “You must be starting to get weary.”
Saint Medard, the last thing he needed was coffee. “No, I’m good. All this time travel business has raised my adrenalin levels.”
“You know, you really don’t have to stay the night. I’m feeling fine.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily, not when things are just starting to get really interesting.”
Quinn’s sex began to beat in time with her heartbeat. Those toffee coloured eyes of his were fixed on her and full of heat and… speculation? Hmm, she had a feeling Bubbles was up to something.
Matias had intended to engage Quinn in some idle chit chat and gradually build up enough courage to ask if she would consider trying to return to the Maverick at an earlier point in time and save his parents. But when his mouth opened… “So, I shouldn’t be worried
about some possessive boyfriend turning up and getting the wrong idea here?”
“You’re like a broken record. No, for the umpteenth time there is no possessive, Neanderthal boyfriend about to storm through the door and club you to death in a fit of jealous rage.”
Matias blinked slowly, then laughed. “I’m guessing from your reaction that we’ve had this conversation before?”
“Oh, sorry. Yes. At my cousin Eli’s wedding, when we danced.”
“We danced?” Avid interest turned those toffee coloured eyes darker still.
“There’s no need to say it like that.”
“Like what?”
“As if we did something inappropriate. It was just a simple dance.”
Matias shook his head. “Simple? Then we weren’t doing it right.”
Quinn pushed away her half empty plate. Suddenly she wasn’t hungry anymore and she felt far too warm. “We were on a crowded dance floor, surrounded by my relatives.”
“And you were okay with being in my arms? You didn’t faint or time travel?”
“I was wearing gloves. There was no touching of any kind.”
Matias chuffed a soft laugh. “Then again, I say we weren’t doing it right.”
Quinn rolled her eyes, stood up and grabbed her plate, walking over to the kitchen island she placed it on the counter, turned, halting abruptly because suddenly Matias was blocking her path. Intentionally encroaching on her personal space. “What are you doing?”
“Showing you how it should be done.” He reached out, slowly tugging on the silver scarf. The material gliding slowly over Quinn’s bare flesh, leaving her feeling exposed.
“Careful.” She reminded.
Matias leaned in close, reaching behind her for something on the kitchen island, his mouth only inches away from her ear. “I promise to be anything but.” The low throb of Latin music filled the air.
“How did you…?”
Matias held up the remote control to her sound system before dropping it back down on to the bench top. “I like to listen to music when I’m in the kitchen.”
