“What? If I remember correctly, we just spoke about this. All of us did, or did our celebration mean nothing to any of you?” she snapped.
“Gentlemen, we will be in touch. I have a Kitty to attend to,” River said, wrapping an arm around Opal and hugging her tight, covering her in the syrup as they left the ship.
Lacey and Maya kissed Abby on the cheek, leaving before their men. “It’s going to be a long night,” Akaos said, leaving, followed by Isaac.
Talhrn stepped into the bedroom and smiled at Abby. “You have a very brave mate in Lan. He has saved my life personally twice. It will take time for all of us, but we will make things better Abby,” Talhrn spoke for him, before glancing at him and disappearing.
Abby nodded to Talhrn right before he left, swinging her legs off the bed. “So, we have your parents coming, do we?” she said, looking at Quinn. “When will they get here?”
Lan responded. “Not till tomorrow night, so crawl back in that bed. Quinn, go inform your crew and give the warriors instructions on what to do. Also, have some food brought down. I want Abby to eat. Her body is still adjusting. Ramiro, Cedric, did Abby make the exchange with you?” Lan asked, pulling off his shirt and tossing it on the chair in the corner.
With a thought, Abby was naked as she slid under the covers and squeaked, glancing up at him. “What are you doing?”
Chapter Six
Abby watched Ramiro and Cedric as Quinn spun around doing as Lan had ordered. Her men were some of the finest looking warriors she had ever seen. Both Lan and Quinn had black hair, but where Quinn’s was short, Lan’s was braided and down to his ass.
Ramiro was bald, his dark green eyes always reminding her of her father. Cedric was blond with blue eyes, reminding her of her sister who had had such blue eyes.
“Abby, you keep staring at us like that, you will not be sleeping tonight and I promised myself you would sleep,” Lan snarled, slipping into the bed next to her, pulling her on top of him. He squeezed her ass cheeks, leaning up and nipping her lip.
“Um, Lan,” she started to say that lying on top of him wasn’t a good idea when he shook his head.
“You will sleep right there, where we know you are safe. Just because my body recognizes and wants yours, does not mean I have to act on those needs right now. Sleep,” he said, as Ramiro and Cedric crawled into the massive bed with them.
She was about to ask where Quinn would sleep when a cold draft seemed to cover her. Abby glanced at the foot of the bed and sucked in her breath. Tears filled her eyes as she stared at her twin, Agatha, who had been murdered last year. “I miss you,” she whispered and her sister smiled.
“You are well protected and will have a wonderful life, but there is so much change coming to our world. You and your men will live in the sea. God, Papa will love that. It will help heal his soul.”
“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“It’s time, but soon Papa will be with you. Tell him I love him and that Momma is here with me,” she said, as Abby heard Lan’s voice whispering to her, ands he rubbed her back.
“Abby, wake up, Kitty. It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he said, holding her tight, while Ramiro, Cedric and Quinn ran their hands over her skin.
She wiped her tears, needing to sit up. Abby slid off of Lan, wrapping her arms around herself, staring at the now empty space. “She came to say goodbye, my twin. It’s like there is a hole inside of me. At least before, she was still part of me, but now even that is gone. Lan, I need some air please,” she asked, glancing behind her.
At once Abby was dressed as they all were. Quinn positioned himself so that he stood in front of her. “Come, I’ll show you all the rest of the ship since none of you have seen it. I’ll have breakfast started, so when we are done, we can eat,” Quinn said.
Abby frowned, taking Quinn’s hand. “We slept the night?” Abby said and shook her head. “I can’t believe I was out that long. I never sleep like that.”
Lan snorted. “Abby, you were seriously hurt and I believe everything came to a head. Your body needed the rest.”
She stepped out on the deck and took a deep breath, the gentle breeze at once on her skin calmed her like nothing ever could.
“Wow, you were not kidding when you said the sea calmed you,” Ramiro smiled at her.
Abby stepped in front of her men and turned to stare at them. “Do me a favor. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and actually feel the ship’s movement under your feet.” She glanced at Quinn who smiled and nodded, watching the others do as she requested.
“I smell the salt from the water. Hear the waves against the hull of the ship and creaks of it as it moves through the water. Amazing,” Lan said, opening his eyes. “I can see why the two of you enjoy this. It is calming.”
Both Ramiro and Cedric nodded as she turned and made her way to the railing of the ship. “Agatha agreed that we would be working from your city, Quinn, that we would be coordinating Lan’s warriors with the others. Bringing those that have been hurt by these things there.” Abby smiled and glanced over at Lan. “And I’m afraid Quinn’s parents aren’t the only ones that we will be dealing with soon.”
Lan frowned. “Your parents? Are they on the island?”
She sighed. “My father. My mother is gone. My sister said she was with her. I wish I could have seen her too, but I was always really close to Agatha, so I guess I’m lucky I got to see her one more time.”
“When was the last time you saw your father?” Quinn asked, taking her hand again and leading her up to the head of the ship.
“I was seven when he sailed off, to never return, so it’s been over years,” she informed them, earning a moan from each man.
“Damn, she’s just a baby?” Cedric said, frowning at her.
“I’m far from a baby and I can’t help if you four are dirty old men,” she glared at Cedric.
“Dirty old men,” Cedric laughed charging her, lifting her up, and carrying her to the railing of the ship. “What were you saying about dirty old men?” he leaned down and nipped her neck.
She laughed, wrapping her legs around him, and her arms. “Maybe I have a small thing for dirty old men.”
“Ha, you have a thing for anything…” Tasmin walked up to them, then covered her mouth when Abby glared at her friend.
“Okay mouth, why are you up so early,” Abby asked, but knew the answer already, as she noticed most of her crew out on the deck. “Let me guess, they came to say goodbye to you too?”
“Yea and it sucks,” Tasmin said.
“How would you ladies like to assist my men in teaching the new men who have arrived how to run a ship? Since I’ve seen first-hand and know that you are capable of handling the task at hand,” Quinn asked and she had to smile.
“Thank you, Quinn.” Abby tapped on Cedric’s shoulder. “Can I get down old man?” she teased, earning a growl from him.
“Just wait, Kitty,” Cedric said, swinging her around and setting her down in front of Tasmin, but he slapped her ass before releasing her.
“Ohh, the old man knows some kink, wonder what porno channel he watched?” she said, earning laughs from her crew-sisters.
“Abby,” he growled, threating, but she could see the smile in his eyes.
She reached out and squeezed his arm, before turning to her sisters. “Since each of you has a special task that you are great at, I suggest you teach the men that task, then have them move to the next lady when they have accomplished this. Just as we were taught. And ladies we’ll meet on deck at : and bring your choice of weapons with you.”
“Weapons?” Lan leaned over. “And what do you plan to do with weapons?”
Abby smiled and turned to face him. “Do you really believe we would go onto this island without being ready? We’re not stupid, Lan. Watch and see,” she said. “Quinn, I do have to say your ship is twice the size of mine, but it moves much faster than mine ever did. I couldn’t help admire the way it slices through the
water like butter.”
“I’m intrigued with this training. We will, of course, be watching,” Quinn said. “The wood this ship is made of does not come from this world, it’s one of the reasons it’s so quiet. Its mass is also lighter, but it takes much to puncture it.” Quinn leaned down and nipped her ear. “You, my dear are the first one to ever damage my ship. I was not a happy person on that day.”
“Hmp, that makes two of us, because if I remember correctly, you also did some damage to my baby,” she sighed. “I had that ship for over eight years. Tasmin and I helped build it.” She had lost her sister for good as well as her ship.
* * *
Lan listened to Quinn describe his ship to Abby while showing her different things, but he could see the hurt and pain in her eyes. Her crew-sisters had the same pain in their gazes as each one of them worked with the warriors.
Quinn had been right, giving these ladies something to keep them busy was a good idea. Yes, the sea was important to both Quinn and Abby. And to her crew.
“You know it does not matter to me where we stay as long as we are together. It would be interesting to see this city under the water. The humans have a vast history of it, without even seeing it,” Cedric said, leaning against the railing and watching as Abby took control of the ship, with Quinn behind her.
“I have to agree. Look at the two of them. I have to admit, stepping out on the deck this morning was nice. I sure don’t miss the noise of the city, that is for sure,” Ramiro said.
“So, it is agreed. We will make our home in Atlantis. I wonder if River knew the ladies would need something to keep them busy, sending the extra men,” Lan said.
“Wouldn’t put it past him. That man seems to know the minute something happens,” Cedric said and nodded out to sea. “I wonder who that is?”
A high pitch whistle had Lan whipping his head around as he watched Abby climb the mast with Tasmin at her side. “Quinn, prepare your men. If I’m right, I bet you that is Black Bart,” Abby shouted as her crew started to help Quinn’s men prepare.
“I do not like this at all. On land, we can fight but out here…” Ramiro growled and took to the railing, stared out at the ship.
“Well, we better learn quickly, because I have a feeling, we will be in more of these situations than I like,” Lan said, never taking his gaze off of his mate as she swung to the next mast, giving his hearts a fright. “I know Abby is doing what she loves, but I swear if she swings like that again, my hearts will explode.”
“I’m fine, but you might want to get the extra warriors ready because this is Black Bart and if what you think is true, we’re going to need everyone if they open a door,” Abby told him. “Look to the sky above the ship,” she yelled out to everyone.
The sky darkened and started to turn above the ship. “River,” Lan sent him the image of what was happening as he started to shout out orders to the men on the ship when he noticed River up in the Crow’s Nest with Abby.
“What the hell is going on?” Cedric snarled, running to the mast. “Abby!” he shouted, as Lan was there beside River, grabbing onto Abby as she was being lifted up into the air.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” He glared at River and jumped from the perch to the deck, holding tight onto a very scared and pissed off Abby.
“He’s trying to stop whatever is coming through that hole, Lan. He can’t lose his concentration. Your men need to hit that ship now,” Abby said. “Go, we’ll take care of this ship.” She jumped out of his arms and started to shout orders to her crew. Looking back at Lan she said “Take some of Quinn’s men with you. They are good and know how to handle a ship, while the warriors fight.”
Lan met her gaze. “You do not get one scratch, do you understand,” he said, right before he transported to the other ship.
“And that goes for you to, my Orak,” she purred as two demons rushed him. “See, you are not paying attention.”
“You know I do believe our woman is right. You are not on your game, Lan,” Ramiro laughed, grabbing onto what had to be a Gweling. The odor was enough to drive any man to their knees. “I’m going to need six showers after this. I hate these beings.”
“Shut up and concentrate. I’m going to find this stupid Black Bart,” :Lan snarled, making his way through the men, fighting to search for the man he had seen in Abby’s head. He would pay for hurting their meru.
“We need warriors now!” River called out.
Turning, Lan saw the threat heading straight for Quinn’s ship and the women, who were supposed to be safe.
“It is an interesting creature, that is for sure, but rest assured our women are safe. Watch,” Quinn said as the black and silver fanged creatures swam towards the ship, but the ship was now changing before his eyes.
“One thing we learned was that there are many things that hide in these waters. Our ship is safe and so are those that are on board.” Quinn spun around and cut the head off of a Gweling that was coming at them.
“And you didn’t think to inform us about this ability you ship has?” Abby snarled and Lan grinned. Their Kitty was not happy at all. “This isn’t funny! I was almost mashed when the stupid thing was shifting. Watch what you are doing!”
“I swear these things stink!” Lan snarled, swinging his sword that he had called in his hand, he sliced through the creature’s neck, sending it flying into the night.
“That is the least of our problems,” Quinn snapped. “The ship is being pulled up into the vortex of the door. We need to leave now.”
“Come back now. I have warriors going with the ship. We’ll be able to follow later,” River ordered and before Lan could respond, he and his mates were already back on Quinn’s ship with Quinn’s crew.
But what he wasn’t expecting was Abby’s right fist making contact with Quinn’s jaw, sending him a step back. “You almost killed two of my sisters and smashed me!” she snarled. “Open this up now so I can see what the hell we are dealing with.”
Quinn glanced at him and Lan nodded. Without a word, Quinn swept Abby up and threw her over his shoulder, smacking her ass hard, shouting out orders as he proceeded towards his quarters with Ramiro, Cedric and him following. Yes, after a shower they would lay down a few rules for their woman.
Chapter Seven
Abby was furious, not only was her leg sore, but she almost lost two of her friends to this stupid ship. She might have gone overboard slugging Quinn, but she was so wound up as it had just happened. Now her hand was hurting like hell.
She knew they were going to confront her, but her inner radar was going off the chart. “Tasmin!” she shouted right before she shifted and pushed off of Quinn’s back, running back to the deck. “Get us moving now! Quinn, undo this stupid thing your ship has done so I can see what is coming at us!” Abby yelled as she once more changed, pointing for one of the ladies to hit the mast as the ship started to shift again.
“What?” Lan and Quinn both asked, moving to her side.
“I don’t know, but something inside me is screaming…And I never ignore it,” she glanced up at Quinn. “I’m sorry for what I did, but I wasn’t lying about my friends. Even my leg is hurting. Warn me please next time.” She stepped forward as the ship opened up. “Fuck! Move it, ladies and gents we have no time.” She glanced over at Quinn. “I sure hope that isn’t your folk’s ship,” she said.
Quinn turned and was gone in seconds before he could say a word. “Don’t…”
“Go and help him,” she yelled, running and shouting out orders. Her heart was in her throat, praying his folks were okay, when a woman appeared on the deck.
Her skin was a bluish color and she had Quinn’s eyes as she looked up at her. “Tasmin, take over,” Abby yelled, moving to her side. “Are you okay?” she asked, wrapping her arm around the woman’s body.
“Fine, worried about the others,” the blue woman said and smiled. “You’re his mate and a strong one, good, because the ship isn’t safe yet,” Quinn’s mother said and no
dded to the sea.
Abby turned around, cringing at the gross creature that was coming at the ship. “Okay, that is so not right to have such an ugly ass thing in the water.” Abby glanced over at Tasmin. “Did we equip the ship’s bow?” she asked.
“Of course. Do you really think I’d have it any other way,” Tasmin yelled, running towards the bow.
“Excuse me, I’ll be back in second,” she said, following Tasmin as did the rest of their crew. Each one of them concentrated on their prized weapon, using their combined gifts to shoot the magical weapon that she and Tasmin had created years ago. They had only used it one other time, destroying their enemy.
Tasmin grabbed her hand and she grabbed onto Lucy’s and so on as they all stood there staring at the threat coming at them. In the background she could hear Quinn’s men shouting out orders as the ship once more started to shift, but stopped once their gift erupted from the bow, hitting its target right smack in its head. At least what Abby thought was its head.
Its screams killed her ears, but each of them held still, concentrating. It didn’t take long before Abby knew her men were standing behind her, watching. At first it appeared nothing was happening, but then she saw it. The creature’s skin started to blister. The monster jumped in the air and down into the water, but it was too late as pieces of it exploded filling the water and air.
As if like a domino effect, each one of the women them sank down to the ship’s floor. Their true weapon, draining each of them, but it was worth it as she leaned against Tasmin. “Well, Tasmin, it worked again, but I still think the aim is off to the right. What do you think?” she asked.
“Yea, but we had just attached it to the ship and had to do it without them noticing. Plus, I think the shift in the ship might have knocked it some. We’ll have to take measurements later and account for the shifting for future use,” Tasmin’s geeky side said, looking up at the dark man, Tasmin’s nickname for her mate.
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