Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) (18 page)

Anna blushed and cleared her throat, “Will you please tell me what’s going on? Why are you here? Why am I here?”

“I’ve come to send you home,” Mara smiled sweetly.

“Home,” Anna repeated. “I can’t go home.”

“Yes, you can,” Mara’s grin widened.

“But,” Anna stuttered. “You said traveling through the portal again would kill me.”

“Yes, but there is always a way.” Mara nodded in growing excitement. “The potion your Pirate wears about his neck is a powerful magic; one which can take you safely through the portal.”

“I don’t understand,” Anna swiped away the last drying streaks of her tears.

“That is why he was insistent on collecting it from the Mermaid clan,” Mara informed. Realization began to dawn through the darkness at the Fairy’s words. “The Mermaid’s elixir is unique to only the most able of their clan. It can heal any and all wounds. It can bring back life to someone on the very edge of death.”

“So, this elixir,” Anna knew she should be excited, but she only felt a thick weight settle in her stomach. “If I take it I can go home.”

“Aye,” Mara’s excitement faded at Anna’s reaction. “Tomorrow, you will be reunited with your family.”

“And, Jake knew of this,” Anna remarked. “He knows where I’m from?”

“Aye,” Jake’s voice came from behind her.

Anna spun to look at him as Mara drifted by. The Fairy’s hand brushed Jake’s shoulder in quiet assurance as she passed him and joined the men at the fire. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Anna asked.

“What should I have said?” Jake asked.

“You should have said something!” Anna whispered harshly. “Anything would have been better than lying. Was anything you said to me truth?”

“I never lied to you,” Jake’s expression was cold.

“No, you just kept secrets to protect yourself,” Anna shook her head in disgust. “I understand caring about others is a difficult concept for someone like you, but did it ever cross your mind I might deserve to know?”

“Someone like me, you mean a monster like me,” Jake repeated. He ran a hand through his hair as his voice grew angry. “You truly believe I care for none but myself; that everything I have done is for my own motives? Everything I’ve done I’ve done for you; to protect you!”

“To protect me,” Anna repeated harshly. “What would it have hurt to tell me?”

“What good would it have done?” Jake retorted.

“I would have known there was a way home! I wouldn’t have suffered for weeks with the grief of never seeing my family again! I wouldn’t have let myself,” Anna cut herself off as she realized what words were about to leave her lips. She wouldn’t have allowed herself to fall in love with a man she was never meant to meet. The sudden realization of her feelings made Anna shudder.

Richard was safe, reliable and stable, but Anna never loved him. With Jake, she found what was missing from every relationship from her past. With Jake, she found what her brothers spoke about for years; what her family claimed to want for her. Unfortunately, she found it with a monster from another realm; a man she had no future with. The thought left Anna shaken.

“I took allegiance to a crown, something I swore I’d never do. I risked the safety of my ship and crew.” Jake stepped closer, pinning her back against a tree. “I became the monster you detest so much. And, I did it for you!”

“I never asked you to do any of that,” Anna’s fight was gone and her voice shook beneath his rage.

“If I’d never met you I’d be happily sailing my Crimson Jewel with my mates,” Jake growled. “Drinking, gambling, fighting and cavorting with whatever female pleased me for the moment. I wouldn’t be land docked, in the middle of the forest, waiting for a Fairy to open a magic portal to another world to send away the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“I’m sorry,” Anna whispered.

“Don’t be,” Jake shook his head, his tone softening with a sigh. “I’m not.”

“But, you said,” Anna trailed off in confusion.

“You’re right. I never cared about anyone but myself, until you,” Jake’s gloved fingers smoothed down the side of her face.

Without another word, Jake turned from her, walking into the darkness of the forest away from the light of their camp. “Jake,” Anna called out to him, but she knew he wouldn’t turn. There was nothing more for either of them to say. In the morning, Anna would return to where she belonged. Any time they spent together would only make their parting more difficult.

Chapter Eighteen

“Is he my brother?” Char pulled Mara away from the small group of curious onlookers.

“Excuse me?” Mara asked in confusion.

“Don’t play dull, Fairy,” Char ordered. “Reynolds, does he share my bloodline?”

“Highness,” Mara spoke his title with a sigh.

“I want the truth,” Char demanded. “Tell me.”

“His father is yours,” Mara admitted softly. “He is your half-brother.”

Char drew back as if the Fairy had struck him, leaning heavily on the truck of a tree. “Why did I not know? Why wasn’t I told?” Char asked to none in particular. “How could father have kept this from me?”

“Why would he have told you? Jake Reynolds is the son of a peasant,” Mara glided close to him so their conversation wouldn’t be overheard. “He is a Pirate with a reputation for being a murderous monster. This is not the type of man one would wish for a brother; especially for a brother of a Prince. And, sadly, your father was ashamed.”

“Am I supposed to ignore this information?” Char growled. “Do I return things to the way they were; with me in my gilded castle and Reynolds an outcast Pirate?”

“Your father made his choice years ago when he abandoned his child and hid the truth from the realm,” Mara placed a cool hand on his arm. “What you do with the information now is your decision.”

Char stared into the distance as Mara returned to the fire and the men surrounding it. He felt a wave of bile rise in his throat at the betrayal of his father. Char believed the King to be a good and loyal man, but he was deceived. King Edward was all Jake claimed he was; a detestable, cold-hearted cad. And as for Jake Reynolds; Char saw the cruelty the Pirate was capable of, but he’d also seen the good man hidden beneath the leather. It was time for Char to stop believing the stories told by others and judge based on the actions of the man.

***

Jake avoided the fire and the people surrounding it, keeping to the shadows of the forest as he took time to grieve the shattering of his heart. Perched on a fallen tree, Jake pulled his hands free of the concealing leather gloves he wore. The feel of Anna’s skin still burned on his fingertips despite the barrier between them. Jake doubted it would have mattered how many layers were between them; the heat he felt when near Anna would penetrate all barriers.

With a sigh, Jake buried his face in his palms. He ached to return to Anna and spend whatever time they had left lost in each other’s arms, but Jake doubted she felt the same urge. Anna’s anger and disgust with him these past days and this evening made it clear she would never be able to see past his reputation. It was a hard truth, but Jake knew the sooner he accepted it the faster he could return to his life alone on the sea. For some reason, the thought of going back to a life of drinking, fighting and whoring around the realm wasn’t appealing as it once was. The scenario left Jake feeling a bit nauseous.

“Not taking off on us, are you?” Char asked from the darkness.

“Why would I do that?” Jake asked.

“Maybe to keep that elixir for yourself,” Char spoke with a shrug as he neared where Jake sat. “Don’t know many men who would be able to resist immortality, especially those in your station. That’s what Pirates do, right?”

The events of the past weeks built up in Jake’s system, sending shards of anger and frustration through every nerve of his body. Without warning, Jake stood and punched the Prince in the jaw, sending the other man sprawling in the dirt. Jake braced for retaliation as Char stood up, rubbing where Jake struck him. Much to Jake’s surprise, the man lowered his arms to his side and nodded.

“I suppose I deserve that,” Char admitted.

“You don’t want to strike me?” Jake asked, relaxing his posture.

“No,” Char shook his head and sat on the tree Jake vacated. “Granted, I wasn’t expecting such a reaction, but I got my answer.”

“What answer is that?” Jake asked as he joined the Prince on the tree.

“As to what type of man you really are,” Char sighed. “When all of this is over, you’re welcome in my court.”

“You’d allow a Pirate in your castle,” Jake chuckled.

“No,” Char looked at Jake intently. “I would ask my brother to be a part of our Kingdom.”

“So, you know,” Jake was surprised by the man’s statement.

“I suspected from what the Mermaid said, but Mara confirmed it,” Char nodded. “My father wasn’t the man I believed him to be and I will do all I can to make up for his indiscretions.”

“You have no need to apologize for him,” Jake sighed. “Be a better man and a better King than he was, that’s how you make up for Edward’s mistakes.”

“We should go back to the group,” Char stood and brushed the dirt from his slacks. “It will be dawn soon.”

“You go on,” Jake looked into the darkness. “I’m staying here a bit longer.”

Char rose and stepped toward the trees, but stopped and turned. “You love her, don’t you?”

“It doesn’t matter what I feel,” Jake informed. “She will be gone from this realm in the morning.”

“You could ask her to stay,” Char offered.

“Others will never stop pursuing her,” Jake shook his head.

“You are the most feared Pirate in the realm,” Char stated. “And, I am ruler of a Kingdom with plenty of resources. Between us, I’m sure we could keep her safe.”

“It isn’t worth the risk,” Jake bowed his head. “Besides, she has no interest in a monster. Anna has made that clear.”

“She doesn’t know how you feel. If she knew,” Char trailed off at Jake’s raised hand.

“She doesn’t need to know,” Jake denied. “It wouldn’t matter to her anyway.”

“You don’t know that,” Char shook his head.

Jake knew the man wanted to argue more, but he turned away from the Prince. Eventually, the man let out a sigh and turned, leaving Jake alone with his thoughts once again. Jake debated the Prince’s statement briefly, wondering if he should tell Anna of his feelings, but dismissed the thoughts. Jake wouldn’t ask her to stay; he had no right to do so. Anna would be safer in her own realm.

With a sigh, Jake leaned back against the tree with his hands behind his head. He had no intention of returning to the others before dawn. The less time he had to look at Anna, the less time he would wallow in whatever hope he held she would choose to stay with him.

***

Dawn crested gloomy and unkind, with thick low clouds moistening everything they touched. Leaves hung heavy beneath the dew, seeming to mimic the moods of those standing around the bright golden woman in the center of the clearing. Mara was busy mixing potions and herbs over the spot where the first portal formed, preparing to open the doorway to the Mortal Realm. Anna watched her movements with a numb stare, occasionally turning her gaze to those nearby. She hid her disappointment at Jake’s lack of appearance as best she could, but by the sympathetic expressions of the men closest to her Anna doubted she succeeded.

“Are you ready, child?” Matthew smiled at Anna, having stood by her side for most of the morning. She suspected the black Fairy took it upon him to offer his protection to her during Anna’s final hours in the Mystical Realm. Even as a Fairy, Matthew and his men stood over her, their height abnormal for the Fairies she’d met in the past.

“I,” Anna stuttered, turning again in time to see Jake emerge from the trees and move to stand at Char’s side. She fought the irrational surge of pleasure she felt at his arrival.

“Where have you been?” Mara chastised Jake’s delay, but didn’t wait for an answer. It was for the best, as Jake didn’t seem like he was willing to speak. “No matter, we are ready.”

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Char shifted anxiously.

“Aye, it will work,” Matthew assured. “Unfortunately, we can’t offer protection for your Kingdom or your men beyond this day.”

“Why would we need protection?” Sully asked thoughtfully.

“Those who sought Anna are vengeful creatures,” Markum, the light gray Fairy standing nearby spoke. “They may seek revenge for what we do today.”

“Let the lubbers come for our Crimson Jewel,” Doc slurred, his lids heavy with hangover. “We Pirates will teach them a lesson they won’t soon forget.”

“The vial, Pirate,” Matthew held out his hand to Jake.

Jake stepped forward, removing the glass vial from around his neck and holding it out for Matthew to claim. The Fairy placed the cord around Anna’s neck, its length still warm from Jake’s skin. Anna paid no attention to Mara as she poured her concoction on the ground beside where Anna stood. She ached at the agony Jake couldn’t hide.

The portal came to life slowly, beginning as a mere pin prick of light in the dirt before rising up into the windy cyclone Anna remembered. She looked into the swirling colors, feeling none of the fear or awe she had the first time it appeared. Anna felt nothing. Her heart was hard and empty. She looked back at the men who were her family since arriving in the Mystical Realm, scanning each of their faces before settling on Jake. Anna wanted to speak, to say something relevant, but no words came to her. There was nothing to be said.

“Take the elixir, child,” Matthew ordered as he moved away.

Anna fingered the bottle at her neck, staring down at the black liquid inside. She stood only feet from what would return her home, but Anna felt no desire to pass through. For weeks, she ached to return to her world; to her family. Now, all she wanted was to run away. Now, all she wanted was to run to Jake.

“What are you waiting for?” Mara asked. “You must go through, there is no other way.”

“Go, Love,” Jake’s voice carried over the roar of the portal. “You have to go.”

Anna turned to look at Jake, but her eyes were drawn to the shimmer of a blade just beyond. Sully stepped forward, his hand clasped around the hilt of a large knife. Anna stared at the man in shock, her mind not quite registering as he lunged forward.

“Sully!” Jake yelled as he moved faster than Anna had seen any man move before. He stepped between her and Sully, the knife imbedding itself deep into his chest.

“Jake!” Anna screamed as Sully withdrew the blade, his face a mixture of shock and horror.

“You fool!” Sully cried. “What have you done?”

Anna waited for the stab of the knife in her heart, almost willing it to happen so she wouldn’t have to face the sight of Jake’s bloody chest, but it never came. Sully dropped the knife in the dirt, reaching to support Jake as he slumped to the ground. The Pirate knelt to the ground, taking Jake with him. The man’s eyes leaked a steady flow of tears as Matthew relieved him from his post, taking Jake’s weight on himself as the other Fairies pulled Sully away.

Anna sobbed as she ran to Jake’s crumpled form. “Jake,” Anna choked. Her hand pressed over the wound in his chest, coming away covered in blood.

“Don’t cry, Love,” Jake’s voice shook, but he smiled softly at her. “It’s better this way.”

“No, Doc, you can fix him, right?” Anna looked up at the men who gathered around their fallen Captain. The looks on their faces told Anna what she suspected. She turned to the black Fairy at Jake’s back in desperation. “Can you help him?”

“No, child,” Matthew spoke sadly. “The wound is too severe. There is no spell strong enough.”

“Anna, there is no time,” Mara placed a hand on Anna’s shoulder. “The portal has been open too long. You must go.”

Anna looked up at Mara hopefully. “The elixir; you said it could heal all wounds.”

“No,” Jake placed a hand over hers as she reached for the vial. “You have to go, Love.” Anna shook her head, noting the men all knelt around Jake in obvious wait for his death.

“You must go, child, now!” Mara’s voice was becoming urgent. “There is no more time.”

“Tell her,” a feminine voice rose above the roar. Anna jerked around to see a silver woman standing a few feet behind her, an excited gleam in her eyes. Mara spun in anger, blocking the woman from the rest of the group.

“You,” Mara screamed. “You’ve don’t enough damage, Mina! Be gone!”

“The elixir can save him,” Mina informed. “Pour the magic on his wound and it will have never been.”

“No, Anna must go home,” Mara argued. “It’s the only way!”

“Tell her, Pirate,” the Fairy called Mina easily evaded Mara and smiled down at Jake. “It is not our choice to make. She deserves to know. She deserves to make the choice.”

“You’ll never be safe here. Sully is proof of that.” Jake shuddered as he grew weaker. “If you stay, there will always be someone trying to hurt you.”

“You’ll die,” Anna whispered miserably.

“You’re worth dying for,” Jake’s hand rose cupping the side of her neck.

“No,” Anna sobbed. “I’m not.”

“Anna, I love you,” Jake pulled Anna close enough to press his lips to hers in a kiss meant to be his last.

As Jake pulled away, Anna ripped the vial from her neck, pouring the elixir over the wound in his chest. “It’s my choice.”

“Anna,” Jake looked up at her in shock as the elixir began to close the wound in his chest before their eyes. “Why? You can never go home now.”

“You’re worth saving,” Anna smiled down at her Pirate, watching his eyes fill with wonder at her words.