Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) (8 page)

“I’m afraid he was using you, Anna,” Char sighed. “This man is a notorious Pirate. He was using you to gain access to the castle so he could steal from me.”

“That’s a lie!” Jake defended before looking at Anna, his eyes pleading for her belief. “It isn’t true, Love.”

“Isn’t it?” Char asked harshly as one of the Guards searched through Jake’s satchel. The man held up the music box and Jake closed his eyes against the sight as it was handed to the Prince. “Then, what is this?”

“It belongs to me,” Jake claimed.

“So, you didn’t steal it from the royal chambers an hour ago?” Char asked in disbelief. “You are a thief and a liar.”

“Yes, I took it, but only to reclaim what is rightfully mine,” Jake insisted. He defended himself to the group of people around him, but his true target was Anna. Jake ached to think she believed him to have used her. “It is the royal family who stole it from me. Look inside; the picture is of my mother. The box was hers.”

“I’ve heard enough,” Char released Anna and waved his hand toward the Guards. “Take him to the cells.”

“Wait,” Anna’s voice was barely audible, but the Prince raised his hand to signal the Guards remain still. “If I’ve been deceived, isn’t it my justice to seek?”

Prince Char hesitated, but his eyes were sympathetic for Anna’s request. “Whatever you wish, Anna.”

“Release him,” Anna spoke to Char, allowing him to give the order to his Guards. “May I have the music box?”

“It has no significance for me. It’s yours,” Char handed her the box, his expression confused but indulgent.

Anna approached where Jake still kneeled, though his hands were now unbound. He winced at the betrayed look on her face, knowing she believed the Prince over his pathetic pleas for faith. Jake expected to feel the harsh lash of her palm across his face or hear horrible names cross her lips, but there was only her silent stare. As she stood above him, Jake almost wished for one of the other options, anything other than the coldness emanating from her now.

Anna opened the music box, its gold and emerald casing glowing in the moonlight as she looked down at the picture of his mother inside. She looked between Jake and the photo for several seconds before replacing it and closing the box. Anna held out the box, her hand bobbing in indication he should accept it. “Take it,” her words backed up the unspoken invitation.

“You’re letting me steal it?” Jake asked in shock.

“Prince Char gave it to me. I am giving it to you,” Anna clarified. “You can’t steal something which is given. Take it.”

“Why?” Jake asked as he took the box from her fingers.

“Everything you said to me may have been lies,” Anna started. Jake opened his mouth to deny her claim, but she shushed him. “What you said just now about it being your mother’s was real; it was honest. I know that pain. I would give anything to have a piece to remember those I’ve lost. I won’t take that from anyone, even you.”

“Anna, I,” Jake wanted to reach out and touch her, to reassure her he never meant to cause her pain. He wanted to promise she would see her family again. He wanted to swear he would make it happen, but Anna didn’t give him the chance.

“Now, leave,” with her words, Anna turned and headed back toward the steps leading up to the castle.

Jake watched her walk away, his heart shattering at the final look of disgust she gave him. Jake never wished to rid himself of his Pirate status before then, but at the moment he ached to be the good man she once believed him to be. He wanted to be worthy of her admiration. Char interrupted Jake’s thoughts, his body blocking Anna’s departure from view.

“Leave, Pirate,” Char ordered. “And, consider yourself lucky Anna is such a kind soul. I would have had you hung. If I ever see you on my lands again, that is exactly what I will do.”

Char and his Guards followed Anna, their lights dimming until Jake was left in darkness. He marveled at how much darker the beach seemed without Anna by his side. Jake steeled himself against the tearing in his chest, knowing he would need to get accustomed to the darkness. Monsters belonged in the dark.

Chapter Eight

Jake stepped onto his Crimson Lady as the skies opened up. He was soaked in an instant beneath the harsh deluge, his white shirt sticking to his chest and becoming translucent. Anna left his jacket at the base of the stairs, but Jake was unwilling to put it back on. The leather smelled like her; hints of vanilla and lilac permeating the thick material.

Sully waited for him in the navigation room, knowing Jake would return and want to discuss the events of the evening. Jake surprised his first mate with silence, his movements slow and jerky. He ignored the older man’s confused stare and sat in the large chair on the opposite side of the desk.

“Was your mission successful?” Sully asked.

Jake pulled the music box out of his satchel in answer, placing it on the desk in front of him. “Weigh anchor, Sully, we leave in twenty.” Jake’s tone was soft, holding none of the elation he knew Sully expected.

“Should we wait for the storm to ease?” Sully questioned.

“Nay,” Jake muttered. “Ready the ship and set sail.”

“Is everything okay, Captain?” Sully asked hesitantly.

“Everything is as it should be,” Jake answered.

Sully left quickly, obviously uncomfortable with his Captain’s odd mood. Jake ran a hand through his hair, his eyes never leaving the music box. He should have been thrilled with his prize, especially since he hadn’t even needed to steal it. Since Anna gave it to him, Jake didn’t need to fear repercussion from the royal Guards. He was free to leave and go about his life.

Anna was nothing to him, merely another woman he met in a port. Surely, she would be gone from his mind in a matter of days. In the next port, Jake would find another woman, one who was more experienced and knew the score. He was much better off without Anna and the strange sensations pulsing through his chest when she was near. There was a reason Jake swore never to love. He was grateful to be leaving before it was too late. He wouldn’t allow himself to be weakened by a woman.

Jake shook himself, burying the memory of how Anna looked at him; the hurt and disgust on her face. It didn’t matter now what the woman thought of him. Jake did as he set out to do. He reclaimed his property, escaped the royal grounds and was now about to set sail on his ship. He’d won, but somehow it didn’t feel like a win.

***

The clouds from the day before remained gray and low, another morning which threatened to be wet and miserable. Anna didn’t mind the weather, always enjoying rainy days and cooler weather. She debated sitting at her window and watching nature’s display, but couldn’t bring herself to rise out of bed. It was as if every ounce of strength she possessed disappeared during the night.

Anna returned from the beach in a state of numb acceptance, her shoes and gown having been dropped just inside her bedroom door. Jake’s betrayal hadn’t stung as Anna expected it should have, but instead left her with a welcomed emptiness. She didn’t know if he used her to gain access to the castle, as he must have already stolen the music box before meeting her in the courtyard, but his lies and secrets were more than enough to destroy her trust.

Captain Jake Reynolds, she was informed by Char, was a notorious Pirate with a history of violence, theft and murder. His ship was the most recognized and feared symbol in the realm, sending decent citizens into hiding upon its arrival. Anna thought over every moment spent in Jake’s presence, finding many times he could have told her the truth. She would have been open-minded and listened to his side if he had only trusted her with the truth, but it was too late now. By his own omissions, Jake condemned himself. After all, he would have no reason to keep it from her if the rumors of his indiscretions were untrue.

“Miss Anna,” a short woman Anna didn’t recognize peeked into her room. The woman’s voice was thick with an accent Anna couldn’t place. “My name is Meeka. I’ve brought you breakfast.”

“Thank you, but I’m not very hungry,” Anna sat up in bed, swinging her legs over the side. Meeka’s hands shook as she set the tray on the small table by the window. Anna watched the nervous woman wring her hands. Meeka’s copper eyes darted around anxiously. “Are you new to the castle?”

“No,” Meeka shook her head. “I mean, yes, I am.”

Anna eyed the woman, feeling a touch of unease at Meeka’s obvious discomfort. She stood and cross the room, suddenly wanting the feel of concealing clothing on her body, rather than the flimsy shirt she wore as a nightgown. A pair of jeans was easily slipped on, making Anna feel instantly more confident as she turned to face the fidgeting woman who remained standing at her window.

Meeka’s hair was a dark copper color, which matched her bright eyes and flawless skin. Her coloring was reminiscent of someone Anna met before in the realm and a memory struck her. “You’re a Fairy, aren’t you?”

“I thought I would look enough like your kind to blend. I’m sorry, Miss,” Meeka’s tone was filled with unshed tears. “Please, forgive my deception, I mean you no harm.”

“Why are you here?” Anna asked, her suspicions confirmed by the woman’s continuing anxiety. Meeka shook her head, ducking her eyes to the floor.

“I know I should not be here, but I wished to speak with you,” Meeka’s eyes glistened.

“How did you get past the Guards?” Anna asked, for some reason feeling unthreatened by the woman’s presence in her bedroom. Perhaps from the remaining hollowness in her core contributed. Her time with Jake made Anna forget all she’d lost in her unwanted coming to the Mystical Realm. For a brief point in time since her arrival, Anna found peace and seen the potential for a future in the land.

“A friend of mine works in the kitchen,” Meeka claimed. “She allowed me entrance. Please, don’t call for the Guards.”

“Well, you’ve gone through a lot of trouble to speak with me, Meeka,” Anna sighed, sitting on the edge of her bed. “What is it you wanted to discuss?”

“Is it true, you were taken from the Mortal Realm?” Meeka asked.

“What?” Believing Char and Mara the only people in the realm who knew of Anna’s true home, she was shocked by the question. They were both adamant about keeping it secret. “Where did you hear that?”

“So, it is true,” Meeka paled and sat heavily in the chair at her back. “I didn’t believe it was possible.”

“You aren’t gold like Mara,” Anna commented, moving to sit in the chair next to her Fairy visitor.

“No,” Meeka smiled. “Each Fairy has coloring unique only to them.”

“So, Mara told you about me?” Anna asked.

“Yes,” Meeka nodded. “Well, she informed the Council and they informed the rest of us. I didn’t believe it. The portal between worlds has been closed for so long.”

“So I’ve been told,” Anna stated dryly.

“Is it true you cannot return?” Meeka’s eyes were concerned.

Anna nodded; amazed her eyes didn’t tear up at the acceptance of her truth. For the first time since Mara’s horrible news, Anna didn’t feel the desperate urge to cry or scream. Instead, there was just a deep, aching void where her family used to be. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, but it was more bearable than the roller coaster of grief she’d been on for three weeks.

“I’m sorry, Anna,” Meeka sympathized.

“Me, too,” Anna poured two cups of the tea Meeka brought her, handing a cup to the Fairy.

“You seem to be taking it well,” Meeka noted.

“I wasn’t,” Anna spoke in surprise, holding the tea, but not drinking it. “I guess the good memories I have of my family help make it more bearable.”

“Did you discover this on your own?” Meeka prodded.

“No, a friend,” Anna closed her eyes briefly. “Or, at least, I thought he was a friend.”

“He made you happy,” Meeka stated. “That seems like something a friend would do.”

“He’s a liar; a monster according to the stories people tell,” Anna informed her.

“Pay no mind to what stories are told,” Meeka waved her hand with a laugh. “People like to spread drama. It makes their boring lives seem more exciting, even if only in their own minds.”

“He lied to me,” Anna stated. “He kept secrets.”

“We all lie and keep secrets, Anna, yourself included,” Meeka chastised. “Did you tell him of where you truly come from?”

After a brief hesitation, Anna shook her head, “no.”

“Perhaps, he is as they say, a monster,” Meeka sat up, taking a sip of her tea before continuing. “However, I don’t see how any monster could bring happiness to as heavy a heart as yours. Surely, there is some good in him.”

“It doesn’t matter, now,” Anna sighed. “He’s gone and won’t be returning.”

“Well, at least he left you with a measure of peace before he left,” Meeka nodded.

Anna thought of the Fairy’s words, realizing she was right. Whatever secrets Jake kept and the lies he told, Anna was stronger for having known him. She may never be able to forget his indiscretions, but she would always remember the laughter he gave her. Anna looked over her shoulder, staring out her window at the Ocean. She smiled slightly, silently saying good-bye and moving on.

***

Jake’s gloved hands splayed around the glass of ale he held, his eyes transfixed on the amber liquid. The color reminded him of Anna’s eyes, a thought he quickly drowned in a large gulp of alcohol. He drank more than enough that day. Having docked in the small port of Rumala just as dawn came and finding a bar shortly after, Jake hadn’t kept an empty glass more than a few minutes before having it refilled. His head was buzzing with a thick, alcohol induced fog and Jake welcomed the numbing warmth of the liquid as he downed the rest of his glass.

“Take it easy, Cap’n,” Doc’s thick Celtic accent came from a nearby table. The ship’s medic was equally as inebriated as Jake, if not more so, making his comment all the more ridiculous.

“Speak for yourself, you old drunk,” Jake slurred.

“Aye, but I don’t need sobriety, old friend,” Doc hiccupped. “The boys have a present for ye comin’.”

“A present,” Jake muttered, his mind too soggy from ale to waste time imagining what the present may be. “Well, bring it on, mates!”

Laughter circled him as his men split apart, revealing a thick, beautiful bar wench behind them. The woman was dressed with purpose; her heavy make-up and revealing dress telling her services were bought for the evening. “We thought you could use a distraction, Captain,” Sully smiled, the older man the only sober Pirate among them.

“Aye, Sully,” Jake smiled. “You know me so well.”

Jake allowed the woman to claim his hand and lead him away from his table. Hoots and catcalls followed them down a hallway at the back of the bar and into a darkened bedroom. The woman closed the door, backing him up to it and rising up to press a hungry kiss on his mouth. Jake returned her fervor, pulling down the cap sleeves of her dress to reveal the bounty beneath the bodice.

The woman’s hands crept beneath his jacket, pushing it from his shoulders before setting to work on the buttons of his shirt. Jake stopped her exploration with his hand, “Shirt stays on, darlin’.”

“Whatever you want, Pirate,” the woman’s thick drawl was grating. “What I’m paid to care for isn’t under your shirt.”

Jake leaned heavily on the door as she dropped to her knees, her hands running down and up his thighs before setting to work on the buckle of his pants. He looked up at the ceiling, trying to work up any excitement at what the woman offered him, but failing. With a growl, Jake hoisted the woman up, tossing her to the bed at her back and coming down on top of her. His need for release was present, but his cock refused to harden for the wench. With determination, Jake pinned her down, feasting on her lips with his own as his hands explored her body.

By the woman’s whimpers, Jake knew he was too rough with her, but she didn’t complain. Women such as this wouldn’t complain. They were paid well to lay back and allow their clients to do whatever they wished, even if it caused them pain. The thought of Anna lying back for a man and allowing him access as this woman did sent ice through his veins. Jake jerked from the mattress, pacing the room in disgust of his reaction and the woman hired to please him.

The disheveled woman stared up at him in confusion, her dress torn and bruises forming where his hands had met her flesh. She was a lovely girl, with long blonde hair and green eyes which begged him to return, but Jake felt no desire for her. Running a hand through his hair, Jake straightened his clothing and headed toward the door.

“Wait,” The woman cried. “If you leave, I don’t get paid.”

Jake hesitated at the knob, a twinge of remorse for the woman making him look back. “I’ll go out the back. Wait a few minutes and tell them what you will.”

Without waiting for a response, Jake exited the room, following the dark hallway out the rear exit of the bar. His steps faltered and Jake thudded against the wooden wall of the building to steady himself. His gloved hands came up to cover his face as he groaned. Jake knew the moment Meridelle disappeared from view he made a horrible mistake. His inability to show interest in a hired woman was the last proof he needed to confirm his suspicion.

Jake did what he swore never to do; he’d fallen in love. Anna’s sweet, sad eyes haunted his every moment and the urge to return and beg for a chance was a growing ache in his gut. Jake thought he escaped without permanent damage, but it was too late. Anna found a way into his heart without even trying and Jake allowed it to happen.