Claim of the Vampire: A Vampire Romance (Blood Brotherhood Book 5)
Author: Guida, ML
Date: 2019-07-18
Rights: Copyright 2019 ML Guida. All rights reserved.

Claim of the Vampire

Blood Brotherhood

ML Guida

Buffalo Mountain Press

Copyright © 2019 by ML Guida

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book was originally A Pirate’s Bane, and it has been re-edited.

Created with Vellum

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Excerpt for Destiny of the Vampire

About the Author

Also by ML Guida

Chapter 1

The terror was like tangling seaweed, strangling her. After witnessing the shocking horror on Zuto’s land, Isabella thought she could never be truly frightened again, yet there were times her beating heart thundered so violently, she worried it would burst. The slimy, wooden walls of her damp cell shrunk around her, closing in on her, cutting off the thin and sour air. She panted to ease the pressure squeezing her lungs.

And there were smells...

She wrinkled her nose at the stench of human excrement, wondering what the fate had been for those poor souls. Would hers fare any better? Not even the tiniest breeze eased the reek of rotting and dried gore that permeated the chamber, leaving a thin film on her split lips. She rubbed her mouth on her arm and winced, tears of frustration welling in her eyes.

Heavy footsteps creaked down the stairs. Isabella’s stomach tightened.

Quinton Palmer, Captain of the Fiery Damsel, walked into the brig, having to duck under the doorway. He was a brute of a man, but it was his watering left eye that sent fear running through her veins. “Good evenin’, Isabella.” He carried a tray of food that turned her stomach. “I brought you dinner.” His smirking tone spurred her hate.

There was a bowl of slop and a piece of moldy bread—not even fit for a hungry shark.

He sat the tray down, then opened her cell.

Despite her gnawing hunger, she met his hard stare. “I refuse to eat that.” She flicked her hand. “Take it away.”

He rushed over to her and snatched her arm, pulling her close. He was more than a head taller and seventy times stronger. He lifted her off the floor, her feet dangling. His thick red beard flickered over her chin, making her shiver, and his red eyes chilled her blood.

“I wouldn’t be feeding you if I had my way. I suggest you lose that tone.” He tilted his head at the blood-stained chains dangling from the wall. “Or I’ll string you up like a dead shark.”

The fool, she wasn’t a fish. She was a mermaid—a water elemental, and her father would harpoon him for making such a bad mistake. He leaned closer. His foul breath smelled of rotting fish. Fear crawled up her neck, and her lower lip trembled.

Unfortunately, he must have noticed, because a slick smile spread across his shaggy face. He released her abruptly, and she staggered.

He slammed the door shut. “You’ll have to beg to eat.”

She bit back a retort and held her head high.

“Expect another visitor soon. He won’t be as merciful as I am.”

He left her alone with her misery, wondering who she’d face next. She sat on the stained bench and rubbed her throbbing arm. She licked her split lip and winced. She could still taste her own blood.

Palmer had smacked her earlier in the ocean, knocking her out before bringing her on board his blasted ship.

The only bright point in all of this was that her sister, Angelica, was safe on board the Soaring Phoenix with her chosen mate. Against Isabella’s wishes, her younger sister had mated with a human and now was pregnant, but none of that mattered. She wasn’t here.

Isabella had helped Angelica and her mate swim to the ship with Palmer close behind. A demon had ordered Palmer to capture Angelica and bring her back. The bastard had wanted her unborn child’s soul. Something that Isabella risked her life to protect. She had hesitated to look at Angelica one more time before she disappeared in the sea, and that had been a deadly mistake.

Isabella longed to be out in the sea. She wished she was strong enough to push through the thick wooden boards to escape, but ’twas a foolish notion. There wasn’t even a blanket for her to wrap around her freezing body. She should count herself lucky at least Palmer hadn’t made good on his threat to string her up on the wall.

Isabella fingered the tiny conch seashell that hung around her neck. It had been Mother’s, and even in her darkest hours, caressing the seashell gave Isabella hope.

It wasn’t just Angelica that kept running through Isabella’s mind though. The day of the battle, the demon had tortured a man. He had the greenest eyes that changed like the coral near her home. They haunted her. She didn’t want to admit why—Mermaids recognized their mates upon sight. Ever. If she did like her sister, she could become pregnant and the demon Zuto would find a way to kill their child. She’d sworn to never mate with a human, especially a pirate, after what happened to Mother. She braced her shoulders. All she had to do was to stay away from the man.

But she couldn’t block out his screams when the demon had cast a spell on him, twirling him in the air like a renegade tornado. He’d turned red and orange colors, then collapsed onto the hard sand, unconscious. A fire-breathing green dragon had seized him, whisking him away from the infuriated demon. At least the man wasn’t here, tempting her. She needed to remember Mother’s pitiful screams and Father’s scorn. It was her fault Mother had died. Something Father had never let her forget.

The ship rocked and swayed. Rusted chains banged and slid against the blood splattered walls. The air grew heavy in the cell, and she had a hard time breathing. Despite being cold, hungry, and frightened, unbearable weariness overcame her. She fought to keep her eyelids open, but she kept closing them, each time longer and longer. Tingles swept over her, making her body heavy. She tried to move her arm, but it remained lifeless, too heavy for her to lift. Giving into the desire, she leaned her head back, allowing sleep to rescue her from this nightmare...

* * *

Isabella woke to the sun shining on the side of her face. Joy leaped into her heart. She lifted her head to find sand stuck to her cheek. She rolled in the sand, laughing easily. Giddiness swept over her. She wasn’t a prisoner on board the Fiery Damsel. “I’m free!”

Heavy footsteps crunched on the sand and pebbles. A blanket of uneasiness swept over her. The tallest man she’d ever seen blocked out her beloved sun. Her heartbeat stopped. She stared into glowing red eyes.

“Hello, Isabella, so we meet again.”

She scooted out of his freezing shadow, scrambling to her feet. He followed her with a curious gaze and a lazy smile.

She was a foot shorter than him. Long black hair flared over his broad shoulders. He had sculpted muscles and wore a white leather loin cloth that hid his manhood.

He stretched out his hand. “I’m Zuto.”

Her mouth ran dry, and she swallowed twice before she could speak. “Oh, Poseidon, you’re the demon.”

“Yes, I am. I’d like to apologize for your treatment on board the Fiery Damsel. I did order Palmer to feed you.”

“If you can call what he served me food.”

His eyes darkened. “I’ll talk to him about that. I don’t like my orders dismissed. But at the same time, I can’t afford to have you singing your song, bringing my susceptible men under your sweet spell.”

The rolling waves beckoned her to dive into the blue green ocean and return home. She looked down at the sand and pebbles covering her unblemished skin. Her hand shaking, she touched her perfect lips. She dropped her arm. “This is a dream, isn’t it?”

“’Tis the only way I can leave this cursed island, and I needed to talk to you.”

“What is it you want?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I want to finish what I started.”

“Finish what?” Suspicion edged into her low voice, and dread tightened around her gut.

“Your sister didn’t tell you? It must have slipped her foolish mind. I need the blood of a mated mermaid to work a spell, which your sister denied me.”

The monster. She wouldn’t submit to his cruelty. “What kind of spell?”

“’Tis not your concern.”

She tilted her chin like a queen looking down at a mere peasant. “I’m a mermaid, daughter of Eldric. I do not mate with filthy humans.”

“Too bad your father blames you for your mother’s death,” he said.

Her breath caught in her throat, and Isabella glared. “He doesn’t hate me.”

Zuto walked around her. “I have it on good authority he does.”

Isabella pressed her fingers against her temples, trying to wake up from this horrible nightmare. “You don’t know anything.”

“Ah, there you are wrong. I know much about your family. Things you’d want no one to know.”

“Father will curse you.”

He laughed. “Your father does not have the power to kill me. He’s a mere merman. I’m a demon from Coaybay.”

“Your overconfidence will be your undoing.”

“We will see. I will soon confront your father, and we will see who is the better matched.”

Hate and terror boiled in Isabella’s gut. “What is it you plan to do?”

A woman with long silver hair and green eyes stepped around Zuto—Isabella’s cursed stepmother. Shock, hatred, and dread slammed into Isabella. She couldn’t breathe. Her stepmother was supposed to have been turned into a hideous monster.

Her stepmother slipped her arm around Zuto’s. “Why we’re going to kill your father, of course.”

“No!” Isabella charged, determined to scratch both their eyes out.

Zuto grabbed her wrist, swinging her around.

She beat on Zuto’s hand. “Let me go!” Her chest heaving, she glared at her stepmother, who tilted her head back laughing, her hair cascading down her back.

The demon grabbed Isabella’s free hand. “I think not. Now, listen to me.” He shook her. “Unlike your sister, you will obey me.”

Isabella pulled on her wrists, but it was as if an eel had wrapped its body around her flesh, squeezing tightly. “And do what?”

He pressed his fingers deeper into her flesh. “Mate with a human.”

“Never.” Isabella jerked on her hand, but she couldn’t even budge it. “I detest humans. They’re all despicable.”

“I know. Your father has turned you against them.”

“He has not. I hate them because they killed my mother. It’s their fault she’s dead.”

Zuto shrugged. “I heard she was in the way.”

Isabella couldn’t think of anything else to do and spat in his smug face.

“Cease.” The demon yanked Isabella close. “You will do as I say.”

“Go to hell.” Not caring if he killed her, Isabella kicked him in between his legs, hitting his soft flesh.

Zuto sucked in his breath. Isabella yanked on her hands, but they didn’t even budge a half-inch.

“You have more fire than your sister,” Zuto said, as he stood to full height. He seemed to grow three times his size. His blazing eyes mesmerized Isabella. “You will mate with Leif Black and become pregnant.”

Her heart pounding fiercely, she met his commanding stare. “I will not.” She braced her shoulders and lifted her chin boldly. “Besides, I’m not a virgin and have never been with child. I’m barren.” She hoped her scorning voice hid the terror tremors rippling through her.

“You’re very fertile. And you will do as I say.” He ripped off Isabella’s silver chain with a glimmering seashell coated with her mother’s tears.

Isabella twisted her body. “You bastard, give it back to me.” The necklace had always comforted her and boosted her spirits, especially when her father criticized her.

“That’s for kicking me in the groin, fish.” Zuto pressed his fingers deeper into Isabella’s wrists, forcing her to kneel on the sand. He tossed the necklace down on the beach. The tide rushed over it, sweeping it out to sea.

Tears of frustration slipped down Isabella’s cheeks. Her heart cracked, and her lungs tightened. The necklace had been the last remembrance of her mother. Watching it dance in the surf brought back all the sadness and betrayal she’d choked on when her mother had died in her arms. “I hate you.”

“And here I was going to give you a special gift.” He smirked, his lips curling and showing his sharp canines.

He held out his palm, and a silver necklace appeared in it, this one with a clam shell. “Since I know your aversion to the human race, I’ve enchanted this shell so that when you see your mate, you’ll sing your song seducing him.”

“Please, don’t do this. Father will hate me.”

“He already does.” Zuto shrugged. He whirled her around, dragging her across the sand. She tried to lift her legs, but she was paralyzed. He locked the chain around her neck, his fingers brushing her flesh, sending cold chills down her back.

Isabella pulled on the dreaded chain with all her strength, but it wouldn’t move. The silver cut into her palm.

Zuto released her, and she crumbled onto the ground.

He pressed his thumb on her forehead. “You’ll not remember this dream.”

Isabella dropped her hand from the chain, and her eyes fluttering shut, she passed out.

Chapter 2

The Soaring Phoenix’s surgeon, Doc, finished stitching Leif Black’s cheek. For a big man, the dark surgeon was gentle with his large hands. He stood and put his tools back into his bag. “Dere. Ye’ll not have a scar, an’ yer arm will be as good as new in a couple of days.”

Leif watched him warily. “Why did Captain O’Brien have you care for me?”

“Cap’n’s a good man an’ believes even our enemies need to be doctored after a battle, but he’ll want his answers.”

“I’ve nothing to say. I donna know what the demon’s plans are.”

Doc shook his head, and his dreadlocks brushed over his shoulders. “I suggest ye rethink yer story. Or ye’ll find yerself strapped to da mast an’ feel Ewan McGregor’s lash. Cap’n’s determined to get da truth.”

Leif tensed and clamped his mouth tight as Doc inspected his bandaged arm, which was in a sling.

If he told O’Brien the truth about Quinton Palmer’s plan to commandeer another ship, Palmer would know, and the pain the man would inflict sent bone-chilling fear up Leif’s spine. Palmer wanted a ship powerful enough to sink the Phoenix.

’Twas not just himself Leif worried about. Palmer knew about the plunder Leif sent to his younger sisters, Gwendolyn and Gracelyn. With their parents dead, the twins had no way of supporting themselves, and he refused to allow his sweet sisters to work as tavern wenches or to turn tricks to support themselves. Not when he could send them jewels and coins so they could live like fairy princesses. He’d do anything to keep them safe and innocent—even swear allegiance to the devil.

“Cap’n will be down here soon. He wants to know Zuto’s plans.”

Leif didn’t answer.

After Doc left the brig, Leif paced back and forth in his cold, damp, cage. He cupped one hand over his mouth and blew hot air into his palm, trying to keep warm, but failing miserably. The bars closed in on him, and more than once, he brushed his head on the overhead beam. No daylight filtered into the brig; only a swinging lantern cast an eerie glow.

When O’Brien came down here, for sure he’d be strapped to the mast. He really didn’t know what the demon’s plans were, just Palmer’s. Zuto had yanked Leif out of the foray. He had claimed that Leif had been special. ’Twas not like the demon to try and save anyone unless he had an evil purpose for them. Look what he’d done to Ronan Macmillian—a member of O’Brien’s crew.

After severing Ronan’s hand, the demon had promised him he’d restore it if Ronan brought him a pregnant mermaid. Zuto had omitted the small fact that the mermaid would be pregnant with Ronan’s child. During the battle, Ronan had pleaded with him not to kill his curvy mermaid. The man actually seemed to love her—loved her enough to forgo his hand.

All Leif could remember was the demon uttering a single word—an incantation. What the hell was it?

The only thing he could recall was the beautiful dark-haired mermaid walking along the beach singing. She had a long willowy body, and her brown curly hair had tumbled down her back. But it was her sweet voice he couldn’t forget. ’Twas sweeter than a nightingale’s. Her song had melted the anger in his heart. He could still hear her voice; he replayed it over and over in his mind, easing the loneliness and fear threatening to crush him.

Suddenly, his stomach growled, but he wasn’t craving blood. Did this have to do with Zuto’s damn curse? He wanted real food, not just any food—meat and lots of it. ’Twas as if he’d not eaten in a week, which was not true. He and the crew of the Fiery Damsel had dined on a feast of roast pig and mead.

To forget about his damn hunger, he thought of the tempting mermaid. He couldn’t help but admire her bravery and foolishness. She’d risked her life for her sister. Not many women would have come onto a demon’s island where there was a battle between two warring vampire clans—that had taken guts.

Using vampire strength, he pulled on the bars, but they didn’t even groan. “Damn it!”

Another hunger pang doubled him over, dropping him to his knees, and he grabbed his gut. He broke out into a hot sweat, his clothes sticking to his body. He yanked off his shirt with one hand and tossed it onto the floor. He panted harder, but he couldn’t gulp air. The walls closed in on him. ’Twas too confining. He needed fresh air. He ran over to the bars and rattled them, harder and harder, but they were sturdy. “I need air!”

Pounding footsteps rushed down the stairs. William O’Brien, the dreaded dragon-shifter, and his woman the witch, Mariah Fey, rushed over toward him.

Mariah studied Leif with her violet eyes. “’Tis happening.”

“What’s happenin’?” Leif panted.

But neither of them answered. Leif leaned his forehead on the cool bars. There was no hope in convincing William, the dragon-changer, to help him, but maybe Mariah would be different. Up close, he was surprised by how petite she was. The tales of his native Scotland wove witches as being ugly and evil, but Mariah Fey was none of these things. And she was powerful. Powerful enough to make Zuto think twice about how to defeat her. “You’re Mariah, the witch? Get me out of here.”

Sorrow filled her eyes. “Je suis désolé. I cannot. This dark magic is beyond me.”

Her blue-black hair blended in with the darkness, and her smooth white skin made him want to caress the back of his hand on her flesh. It had been so long since he’d been with a proper woman. His only release had been with whores. “Not from what I’ve seen.”

William tilted his head toward the doorway. “The hunger’s upon him. Tell Kane. We need to drag him to the island.”

She patted his arm. “Be careful.”

He bent over to kiss her on those pouty red lips. “I will.”

She whisked away, her long green dress swooshing.

“I donna need food, ye huddy. I need blood.”

“No, you don’t. Before you change, we’ll chain you on the island. We can’t risk you burning the ship.” He picked up manacles dangling from the walls. “These are enchanted, so you can’t escape.”

“Are you tellin’ me you’ve never seen a man transform into a vampire? Vampires donna burn down ships.”

William smirked. “Aye, I know.” He took a key off the wall, then unlocked the door.

Leif rushed him, but agony ripping down his spine like an arrow dropped him to his knees. He stretched out his arms, arching his back. Something moved along his back as if something was moving inside him. “What’s...what’s happenin’ to me?”

William didn’t blink. His mouth was set tight, and a vein in his temple trembled. He had no mercy.

“Then, what—” Hunger pains tore up Leif’s gut. He couldn’t breathe. “Help me.”

William sighed and leaned against a post. His green eyes changed to golden irises. Vampires didn’t have gold eyes—they had red ones.

Another wave of agony overtook Leif, spreading down his legs, and he could care less about William’s damn eyes. He kicked off his boots and stripped off his pants, needing to feel cool air on his burning skin. Panting hard, he collapsed onto his hands and knees. Sweat drenched him as if he’d caught a jungle fever, scalding his insides, blurring his brain. “Get...Doc.”

Footsteps rushed down the stairwell. Leif looked up, hoping to see Doc, but Captain Kane O’Brien and Ewan Kelley walked into the brig with Mariah close behind. Ewan was taller and more muscular than Kane, but Kane’s fierceness of a captain would make the stoutest pirate cower. Kane still bore a thin scar on his left cheek that Palmer had given him when he was a young man, avenging his father’s death. He stared at Leif with merciless green eyes.

“We need to hurry,” William said. “The transformation’s coming on fast.”

“Transformation?” Leif gasped.

The three men clamped manacles on Leif’s wrists; throbbing pain soared up his arms. He cried out, hating himself for showing weakness to his enemies. A pounding headache turned into stabbing agony. He tossed his head back and forth. Something pierced through his skull as if someone had shot arrows from inside. They dragged him out of the brig and up the stairs. He stumbled over a step, but strong arms kept him from falling. Fresh air drifted down the stairwell, but it did not nothing to ease the hot-as-hell sweat drenching him. Bright sunlight hit him in the face, and he winced.

“Blimey,” a pale pirate said. “He’s the devil himself. Look at ’em bloody horns.”

Men made a wide berth; frightened and wary faces looked at him as if he were Lucifer.

“Kill ’im, Cap’n,” a lanky man said, drawing out his sword, his hand shaking.

“One flying lizard’s enough,” another grumbled.

Leif shook his head, trying to figure out what the man was saying. He wasn’t sure he’d heard right. William was the only dragon in the Caribbean. He was possessed by a dragon spirit brought back from Coaybay. More pain pierced his temples. Dizziness blocked out rational thought.

He was vaguely aware of being shackled to a rock. Hot sand burned his feet, but ’twas nothing compared to the fever rising inside him. His lips tingled, growing longer. He rolled his tongue over needlepoint jagged teeth, more than he’d ever possessed as a vampire. His nose extended longer than an alligator’s snout. He tossed his head back, screaming.

Fingers and toes lengthened, turning into razor sharp claws. His cheeks extended, and he gasped for air, unable to suck in the tiniest snippet. Please, oh mighty God, make it stop. His rough skin changed into red and orange scales. Stabbing pain burst out of his back, and something flapped air, cooling his sweltering body. He glanced over his shoulder. Jaaysus, he had wings. There were sharp spines down his back, and he had a long tail. He wasn’t a vampire—he was a red dragon.

The hunger intensified. He licked his lips, but ’twas not just hunger tormenting him. Anger surged through him. He wanted to hurt, maim, kill. He pulled hard on the manacles, but the manacles didn’t even inch apart. He was bound tight.

No, a low voice said.

None of the men standing a short distance away had opened their mouths. He scanned the beach, but they were alone. The men looking on from the Phoenix were too far away to have said anything. He strained to hear the slightest movement in the lush jungle, but he only heard the rustle of leaves and birds cawing. Something was different. He stilled. ’Twas not just the birds he heard. He could hear the scurrying of a lizard, the buzzing of bumble bees, the hissing of a snake. Instinctively, he knew these creatures were deep in the jungle. His heart banged against his ribs. Not even as a vampire could he make out such precise sounds.

But it wasn’t just sounds...

He detected the distinctive smell of each of the men standing in front of him—Kane was spicy, but not just spicy, he smelled of cinnamon while William smelled like a smothering fire. Beautiful Mariah smelled of sweet lavender. The other men hinted of leather, salt, citrus. How could he make this out? A breeze washed over him, inundating him with the sweet scent of exotic flowers, pineapples, bananas, and coconuts. Not just floral perfumes, but the smells of a pond with geckos, frogs, a cave with the droppings of bats. ’Twas too much. Panic seized his chest.

William approached him. “You need to listen to your dragon.”

Leif opened his mouth to speak, but a stream of fire spewed out, flashing over William. The men and Mariah backed away, shielding their faces with their palms. But William didn’t retreat. He walked out of the flames, his clothes blackened and smoking, but his flesh and hair unblemished.

William’s eyes glowed gold. “Hello, Dracul.” His voice was deeper, more of a growl.

“Drakon,” the same unrecognizable voice said.

Spinning around desperately, Leif hunted for whatever was whispering in his ear, but he got tangled in the chains, metal cutting into his flesh, and fell over on his arse.

“The voice you hear.” William stood over him, his shadow blanketing Leif. “’Tis coming from inside you. You’re possessed by a dragon spirit. According to my dragon, his name is Dracul—Drakon’s brother.” His voice was strangely calm as if people had dragon spirits taking over their bodies every day.

Leif shook his head. Gritting his teeth, he pulled on the chains, straining his muscles. Blood trickled from the links, but he didn’t even get a satisfied clink.

Are you ready to listen? Take a deep breath. I’ll tell you everything, but first you need to eat.

He stopped jiggling the manacles, too tired to pull. The chains had rubbed his flesh raw. Licking his dry and cracked lips, he longed for a sip of fresh water to ease the scratchiness in his throat. His stomach growled pitifully, needing fresh meat. Food and water were all he could think about. He looked at Kane, Ewan, Mariah, and William, wanting to tear out their flesh, and satisfy the consuming hunger.

William glanced over his shoulder. “Tell Cook to bring the fish and a jug of water. I suggest some of the men go hunting for wild boar. The fish will only push his hunger back so far. He needs meat.”

Yes, I need meat. ’Tis been so long since I’ve filled my belly with real food.

The voice again. Leif wanted to block it out. Hunger ravaged through him, his stomach slowly digesting itself. Pain twirled in his gut. His muscles weakening, he lay on his side, panting, his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

Men carried barrels of fish. The smell teased his growling stomach. His gnashed his teeth and licked his lips. Leif didn’t know where they’d gotten the fish, didn’t care. He watched them warily approach, fear flickering in their eyes. Leif took a deep breath and rolled to his feet. The men hastily dumped the barrels of fish in front of Leif’s feet. Ignoring them, Leif gobbled the fish, gnashing bones, gills, and sweet flesh. The lush, fresh meat eased the pain throbbing in his gut, but he wanted more, so much more. As he feasted on his bounty, out of the corner of his eye, pirates filled a barrel with fresh water. He moved toward it.

His eyes wide, a lanky man dropped a bucket. “Don’t burn me!” He fled, the others following him.

Leif stuck his head into the barrel, and slurped the cool water, easing his parched throat. Water drizzling down his jaws, he sat back on his haunches.

William flashed his gaze over him. “Feel better?”

Yes, the voice answered. Drakon, can you hear me?

Leif shook his head. Who was talking? Not only had he turned into a dragon, he was going daft.

Close your eyes, the voice said.

Suspicion crept down Leif’s spine. Crouching onto his haunches, his tail twitching, he stared at William’s sword, waiting for him to make any sudden moves.

He hasn’t said anything, the voice said.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Leif. Even if I wanted to, my dragon spirit forbids it. You need to close your eyes and focus. You’ll see the dragon in your mind. He’ll guide you.”

He’s telling the truth.

Against his better judgment, Leif closed his eyes, his senses on alert. If someone stepped on the tiniest pebble, he’d hear.

An image of a dragon formed in his mind, but ’twas not an image. He had long horns, glowing gold eyes, and red and orange scales. He was fiercer looking than William’s dragon with the spines running down his back and tail, but his eyes were full of sadness.

I am Dracul, the dragon spirit possessing you. You do not need to speak because I can hear your thoughts, and you can hear mine. I’m afraid the demon Zuto has a deadly plan for us. He wants us to mate with a mermaid.

Dread filled Leif’s gut. So that was the bastard’s plan. He wanted him to get the mermaid with child, his child, and take her blood. A burning protectiveness welled inside him, and he puffed smoke through his nostrils. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her. How do you know this?

Dragons all possess magical powers. Mine are different than my brother Drakon’s. Drakon is the spirit that possesses William. One of my powers is the ability to read minds, including Zuto’s. Not only does he want us to mate with the mermaid, but he plans to maim her to keep her from escaping.

Terror struck Leif’s heart. No!

Uncontrollable fury burned through Leif. He released a howl, sending fire jetting out of his mouth. The fire melted the chains binding him. Men screamed and dove into the sand. He flapped his wings, creating a blinding sand storm, and flew into the sky.

“Leif, come back!” William screamed.

The wind rolled over Leif’s back, blocking out William’s shrill cries. Leif didn’t care. He had a demon to kill.

Chapter 3

Zuto’s arms were stretched high over his head, and he dangled from the hut’s beam, his toes brushing against the dirt floor. He could easily break the bindings, but Natasa liked to play the dominance game. The rising sun threatened to peer over the horizon, but it wouldn’t come soon enough.

Her breasts threatening to spill out of her red gown, Natasa tapped the handle of a whip in her palm. “Comfy, love?”

He refused to answer her, hate brewing in his chest. Damn Maketabori, the God of Coaybay, for making him submit to this bitch. One day, Zuto would be free of her.

“Refusing to talk, are we?” She ran her hand down his back. “So unblemished, but I’ll fix that. I don’t know what you’re planning, lover, but bringing Charybdis here was a mistake. I don’t like competition.”

“I told you I’m not sleeping with her.” How could he, even if he wanted to? His nights were preoccupied with fulfilling the lusty demon’s appetite.

“Perhaps.” She licked him as if he were her favorite cream.

He shuddered, loathing her lying velvet tongue.

“This is only a taste of what I’ll do to you if I find out different.”

She walked away. He clenched his fists, ready for the first strike of pain. She didn’t disappoint. The lash cut into his flesh, tearing into muscle. Agony rippled through him. Natasa was a demon, possessing the strength of ten men.

She whipped him again and again, slicing into his lower back and thighs. He clamped his mouth shut, refusing to give her the satisfaction of hearing him cry out.

“You’ll not touch her,” she said, as she slashed through his shoulder, cutting into bone.

A stream of sunlight crept into the dark hut. Natasa screamed, “No!” Her voice faded.

Panting hard, Zuto glanced over his bleeding shoulder. She was gone. He jerked the vines holding him and collapsed onto the dirt floor. He lay there, not thinking, unable to move. The slightest breath sent misery flowing through him. He couldn’t live like this. It had to stop.

Ignoring the throbbing pain pulsing through him, Zuto clamored to sit. Red rope marks cut into his wrists, and he rubbed his numb hands. He caught his breath as he tried to think of what to do. His hatred for Natasa burned his gut. Did she really think he was attracted to Charybdis? She was just as evil and vile as Natasa.

The fire flickered and crackled. The flames mesmerized Zuto as the weariness of the cat and mouse battles between the Phoenix and the Damsel weighed heavy on him. Charybdis’s shell necklace wasn’t enough. It might make Leif mate with the mermaid, but it did nothing to bring them together. He needed to get Isabella and Leif together now. The time spider was getting close to finishing spinning his web, but Zuto wasn’t any closer to trapping Natasa in Salem. She could still come to torment him at night. He wanted to get rid of both prodding women. Soon wasn’t soon enough.

He looked at the clay pots on the bamboo shelves and knew what spell to cast. He stood, wincing at the pain. He’d heal by tonight, only to endure the torture all over again. Gritting his teeth, he limped over to the shelf and picked up two pots, one filled with purple wolfsbane flowers, the other deadly nightshade roots.

He returned to the fire pit, then gingerly sat down and set the pots aside. He clapped his hands, sending pain up his overstretched arms. A golden chalice filled with mead appeared in front of the burning fire.

He ground up deadly nightshade bulbs and poured it into the gold liquid. He smashed dried, purple wolfsbane flowers and added it to the brew, turning the barley smell to a pungent stench. Drawing on his demonic power, he held his hand over the cup. “Bara.”

The mead bubbled, and black smoke swirled into the blue sky. The pungent odor evaporated, changing into a sweet smell. It was ready.

He stretched out his arms wide. “Isabella, hear me. You need to sleep, go to sleep. I need to speak with you.”

In the flames, he saw Isabella walking back and forth in her cell. She slowed her pace and put her hand on her forehead, her eyes fluttering shut. She slumped onto the filthy floor as if she’d fainted.

Zuto picked up the chalice and entered her dreams....

Chapter 4

Warmth rolled over Isabella’s body, and she inhaled the salty breeze of her home. Sand cushioned her body, and she wanted to rest and block out the horrors of the last few days.

“Isabella, wake up.”

She groaned as she recognized the voice. ’Twas the demon Zuto. She wasn’t on a warm beach basking in the sun. She was still imprisoned on the dreaded pirate ship. Pretending not to hear him, she kept her eyes closed.

“If you don’t wake up, I’ll drag you off the sand and shake you until you answer me.”

Isabella didn’t want the demon touching her, let alone shaking her. She opened her eyes and sat crossed-legged on the beach. The demon’s shadow shaded her, chasing away the warmth of the sun. Refusing to look up at him, she stared at her beautiful ocean, wishing she could return home. “What do you want?”

“Aren’t you thirsty?”

That was a strange question. “Thirsty? No.”

“Isn’t your throat drier than the sand you sit on? Can’t you feel your throat closing up? Your lips parched?”

As he spoke, her throat swelled up. Her lips cracked. She touched them and winced. Her tongue was thick, and she couldn’t swallow. Pain scratched her dry throat. She gasped, unable to breathe. “What’s....happening?”

Zuto grabbed her arm, hauling her to her feet. He offered her a gold chalice. “Drink.”

Fear pooled in her gut. There was something wrong with the chalice. She couldn’t smell anything bad, but it smelled too sweet, as if ’twas covering up something foul.

She turned her head away, keeping her arms pressed to her side. “No.”

“Yes, you will.”

He grabbed her hair, yanking her head back. “Open your mouth.”

She clamped her lips tight.

“Fine, we’ll do it the hard way.”

He threw her onto the ground, and she landed flat on her back, knocking the breath out of her. She rolled to her side, but she wasn’t quick enough. Zuto pinned her to the ground, his knees pressing into her palms, his weight crushing her. He pinched her lips together with his long cruel fingers. “Drink.”

Tears welled in Isabella’s eyes. She bucked her hips, but she didn’t even move him an inch. She kicked her legs, which sent sand flying behind the demon.

He poured the overly sweet liquid between her pinched lips. Isabella gagged and spit it into his face. He slapped her face hard, splitting her lip.

She cried out as pain exploded on her face.

Zuto forced the rest of the sickly concoction down her throat. “Swallow, bitch.”

She turned her head, but she couldn’t move, his fingers imprisoning her, digging into her flesh. She coughed. Zuto clamped her jaw together, preventing her from spitting out the liquid. She’d no choice but to swallow.

Triumph filled his eyes. “Good.” He moved off then dragged her to her feet. Surprisingly, he patted her back.

“What did you give me?” she whispered.

“Poison, filled with wolfsbane and deadly nightshade.”

She wiped her mouth, her hand shaking. “I’ll be dying when I wake up.”

“You won’t die....not yet. I’ve cast a spell, and the poison won’t activate until the waning moon.”

“I don’t understand.”

He pinched her cheeks together hard. “Unless you mate with Leif Black, you’ll die.”

It had only been a dream, but the right side of her face throbbed. Tears slipped down her cheeks. It had been a nightmare, but it had been all too real. Lethal poison was inside her, and she’d be gone in a week if she didn’t lie with Leif Black.

* * *

“Wake up, lass.” Someone shook her shoulder hard.

Isabella groaned, the cloudiness in her mind clearing. She opened her eyes. Her left cheek throbbed, and she tapped her lip, turning her fingertip red where Zuto had hit her hard. The dream had been all too real.

She lay stretched out on the filthy brig floor and pushed herself up, only to stare at her inhuman nightmare—Quinton Palmer. She choked on his reeking body odor.

He hung over her, his large frame blocking out what little light the flickering lantern provided. “I see you’re awake. With the bruise swelling on your lovely cheek, I take it you had a visitor.”

She shoved his hand off her shoulder. “Don’t touch me.”

He cast his gaze over her. She avoided looking into his murky left eye.

He turned his thin lips up into a tight smile. “Don’t flatter yourself. Your scrawny breasts don’t tempt me.”

An ugly, jagged scar ran from his leaky eye into his thick red beard, and she wished she had a weapon to give him a matching one on the other side. She met his disgusted look, pushing his insult deep down. She’d always resented her flat chest; Angelica was the one with all the curves.

“I came to tell you we’ve spotted the Soaring Phoenix. We’re close to reuniting you with your intended.”

Remembering the demon’s promise, Isabella shivered, her teeth chattering. A memory tugged at her mind, but she couldn’t remember. “I don’t have an intended.”

“Aye, you do.”

Drawing on her mermaid power, she sang.

He whirled around so fast she didn’t have time to react. He held the dagger under her chin. “Sing one note more, and I’ll slice your lovely neck.”

She nodded her head slightly, afraid he’d make good on his threat. After all, he was a loathsome human.

“Good, we have an accord.” He lowered the blade and sauntered out of the cell, slamming the door shut.

She cringed, knocking her head against the wall. A ring of stars swirled in front of her eyes.

But the dreaded bastard didn’t leave the brig. “Don’t look so glum, girl. Zuto has plans for you. He doesn’t want any mistakes until we rescue your mate.”

Isabella shook her head. “You’re insane.”

He turned his lips up into a devilish taunt. “You’re the one who is sadly mistaken. You’re destined to mate with one of my crew—Leif Black.”

Pain throbbed between her temples. She rubbed them with her fingers, trying to block out the misery. “Leave me, alone. I’ll not hear any more of this talk of mating with a nasty human.”

“We haven’t been humans for a long, long time.”

“What?” Annoyance flashed in her voice.

His eyes flashed red. “We’re vampires.” He opened his mouth, revealing a set of sharp pointed teeth.

She stopped rubbing her temples, her breath caught in her throat. The blood drained from her face. She was too scared to move and sat frozen to the hard bench. The tips of her fingers slowly turned numb.

“But Leif is special,” he said as he walked, his long fingernails tapping the bars, clinking her nerves. “He’s doesn’t just change into a vampire.”

Could this get any worse? She lowered her hands slowly. “I don’t understand.”

Running footsteps clumped down the stairs. A short, pudgy pirate rushed into the brig. “Cap’n, we’ve spotted the Soaring Phoenix sixty degrees off port. She’s anchored in a cove, but there’s a dragon flying toward us.”

“Cursed O’Brien, I’m going to kill that lizard.”

“I don’t think it’s William O’Brien. He’s blue and green. This one’s red and orange.”

“Good. Leif’s on his way.” Palmer tapped the bar with his dagger. “Get ready. Time to meet your mate.”

“I’ll not mate with a filthy human.”

“He’s not just human. He’s a dragon.”

Her face paled. “You can’t be serious! You can’t expect me to mate with a dragon.”

Palmer followed the man out of the brig, laughing. “Aye, you will, lass. Aye, you will.”

His confident laughter crushed her spirit. The brig grew smaller, the air staler. She felt a heavy pressure on her chest. She inhaled, but couldn’t fill her tight lungs. ’Twas as if someone pulled a rope around them, cutting off her air supply. Every time she took a breath, agony choked her. Her heart pounded faster. Was she dying?

Chapter 5

Leif flew as fast he could toward the Fiery Damsel. Cap’n O’Brien was a master of deception in outmaneuvering ships, but no doubt, Zuto had used black magic to guide Palmer to the Phoenix so quickly. All Leif could think about was Isabella being trapped in the dungeon and Zuto’s hideous plan to kill her. She didn’t deserve this. Her voice gave off hope. He wouldn’t let her die. He’d save her, fling her into the ocean, so she’d never see Zuto or the crew of the Fiery Damsel again.

On the deck, her wrists bound, he spotted her. She stood next to Palmer, her head held high. Her long, dark hair blew around her like a veil. He frowned. The left side of her cheek was swollen. Leif hissed, sending out a ball of fire. The fireball sailed through the air, slamming into the main sail. Bits of canvas fell onto the deck. Men rushed below, yelling and screaming, trying to put out the flames.

The mermaid jerked away from Palmer. There was a chain around her slim waist, and Palmer jerked her back to his side. Her mouth was muffled with a gag. Pride burned in his chest. Palmer was afraid of her sweet song, afraid he’d lose command of his crew.

Her wide green eyes stared at him with dread. He didn’t want her to fear him. He flapped his leathery wings harder, but it was a mistake, slowing him down rather than fueling his speed. He wasn’t used to having such vast ones. As a bat, ’twas easy, just two short little flaps, but this was like shaking two bulky leather blankets simultaneously and having them wrinkle and crumple. He flew sideways. He gritted his teeth, drawing on his strength to straighten his flight, but he jerked too hard and spun toward the ocean, faster and faster.

You’re doing it wrong, Dracul said. Don’t whip your wings so hard. Do nice easy strokes. You’ll move faster.

But Dracul’s advice came too late. Leif’s heart beating out of control, he splashed into the ocean like a cannonball, his wings whipping around him, binding his limbs around him. The more he struggled, the more leathery wings tightened. He sank deep into the sea. Water rushed into his lungs and nose; his heavy wings dragged him down to the black depths. Salt stung his eyes.

Dizziness swept over him. His eyes fluttered shut. Something sharp dug into his shoulders, pain rippled down his limbs, then he remembered no more.

* * *

Someone beat on his back hard. “Leif, breathe.”

Leif coughed and gagged, spitting up salt water. His lungs burning, he rolled onto his side and hacked up half the ocean. He looked down at his hand, relieved ’twas not a claw. He was human again.

“You almost got yourself killed, eejit.”

Through his strands of soggy hair, Leif looked up into Kane O’Brien’s stern face. The captain wasn’t the only one on the beach. Ewan and Mariah were with him, their eyes watching him carefully. The rest of the men were on the ship, safely away.

“Instead of rushing off like a half-crazed monster, I suggest you listen to my brother. Before you get your fool, self killed.”

Leif opened his mouth to argue but choked on sea water, and tears filled his eyes. A sharp pain stabbed his side, and he held his rib. He breathed hard, hoping he hadn’t broken a rib with his mad coughing attack.

“Cap’n,” Ewan said. “The Fiery Damsel’s steerin’ right for us.”

Palmer took advantage of the full lift wind, filling the Damsel’s four rigged sails. She’d opened her gun ports—Palmer was readying for another battle.

“Aye, she is. Let’s give Palmer a nasty surprise.” He gestured toward the beached long boats. “Back to the Phoenix. Ready the guns.”

“No.” Leif spat out more water. His voice was more of gargle than human. “You’ll hurt the lass.” He dragged himself up. Sand covered his naked body. “What happened?”

William pulled him up his arm. “Drakon says your dragon went dormant. You’re not ready to harness the power.”

Leif jerked his arm free and staggered. “Donna tell me I canna handle the dragon. I’m a vampire.”

“We don’t know if you are or not,” William said. “Either way, we’ve got to keep you out of Palmer’s hands. If they get you and Isabella together, I suspect both your lives will be in danger.”

He held his head high and met William’s concerned eyes. “I’m not afraid of Zuto.” A total lie. He was scared shitless of Zuto. Whether ’twas foolhardy or not, he’d battle the demon for his freedom. The demon had made his life a living nightmare, but he wasn’t going to admit this to any crew member of the Soaring Phoenix.

“Then you’re a bigger fool than I thought you were,” Kane said. “William, take him deep into the jungle, away from Palmer, until we can decide what we’re going to do. The rest of us will head for the longboats.”

“No,” Leif said. “I’ll not—”

William snagged Leif’s wrists, binding them together. Leif pulled on his arms but couldn’t break free. Shite, ’twas the damn magical manacles.

“Free me.”

“Not until you listen to logic and learn from your dragon.” William pulled on his arm, leading him toward the lush jungle.

Mariah rushed toward them, holding a burlap knapsack. “I am coming with you, oui?”

“Like what you see, witch?”

She glanced at Leif’s manhood, and a soft blush rolled down her cheeks.

William jerked his arm tight. “Show her respect.”

“She’s the one who wants to come along with a naked man.”

“Mariah, go back to the ship.”

Leif smiled at the anger brewing in William’s voice. William wasn’t known as being emotional, so getting him riled over his woman might give Leif the chance to escape. He wasn’t going to be chained up like a dog while the mermaid imprisoned on the ship fought for her life.

Glancing at William warily, Mariah pulled out a pair of trousers. “S’il vous plaît, put these on.”

“’Tis too dangerous.” William tilted his head toward Kane and Ewan hurrying toward the longboat. “You need to stay with Kane.”

“Not all dragons have the same magic, William. You do not know what he possesses.”

“Drakon does.”

“Perhaps. But we need to teach Leif how to control it.”

Cannons erupted. Orange-flecked smoke swirled around the Damsel’s gun ports. Not to be out done, the Phoenix returned fire, her guns recoiling. The mermaid could get hurt. Palmer would do nothing if the lass was wounded. As long as she could still mate was all the bastard would care about. He didn’t like disappointing his lord and master, not because he was loyal, but he didn’t take punishments well. Implementing them was another matter. Palmer relished watching his prisoners or crew beg for mercy, but mercy had long sailed away, leaving only misery and despair.

Leif twisted his upper body. “I donna need either of your help.”

“You’re a stubborn arse.” William snatched the trousers from Mariah, then slammed Leif up against a palm tree, knocking the breath out of him. “I suggest you put these on, or your lessons will be most unpleasant.”

Leif glared, his head still spinning. “How exactly am I supposed to put those on with my wrists bound?”

“I’ll help you,” William said. “I wouldn’t suggest any tricks, Black. You’ll never escape me.”

“Is that a challenge?”

William slapped Leif’s leg. Leif played the good captive and allowed William to put on the too-big trousers. They hung low around his hips. As William stood to lace them, Leif knee jerked him in the jaw, sending him flying onto his back. Mariah cried out. Leif fled out of the jungle, rushing toward the sand. He didn’t have a plan. All he knew was that he had to save the mermaid.

Hot sand burned his feet. He pulled on the chains, but the manacles grew tighter, numbing his hands. It had to be magic.

He stepped in the swirling surf when he was hit from behind. He pummeled into the approaching wave, sucking in sand and salt water. The wave churned him around like a piece of driftwood, water pounding his naked skin, swirling his hair around his face. Leif kicked his legs desperately to swim, but he floundered in the water. Someone hauled him out of the ocean and tossed him onto the hard beach. Spitting out the dreaded water, he looked up into William’s snarling face. He had a red welt on the side of one cheek. Anger flashed in his eyes.

“You’re lucky we need you, or I’d let you drown, you sea rat.”

The hailstorm of cannon fire sank Leif’s heart. Bent on finding him, Palmer would sink the Phoenix. But Captain O’Brien wasn’t easy prey.

“Please,” Leif panted. “Let me return to the ship. Palmer will have his prize and leave you alone.”

“Can’t do that,” William said as he hoisted him to his feet. “Move. Listen you stiff-necked fool, Zuto will know what powers you possess. He can trick you into using them, making you his toy. Is that what you want?”

Leif clamped his jaw tightly. No, it wasn’t what he wanted, but the yearning inside him to save the mermaid was overbearing—as if she died, then so would he. He’d never felt like this before, even with his sisters, who were his life.

Too weak to fight, Leif was forced to follow William into the thick jungle. Time was of the essence, and playing captive wasn’t going to help the mermaid. Maybe if she sang, she’d keep Palmer’s men away from her. Her sweet song would even turn even the vilest man into a lovesick sop.

When he reached the jungle, Mariah waited for them in a clearing. She had drawn a six-point stair.

“Place him in the center of the star,” she said.

Leif frowned. He’d had enough magic to live an eternity. “Why?”

“Shut up,” William said, as he directed him to the center. “Sit. Or I’ll make you sit. The choice is yours.”

His green eyes turned gold, the dragon threatening to do violence.

Mariah put her hands on her slender hips. “William.”

Leif reluctantly did as he was told. He didn’t have the strength to fight the dragon, since he’d no idea where his supposed dragon had gone. Was Dracul a coward?

A low warning growl inside him was his answer.

“Leif,” Mariah said, distracting him from the battle going on within him. “There are four elementals—Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, which make up all of us. Earth binds and gives us form. Air liberates and stimulates us. Fire animates and activates us, and Waters makes us mutable and flexible. Our spirit keeps these in positive balance. ’Tis especially true with dragons. Sitting in the center of the star will help you stay in control as we discover your powers.” She pulled a silver chain with a large purple pendant out of the knapsack. “The energy of the stone is healing and spiritual love. It will blend with your aura, protecting you from evil forces.”

“What evil forces?”

“Your dragon spirit is a red dragon.”

“So.”

“Red dragons are passionate and can be ill-tempered.”

“Definitely fits you,” William snorted.

Mariah slapped William’s arm. “Will you stop? You’re not helping.”

“And?” Leif asked.

“They can be very possessive of treasure.”

“I care not for jewels. It’s not me.”

William knelt in front of him, going eye to eye with him. “Not all treasure is coin and jewels. I think you already know this, Leif.”

Leif went over what had happened since Zuto had cursed him again. The feelings he had for a woman he’d never met and only had seen from a distance. He stared into Mariah’s knowing eyes. “’Tis why I care so much for the mermaid. The dragon considers her to be his mate.”

Mariah gave him a small smile. “’Tis not just the dragon’s mate. She is your mate. Red dragons will die protecting their mate. The need is stronger than greed or hate. Love is instant. ’Tis why you keep trying to break free to save her. You and she have become one.”

Leif leaned his head back and groaned. “No. She canna be with me. ’Tis too dangerous.”

“Oui. I fear if you mate, you will bear a child that will destroy our world. Zuto wants the child’s power. You must not let him possess it.”

“Better yet,” William said. “You need to keep your lust in your trousers.”

Dracul formed in his mind. ’Tis too late. She already belongs to us. Tear off that blasted medallion. Zuto has cursed the lass.

Rage rushed through Leif, a flood of anger leaving him shaking. His muscles bulged, and desperation surged through him. Sweat trickled down his body.

“Leif, stop,” Mariah said as her eyes widened.

William grabbed his arm. “You fool, listen to her.”

Don’t listen to them, Dracul said. I have the ability to emit dark fire from my eyes. You have this power. Use it to stop the Damsel.

A dark veil fell over Leif’s eyes, turning everything into different shades of red, but he could still see.

Mariah covered her mouth. “Mon Dieu. William, look at his eyes.”

Squint. Dracul’s voice rang in Leif’s head.

Not questioning him, Leif squinted at a nearby fern. A stream of dark black fire streamed out of his eyes. The fern burst into tiny pieces, bits of burning leaves exploding into the air.

Shock washed over him, and he couldn’t breathe or move. He’d never known dragons possessed such power.

“What the hell happened?” William demanded, his fingers tightening on Leif’s arm. “Mariah, he’s too dangerous. Run into the jungle and hide while you have time.”

Don’t just stand there, idiot, Dracul said. Draw on my strength and escape.

Leif broke out of the daze and pulled on the damn manacles. Searing pain cut into flesh, but he didn’t care. Zuto was going to bloody curse the sweet mermaid. Nothing mattered but saving her. Gritting his teeth, Leif drew on both his vampire and dragon strength. The manacles clinked. He could feel them stretching. He tugged harder—agony intensified. The manacles grew hot, scalding his skin and burning his hair. He roared, and with one final wrench, broke free.

He clenched his fist and punched William in the jaw as hard as he could. William released him, falling flat on his back.

Leif transformed, quicker than last time. His wings and horns spurted out. His arms and legs bulked out to dragon size. William began to change.

Go, now! Dracul roared. Before it’s too late. She’s dying.

Chapter 6

Isabella huddled against the bulkhead. Palmer had chained her to the mast to keep her from jumping into the sea. Her cheek throbbed, and her ears rang with all the cannon fire. The smoky sulfur burned her eyes, sending unwanted tears streaming down her cheeks. Men rushed around her, reloading the guns. Palmer was at the helm, no one was paying attention to her. She had to get loose. Father could break Zuto’s curse if only she could get free.

She pulled on the chains, but ’twas useless. She only managed to cut into her wrists. Her mouth gagged, she couldn’t draw on her song to seduce a pirate to cut her loose. She refused to give in to the demon and mate with a bloody dragon. Not just a dragon, a vampire possessed by a dragon spirit, even if ’twas her handsome, dark pirate.

“Captain!” A man ran to the rails. “The red dragon. He’s back.”

Palmer came up alongside him with his telescope, aiming it up at the smoky sky. “Good. Leif can burn O’Brien’s ship, sending the bastard and his men to a watery grave.”

Isabella shook her head violently and muffled against her gag, “No.” Angelica was on board that ship. She’d drown, along with her unborn child. Isabella put her foot on the bulkhead and yanked, trying to loosen the chain, but mockingly, it didn’t even clank.

Guns blasted from the Soaring Phoenix. Cannons soared toward the red dragon. The beast’s eyes turned crimson, and a rose-colored beams fired out of its eyes, exploding the mortar into tiny fragments.

The men on the Damsel stopped loading the guns, putting out flames, and working the lines. They gaped as if in a sudden trance.

Isabella sucked in her breath and pulled on her restraints harder. The thing was possessed. She wanted no part of it.

The clam shell around her neck grew warm, and a compulsion came over her to sing. That was the last thing she wanted to do. She wanted to escape into the ocean, not get the dragons’ attention. She clamped her mouth shut, but it opened against her will, and she sang a song to the dragons to rescue her. She shook her head and tried to close her mouth, but ’twas as if a pair of fingers were making her move her lips.

The red dragon seemed to stop and stare at her, turning her blood to ice.

“I’ll be damned.” Palmer put his hands on his hips. “I’ve never seen nothing like that.”

A pirate cupped his hands over his mouth. “Burn the Phoenix to the ground, Leif.”

The rest of the men cheered and raised their fists in victory. But the cheering quickly turned into groans and jeers. Another green and blue dragon raced after the red one, gaining speed.

Palmer paced, his face contorted. “Damn O’Brien.”

Isabella frowned. So, the green and blue dragon was their enemy? She didn’t care, wanting no part of a world of dragons. All she wanted to do was to save her sister.

The red dragon sped past the Phoenix, its wings stretched out wide as it aimed for the Damsel. The creature lifted its talons as if ’twas going to sweep up prey.

“What the hell is he doing?” Palmer stopped walking; his voice was uneasy. He unleashed his sword.

Someone from the Damsel shot at the red dragon, angering him. His eyes turned red, and another stream of fire ignited the mast into a fiery blaze. White smoke billowed out into the sky. Splintering wood and burning canvas crashed around Isabella. She coughed, blinking her stinging eyes.

“Cease, you fools!” Palmer warned. “Or he’s liable to set the ship on fire.”

“Look out!” a man yelled.

The red dragon crashed into the ship, sending men flying out of the way. Some smashed into each other in the deck, others splashed into the sea, screaming for help. Her heart pounding, Isabella ran, only to be yanked back against the mast.

Heat blazed behind her, and she whirled around, her heart nearly leaping out of her. Fire melted her hated chains. Her hands were still bound behind her, but she was free! She darted toward the railing, but she never made it. Sharp talons grabbed her shoulders. Screaming, she squirmed, wishing she could pull on the talons gripping her tight. They were tighter than a crab’s clenched claw.

A crewman in the eagle’s nest pointed. “Captain, he’s got the bloody mermaid!”

Palmer raised his fist. “Damn you, Black!” He jumped into the air and changed into a bat.

Isabella didn’t know which was worse—being held captive by a dragon or being dragged back to the Fiery Damsel.

The dragon turned its large, horned head, and his golden eyes changed to black. He narrowed his eyes, full of hate, and black fire streamed out. Isabella cringed, fear piecing her thundering heart. Smoldering heat spread over her, making tears swell in her eyes. Sweat drenched her, and she gasped for breath. A black and gray fireball engulfed Palmer, and he screeched, spiraling down toward the ocean. Isabella had never seen black fire, and it was hotter than any lava bursting from a volcano underneath the sea. Palmer was a powerful vampire and immortal, and if he could not withstand it, what chance did she have? She shuddered, blind terror pulsing through her veins.

The Soaring Phoenix and the Fiery Damsel became tiny boats, as if a little boy had put his wooden ships in the water. If the dragon dropped her, she’d fall to her death. Misty clouds dampened her clothes, which stuck to her hot skin, and she could no longer see the ships below. She had no idea where the beast was taking her. Not willing to die just yet, she struggled to pull through the damn manacles, but ’twas useless. If she did manage to get free, she was ready to fight for her life.

Through all of this terror, she kept singing, even though she wanted to stop. When the dragon had clasped her shoulders, it triggered a memory. Zuto had given her the damn clam shell necklace. Her hand trembling, she ripped the necklace off, the chain cutting into her flesh, then flung it. She watched the necklace circle down to the sea. Pain cut into her flesh, but she didn’t care. She was free.

The beast shrieked.

Isabella quivered. “Please, don’t kill me.”

Her voice was stronger than she anticipated, but she couldn’t disguise the fear. She gripped his legs firmer, determined to live.

It turned his head, and Isabella froze, afraid she’d share Palmer’s fate. His eyes were no longer black, but gold and soft. He looked at her as if filled with compassion.

She frowned, not sure what to say.

The dragon glided out of the clouds, and Isabella hoped he wouldn’t drop her. There was an island ahead of them, and she bit her lip, praying for it not to be Zuto’s. She scanned the pristine white beach, looking for the tall, intimidating demon dressed only in a beaded white loin cloth, but the beach was empty. A small cove cut into the ocean, and she couldn’t remember that being on Zuto’s island, but she’d only been there when her sister and her vampire lover and the crew of the Soaring Phoenix was battling Zuto and the swabs of the Fiery Damsel.

They flew past the beach and over the thick, lush jungle toward a looming mountain. The dragon loosened its talons, which was a mistake. Her feet dangled and brushed over a tentacle mangrove. Her ankle got tangled in a vine, and it yanked hard, jerking her out of the beast’s sharp talons. Unbearable pain stole her breath, and she screamed as she plummeted toward the ground, kicking her legs as if she could run.

Leaves and branches cut into her flesh, and the vine sliced into her ankle. Her vision blurred. Suddenly, the vine swept away, and heat flashed over her again. Smoke filled her lungs, and she coughed. The tree was in flames. The dragon swooped underneath her, and she landed on its broad back as she gasped for air. It flew away from the crackling tree and headed toward the mountain. Isabella had no choice but to press her legs against his back to keep from falling into the dense jungle. She choked and blinked back tears. Throbbing pain in her shoulder and her ankle made her stomach nauseous. Air whipped over her, and she took a deep breath, this time without hacking up her lungs.

The dragon slowed and landed softly on a rocky ledge that led to a dark cave. She slid off the creature’s back. Her legs gave away, and she fell onto her arse, glad to be on solid ground. “Why are we here?”

She didn’t know why she asked. It was not as if the dragon could speak. It was a beast.

It sank onto its haunches and flattened its wings against its sides. The dragon was enormous, the size of an orca, and just as deadly. It looked at her curiously. “Because if the pirates turn into bats, this will be a better defense. They’ll have to get through me to get to you.”

She blinked in awe. “You can talk?”

“Of course, I’m a dragon. My name is Dracul.” It frowned. “Actually, I’m a dragon spirit. I possess Leif Black. Turn around, so I can free those manacles that are still around your wrists.”

“You’ll burn me.”

“No, I won’t. Trust me.”

Isabella was tired of the tight manacles making her hands go numb, so taking a deep breath, she turned around. Heat sizzled next to her hands, then suddenly, the manacles slipped off. She rubbed her hands, trying to get the blood flowing. He’d spoken true—her flesh wasn’t even singed.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He bowed his head. “If you’ll excuse me, he wants to speak with you, my lady.”

Bones and muscles cracked and strained. The dragon slowly diminished in size, and the red scales faded to bronze skin. Horns subsided, and the skull changed from dragon to human. Long black hair grew, and golden eyes changed to deep green, reminding her of how the Caribbean Sea changed from blue to green. Wings and the long tail shortened and turned into arms and legs. It happened so fast she didn’t even blush when she stared at a naked, ruggedly beautiful man. He had a strong, chiseled chin and a stubble beard. Like the dragon, he emitted strength with his heroic bulk of solid muscle that glistened in the hot sun. Her gaze traveled down to his powerful arms that were solid and splendid, and she couldn’t help but admire his manhood between his sculpted thighs.

“I’m Leif Black.”

She jerked her head up, and heat flushed over her cheeks. He must have caught her looking. “So, you are,” she said, trying not to run screaming deep into the unknown cave. “I’m Isabella.” She looked around the ledge. There was no way down, not unless she wanted to climb the rocky face of a mountain. “Is this Zuto’s island?”

He sat next to her. “No.”

She scowled. “Now, I’m your prisoner?”

He shook his head. “Bloody hell, no.” He looked at her shoulder and her bleeding ankle. “You’re hurt.”

“I’ve noticed.” She wiped the blood off her throbbing ankle with her shredded dress. Her hands shook, and she wished she’d stop trembling, but ’twas hard with a dragon-shifter watching her every move. ’Tis not like she could yell for help. She was trapped on a ledge and the only escape route was to jump, which wasn’t an option. She couldn’t fly, and ’twas a hundred feet drop down a rocky cliff.

“He says I can heal you.”

His voice was thick with a Scottish accent. He had faded scars on his chest, as if he’d been shot or stabbed in battle.

“Excuse me?”

He sighed. “Supposedly, I can spit on your wounds and it will heal them.”

Before she could respond, he spat on her ankle and spittle dripped down her flesh, but it didn’t feel different, only wet and sticky as the spit mixed with the blood. She jerked her ankle away.

“Ew, don’t ever spit on me again.” She wiped her muddy wound again with her tattered hem.

“I’m sorry, lass. He said it would work.”

“Obviously, not. You have scars on your chest, so if what he said is true, then why haven’t they healed?”

“I’ve only just become a dragon.” He glanced at his large chest. “I had these even before I was a vampire—fightin’ the bloody Sassenach in Scotland.”

“But you’re on a British ship.”

“Not by bloody choice.”

His eyes darkened, and his lips turned up into a fierce scowl. Isabella wanted to ask him more about why he stayed with the foulest ship in the Caribbean, but his face went in and out of focus. Every time she took a breath, the pain in her gut became more intense. She grew hot, and she wiped the sweat from her brow, but the slight movement sent waves of agony through her.

“Isabella?”

His voice was far away as if he was down a tunnel.

“I’m tired.” But the words croaked in her throat.

The blue sky, white clouds, and his handsome face spun around and around. She closed her eyes, and her stomach lurched.

Someone grabbed her arm. “Isabella!”

Thankful blackness overtook her, and the pain vanished as she passed out.

Chapter 7

Zuto sat on a rock, waiting for Charybdis. The last bit of night had faded, and Natasa had finally left him, but not before she flogged him. His back throbbed, and blood trickled down his neck. Before she left, Natasa had bitten him, tearing out flesh. He’d cried out, giving her the horrible satisfaction that she found a way to hurt him. Her jealousy over Charybdis grated on his very last nerve. He had no intention of bedding the wench. Having two wicked women manipulating his body was the last thing he wanted.

Long tentacles flipped out of a whirling whirlpool and crashed into the ocean. The raging whirlpool slowed and disappeared into the sea. A huge wave rushed toward the beach, and Charybdis walked out of the sea, transformed from the hideous, scaly creature. In comparison to Natasa, she was petite, and her large breasts strained to remain in a black gown that matched her black hair shimmering in the morning sun. She emitted the smell of seaweed that had been out in the sun too long, and his stomach clenched as she approached. Charybdis was intently beautiful, but deadly. A lesson that Eldric, king of the Merpeople, found out too late.

She watched him intently with her blue eyes, and her lips curved into a smirk. Her black dress sparkled as she approached. “Good morning, Zuto. I see Natasa is still using you as her favorite chew toy.”

“I am no one’s toy.” Zuto refused to touch the fresh bite marks on his neck. Natasa thought biting him would warn Charybdis that Zuto was hers. As if.

She moved her hands down her curvy body. “I like this new form, and my power is growing. Soon, I’ll be able to challenge Eldric.”

“Perhaps. You will still need the power of the baby conceived between Isabella and Leif.”

She laughed, tossing her head back. “Thanks to you, the chit has forgotten that I’m behind this. I like your devious ways, demon. It will make my revenge so much sweeter when she learns the truth.” She opened her mouth, revealing a set of razor-sharp teeth. “I’ll enjoy devouring Eldric’s grandchild. I’ll even make the bastard watch as the child dies.”

“You’ll not kill the child until I use its blood to trap Natasa in Salem forever. Am I clear, Charybdis?”

“Yes, I heard you. But don’t betray me, or I’ll tell Natasa.” She ran her cold fingers down his cheek.

He jerked away. Her thirst for blood was worse than Natasa’s. “But first you said you had something to show me.”

“Patience, love. Patience.”

“Patience is not one of my virtues,” he said.

“Isabella is more trouble than her sister, Angelica.” She waved her dainty hand. “Fine. Create a fire.”

“Follow me.” Zuto got off the rock and headed toward the jungle, not caring if she trailed him or not. He walked down a soft trail to his hut, longing for a nap and to nurse his throbbing wounds, but there was no time for this. If he wanted to get rid of Natasa and seal her gateway in Salem forever, he had to work fast.

Soft footsteps echoed behind him. He led Charybdis to his hut. A crackling fire burned in a pit. It never went out and allowed him a gateway to see his enemies. He might be trapped on this cursed island, but he had other means to spy.

He sat in front of the fire. Warmth spread over his naked skin. He liked his hut; here he could forget about his god Maketabori, Natasa, the Soaring Phoenix, and the Fiery Damsel. Here he’d found peace. Until now.

Charybdis sat next to him and curled her legs under her gown. “Is this where you spend time with Natasa?”

Zuto kept his face discreetly blank as he answered Charybdis’ sly comment. “No. I do not share my hut with anyone I detest.”

She laughed and rubbed his arm. “Maybe I’ll tempt you.”

He jerked his arm free, her cold touch sending his skin shriveling. “You said you could teach me how I can separate my spirit from my body...”

“Actually, I can teach you how to project your thoughts, consciousness, emotions into reality, either as images or fully materialized creations.”

Bitch. She played as many jests as Natasa. “I can already do that. That is not anything new.”

“I can also help you project images from your mind and others and manifest them into their worst nightmares. These nightmares are real, very real.”

Zuto crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m waiting.”

“My, you’re demanding.”

“You have no idea.”

“And in return?” Her voice purred.

“I won’t kill you.”

Her smiled disappeared. “I didn’t mean to cross you. I’m only curious.”

His gut recoiled, and his shoulders sagged. Bitterness stained his mouth in thinking of having to satisfy another filthy wench. “What is it that you want?”

“I know how the blood will help me destroy Eldric, but how is it going to keep your precious Natasa in Salem?”

“Get used to disappointment. Telling you my secrets was not part of the bargain.” He had no intention of telling her that the power of a red dragon, a vampire, and a mermaid would lessen Maketabori’s hold on him. Not that he could escape from the cursed island, but it would weaken the mind-link between him and Maketabori. Hopefully not enough to pique the God’s interest.

She wrung her hands. “Fine. As long as you don’t trap me somewhere horrible.”

“Don’t betray me.”

Her face whitened. “I have to wait for the damn baby to be born.” Her words were fierce, but she couldn’t hide the fear swelling in her eyes.

“No.” He waved his hand. “I’m tired of your questions. I’ve already told you that you’ll be the Queen of the Merpeople and have all the worshipers you want. Give me what I want.”

“I heard you.” She held up her trembling hands. “Don’t give me that scowl. I’ll teach you. I’ll teach you. I promise. Now close your eyes.”

He gave her his best and iciest glare that brought his fiercest pirates to groveling snivels. But she didn’t even flick a hint of fear.

“I’m not going to do anything to you, you cynical demon.”

“If you want to plan out your revenge against Eldric, you’ll keep your word.”

She twisted her hair into a bun and pinched her cheeks, making them rosy. She picked up a shiny shell, and stared at her reflection. “I said I will.”

He didn’t think it possible, but she was vainer than Natasa. ’Twas why he preferred the Native women. They were down to earth, and their deep brown eyes and browned skin pleased him more than Natasa’s and Charybdis’ porcelain skin. “Then stop messing with your hair and show me.”

“You’re the one not listening—close your eyes.”

Trust didn’t come easy for Zuto, and he pretended to close his eyes and relaxed his fists, but he kept steady watch on her, ready to strike her down if she broke her word.

She put the back of her hands on her knees and touched her index fingers to her thumbs. “Take a deep breath.”

Zuto copied her stance, and she curled her lips. “I knew you were watching me. I know you desire me.”

“You’re wrong. Now what?”

“Take a deep breath.”

Zuto forced himself to inhale; deep sea air filled his lungs.

“Again.”

He opened one eye. Charybdis was taking slow breaths, her breasts rising up and down. He needed to learn this power of hers. All he could do was appear in dreams or project his eyes to create terror, but he needed to be able to project physical power to take down a red dragon. Her softs sighs lured him into a trance. He listened to the steady waves roll up on the sand and the sound of his own breathing. Cold hands pressed against his cheeks. He’d hadn’t even heard her move.

“What the hell are you doing?”

She blew a foul breath up his nose, scalding him. ’Twas as if hot smoke gushed into his lungs, burning them. He coughed hard, tears blinding his vision.

“I passed my power to you. Now concentrate. Stare into the fire and picture who you want to project the power to.”

“Wench.” He gagged but managed to stop hacking up bits of his lungs. His thundering heart beat harder and harder, sending blood rushing through his veins. Power surged through him like a bolt of electricity. He wiped the back of his mouth, fighting not to lunge at her and wring her lovely neck.

He sat stiffer, taking a sobering inhale, and this time, he wouldn’t close his damn eyes. Through the breaking flames, the tall image of Leif formed. Isabella was with him, her blue dress torn and stained. She was weak and pale, her eyes dull, obviously about ready to pass out. Leif was naked, but the fool wasn’t raping her. He could easily overpower her, but the idiot was being a gentleman. For fool’s sake, the man was a pirate.

They were on a high mountain ledge on an island Zuto didn’t know. Behind them, there was a dark cave, a perfect hiding place to punish Leif’s stupidity.

“Have you picked your person?”

“Yes.” His voice was bitter. He didn’t come forth with the identity.

“Who?”

He shrugged. She couldn’t see his victim—how interesting.

“Ah.” She looked at the flame. “Now, blow into the flames and picture what form you want to confront them. I suggest you pick something horrifying.”

He curled his lips into a smirk. What better monster than himself? Both Isabella and Leif feared him; he’d bring forth their worst nightmares.

“I have to warn you it doesn’t always work the first time you do it.”

“It will work with me.” Controlling power was no longer a problem for him. He was getting stronger, and someday, he’d have the power to escape this cursed island. He took a deep breath and blew into the fire. Black smoke whooshed out of his mouth, staining his lips with a foul bitterness, then snaking into the dancing flames.

In the darkness of the cave, his red eyes looked back at him, but he couldn’t form his body no matter how much he tried. Not one to ask for help, he spewed out more smoke.

Charybdis toyed her fingers in his hair. “Having trouble?”

He grabbed her wrist and shoved it away, not caring if strands of hair ripped out of his skull. Within the flames, he could see the outline of himself, his broad shoulders and muscular body and his glowing red eyes. Leif would have a nasty surprise and would regret not following his orders to rape the girl.

Chapter 8

The high noon sun shined on Isabella’s ashen face. She swayed back and forth like a windblown flower. Sweat glistened off her face, and she slumped backward, way too close to the ledge of the cliff. If she fell, she’d plummet down a jagged, rocky mountain that would lead to a jungle of trees, ferns, and bushes.

Leif caught Isabella before she collapsed and smashed her head onto a rock. He cradled her close. She smelled so good—like a bouquet of flowers. It had been so long since he’d inhaled anything so heavenly. For the last eighteen months, he’d been trapped on a ship with the foulest pirates. When they made port, he’d relieved his seed into whores that were saturated with sweat and cheap perfume.

Isabella groaned and wrinkled her brow but didn’t wake. Guilt swirled in his gut at the deep claw marks on her diminutive shoulders. Even though he was trying to save her, the possessiveness got the better of him. William was right. He was obsessed with treasure. He tenderly wiped the blood away from her shoulder but only smeared it. This was all his fault. He could have ripped her arms off. He was worse than a bloody vampire.

Damn it, Dracul. I thought you said I could heal the poor lass.

Dracul narrowed his eyes. I never said to spit. I said our spit would heal her wounds.

Then what the hell I am supposed to do?

Lick her.

Leif snorted. You’re kiddin’?

Dracul lifted his head and turned around a circle, wrapping his long tail around his body. Do you want to heal the lass or not?

Just tell me what to do, you reekin’ lizard.

I do not stink.

Leif growled and clenched his fist. ’Twas so frustrating arguing with something in his mind. ’Twas enough to drive him mad.

Do as I say.

Leif hacked up spit and edged toward Isabella’s shoulder. The sweet smell of blood tantalized his vampire hunger, but he pushed it away, determined to help her.

Do not spit on her. I said to lick her. Haven’t you ever licked and suckled a woman before? Or are you that green?

If you were alive, I’d skin you piece by piece.

I am alive. I live in you. We are one. Take care of the lass. Now.

His voice had turned into a menacing snarl. Leif wanted to argue, but Isabella’s beautiful face turned paler. Swallowing his spit, he took a deep breath. He wasn’t a greenhorn and hadn’t been a virgin for a long, long time. So, why did this lovely lass make him feel like a nervous groomsman on his wedding night?

He peeled back the blood-soaked tattered cloth and licked her shoulder. Her blood was more succulent then any human’s, and he wanted more, much more. His fangs elongated, and he tilted his head back.

Do not feed on her.

Dracul’s roar jerked him out of the hunger. What the hell was he doing? It seemed like he’d been a vampire for centuries and didn’t know any better. He was more monster than human.

Determined to beat the hunger, Leif returned to licking her shoulder as if he was cleaning the last remnants of cherry pie off a white plate. Energy pulsed through his veins, and his tongue tingled, and he shivered. Power swelled inside him. It was different than the vampire strength of killing and flying. This was softer. Like an ocean breeze stinging his face with salt. He hoped Dracul was telling the truth and this wasn’t another way to torture him. He was sick of being tortured. Quinton Palmer had been a master at it.

Stop. Look.

Leif lifted his head, his eyes widening. His heart thumped, and he couldn’t breathe. The deep cuts in her flesh, exposing blood and tissue, melded together as if an invisible needle sewed the flaps of skin together. There wasn’t even the tiniest scar.

He caressed her skin, his hand shaking. “It...it...it worked.”

His voice was loud and echoed off the mountain. Nearby birds roosting in the top of trees cawed and flew into the air.

Dracul tilted his head as if he were a king. You doubted me?

Leif ran his bloodied hand through his hair. Aye, I did.

Lick the rest of her wounds, you fool.

Leif glared. Isabella was so beautiful and so pure. He hadn’t seen a woman like this since his sisters, and even when he visited Tortuga, he never went to their little cottage by the sea. He was too afraid Palmer or some other bloodsucker on the Fiery Damsel would find them. Isabella was different than his blond sisters. Her brown hair reminded him of his old Highland pony’s mane. He couldn’t resist and slid his fingers through her thick strands. It was just as silky as the pony’s had been. No, ’twas silkier.

She was taller and more slender than his sisters, and her breasts were small, but she tempted him like no other woman had for a long, long time. If he was a fiend like his crew mates, he’d rip her bodice to gaze upon her naked chest, but he wasn’t one of them. Rape disgusted him, and he hated himself for not rescuing the poor lasses who suffered a cruel fate. But if he intervened, the scallywags would question his loyalty and ’twas not something he could risk. Not if he wanted to keep his sisters free from a life of starvation or worse.

He took a deep breath and gently licked her other shoulder. She moaned, and he jerked up, but her eyes remained closed. Not wanting her to catch him, he quickly lapped up the stained blood. Once again, the cruel bruises, bleeding flesh, and torn muscles melded and mended together, not even leaving the tiniest scar. Her skin tasted like honey with a bit of salt. He wanted to lick her whole body, bringing her pleasure and having her cry out his name in ecstasy, but he refused to give in temptation.

Purple and blue bruises covered her ankle, and blood leaked from the ugly gash. ’Twas as if the vine had been bent on severing her delicate foot. He moved her red-stained hem away and lifted her foot. She groaned, and he froze. Isabella’s chest slowly rose up and down, and her eyelashes graced her cheeks. God, she was a beauty.

He proceeded to caress her wound. He held her calves, and he was surprised at the toned muscle. Most women’s calves were soft and curvy, but not Isabella’s. She was obviously a woman used to hard labor, and he couldn’t stop imagining those strong legs wrapped around his hips as he pumped his inside her. She was still asleep, and he slid his hand up her thigh and discovered that it was as sculpted as her calf.

He heard a sharp gasp and quickly looked at Isabella’s face, but she was still asleep. Her breath wasn’t as deep, and he wasn’t sure if she was asleep or just pretending. He put his tongue on her ankle and took one long lap.

“Stop it, you leech.”

Isabella kicked him hard in the chin, and he flew backward, dropping her leg.

“How dare you take advantage of me when I was passed out!”

Red stars blurred his vision, and he shook his head to clear it. He rolled to his side. “I wasn’t molestin’ you.” He rubbed his throbbing chin. “I was healin’ you.”

“Excuse me?”

He edged away from her so he wouldn’t frighten her. “Look at your shoulders.”

She warily looked at hers, and her eyes widened. She ran her hand over her smooth flesh. “I can’t believe it.” She studied him as if he was a miracle. “You really did heal me.”

“I was tryin’ to heal your ankle. Will you let me finish?”

“Then why were you running your hand up my leg?”

He met her accusatory eyes. “I couldna resist. I’m a pirate, remember?”

“How could I forget?”

“I promise I’ll behave. Will you let me continue? Or do you want your ankle to swell and get infected?”

She slowly slid her ankle out from underneath her shredded dress. “You promise?”

“I give you my word.”

She lifted her chin and sat tall and haughty. “I’d like to see what the value of a dragon and a pirate’s word is worth.”

Leif didn’t answer. His word hadn’t meant anything for so long. His deeds haunted him, and he loathed himself, but until the bloody curse was lifted, he was trapped in an endless nightmare aboard ship—straight out of hell.

Determined to prove his word held some of his family honor, he got on his hands and knees like a dog and quickly lapped her ankle. He could feel her eyes watching his every move, waiting for him to break his vow, but he’d disappoint her and show her not every pirate on the Fiery Damsel was a loathsome creature. He ignored the temptation to look up at her dress and concentrated on the task at hand. She turned her ankle, and he licked up the last cut and bruise.

He sat back on his haunches and gave her a satisfied smirk. “I told ye I’d keep my word.”

“So, you have.” Her voice was soft and gentle. “You’re not like the rest of them, are you?”

“I’m not a saint, if that’s what you’d like to believe. I’ve done what I had to do to survive.”

“Commit murder, rape?”

“Never rape.”

She nodded and gazed off the ledge, her mouth turned into a slight frown, and sadness glistened in those soft eyes, but her skin had a grayish color to it. The bruises, cuts, and blood were gone, but something wasn’t right. He could smell something foul like when his mother had died. Her skin had held the same color, and she’d smelled of dead and decaying flowers. Isabella had the same odor.

Dracul raised his head and his nostrils flared. ’Tis black magic, Dracul said. My powers can heal flesh and bone, but I’ve not powers against this. ’Tis growing inside her like the black plague.

“My dragon said you’re dyin’. Is there somethin’ else that ails you, lass?”

She lowered her gaze. “The demon came into my dream and forced me to drink from a chalice.”

“Cursed, bastard. What was in it? Poison?”

She looked at him. Dampness stained her cheeks. “Yes. I’ll be dead before the next full moon. I so wanted to see Angelica’s child.”

“Bloody hell, that’s in two days. Dracul said ’tis black magic and his powers can’t heal this. Why would Zuto do this?”

“I do not know. There’s naught that can be done.”

“Aye, there is. Mariah, the witch, she can find a way to heal you. I’ll take you to her.”

She shook her head. “The witch can’t heal me.”

“Why not? You donna know this.”

She slowly stood. “He told me what I have to do to escape this fate.”

He clamored to his feet. “What?”

She glanced at him and the dark cave. “I can’t do what he asks of me. If I do, I’ll never win my father’s forgiveness.” She edged closer to the entrance of the mysterious cave. She’d never been on the island before, but it might lead down to the sea.

He sniffed and detected something putrid in the cave as if something was lying in wait. “Get away from the cave.”

She looked at him as if he were the devil himself and inched closer to the tunnel. “No.”

“Isabella, there’s somethin’ not right about that cave.” He reached for her arm.

She broke free and fled into the darkness. He chased after her. His dragon sense of smell tracked exactly where she was heading, but she was incredibly fast, faster than a human. But he kept forgetting she wasn’t a human. She was a mermaid, and he knew nothing about their make-ups except for the tiny tidbits Palmer had given him. Palmer didn’t trust his men enough to share the whole story and always wanted the wealth of power to reside on him.

Dampness flickered on Leif’s skin, and coldness penetrated his heart. There was something not right about this cave. ’Twas not an animal that worried him. There was something else here.

Isabella screamed.

His beating heart shattered into a zillion pieces, and he hurried, cursing himself for not changing into a dragon. He skidded to a stop. A pair of red eyes stared at him. “Hello, Leif. So good of you to join us.”

He couldn’t breathe—Zuto.

Chapter 9

Breathing hard, Isabella stared at the evil red eyes. She lifted up her feet, but it was as if they were encased in quicksand. She pressed her body against the cold stone wall.

“How can this be?” Leif asked. “You canna leave your island.”

“Now, the lass is trapped. Take her now. I command you.” The demon’s cold voice sent chills down her spine.

Isabella struggled, desperate to escape. Leif had said he wouldn’t rape her, but had that been a lie? She had no intention of being the vessel to produce a child for the demon to kill for its power. Not when she had one last breath.

Heavy footsteps dragged on the dirt floor, closer and closer. “I’m sorry, lass. I canna...control...myself.”

The demon released a smug laugh, pretty pleased with himself, but he’d underestimated her. Something she wouldn’t let him forget.

With the clam shell gone, she was in control of her song. She didn’t have the strength to fight Leif, but she had something better. She opened her mouth and sang a song of pure love.

“No! Stop it!” The red eyes narrowed. “Do as I say, or I’ll hurt the dragon.”

Something slammed into the wall next to her. Leif cursed, his voice gasping. More sounds of scraping, crunching, and crashing echoed in the cave. Leif cried out in pain.

Isabella hated to hear him be in such torment, but she refused to give into fear and put forth all of her power in to her song. Tingles swept over her, and her heart beat stronger, sending waves of power through her. Her voice was stronger and louder. The air in the cave lightened, and sunlight pierced the darkness.

The horrible sounds ceased, and something lay motionless on the floor.

“You bitch!” The demon shrieked as his red eyes faded.

Isabella pulled on her arms and legs. She could move! She could run to freedom and return to the sea. Maybe Father could heal her! She knew he could. She ran deeper into the cave, but a weary groan made her skid to a stop. Leif was hurt. He was a pirate, sailing on one of the foulest ships on the ocean, but he’d healed her and rescued her from the Fiery Damsel. How could she leave him in pain? He’d deserved better than this.

She rushed back to where Leif lay lifeless on the dirt floor. She knelt. “Leif, can you hear me?”

“Aye.”

His thick voice was wracked with pain, and he didn’t move. She touched his shoulder, and he released a loud hiss.

“My shoulder’s dislocated, and my arm’s broken.” He tilted his head. “Go...go...while you can. Donna worry about me. I’ll heal.”

She shook her head. “I can’t leave you like this.”

He panted hard and beads of sweet glistened on his forehead. “The demon will be back. There’s somethin’ not right about this cave. He has a link to it. I still feel his power.”

Ignoring the fear in the pit of her stomach, she gave him a determined stare. “Then we don’t have much time. We must escape while we can.”

“I canna move.” His weary voice tore at her heart.

She frowned. “You can’t walk?”

He wiped the sweat off his brow with his shaking arm. “I can, but I’m too slow.”

She clasped his arm. “Let me help you.”

He cast his gaze over her and sighed heavily. “There’s no way you can help me walk. You’re too frail.”

“Don’t underestimate me. Can you sit?”

“I think so.”

She helped him to a sitting position, careful not to bump his dislocated shoulder. “Is your other shoulder hurt?”

“No,” he panted.

“We must hurry. When we were out in the daylight, Zuto wasn’t able to track us. There must be something about this cave.”

“Help me stand.”

Isabella clasped his arm, and gritting her teeth, she helped him stand. He leaned heavily against her, and she had to brace herself to keep both of them from toppling over. It was as if she was trying to hold up a sinking ship. Together, they inched their way down the dirt floor. It was slow going. Leif had to stop and catch his breath every few feet. His warm breath brushed over her hot skin. He leaned more and more against her, pushing her away. Her arms shook as she tried to keep him from falling over. Their panting echoed off the walls.

The air turned damp, the floor muddy. Loud thumping echoed through the cave, and mist thickened the air, blinding her. She knew that sound—a waterfall. It could help in their escape. Her feet sank into puddles. Once or twice, she slipped, and they crashed onto the floor. Pain slammed into her knees, and she bit her tongue. Normally, she was so much stronger than this. Of her sisters, she was the strongest. She’d been able to open a tightly shut giant clam without breaking a sweat. Not many mermaids could do this, but her muscles were bunched up and strained as if she’d been pushing back on the hull of the ship. She’d tried doing this once before and pulled every muscle in her body. She was weary, and she fought the temptation to sleep. It had to be the poison.

She pulled on Leif’s arm, and thankfully, he was able to stand. The darkness dimmed, and she could make out his face. His right eye was swollen shut, and trickles of blood ran from his nose. Black, blue, and gray bruises covered his chest. Dampness drenched her dress, and she could hear the roar of water. Hope swelled inside her. If she could get to water, she could get them out of here. She’d only hoped she could keep carrying Leif before they both sank to the muddy floor again.

They turned a corner, and the cave opened up to a thundering waterfall. She could replenish her power and hopefully slow down the poison. “It’s a waterfall. Come on.”

He swayed. “What are you doin’?”

Isabella didn’t answer. She peered over the ledge and smiled. The water crashed into a pool beneath them. Finally, her element! Without waiting for him to answer, she shoved him off the cliff. He screamed, his arms and legs flailing.

* * *

Leif splashed into the water and sank. He couldn’t believe the wench had pushed him. He tried to claw to the surface, but agony slammed into his shoulder and his mangled and twisted arm. He sucked in water. A sharp pain pounded into his ribs. The bloody demon must have broken at least three ribs. He couldn’t see out of one eye. His heart quickened. Air squeezed out of his burning lungs, replaced with rushing water. His head swam, and the surface was too far away.

Isabella swam over to him and kissed him. He clung to her and hung on tightly. Water gushed out of his lungs to be replaced with sweet air. She released him, and panic seized him, but he suddenly realized he could breathe underwater.

She flashed him a knowing smile. Her brown hair fanned out around her head, and her green eyes actually sparkled, prettier than any emerald. Her skin glittered as if she’d been sprinkled with fairy dust. The ripped gown was more like wispy lace. He forgot to breathe and choked. She kissed him again. Her lips were smooth and succulent, and the panic threatening to consume him subsided. She released him and wrapped her arm around his and gently pulled him to the surface. Ignoring the pain, he kicked his legs and burst through the water, sucking in glorious air.

The roar of the waterfall echoed off the walls. Droplets of water sprayed onto his face. A misty haze hung in the air. They were in some kind of cavern, and stalactites of every size hung from the ceiling while stalagmites sprouted out of the rocky cave floor. “Isabella?”

“I’m here.” She intertwined her arm with his. “Swim with me.”

Not wanting to be a burden, he allowed her to lead him to the edge of the pool. He clung to the edge panting, not sure how the hell he was going to climb up. His right arm was useless, and there was no way he could put any pressure on the right side of his body. ’Twas as if it had been smashed by a runaway carriage.

Isabella climbed out of the pool and put her arm underneath his armpit.

He shook his head. “There’s no way you can lift me.”

“Trust me.”

“Just leave me be.”

She frowned. “Quit being so dramatic. Can you push up on your left hand?”

“Aye.”

“Then do it.”

He glowered. “I’ll crush you.”

“No, you won’t. I don’t know how the demon was able to project himself here, but I fear we are still in danger. Now, move.”

“You’ll never be able to lift me, lass. Get out of here while you can.”

“Stop being a doubting Poseidon.” Without waiting for another protest, she lifted his arm, pulling him half out of the pool on one side. Her muscles strained, and she trembled but wouldn’t give up. “Now, crawl out.”

He hauled himself onto his side and rolled onto his back. “You’re unbelievable, lass.”

She smiled at the astonishment in his voice. She only wished her father would appreciate her instead of constantly ridiculing her.

“I know you’re tired, but we have to keep moving.”

With his one good eye, he looked at her as if she was crazy. He grumbled under his breath, and she couldn’t hear what he said, but it didn’t matter. He tossed away her arm as he stood to his full height, a broken-down pirate, determined to survive.

He took a step and stumbled.

“Stubborn pirate.” She seized his arm and draped it around her shoulders. “Lean on me.”

Thankfully, he didn’t protest, and they weaved around the stalagmites. Some of them were twice as tall as Leif and others only came to her knee. Light flickered ahead, and she prayed that was the way out. The caw of birds gave her hope, and she dragged Leif toward the entrance. He needed to rest, and she needed to figure out what to do.

She burped, and acid burned in her chest. It tasted foul and left an awful aftertaste in her mouth, as if she’d drank a gallon of octopus ink. Fear wriggled up her spine. ’Twas Zuto’s poison. ’Twas starting, and she was no closer to finding a cure.

“What’s wrong?” Leif asked.

“Nothing.”

He frowned. “I donna believe you.”

“Believe what you want. I’m just tired of carrying you.”

He stopped abruptly. “Then we should rest.”

She tilted her toward a narrowing open where a large fern grew and yanked his arm hard. “Not until we’re through.”

If he’d been in better shape, she wouldn’t have been able to move him an inch, but he stumbled and fell into her, knocking them both onto the ground, squashing the wind out of her lungs. He lay on top of her, and she pushed on his chest. Tossing his head back, he growled and his eyes turned gold. The dragon glared at her, but he raised his head and looked toward the opening.

“Can’t...breathe,” she gasped.

He rolled to his left side. They both panted for a minute.

Shots fired, and a parrot flew into the cave, flying over their head, cawing erratically.

“Are they in there? Zuto, the bastard, said they were in there.”

Leif seized her hand and mouthed silently “Palmer.”

Her heart beating maniacally, Isabella clutched his hand tight, wishing she wasn’t shaking so badly, but she couldn’t help it. She didn’t want to be dragged back to the ship and forced to mate with Leif with Palmer and the rest of the foul creatures watching.

She glanced at Leif’s bruised face. He couldn’t see out of one eye, and he had massive bruises on his chest. His arm was twisted at an odd angle. She didn’t think he had the strength to turn into a dragon, and if even he did, with his broken arm, she doubted he could fly. Zuto was crafty and had sent his crew to retrieve them. This wasn’t going to happen. There had to be a way out of this cave besides through the opening. At least ’twas only big enough for one man to fit through.

* * *

Leif looked into Isabella’s determined eyes. She was trembling, but she wasn’t crouching in fear. She’d fight to survive.

Every inch hurt. Since his arm was broken, Dracul said he couldn’t fly. He could heal other people, but not himself. He’d have to wait until the full moon tomorrow night. A lot could happen in a day.

The opening would only allow one man to fit through.

Dracul, I know we can’t fly, but our fire still works, doesna it?

Of course.

Then transform, and let’s give Palmer a nasty surprise.

Leif gently wiggled his hand out from under Isabella’s. She gave him a quizzical look, but he gently shook his head. He rolled onto his hand and his knees, his other arm pressed against his gut. It hurt like hell, but he couldn’t let even one of those bastards in the cave. His muscles and skin contorted rapidly, faster than before.

His right wing hung limp to his side, and even in dragon form, he couldn’t open his swollen eye. The pain was twice as bad as a dragon, but Leif shoved it aside. His only concern was protecting Isabella.

“Look, ’tis Black, Captain,” Jackman said. He was a tall, slender man, a gambler who’d played against Palmer and lost. He’d had the choice of death or servitude to Palmer. Many times, he’d told Leif he thought he’d made the wrong choice. Leif hoped it wouldn’t be him he’d have to burn.

For once, luck was on his side.

“I see Zuto had his way with you, Black.” Palmer squeezed through the opening and ducked his head. “Where’s the bitch?”

Anger spewed through Leif, and he hissed. He squinted his good eye, and a stream of fire engulfed Palmer, who spun around screaming. Jackman dove to the side of the opening, disappearing from Leif’s line of sight.

A fiery Palmer took a step toward them, and Leif released another stream. Palmer dove toward the narrow doorway, screaming. Men yelled, and footsteps trampled outside, but no one crossed the opening. The smell of hair and burnt flesh hung in the air. Leif couldn’t chance the pirates sneaking back into the cave. He waddled over to the opening and swung his tail hard. A crack split over the slit, and rocks and dirt crumpled, sealing it shut. Dust hovered in the air, and then floated down to the cave floor. A pebble skipped down the heap of rock and dirt.

Isabella rushed over to him and put her arms around his thick neck. “You did it.”

She doubted me? I’m a red dragon. I protect what is mine.

We protect what’s ours.

Leif stilled at the thought. He’d never wanted a woman. They were spoiled and demanding, and he was too busy figuring out a way to protect his sisters to care about a courtship. But this had changed since he’d met Isabella.

He slowly changed back into a man. Isabella stepped away, but he wanted to kiss her. He hurt everywhere, but her soft touch lessened the throbbing agony in his chest and his arm. He grabbed her and pulled her to his chest. Not waiting for her to protest, he kissed her, wanting to sample her womanly taste. He waited for her to beat on his chest and twist away, but she surprised him. She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him, pressing her slim body next to his.

He kissed her possessively, wanting her to know how much he wanted her. He explored every corner of her sweet mouth, wanting to brand her as his. She met his fervor and clutched his shoulders tight. He stiffened and groaned.

She immediately pulled away. “I’m sorry. I hurt you.”

“It doesna matter. Tomorrow night, I’ll heal.”

She studied his shoulder. “Sit.”

“We have to keep movin’.” He nodded his head toward the rubble. “Palmer will have his men diggin’ through the mess and send someone in to hunt us.”

“Not until I look at your arm. You need a sling.”

“We donna have time—”

She snapped her fingers. “Sit.”

’Twas not too hard to follow her order. His wobbling legs were struggling to hold him up, and the pain made him dizzy. He sat on a boulder, trying to catch his breath.

Isabella ripped a long strip of cloth from her dress, revealing a slender shapely leg. Her legs were the firmest female legs he’d ever seen, and he wanted to run his hand on her thigh to feel those feminine muscles again. She caught him staring at her leg, and he shrugged, giving her a smirk.

“You’re incorrigible,” she said, as she walked over.

“I know.”

She tied the strip around his neck. “This will hurt. On three. One....”

Leif gritted his teeth and looked into her eyes.

“Two...”

He braced himself for three, but she pushed his shoulder back into his socket, and he cried out. Misery slammed into him, and he couldn’t breathe. The pain blinded his vision.

Isabella gently moved his arm into the sling. She cradled his head against her small breasts. “I’m sorry.” She wiped his hair out of his eyes and caressed the top of his head with her hand.

He listened to her beating heart, inhaling her tempting scent until he could move without wanting to scream. He lifted his head. “We...need...to move.”

“Which way do you think we should go? We can’t go back the way we came.”

“Underwater. ’Tis the only way. The stream must go under the cavern. You could go and find out.”

She shook her head. “I’m not leaving you.”

“I’m in no shape to swim.”

“I’m a mermaid, remember?” She put her hands on either side of his face and kissed him.

He could feel his lungs filling with air, and his body tingled. Rather than dining on her sweetness, he tasted a tinge of bitterness, not much, but enough he knew it was there. The poison was growing stronger. He had to get her to Mariah. ’Twas their only choice.

She released him and took his hand. “Follow me.”

Her green eyes had a yellow ring around her pupils that hadn’t been there before. He thought maybe it was a trick from the cave, but in his heart, he knew he was fooling himself. Her body was succumbing to the poison.

She led him into the cool water. He bit back the panic threatening to seize him and put his trust in her. She squeezed his hand, rubbing her thumb across his palm, releasing the tension in his bunched-up muscles. He took a deep breath and plunged into the water, following Isabella.

Surprisingly, the water was clear and stalagmites grew underwater. She swam toward a dark tunnel. His heart raced, and he prayed that Zuto wasn’t lurking in the darkness. He didn’t think he could take another beating. But what if the bastard went after Isabella? He’d die trying to protect her.

Chapter 10

Isabella pulled Leif next to her and headed toward the black cave that grew deeper, darker, more dangerous. She ignored the terror pumping through her veins. There wasn’t much choice. Leif was right—if they stayed behind, the crew of the Fiery Damsel would break through, and a burnt, pissed off Palmer would be bent on revenge.

Weariness pulsed through her, and bitterness burned in her tummy. She clamped her jaw to keep from spewing into the clear, blue water. Damn, Zuto. Soon she’d be dead. Would her father even care? Or would he rejoice that the daughter he blamed for his beloved wife’s death had finally met justice? She wanted so desperately to make amends with her father, but the chances of that happening was slipping through her fingers.

She swam toward the cave, slower than she ever had in her life. Her legs were heavy, and her arm pulling Leif was bulging with pain. She’d been able to pull a full grown merman to safety, so Leif shouldn’t have been a problem. He squeezed her hand, and she looked back at him. He gave her a reassuring smile. Despite his bruised face, he was so handsome, and what was worse, he was stealing her heart, which would seal her fate with her father. He’d banish her and would probably find some way to blame her for Angelica mating with a pirate.

But that wasn’t the only reason they should stay apart. If she laid with him, then she could become pregnant. Zuto would seize their child and use the baby for his evil purposes. It would be better if their child was never conceived. She just had to bury her growing feelings for Leif—for their sake and their unborn child’s sake.

Her resistance was waning though. Leif had risked so much for her, and when he kissed her, she liked his masculine taste—better than any mermaid. She liked how he was possessive of her. No man had ever tried to protect her. Most men were afraid to face her father. He was a kind and just ruler to all but her. No matter what she did, even with rescuing countless mermaids from tsunamis or hurricanes, ’twas never good enough for her father. Just once, just once, she’d have liked to have heard him say he was proud of her. He said it all the time to Penelope and Angelica, but never her.

Isabella reached the cave and swam into the darkness. Her form lit the way underwater, and if Zuto was hiding, they’d be able to flush him out, but there were no red eyes lurking. Only pale, blind fish, their eyes bulbous from straining to see. She pulled on Leif, ignoring the strain in her arm. She forced her tired legs to kick toward the surface.

The darkness dimmed as they moved, and the water changed from black to dark purple to icy blue. She burst through the water, and sunlight warmed her face. Leif came up beside her, sputtering. He shook his head, and water sprayed onto her.

“We’re inside an extinct volcano.” He looked up. “Palmer won’t...be...able...to find...unless...they turn into bats.”

Isabella shuddered, looking up at the far away vent, half expecting to see bats swoop in, but only happy rays of sunshine shone down. She could even make out white clouds.

Leif bobbed up and down in the water like a piece of driftwood. “I need to....rest.”

“Let me help you.” She draped his arm over her shoulder, his weight sinking her down into the lake. She sucked in water and actually panicked. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Zuto and his damn poison.

He swung a long muscular leg up on the edge and rolled onto his stomach. “Thanks.” His wet hair fanned out around his massive shoulders.

She sat next to him and admired the extinct volcano. ’Twas beautiful. The jagged rock walls were all different colors from light orange to deep red to purple. They rose at least one hundred feet straight up and ended at the mouth of the volcano. There was no way to climb the walls, but if Leif changed into a dragon, it would be so easy for him to fly...except for his damaged wing.

A sharp pain stabbed her gut, and she doubled over, crying out.

Leif turned his head. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He studied her. “’Tis the poison, isn’t it?”

“No.”

“I can help you.”

“How?” She gave him a hard look.

“By lettin’ me please you like a man pleases a woman.”

The acid burned stronger in her gut, and she held her stomach tighter, curling up into a tight ball. She broke out into a hot perspiration, and her flimsy dress stuck to her sticky skin. She wanted to rip her dress off, not caring if Leif saw her naked. She wasn’t a virgin for heaven’s sake.

“I have the gift of healin,’” he said, clearing his throat.

“Yes, I know. ’Tis not like you can lick my stomach and heal me.” Her voice came out sharper and edgier than she wanted.

Leif didn’t blink. “Aye, I know. ’Twas not your lovely tummy I was thinkin’ of. Dracul thinks if I lick your hidden curls, I’d ease some of your sufferin’.”

The pain grew intense, and Isabella thought acid would burn a hole from her stomach all the way to her back. ’Twas as if fire burned inside. Her heart quickened, and she stopped breathing, only taking in snippets of air. Sex was the last thing she wanted.

He rubbed her back. “Will you please let me try? Your face is so very pale, too pale. Zuto said you’ll be dead by the full moon. With what happened in the cave, the rogue might have shortened his damn deadline.”

Sweat burned in her eyes, and his handsome face blurred. Isabella wanted to tell him to keep his hands to himself, but the truth was that his cool touch lessened the torrid heat raging inside her. “I can’t even think of kissing you.”

“You wonna have to do anythin’. I’ll take care of you. I promise.”

Intensity filled his green eye, and his voice pleaded with her to trust him. Dracul was a red dragon, and maybe he sensed what was going on in her body and knew what was best. Or was Leif lying and just trying to think of a reason to seduce her?

She shoved the accusation away. He’d been naked practically the whole time with her, and despite his flesh being erect, he’d never once tried to rape her.

“Fine, get it over with,” she said, her voice scratchy and weak.

She’d do anything to ease the pain, even allow a vampire dragon to feast on her most secret curls.

Leif gently pulled out each of her tense legs. One arm in a sling, he had to use one hand to slowly lift up her torn dress. He brushed his knuckles against her hot skin, sending gooseflesh down her tummy. He removed her drawers, and she shivered. How was this going to work when all she’d wanted was for this miserable pain to vanish?

He spread her naked limbs apart and lay on his stomach. His dark hair brushed against her molten skin, and gooseflesh traveled up her trembling thighs. Raw desire stamped his features, his eyes devouring her. He kissed her mound, and only pain curled in her stomach. This wasn’t going to work, but then he licked her with his velvet tongue. The fever raging within her lessened. He swept his tongue over her curls again, and the acid churning in her gut eased.

“Don’t stop.”

Leif fulfilled her request. He was a master, spreading warmth and joy within her. Each time he licked her or kissed her mound, the pain in her tummy lessened. She gasped for breath, her chest tightened, her heart pounding faster. The stiffness in her bunched-up muscles faded. She tangled her fingers in his thick hair, wanting to press him against her feminine core. “Yes!”

He raised his head. “You taste so creamy.”

He flicked his tongue in and out hard and fast, discovering her sensitive zone. Pleasure gripped her so strongly she shuddered. She throbbed between her legs, and pressure built inside her. She’d never experienced anything so divine. Her first release was hard and fast, her muscles tightening until the sensitive nerve endings were on fire, but he didn’t stop.

She didn’t want him to cease, wanted so much more. It had been so long since a merman had worshiped her. She’d never been with a human, and she liked it. No wonder Angelica had decided to mate with her human. Most of the mermen Isabella had been with had been selfish and fast, only caring about their own satisfaction, but this was different, so much different. He did things with his tongue that she hadn’t known were possible.

He rubbed her clit, and all heaven broke loose. Her orgasm came fierce, and endless. She panted for air and cried out his name.

“How do you feel?”

“The pain. It’s gone.”

He flashed her a confident smile. “I told you I could heal you.”

Ignoring all the reasons to resist him, she decided to ask for what she wanted. She’d never been shy when it came to sex, and this would be no different. “I want you.”

His smile slowly faded. “Are you sure?”

“You’re going to make me beg?”

He turned his head, and the huge bruise on his right cheek had faded.

“Your face. ’Tis different.”

“Aye.” His voice was soft and sheepish.

“’Tis because we were intimate, wasn’t it?”

“I didna want to tell you. I can be healed if I have sex with you and only you.”

“Why me?”

“Dracul says you’re his mate.”

She noticed he hadn’t said he believed she was. Disappointment stirred inside her. She wasn’t sure why. She’d long believed that mating was a myth, no matter what her mother had told her. “And you?”

“I donna believe in this matin’ nonsense, but I can tell you I want you. You’re so pure, better than any woman I’ve ever seen. You’re a fighter, and even though you hate pirates, you’ve always come back to help me.”

She lifted his strong chin. “I don’t hate you. Please love me. I need you.”

“We’re playin’ into the demon’s terms.”

“Maybe I’ll not become pregnant. I am not a virgin and have never been pregnant before. So, why would this be any different?”

“Black magic is at work here. I fear his power is growin’ or he’s tapped into another source. I’ll pull out to keep my seed from gettin’ you pregnant.”

“I could be barren, Leif.”

“We canna chance it.”

Isabella sighed and leaned her head back. “Charybdis—my stepmother. She must have shared some of her evil magic.”

He ran a hand down her thigh, which sent tremors and anticipation through her. “We must tread with caution or suffer an evil fate.”

“Before we go into battle where one of us or both of us may die, do I need to ask you again?”

A circle of gold outlined his dark green irises. “Nay, you donna.”

“Help me out of this wet dress.”

She turned around, afraid if she did it herself she’d rip the gown to pieces and be traipsing around naked with the foulest pirates in the Caribbean patrolling the island hunting her.

Leif untied her laces, and she was surprised he didn’t rip any of the fabric. “You’re so gentle.”

“I have two younger sisters, and after my parents died, I took care of them.”

“I didn’t know you had sisters. Where are they?”

“Someplace safe.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “You don’t trust me?”

He stopped untying her laces. “My sisters are my life. I’d die if anythin’ happened to them.”

“Then let’s make sure nothing happens to them. Like you, my sisters are my world.” Angelica and Penelope loved her and had never blamed her for their mother’s death, or at least they’d never said anything of the sort to her. If they did feel that way, they’d never unloaded their feelings on her, since their father dumped the whale’s share onto her shoulders, never letting her forget that if she’d not investigated the sailing ship, their mother would still be alive.

He kissed her bare shoulder. “So, beautiful.” He finished untying her laces and carefully lifted the gown over her head.

Damp cold air rushed over her, and she shivered.

“I’ll make you warm. I promise,” he said as he took her into his arms.

She leaned into him. “I bet you will.”

He kindled a trail of flames from her lips to her neck, to the pulse beating wildly there. He placed his hand over her budded nipple, pushing against the flimsy material. Arrows of heat flashed down her belly and darted between her thighs.

He stepped away and removed her shift. Isabella immediately went to cover her small breasts. She wasn’t as full as Angelica, and she waited for the dreaded disappointment to fill his eyes.

He frowned. “What are you doin’?”

Heat rushed over her cheeks, and she avoided his eyes so as to not see disappointment in his face. “I know they’re too small.”

He removed her hands. “Look at me.”

Isabella forced herself to raise her head and meet his scowl, but what she met was the furthest thing from her mind.

Admiration shone in his eyes. “You’re beautiful.”

She’d heard this before but never believed it. “Except for my small breasts.”

“Who told you this?”

“I’m not a virgin,” she said, trying to hide the hurt in her voice. Her last lover had compared her to Angelica and said cupping her breasts was like cupping shriveled peaches.

“So other eejit lovers have said this to you?” A flash of anger flared in his eyes, and a small growl rumbled in the back of his throat.

She held her head up proudly. “Yes.”

“They’re fools.” Flicks of gold shone in his green eyes, and he lowered his head, his warm breath rushing over her. “They’ll never look on my treasure again.”

She opened her mouth to him, accepting the hard thrusting of his tongue. His kiss was possessive, dominating. He tugged at her lower lip with his teeth, then bit it. He slid his hand possessively over her breasts, his rough fingers tugging at her nipple.

She leaned her forehead against his. “Your treasure?” she panted.

A tremor rippled in his stubbled cheeks. “I’m sorry. Dracul said it. And I...um...it just tumbled out.”

“I’ve never been anyone’s treasure before.”

“You are now.” He stepped toward her, his manhood pressing against her thigh.

She put her hands on his massive shoulders and widened her stance to take him inside her, but he stopped her.

“Not yet. I want to explore what’s mine.” He put his hand on her lower back and maneuvered her toward the edge of the lake where there was a soft mound of dirt. “I wish this was a bed.”

“Doesn’t bother me. I like the feel of the earth on my hot skin.”

He smiled, and they both knelt on their knees. She lay on her back. Leif leaned over and captured her nipple in his mouth, sucking hard. Her heart beat was loud, matching his. She arched her back, allowing him to take more of her flesh, drowning with no way to surface. His hand was hard and hot on her body, his tongue flaming another release. She traced her trembling fingers down his back, his muscles rippling beneath her touch. He traveled his hand down the side of her curves, and she jumped, already so sensitive that when he cupped her wet feminine core, she cried out. He slipped a finger inside her, igniting the same frenzied passion he had done earlier. He rubbed his thumb on her clit, stroking waves of passion inside her. He took his time, stimulating her, creating a hunger that she’d never thought possible. The last shred of hoping for her father’s approval buried deep inside her.

All this time, she’d been trying to please him, begging for him to love her just a little. She was tired of it. He’d never understood that she’d been a child and foolish. ’Twas time to forget her cold and icy father. Mother may not have wanted this for her, but she needed something for herself. She’d always cared for Angelica and Penelope, and she needed something for her own—Leif.

“Take me,” she said.

“Not yet.”

He moved his head from one breast to the other, driving her into another frenzy of desire. She’d admired his manhood and wanted him pulsing inside her, pushing aside the fear of dying and forever losing her father’s love. She moved her hands down his broad back and stopped. The ugly purple bruises were fading. She’d never affected a man like this before, and it stimulated her into a desire for only him.

“Please,” she moaned.

He looked up at her, his eyes full of passion. He wedged his large hips between hers, and she marveled at the strength between her thighs.

“I promise I’ll go slow.”

She shook her head. “Don’t you dare. I want it fast and hard.”

He hoisted her hips, dragging her across the soft dirt floor, positioning her legs on his broad shoulders, the pulsing head of his pulsing cock lodged in her entrance. “Who am I to deny you, my lady?”

She held her breath, everything focused on that one throbbing spot. She tensed, not with fear, but with anticipation. Her nerves knotted, and she clenched her fists. “Please.”

He surged forward, the thick length of him driving through her core, filling her with one swift stroke. Her chest tightening, she gasped for breath, but couldn’t—not with the stimulating friction. His push sent her to an even stronger climax and she wanted more to forget all the loneliness and fear. She wanted to feel something real, something wonderful, something passionate. She arched up, crying out his name.

“I’m sorry.”

“Harder.”

* * *

Leif pumped his hips hard, slamming into her, relishing the moans of her pleasure. He buried himself entirely, feeling her velvet walls shrink and clutch, the pulsating sensations so strong he groaned with the need to control.

But she met his fierce thrust and moved her hands down to cup his balls, stealing his desire to command. The scent and feel of her tight sheath caressing him, draining him, propelled him into insanity, and he plunged into her over and over, driving long strokes into her, allowing the fierce sensations to consume him completely. She wrapped her long legs around his hips, pinning him to her. She was amazingly strong.

He clenched his teeth, trying to hold on when every part of him wanted to release, but her pleasure came first. He needed to spill his seed outside of her. There was no longer anger or fear or pain manipulating him. There was only Isabella, his other half, and the sanctuary of pleasure she provided.

With each long stride, the throbbing in his right arm lessened, and the numbness in his swollen fingers diminished. Broken bones and torn muscles healed—all because of this woman.

Isabella arched her back, screaming. Her release was a sweet melody to his ears. He kissed her, wanting to brand her as his. He didn’t know if it was magic, all he knew was that he wanted her. “I’ve never been with any woman like you.”

At the last minute, he pulled out, but spilled his seed onto her thigh. He hoped he hadn’t gotten her pregnant, but hopefully their coupling had broken the spell. Zuto had said that she’d be dead if they didn’t mate. He’d never said that she had to be with child to survive the poison.

She ran her fingers down his spine. “And I’ve never been with a man.”

He slowly raised his eyebrow, thinking all that she’d ask. Little virgins never knew what to do the first time.

She broke out in a teasing smile. “My brave pirate. I’ve only been with mermen, but none of them pleased me like you. You gave me something I’ll never forget.”

Chapter 11

Panting loudly, Isabella lay spent with Leif’s head on her forehead. She sighed peacefully, caressing his leg with hers. “I could stay like this forever.”

“Aye, ’tis a definite temptation.”

His long hair brushed over her shoulders, and she ran her fingers through his locks. “The cuts and bruises are gone.”

He took her hand and kissed her palm, sending tingles up her arm. “Thanks to you, my lady.”

The light in the cave dimmed. “I think the sun is getting close to setting,” she said.

“As much as I’d like to stay here, we canna. The crew is huntin’ for us and will soon discover where we’ve gone.”

Isabella studied the rocky walls looming up to the mouth of the volcano. ’Twas at least a hundred feet high and would be nearly impossible to climb. Weariness settled into her tranquil muscles. “Can you fly?”

He rolled off her, and disappointment flooded her. Cold flashed over her naked body where his warmth had been, and she shivered. Her thigh was wet where he had shed his seed. Most men wouldn’t have cared if they would have gotten her pregnant, but he’d been careful. She just didn’t know if it had been enough. They both should have been stronger and resisted each other, but something pushed them together.

The demon had wanted her to become pregnant. What if the poison had another power—such as making sure she was with child? Her chest tightened. No, it couldn’t be possible. It wouldn’t be possible. Her fear was making her mind race into the impossible.

Leif sat on his haunches and bent and flexed his right arm, muscles rippling. “My arm is no longer broken. I can fly.” He stood and offered her his hand.

She clasped it, and he pulled her to his large form. He wrapped his strong arms around her and kissed her, stirring desire again. She clutched his shoulders, marveling at how the tiniest movement revealed the power within his sinews.

“When we have escaped the demon, I promise someday we’ll spend all day in bed discoverin’ each other’s secrets, but for now, we must flee.”

She slid her hands down his shoulders to the large pectoral muscles. He gasped, and she smiled up at him. “I’ll hold you to that promise, dragon.”

He gave her a soft peck on her nose. “Aye, you’d better.” He released her and walked over to her discarded clothing.

She sighed, dreading having to put back on the torn and stained shift and dress, but she’d no intention of running around the jungle naked with the crew of the Fiery Damsel hunting her. Leif helped her put on her shift and tie the laces on the back of her dress. She lifted her hair and was amazed at how nimble his fingers were in tying the stays. “How old are your sisters?”

“They’re nineteen.”

She glanced over her shoulders. “Twins?”

“Aye, but different as night and day.”

She turned around, glad she was getting him to talk about his past. He seemed so determined to keep it secret. “What are their names?”

“Gwendolyn and Gracelyn. Gwen can make you laugh and is adventurous, always gettin’ into mischief. Grace is more solemn and thoughtful.”

“You miss them, don’t you?”

His eyes darkened, and his smile faded. “’Tis better I stay away. Let them think the worst of me, but at least, they’re safe.”

She tilted her head. “They don’t know you were cursed, do they?”

“Like I said, woman, the less they know the better.” He whirled her around and pulled her hard to his chest, his grip cruel. “Promise me if you ever meet them you’ll not tell them about my curse?”

“Ow,” she said, as she pushed on his large hand. “Leif, you’re hurting me.”

“I’m sorry.” The tension in his hand eased. “I’ve been afraid of somethin’ happenin’ to them.”

He put both his hands on her arms and gave her the most pleading look that all she could think about was a wounded puppy.

“Promise me?”

“All right, I promise. Now, release me.”

He abruptly did as she asked, and she stumbled.

She glared, rubbing her throbbing arm. “Don’t ever touch me like that again.”

“I’m sorry.” He ran his hand through his hair; the veins in his temples tightened. “’Tis been so long I’ve kept the secret from them. I couldna bear it if they forsake me for my foolishness.” He dropped his arm and hung his head. “They’re the last of my family. They’re my heart.”

His voice was so low, Isabella could barely hear it. He treasured his sisters like she did her own. She couldn’t imagine anything worse than Angelica and Penelope rejecting her. It would be worse than Father’s rejection. “They will never hear it from me.” She took his clenched fist and unwound his stubborn fingers. She kissed his palm. “Leif, they need to hear your secret from you. Nothing good will come of a secret. Secrets kill.”

He pulled his hand gently out of hers. “We havena much time.”

She clucked her tongue. He was a stubborn man, used to guarding what was his, but she feared, for all of his good intentions, that this confidence would come back to haunt him. “Where shall we go?”

“I need to get you to the Soarin’ Phoenix. The captain will protect you. They’re the only ones powerful enough to defeat Palmer.”

Suspicion—icy and cold—whisked up her spine. “What about you?”

“I’ll draw them off. As long as they think you’re not with child, they’ll pursue me.”

“What if I am?”

“You can’t be. I pulled out in time.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

“If you are, ’tis somethin’ they must never know.”

“The demon knew when Angelica was pregnant. He’ll know with me as well.”

“Like I said, the only way to keep you safe is on board the Soarin’ Phoenix and far away from me. We canna be together, lass, until this is over. We canna mate again. ’Tis too dangerous.”

With that statement, her heart clenched into a thousand knots, wishing he was wrong. But he wasn’t.

Leif transformed, his muscles bulging, his skin turning from bronze to deep red, his eyes changing from green to gold. A lethal red dragon stood before her, its wing span wider than three longboats tied together. The dragon tilted his head to its side, and Isabella quickly climbed onto its back, glad not to have its sharp talons digging into her shoulders.

Leif leaned back onto his haunches, then launched into the air. Wind soared over Isabella, and she squeezed her legs tight against his body, her hands tightening around his thick neck, but she knew she shouldn’t fear. Her dragon would never let her fall.

They burst through the mouth of the volcano, and Leif swung around. Below them, pirates were climbing the mountain and searching the jungle. Palmer was in a little clearing not far from the mountain, but he wasn’t alone. A dark-haired woman was gagged and tied up, sitting on a stump.

Palmer was still badly burned. The right side of his face was black and charred and both hands were curled into claws. Another tall pirate stood next to the woman, and he held a short ugly blade.

“Leif,” she said, as she patted his neck. “Palmer has Mariah.” She looked for William. He’d never let the love of his life be captured by his hated enemies. She hunted for William, fearing he was wounded or worse dead.

Suddenly, Leif shrieked and arched his back as if he’d been shot through the heart. It was the most agonizing and pitiful sound she’d ever heard. She looked frantically for any blood on his sides and moved her hand under his chest to feel for wetness, but there was none. He dove toward Palmer and the pirate like a speeding arrow, and Isabella had to wrap her arms tight around his neck and clench her legs tightly to keep from falling to her death.

As they whizzed toward Palmer, Isabella realized ’twas not Mariah. Mariah had violet eyes. This woman had green, the same color as Leif’s. There was only one answer. She had to be one of Leif’s beloved sisters. His worst nightmare had just come true.

* * *

Leif’s beating heart leapt in his throat, and he let out a stream of fire that lit up a grove of trees leading to the little clearing. Palmer had Gwen, his brave and courageous sister. Her eyes widened in terror as he approached.

Palmer’s skin had turned black and bubbled like shriveled up paper. The man was in pain and wouldn’t be able to heal for another couple of days, but his word was still law.

Dennis Kirkland, the ship’s copper, was with Palmer. He broke out in a toothy smile that did nothing to improve his pockmarked face. He would do anything to please Palmer—murder children, rape women, anything to save his own scurvy skin.

Palmer motioned with his clawed hand.

Kirkland grabbed Gwen’s arm and hauled her in front of him, a knife underneath her throat. But instead of wearing a bodice, petticoats, and a skirt, she wore a shirt and breeches. Why the devil was she wearing men’s clothing? Had they raped her?

Do not lose control, Dracul said. ’Tis what Palmer wants.

“Aye, come down here, ye flying lizard. Ye burned me for the last time. Your bitch sister sliced me with that there knife, and I plan to do the same to her.” He flashed Leif a victorious smile that crinkled his tight skin.

The bastard must be in agony but refused to admit it.

Palmer tilted his head, and Kirkland pressed the blade deeper into her flesh. Blood trickled down her throat. She had a cut lip and a nasty bruise on the left side of her cheek.

Lady luck abandoned Leif again. Nothing would give Kirkland more pleasure than to kill his sister. Kirkland had always competed with Leif to please Palmer, but no matter what he’d do, he’d always come out the loser.

Palmer’s left burnt hand had a bandage wrapped around it. Gwen had done this? Palmer must be mocking him. Not many men could best him in a knife fight, especially his kid sister. She wouldn’t know which end of the blade to use. If Kirkland did Palmer’s bidding and killed her, they’d both wish for a thousand deaths for what Leif would do to them.

We must get Isabella away from here, Dracul said. She is in danger. Listen to me.

But Leif ignored him. He wouldn’t abandon his sister. He’d failed her once; he wouldn’t do it again. He landed in the clearing with Isabella still on his back. He curled his lip into a snarl and snorted black smoke.

“You fry me again...” He hobbled over to stand next to Kirkland. “And you fry your sister, Black. The choice is yours. Give us the mermaid, and you can have your wretched sister.”

Gwen crinkled her brow as if she thought Palmer had been out into the sun too long and baked his brains.

He leaned close to her ear. “Aye, wench. ’Tis your brother in dragon form. He’s part of me crew. I told ye he can also turn into a vampire. His heart is as black as mine. Would you like to know what your brother’s done while a member of my crew? His deeds would cause your toes to curl and make ye turn green with horror.”

The look of revulsion in her eyes split Leif’s beating heart in two. His will crumpled. All his careful planning to keep his sisters safe had been for naught. Gwen had somehow discovered that he was a pirate on the worst ship in the Caribbean and talked Grace into following him out here. If she’d stayed in Tortuga, she’d be shopping and laughing with her friends, flirting with local lads, not bound and gagged by a man who didn’t value life. To Palmer, she was a pawn, easily discarded to get what he wanted.

The thick jungle leaves quivered, and sticks broke. Slowly the crew of the Fiery Damsel emerged from hiding, their swords and pistols drawn. Even if he released a stream of fire, Gwen, Isabella, or both would be dead, whether from a slit throat or a pistol shot.

“You’re surrounded, Black. Ye might be able to take some of us out, but are ye willing to bet the lives of your women on this?”

Gwen lifted her back heel, ran it down Kirkland’s inseam, and stomped on his foot hard. Kirkland howled and loosened his grip on the blade.

She surprised the hell out of Leif. He’d never taught her how to fight.

Gwen shoved his arm away from her face and ran.

He’d never taught her how to fight. What was she thinking? This was an island. And there was no place for her to escape. All exits were blocked by his crew mates, including Jackman. His tall friend motioned for Gwen to come toward him, but fear blinded her. Leif cursed. She didn’t know Cé and wouldn’t trust him. Could he blame her?

Jackman was taller than most of the men. He wore his blond hair pulled back in a tight queue, and he held his cutlass in his other hand. He had black tar under his eyes to keep the sun from reflecting off the water and burning his eyes. Shirtless, he wore only his leather baldric, and his breeches were tucked into his tall boots. To Gwen, he’d look like any of the other scallywags.

Leif was in dragon form and had no way to urge her to run toward Cé, but maybe he could help her. He swung his tail, knocking the men down next to Jackman. Jackman took a step toward her, but he wasn’t fast enough.

Kirkland seized the back of Gwen’s hair, whirling her around, forcing her to stand on her tippy-toes, pressing the blade deeper into her tender flesh. “That wasn’t very smart, wench.”

“Leif, is it true what he says?” she said, her voice strained. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Ah, there’s many things he didn’t tell you. Do as Palmer says, Leif.” He licked the side of her cheek. “Or watch me pleasure your sister, slow and hard.”

Leif hissed, and the men stopped encroaching them, some diving behind trees, others falling onto their stomach. The blood drained from Kirkland’s face, and his hand that held the blade shook. Leif sniffed, smelling their fear, but not Palmer’s. Even burnt to a crisp, the bastard knew Leif wouldn’t risk killing his sister. How had the bloody fiend found her? And where was Grace?

“No,” Isabella said, her voice strong and loud. “You will not kill her, vermin.”

“You open your mouth and sing, I’ll have Kirkland gut her in two, I swear.”

Palmer’s voice growled, but Leif could detect the fear beneath it. Droplets of sweat trickled down Palmer’s temple, leaking into his muddied left eye.

Despite her fearlessness, Leif could feel Isabella trembling on his back and turned his head. Her eyes were just as wide as Gwen’s, but she’d set her jaw tight. Pirates had killed her mother, and now, the man she’d lain with was now contemplating betraying her. He didn’t have much of a choice. Gwen had naught to offer Palmer, but Isabella was another matter. He wouldn’t dare hurt her unless he wanted Zuto to slowly peel his skin off his gloating hide.

Leif bowed his head in defeat, afraid to meet Isabella’s eyes. She’d never forgive him for this. She’d healed him, and now, like Judas Iscariot, he was going to hand her over to their enemies with a kiss, but he didn’t see any other way to protect both women.

You can’t be serious, Dracul said. She’s our mate.

But Gwen is my sister. I can’t let her die.

Isabella is pregnant. I can sense it.

Then Palmer wouldn’t kill her.

Yet.

Leif would find a way to save Isabella, even if he had to fly into hell to win her back.

“Transform, ye bilge scum.” Kirkland grabbed Gwen’s breast, squeezing hard.

Gwen cried out, tears streaking down her cheeks. “Leave me alone!”

The bastard would maul her right in front of Leif and then toss her to the others. Lust flickered in their shining eyes.

Isabella slid off his back and petted his neck, her soft hands trembling. “Transform, Leif.” Defeat hung heavy in her small voice. “I promised I would not allow anything happen to your sister, and I meant it.” She held her head high as if she were in the royal court. “’Tis me you want, fool. Let the girl go.”

“You’re in no position to bargain,” Palmer said.

“No?” She nodded her head toward Leif. “I have a dragon who can take me to safety at any time. You’d lose your prize, Palmer. Do you really want to face Zuto empty handed?”

A shadow of fear flickered in Palmer’s eyes then vanished, but he wasn’t fooling Leif. Zuto was a cruel and heavy-handed master. Disappointment was met with punishment, punishment that made even Palmer think twice about deceiving him.

“We have an accord. Kirkland, lower your blade.”

Kirkland slowly lowered the blade, but he didn’t move away from Gwen.

Palmer glared. “Change, dragon.” But he didn’t look at Leif. He watched Isabella to see if she would go back on her word.

Leif obeyed, his dragon body shrinking, bones and muscles changing from a proud dragon to a beaten man. He hung his head, looking through his thick strands at Isabella’s beautiful face. A face that turned as hard as granite and twice as determined.

Gwen blinked at his nakedness, and confusion clouded her eyes, but he didn’t care about the niceties. All he cared about was Isabella, but he couldn’t let Palmer know, or Palmer would use it against her.

Leif stared at Isabella, trying to digest what the foolish little woman had done. She was sacrificing herself to save Gwen, allowing him to escape the heart-wrenching choice of which one of them to save, which one would die. He’d never seen anything like this, not on the Fiery Damsel, not in the bloody fields of Killiecrankie back in Scotland. All he’d ever known was men saving their own skins.

The selflessness stirred a feeling he’d never experienced before. He couldn’t name, but it was there churning in his gut, sending his heart racing. He tried to comprehend that she’d done something no black-souled, self-serving pirate would ever dream of doing. And if she’d done this, it meant her loathing for pirates had lessened. Or was he just fooling himself? But she had cared enough for him to offer her life in exchange for his sister’s freedom.

Chapter 12

The last thing Isabella wanted to do was to walk over to Palmer and be his prisoner once again. She’d rather run through the jungle and disappear into the sea forever, never to see his ugly, leering face again.

The nagging fear that she was pregnant rose its ugly head again. She shook her head. No, ’twas not possible. She was barren.

The sunlight glittered off the knife in Kirkland’s large hand. He was no longer pressing it against the woman’s neck, but he’d already hurt her. The purple bruise on her cheek was in sharp contrast to her pearly skin. If Isabella didn’t keep her word, Palmer would do worse to the girl than just have her beaten.

She cared too much about Leif to allow him to experience such an unbearable pain. He’d suffered so much and risked so much for her. She took a step, but Leif grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.

His heart beat as wildly as hers. She leaned against him, needing to feel his strength. Eagerness swelled inside her. Maybe he’d discover a way to save all of them so she wouldn’t have to go back onto the dreaded ship and be locked in her cell away from the sunshine and the sea. She wet her lips, ready to grab his sister and jump on his back when he turned into a dragon. “Leif, what are you doing?”

He raised his head. Hatred burned in his green eyes, but he didn’t look at her. He glared at Palmer. “Gwen, first. Or I’ll fly out of here, and you’ll greet Zuto without your prize.”

Palmer spit onto the sand. “Getting pretty haughty, Black.”

Men cocked their pistols, aiming them at Leif, but Palmer stopped them with a sinister smile and a languid wave of his hand. “Don’t worry, mates, Zuto will knock him down to lizard size.”

Isabella swallowed the bitterness burning in her throat, and she slumped. Her legs trembled. ’Twas so easy for him to cast her aside, just like her father had, just like every man she’d ever met. Tears threatened to fall, but she pushed them back, determined not to let him, or Palmer, or anyone, know how much he’d hurt her. How he’d ripped her heart out as if it were naught but a thorn in his side.

“Do we have a deal, Palmer? Or do you insist on making your master wait?”

Palmer curled his lip into a sneer. “He’s your master, too.” He sounded like a greenhorn cabin boy justifying why he’d followed a drunken captain rather than making a break for it. “Aye, ye bastard, we have a deal.”

Isabella thought Leif would shove her to get to his sister, but he whirled her around and kissed her desperately on the lips, crashing the life out of her lungs. She was too astonished to kiss him back.

He whispered in her ear, “Fight to survive. No matter what happens, I will find you.”

Leif released her so fast that she could barely fill her lungs with air. He dropped his hands and clasped her jaw. It all happened so quickly the kiss, his promise—her head was spinning. She touched her bruised lips and looked into his eyes to see if there was any warmth or tenderness and determine whether he really meant what he had said, but she saw only coldness. She wasn’t even sure he had spoken. His voice had been so soft it could have been foolish wishful thinking.

Palmer snorted, breaking her thoughts. “Do you want your sister or not, Black?”

“At the same time,” Leif said.

“Agreed.”

Leif turned to her. “Go ahead, Isabella.” His commanding voice held none of the warmth and caring it had just held. She wrinkled her brow, but when he tilted his head, she faced Palmer, hoping her shaking legs wouldn’t betray her and collapse, letting everyone know the terror rotting inside her.

Not wanting to look at Leif and give into her fear, she tilted her head, pushed back her shoulders, and like a good soldier, walked toward Palmer. At the same time, Leif’s sister left Palmer’s side. As they passed, Leif’s sister mouthed, “I’m sorry.” How could she think it was her fault? Zuto held the winning dice, and they all had lost.

* * *

When Gwen was almost near him, Leif snatched her and pulled her close. Palmer wasn’t known for keeping his word. He flashed Jackman a nod, and Jackman acknowledged. He edged toward Isabella, Kirkland, and Palmer. Whatever happened, Leif took some solace in knowing he had an ally on the ship who would watch over Isabella. He just hoped she would forgive him for what he was about to do.

“Take care, Isabella,” he said. He wanted to burn the sneering smile off Palmer’s lips, but he had to save Gwen. He prayed Zuto’s command and Jackman’s fierceness was enough to keep Isabella safe.

“She’ll be dead,” Kirkland mumbled. He spat on the ground, splattering tobacco all over Jackman’s black boot. ’Twas a mistake.

“Ye clumsy oaf,” Jackman said and elbowed the man in the nose. Blood spurted into the air, and Kirkland landed flat on his back, cursing.

Unlike what he saw on the Soaring Phoenix, his crew was constantly at war with each other. The only time they bonded together and protected each other was when they dealt with Zuto.

Palmer turned his head, and that was when Leif transformed into a dragon. It happened so quickly that he knocked his sister onto the ground. A man reached for her, but Leif hissed, sending a stream of fire burning his hand. The man screamed, holding his hand, and disappeared into the thick jungle.

Leif spread out his wings. Dust flew into the air, blinding the encroaching men. He hopped into the air and grabbed Gwen, clutching her shoulders tight. She cried out, her legs kicking in the air, but he ignored her and flew into the sky, his heart heavy. He didn’t want to turn around to see the loathing and fear in Isabella’s eyes. His first priority was getting Gwen to safety, and Tortuga was too far away if he wanted to get back to Isabella.

He soared out to sea, hunting for the Soaring Phoenix’s black sails. Blue water stretched out all around, and he disappeared into the clouds. He’d no doubt that Palmer would send someone to follow them. If the eejit wanted to follow him to the Soaring Phoenix, then they’d soon meet a quick death.

Something large and green flew toward him. William. He’d never been so glad to see the green dragon and only wished there was some place for them to land so he could hand over Gwen. She clasped his legs, but had stopped screaming and kicking her legs.

“Oh, my god, ’tis another dragon,” she groaned.

William wasn’t alone. Mariah was astride his back, the wind blowing her black hair. They flew next to them. She frowned, looking at Leif’s naked back and down at Gwen. “Mon Dieu, where is Isabella?”

“They have her,” Gwen said. “Leif traded her for me.”

William snorted fire and shook his head.

Mariah scowled and kicked her heels into the dragon’s side. “S’il vous plaît, William, you are not helping.”

If Leif was a man, he’d burst out laughing at the little witch scolding the pious blighter. Even in dragon form, William could be a judgmental, contemptible arse. Leif gnashed his teeth to keep from sizzling William’s scurvy hide. Did he actually think Leif had wanted to hand over the woman he cared most about in the world? The thought surprised him, and he’d need time to sort this out—a luxury he didn’t have.

“Put me down, Leif,” Gwen yelled.

“The poor girl,” Mariah said. “Follow us. The Phoenix is not far.”

The Soaring Phoenix was sailing right beneath them as if she’d magically emerged from the ocean. Maybe she had. Mariah was a powerful witch and must have cast a spell, cloaking the small frigate. He followed William and Mariah back to the ship, but the closer he got, dread settled in his gut over the thought of explaining to Gwen, Mariah, William, and the rest of the crew why he willingly allowed Isabella to be Palmer’s prisoner. Captain O’Brien’s love for his woman was legendary, and he’d have died trying to protect Hannah, but William was a dragon, not a young, sweet girl.

The crew of the Phoenix moved to the stern and the bow of the ship as he and William landed on the middle of the deck.

Gwen scampered off the deck and put her hands on her slim hips, fire brewing in her green eyes. “What the hell happened to ye?” She flashed her gaze down between his legs as heat flushed her cheeks. “And why aren’t ye wearing any clothes?”

Men were crowding around him, and his heart beat faster as he met his sister’s furious gaze. “’Tis not my choosin’ lass,” he said. “When I change from a dragon to a man or from a man to a dragon, I lose my clothes.” When she crossed her arms over her heaving chest, he glared. “I dinna make the rules. I dinna asked to be made a dragon.”

“Neither did my brother,” Captain Kane O’Brien said, as he handed Leif a pair of breeches. “I’ll not have you walking around my ship, strutting in your glory.”

Leif snatched the breeches. His hands and legs shook as he yanked them on. ’Twas as if everyone thought he liked prancing around like a naked ape.

“Where’s Angelica’s sister, Black?”

He froze as he tied up his trousers and sighed heavily. Ronan leaned against the mast, staring at him with contempt.

“I promised Angelica nothing would happen to her sister,” Ronan said. “Angelica had such faith in you. I’d hate to break it to her that she was mistaken.”

Leif met his hostile stare. “Isabella is the strongest woman I’ve ever met. Palmer wonna hurt her, not with Zuto promisin’ to gut any man who harms his prize.” He pointed toward his demure sister. “Not like my sister who canna protect herself.”

“You daft, eejit,” Gwen said. Quicker than he thought possible, she snatched a blade out of pirate’s baldric. In one fluid motion, she’d pressed the blade underneath his chin. “I’m not weak. Donna ever make that mistake again—dragon.”

“Gwen,” he said, his voice slow and steady, “where did you learn how to use a blade? I left you—”

“Aye, you left us to get drunk and never came back.” She glared. “We were vulnerable, Leif. The streets of London werena kind. I convinced Grace to leave London and sail for Tortuga for a better life. But I was wrong. ’Tis been no better than London.”

He frowned, not wanting to think what his sisters had to do to survive. “But I sent you money, jewels.”

She laughed cynically. The hollowness in her once-sweet laughter whittled away at his steadfast belief that he’d kept them safe, away from Palmer, Zuto, and this endless nightmare.

“Aye, you did, but word of your gifts moved fast on the streets, no matter how hard we tried to keep it secret. I canna tell you how many times we were threatened and robbed. We were Scottish, we were the enemy.” She braced her shoulders back and stuffed the blade into her trousers.

“Hey, that’s mine,” the pirate said, as he reached for his weapon.

Kane held up his palm. “Leave her be, mate.”

The man frowned and grumbled under his breath, but he obeyed his captain. The difference being he did so out of respect, while Palmer’s men obeyed out of fear.

Gwen looked at Kane in awe and bowed slightly. “Thank you, Captain. Palmer took mine.” Her eyes narrowed into a deathly glare. “He soon learned I am not easy prey. He took my blade at a price.”

Hannah strolled up next to Kane, an admiring smile on her tanned face. “You cut him?”

“Let’s just say he wonna be using his left hand for a while.”

“Good for ye, lassie,” the man she’d stolen the blade from said. Respect shone in his eyes.

“She was brave enough to challenge Palmer, Kane.” Hannah rubbed his arm. “She’s one of us.”

“Or just foolish enough to get her throat slit,” Leif said. “You’ll return home to Grace and be safe.” His anger receded, and he lowered his voice, “You are safe on Tortuga?”

She nodded. “Grace befriended an old French woman who is quite ill. She has been helping take care of her and her pregnant charge, who resides with her. Ever since she started doing this, the locals, including the drunkards, have left us alone.”

“Mon Dieu,” Mariah said, as she covered her hand over her mouth. “Grand-mére.”

Ronan walked away from the mast and approached Gwen, his eyes steady. “She took care of a pregnant woman?”

“Aye,” Gwen said. “You know the woman, donna you?”

“She’s my woman. Is she well?”

“Grace is a healer and an excellent midwife. You couldna wish for anyone better.”

“She is?” Leif looked at Gwen as if he’d never seen her before. She was not the demure young woman he’d thought. Her arms and legs were toned, but it was her green eyes that saddened him. Gone was the easy laughter. Hardness and wariness glinted out of them. She’d done what she had to do to protect Grace, all because of him. He’d been at sea too long, a vampire too long, wrapped in his own miserable life to look at his sisters. One had turned into a fighter, a brawler, while the opposite was a healer.

“You’ve been gone for three years,” Gwen said, her voice softened. “A lot can happen in three years.”

Uneasiness crept up his spine. “Where is Grace?”

“Up the mountain, staying with the old woman and her charge. She wasna at home when Palmer and his men came callin’.”

“My woman had a sister—Penelope,” Ronan said. “Is she with your sister, or was she taken?”

Gwen’s forehead crinkled, and her eyebrows knotted as she went into a deep thought. “I donna know of any other female captives on the Fiery Damsel, but they kept me in the brig.” She looked at Ronan. “If she was there, I fear she was held captive with the men.”

The sails flapped overhead, and a sea gull cried. Leif looked down at his bare feet. Women didna fare well on the Fiery Damsel. Palmer let his men do whatever they wanted to the lasses after he was finished. Most of them begged for death, which was often granted.

“There’s one more thing,” Gwen said.

Leif jerked his head up at the danger laced in her small voice.

“The woman who sacrificed her life for me—Isabella.”

“He wouldna dare kill her,” Leif said, correcting her.

Gwen shook her head. “No, you’re wrong. Palmer said someone named Zuto said she was pregnant. Zuto and some woman, Caryis, Chartis, no...”

Ronan’s face paled. “Charybdis?”

She snapped her fingers. “That’s her name.” She looked at each of them for a long moment. “She and the demon, or whatever he is, plan on killing Isabella to get to her unborn child so they can perform some sort of sacrifice.”

The blood drained from Leif’s face. His heart stopped, and he couldn’t breathe. How could this be? Zuto had never planned on killing Angelica. ’Twas not his style. He had other people do his dirty work—like forcing Ronan to kill Angelica. Why was he now planning to kill Isabella himself? Why his woman?

Gwen rushed over to him and clutched his hand, the first time comforting him. “Leif, who is Charybdis?”

Confusion settled in Leif’s gut. He’d heard mention of the name when he was on board the Fiery Damsel, but only in whispers. Palmer always stopped talking about her when he was around. “I donna know.”

“I do,” Ronan said. “She was Isabella’s and Angelica’s stepmother. She’s the one who told the pirates how to capture their mother and murder her. Later, Charybdis seduced and married their father, Eldric. She tried to murder him and take over as queen, but he discovered her dastardly plot and cursed her, changing her into a giant whirlpool with long tentacles and razor-sharp teeth. She has a mouth large enough to suck down ships.”

’Tis your fault, Black, Dracul said. We’re not only going to lose our mate, but our child as well.

Chapter 13

Loneliness bore into Isabella’s soul so deep that she thought she would die. She was with the most miserable man, who stank like rotten fish. Nausea swam around in her tummy, and she clenched her teeth to keep from spilling her guts onto the jungle floor. She might suffer as his prisoner, but she’d do it with dignity.

Palmer grabbed her arm and tossed her toward his men. “Bind the bitch.”

Isabella’s hands were roughly tied behind her back, the cord cutting into her flesh. Someone wrapped a filthy gag around her mouth and yanked hard. Oil and sweat gushed down her throat, and she gagged.

“Bring her,” Palmer said, as he disappeared into the thick foliage of ferns, flowers, and trees.

Someone shoved her, and she fell onto her knees hard. She bit back a cry, refusing to give them something to gloat about.

She was forced to go into the jungle, the tall trees blinding her vision of the sky. Leif was gone. He’d promised he’d return for her, but his voice had been so soft she wasn’t sure that was what he’d said. ’Twas what she’d wanted him to say, hoped he would say, but after his fierce kiss, her mind had been whirling so fast she couldn’t string his words together.

The jungle heat cut off any air, and she gasped for breath. Sweat drenched her, plastering her thin gown to her hot, sticky skin. She was still sore between her legs, and her flesh was chaffed from Leif’s kisses. He’d loved her like she was the most precious woman on Earth, but maybe he was just a magnificent lover, one who left his women contented and longing for more.

She had to stop dwelling on Leif. He was not going to aid in her escaping. She wanted to survive, return to her people, even if she was shunned. There, she could forget about his breathtaking kisses, his tender caresses, and his empty words. She’d find a way to piece her life back together.

Someone pushed her hard. “Keep moving, wench.”

She stumbled and fell on one knee, wincing at the sharp pain. She was dragged to her feet, and a knife pointed at her back. “Move. Zuto doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

Isabella had no choice but to go deeper into the jungle. Her stomach growled, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten anything or had anything to drink. She couldn’t even wet her lips and wished she could just drink from the bubbling spring nearby, but she knew her captors would show no mercy. She pulled on her hands, but only managed to have the rope dig into her flesh deeper, turning her fingers numb. Leaves slapped at her face, and arms and sticks poked and brushed against her gown, tearing and scratching her flesh. Insects buzzed in her ears and spun around her face. With her hands tied, she was helpless to shoo them away. Sticks and rocks took turns stabbing at her bare feet, but she ignored the pain and trudged on, not wanting to endure more punishment.

Their treatment of her was different. Earlier, they had been almost afraid to touch her and had never brutalized her, but not this time. This time, they were crueler, meaner. Something had changed, and it wasn’t for the better.

The trees finally thinned, and she could see her beloved ocean. She thought about running toward it, but she’d never make it. Palmer would punish her. She remembered all the nasty, cruel instruments—the rack, whips, thumbscrews, and the chains—in the belly of his ship and shuddered, not wanting Palmer to use them on her. She hoped she’d at least be thrown in the brig and not chained to the wall like strung-up fish, waiting to be gutted and de-boned.

She walked out of the canopy of trees into the hot sun and squinted. Her limbs were bleeding and weary. She wanted to rest and wanted the damn gag out of her mouth. Her queasy stomach threatened to revolt, and she was afraid she’d choke to death on her own vomit.

A fierce pirate clasped her arm firmly, but not cruelly. He only wore breeches and a baldric. He was taller than the other men. His shoulders were slightly narrowed and his muscles weren’t as defined, but she could feel the strength in his grip. Blond strands escaped his tight queue, and his jaw was clamped shut. He didn’t even look at her, but he was a warrior, and if she tried to escape, he’d be on her faster than a running centipede. He pulled her next to him, lifting her off the ground with one arm, carrying her on his hip. She thought about wrenching free, but her legs trembled, and she was afraid she’d fall and be kicked.

Unlike Palmer, her captor didn’t stink of rotting fish. His skin glistened, and she detected the smell of coconut oil and spice and went limp in his arm. She was exhausted and needed to save her strength for when she was on the Fiery Damsel. Palmer had something nasty planned for her, and she needed to rest to fight him.

Palmer waited by a longboat, and the tall pirate brought her to him, but he didn’t leave her. In fact, he wedged himself between her and Palmer. Despite trying to brace her legs apart, Isabella swayed under the hot sun. Her throat was dry, and she couldn’t even swallow. Her stomach growled, and the men gave her smirks. One of them opened a wine bag attached to his back and took a long swig, not offering her even a single sip.

“Orders, Cap’n?” her tall captor asked.

“Put her in the boat, Jackman.”

Palmer climbed inside the boat first, and Jackman didn’t even grunt as he launched the boat into the surf. He must be incredibly strong despite his slim size. Probably more than one man had underestimated his ability and found himself facing a fierce competitor.

Jackman lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the jostling dinghy. He gently lowered her inside, opposite Palmer, and then settled himself between them. He picked up the paddle and dipped it into the ocean. Her eyes widened at the many scars on his back. He’d been cruelly punished, and some of the scars were deep. What had he done to incur Palmer’s wrath?

She stared at the water and was tempted to dive in, but she was gagged and tied and so tired. These weren’t just pirates, but vampire pirates and unusually fast. She’d not escape them. Palmer had proved this when he first captured her. She’d been helping both Ronan and Angelica escape, leading them to the Soaring Phoenix with Palmer pursuing them in the ocean. He swam as fast as a porpoise, nearly overtaking them. She’d be slower than a turtle now—easy prey.

The Fiery Damsel waited for her—a floating dungeon. She was tall, proud, and dangerous.

Palmer glanced over his shoulder. “You’ll not be my prisoner for long, girlie. Zuto’s island is not far from here, and he has a surprise for you.”

Isabella stiffened, not wanting any part of his damn surprise. She looked up into the skies, hoping to see a red dragon bearing down on them, but there wasn’t even a bird or a cloud, just a vast, depressing, blue sky.

Jackman paddled the boat to be parallel with the Fiery Damsel. Crewmen tossed down a rope ladder, and Palmer climbed up with three easy strides. Jackman pulled out a blade, and Isabella sucked in her breath. He cut off her disgusting gag, and she spit up over the boat, sucking in fresh air. She needed water to rinse out the foul taste in her mouth. He clasped her gently and inched her around so her back was facing him.

“Do not cut her bonds,” Palmer shouted.

Isabella sank into the ship. Pain throbbed in her wrists, and she could barely move her tingling fingers.

“What, Cap’n?” Jackman cried out as he slashed the binding ropes.

She winced. She rubbed her hands together, ignoring the painful tingles as blood circulated in her fingers.

“Jackman, you dolt,” Palmer growled. “You’ll pay for that.”

His fierce scowl curled her spine in fear. Jackman’s cheek twinged, but it was the only thing that showed Palmer had struck a nerve.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she said.

He picked her up by the waist and lifted her onto the slimy ladder. “Aye, I did. Black was my only friend on board this hell hole. I owe him. Now climb, lass, before the cap’n turns his wrath on you.”

Isabella forced her still-numb fingers to grip the slippery ladder. Palmer had made it look so easy, but not for her. Her foot slipped off, and she swung to the left hard, smashing her hip into the bulkhead. She cried out and would have fallen into the ocean, but Jackman caught her and gently pulled her back.

“Idiot,” Palmer grumbled.

Heat swelled on her cheeks, and tears threatened to fall, not from the throbbing pain, but from the misery roosting inside her.

“Are you hurt?” Jackman asked, concern filling his blue eyes.

“No, I’m just tired.”

“We’re almost there. I’ll climb behind you. Put your hand where I put mine, and put your foot where I put mine.”

She wanted to laugh. Unless she grew another foot, she didn’t see how this was possible, but she was too exhausted to argue. At least in her cramped, stinking cell, she could sleep and dream about Leif’s tender lovemaking.

When she was almost to the top, Palmer stretched out his hand, grabbed her by the hair—nearly tearing out a clump—and yanked her onto the ship. She screamed and collapsed onto the deck.

“You bastard, Palmer,” Jackman yelled as he jumped over the railing and rushed to her.

Palmer backhanded Jackman, knocking him flat on his back. “I’ve had enough of you. You want to save the bitch?” He grabbed his crotch. “Want to take her? You can be by her side until Zuto’s island.” He waved his hand. “Take him to the rack.”

Jackman wiped the blood dripping from his nose with the back of his hand. Men seized his arms, but he broke loose. Another drew a pistol on him, and Jackman glanced at it. He looked at Isabella as if he were fearful of leaving her.

Isabella shook her head. “I’ll be all right. Please go with them. It isn’t worth you getting hurt.”

“Aye.” Palmer seized her arm and hauled her to her feet. “Ye got that right, missy. Your life won’t be worth spit once Zuto’s done with you.”

He was trying to terrify her and have her beg for her life, but Isabella squared her shoulders and met his hateful gaze.

“Bah.” He tossed her to a squatty man with a double chin. “Take her below, Brennan. I don’t want to look at the bony lass until we’re at Zuto’s island.”

Two men grabbed each of her arms and dragged her down to the brig. She gagged on the foul smell of blood, gore, and filth. The smell of her beloved sea had changed to stale dampness. She didn’t fight them as they hauled her into the brig and shoved her inside the same cramped cell.

“Ye bloody fool.” One of them walked over to the rack and tightened the lever. The wheels creaked slowly. “This outta show you what happens when ye betray the captain of the Fiery Damsel.”

Sweat trickled down Jackman’s temples, and he groaned, arching his back, his muscles twisting and thinning until the manacles cut into his flesh. He panted hard. “I’ll...kill...ye, Brennan.”

His strained voice was low, and agony glimmered in his eyes.

Brennan sneered. “I doubt it. Cap’n’s not pleased with ye. You’ll be lucky if ye see the light of day.”

Isabella clasped the bars. “Stop it. Leave him alone.”

The fat pirate glared. “You should think about your own skin, wench. Zuto’s liable to flay the hide off your skinny arse.”

Isabella had to do something to stop Jackman’s tormentors. He was being so brave protecting her, and now it was her turn to save him. The idiots had forgotten to gag her. Drawing on her siren power, she took a deep breath and sang a song of mercy and kindness. In her music, she urged them to lessen the tension on the manacles. One put his hands over his ears and rushed out of the room, his face pale, but the other pudgy one wasn’t so lucky. His eyes glazed, and a piece of spit dribbled down his thick chin. He clutched the lever and reversed it, lessening the tension. The wheels slowly cranked and creaked, the chains jangling.

Jackman sank onto the rack, his breath ragged. He turned his head and looked at her uneasily. He obviously didn’t trust her, but she didn’t have time to win him over.

The fat man dropped his arms to his side and walked toward the doorway in a stupor. He climbed the stairs, his boots scraping on the wood.

Isabella stopped singing. “Jackman, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to be hurt.”

“’Tis not your fault. By the way, my first name is Cé.”

“Thanks for helping me today...Cé,” she said his name softly, and he gave her a big smile that chased away the tight lines on his stern face.

But his smile faded, and he stared up at the ceiling. “Ye know they’ll squeal to Palmer, and he’ll make it worse. He doesna like anyone to escape his punishments.”

She leaned her forehead on the cold bars. “I couldn’t let them hurt you and do nothing, not when I have the power to stop it.”

“You bitch!” Palmer yelled down the stairs, followed by heavy footsteps.

Isabella cringed.

Cé stared at the ceiling. “No matter what he does, donna interfere.”

Hate brewed in Isabella’s heart. Watching someone be tortured and doing nothing was not in her nature. It went against everything her mother had taught her. She hoped one day Leif tore out Palmer’s heart with his bare teeth.

Palmer barreled through the doorway like a bull shark ready to tear the flesh off the bones of his victims. The burns on his face seemed to have healed and unfortunately his hands were not curled into claws. ’Twas as if being on board the Fiery Damsel had helped heal him. He held a gag in his hand. “You’ll not possess my men again.” He yanked clanging keys out of his pocket and unlocked the cell.

Isabella darted to the far end. “Stay away from me.”

He pointed at Cé. “You sing. And he dies.”

She sank onto the hard bench and hung her head. “I promise I won’t. Please don’t hurt him.”

Palmer swung open the gate, banging it against the cell wall. “Damn well you won’t.” He marched over to her and gagged her with another foul-tasting rag that reminded her of sour wine. He tied it fast, the cloth cutting into the corners of her mouth. He tied her arms behind her back with a rope. The bindings bit into her flesh, and the dreaded tingles floated down her hands, turning them numb.

“Pleasant dreams, bitch. A long-lost relative is waitin’ for you on Zuto’s island.”

Isabella glowered, trying to figure out what the hell he was talking about. She didn’t have any missing relatives except for Mother, and she was dead.

He locked the cell, then walked over to Cé. He snatched the latch and pulled hard. The wheels cranked and pulled the chains tight. Cé arched his back as his limbs stretched tighter and tighter.

Isabella shook her head, only to have Palmer give her a deathly glare. Her vision blurred, and Palmer and Cé went in and out of focus. She couldn’t see straight. A heaviness fell over her eyes, and she swayed on the bench.

“Your stepmother awaits you,” Palmer said.

His voice was far away, as if he was calling from the top of a stairwell. Isabella slumped over on the bench, wondering why he would say this. She’d had a dream of her stepmother with Zuto on his island, but that had only been a dream—not real. Her stepmother was on the other side of the ocean, cursed into a whirlpool. The last thing she remembered before she passed out was Cé screaming in agony.

Chapter 14

“Wake up, Isabella.”

A familiar female voice penetrated Isabella’s foggy brain. ’Twas condescending and hard. She’d always hated that voice.

“What?” Isabella asked slowly. She struggled to move, but her arms were strung up over her head, and her back was pressed against something hard. Pain throbbed on the back of her head.

“I said wake up.”

Someone slapped her across the face hard. Misery slammed into her cheek, and blood seeped into her mouth. Isabella fluttered open her eyes and blinked, not sure she was seeing right. She was on a beach and dangling from a palm tree. Her toes barely touched the sand. It had to be a nightmare. Palmer or Zuto must have drugged her. This couldn’t be happening. Isabella shook her head, not believing what she was seeing. She couldn’t breathe, as if the horrible vision had strangled her lungs. Palmer had been right. It hadn’t been a dream. ’Twas real. Charybdis—her hated stepmother—was only a few feet away, looking at her with a smug look on her heart-shaped face.

“Finally awake, princess.”

“Father cursed you.” Isabella hated herself for stumbling over her words, but her befuddled brain kept trying to connect the stars. This didn’t make sense. How could Charybdis be alive—and in human form?

“So, he did.” Charybdis moved her hands down her slim figure. “I look better than I did before.” She smiled. “Thanks to a friend.”

“Zuto?”

“You’re not so dumb after all.”

Unfortunately, Charybdis did look better than she had before. She was taller, her breasts fuller, her waist narrower, and her skin perfect. Even after being transformed into a monster, she didn’t have the slightest blemish on her porcelain face. But her green eyes were the same. They contained absolutely no warmth. She’d piled her dark hair into a loose bun, and gold earrings dangled from her delicate ears.

“Doesn’t look like you’ve fared very well, darling.” Charybdis’s voice was smooth with a hint of caring.

But Isabella knew it was a disguise. “Don’t call me that.” Charybdis only pretended to care—like when she’d try to convince Father to forgive Isabella for her mother’s death. “’Tis hard to look your best when you’re on board a pirate ship.”

“Yes, your mother didn’t fare well, either. Most disagreeably.”

“Bitch!” Isabella thrust all her hate into her voice. She pulled on her bindings but only managed to twist haplessly. Charybdis was lucky. Isabella curled her fingers, wishing she could scratch out her stepmother’s laughing green eyes.

Charybdis clutched Isabella’s chin, digging her long nails into her flesh. “You’re in no position to insult me, girl. You’re my prisoner. A helpless one, I might add.”

Isabella refused to cast her eyes down and met her stepmother’s hostile glare. She gave her stepmother a haughty stare, even though her heart pounded faster than normal. She would not show fear, even though it pulsed through her veins. She was the daughter of Eldric, king of the merpeople, and she was fierce and proud like her father.

Her stepmother released her chin and withdrew a blade from a silver belt around her waist. “Zuto told me a little secret about you.” She tapped the edged softly on Isabella’s breast.

She didn’t answer and stood perfectly still.

Charybdis leaned close to her ear and whispered, “He says you’re pregnant.”

Cold terror slid down Isabella’s spine. Charybdis was a monster, but she couldn’t be so callous to hurt an unborn babe. “No, I’m not. Leif pulled out at the last minute. We only did it once.”

Her stepmother closed the distance, and Isabella could inhale her foul breath. Although Charybdis was beautiful, her breath stank like an algae pond.

“You’re a liar. I can see it in your eyes. You carry the grandson of the great Eldric, king of the merpeople.” She strolled around Isabella. “Will he be proud? I doubt it. You betrayed him once again. You mated with a pirate—the very humans he has sworn to kill on sight.” She tapped her chin with the flat part of her blade. “What do you think he’ll do with your baby? Let it live?”

“I told you I’m not pregnant. And if I were, my baby is not an it. He’s my son.”

“Oh, so now, you admit you’re with child?”

Isabella couldn’t battle the truth any longer. ’Twas pointless. She looked toward the sea, wishing she’d been stronger in resisting Leif. “I see no point in denying it. One of your abilities has always been to know when a mermaid was with child.”

“True.” Charybdis clapped her hands together and tossed her head back. “I can hardly wait to see your father’s face when I tell him.”

“Father will not care, Charybdis. He has forsaken me ever—” Isabella cleared her throat, trying not to burst into tears. “Since Mother died.”

“Yes, I know. But your son isn’t just a mix between a mermaid and human, is he?” Charybdis lowered her icy voice, and her eyes darkened.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Don’t play coy with me, princess. Your pirate is a dragon shifter. Dragon blood possesses powerful magic. Mixed with a mermaid and a vampire, it will be the strongest yet.” She moved closer, the dagger high over her head.

“No, leave me alone.” Isabella kicked her.

Charybdis knocked her leg away. “You’ll only feel a slight twinge as I cut the baby out of your stomach.”

The blood drained from Isabella’s face in one swoosh. “Stay away from me.” Her breath ragged, Isabella scanned the sky, hoping to see Leif, but all she saw was an empty blue. Fear and desperation made her break out in goose-flesh. “Zuto! Help me! Don’t let her hurt my baby.” She twisted around on the rope and kicked, but each time she did, Charybdis knocked her legs away and got closer, pointing the dreaded dagger at her abdomen.

Isabella sucked in her tummy tighter and tighter, hoping to make it disappear. “Get away! Zuto!”

Her shrieks failed to pierce her stepmother’s crazed heart or awaken mercy in Zuto’s.

“He won’t care. He’s a demon. Prepare to die.”

Suddenly, the blade flew out of Charybdis’s hand. “What?” She glared. “Zuto, what the hell are you doing?”

“Stopping you from making a terrible mistake.” Zuto walked out of the jungle.

Anger blazed in his red eyes, and his scowl chilled the sweat on Isabella’s skin.

“If you kill the baby, the magic dies with him, fool.” He held the dagger in his hand.

Charybdis put her hands on her hip. “Then how are we supposed to get his magic? You said it would be strong enough for me to take Eldric’s crown.”

Pulling hard on the restraints, Isabella tried to break free, but it was useless. “Nothing is stronger than Father’s magic.”

Zuto glanced at her abdomen. “My potion had two parts to it.” He studied her. “You guessed its dual purpose?”

The bastard had played his trump card. “’Twas to get me pregnant, wasn’t it?”

“Precisely. As for your father’s magic, your son’s is much more powerful.” He looked over his shoulder. “Charybdis get a chalice and a rag.”

“Get away.” Isabella kicked sand at him, but it barely sprinkled onto his ankles.

“I won’t kill you or harm the babe, but I will take what I want.”

She panted hard. “You’re a fiend.”

He put his face next to hers. “You have no idea.”

She opened her mouth to sing.

Zuto grabbed her hair and put the blade next to her throat. “Sing, and I cut your lovely throat.”

Isabella licked her lips and trembled, wishing her red dragon would fly down and burn the demon to a crisp. She was trapped, powerless to do anything but beg for mercy. “Please, don’t kill me.”

“Then don’t make me mad.”

Charybdis came out of the jungle with a chalice and a beaded, white rag.

Isabella couldn’t believe this was happening. She’d always wanted to mend the relationship with her father, but now, she’d made it much, much worse.

“Here,” Charybdis said, as she handed the chalice to Zuto.

Zuto put the chalice next to Isabella’s side. Isabella wiggled and kicked at Zuto. She managed to knock the chalice out of his hand.

“Hold her,” he said, as he snatched up the chalice.

Charybdis stepped behind Isabella and gripped Isabella’s arms, holding her in place.

Isabella swung her head back, trying to head butt her, but only hit air. “Let go of me!”

Zuto sliced open Isabella’s gown, and the sun shone on her clammy skin. Terror rose in her throat as Zuto lifted the blade. Her stomach leaped and for the first time, she felt a flutter of fear in her tummy. Zuto was right. She was with child, and her baby was sick with fear.

“No,” she said, but her tiny voice was frozen with horror. She tensed and tried to suck in her gut.

He stabbed her, the blade penetrating through muscle. Sharp piercing pain stole her breath. She slammed her head back, releasing an agonizing scream.

Zuto squeezed her side. Blood drizzled into the cup. Dizziness swept over Isabella, and she panted, trying to breathe.

“See,” Zuto said. “You didn’t have to kill her, Charybdis. This blood is tainted with the baby’s power. Your Eldric would not come if he thought his daughter was dead. The babe’s blood will seal his fate.”

“I don’t know...what you’re planning,” Isabella said. “But Father...will never...come. He...hates...me.” Her voice faded.

Zuto handed the chalice to Charybdis. He put his hand on the back of her neck, and surprisingly, lifted her head. “There, you are wrong. Your father does love you. Every time he looks at you, he sees his wife. And every time, he blames himself. He will come and trade his soul for yours.”

She looked into his eyes. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I promised your stepmother if she helped me with my spell, I would help her destroy your father.”

“Don’t do this.”

“’Tis done, child,” he said, as he dropped his hand from her neck. “Bind her mouth, Charybdis. We cannot have her singing to warn her father or her love.”

Charybdis tied the rag tight around Isabella’s mouth. “There. See if you can sing now, princess.”

Zuto motioned with his hand. “Come, Charybdis, we have much to do before we summon Eldric.”

Tears blurred Isabella’s vision as she watched her two captors disappear into the jungle to conjure up some spell that would destroy her father. The pain pulsed in her side, and blood drizzled down to her legs. Drops of crimson stained the white sand. She looked to the sea, wishing she had a way to warn her father. She tried using telepathy, but he’d closed his mind to her for so long she doubted he’d hear her or would even care. He might not care about her, but she still loved him and was determined to warn him.

Where was Leif? The gag tasted bitter in her mouth; the same bitterness that gripped her heart at the thought of Leif’s abandonment. He had said he would come back, but he had lied. He had his sister and freedom. Unlike Ronan with Angelica, Leif had no trouble handing her over to Zuto. Ronan had given up his hand to save Angelica. All Leif had to do was give up her.

What had she expected? Leif was part of the crew of the Fiery Damsel—the vilest pirates in the Caribbean. She and their baby would die on this cursed island without him giving them a second thought. Tears stung her eyes at his cruel betrayal. She laid her head back, and the sun warmed her face, and for the fifty-second time, she wished she had resisted his charms.

Chapter 15

The Soaring Phoenix’s top sails flapped over Leif’s head, and it was the only sound on the usually busy ship. The crew had stopped working—some still held their mops in their hands while others held the mooring lines. His announcement that he’d abandoned Isabella crushed any hope he’d ever had of being accepted by this crew. Kane, William, and Ronan had proven over and over again that they would risk their lives for their women—something unheard of on Palmer’s ship. On the Fiery Damsel, women were only tools used to pleasure a man, then cruelly discarded or killed.

But this wasn’t the law on the Soaring Phoenix. Leif wanted to argue that he wasn’t like his former crew members, but the stoic faces staring back at him bit off any protest.

His whole world had shattered. Everything he’d tried to do to protect the women he cared about had fallen apart. First, his sisters had to fight to protect themselves despite his sending them money and jewels, and then they had to fled England to come here. And now, the woman he admired most was about to get her throat slit by her evil stepmother. With the judgmental looks of the crew and that of his sister, shame sank into Leif’s lonely heart.

He had to prove them wrong. He braced his shoulders and looked at Kane. “I’ll not let Isabella die.”

Kane clasped his arm. “If you go off half-cocked, you’ll walk into a trap. ’Tis what Zuto wants you to do.”

Leif broke his arm free of Kain’s grip. “Donna lecture me, Captain.” He gestured toward Hannah. “I’ve seen you lose all reason when your woman has been in danger. I was there, remember?”

Gwen smacked Leif in the arm. “That doesna mean you to have act like a Sassenach, charging into a battle, ready to get your guts blown to pieces.”

“I’m not.” Leif stiffened. “I’m a dragon and a vampire, remember? ’Tis not like I’m rushing in there defenseless.”

“You are.” Kane stood inches away from him, and despite being a couple of inches shorter, forced Leif to take a step backward. “Zuto is setting a trap, and you’re going to make it easy for him.”

Not wanting to look like an eejit, he met Kane’s accusatory gaze. “Then what do you suggest?”

“A diversion.” Kane’s voice was sly, and a hard gleam glinted in his green eyes. He turned and met everyone’s gaze, as if judging their reaction, waiting for them to argue, but no one did. He was the captain of the Soaring Phoenix, his plans legendary. “We’ll attack, drawing the Fiery Damsel out to sea and giving you a chance to rescue Isabella.”

William started to unbutton his trousers. “I’ll go with you, Black.”

“No.” Kane shook his head. “If you go with him, Zuto and Palmer will suspect the dragons are hunting. They’ll double the guard. We need at least one dragon to keep them guessing. This is where you come in, Mariah. Can you change William’s appearance from a green to a red dragon, giving an illusion that Leif is attacking?”

Mariah’s brows furrowed. “I am not sure, Capitaine, but I can try.”

Leif rubbed his stubbled jaw. “You think this will fool the demon?”

“Maybe not for long, but perhaps long enough for you to retrieve Isabella. You need to fly past the island and then land in the water. Zuto and Palmer will expect a dragon attacking from the sky—not from the water. This needs to be fast and furious. We hit them with magic, power, everything we have in our arsenal.”

“You mean all of us, oui?” Mariah glanced at Gwen uneasily.

Leif didn’t have to guess what she or anyone else was thinking. Gwen was obviously the most vulnerable on the ship. She wasn’t immortal, didn’t possess magic, or have telekinetic powers.

Gwen’s cheeks heated as if she knew what they were thinking and faced Kane. “Give me a sword. I can fight,” she said.

Leif looked at Kane’s solemn face. “No. ’Tis dangerous.” He didn’t care if Kane was the captain. He wouldn’t risk losing his sister. Men died in battle. His past crew mates wouldn’t hesitate to slit Gwen’s throat or rip out her heart or rape her to death.

“We can protect her,” Hannah said. “She could stay in our cabin.”

Gwen’s mouth fell open and she glared. “I’m not a simperin’ handmaiden that faints at the scent of a battle. I have skills.”

Her pleading voice fell on everyone’s deaf ears.

“Are you saying you’d disobey my command?” The warning in Kane’s voice should have scared Gwen into silence.

She puffed out her chest and whipped out her new blade, aiming it at the captain. “If you refuse to let me fight, I will. I’ll cut the first man who tries to lock me up in the cabin.”

Ewan McGregor, the Soaring Phoenix’s gun master towered over Gwen, his shadow dwarfing Leif’s sister. “Fightin’ in the streets is not the same as fightin’ a battle, Gwen.”

Not wanting to see his sister thrown into the brig or worse, Leif crowded between the glowering captain and the threatening gun master. “You’re comin’ with me, Gwen. As long as you are with me, I know you’ll be safe.”

Her stubborn eyes clouded, and she opened her mouth to say something, but before she did, he hurriedly said, “You can help me hunt. ’Tis a big island.”

Gwen’s scowl lessened and turned into a smile he remembered. It used to warm his heart before their parents had been killed, but what he didn’t tell her was that he’d find somewhere safe on the island for her before she got her fool self killed—if there was such a place on Zuto’s island.

* * *

Leif flew higher into the clouds, cold air rushing over him. He turned his head. Gwen’s eyes were closed, and she wrapped her arms around his neck tight. Her black hair flew around her, and he couldn’t tell if she was enjoying flying or fearing it. She pressed her legs firmly against her side. She was so light he had to keep turning his head to ensure she was still there. She’d been so brave before she’d gotten on his back, but her bravery turned into terror quickly.

In full suits of sail, the Soaring Phoenix rode fast toward the island, guns drawn, but then she seemed erratic, unsteady as if she was damaged from the previous fight. Kane was a crafty captain. Palmer would take the bait—his arrogance knew no bounds.

Sure enough, the Fiery Damsel headed out to greet the floundering frigate. She had the wind advantage at her side, and not one to back down from an edge, especially over O’Brien, Palmer fired the guns.

A loud shriek turned Leif’s heart cold. William shot out of the clouds with Mariah riding abreast his back, but this time he was a red dragon complete with horns and a jagged red tail. He shot out a stream of fire, burning the Damsel’s top sails.

The Phoenix returned fire. The topsails burst into flames. Men screamed. Blood sprayed into the air and muddied the water. Smoke and fire clouded the once-calm blue sea. Leif didn’t want to watch the battle; he’d seen enough death to last him three lifetimes. All he wanted to do was turn Zuto’s island into a blazing inferno, save Isabella, and keep his sister safe, but if he went over half-cocked like Kane warned, he’d put both Isabella and Gwen at risk. Kane’s plan would go down in defeat.

Resisting the temptation to swoop down on the island. Leif rushed past it and dived toward the ocean at shooting star speed. His sister screamed and clung to his neck. He splashed into the ocean. Water stung his eyes, blinding his vision. Gwen loosened her grip and floated away, but he easily swam up underneath her.

She spat out water. “What are you doin’? You could have drowned me.”

He glanced over his shoulder and snorted smoke. She glared but held her tongue. He needed her to be quiet. Normally, he wasn’t a good swimmer, but in this form, swimming was as easy as walking or flying. He was able to move his legs in graceful unison and move faster than he thought possible, but that didn’t mean he’d fool Zuto. Palmer and his men would be easy to outwit, but not the demon. The demon always seemed to guess what ever devious plan Palmer designed. Leif didn’t think it would be any different with Kane. There wasn’t anything to do but take the chance and deal with the deathly consequences.

The battle raged on, and Leif hoped it was enough to distract the demon, but he didn’t hold much faith. Since he’d been forced to serve on the Fiery Damsel, his reward had been a treasure chest filled with bad luck.

He inhaled a deep breath and buried the fear boiling in his stomach. If he showed any fear, he’d terrify his sister. She had fought monsters in London, but now, she’d fight monsters that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

Gwen shivered on top of him, and he wished he could start a small fire, but he wasn’t in control of his ability and might burn her alive. Even if he didn’t, he would draw Zuto’s attention.

He swam toward the beach that was partially hidden by a cliff and hoped it was safe.

Gwen slid off his back and squeezed her tangled blond hair that dripped water onto her boots. “Remind me to never ride a dragon.”

He changed back into a man, his muscles and bones twisting and shrinking faster. The warm wind sprayed water onto his wet body, and he shivered.

His sister smiled as she dipped her hand into her burlap sack and pulled out a pair of trousers. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Ignoring her smirk, he whipped on the trousers. He wished there were a pair of boots, but they were too bulky, and if he had to change into a dragon, the boots would get split in half anyway.

Her hair pulled back into a tight a queue, she slipped past him. “Let’s go.”

She made her way down the opposite path. “Let’s split up. We can cover more ground this way.” She was a mercenary walking to her death.

He seized her arm, impressed by the toned muscle. “Are you daft? You’ll get your bloody self killed.”

“Will you release me? You’re hurting my arm.” She stiffened her spine. “I can take care of myself. I proved that on board the Soaring Phoenix.”

“Has the sun baked your stubborn brain? Zuto is a powerful demon, and he could kill you with a whisk of his hand.” He pulled her to his chest. “You will do as exactly as I say, Gwen. I canna lose you. You and Grace are all I have.”

“Your new-found chivalry will cost you the woman you love.”

Panic whisked through him. He forced himself to not run into the jungle hunting for Isabella. His feelings were a mess, but like Isabella, he could not bear to have a single hair of his sister’s damaged. He gave Gwen a fierce scowl. “I never said I loved her.”

She jerked her arm free. “Leif Alan Black, I have known you all of my life, and I’ve never seen you even risk one pence for a lady. And now you’re risking both of our lives for her. Donna lie to me.”

He straightened and did his best intimidating stance of leaning over her. He hadn’t admitted those words to himself. How could his kid sister suspect this? Her statement chilled the marrow of his bones. “Donna put words in my mouth, little lass. You’ve not seen me for months so—”

She slugged him in the arm. “Exactly. But you’re the same stubborn oaf I remember. How could you let the woman die? She sacrificed herself for me. You’re an eejit.”

“And you’re the same wild, foolish lass I left behind.” Her scorn pricked at his pride, and he hated the idea she might think he was yellow, but it wasn’t just Isabella he was protecting, it was her. Over her head, he thought he saw something move through the trees, and dread sank into his gut. “Listen to me, if I tell you to run. You run. Do whatever you can to get to the Phoenix or William.”

“No. I can fight.” Gwen turned

He blocked her path. “We need to crouch down low. Stay as low as you can. We have to climb the hill to get to the trees beyond. In there, we’ll have a cover.” When she gave him a haughty look, he glowered. “Or is this too much to ask?”

The ground rumbled. Leif stumbled. Gwen lost her balance and fell onto her hands and knees. Trees splintered, and leaves rustled. Birds cawed overhead as if trying to escape a predator. A long dark shadow covered him and Gwen. She didn’t answer him. Her eyes grew saucer wide, and her lower lip trembled. The air turned heavy, and a loud hiss made the hair on the back of his neck quiver.

Leif slowly turned around. His heart dropped to the pit of his stomach, and his throat dried up. Zuto wasn’t there, but one of his hideous, bulbous spiders watched them. Spit dripped from its fangs, and Leif could see his and Gwen’s reflection in its eight glassy eyes.

He instinctively stood in front of Gwen. Her bravery had vanished, and she dug her fingers into his arms.

“Leif,” she whispered.

“Hush,” he said. “Stay quiet. Donna move.” Leif remembered the last battle on Zuto’s island between the Phoenix and the Damsel. Zuto’s pests had ripped men in two with their powerful fangs, and the sticky strands spewing from their mouths had sliced the tops off palm trees. But what was worse was the pitiful screams and shrieks of men. They’d been in intense agony before meeting their gruesome death. One he vowed Gwen would never know.

But Gwen didn’t listen to him. She jumped to her feet and ran back toward the sea. Quicker than he thought the beast could move, the spider chased after her. Its long thin legs sprayed sand into the air, hitting Leif in the eyes, blinding him.

Leif shook his head, and transformed into a dragon, and pursued the flopping abdomen. It blocked his view of Gwen, and he had no idea where she was. He narrowed his eyes and shot out a stream of flame that slammed into the spider’s revolting body. The creature shrieked, and rushed forward, and spun around at lightning speed. It stared at him with pure hatred in its eyes and held Gwen in its massive fangs.

“Leif! Help me!”

Her voice was a whisper, and she slowly went limp. He lurched at the creature, ready to burn the thing alive, but to his horror, it whirled around and around in the sand faster and faster, disappearing, taking Gwen.

Leif hissed out a flame, burning where the spider had only been moments ago, but his fire only turned the sand into sleek black glass.

“She’s not dead.”

The bored voice stripped away Leif’s last remaining sanity. He twisted his head and released a fireball that engulfed Zuto. The bastard had taken everything from him—his woman, his sister, the very ones he swore to protect.

Like the devil himself, Zuto stepped out of the flames, not a single hair singed.

“Tsk-tsk. Dragon fire doesn’t affect me, fool. I’m a demon. If you want to see your sister again, I suggest you change back into a man and follow me.”

Leif howled in frustration, flapping his wings, and sending sand into the haughty demon’s eyes. His choices gone, Leif transformed back into a man. He lifted his head, his fists clenched and his chest rising up and down. “I’ll kill you for this.”

Zuto smirked. “No, you won’t.”

“If she’s not dead, where the hell is she?”

The demon shrugged. “In another time. It was a time spider.”

Leif groaned. Like Mariah’s brother, Lark, Gwen could be anywhere. He hadn’t any idea how to get her back. “Tell me where it took her?”

He turned and headed into the jungle. “Only if you follow me.”

Without speaking, the demon disappeared into the foliage. His arrogance turned Leif’s gut into a thousand knots. The demon had no doubt that Leif would obey. He was, after all, a slave. Leif hesitated, looking at the burnt sand. Even if he dug as a dragon, he wouldn’t find her. Zuto had the answers.

Hate boiling in his stomach, Leif trailed the bastard into the dense jungle, knowing he was walking into a trap.

Chapter 16

Leaves and vines moved away on their own as if they were afraid to touch the demon as Zuto walked deeper into the lush jungle. Not so for Leif. He had to knock away leaves and vines to keep up with the fast-moving demon. The air grew dense and hot and heavy. Leif gasped for breath, not sure why it was so difficult to inhale. He glared at the demon’s broad, bare back, wondering what evil spell he’d cast this time.

Insects buzzed around Leif’s ear, and he waved them away impatiently. He wanted to yell at Zuto, demanding to know where Isabella was being held prisoner, but it would be pointless. Zuto would make it known in his own good time. Rushing a demon wasn’t wise.

Through the thinning trees, Leif saw Isabella hanging from a divi tree.

Dracul roared. Death to the demon!

He howled like a broken-hearted wolf over losing his beloved mate.

Leif sucked in his breath, and his beating heart threatened to explode. Her arms were stretched out high over her head, her wrists bound, and her toes barely brushed against the sand. She dangled like a fish caught on a hook, swaying in the wind. Her head lay slumped over to the side.

Not caring if he died on the spot, Leif shoved Zuto. “What the hell did you do to her, you bastard?”

Zuto didn’t even flinch. He shrugged. “I haven’t done anything to the lass...yet. This was Charybdis’s doing.”

The demon wasn’t fooling Leif. He knew the demon was lying, but to find Isabella, Leif had to play the game. Leif scanned the horizon for the heathen little bitch. “Where is she?”

I’ll burn her slowly for this, Dracul promised.

His low voice was menacing, and Leif could feel the muscles and bones rippling beneath him. He fought from changing into the dragon.

Dracul, listen. We need to find out what is goin’ on before we rush down to Isabella. Something doesn’t feel right.

Then find out, you yellow-livered coward.

Leif gritted his teeth. He’d been called many things in his life, but never a coward. He fought the impulse to argue with the dragon. Yet this wasn’t the time or the place. His pride could wait.

Zuto grabbed his arm. “Wait. If you go charging down there now, you’ll get both of you killed. Is that what you want?”

Dread settled onto Leif’s tightening chest. “Are you tryin’ to help me?” He stared at the demon warily, waiting for the next trap to fall.

“I am.”

“Why?”

“I have my reasons. You will give me what I want, and in exchange, I’ll let you, your sister, and Isabella go free—alive.”

“If I donna?”

“You’re all dead.”

“Doesna look like I have much of a choice.”

“You don’t. I have a plan. Come with me, fool.”

Leif clamped his jaw tight and forced himself to follow the demon. Like Pandora’s box, once again his treasure chest of bad luck flew open, and he was drowning in misery.

Zuto took him to a grass hut. Darkness hid the demon except for his glowing red eyes. There was a fire pit filled with ash. A black and red aura flickered around the dwelling. Leif’s skin crawled as if he’d be struck by lightning. Obviously, ’twas Zuto’s power.

The demon waved his hand. “Come inside.”

Leif’s stomach tightened. The last thing he wanted to do was go inside that hut. He hesitated, not sure if he should do this.

A high-pitched scream of pain jerked him into action. Isabella! She was in agony.

“Leif, no!” Zuto yelled. “It’s a trap.”

But Leif didn’t listen. She was hurt. He wasn’t going to play Zuto’s games while she was tortured or one of those damn spiders dragged her away—not if he could help it.

This time he gave into Dracul’s demands and transformed—muscles twisting and bones crunching. It happened so fast he cried out. Flames burst out of his mouth and caught the tops of palm trees on fire. He rocked back onto his haunches and leaped into the air, his right wing shoving Zuto back into the hut.

He circled back to where Isabella hung. She was struggling to unbind the ropes, but her slender fingers only tapped on the rope. The bindings had cut into her delicate wrists. Blood streaked down one arm as if she’d been stabbed. She had a fat lip, but it was the terror in her eyes that tore out his heart.

She wasn’t looking at him. She was looking toward the ocean. Charybdis had her arms stretched high over her head and held a chalice filled with blood. Her long brown hair swirled around her like a billowing scarf. A red-stained dagger was stuffed into her belt.

Leif released a long shriek. Charybdis didn’t even turn around. Instead, she laughed, a shrill laughter that made his tail curl.

The sea parted slowly into two high sea walls. Water sprayed into the air. Colorful fish swam in the walls, but what caught his attention was the tallest man he’d ever seen emerged through the foam like a king. He had long black hair and wore only a loin cloth, reminding Leif of Zuto, but his loin cloth shimmered as tempestuously as the sea. He had a neatly trimmed beard and wore a crown of starfish upon his head. Anger flickered in his blue eyes. Leif had seen those blue eyes before. He had the same eyes as Isabella. He had to be her father—Eldric, king of the merpeople.

Chapter 17

Her heart beating fiercely, Isabella couldn’t take her eyes off her father. She wiggled and shook her head, ignoring the pain in her side and overstretched arms. She stared at the dreaded chalice in Charybdis’s hands. She’d no idea what black magic was brewing inside that gold cup.

“Father, ’tis a trap,” she cried. But through the gag, it came out as grunts and whines.

Her father’s turbulent eyes sent fear settling in her fluttering belly. He didn’t even look at her, but stared at her traitorous stepmother. If she was Charybdis, she’d have turned tail and disappeared into the jungle. But Charybdis didn’t even falter. She laughed as if she was flirting with a young school boy rather than the fiercest merman under the sea.

Suddenly, Leif in dragon form walked in front of her. He crouched on his haunches as if ready to attack, his tail twitching behind him. Isabella blinked, not sure she believed her eyes, and her heart beat hard enough to bust a rib. The despair lodging in her heart fled, and hope rushed in. Leif hadn’t lied. He’d come back! He’d come for her! Maybe he wasn’t the black-hearted villain she’d thought.

“Get your filthy creature away from my daughter!”

Charybdis glanced over her shoulder. “He’s not mine.”

“What?”

“He’s your daughter’s lover. Did I mention? He’s also a pirate.”

Disgust filled her father’s eyes, and Isabella winced.

Leif could save her father. With the swipe of his tail, he could knock the chalice out of her stepmother’s hands. She kicked sand at him to get his attention, but her big toe only managed to skid bits of sand. He hadn’t even noticed.

She couldn’t see around Leif. Sweat trickled down her body, and she struggled to free her wrists, but it was useless. Her arms shook, and the pain in her side renewed. She panted, trying to breathe. All she wanted to do was pass out, but her father’s life was in danger. She had to think of something.

“Nice of you to come, Eldric,” Charybdis said as she lowered the chalice.

Eldric tilted his head. “Cut her down—now.”

“No.”

He walked up to her and leaned over her. “You dare to defy me?” His low voice rumbled with disdain.

But Charybdis was too confident to cower. “After what you did to me? I have no intention of following you again.”

Her father was walking into a deadly net. Zuto had been able to draw out the baby’s power and had given the chalice to Charybdis. It had been excruciating, as if the baby’s heart had been removed. Isabella screamed through gag, but only released a muffled groan. She had to get Leif’s attention and struggled harder.

He turned his large head. His golden eyes looked at her as if questioning what to do. She shook her head fiercely.

Charybdis twirled her finger in the blood. “You don’t know what this is, do you?” She lifted her finger and licked off the dark crimson.

Leif looked above Isabella, and a stream of fire burst out of his eyes. Blazing heat radiated overhead, and she winced. A flash of yellow and orange blinded her eyes. She broke out in a hot sweat as if she were a slab of butter melting in a pan. Squinting, she looked up just as the bindings unraveled. She fell onto her knees and keeled over onto her side. Thankfully, none of her flesh was burned. She quickly unraveled her bindings, but her wrists and fingers were numb and it took longer than she wanted.

“I don’t care what’s in that vile chalice.” Her father’s sneer left little doubt that he thought Charybdis’s spell was powerless against him. “You will pay for what you’ve done to my family.”

“What I’ve done? ’Tis nothing compared to what you’ve done, Eldric. You’ve pushed all your daughters away, leaving you a bitter, angry man.”

“I’m not a man. I’m a merman.”

“You mean you were a merman.” She threw the blood into Eldric’s face. “Boya.”

Eldric screamed and put his hands over his face. Red smoke seeped through his fingers and swirled around his body faster and faster like a tornado. He collapsed onto his knees. The smoke turned white, then a flash of light shot out of the mist and into Charybdis’s chest. Lightning flickered overhead, and the sea churned. Angry waves crashed onto the sand. Water sprayed into the air, drenching Isabella.

Charybdis’ body quivered as she stretched her arms over her head. “Yes! Yes! Yes! Drain his power! Give it to me!” Her voice was like thunder.

Her mad laughter sent chills down Isabella’s spine. “Father, no!” Her heart racing, she struggled to stand on her wobbling legs.

Leif nuzzled her with his body as if trying to get her to lean against his side.

Eldric fell onto his side, and his hands dropped from his face. His face was ashen, and wrinkles formed around his eyes and mouth. His dark hair turned white. His muscular chest caved in, and his arms and legs thinned.

Charybdis’s body changed. Her arms and legs turned more defined, and her hair thickened. She grew taller and taller. “I can feel his power inside me.” She was giddy and swirled around in the sand.

“No,” Isabella whispered as she covered her mouth with her hand.

Leif hissed, and fire blew on to Charybdis.

Her stepmother stopped twirling, and the flames died down—not one hair was singed. “You dare defy me? Let me test my new power on you.”

Leif shrieked and stepped in front of Isabella.

“Prepare to die, lizard,” Charybdis said, as she held up her palm. “Feel my power.” White light streamed from her hand, sizzling toward Leif.

He hissed, releasing a blaze of fire. The fire and white light collided. Sparks flew into the air, then landed on the sand. Chills rushed down Isabella’s sunburned skin, and the hair on her arms lifted.

The white light pushed the fire back like a hand, forcing Leif to back up. He needed help.

Isabella straightened her back and drew on her siren power. Her stomach fluttered, and a burst of energy soared through her veins. She put her trembling hand over her abdomen. This was why Zuto wanted her baby. He knew the power that her child possessed.

She smiled. Now, let’s see if she could make her stepmother regret attacking her father. Isabella wouldn’t let her father die.

Lightning fired through her veins. She opened her mouth and sang. She sang of love, of hope, of faith. Her melody filled her with strength, and she spread her arms wide as if she could fly.

Charybdis’s smile faded, and her hand shook. “What are you doing? I command you to stop singing.” She raised her other hand, and a double blaze of white smashed into Leif’s fire. Sparks grew higher, bursting into the air.

A screech seized Isabella’s attention. William and Mariah soared toward them and landed on the other side of Charybdis. Isabella didn’t know where they’d come from or how they’d found them, but she was glad to see them. This must mean the Soaring Phoenix wasn’t far off.

Perspiration dripped down Charybdis’s temples. “Leave, or I’ll kill you both.”

Isabella detected fear in her strong voice.

William hissed, and another burst of fire spewed toward Charybdis, forcing her to move one hand away from Leif to fight William.

Charybdis might have her father’s power, but she didn’t know how to wield it. Their only hope was to keep Charybdis on the defensive. Maybe she’d make a mistake.

She looked at each one of them. “I swear I’ll kill all of you.”

“You do not know how to control the power,” Mariah said, as she slid off William. “Do not force us to kill you.”

“You do not have the power to harm me.” Doubt flared in her eyes.

Isabella walked around Leif, defying her stepmother one last time.

Leif’s fire burned brighter, hotter. Sweat rolled down Isabella’s face, and blood pumped between her temples. Her gown plastered to her skin. She sang about forgiveness and family—things that her stepmother had never known or understood.

Isabella hurried over to her father and helped him sit on the sand. He was so light, and she pushed back tears. If she showed any weakness, she’d give Charybdis a chance to exploit it. She couldn’t afford this now.

Eldric groaned, but his face wasn’t as gray. He looked at her with dull blue eyes. “Isabella?”

“Yes, ’tis me.”

She waited for her father to push her away like he always had, but he surprised her. He grabbed her bruised wrist, and she winced.

“You must help me to get back to the ocean. It will refresh me. Then....push Charybdis into the water. There, I can fight her.”

“But you’re so weak.”

“On land, my strength is depleted, but the water feeds my power. Help me.”

She nodded. “William, Leif, force her into the sea.” She took her father’s arm and put it over her shoulder. “Can you stand?”

“Yes.”

Isabella didn’t believe him. Mariah was between the two dragons and couldn’t help her. ’Twas up to Isabella.

Ignoring her wobbling legs, she held her father close and rose. He leaned heavily against her, and she faltered. She spread her legs and braced her feet to bear his weight. Even in a weakened state, he still outweighed her. “Come on.”

Both William and Leif edged toward Charybdis, forcing her back toward the ocean.

“Zuto, help me!” Charybdis cried.

But surprisingly, there was no sign of the demon. Isabella didn’t know what the demon had planned, but his devious plans would mean death to them.

Isabella sang again of hope and helped her father edge toward the sea. He dropped on one knee. Gritting her teeth, she put her hands underneath his arms and helped him to his feet. They took another step, and he staggered into her. Isabella had to push her heels into the sand to keep from toppling both of them. She panted as she maneuvered him toward the rolling waves. Her already wobbly legs strained with pain. A sharp cramp exploded in her calf, and she cried out, interrupting her song.

“I’m...sorry,” her father said. “My weight’s too heavy for you.”

“No, it’s...not.” Isabella panted and wiped the sweat dripping into her eyes. “We’ve got...to keep...moving before Zuto comes.”

Her father nodded but didn’t say anything. His body trembled next to hers. Isabella’s stomached knotted. Her father had always been so strong, so powerful, and he now he was stripped of his powers. What if he was wrong and he couldn’t get them back? Would he survive?

The water seemed a thousand miles away, but ’twas only a few feet. She half dragged, half hauled her father toward the gushing waves. She tripped over her torn dress, and they both tumbled onto the hard beach. Her father crushed her, knocking the breath out of her.

She had to wiggle to get out from underneath him. He was panting as hard as she was. She looked over her shoulder. “Leif, force her into the ocean.”

Mariah pointed. “William, s’il vous plaît, force her into the ocean.”

A dark shadow fell across Isabella and her father. She raised her head, and her beating heart nearly jumped out of her chest. Zuto blocked their path.

“Where do you think you’re going? I have a surprise for your father, Isabella.”

The ground groaned. Trees toppled over, and branches broke. Through the jungle, Zuto’s gigantic spider crept out.

“Eldric,” Zuto said. “Be prepared to go to another time. You’ll never see your people or your daughters again.”

Chapter 18

The tops of the trees moved and birds shrieked, flying in the air. Isabella’s legs trembled and her heart thumped wildly. The ship-sized spider stepped out of the lush jungle and brushed past Zuto. Its spindly legs sank into the sand. Anger and hatred pumped through Leif. ’Twas the same damn spider that had stolen Gwendolyn and taken her God only knew where. Its right side was black where Leif had burned it. He wanted to attack, but if he did, he’d leave William to fight Charybdis alone.

The spider crept closer to Isabella and Eldric. It hissed, spraying sticky strands that wrapped around Eldric, pulling him toward it.

Isabella clasped her father’s arm. “Leif, help me!”

She wasn’t strong enough to help her father, and he’d be another victim of the damn time spider.

Leif narrowed his eyes, and a steady stream of fire sizzled onto the strand. Isabella and Eldric fell into the sea. The spider hissed, and another stream flew out, but this time, Leif swept his tail hard and smacked the creature’s spindly legs. It screamed and fell onto its side, the shriek hurting Leif’s ears. The strand landed in the ocean, safely away from Isabella and her father.

Mariah lifted her wand. “Mother Isis, hear me. Lift the sand and twirl it into the creature’s eyes.”

A whirlwind wisped into the sand, churning it faster and faster. Mariah moved her hands, and sand flew into the creature’s eight glassy eyes. It let out another ear-shattering shriek.

“Stay out of this, witch,” Zuto warned. “Or you’ll live to regret it.” He headed toward her with a closed fist.

Mariah turned and waved her hand over the beach. As if by magic, sand whirled into the air, creating a wall that separated her from Zuto.

Isabella sang, and the spider stopped screaming. Her voice was pure and simple. Had she calmed the beast?

“Stop singing.” Zuto walked toward Isabella and Eldric.

Charybdis faltered, and the white light dimmed.

Attack her, now, Dracul said. Fling her into Zuto before it’s too late.

Not waiting to debate, Leif obeyed. He flapped open his wings and flew into the air. He stretched out his talons and clasped Charybdis’s shoulders. The white stream slammed into his underbelly like a sizzling lightning bolt, burning him. Pain cut through his dragon hide, and heat pierced through muscle and bone, but he refused to give into the pain and flung Charybdis. She knocked into Zuto, and they both rolled onto the sand.

’Twas as if power rejuvenated Isabella, and she dragged her father to the surface. Waves splashed onto her father’s feet, and his pinched and drawn skin lessened. His white hair grew darker and thicker. He looked at her.

“Sing, daughter. Sing the song of your people.”

Isabella sang a sweet and loving melody. As Leif listened to her powerful voice, he felt a bolt of love rush through him. He didn’t understand the words. ’Twas in a tongue he didn’t know, but it touched the anger buried deep in his soul. The pain lessened in his underbelly and heart. All the hate and resentment he had dissipated.

Charybdis screamed as if she were in agony.

Zuto shoved Charybdis off him. “Get off me, bitch.” He narrowed his eyes and motioned toward Isabella. “Attack her.”

The spider climbed to its feet and spit out a fan of sticky strands that raced toward Isabella. Leif exhaled a blaze that sizzled the strands into black ashes. He sat on his haunches. William followed suit. They both released a fiery flame, hitting the creature in the face. It screamed and fled into the jungle, thrashing down trees and bushes.

Don’t kill it, Dracul said. Or you’ll never find out where it took your sister.

Before Leif could warn William, he launched into the air and pursued the screaming beast.

Stop him, Dracul said.

I can’t leave Isabella.

Eldric stretched out his hand toward Charybdis.

Trust in your mate. Her song will defeat evil. That’s why they had to gag her. Look at Charybdis.

Dracul was right. Charybdis’s red dress was charred, and her hair was singed. Neither Leif nor William had breathed fire on her. Her flawless skin turned gaunt and stretched as if all the moisture had been sucked out of it.

She looked at her shriveled hands. “What’s happening to me?”

The spider shrieked again—a mournful, pitiful moan.

Go, now! Dracul said.

Leif hoped he wasn’t making a mistake, but he couldn’t leave his sister lost in time. He followed the trail of broken trees, trampled bushes, and shredded flowers. Thick smoke and fire surrounded the screaming beast. ’Twas on its side, and William hovered over it, emitting a stream of fire. Leif slammed into William, knocking him into trees. Leaves and branches cracked. The spider rolled back onto its side. Half of its white body was charcoaled. It hissed, but it didn’t attack. The ground rumbled, and a loud crack rippled through the forest floor. Foliage fell into it as the spider slid inside and disappeared.

Leif landed next to the crack and peered inside. He couldn’t see any sign of movement—only darkness. He wrinkled his nose at the stench of burnt decay and dirt. Was it dead?

I don’t know, Dracul said. But it’s in agony. If it dies, the only person who knows where the spider took your sister is the demon Zuto. He will not give up the answer willingly.

Heavy footsteps treaded through the forest. Leif jerked his head up. William crashed through a turned-over tree. He was in human form, and anger flared in his green eyes. He had leaves and twigs stuck in his hair. “What the hell where you doing? I could have killed it.”

Leif snorted, and black smoke blew into William’s scowling face. Another cry jerked Leif’s attention. ’Twas a woman’s cry. He flew into the air, leaving William cursing at him.

He landed on the beach and approached the ocean. Charybdis and Eldric faced each other in the sea, sizing each other up, while Isabella sang her beautiful melody. Waves washed around him. Mariah watched intently, but there was no sign of Zuto.

Cannons fired, shot flinging into palm trees. Leif groaned. Instead of the Soaring Phoenix, ’twas the Fiery Damsel. Like a black blanket, bats flew up from the ship and stormed toward the beach. Zuto’s reinforcements were here.

Mariah faced the upcoming storm and held her hands out. “They are coming!”

With the roar of the sea and the sparks flying between Eldric and Charybdis, Leif couldn’t hear what she was saying, but he was sure it was some kind of spell.

A huge wave rose out of the sea and flung at the wave of bats, but the bats only flew through the water. The crew of the Fiery Damsel would never cower from a tidal wave, but they would from a dragon.

Charybdis turned and flung a lightning bolt at Mariah. “Die, witch!”

Mariah moved but wasn’t fast enough. The lightning hit her from behind, flinging her through her sand wall and into the dense foliage. She screamed, then went silent. Leif hoped she wasn’t dead. She was a brave witch, risking her life for others.

He jumped into the air, but something sticky wrapped around his leg, pulling him toward the ground. He flapped his wings harder, but he wasn’t moving. He turned his head to burn the strands cutting into his leg. He narrowed his eyes, but more strands circled around him, binding his wings. A strand wrapped around his head, blinding him. He shrieked and bounced in the air. A strong yank sent him diving onto the hard ground, knocking the air out of him. Panic pulsed through him.

Look out! Zuto’s behind us.

“You’ll not defeat me, dragon.”

Leif recognized the cold voice—Zuto. Something slammed into the back of his head.

“Bara.”

Coldness gripped Leif like he’d been thrown into an icy river in Scotland. He couldn’t breathe. Dracul wavered in his mind and fell onto his side, his breath shallow.

Can’t stay focused, Dracul said. Can’t stay awake. Zuto cast a...death spell.

Dizzying pain spun around Leif, then all went blank. The last thing he remembered was Isabella screaming his name.

Chapter 19

Bats descended onto Eldric like locusts, slamming into him, knocking him into the churning waves. Charybdis took advantage and threw more and more crackling lightning bolts at him. He grabbed his chest and spun around, screaming, then fell back into the sea.

“Father!” Isabella yelled. She rushed toward him. Her mistake was that she stopped singing

Charybdis looked at her and raised her palm, then blew a kiss. Wind and water rose up and descended onto Isabella. She kicked and flung her arms as she was whisked out of the sea and tossed onto the sand.

She landed on her belly, coughing and spitting. Her hair hung in her face. Sand and bits of shells cut into her flesh. An agonizing shriek made her bones rattle with fear. Her hand shaking, she brushed the hair out of her face. Her heart and lungs both ceased.

Leif in dragon form lay tangled in a spider’s web. The shiniest, hugest black spider stood over him. Spit dripped from its fangs onto his motionless body.

She screamed. The spider stared at her. She could actually see her reflection in its eight bulbous eyes. She couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think.

Zuto knelt next to Leif and held a blade to his throat. Leif lay perfectly still, too still.

The demon smiled. “Yes, come here, mermaid!”

“I’ll kill you, Eldric.”

Isabella turned to see Charybdis rushing toward her father, who dragged himself out of the waves. The middle of his chest had a jagged, angry, red burn, and he struggled not to fall back into the water. He needed strength. The sea wasn’t enough.

She sang, pouring all of her soul, all of her love into the song. Charybdis covered her ears and shook her head. Eldric stumbled toward her.

“Sing one more note, mermaid, and your lover dies.” Zuto’s tone cut into Isabella’s song.

She turned. Blood trickled down Leif’s throat.

Isabella gasped.

Zuto moved the red-stained knife away from Leif’s neck and motioned for her to move. “I said to come here.”

Luckily, it was a faint cut.

“Keep singing!” Her father called from behind her. His voice was desperate.

If she walked over to the demon, she knew he’d kill her.

A shriek in the air raised Isabella’s hope—William! She looked to the sky to see Mariah riding astride his back. Her dress was torn, and a purple bruise was on her cheek.

Guns fired.

Isabella quickly glanced over her shoulder. Kane had arrived, and cannon balls tore the Fiery Damsel’s sails.

She had one chance to save Leif, herself, and their child. She could hum. With all the commotion, hopefully the demon wouldn’t hear. Her humming was just as powerful as her song. ’Twas just at a softer level. Her mother had taught her this skill. She’d never used it before and prayed it would work.

Taking a deep breath, she hummed as she approached Zuto.

The spider moved one of its long spindly legs and backed up. It shrieked as if in pain.

Zuto glanced up at it. “What are you doing? You almost stepped on me.”

A stream of fire hit it in an eye, and the shriek it let out was loud enough to wake the souls who had drowned in the sea.

William soared toward the spider. It turned, and one leg kicked Zuto, sending him flying into the jungle. The spider fled into the trees with Mariah and William pursuing it.

This was Isabella’s only chance to help Leif. She stopped humming and sang, hoping to wake Leif. She lifted her dress and ran toward him.

“Isabella, no!” her father cried as he smacked a bat, tossing it out into the sea. “Come back here, child.”

She stopped. His voice was actually kind and desperate. She looked over at him. Worry flickered in his eyes. Something twisted in her gut. Something hopeful. Something she’d thought that had been buried and forgotten.

Leif groaned, and she sprang into action. She raced toward him, ignoring her father’s frantic voice. She skidded to Leif’s side. The sticky strands were across his face, hiding his eyes, tangling in his horns. His wings were pinned to his side, and his legs were wound up tight. She pulled on the sticky strands that were surprisingly spiky and cut her flesh. She jerked her hands away. Blood trickled down her palms.

She looked over her shoulder and saw a dark figure moving fast through the trees. Zuto! She had to move quickly.

She shook Leif. “Wake up, please, wake up!”

He didn’t even groan.

“God, please don’t be dead.” Tears blinded her, and she hurriedly wiped them away. Something shiny flickered in the sand. The blade!

She seized it and cut through the thick strands that covered his eyes. Next, she sliced through the sticky strands that bound his beautiful wings then freed his poor legs.

Her tears splashed onto his bleeding hide. She didn’t care if he was a dragon. She kissed him on his lips, wanting desperately for him to wake. Her mother had said that there was power in a love song. Isabella sang a famous love song of her people that had been her mother’s favorite.

As she cut the web, she cleared her throat, and pushing back her pain, she sang in her best soprano voice, “I give my soul to one man. I give my love to one man. I give my heart to one man.”

Leif’s dragon form slowly transformed back into a man. Muscles shrank, bones crunched, and his skin changed from red to a dark bronze. It was faster than she’d ever seen.

“Leif, Leif! Please don’t die!”

Twigs broke behind her. She knew Zuto was getting closer, but she couldn’t leave Leif.

He had turned into a man, and she clasped his limp hand and ran the back of it against her wet cheek. “I love you.”

She meant it and forgave him for leaving her, for scaring her, for breaking her heart.

His hand moved.

She jumped.

Leif watched her. “And I give you my heart.”

Zuto came out of the forest. He had a cut on his cheek, and his anger would have sent a shark shrinking for safety. “How touching. Now you’ll both die.” His voice shook with rage.

A lone bat attacked Zuto, entangling in his hair. Zuto whirled around, trying to get the bat out of his hair.

Leif gripped her hand tight. “Move.” He clamored to get off the sand.

“Can’t you transform?”

“My dragon won’t answer. No time...” He panted. “Move.”

Isabella put his arm around her neck and tried to drag him away from Zuto. They managed to move away when William landed.

“Get on!” Mariah beckoned. “Zuto’s coming!”

William soared into the air, and Isabella took a deep breath. Leif held her waist, and his soft breath was on the back of her neck. He was still hurt, and she had no idea what had happened to his dragon. But they were free!

A bat flew through the trees and landed on the beach. Zuto burst through the foliage, his face scratched and his hair a mess. Before Zuto flicked his hand, changing the bat to a man, she knew who it was—poor Cé.

Black and blue bruises covered Cé from head-to-toe. Blood streamed from his broken nose, staining his chest. One eye was swollen shut. An arm was twisted at an odd angle. He’d risked his life for them and the fear that he was dead seared into Isabella’s heart, but his chest rose. She exhaled a sigh of gratitude.

Zuto pointed. “Seize him!”

Another spider dug out of the sand. ’Twas the one that Leif had been fighting. She recognized its burned side. Long sticky strings spewed out of its mouth and swirled around Cé’s legs.

He moaned. His eyes fluttered open as the spider pulled him toward it. He looked over his shoulder and screamed. He dug his fingers into the sand, but ’twas useless. He kicked his legs, but they only made the strands wobble.

“Cé!” Isabella cried. “ William, we have to help him.”

William turned around and exhaled fire, catching the spider’s abdomen. It released a loud shriek and disappeared back into the sand, dragging Cé, screaming.

Sand caved in on him. William shot out fire, turning the sand into black glass, but there was no evidence of Cé or the spider.

“They’re gone,” Leif panted. “Just like Gwen.” His voice broke.

Isabella whirled around. “A spider took Gwen.”

“They’re time spiders,” Mariah said. “From Coaybay. One of them took my brother, Lark, as well. Zuto won’t tell us where they took them.”

Leif put his head on the back of Isabella’s. She didn’t turn around. He was heartbroken and was trying not to shatter.

“We will find them, je promets,” Mariah said. She gave them a reassuring smile, but tears glistened in her eyes.

’Twas a shaky promise, at best.

The cries of the battle brought Isabella’s attention back to the ocean. Her father needed her help. He had scald marks on his skin. “William, take me to my father, please!”

Chapter 20

William stalked Eldric and Charybdis. Charybdis threw bolt after bolt at Isabella’s father. The air sizzled, and Leif’s hair stood up on his arms. The clouds turned black, and the wind blew fierce. Mariah held William’s neck tightly, and Isabella clutched her waist. Eldric spun around in the water, his face gray and his body a bloody mess. Leif had no doubt he’d be dead soon. Isabella sang, but the wind masked her beautiful voice. Everything that Leif had done to protect his loved ones had failed.

The Soaring Phoenix fired their guns into the Fiery Damsel, splintering the main mast. Wood flew into the air, and the canvas burst into flames as it crashed into the sea. Black smoke soared up to the sky, making Leif’s eyes water. Isabella coughed in front of them. ’Twas too dangerous for the women.

Kane and his crew drew Palmer and his men into battle away from the island, giving them a chance to defeat Charybdis and Zuto. But it would be all for nothing. He put his hands on Isabella’s trembling shoulders and leaned forward. “Remember—I love you.”

With that, he slid off William and fell toward Charybdis, his arms stretched out wide. Wind rushed over him.

“Leif, no!” Isabella reached for him. “William, stop him!”

William turned his head, confusion flickering in his eyes.

Leif did a somersault in midair. “William, get them to safety!”

Mariah patted the dragon on his neck. “S’il vous plaît, William, follow him!”

Leif couldn’t change into a dragon, but he was still a vampire. His muscles and bones constricted, and he transformed into a bat. He glided down toward his victim. The air grew hotter, and he hoped Charybdis didn’t turn and throw one of those thunderbolts at him. He landed on the back of her neck, his wings flapping behind her, his feet tangling in her hair.

“Get off me!” she screamed, putting her hands through her hair.

Heat sparked from her fingernails, singing his flesh. Ignoring the burning pain, he bit her head. His fangs ripped into her skull. He sucked hard, but instead of feasting on blood, acid burned his lips and scalded the back of his throat. He’d never tasted anything so foul, but he refused to stop.

She grabbed his wings and spun around in the water, tripping over her dress. She sank onto her knees. Waves splashed up onto Leif, blinding him, but he kept drinking her foul blood. His stomach burned, and his body shook with pain.

“Charybdis!” a loud voice rang through Leif’s confusion. “Face me!”

’Twas Eldric. His voice had grown stronger, but Leif wasn’t sure why.

“You disgusting creature,” Charybdis sputtered. “I’ll kill you.” She sank her nails deeper into Leif’s small body.

Unbearable pain stole his will, and he released her. Acid dripped down his mouth, burning his chin. He arched his back, shrieking.

Charybdis tossed him into the churning surf that swirled him around faster and faster. He lost control of his form and transformed back into a man. Saltwater rushed into his lungs, and he choked. Dizziness swam around him, and his eyes fluttered shut. The current slammed him onto the ocean bottom, and he scraped his skin on sand and rocks. He drew on his vampire power in order to gain the stamina to swim to the island, but he barely felt a sputter, and his last remaining strength faded.

Suddenly, strong arms yanked him out of the surf and tossed him onto the beach. He laid on the beach, coughing up water. A blood-curdling screech froze his weary heart. He turned and cursed.

Instead of William taking Isabella to safety, she stood in the sea, facing her mad stepmother. He didn’t see Mariah or William.

Isabella sang loudly. Charybdis’s hair spun around her like tangled seaweed. Black ooze trickled down the side of her head. She put her hands over her ears and twisted back and forth as if in pain.

“Isabella,” he said, as he spat on water and sand. He dragged himself to his knees.

Someone knocked him down into the sand. “Stay down, fool!”

He turned to face Isabella’s stern father. His face was tight and his body battered and burned.

“If you...go out...there,” he wheezed. “You’ll only distract her. You’ve taken Charybdis’s blood. A foolish mistake, but it will give my daughter a chance to defeat the monster.”

“Where’s William?”

He tilted his head. “Distracting the demon.”

Leif looked down the beach to see William and Mariah flying around Zuto. William hissed flames at him, and Mariah chanted. Leif couldn’t hear her, but he was sure it was a spell. Zuto headed toward Leif and Eldric, murder in his eyes. He must still be determined to get their child.

“Eldric...listen...to me. You have to get Isabella out of here. Zuto...wants our child’s power. He’ll kill her to get it.”

“I can’t. Not until Isabella can get my crown. It contains my power.”

William needed help.

Leif closed his eyes and focused. Dracul, are you there? I need you. Our mate depends on it.

Dracul appeared in his mind. He was sprawled out as if he’d been hit by one of Kane’s cannonballs.

Dracul, hear me! Wake up!

A sweet song pierced through Leif’s muddled brain.

Dracul took a deep breath, and his eyes fluttered open. What did you drink?

Charbydis’s blood.

’Tis made us weaker.

The demon is coming. He’ll kill Isabella.

The red dragon rolled to his side, his legs trembled, then he blew fire. No, he won’t.

Tingles swept over Leif, and the power of the dragon rushed through him. Muscles stretched and bulged while bones crunched and creaked. He was amazed by how fast he could change—like he was changing into a new pair of trousers.

Zuto marched toward him.

Leif narrowed his eyes then drew on his power. He blew a stream of fire that formed into a fireball and shot it toward Zuto. It smashed into Zuto, flinging him into the jungle. Trees and bushes sizzled. Wood splintered, then flew into the air. Leif’s victory would only be temporary. The demon would be back and be more dangerous.

Isabella rushed Charybdis, who had fallen on her back. She snatched the crown off her stepmother’s head. “Father!”

She threw the crown. It whizzed through the air, then landed on the edge of the beach.

Shielding his eyes from the crackling fire, Eldric sprinted to the beach, but his legs wobbled, and he fell into the sand. He got on his hands and knees and crawled slower than a baby.

“You bitch!” Charbydis spat out water. She kicked and flailed her arms.

Isabella lifted her skirt and headed for land, but Charybdis slammed her foot into Isabella’s leg. Isabella crashed into the waves and disappeared. Leif’s heart beat as if natives pounded on a drum. She was mermaid, and for her swimming under water was like breathing air, but the reasoning didn’t elevate his fear. Where was she?

Water sprayed, and Charybdis fought the waves to stand. She seemed bigger, and she headed for the crown, lust reflecting in her eyes. With black streaks in her hair and the wild look in her eyes, she was as terrifying as a demon. If she reached the crown, she’d destroy all of them.

Leif drew on his power, and red flames streamed out of his eyes, hurling into Charybdis. She screamed as her hair ignited, then dove into the surf. It wouldn’t keep her down for long, but it might give Eldric a chance to get the crown.

“You’re dead, dragon.” Zuto’s angry voice chilled Leif’s soul.

He waited for pain, for death. His energy drained, he hadn’t the strength to fight his foe.

On his stomach, Eldric stretched out a shaking hand and grabbed the crown, then put it on his head. His once-drawn face and burn marks disappeared as if by magic. He grew taller; his muscles filled out. Like a kingly warrior, he stood with his legs wide apart and lifted his chin. Lightning flashed over his head, and clouds thundered. He stretched out his hand. “Charybdis return to the Adriatic Sea.” His loud voice shook the heavens.

Charybdis fell onto her knees and stretched her arms high over her head. “No, Eldric, please, no!”

An angry black cloud swirled down toward her, twisting and howling. Bolts of lightning flashed inside. Charybdis lunged for the beach, but her efforts were wasted. The cloud scooped her up and lifted her high into the air. She churned around faster and faster, screaming. Her beauty faded, and her body grew bulbous. Her mouth widened, revealing sharp teeth. Long tentacles sprouted from her body and waved around aimlessly. She returned to the hideous sea monster. Eldric flicked his hand, and the cloud whisked her way, shrieking.

Move! Dracul warned.

Leif didn’t have to look behind him. His skin rippled with the power emitting from the approaching demon. He flipped out his wings and soared into the sky.

“I’ll get your mate.” Zuto raised his fist.

Leif’s heart nearly flipped out of his throat. Isabella was lying on her back unconscious and floating toward the smirking demon.

Eldric faced Zuto. “No, you won’t.”

Zuto turned toward Eldric. Leif ignored the two titans. All he cared about was Isabella. He dove toward her, stretching out his talons and clasped her shoulders. He lifted her high into the air.

Below, he heard Zuto cursing and the clash of lightning bolts. He didn’t care. He had to get Isabella as far away from Zuto as he could. She didn’t stir, and fear soaked into his bones that his brave little mermaid might have sang her last song.

Chapter 21

Leif flew toward the cave he and Isabella had been in when she was stricken by the poison. Wind whistled around him, and clouds moistened his skin. The island’s mountain was like a beacon urging him to fly faster. He glided into the dark cave. His keen sense of smell didn’t detect anything foul in the cabin. They were alone.

He carefully placed Isabella on the ground. He swept some rocks together with his tail, then narrowed his eyes, and fire blazed onto the rocks, heating the cold cave. He transformed back into a man so fast dizziness swept over him, and he shook his head to clear the fogginess in his brain.

He gathered Isabella’s wet body and laid her near the fire. Her skin was deathly pale, and her breath shallow.

“Donna die. I need you,” he whispered into her damp ear.

He didn’t get as much as a sigh. What was wrong? Why wasn’t she responding?

Get her out of those wet clothes, fool, Dracul said. Heal her before it’s too late.

Leif hurried and did as Dracul ordered. His fingers shook as he unlaced her ties. He jerked too hard, and the fabric ripped. Not caring about the niceties of her gown, he used his dragon strength and shredded the dress. He’d get her another one. Right now, he had to get her warm.

He cradled her in his arms, and fear doused his heart as she shivered. Leif broke out in hot sweat as the fire from the stones heated his body, but Isabella remained cold to the touch. He gently lay on top of her and kissed her bare shoulder, then licked her, willing her to awake, but he choked on bitter disappointment that smoldered any hope. He pressed kisses down her throat and ran his hands over her chilled arms, trying to get her to stir.

Lick her, you idiot, Dracul said.

Leif moved his kisses down to the hollow between her breasts. He looked up at her face, but her long lashes remained closed. A sheen of perspiration slipped down her temples.

“Breathe, damn it, breathe.” His voice was harsher than he intended, but she was a wet statue without the slightest glimmer of movement.

He worshiped her nipple then ran his hands down her sides, hoping to get her to stir. He slid his hand into her feminine curls, rubbing her to try to get the tiniest gasp from her. She couldn’t die. She was his, and after all they’d been through together, he couldn’t lose her.

He moved over to her other breast and lavished her nipple with his tongue. For the first time in a long time, tears blinded his eyes. He’d hardened himself against life for so long that he’d forgotten what it was like to really care for someone. He loved his sisters, but even then, he’d kept at a distance. Being a member of the Fiery Damsel, he’d forced himself to forget about what their parents had taught him of family, happiness, love. He’d had to in order to survive.

He heard what he thought was a little gasp. He stopped and held his breath. Isabella was still the same—a beautiful woman slipping into the afterlife.

He put his hands on her wet cheeks. His tears splashed onto her skin.

“Live, Isabella. I need you.” His heart pounded furiously, beating for two. He didn’t just need her. She was his life. “Donna leave me. I love you.”

He laid his forehead against hers silently, letting his tears fall. He hadn’t cried for so long that he’d forgotten how painful it could be. His lungs squeezed tight, and his chest constricted. He’d lost both a sister and the woman he loved in a day. His failure was complete.

Something brushed against his leg, and he tensed. He glanced over his shoulder—Isabella had moved her slender calf.

He jerked up to look into the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen.

Isabella took a small breath, and her heart beat against his.

“Did I hear you right? You love me?”

“More than anything. I’ve been alone for so long and in such misery, you complete me. How are you feeling?”

“Tired. Charybdis robbed me of my power, and soon I would have drowned.” She lightly scratched his back. “Your plea pulled me back.”

He shivered despite the heat in the cave. “How?”

She wiped away a tear with her thumb. “With your tears. The water touched my soul, bringing me back. Only my soulmate could have done this.” She pushed his hair behind his ears. “In case you haven’t guessed, I love you, too.”

He kissed her, slowly slipping his tongue into her mouth, desperate to taste her sweetness. Afraid to hurt her, he held back his desire to dominate her to make her his forever. She interwove her fingers through his hair, and chills cascaded down his back. He grew hotter. Not from the flames, but from Isabella’s soft touch and her slow, but passionate, response.

She moved her hands down his back, her fingernails scraping his skin.

“Take me, Leif.”

“You’re too weak.”

“Your lovemaking will make me stronger. You’re my soulmate.”

Isabella widened her legs, allowing him to wedge his hips. He edged his flesh slowly inside her, still not trusting that she was ready for lovemaking after being at the brink of death. “I want you, but there will be other times to love you. You need rest.”

“No, let me ride you,” she said.

He kept forgetting she was a mermaid—not a human.

Willing to grant her anything, he rolled onto his back. Isabella impaled herself on his cock and set the pace. She placed his hands on her breasts and rocked a slow rhythm. The grayness in her skin faded, and her normal pink tones returned. He squeezed and pulled on her nipples. She cried out and arched her back.

He matched her rhythm, the speed quickening. A mass of raw, trembling sensations gripped him. Blood surged through his veins, making part of him alive to her touch. She placed his hand over the top of her curls, and he stroked her. He pulled her hips toward him as he sat up to take her nipple into his mouth.

She cried out his name, then tilting her head back, she yelled, “Harder, harder.”

He rolled her onto her back and plunged deeper and deeper into her. She dug her nails in his shoulders and locked her legs around his hips. Their lovemaking was intense, furious, leading them to a climax that shook both of them.

Isabella came first, her passion full and sweet. Leif followed, spilling his seed into her uncontrollably.

“I should have held back.” He panted.

“Look at me, Leif.”

He studied her. Her eyes shined brighter, and her skin had a glistening tinge. She glowed like the sun setting in the ocean, turning the clouds to pink, gold, and orange.

“What happened? You look so different, so beautiful.”

“Our lovemaking bound us together.” Concern filled her eyes. “It’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?”

He laughed. “More than anything.” He kissed her briefly on the mouth. “That was quick and hard.” He nodded at the clouds hovering near the cave, which had a hint of red from the burning flickering rocks. “I’d like to take you slow, exploring every sensitive spot, driving you to a dragon frenzy passion.”

She tugged at his lips with her teeth. “Promises, promises, dragon.”

He smiled and kissed her deeply, and as the night rolled on, he made good at his promise again and again. He’d never tire of listening to her cry out his name as she experienced a passion that only a dragon-shifter could deliver.

* * *

Isabella strolled out of the jungle holding Leif’s hand. They’d spent the night making love. Her sensitive skin was chaffed from his kisses, and she was sore between her legs, but she’d never felt so alive, so happy—until she glanced at the beach. She stopped. Her father sat on a boulder, his arms folded across his massive chest. He was back to being the fierce defender of the sea, his crown securely on his head. The sun was behind him, and ’twas difficult to read his face.

Her thumping heart pumped blood through her like a roaring hurricane. She swallowed the fear bubbling up her throat and squeezed Leif’s hand.

“What’s he doing here?” Leif growled.

She didn’t know if ’twas the dragon or the man, but she couldn’t let either of them rip apart her father. She touched Leif’s tense arm. “Wait here.”

He glowered. “I can feel your fear. I won’t let him hurt you.”

She glanced at her father. “He won’t. I need to talk to him. Alone.”

Leif snorted smoke out of his flaring nostrils. “Fine. I’ll wait here.”

She couldn’t help but smile at her protective dragon. She hoped she was right and her father wasn’t here to hurt her. “I’ll be back.” She spread her palm across his naked chest. “I promise.”

She took a deep breath and walked across the warm sand. The wind blew a light breeze, and salt tinged her lips.

“Daughter,” her father said.

His voice was void of emotion, not a good sign, and his face was a frozen mask.

“Father.” She slightly bowed. “I’m grateful you’ve regained your crown.”

“Thanks to you.” He looked past her. “He’s your chosen mate?”

The minute she dreaded was here. Without hesitation, she raised her chin and met his cold stare, waiting for yet another rejection. “Yes, I love him.”

“You know how I feel about pirates.”

She didn’t say anything. What was the point? Angelica choosing Ronan had been a blow to him, since she’d been his favorite. However, he’d forgiven her, but he’d forgive Angelica anything.

His features softened. Was that admiration in his eyes? It couldn’t be.

“But you taught me something, something I didn’t think possible,” he said.

Her heart stopped, not believing those words were falling out of his lips. “Which is?” Her voice was so tiny that she wasn’t sure she’d spoken or if she’d whispered them in her mind.

He stood and lifted her chin. “You taught me that not all pirates are evil. Your pirate and the brave men of the Soaring Phoenix risked their lives to free you and to save me. I’d never thought it possible that pirates could have honor and selflessness.” He sighed. “Will you forgive me, daughter?”

“You want my forgiveness?” Her voice croaked.

He put his hands on her shoulders. “I’ve been filled with hate for so long that I couldn’t see what I’d done. I took my rage out on a little girl. ’Twas not your fault your mother died, Isabella. The fault lies with your stepmother.”

“I shouldn’t have—”

For the first time in a long time, her father took her in his arms. “Shhh, daughter. I was the fool to not see the evilness in your stepmother. Your mother would have been disappointed in me.” He kissed the top of her head. “I swear I’ll make it up to you. If you’ll let me.”

Happiness welled up inside her and she hugged him. “I’ve dreamed for so long for your forgiveness. I love you, Father. I always have.”

He released her and then tilted his head. “Now, let’s go see your young man before he changes into a dragon and turns me into a flaming torch.”

Isabella tossed her head back and laughed. She couldn’t believe this was happening and wanted to pinch herself to make sure ’twas real, but her father flashed her a loving smile that she hadn’t seen since her mother had died.

She motioned to Leif. “Leif, please come over.”

Leif hurried over.

Her father squeezed between them. “You love my daughter?”

“Aye, she’s mine.” Leif’s voice was low and deadly as if challenging the king of the sea to deny him.

“You promise to protect her?”

“Always.”

“I believe you, pirate, and will hold you to your word. My daughters are my most precious gifts, and if she consents, I give her to you to cherish.”

Isabella squeezed between the two of them, excited at her father’s words. She had to see Leif’s face, and he didn’t disappoint her.

“She’s my life, and I will protect hers with mine.”

Her father smiled. “Good. I never thought I’d see the day that I’d lose two daughters to pirates. You and your crew have given me hope in humanity.”

“Actually, ’twas your daughter that restored my faith in humanity and myself. She melted my heart and showed me a way out of my misery.” Leif didn’t look at her father. Instead, he looked at her with love in his eyes.

Isabella thought she’d gush into a puddle of joy and didn’t want the moment to end.

“Your friends are approaching,” her father said.

Leif and Isabella turned. William, in dragon form, flew toward them with Mariah riding him astride. They landed a few feet, and Mariah slid off William’s broad back and held a satchel. He changed from a green and blue dragon into a man. Isabella was amazed by how fast both William and Leif could transform. Mariah opened the satchel and pulled out a pair of trousers. William put them on.

Her father cleared his throat. “Seems like the magic would have provided clothing.”

“’Tis a curse,” Leif said. “Not bloody likely.”

Mariah walked over to them, but William limped.

Mariah flashed Isabella a knowing smile. “So, I see you are healed, Isabella, oui?”

Heat flooded Isabella’s cheeks. “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks to Leif.” She studied William. “What happened to you?”

“Took a nasty fall and twisted my leg. One of the bastards cut me with a blade.”

Mariah held his hand. “He will heal.”

Leif wrapped his arm around Isabella, pulling her next to him. “What happened to the Soaring Phoenix?”

William rubbed a nasty cut on his arm. “She’s berthed on the other side of the island while the crew makes repairs. Palmer put up a hell of a fight. But the Fiery Damsel won’t be sailing for a while.”

“And Zuto?” Leif asked.

“Still trapped on his island along with his dreaded spiders,” Mariah said. “We are still no closer to finding my brother. I fear time is slipping away, and he will be lost forever.” Bitterness dripped from her voice.

Eldric frowned. “Tell me of these creatures. They are magical?”

“They are from Coaybay,” William said. “There is one that Zuto calls a time spider and it has the ability to fling someone through time.”

“Like my sister,” Leif said, as misery echoed in his words. “We’ve got to find a way to find her.”

“We have looked for ways. Not even Grand-mére knows how to find Lark.”

Eldric rubbed his chin. “A time spider, eh? I have not heard of such creatures, but I know of a man that may have answers. He is many leagues from here. He visits a remote island every solstice, which is in three days’ time. He possesses a power that I have never known. He is very wise and may know of a way.”

“Father, why do you think he would know of the time spiders?”

He put his hands on Isabella’s shoulders. “He is the one that told me about your stepmother, then asked me to forgive you. I should have listened to him, but my grief blinded me.”

William frowned. “That doesn’t mean he knows about time spiders.”

Eldric glared at William. He wasn’t used to having his word questioned. “’Tis more than that, dragon. He has the power to talk to beasts, and they do his bidding. He may be able to talk to this creature and find out where your sister is.”

“And Cé,” Isabella said. “We can’t abandon him.”

“Then, we need to go now,” Mariah said, desperation riddled through her voice. “William change. We can fly there in no time.”

William shook his head. “Mariah, ’twas difficult for me to fly here from the other side of the island. My arm is not completely healed. I do not think I could make the flight.”

“I could,” Leif said.

Isabella squeezed his hand. “No, we could.”

“I will take you to him,” Eldric said. “But it is at least a three-day journey from here. Are you sure you’re up to it, daughter?” Doubt filled his eyes.

Isabella turned to Leif and wrapped her arms around his neck. “As long as I have my dragon with me, I can conquer anything.”

“Aye, you will, love,” Leif said. “You have my heart always.” He bent down and kissed her.

She knew whatever adventures that they faced, they’d face together. Her mother always said that even in a world of darkness, true love survives.

* * *

Did you like Claim of the Vampire? Want to read about more vampires and mermaids? Check out the next book, Destiny of the Vampire. This is Ewan’s story!

Excerpt for Destiny of the Vampire

June 1671

Isle of Tortuga

The angry flames grew hotter and higher, casting eerie shadows in the witch’s parlor. A glistening of sweat slipped down the temples of Penelope’s face. She squirmed in a wooden chair, winding her shaking hands into the folds of her dress.

“Morgana, why are we calling upon the demon Natasa?”

Penelope had never met a demon, and the stories of the black-hearted demoness made her want to jump out of the chair and race out of the room. After her mother died, her father had told her that she was the key in protecting her people as long as she remained pure. Before she left to care for Angelica during her pregnancy, he had called her to his private chambers. His words echoed in his head.

“Penelope, your power is growing, and it will be strong enough to protect your people from the humans and the demons that hunt them––as long as you do not taint your soul.”

Unfortunately, meeting with a demon would mean breaking the rule.

Morgana Fey opened an earthen jar with her gnarled hand and released the sweet smell of mint. “I told you, mon chère, because of my dreams. My dreams are never wrong.” Her scratchy voice was strong and sent icy chills down Penelope’s back.

Penelope absently toyed with the enchanted pearl necklace that dangled around her neck. Her father had given it to her. Each pearl reflected the state of her soul, and as long as they remained pure, her powers would grow.

“Morgana, I don’t think I should be around a demon,” she said slowly.

The witch gave her a hard stare. “You cannot hide from your destiny.”

Penelope lifted her head and repeated what her father had told her over and over again. “My destiny is to protect my people.”

“I know what your father told you, but not even he can stop fate.”

Chills flushed down her back, and she worried Morgana knew she’d fail like she did in everything else. Trying not to focus on her rising fear or self-doubt, Penelope changed the subject and painted a false smile. “That smells good. What is it?”

“’Tis Pennyroyal.”

Penelope waited for Morgana to give her an explanation. Instead, she opened two more jars. The aroma of anise and green tomatoes filled the room. She mixed all three herbs, then took a handful and tossed it into the fire.

The flickering blaze changed colors from red to green to purple and highlighted Morgana’s white hair with a ray of rainbows. If Penelope wasn’t quaking so bad, she’d have thought ’twas beautiful.

Morgana coughed, her body shaking, then put her frail arm across her mouth.

Penelope picked up a pitcher and poured water into a goblet. “Morgana, here, drink this. Maybe we shouldn’t be dabbling in black magic.” She trembled as she thought of her father’s fierce reprimand and disappointment if he knew they were calling forth a demon.

Her violet eyes watering, Morgana inhaled a shaky breath and took a swallow. She gave Penelope a sly look. “Think you are the only one in danger?”

“I know I’m not.”

“Demons will start with those you care for most.”

Guilt flushed Penelope’s cheeks, and she avoided the witch’s perceptive gaze. Morgana was a powerful witch, but her health was failing. Penelope didn’t think Morgana had the strength to face a demon.

Penelope sat straighter in her chair. “You mean Angelica and the twins?” She couldn’t entertain the thought of losing the precious babies and her sister Angelica. Bringing her niece and nephew into the world had been the most exciting thing she’d ever done. She’d do anything to protect them—even face a demon. “We should wait for my father. The king of the merpeople is more powerful than a demon.”

Morgana cleared her throat. “Eldric would not get here in time. He is slated to help the Soaring Phoenix reach the island, as you are destined to face Natasa.”

Penelope doubted her father would want his youngest daughter facing a demon without him. Unlike her older sisters, she was small and frail and clumsy. “But I’m not—”

“Powerful enough? You have always underestimated yourself, mon chou.”

Penelope refused to get in the same argument with her.

Morgana frowned. “We need to prepare.” She shuffled over to another table. Her arms trembling, she picked up a pitcher.

Penelope hurried over. “Here, let me help you.”

“Nonsense. Sit, princess. You need to find some bravery in your willow reed body.” She dropped the pitcher onto the table, but luckily it didn’t break. “This wine has been charged with dragon’s blood and eyebright.” She poured the wine into a goblet and sat it in front of Penelope. “Drink, chère.”

Penelope eyed the goblet suspiciously. She sniffed and only detected the fragrant smell of fruity wine. The last time she’d drank any spirits she’d accidentally made it snow in her quarters for a month. But what was worse, one of the pearls on her necklace went from pure white to ghostly white––her father had banished her to her room for six months.

Morgana slapped her palm on the table. “Drink! Before ’tis too late.”

Penelope snatched the goblet, splashing crimson onto the table. Ignoring her dread, she drank the wine in one swift gulp. It was smooth with a taste of chocolate. Her eyes blurred, then the room spun around. She wiped her damp forehead with her palm. “Sorry...I usually don’t drink.”

Morgana chuckled. “You are a special girl, and you will soon find out how special.”

Penelope gave her a slight smile, knowing Morgana’s powers were fading if, like her father, she thought Penelope was going to do something great.

She patted Penelope’s warm hand. “I know you do not believe me, mon chou, but nevertheless, ’tis true.” Her old eyes grew hard. “She is coming. Do not let her see your doubt. It will be your downfall.”

Penelope thought she’d be sweating, but an icy cold descended on her like a wet blanket. She shivered and could see her breath.

The blaze swirled around faster and faster. Sparks crackled. A shape formed into a feminine face—flames turned to fiery red hair, lips formed into a smirking smile. Blood-red eyes stared at Penelope, stilling her rapid heartbeat.

Morgana thumped her cane on the floor, drawing the demon’s attention away from Penelope. “What do you want, Natasa? You have haunted my dreams enough.”

Penelope released a shaky breath and tried to imitate Morgana’s stoic face.

“No greetings? No hello? Tsk, tsk. How disappointing.” Natasa’s purring voice was an obvious attempt to bait Morgana, but the old witch was wise to her tricks.

Not a muscle moved in her face, and she looked at the demon with boredom instead of the terror festering inside of Penelope. Morgana flicked her hand. “Out with it, demon.”

Natasa turned away from Morgana to more timid game. “You’re in danger, frightened one. Zuto has found a way off the island.”

The fire crackled and highlighted Morgana’s white brows that had crinkled. She was deep in thought as if going through her mind every magical incantation that could free a god’s spell.

Penelope clenched her teeth to keep back a gasp. Zuto was even more terrifying than Natasa, and if he’d escaped from the island his lord had imprisoned him on, all of their lives would be in danger. Her father kept telling her she was powerful enough if she remained pristine, but what if he was wrong? They’d all die.

Morgana finally spoke, the tension gone from her face. “Nonsense. You lie.”

Natasa raised a slender eyebrow. “Do I? Let me tell you this, old crone. Zuto is sending a time spider after your pretty, useless princess. One bite is all he needs.”

About the Author

Award Winning Author M.L. Guida loves science fiction and the paranormal. From Star Trek to Dark Shadows to Supernatural, she fell in love with things that go bump in the night. But it was the heroes, she loved the best. No matter what happened, those characters never gave up. Now, her heroes are following their footsteps. Whether it's a shape shifter from outer space or a vampire from the past, her wounded heroes always find a way to conquer battles and win the heart of the feisty heroine. Because even in a world of darkness, true love survive.

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