And then, a faint rustling…scratching…skittering claws.
Ayida smiled.“A storm be brewin’, Captain,” she murmured.“But it won’t be from de skies.”
She tucked the talisman into the shadows behind the crate, doused the lantern, and melted away into the dark, leaving behind only the whisper of her song and the gnawing of teeth.
♥
Desi was never one to sit around and do nothing.She’d been a hard worker her entire life.Not that she had any choice.She’d been only ten when her father died and just months later, her mother followed him, leaving her alone with a sick sister and an eccentric grandfather.Regardless, she’d excelled at school, and instead of going to college, she’d taken over her grandfather’s failing company and turned it into a success.RunningOcean’s Echoand caring for her sister left little time to relax.
But sitting in this tiny cabin, watching the sunlight leap over the bulkhead and listening to the dash of the sea against the hull was making her crazy.Apparently whatever ship they’d sighted had not been worthy of their attention, for they’d neither increased in speed nor run out their guns for the chase.Hours had passed, at least it seemed like hours.And by the shadows creeping across the cabin, shoving aside the light, she assumed night was approaching.
One quick look out the window revealed the fading crimson and gold of a sunset, no doubt positioned on the other side of the ship.Which meant they traveled north.
But north from where?She plopped back onto the cot and dropped her head in her hands.
How could this be happening?
The words of her grandfather came back to haunt her.
You’ll find all you need upon that ship, my little urchin.All you’ve ever desired.It must be you.You’re the one it calls to.
Could he have known she’d be transported back in time?But how?It made no sense!
Yet here she was.Her growling stomach, knotted nerves, and the weight of heaviness on her eyelids destroyed all hope she was dreaming.One did not feel such things when sleeping, right?
One certainly did not feel the strange sensations she felt when in the captain’s presence.As if she knew him, as if she trusted him…a man who locked her up and threatened her!
Yet a man who came to her defense against the lustful glances of that sailor…what was his name?Liam.Not that she couldn’t handle him.But if she admitted it, the chivalrous act warmed her more than it should any modern, liberated woman.
A light scuffing sound came from beneath her cot.Rats?Of course there would be rats aboard a ship.Hoisting her feet onto the bed, she waited, wondering what they could find to eat in the cabin.
A furry head poked out and then a moment later, two paws stretched across the deck before a black cat appeared, stared at her curiously, and then sprang into her lap.Patches!
She’d laugh if she weren’t so terrified.“How did you get in here, little one?”Hugging the feline, she stroked her fur, enjoying the low rumble of purrs.At least someone liked her aboard this ship.
“I’m sorry, Patches.I’m afraid you’re stuck in here with me.”
The lock clanked and the door flung open so fast, it crashed against the bulkhead.A tall man with few teeth and even less hair stared first at her, then at Patches.Smirking, his fingers tightened around the blade at his belt.
“Cap’n says come to dinner.”
“Tell him…” she started to say, but then bit her lip.If she really was in 1718 and the captain really was a pirateor ex-pirate, it wouldn’t be good to defy him outright.Besides, shewasstarving.
Hoisting Patches in her arms, she followed the beast out the door and down a lantern-lit hall to the captain’s cabin once again.
The heavy oak door creaked as Desi stepped inside, the scents of roasted meat, sweat, rum, and salt assaulting her senses.A long, scarred table dominated the room, mismatched pewter plates already laid out while flickering lanterns cast golden light on the gathering of men.Patches wiggled in her arms.
Five pairs of eyes immediately swerved to her, each set carrying a different reaction and sentiment.Pushing out his chair, the captain stood, along with Alden.The rest continued their gawking until one rather defiant throat-clear from the captain forced them all to rise.
Men who stood when a lady entered?Desi never thought she’d enjoy such an honor.
That honor faded as sparks fired from the captain’s eyes.“You stole my cat!”He charged toward her and snatched Patches from her arms.
“Apparently,” she spat back.“She prefers my company to yours.”
Several of the men chuckled.
Scowling, the captain set Patches in a wooden crate filled with blankets in the corner.
