Hook
There was always a feast when his ship returned. Food roasted over the fire. Kegs of ale tapped and poured until they ran dry. The best bottles of rum brought out from cabinets. Music wove through the night. People danced.
Pulling his crew away from home so soon grated against his heart—a black heart some called it. It still hurt to see the homesickness they tried to hide: smiles a little too broad, laughter a touch too loud, sudden silences. Maybe no one else noticed, but he did.
It couldn’t be helped. There’d be no time for them to rest until they’d claimed their reward from Titania. Once the storms were off their heels, he’d have another problem to worry about: theKrakenand its bloody captain.
Smee’s sisters swarmed around Tink like bees to a flower. It was hard to tear his eyes from her. For some reason, he wanted her smiles, her joy. He wanted her to be at peace here, but that was the very last thing he saw. Her back was straight and stiff inthe chair she occupied. She’d flash one of the sisters a smile here or there, but he’d wager they weren’t genuine. She tried maybe, but something held her back. Her gaze kept darting around the room, barely landing on him for a moment before moving on. Those pretty wings were still bound despite the assurance that none here would threaten her.
She’d barely spoken to him since they left the merfolk. He couldn’t puzzle her out. Why kiss him so passionately, then spurn him? Women didn’t spurn Captain Hook, not after a kiss like that. He’d even told her his bloody name.
It was impossible not to watch her when she was on the deck of theJolly Roger—sun slanting through her wings, shining from her hair. The way she laughed with some of his crew… Never him, though. Each time their gazes locked, she’d turn away faster than a minnow from a shark.
A distraction, that’s what she was. Even so, the thought of her running off again caused a heaviness in his chest he couldn’t quite place.
A lean form blocked his view. “Take me with you to the Shrouded Isles!”
Smee’s youngest sister, Rell, stood with her hand on her hips. Unlike her sisters with their fancy dresses, she preferred breeches and a tunic—sailor’s clothes.
“No.” The gangly teen was eager, but that didn’t make up for a lack of experience, and the Shrouded Isles was the very last place he’d take a new crew member.
“But you said I could join the crew on the next adventure,” she pouted.
He tried to look past her, beyond the fire blazing in the hearth of the greatroom and the many bodies between him and Tink, but Rell moved with him.
“Captain, please, I’m ready!”
“Aye, you are, but we’re not. This is a dangerous mission. It’s not the time to learn the ropes.”
The girl fumed, her fists balled and lips pursed. “You’ll always treat me like a little kid.”
“On the contrary,” he grinned. “I have an important task, one I need you here for.”
She beamed. “Tell me.”
“We ran afoul of Captain Blackbeard on the way here.”
Her nose wrinkled. “That bastard.”
“Language,” he reprimanded. He wouldn’t have her talking like a sailor before she was one, however eager.
“Keep an eye on the horizon. Watch for his sails. Any trouble, you’re in charge here while I’m gone.”
Her eyes flew wide. “You mean it!”
“Aye.”
She squealed, a shrill and terrible sound, before bouncing off into the crowd.
“Be careful what you promise,” Barley said, taking the chair next to him.
Hook sipped at his rum. “If it keeps her from following after us in a rowboat, it’s worth it.”
Barley snorted. “Worth it foryou. Reya’s going to have my head if she has to take orders from her youngest sister.”
A grin stretched his lips. Smee’s sisters were as proud and loyal as their brother, and quite a good bit savvier too. But Reya would need help with a little one about to make an appearance any day now. Keeping her overeager sister occupied couldn’t hurt. “Speaking of Reya, you should stay here when we leave port.”
“Captain—”
