ABBY

Chapter 20

Lawrence stands on the deck, leaning against the railing of the Black Swallow. He's mind is playing a round of tag with him. The conversation he and the captain had the previous night is still fresh in his mind. His ears are still ringing from the information. He's still in shock. This is changing the whole setup. She's more than just a simple mate. He's looking at her with new eyes and he's becoming more desperate now to find her. He has to make sure she's safe.

Going back to the previous night, Lawrence still feels the knot forming in the pit of his stomach. "Let's talk about Abby, Lawrence. There's quite a lot that the outside world doesn't know about her. Things that I've tried to hide from the evil of this world. I want to protect her from it." Captain Davidson began to explain. Lawrence only looked at him confused. What can there possible be that they don't know about her? They were together from the tender age of five and ten, up until sixteen and twenty-one. What hidden secrets are lingering in these layers of personality that is his mate? Who is Abby Davidson really?

"You do know that I am a Sea Fay, right?" Getting a nod from Law, Sean continues. " Sam, my late wife was a Werewolf. I was Sam's second-chance mate. Her original mate was killed in battle. He was the Alpha of a pack called the Sea Wolves. They were wiped out by the Blood Snakes, but Sam managed to escape. she was heavily pregnant at the time when I found her on the streets of Castelena. She was injured and the arrow was laced with Wolf's Bane. Fortunately, I had a very good Healer on board the Black Swallow and he was able to save her. Abby was born a few weeks later and my whole world changed. I fell in love with not only her mother, but Abby as well." Sean Davidson explained, swirling the wine in his glass, looking sorrowful. He misses his wife. Her voice is still crystal clear in his head. He can still see her golden curls being tugged in the wind and her blue eyes following his every move.

"I had a hunch that the leader of the Blood Snakes wanted Sam as his wife. That is why he not only killed the Alpha but the whole pack. To prevent retaliation and revenge for their leader. When he couldn't find her, he went on the hunt. To seek out not only Sam, but the only offspring that may still be alive and pose a possible threat. And he's still at it. The last attempt just made it clear that he's serious in claiming them. If he can't have them, no-one can." Sean continued.

"Abby is the daughter of a powerful Alpha Warrior. That is why she can manage a ship like the Dragon's Destiny. But she's unaware of this. We never told her and after Sam was murdered, I got Morrigan, the Witch Mother to suppress Abby's wolf. The only way to break the spell, is when she finds her mate. Or in this case, her mate finds her." Sean finished and looked up at Lawrence. The shock was clear in his eyes and on his face. Lawrence was stunned into silence.

He's heard the stories of the Sea Wolves. A powerful Werewolf pack that was wiped from the face of the earth in one night. The Luna was never found and neither was the pup and yet. Here is the whole story told around a small table in the Captain's Cabin on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Is it fate? 

"Does Lord Bolton and my Grandfather know of this?" He asks, looking down at his own drink. "They do and it was them who suggested to suppress her wolf for her own safety. They also suggested we keep the fact the Sam was a werewolf under wraps like we did most of the time." Captain Davidson answers. He's grown to accept Lawrence. Maybe because he sees a lot of himself in the young man.

Looking out at the horizon, Lawrence is struggling to get to terms with everything. He set out on a mission to get his mate back and now this might turn into a war between them and the Blood Snakes. A ruthless and bloodthirsty g**g that is terrorizing the coastlines and oceans as far as they go.  Just the idea that they might have Abby, makes his blood boil. He can't begin to imagine what they will do to her.

There's a ton of lies that was told in order to keep Abby and Sam safe. Sam was registered as a fay when Sean and her got married. They asked the Witch Mother to conceal their scent, otherwise they would've been detected ages ago. Lawrence is working through each one. Dean is however silent. Normally he would have a mouthful to say, but it's been weeks the he hasn't said a word.

Concerned, Lawrence turns around and walks back to his cabin. The Captain's been busy all day and has not been seen by any of his crew. "Mr. Collard, Sir!" a rough voice sounds out across the deck just as Lawrence reaches the staircase. Turning, he's greeted by the First Mate, Wendal. "The Captain's askin' for ya." He says.

Thanking Wendal, Lawrence makes his way to the Captain's cabin. Knocking on the door, he waits for permission. "Come in!" The Captain's voice is heard and Lawrence enters. He finds the Captain seated at his desk with maps scattered across the top. A compass laying on top of all the paper. Seems like he's busy planning a route pr something, but Lawrence stays silent.

"Ah, Lawrence. Thank you for coming. I am possibly the worst host and I do apologize. It's not everyday that we get a guest onboard, but I do however have a proposal for you. If you don't mind hearing me out." The Captain says as he flies a finger over the maps and checking every detail of dozens of routes.

For some reason, dread is creeping up from the pit of Lawrence's stomach. Why is he this nervous all of a sudden? They've been at sea for almost one week and this feeling is not seasickness. When he doesn't answer, Captain Davidson continues without looking up.

"I need a doctor onboard the Black Swallow and it just happen that we have one in our midst." He says as a sideways smirk lights up his compelling handsome face. Lawrence is stunned. The Captain is not serious. This was not part of the plan. "Why do you need a doctor now of all times, Captain?" He asks, but for some reason he knows he's going to regret the answer to that question.

Captain Davidson looks up form the maps in front of him and studies the young man. Lawrence is not only a Healer, he's intelligent yet careful of his actions. He thinks before he does things. He chooses his words carefully before he speaks. He analyzes every situation carefully. Yet he has a fighting spirit and there is courage behind those green eyes. A determination that few men have shown over the years that he's been commander of the fleet.

Lowering his gaze, Captain Davidson sighs. "We're going to war, Lawrence and I need someone like you. Not only to assist the injured, but to take Abby and run should it come to that. I have to end this one way or another and I trust you to keep her safe. I can't afford to loose her too."

He had to ask...