Whispers of the Tide

Pursuit

Serena’s POV:

I was devastated at Danni’s words.

She had been my oldest and best friend. I had trusted her with everything until now, something inside me just knew I couldn’t share what I was going through with her.

She also did not seem like herself. Regardless, what was done was done, and I have a mission to undertake. My people and humans to save.

As I approached The Black Soul my chest tightened with the familiar burn of being in close proximity to Captain Connor Drake. I should probably investigate that too. It was more than a little strange.

Just before I breached the surface, I noticed the water below me turn a bright shining turquoise, just like what I had seen on the beach before I came back to The Black Soul.

My skin prickled with unease and curiosity. My eyes widened as I realised I was once again locked in a trace set in motion no doubt by this strange occurrence. I started to drift down towards it, feeling a strong need to touch the shimmering blue light. I no longer had control over my actions, even my thoughts were muddled. The only thing I knew for certain was I needed to touch the light.

Just as I was reaching out to touch it, I was ripped away by something strong and fast. Shaking my head to clear my vision I found I was once again accompanied by my shark friend. She had saved me. I looked back towards where the strange light had been to find it had disappeared. 

“Thank you sweet girl, I really do need to be more careful. Truly, thank you.” I said caressing her fin. “I need to get on to the ship without being spotted. I know Danni was serious when she said she would tell my father of my whereabouts.”

I looked around to make sure the coast was clear before swimming up to the back of the ship. There was a small railing on the stern I would be able to pull myself up on while my legs separated.

The ship was sailing, moving rather quickly in a favorable wind.

Speeding up I quickly threw myself up onto the back holding on while I pulled my tail up out of the water. It quickly separated to form my long toned legs. I then started to climb.

There was a rope, I gave it a tug and looked up to find the captain looking down at me holding the other end. I smiled and began climbing. It helped that he had half pulled me up.

When I reached the back railing he looked over his shoulder, checking the coast was clear before nodding to me. I jumped over with ease.

Connor tossed me the tee shirt I had left on the deck and quickly pulled it over my head letting it hang loose around my nude form.

I looked up and met the captain's lustful gaze. As our eyes met, his expression quickly changed to that of confusion, his brows knitting together.

“Are ya alright mi cielito?” He asked.

I reached up to my face and realised I was crying. I had tears running down my face.

It was strange, I had never cried out of the ocean before. It was a very different feeling.

Before I knew what I was doing, I stepped into his space and leaned into him, resting my head against his strong chest. I felt him flinch, and then he shocked me by wrapping his arms around me, ducking his chin to rest it on top of my head.

Listening to his heartbeat and being wrapped in his arms, calmed me immediately. I closed my eyes, I embraced the tingling sensation that was running over my body. I felt the captain tilt his head down and sniff my hair, I couldn't help but smile.

I do not know what had made me hug the captain but I really needed to put space between us before I did something that would put us both at even more risk.

I took a large step backwards and pulled the hem of the shirt down to ensure it was covering my lower half somewhat. I was extremely aroused and I could not help but feel he knew.

“Sorry about that Captain, I do not know what came over me. I have had a disagreement with an old friend and it has upset me more than I care to admit. I am grateful the wind is in our favour, there is no doubt that she is informing the royal guards and my father of seeing me. They will be hot on our tails in no time.” I looked up to meet his gaze.

“Maybe hot on ya tail Serene, but not mine.” he winked

“Don’t ya worry, we are well equipped to deal with ya kind.” he finished.

“I do not know whether I need to be relieved at that statement or alarmed Captain.” I almost shuddered.

He laughed, a deep belly laugh and turned to head around to the main deck.

“Right lads! hold the mainsail. I wanna to get to Banroke before fuckin night fall!” He yelled at his crew, he bent down and whispered in my ear,

“Change. I can see ya t**s through that wet s**t and I don’t want to kill my fuckin crew for looking at ya.” He almost growled at me before heading up the deck to take hold at the helm.

I looked down, and sure enough my wet skin was sticking to the white tee shirt and my n*****s were very visible. I pulled my hair over my shoulders to help conceal myself and headed below deck to change.

I entered the captain’s quarters and closed the door behind me. I threw off the tee shirt and headed towards the set of draws on the far side. I stopped when I noticed a black button up shirt had been laid out on the bed for me. I threaded my arms through and rolled the sleeves to my elbows then buttoned it, leaving the top two undone.

I was feeling agitated. My conflict with Danni really  rattled me, I couldn't help but feel there was something else going on with her. I Was relieved I had not told her anything as I feel she would have told my father regardless. The thought of my father’s rage as he sends his best guards to track me down makes me nervous. No doubt Talian will be amongst those ordered to bring me home. They have probably already received their orders.

I just hope hiding in plain sight above the water on a pirate ship no less will work in my favour. No one could track like me so I should feel confident that I would not be found unless I wanted to be.

Of course! Why hadn't I thought of that, I could use my tracking ability to keep tabs on Talian and the commander of the royal guard. That way I would know if they were getting close to our location or not.

I had never tried using my gift out of the ocean before, I wonder if it was possible. It was definitely worth a go. 

I sat crossed legged on the turkish rug on the floor with my back against the side of the bed. I put my hands on my knees and straighten my back. Closing my eyes I took a deep breath.

I focused on feeling Talian’s energy. It was harder than I would have liked as I directed my “sight” into the water below me. It would appear I would be able to track on land too which may come in use one day.

Back to the task at hand I pushed my ability into the ocean and I felt it explode out in all directions below me in search for Talian’s, intense humming aura. I was mildly aware of the door opening and closing, sensing the pirate captain as he entered the room. I was too close to stop my search now so I did my best to ignore the burn in my chest.

Finally I found Talian, his signature strong and intimidating energy felt like a rush of fear mixed with the dull hum of a machine. Why had I not really thought about how off his aura was. Maybe that was why I had struggled to feel more for him.

Focusing back on his location, It was clear he was heading in our direction. My pulse quickened, he was moving very quickly. In fact he would be right under us in a few minutes.

“Serene?” The captain called in question to me.

My eyes snapped open and I looked up at him. He stumbled back a few steps like he had seen something he wasn't ready for.

I tilted my head in question to his response but he quickly recovered locking his stoic expression back on his face.

“Ya eyes.” He said in a low voice. “They be glowin purple.”

My eyes?

I blinked a few times clearing the haze of using my ability.

“Are they normal now?” I asked.

He nodded.

“I am sorry if I startled you. I had forgotten that my eyes did that.” I stood to face the captain.

“The royal guard are only a few minutes from here. I fear I am putting you all at risk.”

“Why were your eyes glowin, and how do ya know they are close?” He asked, which were both fair questions.

“I have the ability to locate certain things and people. I had forgotten that when I use this skill my eyes glow. It is not something I do in front of people.

I was looking for someone I know will be in the pursuit to find me.”

“Who?” he questioned.

“Talian. My ex.” I shrugged. “He is my fathers head of security and one of the main reasons I had decided to live on land for a while.

We really do not have time for this though captain, they will be here any moment. Talian is not a merman to be taken lightly. I must go now. I will lead them away from you and your ship and meet you in Banroke.” 

I turned to run out the door of the captain’s quarters when he grabbed my hand and spun me to face him.

“No, I will not have you put ya self in danger when we’re more than able to take care of this bastard. Ya will stay here Serene.”

“Connor,” I reached up to cup his cheek. I couldn't help myself. He leaned into my hand and I felt some of the tension we were both holding dissipate at the contact. “I believe you can take care of yourself. However, I will not allow you to fight my battles for me, please just support me in my decision to handle this the way I feel necessary.

I do not think now is the time to reveal yourself and our alliance. I will see you in a few hours when you make port.” I pushed some of my royal dominance into my words “You will let me go captain. Do not reveal yourself to the guards.” I asserted, looking him directly in his golden eyes.

I hated doing this to him, but we did not have time. I never used my royal persuasion, in fact this was the first time. But the thought of him putting himself at risk was not something I wanted. 

I was surprised when he frowned back at me. 

“Ya can not order me around! It’s me ship!” he growled.

It didn’t work on him!

There was no more time to waste, I turned and ran up the steps not caring about the onlooking crew as the captain followed hot on my heels.

“Serene, get the f**k back here!”

I couldn't turn back. I ripped off his shirt and leapt over the side of the ship and into the water, my tail forming almost instantly.

I took off as fast as I could away from The Black Soul and away from the very angry pirate captain.