Author's Note: I just wanted to say thank you all for the reviews and follows! I feel kind of ridiculous for being nervous about posting this because you have all been so nice =) Hope you enjoy and thanks again!

Chapter 4

Lauren

I sat on the floor of my cabin, next to my opened trunk, and stared at the gold necklace in my hands. It was almost midday now and I had yet to make an appearance top deck. I was a little surprised that Dyson or Hale hadn't come looking for me, but I was grateful for it all the same. I needed the small reprieve from their questions concerning the events that had taken place the night before.

Running my thumb over the swan-shaped charm on the end of Ciara's necklace, I let out a slow breath. "Did you know?" I whispered into the empty room. My head fell back gently against the wall so as not to disturb the bruise that had formed there, and I stared at the ceiling.

You are not human. Nor are you Fae.

The words kept replaying in my mind despite my best efforts to push them away. I had reasoned that there was no way Dyson could've known my true nature since being around me made it impossible for him to use his abilities. But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself. I did remember a time when Dyson had been able to use his abilities in my presence. When Bo had done it the first time, I had thought that I might have control over whatever barrier protected me; that because I thought her to be human and not dangerous, it hadn't stopped her from influencing me. But she had been able to feed from me even after I was aware of what she was. And Dyson was still no longer able to shift when near me- not since that night.

Two years ago…

"It's been a few days since he has answered to my whistle, but I'm certain it was around here that I saw him last," Hale whispered.

It was dark, save for the lantern he held and the moonlight. There were various sounds of rustling leaves and nighttime bugs surrounding us as I searched the ground for any signs of animal tracks. Having been sea-bound for most of my life, I had no skills whatsoever in tracking, but I had to try and find my lost friend.

Right outside of Tortuga was where I had left Dyson and Hale almost three weeks ago. We had just barely managed to escape the Morrigan's ship and after two days of waiting at our makeshift camp, Ciara still hadn't come to meet us. It had been Dyson who urged me to keep going and try to locate my younger sister, Alison, while he and Hale remained there.

I had arrived back in the small village only a few hours before, empty-handed and spirit all but dead, only to find Hale in the rundown tavern. That was when he told me that Benson, one of the Dark Fae who had aided in our escape, had finally shown up with news of Ciara's fate the day after I had left and, upon hearing it, Dyson had shifted and ran off into these woods. Hale had been searching for him every night and he had even managed to find him a few times but the wolf kept running away again.

My heart was shattered, yet I knew I needed to find Dyson as soon as possible. I had to stop him from becoming feral even though I honestly had no will to keep going, either. To have finally reached freedom only to lose my closest friend in the process made me wish I had just remained a slave. At least that existence seemed bearable.

"Aye. Whistle for him, then leave. I need to do this alone," I explained.

"I still don't think this is a good idea, Law. He might not be in control anymore. If the wolf has taken over, it will attack you. And if your plan doesn't work-"

"I've not much worry for my life at this point. I've already lost enough and I'll not lose him, too. I have to try. I would do the same for you. You know that, right?" I asked him, hating the way my voice had begun to tremble.

Hale sighed heavily and nodded before pursing his lips and letting out a whistle that couldn't be detected by my human ears. He handed me the blanket and trousers he was holding. If Dyson did shift back he would need them to ward off the cold. "I'll be near but out of sight. Please, keep safe, Law. You're all I have left."

"I know. I'll do my best. Now, go."

He reluctantly started back the way we had come and I was left with only moonlight to see by. The bugs continued their song and some type of bird let out a few chirps in the distance. I kept my senses sharp, hoping and waiting for any sound that might signal the wolf's arrival. In those passing minutes, I let my hand clutch onto the gold necklace I wore as I prayed silently to whatever gods may have been listening, both for the soul of my grieving friend and Ciara's spirit. Then, all of a sudden, the noises stopped and the forest fell into a near deafening silence for several seconds before a white and gray wolf appeared out of the shadows straight ahead of me. I knew it was him.

"Dyson," I said, moving to take a step forward. The wolf crouched, taking a defensive position; its ears pulled back and its sharp teeth bared as it growled a warning. I immediately froze on the spot, knowing that any further attempt to approach it would make me seem a threat. "Dyson, it's me. It's Law." The words clearly didn't register in the animal's head and it remained where it was, letting out another savage growl. "You have to shift back, now, alright? I understand that you're hurting, but you can't give up. You know this isn't what Ciara would have wanted," I told him just as an ice cold pain seized my chest. It was the first time I had said her name aloud since hearing she was dead. Everything hit me all over again and I had to fight to keep breathing and not let the rampant emotions overtake me even though the tears were starting to fall and keeping my voice steady was impossible now. "She loved you so much. And I don't know what this must be like for you. You lost your mate… And I am so sorry... If she hadn't been trying to save me, she would still be here. I know you probably hate me for that and I don't blame you- I hate me. I really, really do. But… Dyson, I need you. Please, you have to come back to me. I can't… I can't do this without you," I begged him with all of my being, and then, forgetting about my own safety, moved to step closer again.

The wolf pounced, its front paws connecting with my shoulders and knocking me backwards. I hit the ground hard and the air was forced from my lungs as its claws dug into my skin. In that moment, I knew I was going to die and I didn't even care. Its nose was almost touching mine and it was growling loud, saliva dripping from its fangs. I moved my gaze from its teeth and stared into its eyes, realizing they no longer held any trace of my friend. Tilting my chin back to leave my throat fully exposed, I took a deep breath and shut my eyes, waiting for death with a deceptively calm heart. But before the wolf could sink its teeth into my flesh, I heard a whimper and felt it retreat. I opened my eyes and immediately sat up, watching as the animal whined in what seemed like pain and then it slowly began to transform, stretching and growing until it was no longer a wolf, but a man.

I quickly grabbed the blanket that had been knocked from my hand and got up, hurrying over to the crouched man and placing it around his shoulders. He still hadn't looked at me but when he felt the wool on his back, he pulled it tightly around himself. I knelt down beside him, "Dyson?" His eyes finally met mine and they were full of anger as a small trickle of blood from his nose ran down his upper lip, signaling that I had forced him into shifting back like I had hoped.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" he growled. "I could've killed you!"

"But you didn't," I whispered, not affected by the reprimand. He was back and, in that moment, I felt a rush of relief I didn't think I would ever experience again. Without thought, I threw my arms around him and hugged him tight, finally allowing myself to break down as the sobs I had been trying so hard to keep inside wracked my body. "I am so sorry, Dyson. It's all my fault. I would switch places with her if I could- you have to know that. Please, don't hate me. Please…"

After minutes of my choked pleas, I felt his hands come up and pull my arms from around him. "Law… Look at me," he said. His voice sounded odd and raspy and I assumed it was because he hadn't used it in so long. I immediately went to cover my face as I tried to collect myself, taking a few deep breaths followed by shaky exhales. When I finally pulled my hands away, I was too afraid to look at him, instead keeping my eyes on the ground between us. His hand came up and lifted my chin, "I don't hate you," he said solemnly with tears making his own eyes shine. "What happened… It isn't your fault."

"Yes, it is. But I swear to you, Dyson, I am going to make them pay for what they did. I am going to kill every single one of them," I vowed, anger now causing my voice to shake.

"It's not going to bring her back. Trust me; I want them dead, too. But it will do us no good. She's gone." He hung his head, despair taking him over. "I'm sorry, but I can't go on without her. You have to go now. You have to let me change back. Please, Law…"

I bit my lips as my heart ached even more at the sight of him so distraught. He and Ciara had always been there for me; both of them so strong when I wasn't. I knew it was my turn to be there for him. "No, I'm not leaving you," I told him firmly. "She lost her life helping me to escape and I'll not let her sacrifice be in vain. For the first time I have a choice of how I want to live, and I choose to take what she has given me and use it to avenge her. And I want you to be by my side when I do."

"If that is your wish, then I hope you succeed. But you don't need me," he said. "Did you find her? Did you find Allie?"

I closed my eyes as a new bout of tears filled them and shook my head. "I've failed her, as well," I whispered. "I was too late, Dyson… You and Hale are all I have now. We have to stick together, alright? We're not leaving you."

Present Day…

I pulled myself out of the memory, shaking my head and replacing the necklace back in its pouch. With everything that had happened last night, I had allowed myself to get caught up in other things and had been distracted from my true goal. It didn't matter what I was or if Dyson and Ciara had known. And it didn't matter that, for whatever reason, Bo knew the name I use to go by; that had been my name when I was a slave and the only reason I tolerated Dyson and Hale using it was because they never saw me as one. What mattered was keeping my promise and taking down the Dark Fae leader at any cost.

I put the pouch in the trunk and closed it, then got up and began to straighten myself out. We would be near Port Royal come nightfall the next day and then everything would finally begin. I needed my head clear. I had been waiting for this for so long already and I wasn't going to risk jeopardizing everything we'd worked so hard for.

When I opened my door, I immediately had to step back to avoid being hit in the face by Kenzi.

"Oh shit!" she squeaked, her eyes going impossibly wider as she pulled back her closed fist. "I-I'm so sorry, Captain. I was just about to knock and then-"

"It's fine, Kenzi. Is there something you needed?"

She nodded quickly, still flustered by the ill-timed incident. "I was wondering if I could speak to you for a moment, Captain. It's… well, it's sort of important."

I reckoned postponing my arrival on deck for a few minutes more couldn't hurt and the girl did seem to be troubled by something. "Aye. Come in." Kenzi looked down the hall hastily before pushing her way inside. After closing the door, I turned to her as she stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. "Is everything alright?"

"Captain… you don't have a mattress. I had thought you to be rather tough but sleeping so uncomfortably is a little extreme, don't you think?"

"I sleep in the hammock because I didn't wish to sleep on the same bed as Blackwing, for good reason," I explained, slightly amused by her observation. "What was it you wanted to talk about?"

"Oh, right. I… Well, I have a problem, you see. Bo has decided that she doesn't want to stay aboard the ship- and I know you have no reason to care- but I was hoping you would talk to her. Maybe you could change her mind."

I couldn't say I was surprised that the woman wanted to leave after everything that had happened, so then why did I again feel that tightness in my chest at the girl's words? "If she does not want to stay then I will not force her to. Besides, I am certain I would be the last person able to convince her otherwise. I don't know what gave you this idea, but we haven't exactly gotten along."

"I know. I know it's an unlikely chance, but you don't understand, Captain. Bo… she's really stubborn and the fact is… if you are to leave us in Port Royal then we'll most likely be killed. Please, Captain. Could you just try to reason with her?"

I studied the girl closely, unsettled by her desperate plea. "Will you just tell me what kind of trouble you two are in?"

"It's not my place." She kept her eyes downcast as she said the words.

"It would seem that your life is in danger as well, Kenzi- not just Bo's. I would think that gives you more than enough right to tell me, despite what she says."

She remained silent for several seconds and I waited patiently as she seemed to think about her next move. Finally, she shook her head and looked up at me sadly, "I'm sorry but I can't. All I ask is that you at least speak to her about it. I realize you don't owe us any favors. And I sincerely thank you for what you did last night and for treating us so well since you came aboard. If things should work out, I would be glad to continue to serve on this ship with you as my captain."

She started towards the door with a defeated look and I sighed. I wasn't sure whether her words were truthful or if she was just trying to make me feel bad for her but, either way, they had worked. "I suppose it wouldn't do any harm to speak with her about it," I said and the girl stopped and turned, a smile appearing on her lips. "But I'm not promising anything, alright?"

"Aye, Captain. I understand. Thank you," she said, making to leave again.

"Kenzi?"

"Aye?"

"You're a thief, aren't you?"

She let out a small laugh and then winked at me with a mischievous smirk, "I'm just a seamstress, Captain."

I bit my lips to keep from smiling at her innocent reply and then nodded, following her out of the cabin while making a mental note to keep better track of the valuables on the ship.

/

The wind was strong when I got outside, a refreshing change from yesterday's weather, and it served to lift my spirits even more. Now that I had pushed all the painful thoughts aside and reset my mind on the future, I walked easily over to Dyson and Hale as they stood by the helm.

"Captain, how nice of you to join us," Dyson said, turning towards me. "We were just discussing whether or not to go look for you. Everything alright?"

"Aye, it is. My apologies. I slept longer than I meant to. How fare ye?"

"Alright. The men were a bit slow to get moving but everything seems to be going smoothly. The wind is back and we're almost making up the distance we couldn't cover yesterday."

"Good to hear. I trust that you've already spoken to them about Wesley?"

"Aye. And I've told Bo and Kenzi to remain in their cabin today to avoid any problems, like you asked," he confirmed. "I was hoping that we might have that talk you promised last night."

I nodded, "Of course." I started walking towards the rail at the stern of the ship and they follow suit so that we could have this conversation out of earshot of the human crew. It would be good to get it out of the way now. I turned to both of them and explained what had happened, from the moment I had opened the door to Bo's cabin until I had reappeared on deck. Though, I left out what the succubus had said after she fed from me and that Bo had called me 'Law', not wanting them to know those details just yet. They had asked only a few questions about my health and then seemed pleased enough to continue to their duties, for which I was thankful.

I followed Dyson back to the helm, now focusing on fulfilling Kenzi's request, "I need to ask your advice about something."

He laughed, "Well, I am indeed curious to hear this. What's on your mind?"

"Kenzi asked me to try and convince Bo to stay aboard the ship. She genuinely seems to fear for their lives, Dyson. I feel obligated to help her."

"That is rather troubling. But what precisely do you want my advice on? How to convince Bo?"

I shook my head, "First, I need to know how to just have a simple conversation with her that won't lead to another disagreement. I'm afraid, after last night, things will only be even worse between us," I admitted with some difficulty. Not only did I want to help Kenzi but I had also realized I needed her to be comfortable with opening up to me because how else would I be able to ask about the name 'Law' without giving myself away?

"I see," he said, taking a moment to think before nodding. "I think I may know just the thing."

/

Bo

I scrubbed the floor of the galley with more force than was necessary, but couldn't help it. This morning I had woken up in the middle of the most intense dream I'd ever remembered having. It wasn't so much the sexual nature of it that had set my nerves on edge; being a succubus, such dreams were common for me. But what had unsettled me to the core was who I had been having these relations with. I couldn't understand why I'd had a dream like that about the captain. Of course, I was already aware of the attraction between us, but the fantasy was so vivid and so stimulating that, even though my hunger was gone, it had still penetrated through me and the uncomfortable arousal had stuck, though it was now past midday. Flashes of the dream kept forcing their way into my mind whenever I closed my eyes and I pressed down on the brush harder, the muscles in my arm and shoulders aching from the exertion.

And the thing I still couldn't figure out was how my hunger had been so completely sated. The captain had failed to say as much, yet it was clear that I had lost control and fed from her the night before. But never in my life had a human been able to satisfy me so, even when I had accidently killed a man all those years ago after losing control the first time. I was different, now; I was stronger. I had fed from the captain without knowing, however, she was still very much alive. And what troubled me further was that my need wasn't borne out of hunger. It was lust. I ached for her in a way I hadn't ever felt before. What the hell was wrong with me?

"Bo?"

I looked up to see Dyson standing a few feet away, regarding me with a great deal of concern. "How fare ye, Dyson?" I asked offhandedly before returning my attention to the floor.

"What are you doing? I thought we agreed that you should forget your duties and remain in your cabin for the day. After what happened last night-"

"I do believe I remember you saying that any idle hands on the ship would answer to the cat," I said, cutting him off and failing to keep the irritation out of my voice. I knew I had told him I would stay in my cabin, but I had desperately needed to get out of the small space and do something in order to distract myself, though clearly it wasn't working out as well as I had planned.

"Are you alright?" he asked, coming over and kneeling down beside me. "You seem to be distressed."

I sighed heavily and ceased my scrubbing. "I'm fine. I just… I want to get this done before I go see the captain."

"Why?"

"Because I need to talk to her," I answered vaguely, the images rushing into my head again. I set my jaw and started working again.

He finally seemed to get the fact that I wasn't up for conversation and nodded, standing up once more. "I'll leave you to it. Though I do suggest you pay attention to the other areas of the floor before you wear a hole through those planks. I'm certain they are cleaner than the day they were nailed down at this point."

I paused, realizing he had made a valid observation. I had been scrubbing the same spot rather roughly for a while now and it was much lighter in color than the surrounding wood. "I'll make sure to do so."

/

By the time I had finished scrubbing the galley, the feelings inside me had lessened. They were still there, only now they were bearable. I took my bucket top deck, anxiety taking me over. I wasn't sure how I would respond to seeing the captain, but as it turned out, she wasn't even there. I emptied my bucket over the rail and placed the brush inside it before leaving it by the water barrel.

It was hard not to notice that the crewmen were eyeing me warily. By now I was sure they had all been informed of what had happened to Wesley and it was obvious that they weren't happy. I quickly made my way below deck to avoid their glares, remembering that the captain had told me to meet her in the brig for a lesson in swordplay. I knew it was unlikely that she would be there after what had happened, but I found myself heading down the steps anyway.

When I reached the entrance way I froze in surprise, seeing her pacing the walkway between the cells and scanning the floors. I almost backtracked, all of a sudden regretting seeking her out, but she turned and looked at me before I could. When our eyes locked, the sensations I had experienced during my dream came back to me and the arousal I had managed to somewhat tame hit me full force once more as I reimagined the feeling of her mouth on my neck and her nails scraping down the sensitive skin of my stomach while I laced my fingers in those blonde locks that I'd had no idea I had wanted to touch so badly until now. I leaned against the wall of the doorway to steady myself as my knees went weak and then quickly bowed my head, bringing a hand up to cover my eyes when I felt the slight heat that occurred behind them when their color changed from brown to blue. "Sweet Jesus," I breathed, overwhelmed by my inner succubus practically clawing her way through my skin.

"Are you alright?" I heard her say, along with the sound of her boots walking towards me. I felt her hand on my upper arm and nearly jumped at the touch.

Taking a few deep breaths, my eyes finally returned to normal and I straightened up, using every ounce of willpower I had to reign in my suddenly raging insides. "I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting to see you here. You startled me," I lied in an attempt to cover up the brief lapse in control.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to, though I did tell you I would be down here and I try to make it a point to stay true to my word," she explained, studying me closely.

"Aye, of course, Captain. I'm having a rather off day."

She nodded. "Honestly, I'm surprised you came as well. But, seeing as you're here, I suppose that means you still wish for that lesson?"

"Actually, I wanted to thank you. I didn't get a chance to last night."

"There's no need. I only wish I had gotten there sooner."

"You got there before any real harm could be done and for that I am grateful. It was foolish of me not to listen to your warning," I told her. I really wanted to know why exactly she had shown up in my cabin in the first place, but I didn't think I had the right to question her. She had saved me even after our argument and, right now, that was enough for me. When she just nodded again and didn't give any reply, I continued, "I'm also very sorry about my loss of control. I was out of line and I truly do not remember any of it."

"Again, there's no need for that. You were hurt and your instincts took over. I understand that you didn't do it purposefully," she said. "So, shall we begin the lesson?"

It was clear that she didn't want to speak further on the topic and the fact that she didn't seem upset eased my nerves. Though it unsettled me at the same time because I hadn't been expecting her to be so calm about it. I wasn't going to press the subject, though. I had other things to worry about. "I don't think that will be necessary. Kenzi and I will be leaving the ship once we arrive in Port Royal."

"Are you certain that is wise? I know we aren't friends or anything of the sort, but I do not wish to leave you in a place that holds such danger for you. And, I must say, I've come to rather enjoy Kenzi and would hate to see harm come to her, either," she said and then licked her lips, causing my heart to race in my chest. I tried my best to keep my face neutral and focus on what she was saying. "Though I realize you do not want to disclose the specifics of your past, perhaps you would consider staying aboard- that is, until we reach a more favorable port."

I raised my eyebrows in shock at her attempt to dissuade me, thinking that my current state of distraction had caused me to misunderstand her. I had thought for certain that she would be happy to be rid of me since I had used my ability on her twice, now. "That's very kind of you to offer, Captain, but after last night I've come to gather that I am not cut out for a life at sea."

"I understand, but I'll not retract the offer, so should you change your mind, it will still be there. Let me know what you decide."

"Aye, Captain. I will." I turned to leave but was stopped by her hand on my arm once more and my arousal surged. I swallowed and looked at her in question, aware that I was breathing far too heavily but unable to stop myself.

"Since you're already here, it couldn't hurt to have that lesson. I'm curious to see what techniques Dyson has shown you so far. And having some advice in wielding a weapon could prove useful should you find yourself in trouble."

"Thank you, but like I said before, I really don't think it will be necessary," I forced out, trying to ignore the warmth of her hand that had yet to leave my arm.

"I can assure you, I've gone through a rather painstaking assessment of this whole place to make certain no rats would be present." Almost embarrassed by the remark, I quickly realized the words had been said in jest as the corners of her mouth curved up slightly. The small act had managed to give me enough resolve to gather myself once more as she removed her hand to unsheathe her weapon and hold it out, "Humor me?"

My eyes darted between hers and the sword. My frustrated insides were becoming easier to cope with the longer I remained in her presence, but I couldn't be sure how long that would last. Yet, she was being very persistent and I didn't want to seem ungrateful for her help. I finally nodded, accepting it, "Alright."

"Good. Before we begin, though, you should put these on," she said, producing a pair of black leather gloves that had been tucked in the dark blue sash at her waist.

I stared at them for a few seconds before I understood what was going on. Anger clouded my thoughts. She had made it seem as though everything was alright between us before that moment and my already frayed nerves caused me to react immediately. "My influence still works through clothing, so I suppose you'll just have to trust me. Those gloves won't stop it," I told her, sharply.

She raised her eyebrows, clearly taken aback, then looked down with a slight shake of her head, "I didn't imagine they would."

"Then why do you want me to wear them?"

"Because if you should be somewhere you're likely to be attacked, it's good to be prepared and wear these gloves in order to make certain your grip remains sure despite sweat, blood, and seawater... basically, anything wet. And practicing with them on will break them in while protecting your hands," she explained, her voice taking on a gentle tone that was different from the false calm she had kept the day before. "It was not my intention to offend you, Bo. They were simply meant as a gift."

"Oh." I couldn't think of anything else to say. Not only had her answer completely thrown me, but she had called me by my name for the first time and I couldn't understand why hearing her say it had caused a sudden tingling sensation in the pit of my stomach. I swallowed and nodded, feeling a little guilty for snapping at her. "Well, in that case… thank you."

Her eyes met mine again and I saw the relief clear on her face; her walls had disappeared. We stood there for a few seconds, just staring at each other as the tingling continued to grow inside me until she cleared her throat and stepped back, breaking the moment, "I've not much time before my watch starts. We should begin the lesson now. That is, if you would still like to."

I could hear the uncertainty in her voice though she was trying to hide it and I had to stop myself from smiling at the change from her usually assured way of speaking, knowing that she had already put her guard back up and doing such a thing right now would only further her discomfort. But I couldn't stop the way it made me feel as I began to realize that the sensation in my gut wasn't merely desire anymore. And, though I couldn't truly name it just yet, I found that I rather liked it. "Aye, Captain. I would."