Hello Dear Readers!
My, it's been a busy few days!
I was more than overjoyed to read
all the reviews left for me! And much
like a greedy child I read them all
wishing for more and more! I
thank all who took the time to
leave me such inspiring reviews! I
eagerly await more! I was so relieved
to see that you're enjoying my take
on the characters, and that several
of you find them to be believable.
And I can only hope that this
chapter lives up to it's predecessors!
Thank you again!
. -R.H.J. )- .
Chapter 13: What kind of adventure?
Back in the Jungle of the Neverland, a large group of Lost Boy's were huddled around a large imaginary campfire. Even thought it was the middle of the morning, the boy's had decided on telling some frightfully scary stories for entertainment.
John had been in the middle of a ripping good tale involving a ghostly sea Captain when a large caw sounded from above them. Several bright eyes looked up to see their beloved leader sailing down from the trees, smiling widely and gnashing his small, pearly teeth.
"I have wonderful news!" Peter cried as he landed with a happy thud, rushing over to the jubilant crew. "We are going to rescue Wendy today!"
Shrill cries of excitement filled the camp, and as several of the boys began to whoop and dance around in anticipation of what was to come, it was John who stood up and shot a disapproving glance.
"I thought you were going to listen to me," spat out the older boy, coming before Peter.
Peter could only look to the older boy rather confused. You see, since Peter was a young boy, he was prone to bouts of forgetfulness. Surely you have a younger brother, or know of someone young who forgets something almost the instant you tell it to them? Well, so is the case of Peter.
He tries his hardest to recall what is told to him, but he can only do so much. His mind is filled with so many fun and happy things that it's only a matter of time before something slips out and is forgotten, to make room for even more exciting things.
He'd remembered John's words for what was considered a long time for him. But, after flying this morning and seeing the Jolly Roger in the dawn's first light, he'd remembered his dear Wendy, and of her imprisonment. This had pushed out all warning's John had given him prior and filled him with great anticipation of a fight against Hook.
"What did you tell me?"
"I told you that we were to form allegiance with Tiger Lily's tribe," John said irritated, for he was almost a grown up and rarely forgot what he was told. "Then when we are sure to have enough warriors, we will overtake the Jolly Roger."
The other boy's looked rather impressed with this idea, and John couldn't help but feel just the slightest bit proud of himself. He smiled smugly to Peter, who now had a scowl upon his youthful face.
"It's taking too long!" Peter pouted, sifting his feet in the dirt and crossing his arms. "I want to rescue Wendy now! I want to hear another of her stories!"
"Oh, so do I!" chimed in Nibs, for he too missed Wendy. She was an awfully good mother. All the other boys -save for Michael- began cheering excitedly for Peter's plan.
"You cannot do it Peter," John responded angrily. "If Hook is too powerful he will kill us all, and then he will kill Wendy."
"He will not!" Peter countered happily, floating slightly. "I am too quick for old Hook!"
"He has her hidden," John replied testily. "He will hide her for good in the ship. You shall never find her. No, Peter. You will not endanger her life. This is the final word on the matter."
Peter could only look to John angrily, feeling as if he were being talked to... by a grown up! As if John were his father! Well, he was having no part in that nonsense!
"She's my friend!" Peter shouted angrily, his face reddening.
"She's my sister!"
"I will not sit around here waiting any longer!" Peter shouted, his once child like face contorting into something horrid. And suddenly, he let out a wild scream of fury. His eyes squeezed shut, and as he screamed his face morphed slightly, causing the boy's to look upon him with horror.
Suddenly the screaming stopped, and Peter's ragged breathing was all that could be heard in the forest. When he'd regained his breath moments later, Peter could see the semicircle around him, looking to him intently.
"What?" Peter challenged, feeling slightly odd. John and Michael exchanged worried looks, while Curly simply stared unmoving. The twins whispered to themselves, and it was Tootles who first found his voice.
"Peter..." Tootles said, his face suddenly pale. "You look different."
"Different?" Peter asked, and for the first time felt worry. "What do you mean, different?"
"Peter," Nibs offered in shocked awe. "You look...older."
Since Wendy was such a forgiving person, much like her own dearly missed mother, by morning her tears and anger towards the Captain had quite dulled in ferocity. She knew the type of man he was; no matter how much she loathed it. She also knew that the Captain had not wished for her to see such atrocities those nights before.
But, as before, Wendy could not fully trust him. She doubted she would ever be able to fully trust him again. This was for the best however, she decided, as forming such bonds with her captor was not a wise decision. If she hoped to be released from her gilded cage, she would have to be in completely control of her mind and feelings. She needed no ties to bar her.
Hook did not come to her that day for a lesson, and for that Wendy was thankful. She had the entire day to herself, and since Hook now permitted slim novels, she had something to read and pass the time with.
Every now and again she would look out the cabin window to see the remarkably blue waters below her, almost beckoning her to inhale their powerful aroma. She wished that she could oblige.
By evening Wendy heard a knock upon her door, and it was Smee, holding another package for her, along with her supper. Wendy took it gratefully, saddened that there was no small talk between them other than Smee's pointed order of: "The Captain will be here to fetch you within the hour."
Wendy had scrambled to get ready, finding (thankfully) that this gown was much more modest in color and cut. A royal blue color that had sleeves, and a most beautiful designed broach on the front. She did think it strange however, that she'd been given her dinner to eat alone, when Hook was to see her shortly.
She ate her meal quickly, feeling her stomach flipping a bit. Hook was a dangerously cunning man. And the thought of death did quickly come to surface in her mind. What if this had all been a sort of last meal for her? What if this was the very dress that she would be found dead in? She found it quite impossible to swallow then.
Before Wendy could think of any means of delaying her conceived death, there was a knock upon her door. She looked daringly to the door a moment in fear before covering her face in her hands. She breathed deeply before standing.
If she was going to die, Wendy felt that she would meet her fate in a most proud and noble manner. Just as she had been forced to walk the plank so many years ago, and had done so in such a calm manner, she would do now.
"Come in," she said bravely, trying to stop the fear from turning her legs to nothing. She balanced on the edge of the bed frame, allowing it to aid in holding her up.
She felt her stomach tighten as Hook walked in, looking to her with appreciate eyes. He walked slowly over to her, allowing his eyes and smile to ease her into submission before he took one shaking hand, and kissed the knuckles lightly.
"Good evening, Miss Darling," Hook said charismatically. "You look devastatingly beautiful."
Wendy would have been flattered at the sentiment, or even blushed had she been in good humor. But she was still reeling at the fact that this may be her last night alive. Instead she was pale, and trying to keep her wits about her.
"Thank you," she replied primly. Hook sensed something amiss with the girl and sighed darkly. He could only assume that she was still cross with him about the night before.
"Wendy..." he started slowly, trying to find the right words. "About-"
"Please," Wendy said suddenly, closing her eyes tightly, trembling all over. "If you are going to kill me, please have the decency to do it quickly."
Hook stared at Wendy a long while, with a truly confused look upon his handsome features. He looked long and hard at the trembling girl before him, and allowed one dark eyebrow to rise slightly.
"Kill you?"
"Yes, kill me," Wendy said with a treble in her voice. "Please. As I have been good company to you for these passing weeks, please make it as painless as you can, I beg of you. I don't believe I could stand the sight of my own blood."
Wendy's eyes remained shut, as she heard the shallow breathing of the Captain in front of her. He was drawing nearer she could tell, by his scent and the feel of his breath against her forehead.
Wendy gasped as a warm hand came to cup her cheek, for fear that the claw would soon accompany it. She tensed a moment, waiting for the inevitable slash, and feeling of remorse at Hook's lack of decency.
She was indeed wary when she all at once felt the distinct feel of his thumb gently caressing her cheek. She opened her eyes slowly, only to view two kind blue eyes upon her face.
"Wendy," Hook breathed in an almost kindly fashion. "I shall not kill you."
"Tonight," Wendy whispered dimly, feeling her heart thudding sickly in her stomach.
"Ever," was the soft reply.
Wendy let her eyes rise to view Hook's entire face, and was surprised to see a look of compassion crossing his features. He would never admit it of course, but Hook could pity and feel remorse.
Wendy felt her eyes fluttering shut then, at the sudden warmth that had surrounded her body, and the sensation that Hook's lips would soon be pressed against her own. She was surprised when she felt the warm hand of his fall from her cheek as he raptly stepped from her.
You see it was entirely too difficult trying to fight these urges Hook was beginning to be overcome with when around Wendy. They had started out as playful thoughts and wishes, which had now matured into swirling sensations in his abdomen that made him want to ravish her.
But he was a gentleman, and as such, he would never act upon such impulses.
He stood before the window, viewing as Wendy opened her eyes to view his departure. It was a few moments before he found the strength to look at her in a polite fashion.
"I forgive you," Wendy suddenly remarked, rather clumsily in the quiet cabin. Hook looked back to her, finding a small smile crawling across his mouth as he nodded in appreciation at her words. Sometimes she was a truly sweet young woman. Wendy smiled tentatively back, finding herself rather awkward in the moment.
And while she had ardently meant what she said, Hook still felt that nagging guilt at having had Wendy see the carnage the night before, and for being so rude to her the night before. She was a delicate thing at times, and he had just the idea to have her gain trust in him once more. And this was a most perfect opportunity.
"I've decided we shall have a moonlit stroll on deck, tonight," Hook said gallantly, giving Wendy his best smile as he did so. She returned it with vigor, coming over to him quickly, her hands crossed across her heart in almost rapture.
"Do you mean it?"
"I do indeed," Smiled Hook, and grasping a large cloak he handed it to Wendy. Wendy stared at it a moment, and then with a gulp of anticipation, took it from him, and pulled it over her shoulders.
"I'm ready."
It was moments later when Wendy and Hook walked up on the deck of the Jolly Roger. The night was the richest of blue blacks, and so many stars littered the sky, the entire island was illuminated.
Wendy's arm was upon Hook's, and she looked warily at those they passed. Wendy tried to hold her head high amongst the whispers that surrounded she and the sea Captain. Hook seemed unfazed however, and Wendy was ashamed at the realization that he was undoubtedly glad to have rumors of her lack of propriety now showcased.
"Am I mere entertainment to your crew?" Wendy whispered into the Captain's direction, finding her anger growing at the pointed stares. "I believed this walk to be a private affair."
Hook, only now realizing that they were being watched, gave an icy glare to the pirates who had suddenly gone rigid in fear. His good hand suddenly dropped to his pocket, where he withdrew and brandished a large revolver.
"Get out of here you mongrels!" Hook bellowed, raising his revolver dangerously, preparing the trigger with a crisp click. It was only seconds before the deck was completely empty, and Wendy and Hook were again alone.
"Is this more to your liking, my dear?" Hook purred, taking the girl's arm once more in his own. He liked the feel of her so close to him, although he'd never admit it, even under the harshest of torture.
"Yes," Wendy muttered, half lying. While she did indeed appreciate that the rest of the filthy pirates were gone, she was always nervous when it came to being alone with the volatile Hook.
There was an awkward moment of silence that suddenly settled, one which Wendy felt she must fill, for it seemed the right thing to do at the time and she had been taught as such.
"Thank you so much for the beautiful clothes," Wendy suddenly whispered. "And my tutoring."
"You are more than welcome," Hook said rather surprised. Their relationship had been a strange one so far. First she was his captive, then she was his burden, and now...she was something different. It was hard to place. But the dynamic had changed, and he felt it. Worser still, he liked it.
At this realization, Hook grew uneasy. He had to remember why he had kept her in the first place. Power, advantage. He must remember the plan. Remember to
Ah yes, Pan.
Stupid, foolish boy hadn't even made an attempt to rescue his beloved childhood mate. Surely too busy, off playing his pipes, or rescuing those in need to even recall a cherished friend from so long ago. Well, Hook mused, he'd gotten the better of that little cretin.
But now the question remained, if Pan was almost completely out of the equation...why did he still desperately want to keep the girl? Was he that starved for intellectual company? Was he that alone? Or was it something else entirely? Something he'd thought was lost along with his youth?
"Do you enjoy the sea air?" Hook suddenly ventured, walking to the edge of the ship with Wendy in tow. He didn't wish to belabor thoughts of why he was keeping Wendy. It wouldn't do either of them any good.
"I do...for a spell," Wendy said with her eyes scanning the frothy waters, suddenly bringing a hand to her mouth.
"Do you grow ill?" Hook said, a bit warily. He viewed the girl's pallor, and was relieved to see it wasn't close to being a shade of green. Instead her eyes were wide, and her lips parted.
"No," Wendy responded quickly, "I'm afraid I'm just quite overcome by the beauty of the night."
And this was unmistakably true. For should anyone stand at the edge of the Jolly Roger, on a night such as this, they would undoubtedly be in awe of the night's beauty.
It wasn't simply for the fairy's that whipped around the ship playfully, trying to tease the irritable pirates, with their golden sparkles trailing after them. But that combined with the mermaids that silhouetted against the large pale blue moon, crying their hauntingly beautiful songs, and the way the night so beautifully melted into the now placid sea that was so utterly entrancing.
Wendy allowed herself to close her eyes a moment, simply savoring the comforting motion of the ship, and the feel of the warm breeze caressing her cheek. She smiled softly, not seeing the way Hook gazed at her a moment before dragging his eyes back to the silvery moon before them.
"It is a truly lovely evening." Hook agreed standing suddenly and letting the girl's arm drop from his own. She looked up startled, to see Hook looking rather pointedly into the sea.
Wendy felt there was something more in his words, and she too looked into the sea. The calm, almost serene nature of it. The way everything seemed so unnervingly...peaceful. It was then, that a suddenly heartbroken Wendy looked to the Captain.
"I wish to retire now."
"So soon?" Hook asked surprised, looking to her speculatively. He felt rather let down, as if he'd disappointed the girl somehow. He'd expected her to be much happier than she was.
"Yes, please," Wendy said shallowly, trying in vain to hide the tears that threatened to fall. "Please take me back to my lodgings."
"As you wish," Hook replied, taking her arm once more and walking back to her room. They walked slowly back, with Hook viewing the stony face of Wendy as they did so.
Had he done something cruel without knowing it? Had he said or done something to have her be so unnaturally cold? She seemed so very stiff then, her eyes piercing ahead of them.
"This is a night to be cherished," Hook whispered to himself, remembering how he found Wendy's dark hair to be utterly bewitching in the twinkling darkness of the night sky. He wasn't sure what made him say it then, but he found he had nothing else to comment on.
The arrived at the door to her cabin rather quickly, much to Hook's dismay. He found the strength to glance at her casually out the corner of his eye, only to observe as a shimmering teardrop slid down Wendy's downcast face.
"Miss Darling?"
"They have forgotten me," Wendy suddenly choked out, her tears hot, slipping down her pinking cheeks. She was trying to be composed, she did so hate to cry in front of people.
Hook was momentarily stunned, not only at the girl's proclamation, but at the fact that he hadn't a clue as to what she was talking about. Nonetheless, Hook quickly opened the door to Wendy's cabin, softly leading her into it and locking the door behind them. He didn't wish to have Wendy's problems showcased for the entire crew to hear.
In the small cabin, the girl went to the window, her face still wet with tears, clumping her eyelashes together, giving her an even more innocent look. It was then, with her eyes on the sea that Hook realized she was talking about Pan and the rest of those vile children that followed him so blindly.
"I was-s such a good mother to them all," Wendy continued suddenly, her head sinking into her chest as she continued to sob jerkily. "And they've forgotten about me so-o easily. They've not come for me... they've not even come near! It's as if I never e-even existed!"
She turned to the Captain then, not even surprised to see him so close to her. She didn't mind the close proximity, or the fact that she could practically feel the heat radiating from his body. She merely looked up to his light eyes, finding that they were blurred through her own tears.
"Am I so easy to forget?"
Before Wendy could utter another word she felt the warm palm of Hook against her burning cheek. She could not find the strength to pull away, and found that she did not wish to. And soon, so very soon, Hook's warm lips were upon her forehead, then her cheek, then the corner of her mouth.
"Wendy," Hook said hoarsely, covering her face in his desperate kisses. "I would never forget you."
Wendy felt her heart hammering delightfully at Hook's husky words, and so caught up in the moment of sadness and elation all at once; she sought comfort in the Captain's warm lips. She hadn't expected to, but with the calming sensation it brought, she felt herself melting into the body and mouth of her once believed enemy.
Her hands which had at first been politely kept at her side, now slipped up the lapels of Hook's coat. It was a daring move on her part, but at the way the Captain's kisses deepened, Wendy had a feeling he didn't mind in the least.
Slowly Hook's hand slipped to the back of her dress without her noticing it. She was so intoxicated with the feel of his mouth upon her own, and the tongue that sought to taste her, that she was weak all over. She'd never kissed a man; she'd never felt this thrumming sensation that made her want him closer.
Hook said nothing as he shrugged off his jacket, letting it fall into a pool at their feet. Wendy's eyes were still closed tightly, and she didn't even notice as this happened. Her hands were her eyes now, and in an almost knowing fashion, they slipped the white, high collared shirt of Hook off his shoulders, without his obvious notice, for his hand was busy itself.
Slowly as they kissed, they made their way to Wendy's bed. It was such a natural sensation that Wendy barely noticed as they toppled into the soft warmth of the pillows and blankets. Her heart was hammering too loudly, her body pulsating all over as Hook's hand strayed from her side.
Slowly that masterful hand made it's way to Wendy's stomach, slipping soundlessly over the fabric, setting off a line of fire where is passed. Wendy moaned at the sensation his hand made, so blissfully that the Captain himself felt slightly out of control.
He was halfway atop of her, not that either truly noticed, and his kisses hadn't stopped. His mouth was upon her neck now, sucking and nibbling at her as her head leaned back. His mouth was so sweet and soft, and it trailed down her neck and collar as if searching for the x that marked the unseen treasure.
But as his caressing mouth began it's journey downward from her collar, Wendy felt the first pang of panic hit her. This was accompanied with a sudden notice of Hook's claw just beside her head. Obviously he'd subconsciously moved it out of the way; for fear that he may harm her.
But the sight of that glinting weapon so close to her face caused Wendy to gasp, so loudly that Hook's entrancing eyes flew open. Viewing the look of horror that crossed her face as she viewed his deformity, Hook whirled off of her, and prepared to leave the bed.
Wendy sat up as he moved from atop of her, and was about to explain herself when she viewed a small tattoo upon Hook's upper arm. If it hadn't been so out of place and yet familiar, she never would have been so intrigued by it.
"Stop!" she panted, grasping Hook by the shoulder the best that she could. She ignored the way he pulled from her several times before finally looking to her angrily.
"What?" he growled frustrated and humiliated all at once. He didn't want to stay longer than needed; at this point he wanted nothing than to make the horrid girl walk the plank! She had been horrified at him; she had been disgusted at the mere sight of him.
"What is this?" Wendy whispered softly, feeling bold as she let her forefinger come to rest on the warm skin of Hook's upper arm. Below her finger lay a large and familiar tattoo of a crest she knew of well.
"Why, my uncle went to school there!" Wendy said in outright shock, her eyes searching the Captains, and her hand still upon his muscled arm. "You were a student of Eton College?"
Hook's face blanched at this and he pulled back from her, covering his arm the best he could, pulling on his shirt quickly, making sure his eyes did not trail to where she sat. Wendy watched as the pale blue eyes of her captor went into a frenzy of panic before clouding in doubt. It was right then, Wendy knew that there was a past to James Hook, a past that he desperately wanted hidden.
"I don't exactly remember." Hook said almost dazed, "it comes and goes."
"Don't lie." Wendy urged, her eyes twinkling in curiosity. "Please, tell me the truth."
The two of them looked to one another, their eyes locked as they both stood their ground. They were both flushed, and Wendy's lips were reddened and swelling from the kisses Hook had taken from her moments beforehand.
"Yes," Hook finally relented firmly. "I attended Eton. It was the finest school in all of London, and my parents were insistent that I graduate from there, just as my father had, and his father before that. It was tradition for the men in my family, and they do bear the same crest upon their shoulder."
"Go on," said Wendy encouragingly, almost in awe at the fact that she was uncovering the secret to Hook's past. It was if he was transforming right before her, turning into a real flesh and blood man instead of the childhood nemesis she told stories of.
"I graduated with highest honors, and was offered many teaching positions. But I didn't wish to end up as some aged old professor that my peers and I had before taken great joy in mocking. I could not," at this Hook's eyes searched Wendy's.
"You see, I did not wish to grow up for good, Wendy."
Wendy felt her heart stilling as he spoke, for she knew exactly how he felt. She too felt the suffocation of society forcing her to do so, and as Hook's eyes clouded with misgivings, Wendy felt all at once, a true connection with him.
"But I had no real choice in the matter at the end," Hook finally finished, looking to Wendy quickly. "For all my boyhood years, I had wished to be a great composer or a famous explorer." At this Hook's eyes grew almost misty.
"But when I told my parents of my desires, they were outraged, claiming that it was a most foolish wish. They said I was squandering my life, betraying them and all their generosity. I did not dare disappoint them, and so I took a position, as an English professor."
"Oh my." Wendy said, feeling so very aware of everything all of a sudden. It made so much sense, the tutoring, the polished way he spoke and had such talent for poetry, the way that he commanded the attention of everyone he addressed.
Wendy saw that Hook's face was slightly grimacing as she gaped up at him, and she feared that he might begin to cry. She wouldn't know what to do if he cried. But in the end he did not.
It would take more than a story to make Hook cry.
"I never forgave them," Hook finished somberly, his face growing cold. "And I never shall."
At this point, they lapsed into silence, neither one finding the courage to speak next. It was a heavy atmosphere, and as if one memory of Neverland had gone and grown up like everything else. It was a saddening, yet confusing feeling.
"But how did you end up here, in the Neverland?" Wendy finally uttered in quiet awe. Hook's once clear and open eyes turned cloudy and darkened in color, and Wendy knew that there was only so much Hook would tell her.
"That is a story I shall save for another night," Hook lied stiffly, looking around for his jacket quickly. Wendy saw the wild way his light eyes looked around the cabin, desperate to leave her, and Wendy felt a bubble of desperation filling her.
She stood quickly, coming from the side of the bed to where he stood with his back to her, scanning the room for his jacket. He felt himself tense as her trembling hand lay upon his arm
Before either party could offer a comforting word, a snap of lightning sounded from above. Their eyes darted to the cabin window, and both were shocked to see a thin jagged bolt of lightening crack through the sky.
"A storm," Hook growled as his eyes scanned the horizon. "This is worrisome, indeed."
A rumbling thunder sounded then, and Wendy could hear the thudding of boots on deck, and the lurid shouts of worried pirates. Wendy could not remember ever being on the Jolly Roger during a storm, and she felt her stomach quaking in trepidation.
She looked to the face of Hook, seeing the piercing gaze locked on the sea's tumultuous waves, at the trees on the shore that leaned dangerously, their leaves billowing almost majestically. It was then that Wendy recalled who did at times seem to control the weather.
"Peter," Wendy whispered as she viewed the waves of the sea turning a dark and angry shade. Before she could stop herself, a small smile crossed her features. Hook shot her a stormy look before grasping his decorative cloak.
"Stay here," he ordered sharply, pulling it on hurriedly. "I shall return within the hour."
"You're leaving me locked in here? Alone?" Wendy cried in dull horror as she made her way tentatively over to the distracted Captain.
"Trust me," Hook interrupted, coming over to her and grasping her tightly. His eyes locked with her own, and she found her voice was quite lost. "I haven't time to coddle you now, Wendy. I've got a ship filled with morons on deck that need my guidance. You're a grown woman, you can take care of yourself can't you?"
Wendy looked up to him, seeing the frenzy of panic, trust and hope all at once in the older man's eyes. Almost hesitantly Wendy mutely nodded, her eyes still wide, the Captain's grip still tightly on her shoulders.
"I know you can," Hook reaffirmed almost proudly, pulling her into a tight embrace. This lasted in a time that was far too brief, and Wendy felt as if she was internally being wrenched apart as the Captain pulled from her.
He rushed to the cabin door, as Wendy willed herself not to fall apart. As the door slammed, the ship began to rock dangerously. Wendy gasped deeply, falling to the floor at the harsh sensation.
"Oh Peter," Wendy murmured worriedly to herself. Obviously Peter was in a foul mood tonight, and she was undoubtedly the cause of his fury. Oh, what a mistake returning had been!
Still on the ground, she looked to the large bed she slept on every night, and without another thought in her head, Wendy crawled under the bed's creaking confines. She could only see a bit of the floor as she lay upon her stomach, calming herself as she lay.
She imagined Hook on the deck of the ship, and how brave he would be in the face of such peril. Commanding, and in control. He wouldn't let a little rain and thunder worry him. He was the fearless Captain, the only one the Sea-Cook feared. And yet, in the smallest measure, Wendy worried for him, for his safety.
She found herself wishing it were the moments before; of she in the Captain's strong embrace. Feeling for the first time, truly safe. Almost at home in a foreign place. Very quickly though Wendy realized she was being led astray once more by the Captain's charms.
And so she covered her head with her hands, willing Peter's temper to cool.