Hi, my dear readers!
I'm happy that I could keep my word that the next update would come sooner then the last two ones. I know, the chapters are long and my dear beta-reader has a lot of work to do with them, yet I'm glad that she could edit this one so quickly. A big thank-you to you, dear Cheetah!
Well, Wendy sort of saved the day, but maneuvered herself into hot water, so to say. Hook is anything but happy with her selfless but foolish action – and, oh wonder!, Peter will see it likewise. Yet our storyteller has a way to deal with those two over-protective, yet stubborn males.
Have fun
Yours Lywhn / Starflight
Chapter 24 – Pigheads
The two longboats had reached the ship and were rowed seaward, putting the Jolly Roger between the beach and the boats. Using ropes, pulleys and the long yardarm of the mainsail, the crew heaved the longboats aboard. Wendy was glad to be on firm … planks again.
Tom Lally and Mason were taken to the sawbones to treat their wounds; the others began to shove the boats to their storage places on the main deck. Hook, still simmering over Wendy's recklessness, addressed the tattooed young gunman whose quick intervention had prevented worse things from happening. "Well done, Mr. Jukes," the captain gave one of his infrequent commendations.
Billy saluted. "T'ank-ye, Sir. Regrettable we didn't kill th' bastards, but a' least t'ey took off."
"Hitting a handful men on a beach would have been pure coincidence, but you did put them to flight before they could do more harm." He gave a quick nod of respect. "Thank you."
It was strange to see a pirate blush, but Jukes' face reddened beneath the spiderwebs and other pictures on his face, and his eyes shone. Hook was thrifty with compliments, and so his words were something he'd treasure.
"Ten men on watch, you gunners should make ready our cannons. Smee, make certain that everyone gets an extra portion of rum!" Loud cheers broke loose. "Thank you for your efforts during this mission, Gentlemen. Lights out at nine o'clock. Dismissed." Many of the crew hurrah-ed and grinned at their captain. Hook led ship and men with an iron fist, one might say, but he could also be generous for a job well done.
Hook stiffly offered Wendy his arm and she slipped her hand by his elbow. He noticed with twinge of pleasure that most of the crew lifted their caps as he led the girl up to the quarterdeck. Returning greetings, the girl felt somehow at home here. You will remember that during her second stay in Neverland the Jolly Roger became familiar to her, as did the crew. And even the prospect of having to face a riled captain by herself in moments didn't prevent her from smiling at the sailors, who were like comrades to her.
It might have been an impressive little promenade – the scowling captain and the proud storyteller – if not for the gurgling noises in Hook's boots; seawater from launching the boat. Despite the prospect of a "dressing down", Wendy had to bite her cheek to prevent herself from giggling. James was aware of her amusement – especially when he caught her looking at his boots. "Not one word, beauty!" he hissed; being painfully aware of noises. "This is only one result of your unacceptable activities this evening!"
"Not that you've never done anything reckless," Wendy replied, eyes ahead.
"I'm an experienced fighter-"
"All the worse," the girl deadpanned.
He shot her a threatening glance and, to his frustration, she only calmly looked forward. Dammit! Yes, it was good she didn't fear him, but she should at least feel wary around him. He was not one to be toyed with! And, more to the point, he really had a rational reason to be angry with her this time. Risking her life for him – such insanity!
They reached the bridge and the entrance to the quarterdeck. The pirate beside the helm managed to keep his eyes forward and to keep his face serious in spite of the sloshing sounds his captain made with every step. Hook inwardly rolled his eyes, but outside he remained grim.
"Go inside and dry off," he said and directed Wendy to the door. "I will follow you in a moment."
"Take your time," she said with a toss of her hand and the grace of a noble at an afternoon tea at the St. James Palace.
Murmuring oaths beneath his breath, he waited until Wendy vanished into his cabin, then turned around. "I'm here, Cap'n," Smee wheezed joining him at the top of the stair.
"Yes," Hook nodded, huffed at the door, laid sash and sword aside, leaned against the railing and allowed Smee to pull off his wet boots, which were then emptied into the sea.
A loud crow, followed by mocking laughter came from overhead, "Such sweaty feet, Hook, how nasty!"
That did it. Most of the crew on deck broke into laughter, Hook glared up at the fighting top where a certain boy sat grinning down on him. In an earlier story, he would have displayed a raging fit; but now, even angry, James looked up at Pan and snarled, "If you hadn't participated on the island, boy, I would ventilate your innards!"
Peter only snickered and dropped down to the captain, who looked quite vulnerable – clad in his captain's coat - sans weapon sash and hat, sans boots. Yet the boy did realize that his former enemy was irate – not with him for a change, but because of the escape they'd just made. "When I want to take a swim I strip," Peter said to cheer him up, shrugging carelessly.
"Then why do I always see you swimming in those?" Hook replied, waving at the leafy trousers. The boy only smirked at him. James snatched up his weapon sash and sword and strode into the cabin, shoving the door open. He was greeted by a loud shriek.
"CAN'T YOU KNOCK!?"
James stopped dead in his tracks, shocked by the outburst. "Knock at the door of my own quarters?" he asked, forgetting his anger for a moment. "I think not, m'hearty!" He left the doorway and strode into the main room of the aft cabin. It was only a fleeting glimpse, but for an inkling, he saw Wendy … um … au naturel. Her Elven dress lay over one of the chairs. She dove for cover behind his settee with a flutter of white fabric.
"Stay where you are! Both of you!" the girl's voice was strident. "And, for God's sake, turn around!"
Peter, who had followed Hook, glanced up at the man, puzzled, who grimaced and rolled his eyes, but obeyed with a curl in his lip. He knew what he'd seen, if only for a moment, and he felt his mouth going dry. Getting a firm grip on his elevated libido, he glanced at Peter, still facing the settee. "Do what she says," he snapped at the boy, who sighed, but turned around. As they faced toward the door, Smee entered, carrying his superior's boots. There were Peter and Hook standing side by side, backs to the main room, Wendy's scream still ringing in his ears. He could tell what happened, smirked, and placed the boots beside the door.
"Let 'em dry, Cap'n. I asked Cookson fer some dinner." With those words he vanished again; deeply amused. And so were the rest of the deck crew.
Wendy came out from behind the settee. "You can turn around," she said. As boy and man turned, she grumbled, "I know, this isn't really… appropo, but what else is there here?"
"Well … it's … unique," Peter ventured, fists on his hips, smirk beginning.
"I agree," Hook mumbled; swallowing at the image of what was beneath the 'clothes' she wore. Her sweet body was now covered by one of his shirts … again, sleeves rolled, and one of the larger bath towels tied into a skirt. James frowned. "Stealing another shirt, girl? You do have a taste for them, and that particular towel, right?" he remarked, remembering how she had used it after the battle when she, the boys and the Elves had stayed aboard to recover.
The girl looked down at herself. "What else am I to wear now? You don't have exactly women's clothes on the ship."
James frowned again. "What's wrong with boy's clothes?"
Wendy crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I have no intention to become boy and —"
"Yet you behaved like a reckless boy only minutes ago. What you did was insane, to put it mildly!" Hook interrupted her, his anger rising again.
"I agree, Hooky. Wendy, you get the strangest ideas sometimes! Running straight to the enemy to talk to him?" Peter scolded, arms akimbo.
"The boy is right," Hook agreed.
Peter glanced at him. "Don't, Captain. This is the second time you agreed with me. It's creepy!"
"And if you're reasonable a few minutes more, we might agree on third or fourth things. It would be a novelty – you being reasonable, I mean," James sneered.
Peter promptly stuck his tongue out to him, then glanced back at Wendy. "That was way too dangerous, you know."
"I had to try," she sighed, went around the settee and sat down, clearly tired now. She didn't dare think how close James came to being injured – or worse.
"Without me and Hook, you could have been forced to go with them-" Peter was interrupted by the captain, who addressed the boy.
"You haven't heard the worst of it." As Peter looked up at him, he snarled. "This madcap stood up in the middle of a rain of bullets and offered herself as a shield!" His voice was growing louder, while pointing his hook at the girl, who replied with a glare.
"You did what?" Peter gasped, staring at his friend. Hook was right - again. "WENDY!"
"Don't you start," Wendy snapped back, hands on hips. "A rain of bullets dangerous? Since when did you ever think so, Peter? I remember a few times when you thought such confrontations fun."
The boy rolled his eyes. "Well, when Hooky was shooting at me it was fun, but-"
"Careful what you're saying now, boy!" the captain warned him. "I'm standing right here! But this is not about our past. So don't try to distract us, kitten!" His last words were for Wendy, who cocked her head.
"I knew that the shooting would end the moment Dalton saw me standing. If I hadn't, one of them would certainly have injured more of us, even killed you!"
"I don't need protection!" Hook snarled, emotions roiling at the obvious care she had shown.
"From time to time even you need it, oh great pirate Captain! I won't allow you to get hurt, James – never!" Emotions layered in her voice. "I couldn't bear it!"
Peter blinked in confusion. "Did you just call that by his given name?" he asked perplexedly, flipping a thumb toward the buccaneer.
"You do the same often enough," Wendy pointed out. "And, by the way, he asked me to call him 'James'."
The child gaped at her, then at the captain, who was looking at Wendy … oddly. What was going on here? Before he could utter the question, Hook spoke up.
"Let's stay on topic – meaning Miss Crabby's' actions this afternoon!" He glanced at the girl. "What devil in hell possessed you to go to Ashford and confront him? You promised Pan you'd stay in the hideout, or did I misunderstand him this morning when he came with the news?"
Wendy stared at the two before her. Both had arms crossed now, both frowned, both glared at her with blue eyes – one crystal, one like forget-me-nots. They really almost looked like father and son. The thought made Wendy clap her hand over her mouth to stop the giggle. Both were demanding answers from her.
She swallowed her amusement and took a deep breath before she explained. "I learned from Kailen that Dalton had arrived and was talking to the Indians, trying to turn them against the dragons. Also that there were two groups of invaders, I knew that he is up to something vile. Kailen also said that Dalton tried to find out where Peter's hideout is and that he insisted on speaking with us – especially me. Well, I gave him what he wanted: to talk with me, nothing more. And the unicorn agreed to accompany me." Her expression had grown indignant. "I told him that I don't regard him as a future husband-" (here Peter flinched slightly) "- and to ask him to back off, and I thought he would do what every well brought-up gentleman would do: accept a lady's decision," she continued. "I couldn't know that he is so … so mulish, so arrogant that he would disregard my wishes and stated decision, but only regard his own purposes. He blamed the fairies' 'influence' and 'magic' for my point of view and said that I was 'addicted' to Neverland."
"He blames the fairies?" Peter shook his head, now wandering around the cabin, touching things. "Why?"
"Because he thinks that the fairies have bewitched me, making me want to stay here." She saw that her friend's confusion was not clearing, then added, "There are old legends on the Mainland, Peter, legends in which Elves and fairies bewitch men and women and lure them into their realm and keep them there. Other stories say that people who get involved with fairies lose all sense of reality or go insane, or even get lost in time."
Open mouthed, he stopped spinning the globe, staring at her. "That's … the same nonsense they tell about dragons eating young girls."
"Exactly," Wendy nodded. "I tried to educate Dalton, but it seems he is absolutely convinced that he has to 'free' me. And he is not above using methods beyond any good form, such as going behind my back and negotiating with my parents, eliciting stupid promises from my father, who, I can't believe I'm saying this, gave him my diaries!" Her face flushed with anger.
Peter now flopped onto the settee. "What's a dyreez?"
Hook sighed loudly at Peter's question, giving him a light knock on the pate. "By Neptune's knotty fishtail, boy, you never cease to amaze me at your ignorance. A di-a-ry is a book in which you record your daily experiences, your thoughts, your wishes, etc." He glanced at Wendy. "And our pretty storyteller here wrote down all her adventures she had in Neverland. Both times."
"So that's how he knows so much about Neverland," understanding dawning on his face. "Let's surrender now!" He threw his hands up, lying down on the upholstered settee. The bolsters felt soft and nice.
"Diaries are very private!" Wendy told him angrily. "No one would even dare to think of reading them, but Dalton has had no such qualms, as I learned this afternoon. He may be a 'nobleman' by birth, but his methods are those of a scoundrel! And I can't imagine what he is up to now, since realizing I'm not the fainting daffodil he thought me to be."
Hook took a deep breath. "I understand your motive for speaking with him," he said slowly. "Yet I would have preferred you to stay in Pan's hideout." Peter sat up, nodding.
Wendy gave him one of her special glares. "Believe me, I would have loved to do so, but I decided that, before you and Peter were forced to act toward them with typical aggression, it would be better to speak with them first, so-"
"So you threw all caution to the wind and confronted Ashford." He sounded calmer now, while he shook his head. "Didn't I warn you of him and his kin?"
"Yes," the girl replied. "But, like I said, he calls himself a gentleman, and usually a gentleman accepts it when a lady rejects him, no matter the reason, at least now in our time."
Hook grimaced. "Well, attempting to change your mind is something I can comprehend. I would do the same. But he was about to force you to return home-"
"And he persuaded my father to give him the books. And he made a deal with him like I'm a prize cow!" Her face was flushing again. "And he came after me – invading my sanctuary. And his men attacked you! And-" Peter was watching the two of them like a spectator by the net at a tennis match, elbows on his knees.
She was ranting now, so James lifted his hand; still irritated, but also amused. Ah, that fire! "Wendy, stop! I know he did all these things, something no gentleman should ever do to win a lady. But we both know you aren't exactly a well-behaved lady…"
"You yourself asked me not to change," she reminded him, lifting her chin.
"Yes, but I didn't mean that you throw yourself headlong into the direst situations to 'protect' Pan and me. We both can stand our ground, as you know." He glanced at Peter, who stood cautiously. There was something 'good form' demanded Hook to say. "By the way: thank you for tricking Ashford and the others. They were closing on us and the situation was dire – especially for me. So … thank you, Peter."
The boy grinned, giving him a full-fledged salute. "At your service, Hooky," he replied, then bowed mockingly.
James grew serious. "What do we do with our madcap over there?" He jerked his head towards Wendy, but kept his gaze on Peter, who adopted a thoughtful stance, rubbing his chin.
"She stays here," he decided and turned his attention to the girl. "At least from here, you won't butt in by solving problems your own way."
Wendy blinked. She hadn't anything against remaining aboard. Quite the opposite, even if James certainly wasn't finished "correcting" her. But … "Peter, the Jolly Roger is James' ship. You can't order someone to remain aboard without asking him first."
"Bad manners – but a good idea," Hook grumbled and cocked his head. Peter was now at the desk, examining his pens, books. "I agree with Pan's assessment. You stay here. Ashford can't reach the ship, and you, on the other hand, won't be risking your pretty neck again."
Again, Wendy rolled her eyes. "Nothing bad happened."
"No, only two of my men got injured," he deadpanned.
At this the girl blanched. She had almost forgotten about Mason and Tom. Biting her lower lip (a view that made Hook's belly tighten) she whispered. "How are they doing?"
"I don't know. I'll look in on them later," he replied coolly.
Peter turned and ran his fingers through his hair. Two pirates injured, an open combat with cannons, pistols, rifles, a furious Hook and enraged strangers of which one seemed to be hell-bent on getting Wendy back to London for a marriage. What a mess! "Best I fly back and try to find out what our unwelcome visitors are planning next," he murmured.
"Be cautious," Hook said promptly. "I'm sure they know who tricked them. After all. Ashford read Wendy's diaries and you know she wrote about your little trick at the Black Castle. I'm certain he realized who led him on a wild goose chase, and you're surely on his dirt list by now."
"I can live with that," Peter shrugged. "And the fairies, too."
Wendy blinked, as she noticed something. "Where is Tink?" she asked, suddenly missing the fairy.
"She stayed with Aurora, Kailen and Bumblyn to eavesdrop on the invaders," Peter replied. "And to tend to Kailen and Bumblyn. These men wear lanyards with some strange plants in a pendant that makes the fairies and bogey sick. I confiscated a few of them, but the others still wear them. And Bumblyn and Kailen got close to them so it's no wonder that they had to throw up."
"Please give them my thanks," she said, "especially Kailen. He informed James, led him to me and even fought against them."
"I will," Peter nodded and went to one of the windows, but turned, pointing a finger at Wendy. "And you stay here, no matter what! I don't want to fly all the way to London, and have to bring you back, only because this damn Ashtray bloke got hold of you."
Wendy groaned. "Peter, his name is Ashford. And he is not just after me but the boys, too."
"All the more reason to keep an eye on them – and for you to stay away from them." He opened one of the windows. "Good night, you two," he waved at them and hopped onto the sill. "And don't be at each other's throats!"
'I'd rather her arms around my neck,' Hook thought.Then he remembered that he was angry with her, and corrected himself, 'Later!'
"Take Bumblyn with you," Wendy called, as Peter took the air. "And give my greetings to all the boys!"
"Yeah, okay," was the only reply, then he shot into the skies, back toward the island.
For a moment there was silence in the cabin, then Hook shrugged off his coat and hung it on a chair. "If you were only a little younger, I would you lay over my knee right now!" he growled, knowing he could speak more openly since Peter left.
Wendy sighed and turned to face him. "They were firing at you! They tried to kill you. I was afraid for your life," she said with forced calmness, her own temper beginning to flare. "As they shot at us – at you – I wasn't thinking about me, only that they could hit you."
Hook clenched his teeth. "I am glad that you value my health, Wendy, but it is utterly inacceptable that you risk yours in exchange for keeping me unharmed!"
"I would-"
James moved toward her; his posture radiating the anger and concern that still raged in him. "You risked your life to protect me, don't you get it, little girl? You could have been shot out there!" He pointed towards the island, eyes fierce. "Can you imagine what I would have felt, seeing, hearing a bullet entering your body, taking your life away? Do you know how I would feel now if I had to place you on the settee or the bed, bloodied and lifeless, forced to close your eyes with my fingers forever!?" He saw shock on her white face and his voice hitched. He blurted the thoughts racing through him, a wild storm of emotions, "I just found you, Wendy Darling! You, a woman, child no more! All I hoped for, dreamed of, is within my reach! I will not lose you now! Not to London, not to some absurd social traditions, not to a rival – and certainly not to that miserable grim reaper!"
He closed the distance to her, pulled her to him in a rough embrace and pressed his lips against hers in a harsh kiss. He needed to feel and to taste her, to convince himself that she was alive and well, despite her rash stunt. He felt her stiffen, fists at his chest, but he only tightened his hold on her and passed his tongue over her lips; letting out all his bottled-up fears for her and his anger. He heard her breathing deepen, then her hands wound around him while her lips and her body became softer.
Wendy was flabbergasted as James suddenly pulled her in his arms and started to kiss her almost brutally. She could feel his mood like an open torch, but beneath it she sensed other things: his pounding heart, the trembling of his hand and how cool his lips were. Fear! She was seeing the effects of a terror just past, and only now she realized that he had been as terrified for her as she had been for him.
Her own annoyance at his behavior in the last quarter hour melted away at this revelation. And, by the way, to feel his mouth on hers again, to taste him – his breath on her face – was enough to persuade her to relax into him. She now grew soft in his arms; her hands clinging to him. He was safe! He was uninjured and safe. Nothing else mattered, not even his ire!
Hook moaned as he felt Wendy begin to respond to the kiss; how her hands crept to his back and how she nestled against him. He tasted her fresh sweetness, felt the warmth of her body beneath the silk of his borrowed shirt – and the anger and anxiety of the last hour morphed into mounting desire.
Kissing her for dear life, he heard the double tap and the cabin door opening. "Capt'n, dinner will be ready in-" Smee stopped short, but it was too late. His arrival had deflated Hook's growing ardor and forced his mouth away from the girl's. He groaned, allowing his chin to rest on the top of her head, feeling Wendy pressing her suddenly very hot face into his chest. "Smee…" he half sighed, half growled.
The bosun had the dignity to blush. "Oh… eh… uh… sorry, Sir. Cookson only wanted t' ask if ya prefer fish or langouste for dinner."
"I prefer him on the moon – and you, too!"
Wendy had to giggle – a sound that vibrated gently through him. "But then we wouldn't get any dinner," she murmured into the ruffles of his shirt, his body heat radiating through the silk.
"Hm, the only reason I don't send those two over the plank," Hook grumbled.
Smee smiled. He knew that his captain was … not quite serious. "So, what-"
"BOTH!" James snapped over his shoulder. "And I would appreciate it if you would knock the next time, and wait for an answer, Smee!"
"I did knock, Sir, but y' were verra distracted," the Irishman dared to voice dryly, and as he caught his captain's threatening look, he left quickly, grinning.
"One day I'm kicking him out," Hook grunted. "One day I'll do it, I will, mark my words!"
Wendy lifted her face, pink with passion, laughter, and embarrassment. Her eyes were shining again as she teased, "And then you order him to do this or that, and it starts all over again."
"Hm," was all he said. He bent down and robbed another short but heated kiss, before he stepped back. He saw her touching those thoroughly kissed lips, and needed all his control not to lift her on his arms and to carry her to his bed …
"Excuse me," he murmured and went to his wardrobe. He needed to put some distance between them or he would do something … else.
Taking out a pair of fresh breeches, he opened the door to the water closet. "Wet clothes are quite unpleasant." He stopped at the threshold and pointed his hook at her. "And you! Sit down and do nothing that could endanger your life, understood!?" She nodded innocently, smirking. The door closed behind him, but he didn't have to worry. Wendy felt far too shaken and fresh at once to do anything but walk to the open aft window for some cool air, licking her lips which still prickled from his kisses…+
*** PP *** PP ***
In the meantime, Peter flew back to the camp of the invaders, hopefully to learn about their next intentions, and to search for Bumblyn. They had to be planning after losing that fight against Peter and his friends. Of course they lost. They stood no chance against his cleverness! And – well, right, he had to admit it – against the power of the Jolly Roger's cannons. Or Hook's determination. Or …
Peter frowned. If he were honest with himself, he might accept that it had been their joined forces that had gained the victory against a mutual enemy. Again! But so typical for him, he saw himself as the main player, and the one who saved the day. He, the great and wonderful Peter Pan, who … who …
Who hadn't a clue what the men were saying!
When he glided onto one of the trees near the camp, he found he couldn't understand one word. What came out of their mouths was gibberish, nothing else. A strange language! They were using a new language, and Peter ground his teeth in frustration.
Balling hands into fists, he took in the air again and landed between nearby bushes to search for Bumblyn. There he met a few Indian warriors sent to discover if was necessary to intervene after the minor battle before sunset. He learned that one of them had already taken an incapacitated Bumblyn to the Indian village. Kailen was heading there, too, with Aurora's and Tinker Bell's help, so Peter left it to the warriors to watch the intruders and flew to Great Big Little Panther. And, of course, the shaman was already working with the Hobgoblin, who still looked green around the nose. Kailen's little face was more grey than green, and the two fairies were concerned.
Peter told Panther and the chief, who was informed about Little White Eagle's arrival, what happened at the camp of the strangers and their fruitless chase. Of course, the chief was angry to learn that the 'young paleface with the snowy eyes' had tried to force Brave Feather to remain with him against her will, and even more offended when he learned that the strangers had shot at the Iron-Hand and his men. These seafarers were now allies of his tribe. A few of them could even be considered friends. Chief Rain-in-the-Face didn't take it well that someone had threatened those he held in deep respect.
"If the strangers are not gone when the sun reaches its height, they will regret staying!" he said darkly. But for the moment, he was bound to his word, and so he and his warriors could only wait.
Peter bid them all good night and flew home with Tink. Bumblyn remained with Great Big Little Panther, as well as Kailen and Aurora.
In the hideout, the eternal boy was greeted enthusiastically, but the boys quieted quickly when they saw that he had come without Wendy. He explained what happened – yes, they'd heard the brief battle, especially the cannons of the Jolly Roger – and were shocked to learn about its reasons. And even more astonished when they heard that Wendy had done something very brave but equally foolish, protecting the pirate from gunfire.
"That's crazy!"
"Standing up to shield Hook. He can look out for himself!"
"What's gotten into her?"
Michael, Curley and Tootles were at a loss concerning their sister's actions. John's expression hardened. Maybe Wendy was right, that Dalton Ashford had more sinister intentions than good ones. If Bumblyn, Aurora and Kailen, who had explained to Peter exactly what happened, were right then the viscount's men had opened fire at Hook unnecessarily. The pirate had 'only' threatened them to remove Wendy from their grasp, they, on the other hand, had indeed tried to kill him. But there was more: what if a bullet had been misfired and hit Wendy? Or if the viscount's men hadn't stopped firing instantly the moment she placed herself in front of Hook? His beloved sister could be dead now, because those feeble-minded goons were more trigger-happy than Hook's whole crew put together!
And John was not at all pleased that she remained aboard the ship. He didn't know how far this 'flirting' thing had already progressed, but she had even risked her life for Hook. And if his sister was sleeping in the captain's quarters … well, it took only a smidge of imagination to guess what could happen. No, the older brother felt anything but reassured of the so-called 'safety' of his sister. She might be out of reach for Ashford and his men, but she was alone with that pirate, and both were like moths to the flame. John feared that this time more than 'dancing-lessons' would follow.
But right now, there was nothing he could do. The sun had already set, he and the others were finishing the dinner Wendy had prepared and afterwards he and the others were assigned to keep watch. No, he had to remain here. He could only pray that his sister was smart enough not to fall for the captain completely … and pray he would.
*** PP *** PP ***
Aboard the Jolly Roger Hook had changed to a dry pair of breeches and a clean shirt that remained untucked. He decided to go barefoot, because, frankly, his feet hurt, rubbed nearly raw by the wet boots. The mad dash through the forest and wading in the water had made them sore.
Brushing out his curls and taming them to something close to acceptable, washing his face and rinsing his mouth, he returned to the main room of his quarters, still irritated about Wendy's risky behavior. It could have been catastrophic, ending with one of them (or both) getting injured or, worse, killed.
Glancing about, he found her in the twilight of the cabin, standing at one of the open aft windows and looking thoughtfully out at the sea. The evening zephyr played with her hair and tugged at the too-large shirt she wore and the broad towel that served her as skirt, her slim leg peeking out at the opening. The clothes were ridiculous. But … the girl was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. His heart thudded in his chest, and he willed the rising heat in him down again. Good God, how will he survive this night without taking her to his bed and-
And then another thought struck Hook. The ship anchored with the aft towards the south, and therefore, the whole quarter deck was in the line of fire should someone shoot at them from the beach. Yes, the distance to the island might be farther than their pistols' ranges, but Hook didn't know how powerful these new weapons were that Wendy described, and he loathed unpleasant surprises. As they say, better safe than sorry.
Approaching her, he said quietly, "Stay away from the windows, Jill. It's safer." He had to smile as she whirled with a yelp, eyes large. "Down, girl, it's only me," he added with a smirk and a shake of his head as he saw her frown. "I have to speak to the crew, then hopefully Cookson will have dinner ready." He left his quarters still clad only in breeches and a shirt. Yet, even barely clothed, he radiated an odd mixture of authority, nobility and freedom.
Wendy sighed soundlessly as she watched him leave, knowing that he was still angry. His outburst just before he kissed her had opened her eyes. That he had been terrified to lose her told her more than anything else. His feelings for her had depth, and that thought made her heartbeat quicken.
Knowing that she was nearing a crossroads where she would have to decide what she really wanted, she rubbed both hands over her face. Her heart knew what she wanted, her mind whispered logical arguments with the voice of common sense rising and falling. Which one would win?
Then she heard James shouting orders and moments later, the unmistakable sound of an anchor hoisted. What did he intend? Did he want to put distance between the ship and Neverland? She wouldn't mind. It would mean that Ashford couldn't attempt an attack on the Jolly Roger, or shoot at James from afar, or to try to get her off the ship.
The Jolly Roger was moving now but not forward. Looking to the windows she saw that they weren't sailing. Rather the galleon began to turn, pushed by the tide. The ship swayed as her hull lay fore and aft in the waves, then it was facing the other direction. From somewhere Hook's voice gave new orders and the anchor was loosed again, splashing into the sea. Not long and the Jolly Roger lay safely anchored again – only now her bow showed towards the south-east.
Wendy wondered, Why this maneuver?
She got her answer a minute later, when Hook returned to his quarters. He looked at the aft windows where only the sky, the horizon and the Never Sea were visible, and nodded. "Better!" he stated and closed the door behind him.
Curiously, the girl glanced toward the windows again, then back to him. "And why?"
The captain sighed quietly. "The aft is now averted and provides no target when the windows are illuminated after dark – in case your suitor gets the urge to test his wonderful new and modern pistols and rifles."
"He is NOT my suitor!" Wendy said sharply. As she saw him lifting both brows, she rolled her eyes. "All right, my father gave him permission to court me. And, if I can believe Dalton's words, Father even gave a sort of blessing for more. But it doesn't mean that I want it. I didn't want it in London, and now the thought just infuriates me!"
Before Hook could answer, there was a loud knock, and Smee shouted, "Capt'n, we're coming in, okay?"
James' eyes widened. Was this crazy Irish hen pulling his leg? "Aye."
The bosun entered; Cookson and a smirking Billy Jukes at his heels. "Your dinner – Miss Wendy, Capt'n," he announced with a grin.
The captain narrowed his eyes and finally jerked his head towards the table. The two crewmembers placed down two trays with bowls and a plate, while Smee laid out the dishes, then the three left, grinning far too broadly for Hook's taste. Hell, even Cookson seemed to be amused – a genuine novelty where Wendy was involved.
Thinking several appropriate oaths, Hook took the opened bottle of wine and filled two drinking vessels. Wendy also came to the table. Pulling a chair out for her at the head of the table – the same chair she had occupied the first time aboard – he watched her sitting down with the grace and dignity of a young lady. She occupied her seat as if at a peer's table, despite being only clad in bath towel and an oversized man's shirt. She was a hoyden and a fine young lady in one. Hook shook his head. This girl was unbelievable!
Taking his own seat at the other end of the table, he invited her to eat, and began himself. Only Wendy hadn't much of an appetite. Even if the lobster with sauce, the boiled langouste, the fresh bread and the fruits only tempted her slightly. The wine was heady but tasted different from those at home. She only ate a few bites. She was very aware of Hook's irritation, and when he finally sighed, she looked up.
"Wendy, I know that well brought-up young ladies don't wolf down their meals, or try to eat very little, but really, my girl, you had an eventful day. Please eat something or I'll have to force-feed you."
Promptly she rolled her eyes, sighing. "Please, don't worry, I eat plenty while I'm here, even though Peter thinks I've gained weight."
His eyes widened. "No! The brat didn't say that!" the captain exclaimed with amusement.
"Yes, he did!" Wendy nodded, smiling. "I think that's his interpretation of me getting … well … more female."
Again the pirate shook his head. "Is it denial or blindness? That's his way of dealing with things he does not want to be true." He took his mother-of-pearl drinking vessel. "Sometimes I pity him," he stated without any mockery in his voice. He took a sip, and Wendy remembered herself the first the hour she had faced James Hook in person. They had sat in these very seats, him in his smoking jacket and her in her cotton nightgown. Well, and she had been a little girl of twelve, not knowing what to do with those irrational feelings in her while watching the fascinating villain who had haunted her dreams and stories. Today she knew exactly what she had begun five years ago, and what had now grown into a consuming fire she had no name for.
James observed her and guessed at her silence. "Wendy, I know this was an exceptionally serious situation, and you know I'm still angry with you. Rightfully so, I must add, but I won't tear your head off. It's far too beautiful," he added with a wink.
Wendy shook her head. "James, please don't joke about it now. I tried to prevent an escalation and caused the opposite!" She closed her eyes. "Oh my, I almost got you killed!" she whimpered.
Pursing his lips, Hook watched her intently. So, that was it what upset her the most? That she had put him in danger? Not that she had faced death, too? Even irritated as he was, he felt warmth in his gut. "And yet you did everything to protect me. I saw how you threw dirt in Ashford's face to distract him from shooting at me." He took a deep breath. "And also your little friends. They're fighters in their own way, I'll give them that." He bent slightly forwards. "But this encounter was-"
"-was as useful as a hole in the head," Wendy murmured.
"Thank the Lord we both came out of it without a 'hole in the head,' even if it was Ashford's and his goons' clear intention to put one into mine," James commented. He saw the hint of a smile on her face as she looked up again, and he could see that it was her bad conscience depressing her appetite. That was nice for a change. He had expected her to defend her actions further. But she had been afraid for him. She hadn't thought about herself, and this told him volumes about how her feelings had grown into something deeper, stronger.
Feeling his ire dissipating, he said quietly, "Wendy, I'm not angry because I had to face danger for you. It was my decision and I would do it again. And you know that 'danger' is my constant companion. No, I'm angry because you took such a risk. Aside from the stunt in the boat, you could have been kidnapped and carried back to the Mainland. And, as far as I understand, you don't want to return to London any time soon."
"I don't think I ever want to return at all," she whispered and blushed, - a sight that woke new heat in him, which he managed to tamp down again. It had been a risk she had been willing to take, because she knew that she wasn't in real danger. But the moment James walked out of the undergrowth, pistol ready, and tried to force Ashford to let her go, she had known that everything would 'go south.' Wendy had acted instinctively as the tension escalated into violence, trying to protect James: the instincts of a lioness fighting for her cub – no, her mate.
Yes, she had fought for Peter, too, but never before had she been filled with so much fire as this evening, springing into action to defend James. Once, five years ago as she rode on the unicorn's back up the flank of the volcano, she acted to save Hook from being murdered by the trolls. But then she had been a growing girl who didn't know that a lot of things could go wrong. She had wanted to help, wanted to protect the man who fascinated her so much, so she did.
Tonight? The same. She was drawn to him, back then and even more now. And the awakening woman in her began to burn with a woman's longing.
Hook had watched her closely; her quiet confession that she wanted to stay in Neverland forever took him by surprise, but also gave him hope; after all, he couldn't leave the island. The last two visits, she returned home because it was the reasonable thing to do, to protect her parents from the interfering authorities due to the children's absence. Returning home had been her duty – a duty she could now set aside. She had grown up and was her own mistress – or so she thought. Deep in her was the little adventurous girl, very much alive and well, and likely to remain forever. How much of his 'Red-Handed Jill' still lived in her had been demonstrated this evening.
And not only because of her actions. No. As she sat there, clad in large white borrowed shirt, golden chain with the acorn around her neck, dolphin bracelet still on her arm, the long hair silky but free, she was once again the small girl his men had brought aboard and who had joined him at the table, speaking with him about her little-girl-problems. Well, she had grown, so had her problems. But this time he wouldn't use them against her. Just the opposite. Where he once had been scheming to win her for his darker intentions concerning the eternal boy, he now only wanted to see her safe and well, because … because … oh, hell, because he was head over heels for her! He couldn't deny it any longer.
Dabbing his mouth with the napkin, he placed the white cotton aside, rose, closed the distance to her and sat on his heels beside her chair, experiencing the same déjà-vu as she. "Do you understand what frightened me the most, m'hearty?" he asked softly. As she looked down at him with those big eyes, he indeed felt himself hurled back into the past five years ago. Yet so much had changed! "That those bullets could hit you. Not only as you shielded me on the boat, but also during our flight. One stray shot, one bullet keening off a stone in the wrong direction, and you could have been hit. Or, worse, killed. The moment those scoundrels opened fire, you were in mortal danger. This little adventure might have been your last, and that's the reason I was so furious with you." There was still a flickering fire in his eyes, but he had finally calmed down.
Reaching for his hand, she entwined their fingers; his rough from the hard work at sea, hers fine and soft, but surprisingly strong. "I thank our God things turned out so well, despite Dalton revealing his truly miserable character." She sighed. "I became suspicious of him during the ball in London, but-"
"But something happened that gave him hope and the idea that you could be his," James guessed.
Wendy grimaced. "I danced with him," she admitted, looking down. "A lot. I was trying to distract him from getting curious about my friend, his cousin Victoria. She had rendezvoused with a man she'd fallen in love with, one that the Ashford's would not approve of, and … and…" She stopped, flushed and whispered, "Please, don't tell anyone. Her uncle and her aunt must not know about it."
Hook frowned. "Aside from the fact that I've absolutely no chance of telling anyone's aunt or uncle anything, I'm trying to understand what you just told me. You danced and flirted with Ashford for the purpose of giving your friend a chance for a clandestine meeting?"
"Yes," Wendy shrugged. "I'm always there for my friends. And if it means dancing the night away with a man whom I learned to like less and less during the evening, so be it."
A snort escaped the captain. Women! "Tricky minx!" he murmured, but inwardly the pirate in him smiled. What she did was worth a buccaneer's scheme. "I really should baptize you as Red-Handed Jill."
"If you hadn't intervened the moment you did, I would have given Dalton the slap of his life. Thus, my hand," she showed him the palm of her free hand, "would surely have been red," she added with a chuckle.
This time Hook had to laugh. "Shame I didn't wait a moment longer. I would have loved to see that."
Both grinned at each other, then Wendy said seriously, "I'm so sorry, James," she said softly. "I know I messed up. And I didn't want to scare you, but … but I was so deeply afraid for your life that I wasn't thinking straight. I meant what I said. I couldn't bear to lose you." She met his eyes and blushed again. This made him smile even more. She looked at him soberly, and said quietly, "And, oh God help me, I would do it again!"
Wendy felt her mouth going dry, while she looked down at the man who squatted beside her chair, just like he did the first time, five years before. The golden chain around his strong neck winked from beneath the material, just like back then. And the look of those incredible eyes, blue as forget-me-nots, hooded by dark lashes and brows, spoke a desire that made her breath catch. Wendy bit her lips in answer to the feeling in her belly again, and heat rushed through her. Oooooh God, she was soooo lost!
Hook saw her expanded pupils, how she bit her lips. May all the holy beings of the universe have mercy on him, but he wanted to kiss these pouting lips here and now. And then he realized that she had done it again: somehow, she'd taken the wind out of his sails and soothed his ire. This girl had him wrapped around her pretty fingers, and not for the first time. Dammit, why did the grim pirate in him always flee when she looked at him like this or smiled? Or pouted so sweetly?
He released her fingers and cupped her cheek, his gaze caught hers. "Listen, wildcat. This is the last I will say on this topic. If there ever comes a moment again when it's a choice between your safety or mine, run like hell. Do you hear me? I can defend myself, but I can't bear it to see you hurt – or dead." His ever-so-blue eyes fixed hers. "So, promise me, keep your word this time, that you will never risk your life for me again!" For a second he lowered his glance and his voice sounded almost hoarse. "I … I'm not worth it."
Wendy bent toward him, her face an inch from his. "Hear my plea, too, James. If you ever face real danger again, then do the smart thing and 'run like hell'." Her gaze searched his features – features so very dear to her. "Because I wouldn't know how to live without you," she added with a whisper. Giving into the urge that burned in her, she closed the distance to him and pressed her mouth gently against his, sealing their lips and both their fates…
TBC…
Well, I think there is not much to say now. You know to what this kiss will lead, right? So I won't give any prospect of what comes within the next chapter, *snicker*.
I hope you liked the new chapter. I tried to keep even the scolding 'sweet', because – really – when you angry with someone you love discussions run very differently as if you argue with someone who has no meaning to you. But both – Peter in his boyish was and Hook as a man – are deeply taken with Wendy, so…
I also couldn't resist to refer to the scene of the 2003-movie, when Wendy was the first time aboard. I thought it's a beautiful link between her time as a little girl and now, as an almost grownup woman. Blinks of her childhood are still showing themselves, but the path she stepped on leads her more and more towards the world of adulthood. And, as you can guess, she will pass the threshold now…
Please leave some reviews / comments; I would be very happy about them.
Have a nice rest of Sunday and a good start into the next week,
Love
Yours Lywhn / Starflight