Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

entering Meridelle; drinking and fighting his way through the seedier establishments near the docks. Today’s incident hadn’t been planned of course, but when the opportunity for a fight had risen, Jake jumped at the chance to let off some frustration. “He called me a dirty Pirate, Sully. What was I supposed to do? My reputation was at stake.”
    “Jake,” Sully raised his eyebrows at him. “You are a dirty Pirate.”
    “I may be a Pirate, Mate,” Jake grinned widely, “but I am not dirty.”
    Sully let out a deep, mournful sigh before he stood to leave. “Just try not to draw more attention, Captain. Our mission will be much easier without the royal Guard watching our every move.”
    Jake nodded in unhappy agreement, knowing his friend was correct. The older man pulled Jake away from conflict earlier, his motives to protect his Captain from the royal Guards who would be on their way to break up the fight which surely was reported.  Though, his title of monster was well-earned and welcome, it did not allow anonymity. Jake was forced to use every underhanded source and call in every evil favor owed him in exchange of information on the whereabouts of his mother’s music box. Many weeks later, he was finally making progress. Jake couldn’t allow his need for rebellion and physical release to hinder his mission. Until his treasure was found, Jake would have to be a shadow. Prince Char would not be pleased if he knew the notorious Pirate Captain Jake Reynolds was stalking around the royal grounds and asking questions about the castle.
    Jake had partaken in many of the town’s pleasures, drink, gambling and women being just a few, but nothing eased the tension of his quest. His stress increased as an image of the woman he crashed into earlier came to mind. The feel of Anna’s small frame atop his had sent shards of lightning through every nerve in his body. Anna’s blush at his gentle flirtation spoke of her inexperience, a quality Jake usually found quite abhorrent in his women. Jake had no fancy for the innocent, preferring his women more schooled and aware of the rules of his station. However, the strength and intelligence she showed in her smart comments indicated she would be worth the pursuit.
    A smile curled his lips at the thought of teaching sweet Anna the pleasures of flesh, but he quickly dismissed the thought. He had no time for the pursuit of virgins. His mission was clear; retrieve what was taken from him and leave Meridelle in his wake.
    ***
    The petite woman was gray from head to toe; her clothing matching the short bob of steel curls atop her head and the deep ash of her eyes. Even the pallor of her skin appeared grayish. Anna would have guessed her to be elderly except for her lack of wrinkles and spritely step. Friga Brill was an anomaly for Anna since she met the caretaker a week before.
    As the smaller woman bustled around Anna’s bedroom, cleaning and setting out an outfit for the day, Anna couldn’t help but respect her limitless energy. The sun rose above the gloom of morning fog, warming the air chilled by the still cool nighttime air. Anna didn’t want to think about moving from her bed, but Friga didn’t allow her rest, shooing her into the bathroom to shower and dress.
    “Hurry, Anna,” Friga sang through the door. “His Highness is waiting for you.”
    “Wonderful,” Anna muttered as she finished showering.
    “Isn’t it?” Friga called out, the woman’s hearing obviously far beyond average ears.
    The moment Anna exited the bathroom, Friga latched onto her arm, leading her through the gilded corridors of the castle to where Char waited. His tall, muscled form was covered in his royal garb; a pair of perfectly pressed black slacks and a black dress coat with silver stitching and Meridelle’s sapphire and emerald crest on the biceps. Char’s hair was slicked back, the shining black strands maintaining their position obediently.
    Anna sighed in envy, having to keep her wild