Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates by Bartlett, Gerry (red white royal blue TXT) 📕

That’s all I can do.” I stopped when we were out of sight of the beach, which was now teaming with sailors and soldiers. I took a deep breath. Moss and sea grass should have been a decent smell. But then…

“I have a potion here. It should calm you, mistress, and make it easier for you to make the attempt to change.” The witch stepped out from behind a tree.

“Get away from me!” I heard the snick of Valdez’s sword coming out of its sheath. “I want no potion. Why are you following me? Have you been listening to me talk to my bodyguard?”

“I was just taking a walk in the woods when I saw your friend come and then leave as a hawk. She’s very strong and quick. She’s not afraid to look for her man. Are you?” The woman tossed her skirts, her chin up.

“And you happened to be carrying a potion for me?” I didn’t trust her.

“I thought to go up to the castle with it.” She shrugged. “This chance meeting is much better.”

“Away with you.” Valdez waved his sword at her. “Mistress Gloriana wants nothing to do with you.”

Mistake. I made my own decisions and he knew it.

The witch smiled. “Of course. I’ll just be on my way. I knew dealing with vampires was a risk. If I didn’t need coin, I wouldn’t have bothered approaching you. I’ll not stand here if your guard going to attack me.” She looked him over. “I wouldn’t advise it, shifter.”

“You are tempting me.” Valdez approached her. “Get you gone. You heard my mistress. She wants no part of your witchcraft.”

“Are you sure?” The woman smiled, a sudden breeze lifting her hair until it blew in a golden veil around her face. “Beware, Mistress Gloriana. There’s a meeting coming that will put you in danger. You will wish for my help then unless you can find your courage.” She whirled and sent leaves spiraling before she vanished. I noticed she’d left a glowing bottle at my feet, tempting me.

“Bloody witches.” Valdez sheathed his sword. “Don’t listen to her, Glory.”

But I had listened. Portents and potions. Too often the portents came true and I knew witches were clever with their potions. Mayhap I should have tried this one first because my nerves were raw as I prepared to change. I squeezed my fists and thought about the bird I would like to become. I desperately wanted to search for Jeremiah.

He’d told me how to shift. I was supposed to picture the new being in my mind. I’d feel the movement of my limbs as I changed and it could be painful. But then I’d view the world differently. That could be amazing. Like Flo, I could be flying above it all.

I closed my eyes and thought, “Hawk, hawk, hawk, flying through the air.” I waited for the miracle of that change. For my arms to become wings and my legs to shrink. But the wind blew sand in my face and I merely swayed, my heart racing and my nails digging into my palms. I peeked. Were they becoming claws? Nay, what I felt were merely my own nails that needed trimming.

Tears filled my eyes. I had failed.

“Will you go for me, Valdez? Look for them? They were on that overloaded ship with that huge cannon. Captain Burnett said one ship sank and his took a direct hit. What if Jeremiah’s also took a hit? I would not be surprised if their ship sank quickly.” I wiped away my foolish tears. “Jeremiah and his father would shift to get away, but it might have been too near dawn for them to come home to us.” I sniffed. “Or they might have stayed to help the mortals who were in danger.”

“I am not supposed to leave you alone, Glory.” He laid his hand on my shoulder. He did seem sorry that he had pushed me to shift. “I am glad you tried to shift. I saw that you truly cannot do it. I am sorry.”

“So am I!” What could I say to move him? “Please. Fergus and Colin will be here to guard me. Take me to the castle and leave me there. Tell Fergus that you’re going. Though you will be hard-pressed to keep him from shifting with you. He is very devoted to Jeremiah.” I stared at Valdez, desperate.

“Very well. Let’s go. But you will stay in your room to make it easy for them to guard you.” He set off after making sure the witch had truly left us.

While he was looking behind the trees, I picked up the bottle of potion. I couldn’t let it go to waste. The witch had said it was calming. That could certainly be useful slipped into someone’s food or drink.

“I will stay in my room and the tower. I want to be able to watch the sea in case their ship makes it into port.” We were finally walking toward the castle. I wanted him to hurry but Valdez would not be rushed. He stopped to talk to Colin then to Fergus. I was right that Fergus was desperate to join the search.

“You are needed here, Fergus. Find out from the captain what damage they did to the pirate’s holdings. What if those people attack now, seeking a quick revenge?” I hit on the right argument. Too bad it made Valdez hesitate.

“I shouldn’t go.” He frowned and stayed close to me as we followed Fergus into the castle.

Fergus found the captain finishing a meal with Lady Anne. The shifter didn’t like what he heard. The pirates had suffered losses to their ships but at least one had managed to sail away. Fergus decided to stay and double the guards.

“I can watch the lass, Valdez. Colin can also be trusted.” Fergus took us back to the courtyard. “I would appreciate it if you would look for Jeremiah. He might need help. Be stranded somewhere. If he or his father are hurt and cannot