Blackbeard files

 

Tablo reader up chevron

Chapter One

"Teag, you look like an angel." Ovidia stared at her friend's reflection in the mirror blinking back tears. The day had finally come after months of whirlwind preparations, and endless meetings about flowers, and dresses, and shoes.

Teagan had chosen a simple but beautiful dress. The lace covered bodice dipped down into a low scoop neck, the intricate lace and beading flowing down the dress accentuating Teagan's subtle curves, and ending in folds of gauzy taffeta that whispered when Tegan walked and made it look as if she was walking on air.

"Thanks Vid, and that color of purple really does something for your skin.

Looking down at the deep eggplant of her dress, Ovidia smiled at her.

"I agree with you, it does make me look fabulous." Ovidia said and turned in a circle on matching heels the dress billowing out slightly from her frame.

Tegan laughed and rolled her eyes easing the last bit of melancholy easing away at the sound of Teagan's laugh.

Her melancholy could wait it was Tegan's day.

****

Standing in front of the large ornate doors that led out to the gardens of the institute Ovidia turned and gave one last wink to Tegan who looked calm and radiant. Ovidia turned and waited for the doors to open cuing her to walk down the aisle.

Despite her earlier vow Ovidia felt a bit of sadness wondering what it would have been like waiting just like this, wearing a white gown and knowing that Eric waited for her at the end of the isle.

As always with those of their race duty came before emotion. The norse people were proud and heritage and bloodlines were more important than feelings. Eric had honored their traditions and had done as his parents asked and married for duty.

The doors swung open revealing the long silver runner laid down on the soft green grass of the garden. Ovidia looked up towards the front half-expecting Eric to be standing there waiting for her.

It was not, there stood Bran resplendent in a tux. Ovidia ignored the stab of disappointment and the dark flare of embarassment. Plastering a sassy grin on her face she sauntered up the isle winking at Bran as she took her place to the right of him, and joined the rest of the guests in looking down the isle waiting for Teagan.

 

Tears welled in her eyes as the music swelled and her friend stood at the threshold. She glowed with happiness, and as Ovidia looked over at Bran she could see the love that shined out of him for her friend.

It had been an interesting year for Teagan she had found out she was half fae/half witch a dangerous and powerful combination, she had hunted Jack the ripper, and brought him to justice, as well as found the man, well dragon of her dreams.

Teagan had accepted a full-time position as researcher at the institute and Ovidia was glad tha t her friend would be near by, it would be nice to have someone around that she could let her guard down with, and have all the feelings.

 

Ovidia tuned back in and watched as the silk cloth embroidered with silver dragons was wrapped around her two friend's hands binding them in life. A warm glow emanated from their hands and Bran's eyes flashed with fire. The roar of a mighty dragon could be heard faintly as if from a great distance.

The Druid priest intoned words in latin and unwound the cloth. Bran took Teagan's left hand where now on her left ring finger a bright tattoo of a red dragon was looped tail in his mouth replacing the faded one that had appeared when Bran had marked her as his life mate.

Bran slid a band encrusted with diamonds and amethysts onto the same finger. He had agreed to a ring exchange as Teagan had requested.

Ovidia smiled as Teagan returned the gesture sliding a silver band engraved with the same dragon onto Bran's left ring finger. That had been quite the arguement between the two, with Bran finally giving in to the human custom.

A few more words were exchanged and the final blessing bestowed on the couple.

The Druid pronounced them handfasted.

"You may kiss your Bride." he intoned.

"This is one human custom I can get behind." Bran said as he gathered Teagan in his arms and claimed her lips with his.

A roll of laughter came from those assembled as Bran gave the custom is all.

Teagan finally pulled away laughing and grabbed Bran's hand and tugged him down the aisle to the congratulations of all the well wishers.

 

Ovidia turned and grasped the arm of one of Bran's good friends, a gargoyle and they marched down the aisle to join the happy couple at their reception.

****

The reception was a lavish affair, taking place in the ballroom of the Institute. Ovidia danced and laughed and gushed with her friend. She drank champagne, and flirted and enjoyed the party as she always did. Flirting and partying helped her to recover from the rigors of her job going on missions as not all could be saved. It also helped to keep her from dwelling in the dark empty place where her love for Eric resided. She had tried and failed to love another and had resigned herself to the fact that she would not share her life with another.

 

Ovidia laughed when Bran gathered Teagan up in his arms and in true Dragon fashion informed the people gathered that it was time for him to claim his mate, much to the protests of Teagan and swept her out of the room laughter coloring her admonishments.

 

Ovidia was happy for them. She stayed awhile longer and mingled even considered taking one of the men up on their broad hints to extend the night further. In the end she found she was not in the mood for such pleasures, that she needed to be alone with her memories, that night that crept in with alarming reglarity of the evening.

***************

Ovidia woke up the next morning looking up at her ceiling and sighed. Today she had a meeting with Armand about what to do about the next mission. She had been assigned to go back to the time of Blackbeard, to rescue a Siren who had been kidnapped. Blackbeard the son of a Siren, and a Pirate ironically enough would help them to find the secret island of the Sirens. It was a place shrouded in mystery few outsiders had been allowed there, even those of the supernatural community.

The only snag in an otherwise exciting proposition was Eric. Ovidia got up and brewed her habitual latte, her brain fuzzy from sleep. Leaning back against the black marble counter she thought back to that day months ago when Armand had summoned her to talk about the next case.

She had walked in and that snake in the grass had been standing there, causally hands in his pockets, and just as casually "Hello Vid, as her heart took up residence in her throat.

She had stood her ground, as Armand had outlined the mission and that Eric was to be her partner.

Ovidia had nodded and left, walking stiffly out of the room. Armand had told her the jump would be held off while Teagan and her Grandfather gathered research, and then Bran had proposed and she had been able to get Armand to hold off until after the wedding.

The day had come to face the firing squad. She had never turned down a mission today would be a first.

 

Ovidia dressed for the day as if she was putting on armor. Black pencil skirt, dramatic red blouse, and killer heels. She pulled her hair back in a sleek ponytail and applied her makeup with the precision of a general. If she was going to do the unthinkable she felt as if she should look good doing it.

 

Ovidia felt her palms sweat as she marched down the hallway to Armand's office. She pushed opened the doors and smirked at his Admin Cleo, who as always was filing her lethal nails.

 

"I have an appointment is he ready for me?" Ovidia asked withe one eyebrow raised jerking a thumb at the closed door to Armand's office.

 

Cleo sighed and rolled her eyes as she reached for the phone on her desk. "Ovidia Valkeryie here to see you." Cleo nodded at the response and without looking at Ovidia said "you can enter."

 

Ovidia did a eye roll of her own and grumbled "Dragons" under breath as she strode into Armand's office. Cleo was the dragon at the gate of the director's office. She may look like a bored fashion model but she would be lethal if tested.

 

Armand motioned Ovidia to take a seat at his desk and steepled his fingers looking at her.

"You asked to see me Ms. Valkeryie?" He said calmly settling back into his chair.

 

"Yes, Sir if you insist on having Eric LAST NAME on this mission I will have to decline." Ovidia said her voice stead and confident. She had done it declined a mission.

 

"It is not like you to decline a mission. Escpecially one where there could be sword fighting involved."

Ovidia felt the sword of light at her side give a quiver at the words sword fight. Ovidia unconciously placed her hand on the hilt. The sword all valkeryies are born with always at her side but invisible until it was needed.

"I just do not believe that it would be a productive assignment with Eric as my partner. I would gladly take up the assignment if another could be assigned as my partner, or I could conduct a solo mission."

 

"Ovidia, this assignment will be dangerous and multi-faceted, two will be required. With Bran out on his honeymoon and the others out on their own missions Eric coming back to the institute at this time was just right. If you prefer to not work with him I understand, I will have to take Cleo out of her assignment as my admin and send her instead.

Ovidia sat and images raced through her brain of Eric and Cleo wrapped around each other in some tavern. Cleo was a notorious flirt a collector of men who had many notches on her bedpost. The thought of being an admin made Ovidia's blood burn and teeth clench. Valkeries were fighters not paper pushers.

 

"Give me one day to think this over. I will be back at that time with my answer. Will that suffice?" Ovidia asked standing to leave.

 

"That would be acceptable." Armand said his eyes turning back to the paperwork on his desk as she left.

 

Walking back through the gilt and shine of Cleo's office Ovidia and tried not to imagine Eric here fawning over Cleo. As if she could read Ovidia's thoughts Cleo smirked. She had probably heard everything that was said as dragons had excellent hearing.

"Shove it Cleo." Ovidia said pleased to see Cleo's eyes narrow and smoke curl from her nose. Ovidia's grin was fierce she was aching for a fight.

"I will not let you push me into a fight, Valkeryie just because your blood is up." Cleo said in her smooth cultured voice going back to sharpening her already deadly nails.

 

Ovidia growled and stomped out of the office. She would change and go to sword practice, using the set up some illusionists had made for her she could fight imaginary pirates to her hearts content. A feral smile crossed her lips and a bounce in her step as she thought about the fun that was ahead. She would put the thoughts of Eric and the mission aside for now and do what she did best. Kick ass.

 

Ovidia stalked back into her apartment and leaned against the door taking a deep breath. She could do this work with him, continue to shove the feelings she still had for him down in the box she had made for them inside herself. She had admired him dammit for his conviction and service to duty and his people. She just wished it didn't hurt so much.

 

Changing into work out gear she padded across the dark wood of her apartment. Her apartment suited her, just as every apartment in the institute did that occupant. Where Teagan's apartment was old world style, and comfort Ovidia's screamed the modern. Sharp edges and shiny chrome, with bright splashes of color. The couches black leather were actually quite comfortable, and the black walnut floors heated. A slick covering of the modern over the comfort.

 

Passing through the kitchen for a bottle of water she saw a note from her Brownie Mrs. Avery. Everyone in the institute had one to cook and clean as that is what that race of people loved to do. Armand being an effecient and kind man paid them well, and the Brownies were happy taking care of the people of the institute.

 

Ovidia,

Dinner is prepared and in the fridge. Pop into the oven, and heat on 450 for 25 minutes. The accompanied wine is chilling in the fridge as well.

Have a lovely evening,

Mrs. Avery.

 

Ovidia opened the fridge and peaked in to see what culinary delight Mrs. Avery had left. A seafood pasta looking luscious and elegant sat in a place of prominence in the center of Ovidia's fridge. A bottle of her favorite white was chilling in the door.

 

"We have a date later." Ovidia said pointing at the bottle and again at the pasta.

 

Grabbing her water off the counter she sauntered across the room opening a door on the other side of the kitchen.

It opened into a wide open area, the floor was springy as Ovidia walked across it and flipped on a stereo. Music pumped from the stereo, techno with a throbbing beat perfect for her mood.

 

Ovidia walked over again to the center of the mat and closed her eyes for a brief moment, centering herself. Opening them she said begin and a rough looking pirate appeared before her.

 

"You ready for a fight girl." He said in the most awful accent. Seriously Armand really need to get someone to work on that accent.

 

Ovidia smiled, laughed a little "Yes, Yes Im." She reached to her side and drew a gleaming broadsword out of the air. "Cutlass." She said and a bright light surrounded the sword.

It dimmed and where once a broadsword had been there was a gleaming cutlass a glittering blue stone in it's hilt.

 

Ovidia looked at the hologram once more and smiled the light of the fight and her berserker ancestors bright in her eyes. "Come and get it Matey." She said in an equally awful pirate accent. All thoughts but the battle ahead of her leaving her mind as her blood pumped in time with the music, and she began to advance on the pirate.

*********

Sweaty, yet satisfied she sat down at her table the steaming plate of pasta, joined the chilled glass of wine on the table. Taking the first bite she groaned in appreciation as the briny shrimp, creamy pasta, and bite of garlic mixed on her tongue.

She would be forever grateful to Mrs. Avery who without she may starve. Ovidia made quick work of the meal and barely restrained herself from licking the plate.

 

Leaving the dishes in the sink, she stretched and sighed. Her good mood restored and confidence back in place. She would go to Armand tomorrow accept the mission formally and stop acting like the shrinking violet and more like the warrior she was.

Mind made up she headed to shower and change, she felt like dancing and her favorite club was calling.

***********

An hour later She had poured herself into a stoplight red dress, her long blonde hair in waves down her back, sparkles at her ears and throat, scent on wrists, and her lips slicked a siren red she was ready to party.

 

Grabbing her keys and clutch from the table beside the couch she opened the door and ran straight into a broad chest. Inhaling she smelled his scent and carefully composed her face into a sneer before stepping back and looking up into his face.

 

Even after all this time it still had the power to stop her heart. She was a tall women made taller by the killer heels that she wore but he still towered over, emanating heat, and arrogance. The twin pulls of desire and resentment twined through her and made the sneer go shartp.

 

Cocking her hip, and raising an eyebrow she met his gaze. The artic blue of his eyes cut through her. "As you can see I was just headed out is there something I can help you with?" She asked

 

"Vid, I….just wanted to talk. I want you on this mission I think that we can make a good team." Erik said running his hand through his sandy blonde hair. He looked as if he had stepped out of a picture of a raiding viking all tall, and broad shoulders, his muscles straining against the tight black t-shirt he wore.

 

"I know I am right for the mission which is why I will be accepting first thing in the morning. Now if you will excuse me, I have some dancing to do." Ovidia stared at him willing him to leave before her gaze slipped to his chiseled mouth.

 

"I heard you have become quite the party girl." He said his voice a bit gravelly.

 

Ovidia tapped on red nail against equally red lips "Party girl. I am not sure. I like the way you say that. If you mean I like to dance to good music, and have a good time than yes I have. I am sorry if your staid domestic life isn't working out all that well for you. How is Alexandra? Is marrying for duty all you thought it would be?" Ovidia said sharply, forgetting herself in the moment.

 

Eric stared at her and Ovidia straightened. "You don't know?" He said his eyes wide.

 

"Know what Eric?" She asked snidely tapping the toe of her shoe.

 

"I didn't marry her." He said flatly.

"So you shirked your duty after you broke our engagement?" Ovidia felt her eyebrows go into her hairline. She had been home several times since her he had left her for duty, and no one had said a word. Her mother had even talked of what a grand party the royal wedding had been, until Ovidia had stopped her not wanting the details.

 

"Vid, I didn't marry her. She was in love with Calder, and he with her, I abdicated once I found out about their love and allowed them to marry, allowed him to take the throne. He was always wanted it more than I."

 

Ovidia stared at him, as she tried to process the information. He hadn't married Alexandra he hadn't become king. He had left her and never looked back and it was not even for duty.

 

"Why didn't you come back, why didn't anyone tell me?" It started as a whisper that built into a roar.

 

Eric stepped back knowing what Vid was like in full temper.

 

"Because I asked them not to. After I called off the engagement and didn't end up marrying Alexandra I was confused. I called Armand and took on some dangerous missions solo, things that the institute didn't want advertised." Erik said quietly the ice to her fire.

 

"You have been working here all this time? And you never came to me? Talked to me? This whole time I thought that you had given us up for duty that I understood. I have been home my parents, family, friends everyone let me believe…." She trailed off stunned at the betrayal of those close to her.

 

"Do not blame them I a member of the royal family asked them to conceal the secret they were angry but felt that they had no choice." Eric said.

 

"Vid, I am sorry we were just so intense together and when I had to chance to step back, I just needed some time."

 

Ovidia's smile glittered like a knife "Well you have your time, you have the rest of your life, Pal. I will take this mission and I will work with you, to save the siren but do not think for one minute that there will ever be anything between us again." Turning on her heel Ovidia walked down the hallway towards the elevator without a backward glance. Climbing in she blindly tapped the down error and just stared blankly at the wall. She would go out take a walk around the block to make sure he was gone and then go back home. She was not in the mood to party.

 

Teagan would be back from her honeymoon in two days and she could spill the betrayal to her best friend. It was a relief that Teagan had been brought into her heritage it would make it easier Ovidia would not have to make up a background for Eric she could tell Teagan the whole sordid tale and get her friend's advice on how to handle the mess she found herself in.

 

The damndest thing was she was still in love with him. And when he had told her that he was not married to another that flare of hope kindled inside of her again. It could kindle all it wanted she would not place herself in a position to be vunerable again.

***********

Ovidia strode into Cleo's sanctuary again, ready to do battle with the dragon at the gate. Cleo looked up from where she was typing at the computer. "He is ready for you." She said in a cool voice and turned back to her typing.

 

"She is actually doing something besides filing her nails it is a miracle" Ovidia said under her breath.

 

"I heard that Valkeryie." Cleo intoned as she walked by. "You were supposed to Dragon." Ovidia said with a wicked smile as she breezed by Cleo's desk. The slight twitch of the Dragon's lips what passed for a smile from Cleo let Ovidia know that yesterday's drama was forgotten.

 

Comment Log in or Join Tablo to comment on this chapter...

Prologue

Seraphim looked out a the moody waves that mirrored her mood. She had felt restless all day a sense of foreboding she couldn't shake shrouding her like a smothering blanket. Sighing she turned from the window and the moody sea. She had lived on this small island all her life, dividing her time between it, and the sea as her kind were won't to do. Lately she had been thinking of her mother. The human woman who had slipped past the island's barrier and into her father's heart.

She had left back to her own kind sailed away, and has had slipped past the barrier surrrounding the island her memories of the man who loved her and the child they had made slipped away as well.

Seraphim had been too young to remember more than the barest memories, a scent of lilacs, and the sweet sound of a feminine voice lifted in song. One that brang happiness and joy not death and destruction.

A crash from down the hall pulled her from her thoughts as she hurried down the hall towards the sound. Siren's were graceful gentle people…unless threatened.

Turning the corner from her rooms there stood a man standing legs astride hands on hips.

A human man who reeked of greed, and terror.

 

She started to back away she needed to warn the others. How had they gotten past the guards, the barrier? They should be lifeless in the sea by now lured by her sisters voices to their destruction. It was the only way to keep their race a secret.

The man leered in her direction taking steps toward her as she took them back.

"Do not be afraid my pet, I will take real good care of you."

Seraphim turned to run, a stinging pain hit her should..and the world went black.

 
Comment Log in or Join Tablo to comment on this chapter...
~

You might like Lora Edwards's other books...