Chapter 13

Chapter

Thirteen

T he pounding in his head woke Aiden. With a curse, he reached for the glass of water by the bed. His mouth felt like it was stuffed with rags, and with a sniff of his person, he wrinkled his nose, wondering if mayhap he'd gone for a swim in a vat of rum last night?

As he stretched, yawning, the events of the previous night came rushing back. The Halloween party, the dance with Mary, and that kiss . That earth-shattering, world-tilting kiss that had left him breathless and yearning for more. And then, just as quickly, his lass had pulled away, leaving him confused and alone as she fled into the night back to the safety of her books.

Sitting up, he groaned, scrubbing a hand across his face. The sun streaming through the windows was like a dagger to the eye. Exactly how much rum had he consumed after her hasty departure? A vague memory of Alex challenging him to a drinking game consisting of bobbing for apples made him swear. He hadn't imbibed that much since the night he'd celebrated becoming captain of the Siren.

Stumbling out of bed, bleary-eyed, Aiden made his way to the washroom, splashing cold water on his face in an attempt to clear the fog from his head. As he stared at his reflection in the mirror, he was excited to experience the jamboree. To immerse himself in the world he'd left behind … a world he now wished to leave behind so he could stay here, in this time, with Mary.

Why had she pulled away? As he shaved, he thought about their time together, how she kept the defenses around her heart high and strong. All, because of him . Jake. That bloody bastard had hurt her deeply, and a small part of Aiden wondered if she was still pining for the man?

At least he'd hung his clothes in the washroom in front of the open window to air them out before he'd fallen into bed last night.

The last time he'd slept without being fully dressed and armed, he must have been sixteen, the night before the raid on that Spanish merchant ship. There was something about being here, not only in this time, but here with the lass, that made him let down his guard, to sleep deeply, instead of waking at every creak and noise.

With a sniff, Aiden shrugged. Aye, the clothes held the faint scent of rum, smoke, and citrus, a most pleasant combination. As he dressed, he examined the repairs Agatha had made to his clothes. A fine seamstress, she'd done a remarkable job, the stitches from the sewing machine tiny and perfect.

He stopped in the kitchen, but the coffee machine was empty. Inky looked up from the chair in the sun where he'd curled up for a morning nap.

"Looks like our Mary gave you tuna this morning, ye wee beastie." Aiden scratched the cat under his chin as the animal purred, closing his eyes.

After refilling the cat's water bowl, and adding two ice cubes, which the lass insisted was the way Inky liked the water, he went downstairs. The bookshop was quiet, no sign of her as he wandered through the dim shop. A note on the counter caught his eye.

We're out of coffee. Meet me at Jolly Roger's Diner if you're up for breakfast. - M

The mention of food made his stomach rumble. Stepping out into the brisk morning and inhaling deeply cleared the rest of the mist from his head. Morgan would be working in the shop today and tomorrow, leaving Mary free to enjoy the festivities. At least he hoped she still would, after she'd fled last night.

As he made his way down the street towards the diner, he nodded at the locals and tourists who were already milling about in various states of pirate dress, excited for the festivities to begin.

The bell above the door jingled as he entered the diner, the smell of coffee and bacon hitting him like a wave. He spotted her immediately, tucked away in a corner booth, her flowing red hair a beacon in the crowded space. As he approached, he noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the way she clutched the mug like a lifeline. It seemed he wasn't the only one feeling the effects of the previous night.

"Morning, lass," he said, sliding into the seat across from her. "Ye look about as well as I feel."

A wry smile tugged at her lips when she met his gaze. "That bad, huh? I guess we both overdid it a bit last night."

"Aye." He looked her over from head to toe, a grin stretching across his face as he slung an arm across the back of the booth.

"If you stepped foot on the Siren dressed like that, I'd swear you were a pirate, lass."

To his delight, pink spread across her face as she smoothed a hand down the snowy white linen of her shirt.

"Can't let you upstage me."

His lass had dressed in the black breeches that looked painted on, leggings she called them, along with black knee-high boots, a black vest, and the white linen shirt. She'd pulled her hair back into a low tail and tied it with a black satin ribbon. With a frown, Aiden reached across the table for her hand, startling her.

"Do you like my costume?" She stammered.

He cocked his head. "You're missing one or two bits."

"I am?" She looked at her outfit, then at him, a question in her eyes.

He pulled off the sapphire ring from his pinky and slid it on her middle finger.

"It's beautiful." She turned her hand side to side, admiring the ring.

Then he reached into his pocket and came up with two charms. One of the Read Between the Tides book charms, and the other, he'd taken from his hair. It was a pearl set in gold.

"May I?" He held the charms in his palm.

"Oh, I didn't think about jewelry." She nodded. "Please."

He stood and moved to the other side of the booth to sit beside her, gesturing for her to turn around. When she did, he braided the charms into her hair, admiring them as they caught the light. Then he pulled the long ponytail over her shoulder so she could see.

"They're perfect. Thank you."

"Now ye look the part of the Queen of the Pirates."

An awkward silence fell between them when he moved to sit across from her again, the unspoken events of the Halloween party hanging in the air like a storm cloud.

Desperate to say something else that might bridge the distance between them, Aiden cleared his throat.

"So, the celebration of Teach starts today," he ventured, grasping for the safest topic he could think of. "Are ye looking forward to it?"

Her fingers traced the rim of her coffee mug. "It's... not usually my favorite time of year. Too many people, too much noise. But I suppose it's good for business."

Aiden nodded, understanding her reluctance. He'd seen how she tended to shy away from large crowds, preferring the quiet solitude of her bookshop.

"Aye, I can see how it might be overwhelming," he said. "But think of the stories. Keeping the past alive. It's a chance for people to step into the past, even if just for a day or two."

She looked up at him then, green eyes searching his face. "I suppose you would know all about that, wouldn't you? Stepping into another world, I mean."

The weight of her words hung between them, but before he could respond, a waitress appeared at their table, her pirate hat slightly askew.

"What can I get for ye landlubbers this mornin'?" she asked, her exaggerated pirate accent bringing a smile to his face.

They placed their orders. A full Scottish breakfast for him, and blueberry pancakes for her. An uneasy silence settled over the table as they waited for their food.

"About last night," he began, unable to bear the tension any longer. "I?—"

"It's fine," she cut him off, her voice tight, the grumpiness back. "We both had a bit too much to drink, got caught up in the moment. It doesn't have to mean anything."

Didn't have to mean anything?

It was as if she'd punched him in the gut. That kiss meant everything to him. It had felt like coming home after a long voyage, finding a treasure more valuable than all the gold in the world. Her kiss had blown every other woman to smithereens. There was no one else for him. Only her.

"Is that truly how ye feel?" he asked, his voice low and intense. "Because to me, it meant a great deal more than a drunken mistake."

Mary's eyes widened, a flicker of something, maybe hope or fear, passing across her face before she schooled her features into a neutral expression.

"We can't... This isn't... You don't belong here. In this time, I mean. Eventually, you'll have to go back, and then where does that leave us?"

The arrival of the food interrupted the conversation, giving them both a moment to collect their thoughts. He picked at his breakfast, his appetite diminished. He watched as she methodically cut her pancakes into neat, precise squares, as if the act could somehow bring order to the chaos of their situation.

"I don't know what the future holds," Aiden said finally, setting down his fork. "But I do know that I care for ye. More than I've cared for anyone. And I'm not willing to give up on that so easily, poppet."

Eyes shining with unshed tears, she looked up at him. "I care for you, too. But what if we pursue this, and then you disappear back to your own time? I don't know if I could handle the loss."

He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Then let's not think about the future just yet. We shall focus on the here and now. On enjoying the jamboree, finding the treasure, and making memories that will last a lifetime. No matter what century we end up in. I would sail through monsters for ye."

A small smile tugged at Mary's lips. "You make it sound so simple."

"Nothing worth having is ever simple, lass. But that doesn't mean it's not worth fighting for."

As they finished their breakfast, the awkwardness between them slowly dissipated, replaced by a cautious optimism. By the time they stepped out onto the street, Blackbeard's Pirate Jamboree was in full swing.

Flags bearing the skull and crossbones fluttered from every lamppost and storefront. Sea shanties rang out in the air, along with the excited chatter of tourists and locals alike, all decked out in their finest pirate regalia.

Aiden couldn't help but grin at the sight. It was like stepping back in time, or at least, a romanticized version of the time he'd left behind. He watched as children ran past, brandishing toy swords and shouting "Arrr!" at the top of their lungs.

"It's quite a spectacle, isn't it?" She said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Aye, that it is," he agreed. "Though I must say, some of these ‘pirates' wouldn't last a day on a real ship. Look at that one there. He's wearing his cutlass on the wrong side."

Mary laughed, the sound warming Aiden's heart. "Well, not everyone can be as authentic as you, Captain."

They made their way through the crowded streets, stopping occasionally to admire the various stalls and attractions. The Brigand's Bazaar was bustling with vendors selling pirate-themed wares and authentic colonial crafts. In the distance, they could hear the booming of cannons from the Wahab House docks, signaling the official start of the event.

As they walked, they passed by a group of actors in period costume, demonstrating sword fighting techniques to an enraptured audience. Children gathered around a storyteller, listening wide-eyed to tales of Blackbeard's exploits.

Aiden found himself drawn to a booth where an old sailor was demonstrating the art of tying nautical knots.

"Here's a lad who looks like he might know a thing or two about seamanship," the old man said, eyeing Aiden's costume appreciatively. "Care to try your hand at a monkey's fist knot?"

He grinned, rolling up his sleeves. "Aye, give it here, then."

As he deftly wove the rope into the complex knot, a small crowd gathered to watch. Mary stood off to the side, a look of pride on her face that made his heart swell.

"Well done, lad," the old sailor exclaimed when he finished. "Where did ye learn to tie knots like that?"

"Oh, here and there," Aiden replied with a wink. "A sailor never reveals all his secrets."

As they moved on, Mary nudged him playfully. "Show-off," she teased.

Just then, Mary's parents approached them with warm smiles. "There you two are," her mother said. "Aiden, dear, are you ready for the final battle tomorrow?"

He laughed confidently. "I was born ready," he replied, his eyes twinkling with excitement and determination.

"What do you say we head over to the colonial village next? They're giving history talks about life in the 18th century." Mary said, pulling him away before her parents could pepper him with a thousand questions. "You can critique what they get wrong."

He nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds delightful. And after that, can we join the pirate parade?"

"Of course. It's starts at the surf shop at ten."

Just then, Mary's parents' phones buzzed simultaneously. Her father answered, his brow furrowing as he listened. "Looks like there's a problem with the cotton candy machine," he sighed, turning to her mom. "They need us to sort it out."

"You two go on ahead," her mom said, gesturing to Mary and Aiden. "We'll catch up with you later. Enjoy the jamboree."

As her parents hurried off, she turned to him, not as stiff as she'd been when he first arrived at the diner. "Shall we?"

After the parade, and a firearms demonstration, a commotion near the town square caught Aiden's attention. A large crowd was gathered around a makeshift stage, where a man dressed as a flamboyant pirate was addressing the masses.

"Hear ye, hear ye!" the man bellowed, his voice carrying over the excited murmurs of the crowd. "The annual Ocracoke Island Treasure Hunt is about to begin!"

A grin broke out on his face. Of course, there would be a treasure hunt.

"All who dare to seek the hidden riches of Blackbeard step forward and claim your maps," the man continued.

"But beware. Only the bravest and cleverest of pirates will succeed in unraveling the clues and finding the treasure!"

He turned to Mary, eyes shining with enthusiasm. "What do ye say, lass? Shall we try our hand at a bit of treasure hunting?"

She hesitated, biting her lower lip. "I don't know. It's usually just a tourist thing, and it can get pretty competitive..."

"Where's your sense of adventure?" He cajoled. "Besides, who knows?" He lowered his voice. "We might stumble upon a clue to the real treasure we've been seeking."

After a moment's consideration, she nodded. "I guess we could participate. Maybe it will be fun."

They reached the stage, and someone handed them a rolled-up parchment map and a list of riddles. Aiden unfurled the map, eyes scanning the drawing of the island as she pulled on a pair of sunglasses.

"Right then," he said, slipping easily into the role of captain.

"The first clue." He cleared his throat. "Where ghostly horses roam the shore, your treasure hunt will start once more."

She rolled her eyes. "Talk about easy. That's referring to the wild ponies."

"Will ye let me drive today?" He gave her what he hoped was a responsible smile.

For a moment he thought she'd say no, but then she shrugged. "People are going to act crazy all weekend, so why not?"

With a whoop and a grin, he climbed into the driving seat of the golf cart, steering them out of the parking lot. His lass sat beside him, occasionally glancing his way as he maneuvered through the streets. The quiet hum of the engine mixed with the buzz of the crowd as they wound their way down the beach, heading for the wild pony pen.

Suddenly, a group of tourists crossed the street without looking. He swore, reacting swiftly, swerving around them with a sharp turn.

Mary gasped, gripping the seat. "Aiden!"

He laughed, unbothered. "What? No harm done, love. Now, when do I get to drive something faster?"

The look she gave him just made him grin again. "Let's make it to the ponies in one piece and get through the treasure hunt. Then we can talk about cars."

In the distance, Aiden could make out the shapes of several horses grazing on the dune grass. To his surprise, he spotted a familiar figure among them, 'twas the dappled gray pony that often hung around the shop. She seemed to be watching them intently.

"Look," he nudged Mary.

As if on cue, the horse trotted over to them, nickering softly. She paused near a large piece of driftwood, pawing at the sand with her hoof.

Mary blinked at him. "I think she's trying to show us something. There's something shiny in the sand where she's pointing."

They hurried over, Aiden reaching the spot first. He knelt down, brushing away the sand to reveal a small, ornate box. Inside was a brass compass and another riddle. The mare whinnied softly, as if pleased with herself for leading them to the next clue.

"To find the next clue on your quest, seek the place where pirates rest," Aiden read aloud.

Mary's eyes lit up. "Oh, I know this one. There's an old cemetery not far from here where some of Blackbeard's crew are buried."

As they made their way to the cemetery, he couldn't help but notice how the lass seemed to be warming up to the adventure. Her earlier reluctance had given way to genuine enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling as she looked over the map.

Part of the cemetery was small and overgrown, ancient headstones tilting at odd angles. They split up to search, carefully making their way through the tangle of weeds and vines.

"Aiden!" Mary called out suddenly. "I think I've found something."

He hurried over to where she stood in front of a weathered grave marker. Carved into the stone was a crude skull and crossbones, and beneath it, taped to the stone, was a piece of paper bearing a series of numbers.

"It looks like coordinates," he mused, pulling out the compass they'd found earlier. "If I'm reading this right, it's pointing us towards... the lighthouse?"

She nodded excitedly, getting into the spirit of the hunt. "That makes sense. The lighthouse is one of the oldest structures on the island. It would be the perfect place to hide a clue."

As they made their way across the sand towards the lighthouse, he couldn't help but notice the way her hand kept brushing against his as they walked. Whether it was intentional or not, each fleeting touch sent a jolt of electricity through him.

The Ocracoke Lighthouse stood before them, its pristine white exterior gleaming against the blue sky. It was tall, at least seventy-five feet high. The walls were solid white brick. Crowning the tower was an octagonal lantern housing the light. A small group of treasure hunters had beaten them there and were already milling about the base, searching for clues among the historic landmark.

"If I were hiding a treasure map, where would I put it?" He ignored the other hunters, scanning their surroundings.

His lass squeezed his arm, her gaze traveling up the length of the lighthouse. "What about up there? In the light room?"

Aiden grinned. "Aye, that's clever thinking. Shall we?"

They climbed the winding stairs, footsteps echoing in the narrow space. By the time they reached the top, both were slightly out of breath.

The view from the lighthouse was spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the island and the surrounding sea. Aiden found himself momentarily lost in the sight, memories of his life on the sea, on his ship, washing over him.

"Over there." Mary's voice snapped him back to the present. She was pointing at the huge glass lens that dominated the center of the room. There at the base was another small box, this one copper colored.

Inside, they found a piece of sea glass similar to the one Aiden had given Mary, but this one was a deep, rich green. Along with it was the final clue.

"Where land meets sea and past meets present, your journey's end will be most pleasant."

They looked at each other, excitement building. "The harbor," they said in unison.

His blood sang with joy at hunting treasure once more, even if it was only for fun. They were so close to the end of the hunt, and he found himself caught up in the competitive spirit of it all. Mayhap he could talk with Alex, find out if he might have need of a pirate on his next expedition? After all, from what Lily said, a pirate was like a modern-day salvage operation.

The harbor was bustling with activity, boats of all sizes bobbing in the water as tourists and locals alike enjoyed the festivities and musicians played on the stage, people dancing and laughing along to the music. Aiden and Mary moved away from the crowds until they were alone, looking for anything out of place.

"There!" Mary pointed towards a small cove, partially hidden by an outcropping of rocks. "I've never noticed that before."

They hurried over, scrambling over the slippery rocks. As they rounded the corner, they saw it, a small wooden treasure chest with brass fittings, half-buried in the sand.

Aiden reached it first, pulling it free and brushing off the sand. With trembling hands, he opened the lid.

Inside was a collection of chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, a small trophy declaring them the winners of the treasure hunt, and a voucher for two tickets for a sunset cruise around the island.

Mary laughed, the sound full of joy. "We did it. I can't believe we actually won!"

Caught up in the moment, he swept her into his arms, spinning her around. When he set her down, their faces were inches apart, both breathless and grinning.

For a moment, time stood still. Aiden counted every fleck of gold in her green eyes, felt the warmth of her breath on his skin. He leaned in, drawn by an irresistible force?—

"Well, well. Isn't this cozy?"

The harsh voice shattered the moment. He turned to see Jake standing there, his expression a mixture of anger and disdain.

"What do you want?" Mary asked, voice tight.

Jake's eyes narrowed. "I think it's time you seriously considered my offer."

Aiden felt Mary stiffen beside him. "I've already told you. The shop isn't for sale."

When he took a step closer, his voice low and menacing, Aiden stepped in front of Mary, making Jake back up.

The man blew out a frustrated breath. "Come on. Be reasonable. If you sell, the others will follow. It's for the good of the island."

"The good of the island?" Mary scoffed, stepping around Aiden and glaring at the man she once cared for. "Or the good of your bank account?"

Jake's hand shot out, gripping Mary's arm tightly. She let out a small yelp.

In that moment, Aiden let the mask of civility drop and embraced the ruthless pirate side of himself that made grown men drop to their knees and beg for their lives. Without thinking, he drew back his fist and punched Jake squarely in the jaw.

The wee man stumbled backward, losing his footing and with a splash, landed in the water. He came up sputtering, a hand to his jaw, wincing in pain, his eyes blazing with fury.

"You'll regret that," he spat, glaring at Aiden as he dragged himself out of the water. "Both of you will."

As Jake stormed off, dripping water behind him, Aiden turned his back on the man to ensure himself his lass was unharmed. "Are ye alright? Did he hurt ye?"

Mary shook her head, rubbing her arm where he had grabbed her. "I'm fine. Just... shaken. I can't believe he would... Thank you."

With narrowed eyes, his jaw clenched as Aiden watched the man retreat. "I should have taken him out to sea and then tossed him overboard."

Despite the tension of the moment, she let out a small laugh.

"As much as I'd enjoy seeing that, I think you've done enough. He won't bother us anymore."

But Aiden wasna so sure. The thought of anyone hurting her made his blood boil. Next time, he wouldn't go so easy on the whoreson.

"Come on," Mary said softly, taking his arm. "We have a sunset cruise to enjoy later."

As they made their way back to the main harbor, treasure chest in hand, Aiden felt the shift between them. The awkwardness from the morning had dissipated, replaced by a newfound closeness.

They turned in their treasure at the information booth, receiving congratulations and a small prize package along with their cruise tickets. As they spent the rest of the day enjoying the jamboree and watching the ships, he noticed she seemed lost in thought.

"A chocolate coin for your thoughts, lass?" he asked gently.

With a sigh, she ran a hand through her hair. "I can't believe Jake would stoop so low. I knew he was pushy about buying the shop, but I never thought he'd resort to physical intimidation."

Aiden's fists clenched at his sides. "He's a coward who thinks he can get what he wants through fear and force. But ye stood up to him. Ye should be proud of that."

She looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "We stood up to him. I'm glad you were there. I don't know what I would have done if..."

Her voice trailed off, but he understood. He reached out, taking her hand in his. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here for as long as ye'll have me."

The weight of his words hung between them, laden with promise and possibility. Mary squeezed his hand, her eyes shining.

"We should probably head back to the house," Mary said, though she made no move to let go of Aiden's hand. "I want to change and get cleaned up before the cruise."

The boat handled well, gliding smoothly over the water, the fading light of the setting sun casting golden ripples across the surface. Aiden stood at the helm, the wheel familiar in his hands, the steady rhythm of the waves beneath him both comforting and bittersweet. The scent of salt and seaweed filled the air, mingling with the creak of the wooden boat as it sailed effortlessly toward the horizon. He'd been at sea most of his life, on ships much larger and less forgiving than this one, and the familiar pull of the sea stirred something deep inside him, making him think of conquests and outrunning the damned British.

"Do you miss it? Sailing, I mean. Being captain of your own ship?" Mary asked, putting a hand up to shade her eyes.

Aiden's hands tightened on the wheel for a moment before he sighed.

"Aye, I do. There's nothing quite like the feel of the open sea, the wind in your sails, and the horizon stretching out before you with endless possibilities."

He glanced over at her, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Though I find I quite like your time." And you, he thought, but did not want to make her put up her defenses again, and so held the words close to his heart.

"Mayhap, I could buy a boat, keep it in the harbor, and we could take off on an adventure? Anywhere your heart desires. What do you think?"

"We'd have to bring Inky. Not that your boat would have rats," she said quickly, making him smile.

"Aye, we'll bring the wee beastie. He can laze around on the deck with ye."

Mary's eyes softened as she met his gaze. "I'd like that," she said quietly, her words almost lost to the whisper of the wind.

For a moment, the weight of his inevitable departure faded, replaced by the idea of a future—one where they weren't separated by time or circumstance. Unfamiliar emotions swelled his heart as he contemplated a future with her. Together.

Suddenly, the flap of wings drew his attention. A gull swooped low and landed on the boat's railing, its beady eyes watching them as it let out a long cry. Aiden's expression darkened as he stared at the bird.

"The gulls... I've been hearing them every night at midnight. From what I remember, they're one of the signs warning that the Veil between our worlds is growing thinner."

The color on her cheeks went from pink to snow as she watched the gull fly away.

"We have to figure out the Veil and find the treasure."

His lass stepped over to him, her arm going around his waist as his blood thrummed, home … home … home.

She looked up at him, her hair burnished copper in the fading light. "I'm afraid your time here may be running out sooner than we think."