Page 58 of Pirate Witch

“The two temples are a distance from the shore. Too far for mortars. If they want to come for the witches, they’ll have to bring a landing party.” Cirio nods approvingly.

“And the remainder of our vessels?” Sade demands, focusing on her son.

Pierce moves the remaining few. “The faster ones stay out of sight, around the tip of the peninsula. Ready to blockade the mage ships inside Hardhearth Bay. With two leviathans, they’ll be able to defeat whatever skeleton crews have been left behind to man Everett’s ships.”

A look runs between mother and son, too fast for most people to notice and too hard to interpret for those that do.

“We will need to communicate our plan to the covens in Coveton,” she finally says. “They must be fully prepared, because the timing will be tight. If the high priestesses agree, then we set sail.”

The words should bring some feeling of accomplishment, but instead, they hang heavy on the tropical morning air.

It’s settled now. We’re going to war.

ChapterNineteen

VALOREAN

The docks of Isablis are bustling with activity, and have been since this morning. Everything from munitions to medical supplies are being loaded onto the ships ready for the high tide.

Pirates run between us, offering half bows to Cirio and I on their way past, but otherwise too busy to wonder about what we’re doing, poring over manifests while sipping from hip flasks. There’s very little for us to do except supervise, and that gives Cirio the perfect opportunity to stick his big nose into my business.

“So, you’re a mated male…” he begins.

I grunt in agreement.

“You’re not wearing her marks yet, lad.”

My jaw clenches. “We haven’t had the best of starts.”

“Aye, Rysen said as much.”

When did he—? Goddess, he’s such a fucking gossip.

“He also said you can’t seem to make up your mind if you want to fuck her or send her overboard most days.”

I shake my head. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m keeping her. It’s just…”

“Just what? You don’t find her attractive?”

My head snaps up. “No! Have youseenher?”

My oldest friend snorts. “It might have escaped your incredibly limited notice, but I’m gay. Your mate’s shapely ass does nothing for me.”

“But evenyounoticed she’s got a shapely ass,” I retort, then glower. “And why were you looking?”

Cirio isn’t fazed. “Again, you seem to have forgotten she’s a Lunar. She doesn’t exactly cover herself up much. It’s hardnotto notice.”

Goddess, I love her outfits, and the way she’s so comfortable in her body, but I might end up developing a complex if other men start appreciating that about her too.

“And she’s got a mind of her own,” he continues.

“Do you think I don’t know that?” I huff out a breath. “She’s fierce, and brave, and fucking selfless—not to mention powerful. I’m terrified that she’s going to end up getting herself killed. Somehow we’ve ended up with a mate who’s more unpredictable than the ocean and—”

“Oh, lad, you’ve got itbad.” Cirio laughs, cutting me off. He looks pointedly at the way my knuckles have whitened around my flask. “So why haven’t you told her that?”

My head falls backward and I groan. “Because I’ve spent so long being a suspicious asshole around her that I don’t think she’ll believe me if I do.”

“Then show her instead.”