Free Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) by Sarah Snyder Page A

cowardice overwhelming his pride. Anna let out a giggle as Jake walked to stand at her side. He looked down in surprise at her unexpected reaction to his threats against her would-be suitor.
    “I think you scared him,” Anna chuckled.
    “Such was my intent, men like him need a good scare every once in a while,” Jake let his coat fall back over his sword, obscuring it against the black leather of his clothing. “To remind them they don’t own everyone.”
    “Well, thank you for your intervention,” Anna smiled at him.
    “You’ve been drinking,” Jake stared down at her flushed cheeks, his anger at the situation he interrupted growing. “I should have given him a reminder to take with him.”
    “No need,” Anna waved her hand. “He was pushy, but he wasn’t that bad. And, I’m not drunk.”
    “You are not sober,” Jake informed.
    “Not entirely,” Anna admitted. “But, I’m getting there.”
    “You shouldn’t be out here alone,” Jake admonished her. “Not in your current state.”
    “I’m not that drunk, Jake,” Anna patted his forearm, her fingers lingering like hot embers after a fire. “I just need a walk to clear my head.”
    “I’ll go with you,” Jake made the offer, but knew he would accompany her even if Anna refused. He would not allow the woman to walk anywhere alone with her head muddled by alcohol.
    Luckily, she didn’t argue, as she descended the stairs into the courtyard gardens. Jake stayed at her side as they walked through the ferns and flowers, eventually reaching the central fountain. “Why aren’t you in the ballroom?” Anna asked.
    “I don’t enjoy large crowds,” Jake excused honestly without revealing his lack of an invitation.
    “Agreed,” Anna nodded. “Although, the people I’ve met so far are very friendly. And, their stories of where they come from are incredible.”
    “Aye, there are some amazing lands out there,” Jake agreed.
    “I bet you’ve seen all of them,” Anna sounded wistful.
    “A good many,” Jake admitted. “But, there are still many I have not. The best part of traveling the realm is there is always a new land to explore.”
    “I’d love to see them,” Anna remarked.
    “You can,” Jake assured.
    “No,” Anna shook her head sadly. “I can’t.”
    “What is holding you here, Love?” Jake asked. “You are obviously unhappy. Why not leave and find your home?”
    “I told you,” Anna started walking through the gardens again, leaving Jake to follow. “It’s too far.”
    “So, find a new home.” Jake suggested.
    Anna stopped in her tracks, turning to look up at Jake questioningly. “It won’t be the same.”
    “Of course not,” Jake agreed. “Just because it isn’t the same doesn’t mean it can’t be as good; or even better.”
    “What about you, Jake,” Anna asked, “where is your home; your family?”
    Jake opened his mouth to answer, but noted two Guards entering the courtyard, obviously searching for something or someone. He took Anna’s hand, pulling her into the deep shadow beneath a fern as the Guards came closer. Anna opened her mouth to speak, but Jake made a motion to remain silent. He was grateful when she obeyed. When the Guards passed, exiting the gardens a few moments later, Jake led Anna from the shadows. “Sorry about that, Love,” Jake mumbled as he ran a hand through his hair.
    “I assume you don’t have an invitation,” Anna’s statement wasn’t a question, but Jake felt obliged to answer anyway.
    “Not exactly,” Jake braced himself for her anger and disgust, shocked when she just chuckled and shook her head.
    “So, why are you here?” Anna asked.
    Jake welcomed the arrival of the Guards this time as they kept him from having to come up with a lie to tell the woman standing in front of him. He urged Anna toward the tunnel which would lead them out of the courtyard, glad she came with him easily. Jake wasn’t quite ready to set the tipsy woman loose without supervision.
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