Emerald Fire (10 page)

“Shit. You’re not walking, you’re running, and you are denying her the right to choose.” Elias shook his head. “That’s just wrong.”

Brock clenched his hand into a fist. His jaw tightened. Yeah, he knew he was an asshole, but better one now than later. “She’ll have no choice but to pick you, and you know as well as I do, once you two are mated, the bond she has with me will die and she can be happy.”

“You fucking have feelings for her. Why can’t you admit it and allow yourself to be happy for once?” Elias paced. “She’s going to be hurt when she finds out you vanished into the darkness.”

Brock tried not to think about the repercussions. He couldn’t, otherwise he’d stay, and he had to put as much distance between him and Sarah as he could. It was the right choice for all involved. Once she was bound to Elias, she would forgive Brock, and maybe one day, they could be friends.

“My decision is final. I’m sorry, but I have to leave you to pick up the pieces.” He ground his teeth together, turned and walked out the door. Before he got into his car, he stopped and looked up at the house. She’d still be sleeping on the other side where the waves crashing to shore would resonate into her room.

He fought the urge to run back to her and curl up next to her warmth. Deep in his heart, he knew she belonged to him. He closed his eyes and inhaled. He could still smell her, and if he imagined hard enough, he could feel her soft curves snuggled next to him. His heart felt as if it had been ripped from his chest.
My pain is worth your happiness.

“I’m sorry, darlin’, but one day, you will thank me,” he whispered then climbed into his car and pushed aside the ache in his heart. He started the engine and pulled out onto the deserted highway, pushing the call button on his steering wheel.

“Yes, sir?” the voice on the other end answered.

“Get ready to set sail once I arrive. I want no delays.” He hit end, knowing if he was given a second to think about his choice, he would turn around and go back to Sarah.

* * * *

Sarah raised her arms over her head and stretched. She opened her eyes to find the sun just peeking in the window and was surprised to have slept so long. Rolling to her side, she found the bed empty so she swung her legs over the edge and stood. Donning a robe, she padded across the room and headed downstairs. The smell of coffee and frying bacon greeted her.

“Oh, that smells divine.” Her mouth watered, and she rushed to the kitchen.

“Morning, sunshine. Coffee?” Elias offered a steaming mug.

“Thank you.” Sarah grasped the cup and blew across the top before taking a sip. She glanced around the room as she took a seat at the island. “Where’s Brock?”

Elias set a plate full of bacon and scrambled eggs on the counter. “Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” He came around and took a seat on the stool next to her.

“Why do I feel like we’re about to have a conversation I’m not going to like?” She shoved a piece of bacon in her mouth, enjoying the smoky flavor.

“Brock left.”

She nodded, taking a forkful of egg. “I’m sure he has lots to do. I’ll shower then head next door to help him.”

Elias turned to face her. “No. I mean he left for good, and he wanted me to be the one to break the news.”

Her fork hit the tile floor with a loud crack. “What do you mean left for good? What kind of fucking game are you playing?” Her heart raced because deep down she knew exactly what Elias meant. Brock had abandoned her.

He reached his hand out as if to touch her then retracted it. “I’m sorry, Sarah. He felt like you deserved better than he could give you. Said he wanted you to have the love he couldn’t give.”

She pursed her lips. “I see.” Tossing her napkin on the plate, she rose. “I’m going to see if I can catch him.” She started for the stairs. Maybe, if she hurried and got dressed, he would still be there. Surely, it would take time to get a vessel the size of his ready to leave the dock.

“Do you plan to try to talk him out of it?” Elias asked

She’d almost forgotten he was there, and guilt wrenched her gut. Elias was stuck in the middle, and now, she had an even bigger decision to make. She looked over her shoulder. “I’m going to kick his fucking ass from here into next week!”

Elias tossed his head back and let loose a hearty laugh. “I’ll drive. Bastard deserves to get his ass handed to him.”

Sarah was dressed and waiting in the car in less than five minutes. Elias slipped behind the wheel, started the engine and had them on the highway in no time. Traffic hadn’t gotten heavy yet since it was still early morning, and she was thankful. Hopefully, they’d make it before the Sea Demon set sail. She turned her gaze to Elias. “Why?”

“Why what?” His eyes never left the road.

“Why are you driving me to see Brock? I mean…it makes no sense.” She swallowed down fear—or was it something else? She wasn’t even sure about her own emotions anymore. “He walked away which means he forfeited his claim to me. That leaves me with two choices. Pick you as my mate or walk away…alone.” She nearly choked on the last word, so tired of being by herself. She hadn’t really realized until now how much she craved stability. Home, children, and a man who loved her.

Maybe, Brock was right. He had tried to warn her. Perhaps, the smart thing to do would be to turn around and go back. Choose Elias and have all the things she’d always desired. Hell, she’d even be a princess and would never want for anything. She could even love Elias…someday. Maybe.

She was just about to tell him to go back when he finally broke the silence.

“Because you love him and he loves you. He just won’t look past his own stubbornness to admit it and be happy for once,” Elias proclaimed.

She stared at him, her jaw slack. “I…”

“Look.” His grip on the wheel tightened. “Brock is my friend, and god knows, he deserves a break. He’s also an idiot, and I believe you are just the woman to knock some sense into him.” He glanced at her before turning his attention back to the road. “I would be honored to have you as mine, but I also know Brock is the right choice. You two are good together.”

Sarah felt moisture roll down her cheek. “You are a good man, Elias, and one day, you will make some lucky girl very happy.”

He gave her a half smile. “I hope you’re right.”

* * * *

Brock stood at the railing, staring at the land mass of North Carolina as it became a mere speck. By now, Sarah would have found out he’d left. Would she be pissed or relieved that she no longer had to make a choice? Elias would take good care of her, Brock didn’t doubt that. Knowing the bond between him and Sarah had been growing, he hoped he’d left in time. The last thing he wanted to do was break her heart. He would never want her to feel the same pain he felt now.

When the ship had pulled away from the dock, he’d sworn a piece of him had been left behind. He wanted desperately to go back and beg her forgiveness. However, most of all, he wanted to declare his love. Yeah, he was not only an ass but a liar, as well. He’d told her he could never love her when, in reality, he was terrified of losing her the same way he’d lost Mina.

“You’re a fucking pussy.”

Brock whipped around to face the voice insulting him. “If you were not my prince, I’d toss you overboard for such an insult.”

Damis snorted. “Since when did that ever stop you?”

Brock gave a huff and turned back to the ocean, liking the view much better. “It stops me now because you’re right.”

The prince sidled up next to him, and his hands gripped the rail. “Why do you give up the woman you love to my brother?”

“Imagine coming home to find Kat with her heart cut out. Your only son slain in cold blood.” Brock fought to keep the images from replaying in his mind. He didn’t want to travel this path again.

“I’d be out of my fucking mind. Just as you were that day, and I don’t doubt I’d be acting just as you are now.”

Brock looked at his prince, a longtime friend and a man he considered a brother. “Then why the hell are you here?”

Damis flashed a devil’s grin. “One of the privileges of being prince is I can annoy my subjects whenever I’m bored.”

“Then go annoy someone else.” Brock wanted to wallow in his misery. Alone.

“Actually, I intend on reminding my wife why she loves me so much.” Damis laid a palm on Brock’s shoulder. “Don’t deny yourself this chance at happiness. You may not be given another.”

Brock swallowed. “It’s already too late. I gave her to Elias.”

Damis waved a hand in the air. “You are lucky my brother loves you as much as I do. Right now he drives your mate to find you. Now, stop dicking around, and turn this barge back to shore.” His image began to fade. “In another hundred years, you can transport yourself as well. Think of the fun we’ll have. Oh and because I know how you are…as your prince, I command you to go back for your mate.” Damis vanished. “Be happy for once, my friend,” his voice echoed in the breeze.

“Bastard!” Anger heated Brock’s face. Damis knew the right strings to pull to get what he wanted. Knew Brock would never disobey him no matter what he asked. Brock shook his head and let out a sigh.

Sarah is looking for me.

He remembered Mina and how she was trapped here because of him. He’d really managed to fuck up so many things in his life. If he’d simply accept what was gifted to him, not only could he finally be happy but also, Mina would be set free. He stared down at the rolling water and finally admitted to himself he’d been hiding behind his dead mate for far too long. It was time to take back his life. Time to explore more of the woman who had been able to sweep up the broken pieces of his heart and begin to place them back together.

He straightened his shoulders and marched toward the bridge. He would head back to Emerald Isle and claim his mate.

* * * *

Sarah ran along the boardwalk to where the Sea Demon was moored and stopped dead in her tracks.

Gone.

“I’m sorry we arrived too late.” Elias placed a hand at her back. “I’ll find him. He can’t hide from me. If nothing else, I’ll have my brother summon him.”

What am I doing? I’m such a fool.
What had she hoped to accomplish by chasing after him? She should be glad he was gone. It saved her from embarrassing herself. She turned and walked back toward the car. Tears stung her eyes. “Take me home.”

Elias climbed back into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “I’ll call Damis later and—”

“No!” She held up her hand to stop him from speaking. “It’s over. He made his choice, and now, I must move on.”

He maneuvered the car back out onto the street. “What do you plan to do now?”

She let her shoulders drop in defeat. Elias would want to know if she was going to choose him. He had every right to demand she make a decision, but she simply couldn’t cope at the moment. “I need some time to figure things out.” She looked at her watch. “I have an appointment in an hour with a potential client, and I plan on keeping it. In the meantime, I think it best we stay away from each other.”

“I understand.”

They drove in silence the rest of the way, and when Elias pulled into the parking spot behind her house, she could hardly wait to get out of the car. “Thank you for everything,” she said exiting.

“Call me if you need anything.”

She leaned down to peer through the opening. “I will. I have to hurry, or I’ll be late.” She shut the door and trotted toward the house. Looking at her watch again, she saw there was just enough time to change out of the yoga pants she’d thrown on earlier. After slipping through the back door, she hurried upstairs to her room where she stopped dead in her tracks.

She could almost feel Brock’s presence and could definitely smell his spicy scent. An idea occurred to her. She’d heard of couples being able to summon each other with a thought. Usually they were already mated, but there were occasions when the bond was so strong their magic clung to each other. Like a magnet to metal. Could she summon him? If she could, what would she do when he showed up?

She shook the idea from her mind, knowing it would only result in her getting hurt. It was best to try to forget he’d ever existed.

She moved to her closet and grabbed the sundress she’d planned to wear. Keeping her mind off Brock would be easier said than done, but she was happy to have the appointment this morning. At least, it would keep her from throwing herself on the bed in a crying fit. For now anyway.

Sarah was puzzled at the abrupt change he’d had. Last night, she’d sensed nothing wrong and thought things had gone pretty well. Did he really believe he was doing her a favor by stepping down? How could he possibly know he had no love in his heart when he refused to even try?

“Damn it!” She slipped the dress over her head. Moving to the mirror, she ran a brush through her hair in quick strokes. She needed to calm herself before the meeting or she’d be a complete mess. Her emotions ran the gamut of wanting to throttle him to fighting the onslaught of tears. She tossed the brush down with more force than intended and cracked the handle.

“Great, now, I’ve wrecked my favorite hairbrush.”

In a fit of annoyance, she spun and left the room, vowing if she ever laid eyes on Brock again she would plant her foot in his crotch. It was the least he deserved for running out on her instead of talking it through.

By the time she opened the back door, she was seeing red again. She climbed in the car and turned over the engine. Resting her head on the steering wheel, she took in a deep breath and exhaled. Calm once again came over her, and she leaned back in the seat. This appointment was important and required her full attention. Later, she’d worry about her love life.

Chapter Eleven

Brock paced the deck of the ship, waiting for the captain to bring her in. He’d already called Elias since Sarah didn’t answer her phone and had been told he’d dropped her off at home. Something about having an appointment in town. Instead of going to her and begging forgiveness as he’d planned, Brock would have to wait for her to return.