Shiver Me Timbers

By Erin Danzer, Bridgette O'Hare, Christina Walker and 5 more

Come aboard for adventure! Set sail on the high seas with eight different tales of swashbuckling and scallywags. Whether in the Caribbean, far off seas or even in outer space, these captains give no quarter.

When Captain James Spark is returned to the court of the woman he once loved and learns a shocking truth, he'll stop at nothing to protect the daughter he never knew he had.

All Alyssandra Burnet wanted was safe passage to her ailing father’s side, even if that passage came from the likes of Capt. Colin Slade—the most unorthodox, infuriating pirate she could imagine. She never counted on Slade being the key to finding out who she really was and finding the family she’d been hidden from since birth—the family she never knew existed.

Lyra wants to escape her domineering father and find freedom among the stars. Drake wants to live up to his father’s legacy as captain of the infamous Shadow Nebula. When Lyra seeks passage from him, her past hot on her heels, Drake has no choice but to help her—and gets more than he bargained for.

Thrust into a life at sea by circumstance and fueled by a need for revenge, the infamous Fog Queen returns to London to claim her treasure.

Roen was just supposed to get the map to the dragon's treasure and go, not fall in love with the owner of it.

Nickolas is a pirate with no wish to be anything else, Elizabeyta is a mystery he must solve. It takes an old pirate to teach them a lesson in what is truly a treasure.

Rosina Nightshade has been given a special mission by her father, the king of the pirates--. All she has to do is hold the duke of Crescent Moon for ransom. Will she finally gain her father's gain approval, or will the suspecting duke send her straight to the gallows?

When Captain Ansley Grace sails into port, she doesn't expect the king's assassin to be waiting on her--an assassin that she's known her whole life. Now, escaping out to sea, she must evade the king's ships while trying not to fall for the man sent to kill her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna Dull
• Release date: Jun 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386857860

Book preview

Erin Danzer • Bridgette O’Hare • Christina Walker • Corinne O’Flynn • Lichelle Slater • Susan Burdorf • Nicole Zoltack •CD Scott

Shiver Me Timbers, An Anthology © 2017 by SomeSharpWords.

All rights reserved.

Editted by AGC Edits

Cover Design by Sharp Cover Designs

Formatting by Sharp Cover Designs

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

The Pirate’s Daughter by Erin Danzer

Legend of the Phoenix by Bridgette O'Hare

Escape of the Shadow Nebula by Christina Walker

The Fog Queen by Corinne O'Flynn

Dragon Treasure by Lichelle Slater

Treasure by Susan Burodorf

Ransoming His Heart by Nicole Zoltack

Maiden’s Freedom by CD Scott

Captain, the Adelaide is ten miles west and closing fast.

Excellent. Ready the cannons. Captain James Spark grinned at his crew and yelled, Batten down the hatches, boys, we're in for a wild ride!

He had been following the Adelaide since its departure from port four days ago. Carrying gold, silver, and jewels back to their queen, this was one ship that would never make it home— at least not with its cargo. He never harmed or captured the crew unless absolutely necessary. He wanted the queen to remember whom she was dealing with.

His ship, the Sea Rose, quickly neared their target. Men yelled orders from various parts of the ship, readying the cannons, guns, and the grappling hooks that would allow them to board the other ship. James climbed to the crow’s nest, joining One-Eye Willie in the small space. Willie handed over his scope.

She's a beaute, Cap'n, Willie declared as James held the scope to his eye. What do you think she'll give us?

Jewels and other fine things the queen can't live without. James grimaced and handed back the scope. They know we're coming for them.

Without another word, James climbed back down to the deck and began barking orders. It wasn’t often their target saw them coming. The Adelaide would not go down as easily as he first thought.

Twenty minutes later, the Sea Rose fired its first warning shot. The cannon ball splashed in the water just off the stem of the Adelaide. Men yelled and scrambled about on the other ship. James grinned as his men shouted at the enemy with guns raised. Pistols shot into the air. James laughed and fired a shot of his own. Even knowing they were coming, the Adelaide had not been prepared.

Someone fired from the enemy ship. His crew fell silent as one of their own, Jimmy, a boy of fourteen, fell to the deck clutching his stomach. James tore through the crowd to get to the boy. Blood pooled under the boy's body as James knelt next to him. James gathered the boy into his arms but knew any attempt to save Jimmy would be futile. The boy was already dying when he joined the crew. He wanted one last adventure, he'd told James. That had been six months ago. James looked down at the kid with tears in his eyes.

You had a good run, kid.

Jimmy forced a smile through the pain. Best adventure of me life, Captain. It's been an honor to serve you.

Jimmy's eyes fluttered closed and his head fell to the side as his final breath left his body. James stared at the boy's body for a long moment, unable to believe he was gone. Rage replaced disbelief. He lifted his head to look at his crew and spoke through gritted teeth.

They all die.

But, Captain—

They killed Jimmy. They know we don't harm their crews; we don't kill anyone or capture them. They killed Jimmy. They'll all die.

Muttered yes, sirs sounded around the deck. Another shot fired from the enemy vessel. James jumped to his feet and yelled for the grappling hooks to be readied. Someone moved Jimmy's body while James strode across the deck towards the port side the Adelaide sat at. He raised his pistol and took aim. Three men noticed and scrambled out of his line of fire, but one didn't move as quickly. The bullet hit the man in the chest. Sick satisfaction filled James as the man fell.

We were told you don't kill.

James's gaze moved to the man who spoke. Seeing the man dressed in the official royal navy apparel, James realized two things at once: this man was the captain and he'd been set up. The rage from a moment ago resurfaced. James pointed his pistol at the opposing captain.

An eye for an eye, Captain. Your man killed one of ours, a boy. Now prepare to be boarded.

We won't go down that easily, James. We're under the queen's orders to bring you in.

You'll have to kill me first.

She wants you alive.

I haven't cared what your queen wants in a very long time.

James sighted the pistol, lowered his aim, and fired. The other man jerked as the bullet planted itself in his thigh. The opposing captain cried out and fell to one knee, clutching his injured leg. Satisfied, James turned away to issue more orders to his crew. Before he could take a step, something bashed into his skull. He barely had a moment to look at his attacker before darkness consumed him.

James woke with a raging headache some time later. As he slowly came back to his senses, the events that led to him lying in this plush bed played through his mind. Someone betrayed him. How long had one of his crew been working for the queen? Why hadn't he noticed anything was wrong? What had the queen offered in return for his capture?

The door to the chamber opened. James sat up straighter as a young maid entered. She smiled sweetly upon entering and seeing him awake. Her blonde hair fell forward as she curtsied. The door fell mostly closed behind her.

Her Majesty will see you now, sir.

James felt oddly humbled at the girl's formality. It had been a long time since anyone other than his crew called him sir or thought him a gentleman. Most women he met these days only wanted to please him, young and old. In fact, he knew it wouldn't take much to get this girl in his bed—if that was why he was here.

Tell Her Majesty I'm not much in the mood for company. I have a headache. A headache someone on his ship gave him. If he ever found out who betrayed him...

The door opened wider behind the girl. The servant scrambled out of the way and lowered herself into a deeper curtsy, her head completely bowed. James eyes narrowed at the woman now in his room. She held her head high, her shoulders back; everything befitting the queen she was. An air of importance surrounded her. James clenched his hands into fists atop the blankets of his bed.

I don't care about your damn headache or your hurt pride, James. I need your help.

"You haven't needed my help in ten years, Rose. You have a vast army and navy at your disposal. Whatever could you possibly need my help with?"

The queen turned back to the girl and told her to leave. Rose closed the door behind the servant and then leaned against the heavy wood to look at the man before her. James looked away, unable to meet the queen's curious gaze. Despite the years and distance between them, he still saw the girl he once loved. She still made his heart beat faster with anticipation of just being near each other.

James shook his head and shoved away the memories trying to suffocate him. He lifted his head and glared at the queen. She jerked back as though he'd hit her. Her face fell, but then softened. She took a step towards his bed, and then another, until she stood next to him.

James.

He clenched his jaw and tightened his fists. Her soft voice used to be his undoing, but not anymore. He was stronger than the boy he used to be. She laid a hand over his fist. The contact sent a jolt through both of them. James tried to pull his hand away, but Rose tightened her grip.

I won't let you run away, she told him.

Last time you left me. He glared up at her. You chose money, power, duty—all of this—over me!

Yes, but I never meant to hurt you.

Then you shouldn't have done it. His expression hardened. But that's not why we're here. Why don't you tell me what you need? Tell me and send me on my way.

I need your help.

"Yes, you've already said that. What do you need my help with?"

Rose clasped her hands together at her waist. She wistfully turned back to the closed door before returning her gaze to him. She sighed and sat on the edge of his bed. James scooted away to make room. He needed distance from her. Apparently, ten years still wasn't long enough.

First, I need you to meet someone.

Rose jumped to her feet as quickly as she sat and crossed the room to the closed door. Opening it only enough to look through, she spoke to someone on the other side. She closed the door and waited. Minutes later, a knock sounded. The queen opened the door and admitted a young girl into the room. James took in the girl, her dark hair and regal stature. So much like her mother—except for her eyes. Her blue eyes belonged to her father. James raised his gaze back to the queen.

This is my daughter, Princess Jasmine. Sweetheart, this is the man I told you about.

The pirate?

Yes, darling.

The girl's eyes lit up as she turned towards James again. She practically vibrated with excitement as she quickly crossed the room to stand by the bed. James wondered what stories her mother had been feeding the girl, what lies she’d told.

May I sit with you? Will you tell me stories of your adventures?

James stared at the girl in disbelief. What could this girl possibly want from him? A quick glance at Rose revealed nothing. He returned his attention back to the princess.

I'm not sure why a pretty, young thing like you would want to hear stories from the sea.

The excitement faded from the girl’s face. Tears misted her blue eyes as she turned back to her mother. You didn't tell him. You were supposed to tell him! The princess stomped from the room.

James’s confusion mounted. He stared at his ex-lover as he tried to sort out what the girl had yelled about. Rose fidgeted in the middle of the room, twisting her fingers together, a nervous habit he used to tease her about. She bit her bottom lip as she looked back over her shoulder the way her daughter fled. Her dark eyes begged him to understand when they met his again. Understand what?

James, she began and slowly inched towards the bed. Tears sparkled in her eyes. She sunk down onto the edge of the bed. James, please understand. I couldn't tell you; no one could know. I was already married. I would have lost everything.

Her words made no sense. He frowned, his confusion turning to frustration. What must I understand, Rose? What did you do?

She sniffled, and a tear slid down her cheek. She reached for his hand again, but James pulled his fist out of her reach. He shook his head.

No, Rose, you don't get to touch me again. The only thing I want from you is the truth. What did your daughter mean? What were you supposed to tell me?

James, Jasmine is your daughter—our daughter, created the last night we were together.

He shook his head more forcefully now as if he could force the words ringing in his ears out of existence. Jasmine is your daughter. He had a daughter—a daughter he never knew about. A daughter this woman kept from him for ten years. You were supposed to tell him!

Is that what she meant? Does the girl know I'm her father?

Rose looked away, lowering her head. Yes, I told her the truth recently when she came under attack. Her head whipped up and hey eyes blazed as she continued. But somebody already knows. Someone knows, and they'll tell Philip. It will ruin everything; destroy everything I've worked so hard for.

Who knows? It was all he could say as his mind raced with possibilities. His daughter knew who he was, had expected him to know her when called to his room. She had to be the reason Rose wanted him captured alive. But why tell him now? Why not just send the girl away until the threat was dealt with?

Why now? Why not just send the girl away? What do you want me to do, Rose? I can't become a father overnight.

I would never expect you to. But I need someone I can trust to keep her safe.

He nodded as the pieces fell together. Does Philip know you plan to send your daughter away with me? Does he know who she really is?

He doesn't know; he can never know Jasmine is not his daughter. Please say you'll help me, help protect your daughter.

He bit back the words to say she was a daughter he never knew about, to refuse the responsibility. Despite his profession, he'd always been an honorable man. His father raised him to do the right thing. It was a hard habit to break. He sighed and rubbed both hands over his face.

Has Philip agreed to my help?

Rose smiled. Yes. He knows we have a history, just as he knows I will always trust you with my most precious possessions.

Possession, as though the girl was a lamp or a dress. He sneered at her choice of words, but kept quiet. Arguing over little things now would get them nowhere.

Where does the girl need to go?

I had hoped she could stay with you.

While I attack and plunder your ships? Rose, it's not safe out there. We don't always know when or where our next meal will come. I can't guarantee her safety. I'm not the only pirate on the sea.

No, but you're the most honorable. You only take the goods, the parts I can replace. I know you do it for revenge, James. I was awful to you and I'll never forgive myself for leaving you that morning. You must hate me. But you can't hate our daughter. She is good and kind and, truth be told, if Philip knew you better, he would've guessed the truth long ago. She's just like you in so many ways, including her need for adventure and the open sea.

James sighed. I wanted to hate you; I even thought I did for a while. But no, I can't hate our daughter. Very well. She will be my newest recruit. I daresay she will have many fathers on this journey.

But only one she wants to know. She put her hand over his. Thank you.

Don't thank me yet. I don't even know where I'm taking her.

My sister lives in Spain. Jasmine will be safe there.

James shifted and cleared his throat. Where exactly in Spain am I to take her?

Barcelona. Elizabeth is married to a Spanish duke.

Elizabeth always hated me.

She doesn't know you'll be delivering my daughter. She thinks the naval captain will bring her. Which reminds me. You'll need a different ship.

Why? There's nothing wrong with my ship.

No, but the princess of Andorra can't be seen traveling on a common boat. She needs the added safety of a gunnery, cannons, things your ship doesn't possess.

Then give me the money to possess them. I won't give up my ship. Everyone knows my ship, my colors. They know who I am and turn the other way.

It will take too much time. Jasmine needs to leave now. Philip and I are hosting a party tonight for some honored guests. The one threatening her will be in attendance. He could take her tonight. You need to get her out before he can.

James grimaced. Very well, but she needs to be ready to move when I say go.

She will be. Rose stood and smoothed her skirt. I'll let Jasmine know what's happening. The party starts at eight.

She turned to leave, but then turned back. One more thing. I'll have someone bring you different clothes. No one can know you're here or that you're taking Jasmine away.

He glared up at her, any goodwill towards her disappearing. Just like it used to be; you want to keep me hidden away.

Only for your own protection and that of our daughter. Both of you could be attacked with that man here tonight.

Just keep telling yourself that, princess.

Rose pulled herself up to her full height as she glared down at him. That’s queen to you, pirate.

James grimaced and swallowed hard as he tugged at the high collar of the naval officer uniform. He hated anything that covered his neck, feeling like something choked him He’d had enough of that as a child; the choking and the high collars. He thought of Jasmine, his daughter, and left the collar alone. He could endure a little discomfort to protect his child.

His mind turned to the task at hand as he started down the hallway towards the ballroom. Rose had sent word an hour ago that his men were already aboard the new ship, the SSS Advantagia. They would prepare for sea while he escorted Jasmine around the party and then took her away.

Philip and Rose stood with Jasmine just outside the double doors to the ballroom. Rose wore a white and gold dress to match her husband’s finery. Jasmine was much more subdued in a gold dress with a flowing skirt. Mother and daughter wore gold crowns on top of elaborately done up hair. Jasmine grinned up at him when James bowed before the royal family.

Thank you for having me, he said to Philip.

Thank you for protecting my daughter. I must admit, it took some convincing to get me to agree to it.

I will protect her as if she was my own.

James smiled down at Jasmine as she stepped forward to take his arm. The princess beamed as she slid her arm around his. Rose frowned at him and turned away as the squire at the doors announced their arrival. James took a deep breath and smiled at the gathered crowd as he walked in with his daughter. Jasmine and the king and queen waved to the people. James looked around but let the smile drop from his face. A stoic, stern naval captain would not smile at a room full of people, even from the arm of the princess.

The first dance was a waltz. James turned to Jasmine, ready to hand her off. Her smile faltered and hurt crept into her eyes. James wondered what he did wrong as guilt settled heavily in the pit of his stomach. He wasn’t meant to dance with her; surely there was some suitor already promised the first dance.

It is tradition for the escorts to have the first dance, she declared through trembling lips. Tears glistened in her eyes. Unless you'd rather not.

Of course I want the first dance; I want all the dances tonight with you. I'm sorry I hurt you, Princess. James bowed his head. Jasmine sniffed and shook her head.

You are forgiven. She leaned closer and added in a whisper, We should have made you foreign so you wouldn't be expected to know our customs.

James smiled as the first strains of the violins sounded. The dance would begin soon. Jasmine stopped walking and turned towards a dignified couple nearby. Both man and woman had gray-white hair. The man wore a heavy gold-jeweled mantle signifying him as a visiting dignitary. The woman wore enough jewels to keep James’s men happy for a year. Jasmine introduced them as Josef and Maria Warmisch, Duke and Duchess of the Austrian-Hungary Empire.

Darling, you have such a catch on your arm tonight. I'm surprised your father let you have one so young, the woman commented, her gaze boldly roaming over James. He cleared his throat but didn't look away. Anyone in this room could be after the princess, including the woman currently ogling him. He had to stay alert. The music swelled around them.

That's our cue. It was nice to see you again. Jasmine bowed her head as she curtsied.

Very nice to meet you,