Ace Of Darkness: Next Of Kin: Ace Of Darkness, #2

By Susi Pearson

A year past since what conspired at Blood Cove, but certain powerful vampires have Ace in sight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susi Pearson
• Release date: Sep 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215381564

Susi Pearson

I have been writing stories since I was in elementary school. The Immortal Trilogy is my frist complete series. To me, writing is more of a hobby and therapeutic. It is something I simply most do.

Book preview

Chapter 1: A Year Later

Noah swam to the dock with the other ship. He boarded the ship and shook water off himself. Now, before I let you all leave. Someone must stay behind.

But we have been freed thanks to Ace, Williams stated. 

True, and most of you are, but a vampire still needs to feed, Noah proclaimed. I will let you decide who it is.

I be not stayin’ any longer then I had, Tatiana declared. I have been here longer than all the girls.

The other girls looked at each other. No one wanted to step forward.

If no one volunteers, than I will simply choose, Noah stated.

The girls looked at each other with more panic.

I will even allow two girls to stay together with more freedom, Noah revealed.

A middle age woman stepped forward, then a fairly young woman joined her.

Very good, Noah smiled.

Henry, the mute care taker looked at Williams with watery eyes. He nodded at him, then stepped forward as well.

Henry! No, Williams proclaimed.

Ah, I was hoping one of you would be bold enough to stay. I guess the one with no balls has more than you, Noah told Williams. He stepped closer to him. And I thought the head servant would do the honorable thing. He backed away and went over to the three that were staying behind. Go back to the castle.

The three got off the ship and slowly walked back inside the place they thought they were going to be freed from.

The ship sailed towards the waterfall and Noah pricked his finger to drop his blood to open the cave for them to sail away.

Noah jumped back in the water and swam to the castle.  

During the twelve months from what conspired at Blood Cove, no vampires have been spotted. The crew had fully relaxed and recovered from their ordeal.

Valerie was a full fledge member of the crew but still did not eat nor sleep with the crewmates. She was learning how to use a sword and pistol.

Since Ace no longer needed to hunt vampires at different ports, they ended up staying longer on land.

Ace and Valerie snuggled together that night on the ship. They were anchored at Tortuga. They went there every few months to win coins and enjoy the pirate life.

Spendin’ yer nights with me has not bored ye yet? Valerie questioned. She pressed her face against his chest as they laid facing each other.

Of course not, Ace answered, then kissed her forehead.

Do ye enjoy yer nights now? Valerie asked as she looked up to him. Don’t have to worry about them.

I still keep a weather eye open. Just in case, Ace replied.

But ye can relax now, Valerie stated. She moved her head against him again and closed her eyes.

Ace held on to her until she had fallen asleep. He carefully got up and dressed. He left the quarters and off his ship. He strolled through the streets of the still busy port.

Ace was happy there was no vampires, but a part of him missed it. That was his whole life and now he had completed his mission. He still looked around even though he knew he would never find what he had looked for.

The following morning, the crew began to awaken to start a new day.

Thomas was the first as usual to be up. He went to attend to the goats. They had a baby goat that they would raise to eat when time was tough.

Drake and Joseph sat on the table as the rest started getting up.

Do ye think the captain be lost? Drake asked.

What ye mean? Joseph questioned.

He barely has a headin’ now adays, Drake replied.

Aye, Russell agreed. He be like a boat without paddles.

Me thinks that be why we be comin’ here often, Drake stated.

I figured it was fer the easy doubloons, James piped in.

Lou made cups of rum for everyone. Sure that be one reason.

Did the captain not give ye a headin’ fer the morrow? Thomas questioned as he helped to give the cups out.

Drake shook his head. I will be askin’ when we bring ‘em the food.

Thar best be enough cackle fruit this morrow, Russell stated.

If ye stop threatnin’ me o’ birds, they would give us more, Thomas scolded.

Thar job is feedin’ me, Russell snapped.

Thomas shook his head as he walked over to where the chickens lay their eggs to find several there. He cooked the eggs with various vegetables for breakfast.

We should attend to our chores, Lou told everyone.

Everyone got up and did what they needed without much words.

Ace had woken up early and stared at the map spread out on the table. He didn’t have an idea where to go next.

Valerie watched him intently looking at the map. Ye seem so lost now.

I be not lost, Ace responded without looking at her.

Valerie approached him. Ask the crew where they want to go.

Ace didn’t say anything to her. As a captain he should be telling them where to go.

Not long later, Thomas and Drake came with breakfast. They placed it down away from where Ace was looking.

Do we have a headin’? Drake asked. Or be it another day in Tortuga?

Be thar a place ye wish to go? Ace questioned him.

I have heard stories of Barataria Bay. Streets lined with many merchants from all countries, Drake replied. Could stock up on interestin’ trinkets.

Grand, Ace said. Set a course.

Chapter 2: Sailing

Barataria Bay was quite far from Tortuga with at least a week traveling if the weather was good. The crew was stocked enough for the journey ahead, but if a merchant ship crossed their path they wouldn’t hesitate to plunder.

Joseph came up from below deck to relieve his captain at the helm.

The weather seems to be in our favor, Ace told him.

Aye, lets pray it stays like that, Joseph proclaimed as he went up the stairs.

Ace walked down the small stairs and into his quarters. He got himself ready to lay down and sleep for a while.

Valerie stirred a little as Ace snuggled up to her.

Not all the chickens laid eggs everyday so Thomas made a bean and vegetable stew this morning.

Ye usually save yer stew for nights, oui? Lou inquired.

Don’t wish to upset Russell with loblolly, Thomas mentioned as he cut the various vegetables.

Wise not to, Lou smiled.

Have any of ye been to Barataria Bay? James asked after getting off his hammock.

Ne’er, Drake answered.

It be a far port but worth it I hear, Russell mentioned. Boy, make sure the ropes and sails be proper.

James sighed and went up on deck.

The rest of us should swap the deck while the food cooks, Lou stated.

Valerie woke up after a little more sleep. She looked through the chest to change her dress and vest. She really needed some new clothes. Surely the port they were heading to will and she could pick out instead of having to make new ones like she did with her mother and sister back at home.

She sat at the table to play patience as she waited for breakfast and for Ace to wake up.

In the middle of her game, Thomas and Lou came up with bowls of stew and cups of rum.

Thank ye, Valerie smiled at them.

The dice be down below if ye need, Lou told her.

I be alright, Valerie mentioned.

The two of them smiled at her as they partly bowed before leaving.

I smell stew, Ace stated as he woke up.

Thomas and Lou just came by with it, Valerie told him as she looked over at him.

Ace sat up. He usually makes it at night.

Valerie just looked at him as she spooned some.

Ye should come back here, Ace proclaimed charmingly.

Valerie grinned. The food will be cold.

Come here, Ace said.

Valerie walked over as she untied her vest, then removed her dress. She laid by him on the bed.

Ace positioned himself on top of her as they passionately kissed. He inserted himself into her.

Both didn’t silence their enjoyment of their act nor did they moan loudly for all to hear.

The love and comfort they had for one another now made for the sensations to increase and Ace was more accepting of biting during and Valerie had a hard time for a while after Silas, but now enjoyed the pleasure it gave her. As long as it was from Ace and no other vampire.

Ace saved the poking of her neck with his silver spike and feeding from the spot until the climax.

Valerie gripped him tightly and cried out loudly in extasy.

Ace laid on the side of her, breathing heavily and fully satisfied in many ways. Valerie snuggled up to him as she panted.

They kissed again for a little bit.

Now we can eat, Ace mentioned.

They got up and dressed. They headed to the table to enjoy the stew.

Me thinks if ye want to practice with the cutlass durin’ the day, ye can talk to Mr. Williams, Ace told her, then spooned some stew.

I be not sure, Valerie said shyly.

He be a master swordsman, Ace shared.

I like our nightly practices, Valerie smiled, then drank.

Me too, Ace partly smiled, then ate more.

Thomas came back down below deck after throwing out the dirty hay.

Joseph, James, and Russell were playing liar’s dice.

Lou was going through all they had to see what they would need. What ye hoping to find at Barataria Bay?

Cracks as pretty as Valerie, Russell replied with a wide grin. He looked under his cup to see his dice.

More clothes that fit, James mentioned.

Curious what spices they will have, Thomas stated.

Aye! All the different grubs! Russell exclaimed. Four twos.

I be not sure, Joseph thought. Five twos.

Liar, James said.

They lifted their cups to show that Joseph was correct.

Arrgh, James proclaimed.

Yer getting better, Lou stated.

Still be losin’ more doubloons than gettin’ ‘em, Russell chuckled, then shook his cup.

Ye be missin’ huntin’ them? Valerie asked.

Would ye think less of me if I did? Ace questioned.

No, Valerie answered sweetly.

Ace looked at her for a moment. I prepared me whole life fer that one night. Now...

Ye feel like there is nothin’? Valerie inquired.

Ace looked away.

Valerie reached for his hand. We have each other.

Ace looked at her with a smile. We will swordfight tonight. He got up and gathered the bowls and cups and left the room. He went down below.

Ahoy captain! Russell greeted joyfully after winning another round.

Ahoy, Ace acknowledged. Gettin’ any better Mr. Smith?

He still be not ready fer the taverns, Joseph replied snide.

I can at least try, captain, James declared.

I rather win the coins than lose ‘em, Ace told him as he handed the bowls and cups to Thomas.

Capitaine, could we have a shanty tonight? Lou asked.

Trainin’ Valerie to swordfight tonight, Ace responded.

I will teach her with the pistol anytime she likes, Russell beamed.

Which one? Joseph laughed.

Russell cackled as well.

James quickly shot a look at the captain as he nervous giggled.

Ace glared at Joseph with a bit of a smile as well, then headed back up to the main deck. He went to the bottom of the stairs. Anythin’?

No, Drake answered. Sky and sea clear.

Ace nodded and went back inside his quarters.

That night after having another bowl of Thomas’s stew, Ace and Valerie practiced sword fighting. The crew wished to watch her progression but Valerie didn’t like the audience.

Start slow, then we will fight more seriously, Ace instructed.

Okay, Valerie exhaled. She held her cutlass pointing towards him. She moved closer to him as she gently swinged.

Ace blocked, then moved his cutlass to strike lower. Valerie blocked.

Good, Ace smiled.

They moved their cutlass away, then strike each other again. They blocked each other’s moves once more.

Faster now, Ace told her.

Valerie took a deep breath as they fought a little faster. Their strikes hitting a little harder. Still striking with caution.

I be noticin’ ye be more comfortable with it now, Ace proclaimed as their cutlass clink together.

Still scares me to think about a real battle, Valerie stated, then moved her cutlass to strike him.

He quickly blocked it. Then don’t think about that. Think about now.

Chapter 3: Barely A Plunder  

The next day, the chickens must have known how much Russell wants their eggs and produce several. Thomas cooked them and sliced some apples for the side which made the goats bleat since the fruit was saved more for them than the crew.

Always someone complain’, Thomas stated.

Be happy it aint me this mornin’, mate, Russell proclaimed.

Thomas looked at him with a slight chuckle.

Valerie couldn’t go back to sleep after Ace got into bed. She got dressed and went to the bow of the ship to stare out. In spite of everything that a pirate life brings, Valerie was happier being abroad and traveling.

Breakfast miss, Thomas mentioned to her as he and James came up.

Thank ye, Valerie said as she looked back. She followed them into the captain’s quarters.

Ye be doin’ alright this mornin’? Thomas asked her.

Aye, thank ye, Valerie smiled.

James nodded to her than quickly left.

Ye let me know if you need anythin’, Thomas told her.

I will, Valerie said, then drank.

Thomas left the room and back down below.

Drake already finished his food so he could take over at the helm from Joseph.

Russell joyfully inhaled his eggs.

Ye should eat ‘em and not just swallow ‘em, Thomas scolded.

I be chewin’! Russell muffled exclaimed. Some food shooting out of his mouth.

Ye really be more like a pig eating than a person, Lou proclaimed with disgust while sitting across from him.

Russell stared at Lou as he continued to messily chew.

James finished eating and got up. I will be at the crow’s nest. He went up on the main deck and climb the ropes. He looked through the spyglass. He could vaguely see another ship on the horizon. Sail Ahoy!

What kind of ship to ye see, mate!? Drake yelled back.

To far to tell. Should we give chase? James questioned.

Aye, to reveal what it truly be, Drake replied.

James looked through the spyglass again. It was hard to make out from the distance and the glare of the sun hitting the water.

Valerie ate her apples as she stared at the map. She checked out all the scribbles that Ace had marked on it. You could almost tell the journey he went on during his vampire hunts.

Joseph and Lou went to the main deck to clean it.

We be given chase, Drake told them.

Be it a merchant ship? Joseph asked.

Not sure, Drake answered.

Pray it is one, Lou mentioned to Joseph.

Aye, Joseph agreed.

A little while later, Ace awoke alone in his quarters. He got up to change his clothes. He left the quarters to see Valerie leaning over the rail. Ace went up to her.

Ahoy, Valerie greeted sweetly while looking at him.

Ahoy, Ace acknowledged. What ye be doin’?

Enjoyin’ the sun, Valerie replied.

Captain, Drake called.

Ace went up the stairs and to the helm.

We be closin’ in on a merchant ship, Drake revealed.

Ace looked over at the bow to see the merchant ship in the distance.

We should be on it soon, Drake stated.

Aye, Ace concurred. He went back down and into his quarters. He sat down to eat.

Valerie walked in as well and sat at the table. That port we be headin’ to, it looks far.

It be, Ace agreed, than ate some eggs.

Is there somethin’ ye be wantin’ from there? Valerie questioned.

Won’t know until we get thar, Ace replied.

Russell rushed in the quarters. Cap’n! We be on the ship!

Grand, Ace said, then rushed over to his table in the back of his room. He put his weapons, sash, and hat on before hurrying out.

Valerie stayed by the door of the quarters to watch.

They were almost along side the merchant ship.

Ace stood by the rail of the starboard side with his crew, watching and waiting for the right moment.

A few sailors on the other ship kept looking over at the pirates with worry.

Once they were finally side by side, Ace took out his flintlock. Avast! Drop anchor!

We have already been plundered yesterday! a sailor shouted back.

Blimey! And yet ye were not scuttled? Ace pondered.

Please let us go! another sailor pleaded.

I don’t like leavin’ empty handed, Ace stated.

We have a barrel of rum! one of the sailors yelled out.

The other sailors quickly looked at him.

We need it for trade, one of the sailors snapped at him.

It is either our lives or the rum, the sailor said.

Well then, if ye kindly drop anchor, Ace stated while pointing his flintlock at them.

The sailors complied.

Ace looked at Russell with a nod. His first mate rushed over with Joseph and Thomas to drop their anchor as well. They set up the long board to make a walkway for the sailors to hand over their only barrel of rum.

How was this not takin’? Ace asked the sailor.

We hid it, the sailor replied.

Ace’s crew happily rolled the barrel