Love Aboard the Priam: Chapter Two

*PLEASE READ A/N AT BOTTOM!*

Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Two

Peter’s POV

As Randall crossed the board onto the Priam with the girl, I turned to glare at my gunner. Ben at least had the decency to look ashamed as he toed the deck of the Infamy.

“Have you learned nothing since joining my crew?” I hissed as I approached him.

“Sorry, Captain. I dunno what came over me,” Ben mumbled, shoulders slumped.

“Make sure it doesn’t happen again or you forfeit your life,” I warned.

Ben nodded, his spine stiffening as he realized the full weight of his actions. Satisfied that he wouldn’t ever touch another woman the way he had my girl, I turned to oversee the unloading of the Infamy.

“Please, son. I beg of you-“

I looked over and saw the Captain of the Infamy on his knees, pleading with me.

“What is it?” I asked harshly.

“Let her go. Don’t condemn her to this fate. She’s a good girl. Please, let her go,” the Captain begged.

I frowned as I slowly walked closer to the old man, curious as to his reasons for pleading the girl’s release.

“What is the nature of your relationship with her?” I asked, bending down to his level.

“Her father and I sailed together for several years. She’s like another daughter to me,” the Captain explained.

“Your name?” I questioned.

“Eleazar Denali,” he supplied.

“Captain Denali, I assure you the lady will be well taken care of. I have been searching a long time for her. I’m afraid I simply cannot allow her to escape me again,” I told him.

“What exactly are your intentions?” Eleazar asked, lifting his head to glare at me.

“My intentions are proper. Once we land, she shall be made my bride,” I informed him, a sense of anticipation welling inside me.

“How can you intend to wed the girl? You’ve only just seen her,” Eleazar gaped.

“I saw her nine years ago when she killed my Captain’s Quartermaster. Ever since, I have been searching for her, intent on having her for my own. Make no mistake, Captain Denali. If anyone tries to take her away from me now, I will not hesitate to send them to the deepest pits of Hell,” I cautioned him.

“She will not submit to you. She will fight you every step of the way!” Eleazar insisted, his anger getting the better of him.

“Yes. I think that is what I am most looking forward to,” I grinned, standing up to walk away.

His horrified look would entertain me for days to come, I was sure.

“Men! Gather the rest of the cargo and return to the ship!” I ordered, already walking that way.

“And where are we headin’ now, Captain?” Ben asked, following behind me.

“Home, Benjamin. It’s finally time to return home,” I sighed, peace settling in my chest.

A shout went up amongst the crew, all of them eager to return to Bearsalei. It had been two years since we had last made port in the headquarters of the pirate realm and the men were anxious for the female company to be found within its borders.

Oh, hell. Speaking of females in Bearsalei, I would need to visit Charlotte first thing when we arrived. She’d probably skin me alive if I didn’t, especially after being gone for so long.

Pushing that thought to the back of my mind, I turned my attention to the young lass sitting inside my cabin, waiting for me. I had to bite back a groan as images of her flashed through my mind: the cold calculated way she had taken out Jose, the ruthless nature she showed in bowling over my men, and the fierce determination as she cursed Randall’s mother for baring him. Aye, the lass was a wildcat and would no doubt burn me alive when I finally bedded her. My cock throbbed painfully at the thought and I shook myself to rid the image of her writhing beneath me from my mind.

Steeling myself for the conversation I would have to have once I stepped inside, I pushed open the door to my cabin. Randall immediately stood, saluting me, but my eyes were fastened on her.

Good God, she was even more beautiful up close. Her dark mahogany hair was escaping from the braid she hid in her hat, the dark tresses falling down to caress her face. Her brown eyes glared at me, murderous rage causing the gold flecks scattered though the warm color to darken. I silently thanked Randall for tying her to the chair, though he could have been a bit gentler. From the red marks on her wrist, I knew she would have bruises tomorrow.

Without taking my eyes off her, I addressed my Quartermaster.

"Thank you, Randall. Go see to the crew. We have a few wounded and Vasilii will need all the help he can get," I instructed.

“Aye, Captain,” Randall responded before going to assist our surgeon.

The lass’ eyes widened as she realized she would be left alone with me. I didn’t let my amusement show on my face even as I watched her fingers twitch nervously. Silly girl. She had no idea that I would kill anyone who even dared to lay a hand on her.

“I’ve been looking for you for a long time,” I told her, slowly making my way towards her chair.

"Have you?” she asked, her voice husky and low.

I ignored the twitch of my cock, forcing back the arousal that thrummed through my veins.

"Oh, yes. You see, I only want the best for my ship, my crew, myself. And I've never seen anyone with as much skill as you," I grinned, standing before her.

"Have we met before?" she asked, a pucker forming between her brows as she frowned up at me.

"Met? Nay. But nine years ago, I watched you kill my Captain's Quartermaster, one of the finest swordsmen I've ever met to this day," I shrugged casually.

I watched as realization dawned, pleased it didn’t take her long to remember. More than pleased that she even remembered me from all those years ago.

"You were that boy. The one who raised his sword," she whispered, shock clear on every inch of her face.

"Aye. And ever since I've gained my own ship, I've been searching for you. Imagine my surprise to find you on the exact same ship as the first time. Time has been good to you," I appraised, my eyes sweeping her frame once more.

Even in men’s clothing, her luscious curves were evident. I briefly wondered how my men could’ve mistaken her for a lad. The woman practically oozed sex. Her hips flared gently, perfect for my hands to grip as she rode me hard and fast. Her breasts were full and high on her chest, making my mouth water for a taste of them. And her lips, so plump and red I ached to lick them, nip them, suck them into my mouth.

"You fought well today. I watched you. I must thank you for killing Jose. The big lug never could wield a sword worth a crap," I muttered darkly.

Jose had been a pain in my side for months, ever since we’d left Penazac. The idiot was cocky, ignorant, and refused to obey my rules on the treatment of women and children.

I was brought out of those thoughts by her soft spoken question.

"I don't understand. What exactly do you want from me?"

"I should think that obvious. You're to be my wife," I informed her, bracing myself for the outburst I was sure was coming.

And she did not disappoint.

“YOU ARROGANT BASTARD! I would sooner condemn myself to the depths of the ocean before consenting to be your wife!” she spat at me.

“Now, now, darlin’. Marriage to me won’t be so bad. Besides, it’s not as though you truly have a choice. You can go along with it, or you can fight me, but I can promise you this: I will win,” I practically growled at her, my hands braced on the arms of her chair as I leaned into her face.

She glared at me, panting in her anger. My eyes flickered to her lips, parted as she dragged air into her lungs. Her breasts rose and fell rapidly with each intake and exhale.

“Don’t you d-mmph!”

My hands clutched at the arms of her chair as I pressed my lips to her. She tried to lean away from me, but I followed her easily, backing her up as far as she could go. One hand came up to hold her still as my tongue licked at the seam of her lips. Her body trembled beneath me, but her mouth remained closed. Gradually, her body relaxed and she leaned into the kiss, making fire scorch through my veins.

I broke away, gasping as she watched me through heavily lidded eyes. Reality returned quickly and her eyes widened in surprise.

“What did you… How did you… What just happened?” she asked, her voice deliciously breathless.

“That, darlin’, was just a taste of the passion you will feel with me,” I murmured, trailing a finger down her cheek.

She shivered at my touch, her pupils dilating as my thumb brushed across her swollen lower lip.

“Why are you doing this? Why me?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

“Because you are strong, skilled, determined, not to mention beautiful. You’re everything I imagined, but never hoped to find. And seeing you today solidified my desire to have you by my side for the rest of my life,” I answered simply.

“But you don’t even know me,” she frowned in confusion.

“Actually, I know you quite well,” I smiled, reaching around and plucking the pistol out of the back of her trousers.

“Hey! What are you doing?” she demanded, struggling against her bonds.

“Stay still! Saints, woman, but you’re going to injure yourself if you keep pulling at these,” I snapped, reaching down to loosen her bonds slightly.

“Give me back my pistol,” she glared.

“No. I won’t allow you to do injury to yourself, me, or my crew. This will stay with me for a while. Now, listen carefully to me, Isabella,” I insisted, smiling at the jerk of her head in response to her name.

“I am willing to make a bargain with you. If you agree to stay aboard my ship, not try to escape, and learn the ways of my world, I will give you free reign. And, if at the end of our journey home, you still wish to return to Shalolie, I will let you go. In fact, I’ll return you there myself. But, if I manage to win your heart, you will remain with me and be my wife and second in command for the rest of our days. Do we have an agreement?” I asked, staring down at her.

“How do I trust that you will allow me to return home?” Isabella asked cautiously.

I frowned at her reluctance to trust me. The lass clearly had become subject to the similar thoughts of most of society in regards to pirates. It would take some time, but I would clarify my way of life to her.

“I vow upon my father’s grave, I will abide by our bargain,” I swore.

Isabella stared at me intently, gaging to see if I was being honest or not. Seemingly satisfied, she nodded after a few short moments.

“Very well, Captain. I agree to your demands. I shall do as you have requested and act as though I am a willing traveler amongst your crew. However, if any of you lay a hand on me, I will not hesitate to gut first and ask questions later,” Isabella warned.

“Fair enough, my lady,” I agreed, leaning down and cutting her bonds with a swift flick of my wrist.

She rubbed at the red marks, frowning as she clenched and unclenched her fingers.

“I will, however, add one little condition to your threat,” I mused, walking to my desk and opening the top drawer.

“What is that?” Isabella asked, standing hesitantly.

“I shall not touch you during the day, but at night, in this cabin, no such rule will apply. I shall be free to touch you whenever and wherever I wish,” I grinned, my eyes sweeping her frame.

Her face paled drastically and she took an unsteady step back.

“Treacherous wretch! Your Quartermaster insisted you would not rape me! Clearly you have him fooled on the matter of your honor,” Isabella spat.

“My honor, madam, is completely intact. I do not rape women, nor do I allow my men to,” I assured her icily.

She paled even more, but she stood her ground, glaring at me defiantly. I smiled slightly, softening my tone as I continued.

“I can assure you, lass, you will feel nothing but pleasure at my hands. When we finally come together, you will be just as wild for me as I am for you,” I murmured huskily.

“I highly doubt that,” Isabella scoffed, turning from me, but not before I noticed her heated cheeks.

Oh, she would surrender to the fire that burned between us. She could feel it already.

“Come here,” I demanded, setting a jar on my desk.

“Why?” Isabella asked suspiciously.

“I have a salve for your wrists. It will help them heal,” I answered, shaking the bottle at her.

She came towards me slowly, watching me warily as she drew closer. I unscrewed the lid of the jar and scooped some of the oily balm into my hand. With my other hand, I reached out and took hold of hers, bringing her closer so I could apply it.

“What is this? It smells awful,” Isabella complained, wrinkling her nose.

I laughed lightly at her expression, finding the smell rather disgusting myself.

“It’s a salve made of Witch Hazel and St. John’s Wort: medicinal plants from the island of Capora off the coast of Isopholy. The people on the island have been making salves such as this for centuries,” I informed her, rubbing the foul smelling stuff into her skin.

“Do any of them still have a sense of smell?” Isabella asked, her nose scrunched up.

“Aye, lass, but they’ve gotten used to the scents,” I chuckled, wrapping her wrists.

Isabella was silent for a while, looking down at the wrappings on her wrists. I waited, sensing she had something on her mind.

“Captain, know you of the men your crew killed?” Isabella questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.

I felt the softening of my face as I leaned forward to take her hands in mine. Lifting them to my lips, I kissed her knuckles briefly. I thought it a small victory when she didn’t jerk her hands away, but kept them incased in mine.

“My men killed no one aboard the Infamy that I am aware of,” I told her, my voice just as soft.

My answered didn’t seem to please her as she bit her lip and frowned harder at the floor.

“But you don’t know for sure that they left everyone alive?” Isabella prodded.

“They’re instructions were to only incapacitate, not kill. What is it you want to know, darlin’?” I asked.

She shifted on her feet, pulling her hands from mine to wrap her arms around herself.

“My… My father. He was aboard the ship. The last I saw him, he was with Eleazar, the man you had at sword point. I… I don’t know if he is still alive or…” Isabella trailed off, a tear escaping down her cheek.

I stood abruptly, moving to place my hands on her shoulders.

“If one of my men killed your father, I will find out and I will allow you to pass judgement on their fate,” I promised her.

“Why?” Isabella whispered.

I almost told her it was because I had been in love with her since I first saw her nine years ago, but stopped myself, knowing she was not ready to hear my confession.

“Because I have trained them to only kill if there is no other option. I do not tolerate unnecessary murder,” I answered instead.

“My father would not have allowed them any other choice,” Isabella mumbled, tears sliding down her cheeks.

“Let me go talk to my men, mo chroí. I will find out if any of them disobeyed my orders,” I told her softly.

“What is that?” Isabella frowned, her brows drawn together.

“I’ll tell you one day,” I smiled gently, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead.

She allowed my lips to rest there briefly before spinning out of my grasp.

“You will contain yourself, sir. Our agreement was that you would not touch me during daylight hours,” Isabella insisted stiffly.

“So it was. I do apologize, my lady. I shall leave you to acquaint yourself with our temporary home,” I bowed before quickly exiting the room.

I tried not to slam the door behind me as I left, but the loud bang proved me unsuccessful.

“Trouble?” Randall asked, standing from his position by the door.

“Aye. The lass seems determined not to give in to what is between us,” I grumbled, storming up to the main deck.

“Ya have to give her time, Captain. Her life has been completely uprooted, all she’s known is changin’,” Randall stated wisely.

“And how much longer will I have to wait, Randall? Was not nine years enough? Now I must convince her of our bond before we reach Bearsalei or I lose her all over again,” I snapped, my frustration mounting.

“What are ya talkin’ about?” Randall asked, frowning in confusion.

“I told her that if I hadn’t managed to win her heart by the time we arrived in Bearsalei, I would take her back to Shalolie,” I informed him darkly.

“Wha’ the bloody ‘ell did ya do that fer?” Randall exclaimed, his accent coming out stronger in his anger.

“It was the best way I could think of to get her to stay,” I grumbled.

“Ya do realize it will take a month to reach Beasalei? And that girl has been completely turned into the typical lady of the court. She’s been taught to detest everything that goes against the formal rules of society,” Randall gawked.

“And yet she moves with the grace and skill of the greatest swordsmen known to man, her language can turn vulgar at the drop of a hat, and she wears trousers as if she were born to,” I pointed out.

“Well, she is your anamchara. It is not so surprising that she be able to stand beside ya at the helm,” Randall grinned.

“Aye, it’s just a matter of getting her to see that,” I sighed, turning to speak with Ben about cleaning the canons.

As I walked across the deck of my ship, doubt weighed heavily on my mind. I have a month to convince Isabella we were meant to be. The thought terrified me. I, Peter Whitlock, who had been in countless battles and always come out on top, was terrified of losing the one woman who meant more to me than all else on this earthly plain. Stealing myself for the upcoming task of winning my lass’ heart, I vowed that, just like all the battles before, I would be victorious in my endeavor.

Bella’s POV

I paced furiously around the cabin, searching the small room for any weapons or escape ideas. My mind was racing almost as fast as my heart, causing panic and discontent. I knew that if I planned on surviving this trip, I would need to have a calm, clear head, but at the moment, I couldn’t find it in myself to relax.

A sharp knock on the door had me jumping and reaching for my sword reflexively only to grasp air.

“I’ve brought ya some supper. The Capt’n thought ya might be hungry,” a slightly older man grunted, setting a plate on the table.

“And I suppose he expects me to just trust there is nothing foul hiding within the contents?” I asked sharply, eyeing the door.

“Aye, bantiarna. He does. I cooked this myself and I promise ya there is nothing foul in my cooking,” the man glared back.

I turned my attention to the man in front of me, briefly calculating how quickly I could dispatch of him and escape the ship. He wasn’t as old as I’d originally thought, though his hair color seemed to add years to his face. The color was an ashy blond, appearing almost grey and his blue eyes were so pale, they almost blended in with the white surrounding them. He was about a foot taller than myself with a body that had clearly seen harder days. His arms were not as thick as the Captains’ who didn’t look as though he had a weak bone or muscle in his body, but he was clearly in shape and used to hard labor.

“What is this language you and your Captain use? I have never heard it before,” I frowned, moving slowly about the room.

“Tis the language of the sea, bantiarna. My guess is the Capt’n’ll be teachin’ it to ya soon enough,” the man smirked.

My spine straightened at his implications and I quickly turned away from him.

“Come now, lass. If ya don’t eat, the Capt’n’ll have my head,” the man said, setting out the food.

The smell wafted towards me and my stomach growled in appreciation. Turning, I saw a spread laid out that would tempt the richest of men. A seasoned quail sat amongst a white sauce with bread, cheese, and fruit laid out beside it. The man was pouring a glass of wine, expertly moving along with the rocking of the ship.

“Come eat, lass, before it gets cold,” the man insisted, pulling out a chair.

I walked over, knowing I would need to eat if I ever planned on escaping.

“That’s a good lass. I thank ya for saving my hide and allowin’ me to see another day,” the man bowed slightly.

I couldn’t help but smile at the teasing glint in his eye.

“What is your name, sir?” I asked, picking up a slice of bread.

“Vladimir, bantiarna. I’ve been the cook aboard this ship for twenty years, afore the Capt’n was the Capt’n and the Priam was the Priam,” Vladimir answered.

“When did the Captain gain control of the ship?” I asked, curious about the man who had kidnapped me.

“That’d be nearly seven years ago,” Vladimir squinted in thought.

“Who was your Captain before that?” I questioned, nibbling a slice of cheese.

“That, lass, is somethin’ I cannot answer. The only Capt’n I worry ‘bout now is Captain Whitlock,” Vladimir chuckled.

“Whitlock? As in Captain Jasper Whitlock? He’s the most feared pirate on the seas,” I gaped, my eyes widening in shock and fear.

If the man who had captured me was Jasper Whitlock, I would never see my home again, despite his promises to the contrary.

“Lord, lass! Oh, the Capt’n would enjoy that. Nay, our Capt’n is Jasper’s brother, Peter,” Vladimir guffawed.

“Captain Peter Whitlock? I hadn’t heard of him,” I frowned.

The names suited the man, though, and it whispered across my mind repeatedly. Maddeningly.

“Ya wouldn’t have. He don’t spread his name about, preferin’ to keep things like that quiet. The Capt’n’s a good man, he is, no matter what folk say,” Vladimir nodded once.

“Oh, yes. He’s the epitome of a gentleman, kidnapping a lady from her father and betrothed and forcing her to comply with outlandish demands that will ruin her virtue for any other man,” I snapped sarcastically.

“Listen here, lass. The Capt’n’s a man of his word. He’ll see to it yer taken care of,” Vladimir tisked gently.

“I’m quite sure we have very different ideas on what qualifies as ‘taking care of me’,” I snorted, picking at the quail.

“The Capt’n’d marry ya the second we set foot on land, he would,” Vladimir insisted.

“He doesn’t even know me,” I argued, frustrated at all the talk of marriage and forever.

“He knows ya better than ya think, bantiarna. Trust him,” Vladimir implored before cleaning up the table and leaving me alone again.

I frowned at the table, my fingers running along the groves that had kept my plate and cup stationary while I ate. The cabin was well furnished and clearly well maintained. Peter’s desk was in the center of the room, nothing out of place across the mahogany wood. An armoire stood in the corner to the right of the door, across the room from where I sat at the table. The bed in the corner looked more comfortable than my bed aboard the Infamy, but held none of the temptation. I knew what would happen if I laid in that bed and I was thinking of any and every way to get out of it.

My reaction to his kiss terrified me. The moment his lips touched mine, I had felt recognition throughout my entire body. A tingling started at the roots of my hair and traveled to the very tips of my toes. Fear had made me attempt to escape him, but his perusal only added to my torment as his lips moved against my own, creating a warmth that I’d never experienced before.

How could I feel this… lust for a man who I barely knew?

Even as I thought the word, I knew it was wrong. While it was true I felt lust for him, there was something else, something I was completely unwilling to examine at the moment.

Needing to do something, I stood up, but couldn’t find anything to actually do. I bit my lip as I crossed the room to look out the window. The waves lapped at the hull, a rhythmic slap that soothed the battered parts of my soul.

“How was your dinner, lass?”

I barely managed to hold back a scream as I spun around to face Randall.

“Don’t sneak up on me like that!” I reprimanded, a hand over my racing heart.

“The Captain thought ya might like to come out on the deck for a while, get a feel of the ship and the crew,” Randall smiled, ignoring my outburst.

“That’s thoughtful of him,” I frowned.

“No need to look so surprised, lass. The Captain is eager for ya to learn his way of life,” Randall chuckled, holding out an arm for me to take.

“Oh, you’re being a gentleman this time? No throwing me over your shoulder and carting me around like a barbarian?” I asked sarcastically, linking my arm through his.

“I thought I might save my mother from another curse placed upon her head,” Randall replied in kind.

I blushed, not liking to remember what I did or said when I was in that frame of mind.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, eyes on the ground in front of my feet.

“No need, lass,” Randall brushed it off.

I smiled slightly as he walked us up onto the main deck. I breathed deeply, relaxing as the salty air blew against my face. The activity aboard the Priam was lively and laughter rang out from many sources. I blinked in surprise as some of the men tipped their hats to me as they went about their work. Randall pointed out all the differences in the ship, pride evident in his voice.

“You love this ship a lot,” I mused.

“Aye, it’s the first place I’ve been able to call home. The Captain found me wastin’ away in a pub, sleepin’ among the trash. He hired me almost on spot even though I had no knowledge on how to do work aboard a ship. The Captain’s a good man, bantiarna,” Randall told me.

“Vladimir called me that, too. What does it mean?” I asked.

“Ask the Captain,” Randall grinned, stopping in front of the steps towards the Quarterdeck.

I looked up the steps, finding Peter staring down at me, a small smile playing about his lips. I gripped the railing as I climbed the steps, my eyes never wavering from his.

“Did you have a good supper, mo chroí?” Peter asked.

“I did, thank you,” I answered politely.

“Vladimir is an excellent cook. I instructed him to serve you the best in the galley,” Peter informed me.

“That was unnecessary, but I do appreciate it,” I murmured, bowing my head slightly.

“I wanted you to eat. I knew the best way was to tempt you with the finest we could offer,” Peter grinned.

A silence settled over us and I did nothing to break it, staring down at the boards.

“How did you find the ship?” Peter asked, turning to look out over the deck.

“It’s a beautiful vessel,” I told him softly.

“That’s all?” Peter chuckled, prompting me for more.

“I’m impressed with her ability to cut through the waves with minimal difficulty. Your crew is very efficient, but all seem to enjoy their work, something I have never seen before. Not to mention how polite they are. I am impressed, Captain,” I admitted reluctantly.

“Thank you for your admission, my lady,” Peter bowed, grinning wider.

I smiled back slightly, a faint blush heating my cheeks.

“Will you accompany me back to our cabin?” Peter asked, extending his arm for me to take.

I felt the color leave my face and searched for a way to stall. The sun was sinking beneath the horizon and I knew it would soon be time to retire for the night.

“I do believe we had an agreement, my lady. The nights belong to me, in our cabin,” Peter murmured, his breath tickling my ear as he leaned down.

Swallowing the lump that had appeared in my throat, I placed my hand in the crook of his arm. His other hand came up to cover mine, squeezing slightly. The same warmth traveled up from my finger tips to my chest, making me shiver in the suddenly cool air.

“Come along, mo chroí, before you catch a chill,” Peter encouraged, pulling me toward his cabin.

I went silently, the long walk feeling as though it would be my last. He released me when we arrived in the cabin, turning to shut and lock the door, the resounding click sealing my fate.

“Please. Don’t,” I whimpered, my eyes squeezed shut as I waited for his next move.

“Do not fear me, beagán amháin. I will never harm you,” Peter whispered, his hands coming to rest of my shoulders.

“Please,” I repeated, shivering under the intensity of my emotions.

“Shh. Hush now, mo chroí,” Peter soothed, his hands running up and down my arms.

I choked on a sob even as his hands left a trail of fire across my flesh. His lips brushed across my neck, a barely there touch that scorched my skin. His hands slid down and grasped my own, turning me to face him. I felt a few tears slip out and bent my head to hide them.

Peter tugged on my hands, pulling me towards the bed. I swallowed another sob, determined not to let him see just how much he scared me. I was shaking as he laid me down on the bed, even more as he removed his boots and shirt. I closed my eyes when he began removing my own boots.

His body settled on the bed beside mine and I forced myself to remain still. His arm came across my stomach, turning me onto my side, my back facing him. I shook as he pulled my back against his chest, sighing into my hair.

“Sleep, mo chroí. You are safe. I will not touch you tonight,” Peter promised softly.

My body relaxed, trusting his words before my mind could process them. Despite what I had come to believe, I trusted Peter and my mind slipped towards sleep.

“Thank you,” I mumbled before sleep claimed me.

“You’re welcome, mo anamchara.”