Tainted Tides

Chapter 8

*Ant's POV*

The Air got uncomfortably hot around me as my eyes focussed on Charles and Dan, laughing without a care in the world. I clenched my fists and rose to my feet, struggling to keep blood vessels from popping all over my body. My dampened clothes from holding Dec's soaking form, dried from the immense heat of my body. It felt like steam was emanating off me, carrying splinters of my anger along with it.

I was ready to kill.

I took a step towards Charles and Dan, slowly; knowing they had nowhere to run. The only way to escape me was to jump overboard, although that was probably a relatively painless death compared to what I would do.

I wouldn't let them have the satisfaction.

As I took another step towards them, placing my left foot in line with Dec's gasping face, the laughter ceased.

I didn't care that they were my crew.

As I began to take another step, Charles stuttered out, "Er.. sir.. we- we were just having some fun and teasing him. To... To welcome him to the crew and all..."

Every word he spoke was laced with doubt, and uncertainty, further fanning the flame of his deceit; further fanning the flame of my fury. I'd reached a boiling point. I moved my right foot forward and moved my hands to the weapons on my waist. Just before I drew them, with full intention of reducing my crew size by two, I felt a soft, cold hand grasp onto the exposed skin of my ankle.

In surprise, I directed my gaze down to see a panting Dec, still struggling to catch his breath, but putting in more effort than deserved to hold on to me. I was shocked into silence.

A few seconds later, Dec broke the silence. "It- It's fine, sir. It-" he paused to cough up more water. "It was just some good-natured fun... Thanks for helping... But I'm sure Charles didn't mean to hurt me..."

Dec's cool grip against my scorching skin tightened and once again, I found my rage quench because of him. I knew Dec didn't believe any of that, but something inside me told me to trust him now, and ask him about it later.

I nodded at him, signalling that he could let go of me, and as he did I turned to look at Charles. "There's a difference between a prank and a murder dipshit! Don't let it happen again!" I said and threaded between the standing men, making sure to slam into both shoulders to show my annoyance and their luck.

Just as I was about to disappear into the crowds of the main deck, I stopped and looked over my shoulder. I caught Robbie's eye and gestured for him to follow and I called back one last time, "Get yourself cleaned up Dec, then come see me." Letting my words linger at the scene, and to make sure that Charles knew I was expecting Dec, I walked away with Robbie and vanished into the busy bodies scattered over the ship.

*Dec's POV*

As Anthony walked away, I brought myself to my feet. I was a fool. I so easily let my guard down when I thought there were no expectations of me. It had been so long since I'd had to meet completely new people who had no clue of the respect my bloodline commanded. I needed to earn my respect among the new crew. Anthony stepping up to kill anyone who harms me definitely wouldn't help my cause.

As Anthony and Robbie left earshot, Charles and Dan turned back to me, sneering. I kept my expression stoic; surprising myself at my lack of panic. The only thing I felt was rage. Not at the fact that they'd almost killed me, rather that their actions had almost caused Ant to commit murder. I didn't need to be told of Ant's intentions those few moments ago.