Killian watched Emma narrow her eyes and hold her hands over a rock lodged in the mud. He stood across from her, his boots pressing into the wet sandy bank. Her deep concentration forced him to smother a smile. She was adorable. And had no idea what she was doing.

Of course, he didn’t know how to help her. He’d seen a few magic users in his life, but he’d never paid attention to how they’d wielded their power. It just happened.

Emma groaned and rolled her eyes. “This is stupid. I can’t do this.”

Concerned, he took a step toward her. “You don’t need to try. This is a world without magic, so it may not work here.”

Her gaze whipped to his. “Then why did the electricity surge when I won my ring?” She held up her index finger, showing him the prize.

“I’m not sure.”

She exhaled and shook her arms. “Let me try again. I can move this rock. I can.” After taking a deep breath, she held her palms over the object and stared hard. Her tongue came out as she focused.

His heart picked up speed, and he couldn’t take his eyes from her lips. What he wouldn’t give to kiss her. To hold her. He should tell her that he didn’t want to go back. Not really.

Emma Swan was his true love. That portal had taken him to her, and he couldn’t lose her. Decision made, he took another step forward then reached out and took her wrist.

She frowned at him. “What are you doing?”

“Stopping you.”

“Why?”

His explanation stuck in his throat, and nerves danced inside his gut. “I…uh…” He forced a smile. “Why don’t we eat? I’m hungry.”

She relaxed her stance. “I guess we could do that. You can tell me about magic.”

His grin softened, and a tender feeling washed over him at her kindness. She wanted to help him so much. Promises and declaration threatened to spill forth, but he had to hold back. He didn’t want to scare her, and, well, he wasn’t sure if she felt the same. She was his true love, but he didn’t know if that meant she would care for him in the same manner. “That’s a thought. Let’s go inside.”

He put her hand in the crook of his elbow and grew encouraged when she blushed and ducked her head. At least he affected her in some way. As they walked up the gravel path to the cabin, their steps in sync, she asked, “Can you teach me how to punch someone?”

“Yes.” He wanted her to be able to take care of herself if he happened not to be around. He was damned relieved he’d been there when that scoundrel had dared to touch her.

“Do you know how to use a sword?” she asked.

“Yes.”

She was quiet for a moment, but he could hear her thoughts.

“Can you teach me?”

“Yes.”

Another few seconds of silence. “Are you always going to tell me yes?”

He chuckled. “If that makes you happy.” He glanced down at her. “Then…yes.”

She blushed again.

His heart pounded as he sensed that she might very well feel more than attraction. But he would go slow.

They entered, and she disengaged from him, going to the cupboard that held the bread. He opened the fridge and pulled out jelly. They prepared their simple meal in silence, though he sneaked glances at her and she did the same. Each time he caught her looking his way, she would blush and duck her head.

She liked him. She did. His body vibrated with the need to declare himself, to unfurl his intentions and proceed at full sail. But for a reason he couldn’t name, he felt he couldn’t rush.

Once they were seated at the table, she said with a mouthful of food, “Tell me about magic.”

“Some people make potions and use spells, while others have it inside them.” He ate a chip.

“Am I a person who has it inside?”

“By your description of what you first encountered, I would say yes.” He took a big bite of his sandwich. It was a few moments before he realized she’d stopped eating and was looking at him thoughtfully. “What?”

She pressed her lips together then said, “Since I have magic, does that mean I’m from where you’re from?”

He paused. He hadn’t thought of that. “Maybe.”

Anxiousness passed through her eyes, and she stared at a spot on the table while she nibbled at her meal.
If she was from the Enchanted Forest, then maybe…

Maybe she would come with him? But he had no desire to live there again, especially since he was owned by Captain Silver, and there was no place for Emma on a ship. Still, if she wanted to jump through whatever portal she managed to conjure with him, he’d gladly let her. He wouldn’t hold her back from finding out who she really was.
Her sweet face now had tight lines, and he didn’t like seeing that. “Eat up, love. You’ll need your strength for sword fighting.”

She glanced at him and quirked her lips. “And punching.”

He grinned. “And punching. Promise.”

“Have you been in fights?”

“A few.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I think you’re not telling the whole truth.”

Impressed with her instincts, he said, “Really? And how would you know?” He popped a chip into his mouth.

As she cocked her head to the side, a thoughtful look passed over her face. “It’s just a feeling. I think you’ve been in
the middle of lots of…scuffles.”

He laughed. “Scuffles?”

She lifted a brow. “Brawls?”

His cheeks heated as he let out another chuckle. “I’ll take scuffles.”

“Mmm hmm,” she replied with a knowing look. Then she picked up a chip and bit into it.

“Let’s finish then I’ll teach you to fight.”

“You have to tell me more about magic.” She frowned at him.

He found the crease between her brows adorable, and he wished he could kiss it away. “I really don’t know that much about it, and I doubt I can teach you anything.”

“Then what do we do?” she replied, concern on her face.

Was she anxious for him to leave? Had he outworn his welcome? Had he misread her signs? Uncertainty sat like rocks in his gut, and his earlier plan of moving slow irritated him. If he’d gone faster with her, maybe she wouldn’t be working so hard to see him go. He cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. “I’m sure Liam is looking for me. It’ll be easier for him to make a portal than us anyway.”

“Oh.” Disappointment crossed her features.

He waited with baited breath, hoping she’d reveal the reason behind her disquiet.

She picked at the crust on her sandwich and glanced around the cabin. “So…he could find you at any time. You could be gone at any moment.”

His heart picked up speed to see her sadness at his possible departure. “Yes.” He cleared his throat again, the need to hold her and tell her would never leave her, not for any reason, consumed him.

Her crestfallen expression spurred on his confidence, and he stood, ignoring the nervousness swimming in his gut. He walked over to her, and after a gulp, held out his hand.

With questions rising in her gaze, she slipped her fingers through his.

He pulled her to stand, lifting her knuckles toward his lips. He paused just shy of kissing her there. “I have to tell you something.”

Her eyes widened.

“I don’t mean to scare you as we’ve only known each other for two days, but there’s a detail about portals that I haven’t mentioned.”

She continued to focus on him, almost transfixed.

Could he tell her she was his true love? Would she believe him? With his heart kicking hard against his ribs, he started with, “When you go through a portal, it takes you to where you’re thinking of.”

Confusion passed over her face. “What? How…How would you know about this cabin? You’ve never been here before.”

He clutched her hand to his chest. “See I, uh, well…” Another clearing of his throat. “I was thinking of…of you.”

She reared back, but didn’t remove her grasp from his. “Me? You didn’t know me. How could that be true?”
Taking his pride in his hands, he said, “I thought of my true love.”

Silence reigned.

“And the portal brought me to you.”

Her breath caught, and she ran her gaze over his face. “I’m your t-true l-love?”

“I think so.” His pulse pounded in his ears. Would she flee from him now? Would she demand he leave her alone and never return?

She licked her lips. “Like in a fairy tale?”

Unsure of her comparison, he said, “I don’t know what that is. Where I come from, true love is real and all powerful.”

Disbelief took over the lines of her face, and she appeared to be trying to find her thoughts. “I…I…”

He cupped her cheek with his free hand, ready to bare all, needing to reassure her that he believed in what he’d revealed to her. “As soon as I saw you, I knew who you were. I understood you from the beginning, Emma.”
Her gaze wavered but she didn’t look away. And she didn’t stop him.

“I don’t mean to scare you, but I can’t hide my feelings any longer.” He closed his eyes and gathered his courage. When he looked at her again, the hope shining in her hazel depths gave him all the bravery he needed. “I’m in love with you, Emma.”

She gasped but didn’t jerk away. Instead, she stepped toward him, and now she was so close, their chests touched. “Really?”

The sweet innocent sound of longing rang in her tone, and a shudder tore through him. “Really.”

She bit her lip.

He fairly came out of his skin. “May I kiss you?”

In answer, she nodded slowly.

So afraid she’d bolt, he lowered his head by inches, hoping she understood he had no wish to take advantage. A breath away from her lips, she whispered his name and he came undone. He set his mouth on hers and pressed, pulling her deep into the haze of desire with him.

It wasn’t enough. He needed her closer. He let go of her hand and lowered his palm from her cheek in order to wrap his arms around her waist. She went up on her tiptoes, and when he crushed her to him even tighter, she whimpered.

Bloody hell. He hadn’t expected it to be like this. But how in the hell could he have predicted this flying sensation? This burning need to give her the world? To protect her from all ills?

Never had he felt more connected to a person in his life, and the dogs of Hell would have to pry him from her. He lifted her off her feet, and she purred low in her throat. His head spun and somewhere a voice told him to slow down, to proceed with caution. Where was his strength to obey?

But if he went farther, he might scare her. This thought had him pulling back, raising his head and looking down at her flushed face. Her bright gaze. Her sweet lips curving into a smile of wonder.

“Oh, Killian,” she breathed.

His gut clenched, and only the fear of frightening her kept him from kissing her again.

“I love you, too.”

Hunger roared at her declaration. “You do?”

“Yes. I couldn’t help myself.”

While he wanted nothing more than to fall under her spell once more, her words had brought on a determined calm. A need to settle some things. He put her down and threaded their fingers together. “There will be no portals. I have no wish to return to my world. I will stay here with you, and we will make a life wherever you want. Obviously not here since this cabin belongs to another, but I will find work.”

She gazed up at him, her trusting expression making him feel ten feet tall.

He continued. “You have wondered if we are from the same place since you have magic, and if you want to investigate that, I’ll help you. But we will not find a way to send me back.”

“What about your brother?”

“As I said earlier, he’ll locate a bean or another object that will lead him to me, and when he does, he’ll stay here with us.”

“Just like that?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes shone with happiness. “So we don’t have to be apart?”

His heart flew at the joy he saw reflected in her gaze. “Never.”

She laughed in delight and launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck and holding tight.

He breathed in deep and held her as close as he could, using his embrace to promise her forever.

Emma paused in front of the home she’d once thought could be permanent. It had been a dream. When Ingrid had told her she wanted to adopt her, Emma had never known a greater joy. Someone had wanted her. Her.

And then Ingrid had tried to prove to Emma that magic existed by holding her in front of an oncoming car and demanding she stop it. Like Harry Potter.

Emma had jerked away. And then had run. Far. From the crazy woman. It had been a nightmare.

But now…it might be very possible she’d been wrong. That magic was real. Because beside her stood someone who proved it so. Killian Jones.

Even if he hadn’t come flying through a swirling vortex, she would believe anything he said. For whatever reason, she trusted him. She knew him. Somehow.

“Are you all right?” he prodded gently.

She nodded as she studied the outside of the house, the porch and oak door flanked by windows. She remembered the night she’d shared hot cocoa with Ingrid in the living room. It had been…wonderful. They’d talked for so long.

Tears bit but she blinked them back and lifted her chin. “Let’s go.”

But Killian put out a hand to stop her. “Wait. Will this woman, Ingrid, make you live here again?”

The thought of mending fences with the woman tore at Emma’s heart. While she longed for a permanent home, right now she didn’t want to lose Killian. Knocking on Ingrid’s door, asking for her to help them, meant she’d eventually be sending Killian back to where he’d come from.

He wouldn’t want to stay with her. He had a brother. He had a life. This world was probably too odd and too much for him to want to live here. She swallowed, feeling his touch on her, his warmth moving up her arm and clutching her heart.

“Emma? If you don’t want to see this woman, we can find another way to create a portal.” Killian gently turned her to face him. “If you really have magic of your own, we may not need help.”

She didn’t know what he thought she could do, or how she would manage to send him back to where he came from. “I’m…” She let out a breath. “I’m not sure what she’ll do, or if she’d even want to see me.”

If Ingrid rejected her, she didn’t want an audience. And, if Emma were in Ingrid’s shoes, there was no way she’d grant forgiveness. Once you hurt someone, you couldn’t get them back. And she didn’t want Killian to know, to witness, the fact that she might’ve caused someone pain.

She looked deep into Killian’s eyes. “Is it all right if you wait while I talk to her? I don’t want you to get caught up in…whatever might happen.”

His brow furrowed. “Will she harm you?”

“No, no. It’s just…” She glanced toward the house. “We didn’t separate on good terms, and having you mixed in will make it more awkward.”

He studied her for a few silent moments then nodded slowly. “As you wish.”

His response sent a thrill rushing through her. How she hoped that helping him didn’t mean they had to part. She really didn’t want to lose him. Only two days with him, and she didn’t want to go through life without him. Weird. “I’ll just be…a minute.”

He nodded then moved to the side, going to stand among a copse of trees out of view of the porch.

Emma turned, took a deep breath and went up the walk. After she knocked, she only had to wait a few seconds before the door was yanked open. A boy of around twelve stood before her, smacking gum. “Hey. Who are you?”
“I’m Emma. Is Ingrid here?”

“Who?” he questioned, frowning. “Oh, you mean that lady who lived here before Misty.”

Puzzled, Emma cocked her head. “There’s a new house mother?”

“Why’re you asking these questions? You used to be in the system or something?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“You adopted now?”

The yearning in the boy’s tone sliced into her stomach, opening wounds she understood all too well. “Yes,” she managed to croak out. It was safer to lie. She couldn’t get sent back by whoever was in charge here now. “When did Ingrid leave? Did you know her at all?”

“Um—”

“Who you talkin’ to, Alex?”

Emma went rigid when she recognized the voice.

The boy stepped back. “It’s this girl. Emma. She’s lookin for someone.”

A shuffling sounded then Kevin, the jerk, appeared. He grinned sardonically. “Well, well, well. If ain’t the new girl.”

“Hey.” Emma lifted her chin. “Where’s Ingrid?”

“Whatcha been doin’?” he asked, ignoring her question. He was taller, of course. Beefier, too. He curled a meaty hand around the door frame as he looked her up and down. “I heard you ran away.”

“I got adopted.” The lie came out much easier this time.

“Really? Who the hell would want you?” He sneered and leaned forward.

She didn’t have time for this. “Where’s Ingrid?”

“I bet it’s some family with ten brats who need a baby sitter all the time.” He laughed. “I bet you’re somebody’s maid.”

She put her hands on her hips. “Are you gonna answer the question or not?”

“Why’re you looking for her anyway?” He pushed his hair out of his eyes. “You think she cares about you?”

“I’m not gonna tell you my business, just answer the question.”

He curled his lip. “Nobody adopted you. You’re lying. I’m gonna tell Misty, and she’ll drag you back into the system.”

Time to go. “You know, you’re a real asshole, Kevin. I just came to find Ingrid.” Emma spun on a heel and headed for the walk.

“Where you goin’?” He pounded down the steps after her.

She increased her pace. “None of your business.”

A wide hand clamped on her shoulder and twisted her around. “You aren’t getting’ away. Alex,” he called. “Go get Misty.”

Fear shot up Emma’s spine. She couldn’t go back into the system. “Let go of me.”

He laughed. “Look at how scared you are. I knew you weren’t—”

“Get your bloody hands off of her.”

The steel in Killian’s voice made Emma freeze, and Kevin flinch. A beat of silence passed, the tension thick with fury.

“You can shut the hell up,” Kevin growled.

“I say again. Take your hands off her.” The promise of punishment dripped from Killian’s tone.

Emma’s heart pounded, and she had no idea what to do. No one had even come close to defending her before.

“You’re not the boss of—”

Killian sprung. He shoved Kevin away from Emma then went after him as he stumbled backward.

“You get the hell away from me.”

But Kevin’s demand was met by Killian’s fist plowing into his jaw. Another punch to the gut then one up under the chin and Kevin sprawled on the walk, out cold.

“Oh my God,” Emma rasped. She couldn’t believe he’d protected her. When had anyone ever cared so much? Voices from the house pulled Emma out of her stupor. “Come on,” she ordered a seething Killian who still stood over Kevin.

Killian looked at her, fire blazing in his eyes. “Did he hurt you?”

She motioned for him to come. “No, and even if he did, you got him. Come on.”

He finally moved toward her. “Why do you look worried?”

After grabbing his hand, she started speed walking toward the end of the block. “Because there’s a new house mother, and if she thinks we don’t have a family to look after us, we’ll end up in the system. You, too, because you’re only seventeen.”

“I’d like to see anyone keep me somewhere I didn’t want to be.” He snorted as he increased his pace. “As long as you’re not hurt.”

“Not at all.” But she would remember this moment for the remainder of her days. Someone had been her champion, and he’d been very successful. “You gotta teach me how to fight like that.”

“I’ll teach you anything as long as you never go back to that house again.”

“Promise.”

Once they turned the corner, she tugged him in the direction of a short cut that went through the woods. “They might’ve called the cops, and if they do, then they’ll be looking for us. We’ve got to get back to the cabin.”

“I suppose this Ingrid wasn’t there?”

As she led them onto the foot path she’d used often when she’d lived here, she said, “She’s gone. They never told me where.”

“So we’ll have to figure this out on our own, then.”

She heard the concern in his tone. “I’ll get you back to your brother, Killian. If I have magic, then I’ll just figure out how to use it.”

Somehow she would teach herself. She had to help him. She didn’t want him to be without his brother. And maybe…if she learned magic, she could conjure a portal and see Killian whenever she wanted. No matter what time period he lived in.

Killian followed Emma down a rocky path through the dense forest. He didn’t want to tell her that, other than finding his brother, he had no real desire to return to his life. If he went back, he would lose her, and that was out of the question. Being near her filled him with excitement and, oddly enough, peace. He felt at home with her. As if he’d known her for longer than a mere day.

He’d lain awake last night, listening to her quiet breathing as she slept in the bunk above him. What he wouldn’t give to protect and care for her. It would bring him nothing but pleasure to ensure her happiness. But was he capable of it?

He had no idea how to be a good man for a woman. His relationships consisted of death, abandonment and servitude. He and his brother were close, but Liam was family, and that made it easier. How would he show a familiar stranger that he could be her friend, her protector? He swallowed, barely able to soak up the beauty of their surroundings so caught up was he in the emotions rushing inside him.

He liked Emma, and somehow he would show her that he could be trusted. That he could be her friend. And, hopefully, more than that. Someday.

They left the woods behind and came upon a road made of some sort of smooth, black material. “What’s this?” he asked.

“Asphalt. It’s used to pave streets.” Emma squinted up at him. “There’s gonna be a lot of weird and different things to see as we travel. We have to watch out for cars, all right?”

“What are those? Some sort of villainous creature?” He curled his hands into fists, wishing he had a sword.

She shook her head. “It’s a…um…like a wagon, I guess. It carries people from place to place, but it uses an engine to move, not a horse.”

He tried to paint a picture in his head, and he supposed it had seats and wheels. “And we must watch out for these cars because…?”

“They can go fast. A lot faster than a horse, and if they hit us, we could die.” She tugged on the ends of her plaid shirt then adjusted the bag slung over her shoulder.

Concerned, he reached out and pulled her away from the road. “Perhaps we ought to find a safer way to this person?”

A soft light came into her eyes. “It’ll be all right. It’s not common to get run over.” She nodded at the distance ahead of them. “You see the grass and pebbles between the street and forest? There’s plenty of room, and it’s morning, so the drivers will see us fine.” She smiled at him then slowly threaded her fingers through his.

He caught his breath at the contact.

“Come on.”

Without argument, he followed.

“It’s about nine miles to the city. We’ll be walking for a while.”

He didn’t care. As long as he was with her, he couldn’t care less how long anything took.

They’d only gone a few feet, when an odd noise sounded behind them. He glanced over his shoulder and froze, pulling her up short. His eyes widened as what he assumed was a car came whizzing toward them. He had no words for the object that zipped over the road, its body painted a bright red.

“Step back a little.” She tugged on his hand, putting action to her command.

He obeyed without taking his eyes from the contraption. “Is that some sort of magic?”

“No,” she replied. “It runs on gasoline.”

The car drew abreast of them, rushing past and forcing wind to push their clothing and hair.

“Bloody hell,” he uttered, shocked by the amount of force in its disturbance. “This is an odd land.”

She made a noise of sympathy. “Wait until you see the city. You won’t believe your eyes.”

He tore his focus from the car and looked down at her. Could there be anything else more mind boggling than the beast that had just shot by them? “I’m not sure I’m prepared for the rest of it.”

With an encouraging smile and a squeeze of his fingers, she promised, “I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll keep you safe from all the…weird stuff you’re gonna run into.”

The sweetness of her vow made his heart skip a beat. What an angel. He wished he could kiss her. “Thank you, Emma.”

Her cheeks reddened, as if she was embarrassed by her words, but she only turned and continued down the road, still keeping her fingers through his.

As they walked, she asked him questions about being a sailor, and he told her story after story. He wanted to reveal everything to her, his burdens, his wants, his fears. But he suppressed the urge, not wanting to scare her away by being too personal too soon. Eventually, she let go of his hand, and the loss of her touch made his gut clench. But of course, he’d probably held on for far too long.

“So, this captain of yours…he won’t ever let you go?”

Killian shrugged. “I doubt it. My brother keeps talking about paying the debt then buying a commission in the Navy. Which I suppose is fine.” He let out a breath. “It’s got to be better than being a deckhand.”

“The Navy fights battles.” She looked up at him, her brow furrowed with worry.

Should he tell her that if she gave him any indication she wanted him to stay with her, he’d change his plans in an instant? He focused on the land ahead, wondering if he might lose her today. This woman they were trying to find might have a way to send him home. Could he leave Emma?

Fear burned in his gut. He’d just found her. He couldn’t let her go. Not yet.

“You don’t want to fight in a war, do you?”

Her question jarred him back to the topic. “No,” he cleared his throat. “No, I don’t.”

“Then why join the Navy?”

“Because it’s what Liam wants, and I have to admit that I wouldn’t mind protecting innocent people.” Especially you.

Silence reigned, and he glanced down to see her profile tight with worry. For him? Or did she believe he longed to test himself in battle? Before he could disabuse her of the notion, she said, “I suppose the Navy does offer adventure and you wouldn’t be treated disrespectfully.”

Another car barreled past, but he didn’t stop to watch it this time. “One would hope not.”

“We have a Navy also, and I’ve never heard anything bad about it. So…maybe…”

When she trailed off, he looked at her profile and detected a reticence in her expression. Why? Had something occurred to her and now she was afraid to mention it? Should he question her? Uncertainty rose inside him, and he discarded his inner ramblings.

More vehicles blew by, their rumble resonating inside him and shaking the ground. “Those contraptions really are quite unsafe.” His steps crunched on gravel as they continued their trek. He smiled. “But I wouldn’t mind captaining one.”

She chuckled. “Me, either. Sure would make getting from place to place easier.” She exhaled. “But they cost money. A lot actually. I can’t see myself ever having…”

She didn’t finish, but he didn’t have to look at her to know her countenance was filled with grief over all the loss, setbacks and heartache she’d encountered. He heard it in her tone, felt it in her body and knew it, because he felt the same. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his side. The need grew too strong, and he couldn’t stop himself from slipping an arm around her waist and snuggling her up next to him as they walked.

When she didn’t resist, his heart flew to the Heavens. Even if this woman had a way to get him back to his world, he wouldn’t have to go if he didn’t want to. While he wanted to get to Liam, he wouldn’t leave Emma. Maybe Emma’s former foster mother had a way to keep the portal open, and he could bring Liam here instead.

He couldn’t make Emma leave this land as there was no place for her in the Navy, and he wasn’t going to ask her to adjust her life. He would much rather learn to live in her world anyway. He wanted to experience everything that was her.

More cars appeared as some kind of colored flames swung from some form of rope. They were getting closer. Good.
Determination grew inside him, and he lengthened his stride, taking her with him. His plan might alarm her, but he wouldn’t deviate. He would not lose her.

Emma’s disquiet and fear subsided as Killian threaded his fingers through hers and headed into the cabin, pulling her along. The comfort he offered, the security…

Her heart warmed and attraction flooded through her. Her cheeks heated as she grew awed by how easily she responded to him. But the way he’d looked at her and his touch as he’d wiped away her tears had been so tender and gentle. He’d been so careful. Like she was precious. A treasure.

Stop your fantasizing, Emma. You barely know him.

As he shut the door, he kept hold of her, almost like he didn’t want to let go. Ever.

She swallowed as feelings overwhelmed her. Why did she trust him? Why did it seem as if she knew him on a deeper level?

Alarm whisked through her, and she gently tugged herself free. She had to put a little space between them. Had to think. Had to…calm herself.

Yes, he was gorgeous. Hot, even. But that didn’t mean it would be good for her to become attached. And at some point, he would leave. Everyone always left. Or let her down. She had to be careful.

With her back to him, she shoved away the invisible hold he had on her by imagining taking scissors to the string stretched between them and giving it a snip. When she felt she had control, she faced him.

He leaned against the door, watching her as if wanting to be sensitive to her upset. The light in his eyes shone bright, intent on her.

Her heart thumped hard against her chest. Oh, God. Killian Jones. What had he done to her?

A few moments of charged silence passed, and she had no idea how to combat the feelings rushing through her.
Could he tell how he affected her? God, she hoped not. “Wanna play cards?” She winced when her voice squeaked on the suggestion.

He straightened and smiled softly. “Sure.”

Thankful for something to occupy her thoughts other than their current predicament and her attraction, she almost ran to the kitchen and yanked open a drawer. They sat across from each other at the table, and even though three feet of space separated them, she continued to feel his nearness. How could he take up so much of the room?

She withdrew the cards from their case. “Do you know how to play gin?”

He nodded. “And poker. And hearts.”

Good, she thought. They would be able to keep busy while they tried to figure out how to get him home. She shuffled the deck. “I know those, as well. Not too good at poker, though.”

As she dealt, he arranged his hand, his enigmatic gaze finally off her. “That’s a game of bluffing. I’m glad you aren’t an expert.”

Once done, she set the remaining stack between them. “Are you?”

“Good at poker?”

She nodded.

A small grin played at his mouth and he lowered his focus to his hand. “Yes.”

“Uh, oh.”

“Don’t trouble yourself, love.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “I’ll never lie to you.”

While his eyes shone bright with promise, she forced a smile. “Then maybe we’ll play poker later since I’ve been assured you won’t bluff.”

He laughed, his blue depths twinkling.

Damn, damn, damn. Emma’s pulse raced at his expression of delight. Oh, no. She liked him. She did. Ugh.

“You got me, there, love. I made a promise and I won’t break it.” He shook his head as he glanced at his cards, his lips still quirked in laughter, then took his turn.

After a couple of plays, he asked, “What’s a foster mother?”

Despite the memories it conjured, she was grateful for the question. “A person who watches kids who’ve been abandoned by their parents.”

His gaze shot to hers. “Your parents left you?” His dark brows furrowed in anger.

She nodded. “I was just a baby, so I don’t remember it. I’m glad I don’t, but I wonder why they did it.” The questions she asked herself at night came barreling through her mind.

“That must be torture.” He watched her carefully.

She shrugged, but couldn’t respond as anything she said would sound fake. Because it did matter. It hurt. Always.

“My mother died,” he volunteered softly. “And my father took me and my brother from place to place. His grief seemed insurmountable. Ours was, too, but I looked up to both of them. Especially to my brother, Liam. I had hopes we would all be all right.” He set his elbows on the table. “Then we boarded a ship, and Father said we were going to a new land where a new life waited. Liam and I were so excited.”

The pain of disappointed hopes shone in his gaze as he told his tale. “But we woke one morning to find him gone.” He clenched his teeth and a muscle jumped in his jaw. “He just rowed away and left us.” He curled a hand into a fist, then shoved his fingers through his hair, controlled fury pouring from him. “He sold us.”

She reared back, horrified. “What? To who?”

“To the captain of the ship. Paid for the man’s silence because…because my father was a fugitive and on the run and…” He trailed off, the light of rage changing to a pain she knew all too well. “I don’t know what he did. Never tried to find out. For the last ten years I’ve been forced to work back-breaking hours with no respite or hope. But I’d rather do that than ever see him again.”

She swallowed at the conviction in his tone, at the hardness of it, at the pain and grief he’d shared with her. “I wouldn’t want to see him, either.” Overcome, she couldn’t stop herself from reaching out a hand toward him.

He slowly lowered his arm and curled his fingers around hers. They watched each other for several quiet moments, and their connection only strengthened. It overwhelmed her once more, and her cheeks flooded with heat. She licked her lips and gathered her courage. “Why…”

He tightened his grip as if he knew what she wanted to ask and wanted to bolster her confidence.

She plowed ahead. “Why do I feel like I’ve known you for forever?”

His gaze darkened, and he offered her a gentle smile. “I’m not sure. I have a thought, but I don’t know if…”

Curious, she prodded, “If?”

As he brushed his thumb over her palm, tingles shot up her arm, and she wanted to move closer.

“I don’t know if I’m right, or if it’ll concern you, or…”

Confused, she furrowed her brow, but she could see he was unsure of what he should say, and she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. “It’s all right. You don’t have to say if it’s weird or something.”

He pressed his lips together then said, “Thank you, Emma.”

She nodded slowly then gently disengaged herself and slid her hand to her lap. “I guess…when we want to figure out how to get you home, we should talk to Ingrid.”

“The lady who told you that you have magic?”

The thought of seeing her again made bile rise in Emma’s throat, but, if Ingrid had been telling the truth, then she hadn’t been crazy. Ingrid hadn’t let Emma down and had possibly known more about Emma’s background or history. An urge to find the woman shot through Emma, and she itched to get started. “Yes, that lady.”

“And that won’t upset you. To see her again?”

Emma fiddled with her cards as she considered her changing feelings. “It would have, but now that she might have been right and not crazy, I…want to go.”

He gave her an encouraging smile. “Then we’ll go.”

She bit her lip as excitement washed over her. She might learn more about herself on this journey, and wonder of wonders, she might have found a…friend. A friend. Killian. Her heart squeezed with hope.

Killian watched his champion chew her fingernails and pace while he reclined on the sofa with a full belly. He’d eaten what she’d called a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Jelly, he knew. Peanut butter, no. But it had been tasty. So good, in fact, that he’d had a second. Then he’d consumed something called chips. Crunchy and salty, he’d liked them immediately.

But his bunkmate hadn’t eaten anything. She’d tried, but the concerned expression on her face indicated to him that she might have been too worried to finish her food. He didn’t know what troubled her…unless it was coming to terms with all that he’d shared with her, not to mention his falling through a magical portal.

Emma Swan was the last person he’d want to upset. Perhaps he should venture out on his own and solve his problems without her, but…

But…she was his true love. Or was going to be. He was sure of it. And he liked her. There was something about her that made him feel as if he’d known her forever. Understood her. He drew in a breath and let it out slowly, trying to determine what he ought to do. First order, he needed to calm her worries. “Emma?”

She glanced at him but didn’t stop her trek.

“Do you,” he cleared his throat, what he needed to say difficult, “would you like me to go?”

That stopped her in her tracks, and her eyes widened. “What? Why? You can’t go.”

He furrowed his brow and rubbed his tongue over his bottom lip, thinking. “My presence seems to have disturbed you, and I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

She ran her fingers through her hair, then pushed it behind her ears. “I…I’m sorry. I guess I look like I’m losing it. It’s just…” She looked at him, her gaze wavering with uncertainty.

He didn’t dare move. He didn’t want to frighten her, because something surely bothered her. “Yes?” he prodded, laying his arm along the back of the sofa.

As she chewed on her lip, he longed to make her stop. She shouldn’t give her beautiful mouth such abuse, but he kept his thought to himself and tried to concentrate on whatever alarmed her.

She came around the table slowly, trepidation marking her steps. When she sat down in the chair, she rubbed her palms over her thighs. “Something happened to me a few months ago, something…weird.”

He sat forward, concerned. The need to protect her shot through him like a cannon blast, and he pressed his elbows into his knees to keep himself from shoving to his feet and making demands for the whereabouts of the blackguard who dared harm her. “Weird?” he ground out.

“One of my foster mothers, she…she wanted to adopt me.” She blinked a couple times, clearing tears from her eyes.

Killian gritted his teeth, wishing he could banish whatever pain she carried.

“I was so happy, because…because someone finally wanted me, but then…” She lowered her lashes, shame coloring her cheeks.

“Then?” It was all he could do not to hunt down this woman who hurt the angel before him.

“Then, I don’t know. I was playing this game at a carnival.” She looked at him, confusion in her eyes, and she made a grabbing gesture with her hands. “The kind that has the claw that you move and it latches on to some kind of prize, like a stuffed animal or something.”

He had no idea what she was talking about, but he didn’t say anything, sensing he shouldn’t interrupt.

“And when I concentrated really hard, these sparks went off, and I felt…” She lifted her hand, turning it over, considering her palm. “I felt something powerful flow through me. It came out of my fingers.”

His thoughts froze.

Emma pushed to her feet and started pacing again. “Then we had this talk about Harry Potter, and I told her I wished I had magic like him, and then she told me I did, and shoved me in front of an oncoming car.” She scrubbed at her cheeks, her fingers trembling. “She held me there while that vehicle raced toward me and told me to use my power and stop the car.”

When she looked at him, tears hovered in her gorgeous eyes. “I ran away. She scared the hell out of me. But now—” She broke off.

After a few moments of silence, he asked, his voice gruff, “Now?”

She shook her head, as if she didn’t want to face the truth, and dashed out of the cabin.

He surged to his feet and went after her, his chest tightening in worry. But he didn’t have to go far as she’d stopped next to a tree, leaning against it, her forehead pressed to her wrist.

Wanting to be careful with her, he paused. Her golden locks shone in the sunlight as they cascaded down her back. He reached out a hand, but lowered his arm, unsure if she would welcome any comfort from him. “Emma?” he called, keeping his tone soft.

She sniffed and lifted her head. Slowly she turned to face him.

The evidence of her sorrow glistened on her cheeks, and his gut tensed. His presence had caused her pain. He should go. But he couldn’t make his feet obey his mind.

“You tell me magic is real,” she murmured, her voice shaky, “and I believe you. Even if I hadn’t seen you come through that portal, I would’ve believed you.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure why that is, but I can’t think about that right now. I’m trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Ingrid might have been right.” She splayed a hand across her chest. “I might be able to make magic. Me.”

Killian took in a slow breath, wondering what in the hell he should say to her. If what she said was true then she might be able to get him home without trouble at all, but that was the least of his cares. Besides the fact that the idea of leaving her made it feel like a knife stabbed him in ten different places, he wasn’t about to abandon her until whatever bothered her had been put to rest.

A fresh bout of tears spilled over her face. “It can’t be true,” she rasped.

Silence rose between them until she asked, “Can it?”

His gut clenched at the helplessness in her tone, and he took a cautious step toward her. Slowly he reached out and wiped away the wetness on her cheeks with his thumbs.

She drew in a deep breath and her mouth opened but she said nothing. She didn’t stop him.

Time went still as he touched her. He gazed deep into her eyes, falling and not caring that he was. Awe washed over him and through him. If he could be this close to her for forever, he would thank his lucky stars. Or his fairy godmother. If he had one, but he doubted it. Without removing his hands from her, he said, “I don’t know if it’s true, but let’s not worry about that now. You and I have had quite the day, and I think we ought to sit down on that comfortable couch and get to know each other.”

He hoped like hell she agreed. He wanted to learn everything about her. He wanted to bare his soul to her, and maybe, if she liked him…well…

His heart pounded like a racing horse. Slow down, Killian.

With shaking fingers, she reached up and circled his left wrist. She didn’t pull him away. Instead, she held him to her, her eyes wide, her lips parted. “Okay,” she rasped.

She’d agreed. Joy shot through him, and he stepped away just a bit, his fingers sliding from her skin, and hers from his wrist. He offered his hand to her.

She took it, glancing between his face and their joined palms, still with the look of wonder in her beautiful eyes.

He tugged, and she allowed him to lead her back inside.

Emma led the sailor into the one room cabin. Two bunk beds stood against the left wall, a fireplace was at the rear, and to the right was a small kitchen. Knotty pine had been used to build the structure, and it hadn’t been painted. Stones jutted out from the fireplace, adding to the rustic feeling. A couch sat in the center of the room, and a TV with an antennae stood in front of the seating arrangement.

“It’s not fancy, but it’s comfortable. I think it’s probably some kind of hunting cabin or maybe a place to use when you want to get away from the city.” She put her hands on her hips and surveyed their surroundings. “At least we have a fridge. And there’s food in it.”

“What’s a fridge?”

His deep voice rumbled through her, and she tried to ignore what it did to her by saying, “Come see.” With a racing pulse she led him to the appliance. “It keeps things cool.” She opened the door. “Look.”

With a puzzled but curious expression, he leaned down, inspecting the space and the contents. “Ketchup,” he murmured. He reached out and touched the bottle then pulled his hand back. “It’s cold.” He looked at her.

She smiled and nodded.

When he straightened, he asked, “What kind of magic is this?”

She held back a chuckle, not wanting to embarrass him. “It’s called electricity. It’s an invention, not magic.”

He shrugged. “Where I come from, there are people who can make things happen with spells and potions.”

Alarmed, she took a step back. “You mean, you actually believe in magic?”

As he continued to study the inside of the fridge, he explained, “I don’t have to believe in it. It just is.” He shut the door, then opened it again. “You can see this light that comes on without fire, yes?”

She nodded.

“And you can feel how this electricity makes everything inside cold?”

Again, she nodded.

“Then it’s the same.” He withdrew a jar of pickles and ran his thumb over the label. “Where I come from magic just exists. I don’t have to believe in it for it to work.”

The nonchalance with which he spoke struck her and put her on her guard, because…she believed him. Oh, my God. Magic was real?

He put the pickles back then shut the door, the silence settling around them. He looked down at her. “Have I upset you? You look afraid.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t think of anything to say. She didn’t know how she felt. “I…um…I just…”

His brow furrowed. “You know the portal I came through?” He put his hands in his pockets. “That’s made by magic. Someone used a bean or conjured a spell, or…something.” He shook his head and went around her, going to stand before one of the windows framing the fireplace. “I don’t know why it was in the middle of the ocean, but I think it was meant for me.”

What kind of conversation was she having? Was this even real? How could he talk of such things like they existed? Her heart pounded inside her chest at the weirdness, the possibilities, the…reality. How could what he said be true? “M-Meant for you?”

He glanced at her over his shoulder. “The wind…felt like a hand. It picked me up and threw me.”

“Why?”

He turned to face her, his expression grave. “I don’t know. To get me away from my brother? To save me from servitude?” He shrugged.

Her head spun with what he was saying. How could any of this be true? And this was much bigger than…well, than using some kind of time machine and flicking a switch. Had she really thought she would know how to do even that?
Was she stuck in a dream? Wake up, Emma. Wake. Up.

“I’ve scared you.”

His disappointed and disgusted tone caused her to jerk her gaze to his. “No, no,” she assured him. “I’m just…I mean…” She rubbed her forehead. “I should’ve known there was more to it. A great big swirling vortex split the sky and a person fell through. I saw that with my own eyes. I should’ve realized right off that wasn’t normal.” She lowered her arm, upset with her stupidity. “I mean, I did know, but I had it in my mind that I could help you. How in the world can I do that?”

She moved to sit down, dejected and feeling like a huge dummy. And this poor guy. He was probably never going home. Time travel wasn’t real. At least, it wasn’t real here.

She heard his boots scrape along the wood floor, and he sat down on the opposite end of the couch. Silence reigned as she allowed her thoughts to swirl. How could she help him? What could she do for him? She could barely take care of herself.

“I feel fortunate that you’ve offered to assist me,” he murmured.

His soft tone caressed her, and she looked at him. The fond light in his eyes made her heart swell and pound harder. God.

He was cute. And confident. He didn’t seem scared at all. And he had a job. He wasn’t a thief and could probably take good care of himself. She bet he knew how to fight, too. A glance to his hands as they rested on his thighs made her throat dry up.

They were wide. Capable. Wow.

She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the problem. “Well, that’s good, but I doubt I’m going to be able to offer any solutions.” His words and explanations came barreling back. “Magic is real?”

“Yes.”

“Like, people can wave a wand and things happen?” She tried to picture what he’d described and Harry Potter came to mind. Whoa. Harry Potter.

“They don’t really need wands. People who have magic can just use their hands, and they toss their fingers. Like this.”

She watched him gesture back and forth as her own memories played in her mind. Ingrid. Her foster mother who had wanted to adopt her…

Ingrid had said…Oh, God.

“Wands aren’t needed all the time, though some people have them. Like the fairies.”

“F-Fairies?”

He nodded. “Fairy godmothers fly around and take care of children when others can’t. They have wands, and use light magic.”

Fairy Godmothers? Like in Cinderella? She cupped her face, unable to believe what he’d just said. “You can’t be serious.”

“You don’t have them here either?” He clenched his hands into fists. “You must think I’m a raving lunatic.”

She lowered her arms and shook her head. “No, I b-believe you. I think. Wow.” She shot to her feet and started pacing. “Fairy Godmothers,” she rasped.

He watched her trek for a few moments. “We don’t have to talk about this anymore. I don’t want to alarm you, and even if you can’t help me, I promise my brother is probably already working on it. Including my captain.” He scowled. “He wouldn’t want to lose one of his servants.”

“Servants?” Why had he spoken with such disdain?

A second of time passed, then he forced a smile. “It’s nothing.” He gestured toward the television. “What’s that thing?”

The abrupt change in conversation jarred her for a moment, but then she sat and picked up the remote. “Uh, it’s a TV.” She clicked it on.

The shock on his face made her relax a bit. A baseball game shone on the screen, the batter hitting a single and running to first. Wonder came over his expression and he leaned forward, already engrossed. His child-like interest made her heart skip a beat, and she wanted to show him so much more. He might have magic in his land, but he sure didn’t have cars or planes or other futuristic things.

But showing him the wonders of her time would only distract them from what they should be doing. Getting him home.

He believed she didn’t know magic and hadn’t had any contact with it. He was wrong.

“What is this?” he said softly.

As she explained the game, answering his questions, she recalled her last moments with Ingrid. Ingrid had insisted Emma had magic inside her. She’d even pushed Emma into oncoming traffic and commanded her to stop its progress with her magic.

But Emma had yanked away, called the woman insane. And then she’d run.

And now…she had proof magic might be real. And if it was real, then maybe Ingrid had been right. Maybe Emma had magic.

And if she did, then…was she from the same era as Killian?

Killian’s pulse pounded at the beautiful vision before him. Emma Swan. He swallowed and flexed his fingers as wonder and awe barreled through him.

He should be worried as hell about getting home, but he knew why he’d landed next to this lake, in this idyllic and peaceful place.

When he’d fallen through that portal, all the grief he’d felt over the years had gathered inside him, and he’d gone to the one dream that had always given him a measure of hope. Finding his true love. A faceless person, but still real. At least in his mind.

And apparently she was real and…his true love. He hoped.

He grimaced inwardly. Hell…traitorous, torturous hope whipped inside him, making it hard to concentrate on what was most important—getting home. He took a deep breath and forced himself to mentally go forward calmly and slowly.

“So…” She fidgeted with the ends of her shirt and bounced on her toes for a moment. “What was that thing?”

“What thing?”

“The thing you feel through. Some kind of machine?”

He furrowed his brow. “No. That was a portal.”

“A portal?” A look of confusion crossed over her face. “You mean like to another dimension?”

Dimension? He scratched his temple. “Um, no. To another realm, or…” he cleared his throat, “well, it takes you to wherever you’re thinking of.” In his case, it had taken him to whoever he was thinking of. Better not tell her that, though. Especially since she hasn’t come any closer.

She pushed her hands into her pockets. “You thought of Pelican Lake?”

“Uh…” Hell, what did he say? “Well, not really.” He let out a puff of air, not wanting to lie to her, but he couldn’t tell her he’d thought of his possible true love. If she’d told the truth earlier and really wasn’t afraid of him, revealing why he’d landed where he’d landed would certainly frighten her. “Just, um, well, I thought of a place that would make me happy.”

She nodded slowly, as if trying to understand. “Did you mean to go through a portal?”

“No. We were sailing, heading to Arendale to pick up a shipment, and we came upon the portal swirling in the middle of the ocean. The wind caught me, knocked me off the ship and pushed me through.”

Shock crossed her face. “Oh, my gosh. You mean, you’re here by mistake?”

He hooked his thumbs around his belt. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“Why aren’t you freaking out? I would be.” She gazed at him with surprise and disbelief.

He shrugged, not ready to admit what he thought her role might be. Instead, he said, “No reason to get upset. Just take it one step at a time.” He glanced around him. “This is Pelican Lake?”

With hesitant steps she came toward him, still looking at him like she tried to puzzle out his demeanor.
He held his breath, not wanting to alarm her. His heart kicked hard against his ribs, like the time he was bucked off the horse on their farm. Before his mother had died. A pang of grief hit him in the stomach, and he let out a slow exhale.

When she drew up beside him, leaving three feet of space between them, he turned and faced the water with her. They were silent, and he allowed the beauty of the scene to move through him.

He could feel her. Her warmth. Her kindness. Her innocence. While she might be on her own, and perhaps knew abandonment as he did, he sensed her hope for good things. For happiness. He closed his eyes and basked in her presence as much as the nature surrounding him.

“When I saw this place,” she said softly, “I felt happy.”

He opened his eyes.

“That’s not normal for me.”

He held himself rigid, working to keep from reaching out to her. “Me, either.” His hoarse revelation caused her to turn to him. He could feel her gaze on him, and he locked eyes with her. And fell. Hard. Harder than when he’d first seen her.

His throat went dry, and he wanted nothing more than to stroke her cheek, pull her closer, cover her mouth with his. If he did, he knew he would be as close to home as ever. He gritted his teeth.

Color flooded her cheeks and she lowered her lashes.

He had to be careful. He didn’t want to scare her. But…

“Do you need to get home fast?” she rasped. She peeked up at him.

No. Yes. Bloody hell. He focused back on the water. “I have a brother, and he’s probably worried about me. Probably already searching for a way to open another portal.”

“Then we have to get you back to him.”

At her use of the word “we”, he smiled. “You’re really going to help me? A sailor you barely know?” He glanced at her from the corners of his eyes.

She blushed again and ducked her head. “Well, I can’t leave someone from the past trying to learn how to get around in the future, now can I?”

She sure didn’t have to muddle her way through the mess he was in, but he was relieved she wanted to. “I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be right.” She lifted her chin in a show of adorable stubbornness. “Why don’t I show you the cabin, and then you can tell me all about portals and what makes them.”

When she turned on a heel, he took a deep breath then followed her. He had no idea what was ahead of him, but he hoped like hell it involved a friendship with her. Maybe she would like him. Maybe he could…

Bloody hell…what was he hoping for? He shoved a frustrated hand through his hair. He had to focus on getting home. Because even if she did end up liking him, he had his brother to think of. He had to get back to Liam.

Emma Swan took a deep breath and gazed out at the shining lake. She’d never seen a more beautiful sight. The view touched something deep inside her, and she felt a measure of peace. After walking out on her last foster family and leaving a back-stabbing friend at the bus depot, she’d wandered for a couple weeks. Then yesterday, she’d found Pelican Lake.

It had a vacant one-room cabin, with three cots and a kitchen. The dwelling also had electricity, but she hadn’t used it, in case it would be detected. She didn’t want the owner catching on that someone was squatting in their home. The serenity this place gave her couldn’t be duplicated, and she wanted to stay as long as possible.
With a sigh of contentment, she sat on a log and watched the birds fly overhead. No one else was about right now. Yesterday sailboats had skimmed along the water’s surface, but now, she felt as if she were the only person in the world.

Which was actually normal for her, but this time the sense brought contentment and didn’t flood her with loneliness. Usually her heart ached for family, for connection and love. But today…something was different. It really couldn’t be the scene before her, but she had no other way to explain her ease at the moment.

She hoped she could stay and wouldn’t be run off by whoever owned the cabin. Worse, they might call the authorities. At sixteen, they would want to put her back into the foster system, and she couldn’t handle another group home. People continued to let her down, but what else could she expect? Her parents had abandoned her right after she was born. If they hadn’t wanted her, why would anyone else?

She took in a deep breath then let it out slowly. It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t let it matter. If she was careful, she could make a life for herself without needing anyone. She might not be an adult yet, but she would manage here.
After drawing in another cleansing breath, she smiled softly. I can do this.

A flash split the sky, making her give a yelp and jump to her feet. She stared upward as a swirling, gaping hole materialized over the sandy bank. Fear shot through her and she took a step back, stumbling over the log and landing on her rear.

She winced as rocks scraped the heels of her hands, but she didn’t take her eyes from the spinning vortex. When a figure fell through, she gasped and her heart flew into her throat.

The form met the ground with a sickening thud, and she froze. A great whoosh sounded and the portal closed, leaving the person behind.

Breathing hard, she watched as the—hopefully—human being shifted. It groaned.

She swallowed and pushed herself to sit up straighter. She had to go. She should be running for safety right now, but she couldn’t make her legs work. Her heart pounded hard, beating with fright and disbelief. What had happened? What had she just seen? Had she passed out? Was she dreaming? She squeezed her eyes shut. Wake up, Emma. Wake up.

But no. When she looked back at the figure, the lump of arms and legs were still there.

Another groan, and then it pushed to all fours.

It was a man. Black hair. Boots. A blue vest over a white shirt. He looked like he was from another world, another time.

With her breath in her throat, she stood, watching him study his surroundings. The lake. The trees. And then…

When he saw her, he froze.

Emma didn’t dare move, either. She couldn’t. He was looking at her, and for some reason, even from twenty yards away, she felt his warmth. An expression of awe and disbelief came over his features as he studied her.

Was she odd to him? Where had he come from? He’d fallen out of the sky through something that could only be described as a lightning, swirling mass of wind and thunder. Was he from Earth?

Carefully, she pushed to standing.

He stayed where he was, watching her, looking her over.

She felt touched. As if his hands had come up and brushed away the hair from her face with gentle fingers. Oh. Wow. Her heart skipped a beat.

As they regarded each other, she got the sense she had nothing to fear from whoever or whatever he was. She glanced at the sky. Nothing else was coming through. Was he alone? Did he need help? She took a step forward, taking care not to trip on the log.

He drew in a breath, but he still didn’t move.

Was he afraid of her? Sympathy clutched her breast, and she went toward him for a few more paces. “Hello,” she said softly.

He swallowed and nodded.

From this distance, she could see the clear blue of his eyes. They seemed to gaze right into her soul. Wow. Who was he?

“Where am I?’ he croaked. “What realm is this?”

Realm? The word made her stop short, and she straightened her spine. Was he from the past? Was she in the middle of something similar to Back to the Future? Oh, my God!

She licked her lips. “You’re in Minnesota.”

Confusion passed over his face. “I’ve never heard of it.”

Probably not. “That might be because…” She checked the sky once more before looking back at him. “You’re from the past.”

He lifted his brow. “The past? What do you mean?”

Oh, boy. She could barely fathom what this day had led her to. However, what was she supposed to do with him? How could she help him? She pushed her hair behind her ears as she tried to consider solutions, but nothing came to mind. She had no idea how to send someone back to the past. But maybe he would have an inkling. First though, he needed to believe she would help him.

She forced a smile and skipped over his question since she didn’t know how to answer it right now. “I’m Emma. Emma Swan.”

He cocked his head to the side and studied her. “You’re not afraid of me?”

She bit her lip then said, “No.”

His shoulders relaxed and he quirked a grin.

“Are you afraid of me?” She splayed a hand over her chest.

He didn’t lose his smile, and a look she could only describe as fondness entered his gaze. “Not at all.”

Puzzled, she wondered why he wasn’t. He was in a strange land, talking to a person he didn’t know. Wouldn’t he be a little concerned for himself? She hooked her thumbs in her pockets. “What’s your name?”

“Killian Jones.”

It was perfect. That should be his name. “How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

“Where are you from?”

“Everywhere. I don’t have a home.”

His words gripped her, and in that simple and quick reply, she understood him. “I don’t have one either.”

Concern passed through his eyes. “Why not? You should. Who has been cruel to you?”

Taken aback by the firmness of his tone, she didn’t know what to say at first. And when his hands curled into fists, and he seemed angry on her behalf, she wondered if he was some kind of protector. “Are you a soldier? Like a knight?”

He shook his head. “I’m a deckhand. A sailor. But I can fight. Who is threatening you?”

Disbelief flooded her. Would he really defend her, be her champion if she asked it of him? Why? They’d just met. But, she reminded herself, he was from the past and men back then were quick to shield women. And while she didn’t need him fighting her battles, it felt nice that someone might look out for her. “No one. In fact, I just found this little cabin.” She gestured over her shoulder.

He looked up the embankment. The structure could be seen through the trees.

“It’s a nice place. No one has come around yet.” She took a deep breath. “You…you can…stay here with me. I-If you want.”

He turned his attention to her, his gaze pulling at her, tugging her to come closer as they melted with warmth and lit with fondness.

She didn’t dare move, so strong was the need to go to him. What was happening? What was she doing? “I c-can help you find your way h-home.” She could? What was wrong with her?

As he studied her, he didn’t say anything for several moments.

She wanted to squirm under his scrutiny. Not because he made her feel awkward, but because she felt he found her invitation significant. Why would it be?

“I accept.”

And that softly stated reply made her heart pound with relief and gratefulness. What was going on?

The Enchanted Forest
Almost Two Hundred Years Ago
 
Killian Jones followed his brother down the cobbled street toward the docks where Captain Silver’s ship waited. He used his neck cloth to wipe at his face, feeling the burn in his back and shoulders. He was seventeen, and already he felt as if he might break under the strain of his daily work.

“Hurry up, Killian,” Liam ordered. “The captain will only punish us if we’re late.”

Clenching his jaw, Killian picked up the pace. They’d spent the day unloading cargo from the hull. Now they would spend the night cleaning the deck. Damn their father. He’d sold them into servitude, and they were prisoners until they worked off the debt. How they’d do that, Killian didn’t know.

As they drew near the docks where several ships were anchored, Killian ran his gaze over the shops and various homes lining the road. What manner of people lived behind the walls? Were they happy? Did their muscles scream in agony, their heart rage with anger?

With a shake of his head, he threw the questions away. What did it matter?

At the corner where the cobbles met the strip before the ships, a couple kissed beneath the pitch of a roof. Killian averted his eyes, but he heard the soft laughter of the woman and pain sliced in Killian’s gut. Would he ever know the touch of a woman? Would he ever know love that was soft and peaceful?

Damn these torturous questions. He lengthened his stride and caught up with his brother. They went around other deckhands loading their ships or cleaning the sides. When they reached their destination, Captain Silver stood at the helm, glaring down at them.

“We got back as quick as we could,” Liam called out to him, going up the gangway.

Captain Silver linked his hands behind him, his stony countenance promising retribution. “Obviously not fast enough because we’re still anchored.”

“Are we leaving now?” Killian questioned, following his brother.

“We have another shipment to fetch in Arendale.” Captain Silver glared at them. “You two will man the rigging.”
Killian wanted to growl in frustration. When would the back-breaking work end? When would he have silent moments of happiness? And what did he even want out of life? He loved the sea. When they were full sail, that was the only time he was really happy. That much he knew.

He remembered the couple under the torch.

Another thing he knew, but would never admit aloud, was that he wanted someone to love, someone who would love him back. True love. The kind that broke curses. But how in the bloody hell would he ever find it stuck on a ship?

As he went through the motions of setting sail, he couldn’t stop imagining the lady who might give him everything he could ever want. She would be kind. Have a nice smile. Maybe she would be tough. A little mischievous. The dream formed, keeping him company.

They’d put port behind them, and now Killian was surrounded by late afternoon sea air, the orange rays of the sun slashing across the sky. Sometimes the views proved to him that a better life was possible, happiness attainable. He gazed at the sight, longing filling his soul.

A sudden cry from the sailor manning the crow’s nest struck Killian with concern.

“Captain! Trouble ahead!” the sailor yelled from above.

Killian looked up sharply to check the direction in which the deckhand pointed. He then hurried to the stern, and in the red-golden light, he saw some sort of swirling vortex in the middle of the ocean.

Murmurs and shouts grew among the crew.

“What is that, Liam?” Killian asked his brother.

“I’ve no idea.” He leaned over to get a better look.

As Captain Silver gave orders to turn, men scattered to carry out their duties. But the ship couldn’t be turned.
Alarmed, Killian fought with the rigging, keeping the sail as straight and as strong as possible.
The captain continued to bark, the crew did all they could, and just before they were sucked in, the ship turned, skimming along the side of the water funnel.

As Killian’s heartbeat began to slow, he couldn’t help but look over the side at the cavernous hole. “Bloody hell,” he whispered.

A sudden surge of wind swirled around him. He shouted, and latched on hard to the side of the ship. The gale increased, and his body flew. The skin of his hands tore as he was ripped from purchase. He cried out as what felt like a great hand scooped him up and tossed him. “Liam,” he yelled.

He heard his brother calling his name.

Killian flailed, trying to grab hold of anything. But nothing was within grasp, and a forced pushed him into the endless vortex.

Emma studied the landscape whisking by the windows of the rented car. She couldn’t believe she was back. The road stretched before her, the trees swayed in the breeze, their green leaves a stark contrast against the bright blue sky.

She kept both hands on the wheel as she drove along the highway, heading for the distant shore of Pelican Lake not too far outside of Minneapolis. Her skin tingled with excitement as hope continued to race through her. She couldn’t believe there was a possibility that she’d met Killian a long time ago. If true, it would mean she’d known him before Neal.

She glanced over at the man who would be her husband soon, and her heart flipped over as he smiled back at Henry. They were playing Twenty Questions. Well, Henry was. Killian kept asking the wrong kind of questions. On purpose. And somehow he managed to get the answers after only a few clues.

“Mom,” Henry whined. “Tell him to play right.”

She smiled to herself and looked at her son through the rearview mirror. “Pick someone or something harder. Your tone of voice gives it away every time.”

Henry huffed and sat back.

“You don’t have a poker face, my boy. Guess that’s something else I can teach you.” Killian continued to grin.
Henry leaned forward. “You’ll teach me how to play?”

While Killian laughed at Henry’s eager tone, Emma turned left down the road leading to the lake, but she found a change. “There’s a booth and a gate. I guess they turned this into a park of some kind.”

After going through the entrance, Henry and Killian became quiet and observant of their surroundings. “None of this looks familiar to me,” Killian commented. “It’s quite beautiful, though.”

“It was my favorite hide-out. I left in late September, though. Couldn’t stay during winter.” The trees parted to reveal a shore with a parking lot ten yards from the rocky bank. “I never learned who owned the cabin. Never even saw a sign that someone used it.”

Birds flew over colorful sails as people enjoyed the crystal lake. Killian gave a whistle. “That’s some view.”

“Yeah,” Emma murmured, watching the scene and the road. “It made me happy, all those years ago.” She felt Killian’s eyes on her, and she turned to look at him. They shared a smile of understanding then she gave her attention back to the road. “We’ll park here. There’s a path that leads to the cabin. I’m assuming the building is still relatively isolated since the globe didn’t show anything around it.”

Henry was already unbuckling his seatbelt when Emma slid the car into a space. “Let’s go,” he cried and was out the door before Emma had the key out of the ignition.

“Slow down, kid,” she told him. “We need to be careful.”

As they all exited the bug, Emma scanned the area. She found the forest to be even more overgrown than when she’d lived here. She frowned then headed in the general direction of where the path had once been.

“What are we looking for, love?”

They left the parking lot for the twenty yards of grassy space before the trees. “There’s a trail somewhere that leads to that cabin. Just search for a break or something.”

As they split up, walking along the edge, Emma couldn’t help but recall the weeks she’d spent at this lake. She’d made decisions, worked out who she wanted to be while she stayed alone in the cabin. She’d come to the realization that she couldn’t depend on anyone but herself, that she was better off on her own. And she’d stayed away from cities, not wanting to be sent back to a group home.

And she hadn’t been. Instead she’d learned to hot wire cars and lift items from stores with ease. And she never hung around long enough to spend time with anyone. At least, not until she’d stolen a stolen car. She smiled to herself, glad she could remember Neal now without feeling grief.

“Love?” Killian called. “I think I’ve got something.”

Henry and Emma hurried to his side. Buried beneath a cover of a fern was a narrow stretch of gravel. “This could be it,” Emma murmured. When she looked ahead, she caught sight of an oak with a bent trunk. Recollection struck. “Yes, this is it. Let’s go.”

She led the way. Henry followed in between her and Killian, and Emma knew Killian had done that on purpose. Her heart squeezed with gratefulness. Just another reason why she loved him so much. He always took care of Henry.
They had to duck under low hanging braches, and meander around fallen logs. It was slow-going, but they eventually reached the cabin she’d used as a shelter for a period of five months. And, if the globe was to be trusted, Killian had, as well.

“There,” Henry said, anticipation lacing his tone. “I see the sapling.”

Emma drew up short, stunned, while Henry hastened forward.

“You didn’t think it would really be there, did you, love?” Killian stood beside her.

“Did you?” she asked him, watching as Henry came to a stop and assessed the magical plant.

“I’ve learned that odd things happen, so…yes.”

She looked at him. “The fact that it’s here…it means you were, too. With me. And that we…”

“Fell in love?” he finished for her, giving her a soft smile. “It wouldn’t surprise me.”

As she released a sigh of wonder, she gripped his hand with hers. “Come on.”

They drifted to the sapling. “What do we do, lad?” Killian asked.

“Grandpa told me they just touched it at the same time, and they had this blast of visions. It was their story that played in their minds.” Henry gave them some room.

“Ready, love?” Killian arched an eyebrow at her.

She loved it when he looked at her like that, and when he said those words in that tone. It always made her feel safe, as if she wasn’t alone. Since the moment she’d met him, she’d understood him. How had she known he could be trusted? Was it because she’d met him before their beanstalk adventure? “I’m ready,” she said softly.

Together, they leaned down and gripped the base. A surge of energy exploded, and Emma and Killian flew backwards. When she landed, everything went black.