by Donna Grant
His topaz eyes clouded with concern. “I doona know, but I’m sure we will soon.”
When he turned and tugged her after him, she gladly walked by his side through the manor. It was a mix of classic and contemporary, dark and light. The many windows allowed light to pour into the house, and the various rugs added layers of texture.
It wasn’t hard to miss the dragons. Some were obvious, some more difficult to find, but they were everywhere. It was as they turned to walk up the stairs that she got her first look outside.
The mountains and glens were covered in snow. She spotted cattle and sheep and the hint of a red roof in the distance. She couldn’t wait to explore all of it. It wasn’t just the idea of being in another country. This was Sebastian’s home, and she wanted to know every inch, what he loved, and where his favorite places were.
They reached the second floor and walked down the long corridor of rooms until Sebastian stopped at one and opened the door. She walked inside and smiled when her gaze landed on the bed and the gunmetal blue comforter.
“The others are going to have questions for us,” he said as he led her to a chair before the fireplace.
The crackle of the fire and its warmth was just what she needed. She sat, releasing his hand so he could do the same. “I know.”
“I had a mission when I went to Venice.”
“Was it Mikkel?” she asked. “Con kept asking me about him.”
Sebastian shrugged, a helpless look coming over his face. “I have this feeling that I found what I was looking for, but I doona know what that is.”
“Then maybe we aren’t supposed to know.”
His gaze met hers. “Maybe no’, but I want to find the Druid who did this to us.”
“I do as well. She took something from us both.”
He pushed out of the chair and knelt before her, taking her hands. “But she didna take you from me. Because she didna kill you, I’ll let her live.”
“You’re right. She could’ve easily taken my life. Why didn’t she?”
“I doona know nor care right now. I have you, and we’re back at Dreagan. To me, that’s a win.”
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as she squeezed her eyes shut. “I get the feeling that this came close to not happening.”
“It doesna matter now,” he soothed in his sexy voice.
“But it does.” As much as she didn’t want to think about the future, she had to. They’d professed their love for each other—that she remembered vividly, just as she did every aspect of her time with Sebastian—but she wasn’t going to take for granted that she would remain at Dreagan.
He pulled back and cupped one of her cheeks as he grinned at her. “Ach, lass. Did you no’ realize that when I told you that I loved you that I meant I wanted you to be mine? Forever.”
“I...” She really didn’t know what to say. “Because mates become immortal with Dragon Kings.”
Sebastian’s forehead creased. “I doona remember telling you our story.”
“Because you didn’t. Though I can’t recall who did,” she said.
“It doesna matter, and aye, you’d become immortal.”
“I want to be with you, but I need some time to get used to all of this.”
There was also the little fact that she’d resigned from her position. Nothing was holding her in Venice. It didn’t bother her that she didn’t know what she was going to do as far as a job went, because she loved Sebastian. Whatever she decided to choose would be something she wanted to do, and be happy doing it.
Sebastian had taught her that.
He stroked a hand down her face. “Of course. And if you never want to perform the ceremony, we willna. As long as you’re by my side is enough.”
She smiled in response, even though she knew it wouldn’t be enough. She’d continue to age and eventually die. There was no telling how many others Sebastian had watched die or what it might do mentally and emotionally to an immortal. Yet, he put no pressure on her. And for that she would be eternally grateful.
“Stay here with me on Dreagan,” he said. “Let me love you, and love me in return. I’ll share my life with you for as long as you’ll have me, because the alternative isna something I want to even consider.”
She couldn’t believe this amazing Dragon King was really hers. “I’ll love you fiercely, my beautiful dragon. And I expect nothing less from you.”
“You have my word,” he vowed.
She leaned forward, sealing their promise with a kiss.
Then he pulled her down on the floor before the fire and held her close. There were no words to describe what happened in Venice, but both knew it was significant. Nor did she doubt that Sebastian would find the Druid who had done this to them and get their memories back.
But all of that seemed a world away now that she was on Dreagan, reclining in the arms of her lover.
The dragon who made her burn.
Epilogue
Perth, Scotland
Ulrik wasn’t sure why he’d come back to The Silver Dragon. His antique shop was closed until further notice since Mikkel and Eilish had intruded. Mikkel had sent the Druid to kill him, but Ulrik wasn’t going to go down that easily.
He stood down the street from his shop. He’d lived above it for several decades, but it wasn’t his home. His home had been Dreagan—a place he’d been banished from. Though that didn’t stop him from sneaking in and visiting his Silvers.
Movement out of the corner of his eye stopped him as he was turning away. He looked back and watched as a black Range Rover pulled up alongside the curb in front of the store. The vehicle door opened, and a tall man stepped out of the driver’s side.
Ulrik was so dumbfounded that he stood frozen as he watched Sebastian walk to the entrance of the store. His gaze narrowed while he observed Bast test the door to see if it was unlocked before hanging something on the handle. Sebastian didn’t linger. He got back in the SUV and drove off.
Ulrik waited ten minutes before he made his way to the storefront. His steps slowed, then stopped as he reached the door and saw the thin strip of leather. On it was the ring he’d given Sebastian so long ago.
He grasped the band, unhooking the leather. He stuffed it in his pocket and touched the silver bracelet to teleport away.
For the first time, he didn’t feel alone. Sebastian wanted Ulrik to know that he was on his side by leaving the ring. Ulrik wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away.
* * * *
Light Fae Castle, Ireland
Rhi stood on the windswept cliffs looking out at the sea. She knew only magic of significant power could go through the realm like a shockwave. And she knew who was to blame—Usaeil.
It had taken seconds within the walls of the Light Castle to know that the queen wasn’t there. The Light had been agitated by the rumors of the Reapers return, but they were downright hysterical now.
Off in the distance was Rhi’s watcher—a Reaper who was never far. Ever since she’d gained back the memories that had been taken from her by Death, her Reaper had kept his distance. Partly because of the magic she’d used to keep him from following her. Yet Daire always managed to find her.
She wanted to ask him what he thought Usaeil was doing, but she knew he wouldn’t answer. In all the time he had followed her, not once had he spoken. It wasn’t until she joined in the Reapers fight with someone named Bran that Daire spoke to her and she’d finally seen him.
It was the uncertainty that kept her there looking out over the vast blue sea. Did she try to lead the Light? If she did, Usaeil would see it as an attempt to take the throne, and there would be a battle. That’s not what the Light Fae needed.
But neither could Rhi no longer act. Their people needed someone to lead them, to guide them. Usaeil was backing her into a corner, and lessening her options with every day. If only the queen would take her rightful place in the castle instead of parading around the world as some famous American actress.
; Soon, Rhi and Con would confront Usaeil about the picture she’d taken of Con and sold to the human tabloids in an effort to force the King of Dragon King’s hand to take her as his mate. It was during this clash that Rhi would give the queen an ultimatum—return to the Light Castle or else.
Because there was something dark and treacherous on the horizon, and it was coming straight for Rhi. And she didn’t intend to go down without a fight.
* * * *
Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Donna Grant, discover Dragon King and Dragon Fever.
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Discover More Donna Grant
Dragon King
A Dark Kings Novella
By Donna Grant
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A Woman On A Mission
Grace Clark has always done things safe. She's never colored outside of the law, but she has a book due and has found the perfect spot to break through her writer's block. Or so she thinks. Right up until Arian suddenly appears and tries to force her away from the mountain. Unaware of the war she just stumbled into, Grace doesn't just discover the perfect place to write, she finds Arian - the most gorgeous, enticing, mysterious man she's ever met.
A King With a Purpose
Arian is a Dragon King who has slept away centuries in his cave. Recently woken, he's about to leave his mountain to join his brethren in a war when he's alerted that someone has crossed onto Dreagan. He's ready to fight...until he sees the woman. She's innocent and mortal - and she sets his blood aflame. He recognizes the danger approaching her just as the dragon within him demands he claim her for his own...
* * * *
Dragon Fever
A Dark Kings Novella
By Donna Grant
Click here to purchase.
A yearning that won’t be denied
Rachel Marek is a journalist with a plan. She intends to expose the truth about dragons to the world – and her target is within sight. Nothing matters but getting the truth, especially not the ruggedly handsome, roguishly thrilling Highlander who oozes danger and charm. And when she finds the truth that shatters her faith, she’ll have to trust her heart to the very man who can crush it…
A legend in the flesh
Suave, dashing Asher is more than just a man. He’s a Dragon King – a being who has roamed this planet since the beginning of time. With everything on the line, Asher must choose to trust an enemy in the form of an all too alluring woman whose tenacity and passion captivate him. Together, Asher and Rachel must fight for their lives – and their love – before an old enemy destroys them both…
Constantine: A History
Coming September 12, 2017 is a special short story all about our favorite King of Kings.
Read on for a preview
and be one of the first to pre-order!
* * * *
The 12th of August, human year 1601
Dreagan
As I write this, I cannot help but look back over the years. The date the mortals use means nothing to me, or any of the other Dragon Kings. Yet, we are bound by it, if we are to live in their world.
A world I helped to create.
A world my kind must now hide in.
I finished visiting those Dragon Kings who have chosen to sleep. It is a burden I gladly take on to give my brethren a chance to escape the hellish lives we have chosen to live. After all these untold thousands of years that rain around me like the stars above, it doesn’t get any easier.
I soldier on, as do the other Kings. Because we hold out hope that one day we’ll be able to bring our dragons home again.
Even as I impart the past decade of information to the sleeping Kings, I know there is one thought that never leaves them. When can they see their dragons again? I wish I had an answer.
But even as all of the magic on this realm flows through me, I have no solution.
V was the last Dragon King I saw. I sat beside him as he slept, but I could still feel his rage for what the humans had done to him. For V – and aye, even for Ulrik – the answer is simple. Show the mortals who we really are. Resume our rightful place as rulers of the realm with magic and might.
But how can I? After every King swore to protect the defenseless, magic-less mortals?
There is no remedy. Just as I feel the magic draining from this world, I wonder how long before we can remain hidden. Before we have no choice but to show the humans that dragons are a part of their world.
Before we’re once more at war.
Though I will try and tell the mortals there is no weapon they have that can destroy us, I know they will not listen. Still, I will attempt to save them – even though I know the end result will be their demise.
There is no winning for either side, but especially not for us Dragon Kings. Not now, and I fear not ever.
Constantine, the King of Golds
King of Dragon Kings
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Table of Contents
Book Description
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Epilogue