Dragon Revealed: A Dragon Kings Novella

by Donna Grant

  Once the council left, Erith said, “The Red is very weak. I’m not sure making him fly is the best course.”

  “It isna,” Varek agreed.

  “We can teleport everyone,” Cael offered.

  The four of them walked to the Red, and in less than a heartbeat, they were miles away from the city in a valley between mountains that rose up around them. A tremor of relief went through the red dragon. The Pink had yet to lift its head from Jeyra’s shoulder.

  “When did you know who was on this realm?” Erith asked him.

  Varek met her gaze and smiled. “It was a hunch. Mortals who knew of dragons and Dragon Kings? There could be other realms out there with dragons, but it was a good bet that this was where Con and Rhi’s twins are. I believe I spoke to Con’s son. He wouldna give his name, however.”

  Erith glanced away and licked her lips. “It’s time all of you met. It’s time for a lot of things.”

  “I agree.”

  Cael took his mate’s hand. “Why don’t we bring the dragons home and let Varek and Jeyra have some time alone?”

  “Yes,” Erith replied with a nod and a soft smile.

  “It’s time to return to the others,” Varek told the two dragons. “I hope to see you both again soon.”

  Both thanked him. The Pink nuzzled Jeyra before it went into Cael’s arms. Then, it was just Varek and Jeyra.

  He touched her face. “You’ve had a busy day.”

  “What I saw in the dungeon will haunt me for a long time,” she said. Then she smiled. “But liberating them felt amazing.”

  “A lot has changed for you, lass.”

  She briefly lowered her eyes to the ground. “More than I could’ve ever imagined.”

  “Do you regret any of it?” He hadn’t wanted to ask the question, but he needed to know. Everything hinged on her answer.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Jeyra looked at Varek, shocked that he would ask such a thing. “Regret it? Not a bit. My eyes have been opened. I see the truth of the world I’ve lived in. I’m horrified by my involvement in any of it, but at least I can rest easy knowing I played a part in bringing it all down.”

  “And the rebuilding of the society?” he questioned.

  “I want no part of it. Things might be changing, but I don’t wish to return there. There is only one thing I want.”

  His brows rose in his forehead. “What’s that?”

  “To see you once more. In your real form.”

  Varek frowned briefly. “Are you sure?”

  “Very much,” she replied.

  He moved back several paces. Then, with a wink at her, he shifted. Even though she had seen him in the arena, her attention had been divided between avoiding those wanting to kill them, protecting the Pink, and Varek. She hadn’t gotten to look her fill, but she was now.

  His grayish-green scales shone brilliantly in the sunlight. His dragon eyes were ebony orbs sitting low in the thorny skull that gave him a threatening appearance. Two horns sat atop his head, and more horns of various sizes ran down the sides of his jawline. He had a long snout with two short, angular nostrils, and small crystalline growths on his chin. Rows of sharp teeth poked out from the sides of his mouth, giving him a menacing look that he ruined by smiling. He had a long, lean neck, and four limbs that ended in three digits tipped by massive, bone-like claws.

  She leaned to the side when he opened his wings so she could look at their immense size. That’s when she noticed that the end of his tail had a scythe-like blade attached. To say he was terrifying was an understatement. But she had come to trust him, and to care for him. It was only because she got to know him in his human form that she had taken the steps needed to lift the veil of secrecy and deception from her city.

  The part of her that had hated dragons was gone. There was still a tiny bit that held fear because she had seen what they could do. But she didn’t feel any type of apprehension with Varek. To prove that to him, and to herself, she looked up into his large, black eyes. He tucked his front two limbs and lay down, then he lowered his head to her.

  Jeyra put her hand on his forehead and smiled. “It’s all because of you that everything has changed for me. I owe you so much.”

  When she blinked, the dragon was gone, replaced by Varek in his human form. He took her hands and searched her gaze. “There is something I need to tell you.”

  “All right.”

  “Do you remember when I said that a dragon knows when he’s found his mate?”

  Her stomach fluttered but she dared not hope. “Yes.”

  “I’ve found mine. It’s you, lass. You’re my mate. Your strength, your courage, your desire to do the right thing no matter the costs, your warrior spirit, and your smile…they all called to me. We fit together. This might be a lot to take in, but I—”

  “I love you, too,” she said over him.

  His words halted and a smile split his face as he wrapped his arms around her. “Och, lass. I love you so much.”

  Her grin was cut short by a sizzling kiss that had her yearning to feel him inside her once more.

  Then he drew back his head and said, “We can wait as long as you want to do the ceremony.”

  “I don’t care when it is,” she said with a laugh.

  “Will you want to remain here?”

  Jeyra considered that for a second and then shook her head. “I want to be where you are. If that means going to Earth, then we do.”

  “It’s much different than here. You may no’ like it.”

  She laced her fingers behind his neck. “You told me my home was wherever I wanted to make it. My home is with you. Wherever that may be.”

  “Through time and space, we found each other. If that isna destiny, I doona know what is, my mighty warrior.”

  Jeyra smiled up at him. “Indeed, my Dragon King.”

  “Do you want to fly?” he offered.

  “On your back?”

  “Aye,” Varek replied with a grin.

  Her eyes widened. “Yes, please.”

  In minutes, she was on his back, holding onto his scales. He was careful taking off. The whoosh of his wings was deafening, but once they were airborne and gliding through the sky, she relaxed and took in the stunning beauty of the realm from a vantage point she had never seen before.

  He flew her over bodies of water so wide that she couldn’t see land. He soared over areas that were nothing but giant rolling hills of sand. He coasted over spectacular mountains and thick forests. All she’d ever known was the area around the city. She had never ventured out because of the dragons, and she was appalled by all that she had missed by remaining within the city walls.

  Jeyra couldn’t wait to go to his world. She knew obstacles would get in their way, but she was certain of their love. They were strong people on their own, but together, they would be even stronger.

  Epilogue

  Two days later…

  Varek sat on the hillside and watched Jeyra as she fished. He had never been so happy in his life, but their respite wouldn’t last long. He needed to return to Earth, and he was concerned about Jeyra fitting in there.

  “Varek,” she said, her gaze raised above him.

  He turned and saw a male figure atop the hill. Varek jumped to his feet and made his way over. The man stood tall, his black gaze penetrating, his long, black hair pulled into a queue. He wore clothes similar to Jeyra’s and had a look about him that reminded Varek of Con. He knew without having to ask that this was one of the twins.

  “I didna think you could do it,” he said.

  Varek crossed his arms over his chest. “When I say I’m going to do something, I get it done. That’s what makes a Dragon King. But you know that.”

  The man glanced at Jeyra. “Do you really believe we can live with the mortals?”

  “I can no’ answer that. What I can tell you is the mistakes we made so you hopefully doona repeat them. The main one is…doona give up the realm. If someone has to go, it’s the human
s’ turn this time.”

  The man smiled. “On that, we agree. Are you staying?”

  “I need to return so my brethren know I’m all right. My mate is coming with me, but I’m sure we’ll return since this is her world. Will you deny us as you have your parents?”

  “So you know who I am,” he stated flatly.

  “You have the look of Con about you. Whatever you may think of your parents, they’re some of the best people I know. Con has gotten us through times that would’ve destroyed others. And Rhi has put her life on the line for us many, many times. We owe her a great debt.”

  The male nodded, his eyes on the ground. Then he met Varek’s gaze. “You’ve earned my trust. I should’ve gone to help you, but as I didna believe you would be successful, I had begun to plan my own raid.”

  “I was successful because of Jeyra, Erith, and Cael. No’ everything has to be done on your own. Friends are the difference between winning and losing.”

  “We’ve had to do a lot on our own,” he answered.

  Varek twisted his lips. “No’ anymore. If you ever need anything, I’ll be here to help.”

  “Aye. I think you will.”

  The two clasped forearms, smiling.

  “I’m Brandr, by the way.”

  Varek grinned as they released their grips. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Until next time,” Brandr said and walked away.

  When Varek turned around, he saw Erith standing with Jeyra. He descended the hill and gave a nod to Death as he approached.

  “I came to take the two of you to Earth. If you’re ready,” Erith said.

  Jeyra’s amber eyes met his.

  “Are you?” he asked.

  She smiled and took his hand. “Home is where you are.”

  Varek looked around. He was surprised to find that he wasn’t at all ready to leave, but he had a duty to the other Dragon Kings. They needed to know everything that had happened to him, and more importantly, he needed to tell Con and Rhi about their son.

  “What is it?” Erith asked.

  Varek smiled at her and shook his head. “I doona want to leave this place.”

  “No one said you have to,” the goddess replied.

  But Varek knew that wasn’t the case. He slid his gaze to Jeyra, but his mate merely smiled at him, letting him know she would support whatever decision he made.

  “Con knows you’re safe,” Erith told him. “He also knows where you are.”

  Varek drew in a deep breath and slowly let his eyes move over the land. “It’s time Con and Rhi come here to see their children. It’s time all the Dragon Kings come so they can be reunited with their clans. We’ve waited too long. None should be denied.”

  “I’ll pass your words on to Constantine,” Erith said before she vanished.

  Jeyra moved to stand before him and wound her arms around his neck. “I hope you’re not staying because of me.”

  “I’ll no’ lie, that was a part of my decision. But what I told Erith is what I believe. It’s time you know the full story of the Kings and Constantine, the King of Dragon Kings, and his mate, Rhi, a Light Fae. And their twins, who rule the dragons here.”

  Her eyes widened excitedly. “I want to know every detail, my love.”

  * * * *

  “Well?” Eurwen asked as her brother walked up.

  Brandr shrugged and looked into the distance. “You should’ve come to meet him. Varek is a man of his word.”

  She swallowed and let her gaze move over the mountaintops that were their domain. “What we should’ve done is helped him free the dragons.”

  “We’ve done everything on our own, and—”

  “And it doesn’t have to remain that way,” she spoke over him. She looked at her twin, meeting his black eyes so much like their father’s. “It’s time.”

  A frown wrinkled Brandr’s forehead. “We’re doing fine.”

  “They’re our parents.”

  Brandr’s gaze grew as icy as winter. “You know what’s going to happen when they come.”

  “You can’t know that.”

  “I do. And so do you. Which is why we were in agreement up until now.”

  She blew out a breath. “I want to know them. What you do is up to you, but I’ve made my decision.”

  He stared at her for a long time before he turned on his heel and walked away. Eurwen ran and jumped from the cliff, shifting as she did. She spread her wings and took to the skies, all the while hoping that she hadn’t just made the worst decision of her life.

  * * * *

  Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Donna Grant, discover Dragon Lost, Dragon Claimed, Dragon Night, Dragon Burn, Dragon Fever, and Dragon King.

  Sign up for the 1001 Dark Nights Newsletter

  and be entered to win a Tiffany Key necklace.

  There's a contest every month!

  Click here to subscribe.

  As a bonus, all subscribers can download FIVE FREE exclusive books!

  Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Eight

  Click here for more information.

  DRAGON REVEALED by Donna Grant

  A Dragon Kings Novella

  CAPTURED IN INK by Carrie Ann Ryan

  A Montgomery Ink: Boulder Novella

  SECURING JANE by Susan Stoker

  A SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series Novella

  WILD WIND by Kristen Ashley

  A Chaos Novella

  DARE TO TEASE by Carly Phillips

  A Dare Nation Novella

  VAMPIRE by Rebecca Zanetti

  A Dark Protectors/Rebels Novella

  MAFIA KING by Rachel Van Dyken

  A Mafia Royals Novella

  THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON by Darynda Jones

  A Charley Davidson Novella

  FINALE by Skye Warren

  A North Security Novella

  MEMORIES OF YOU by J. Kenner

  A Stark Securities Novella

  SLAYED BY DARKNESS by Alexandra Ivy

  A Guardians of Eternity Novella

  TREASURED by Lexi Blake

  A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

  THE DAREDEVIL by Dylan Allen

  A Rivers Wilde Novella

  BOND OF DESTINY by Larissa Ione

  A Demonica Novella

  THE CLOSE-UP by Kennedy Ryan

  A Hollywood Renaissance Novella

  MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black

  A More Than Words Novella

  HAUNTED HOUSE by Heather Graham

  A Krewe of Hunters Novella

  MAN FOR ME by Laurelin Paige

  A Man In Charge Novella

  THE RHYTHM METHOD by Kylie Scott

  A Stage Dive Novella

  JONAH BENNETT by Tijan

  A Bennett Mafia Novella

  CHANGE WITH ME by Kristen Proby

  A With Me In Seattle Novella

  THE DARKEST DESTINY by Gena Showalter

  A Lords of the Underworld Novella

  Also from Blue Box Press

  THE LAST TIARA by M.J. Rose

  THE CROWN OF GILDED BONES by Jennifer L. Armentrout

  A Blood and Ash Novel

  THE MISSING SISTER by Lucinda Riley

  Discover More Donna Grant

  Dragon Lost

  A Dark Kings Novella

  Click here to purchase.

  Destinies can’t be ignored. No one knows that better than Annita. For as long as she can remember, it's been foretold she would find a dragon. A real-life dragon. She’s beginning to think it was all some kind of mistake until she’s swimming in one of the many caves around the island and discovers none other than a dragon. There is no fear as she approaches, utterly transfixed at the sight of the creature. Then he shifts into the shape of a thoroughly gorgeous man who spears her with bright blue eyes. In that instant, she knows her destiny has arrived. And the dragon holds the key to everything.

  All Royden wanted was to find an item his brother buried when they were children. It was supposed to be a quick and
simple trip, but he should’ve known nothing would be easy with enemies like the Dragon Kings have. Royden has no choice but to trust the beguiling woman who tempts him like no other. And in doing so, they unleash a love so strong, so pure that nothing can hold it back.

  * * * *

  Dragon Claimed

  A Dark Kings Novella

  Click here to purchase.

  Born to rule the skies as a Dragon King with power and magic, Cináed hides his true identity in the mountains of Scotland with the rest of his brethren. But there is no respite for them as they protect the planet and the human occupants from threats. However, a new, more dangerous enemy has targeted the Kings. One that will stop at nothing until dragons are gone forever. But Cináed discovers a woman from a powerful, ancient Druid bloodline who might have a connection to this new foe.

  Solitude is sanctuary for Gemma. Her young life was upended one stormy night when her family disappears, leaving her utterly alone. She learned to depend solely on herself from then on. But no matter where she goes she feels…lost. As if she missed the path she was supposed to take. Everything changes when she backs into the most dangerously seductive man she’s ever laid eyes. Gemma surrenders to the all-consuming attraction and the wild, impossible love that could destroy them both – and finds her path amid magic and dragons.

  * * * *

  Dragon Night

  A Dark Kings Novella