by Donna Grant
“In some caves along the coast. It’ll do for now.”
She snuggled against him. “Will we go after Bran again?”
“Definitely. He must be stopped. He’ll not quit coming after us or Death until he’s dead.”
Jordyn recalled Death saying something similar to her. “When do we start?”
“As soon as you’re up to it.”
She sat up. “Tell me.”
Baylon smiled as he rose from the bed. Jordyn was quick to follow him out of the cavern that was their room down a tunnel lit by candles hanging along the walls in midair.
They didn’t stop until they reached a large space. Jordyn gaped when she saw her bookshelves and all her books, as well as hundreds of others.
“This is your place,” Baylon said. “You’ve made a life doing research, so we’ve given you a place to do it.”
She walked to the books and touched them. “Bran destroyed these.”
“Magic,” Baylon said with a wink.
Jordyn laughed and shook her head. “I don’t think I’ll need books on the Fae anymore.”
“You’d be surprised. Every book has some kernel of truth in it. It might just be one sentence, but it’s important.”
“Wow,” she said walking along the books, allowing her fingers to touch the spines. “I’m amazed.”
Baylon came up behind her. “Whatever you need, you only have to ask. We’ll get it for you.”
She turned in his arms. “All I need right now is you.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” he murmured as he lowered his head. Right before their lips touched he said, “I love you, Jordyn Patterson.”
She thought her heart would burst from her chest, she was so happy. Not only did she have the answers to her ancestry, she had been brought back from the dead, was working with Death and the Reapers, and to top it off, she had the man of her dreams.
“I love you, too.”
“This is the start of our life,” Baylon said.
Jordyn rose up on her toes and kissed him. “If you don’t take me to bed and make love to me, we won’t be starting our new life until tomorrow.”
With a laugh, Baylon grabbed her hand and tugged her after him as they ran back to their room.
Tomorrow and locating Bran would come soon enough. Today was theirs.
Epilogue
Eoghan watched Baylon and Jordyn run to their room. Their happiness was palpable. He should be happy for them, and he was. But it brought back so many memories he’d thought he buried deep.
Apparently not deep enough.
“It’s only ever been us males,” Kyran said as he walked up. “This might take some getting used to.”
Eoghan shrugged. It never took long to get used to a female.
“I wish Cael would get back so we could hunt Bran.”
Eoghan nodded, because it’s all he could think about. Bran had killed Reapers before. He could do it again. But Eoghan was prepared to do whatever it took to stop him this time. History wouldn’t repeat itself.
Of that he would make sure.
* * *
Bran was walking the halls of Edinburgh Castle. He’d driven the Reapers out easily enough. It wouldn’t take long to remove them from Edinburgh. He’d already made the first step in killing Jordyn.
Searlas appeared at the juncture ahead, his expression tight.
“What is it?” Bran asked.
“They have Seamus.”
Bran shrugged. “So? The idiot is the one who helped us. If he was too stupid to get caught, then he’ll pay for it with his life.”
“What if he tells the Reapers something?” Searlas asked.
Bran laughed as he continued walking. “He doesn’t know anything.”
One by one the Reapers would fall. Then there would only be Death. Bran wasn’t so cocky that he didn’t realize battling Death would be difficult.
But he was preparing for that as well.
Read on for an excerpt from the next book in this series by Donna Grant
DARK ALPHA’S EMBRACE
Coming soon from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
River White stood looking at the dozen books she spent the last fourteen years accumulating. While everyone else celebrated a new year with parties, alcohol, and kisses, she was with the only thing that mattered—her books.
Each one was special to her, though she hid her reasons from the board of directors who approved her requests and sanctioned the use of funds.
She put on the white gloves in the humidity controlled room. The lights—specialized bulbs—were dimmed and turned away from each of the books so as not to deteriorate them anymore they than already were.
Each of the dozen books were in a glass case from protection from dust and pollutants. Between all the precautions to keep the books in good condition and the room itself that was triple coded to prevent anyone from stealing them, the library had spent a considerable sum.
The public assumed all the money given to the library had been used in its renovation. However, part of the reason for the renovation was for the ancient books to have a place.
Luckily, Edinburgh had wealthy patrons who loved to give money during charity events. A large sum of those monies went to buying the books she now stood with.
There was another one she was after. It was being sold on the black market, but River didn’t have enough money for it. Nor did she think the Board would give her access to more so soon after her last purchase.
But it was imperative the books stay out of the hands of certain individuals who could use the knowledge within the pages to harm others.
River walked to the tome in front of her. The leather binding was worn around the edges, and the gold clasp locking it was worn smooth by use.
She punched in her fifteen digit code to unlock the case. As the glass panel slid open, River carefully grasped the book and lifted it.
The last time she’d touched it was over a year ago when she placed it inside its case. She didn’t know what prompted her to go to this book tonight, but she didn’t question it.
River walked slowly with the book to the podium and gently set it down. She took a deep breath and slowly released it. Unable to help herself, she ran her gloved finger down the spine of the book. The gold letters were faded now. Only portions of each letter were visible.
The words were written in an obscure text that she told her boss she was searching to transcribe. But River already knew what it said.
“The Hidden,” she whispered, her finger running over the gold letters of the title. Just as with the spine, there wasn’t much left of the title.
She flipped the gold clasp and opened the book. The creak of leather was loud in the silence. With the barest of touches, she turned each page, skimming them.
River already knew what the book said because she’d sat in front of her great-aunt’s hearth and read it when she was only five. She hadn’t really understood what it meant then.
If only she’d had the same knowledge back then as she did now. So much would be different. She wouldn’t be facing a world of monsters on her own.
“I’m not strong enough,” she’d told her great-aunt Maureen.
But she’d simply held River’s face in her gnarled hands and smiled down at her with the same blue eyes River saw in the mirror. “Oh, aye, my girl. You’re more than strong enough.”
If only Aunt Maureen could see her now. Everything she did was because of the heritage she learned on her visits to Ireland.
Her final visit came at the age of thirteen. River closed her eyes, shutting out those agonizing memories. But she couldn’t think about her aunt without thinking of that day. Maureen changed her life, but it was Maureen’s death that set River on a course that would define her life.
She read a few more pages of the book when she gently closed and latched it. Taking it from its case was hazardous, but she’d wanted to touch something that once belonged to her aunt.
With the book in hand, she was turning to replace
it when she heard voices. Male voices. River quickly returned the book to the case. She yanked off the gloves and hid in the shadows.
“I told you,” said a man in a thick Irish accent. He was smiling as he held out his arms and turned in a circle. His hair was long and black, and his silver eyes darted from one book to the next.
She recognized him immediately. He’d come into the library the day before asking for one of the ancient books. River should’ve known the Fae would return.
It was the man behind him that made her stomach fall to her feet though. He shoulder-length black hair was laced with silver. Eyes the color of blood surveyed the room slowly, as if he knew she was there.
“See if they have the ones we need,” he stated.
River didn’t wonder who they’d gotten into the library and her vault, because she knew what they were—Fae. But how odd to have a Light and Dark working together. They were usually at odds with the other.
Ever since the Dark descended openly upon Edinburgh in October River made sure to have her blade with her at all times. She bent and pulled the long, curved knife from the hidden scabbard attached to her leg beneath her skirt.
“There are three of them on the list,” the Light Fae said.
The Dark walked to the book she’d just been reading. “Some of the titles are gone.”
“I know. We’ll take the ones we know Jordyn needs.”
“Why not just take them all. I’m sure she’ll be happy to have them.”
The Light shrugged. “Or we can do that.”
“I’m not returning for another go at this,” the Dark said with a harsh look.
River stepped into the light. “You’ll not be taking anything.”
The Light Fae looked at her with confusion while the Dark’s red gaze honed in on her. She glowered at each of them in turn. Neither said as word as they continued to stare at her.
“I didn’t stutter,” River said. “Turn around and leave now.”
It was the Dark who said, “We can. But we’ll be back.”
“And I’ll be waiting for you.”
The Light frowned at her after he glanced at the Dark Fae. “You’re supposed to be at home.”
“Doesn’t look like I am.”
The Light held up his hands. “We need these books. It’s important.”
“And it’s important to me that they remain right where they are,” she told him.
When the Light Fae went to use his magic on the code to open the glass box, she swung her arm up, the sword in hand.
The Dark was suddenly there, his hand on her wrist. River twisted out of his grip and pointed the knife at his neck. “These are my books.”
“I thought they belonged to the library,” the Dark said calmly, as if they hadn’t briefly clashed.
River wasn’t going to split hairs. Let the library think the books belonged to them, but in fact each and every one of them were really hers.
“Leave,” she ordered them.
The Dark moved closer, the point of her sword nicking his skin so that a bead of blood formed. “Do you know what you are?”
“I have a Fae blade in my hand. Of course I know what I am.”
“Where did you get the weapon?” the Light asked.
River didn’t budge even as more blood welled from the prick. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Talin,” the Dark cautioned when the Light began to move toward her.
“Yes, Talin,” River said. “I think you’d better stay right where you are.”
Talin dropped his arms and heaved a sigh. “Kyran, do something.”
River’s gaze was locked with Kyran. She’d seen many Fae over the years, but there was something very fascinating and absorbing about this Dark.
She knew what the Dark Fae did to humans, how they had sex with them, giving the humans ultimate pleasure. And all the while the Dark drained them of their souls. It was a horrendous way to die.
But Kyran seemed different. She didn’t get a vibe of evil from him despite his hair and eyes. All Dark had red eyes and silver in their black hair.
Kyran’s eyes were a deep red, outlined with black. His face was harshly beautiful with hallowed cheeks and cheekbones no man should have. She wanted to run her hands along the hard edge of his jaw and chin before pressing her mouth against his full lips.
Her eyes lowered to his wide chest. The black shirt stretched over defined muscles that begged to be caressed. That impressive chest tapered to a narrow waist and hips were his jeans rode low.
His large hand wrapped around her wrist again, this time more gently. Her gaze snapped to his face and she jerked as something electric passed between them. She saw his eyes widen for just a fraction, telling her he’d felt it as well.
The room felt suddenly small, as if there wasn’t enough air in there for all of them. She wanted to lower her weapon and toss it aside so she had both hands to rub over his body.
In all the Fae she’d run into, none of them made her feel like this. It was as if she was just now waking.
“Leave,” she said.
Kyran didn’t back away. “Give me your name.”
“River.”
“You’re afraid of me, River,” Kyran said.
She lifted her chin. “I’m not.”
“I feel your pulse. It races.”
It wasn’t because of fear, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. If a simple touch from him could cause such a reaction within her, she could only imagine what might happen if he kissed her.
Talin moved to the right so he could see her clearly. “River, we need the books to battle someone.”
“I’ve spent half my life gathering these books. You’re not taking them.” To prove her point, she pushed the blade into the skin at Kyran’s throat.
A drop of blood rolled down his neck to disappear into his shirt.
“If you have a Fae blade, then you saw the destruction on Halloween,” Kyran said.
River gave a nod. “I did.”
“It’s only the beginning.”
That she knew as well. It’d been foretold by one of her ancestors. “If you want these books, you’re going to have to kill me. That’s the only way they’re leaving here.”
She was ready to defend what was hers at all cost. Then four Dark appeared around them.
“Shite,” Talin said as a sword appeared in his hand.
River ducked as one of the Dark took a swing at her. Kyran shoved her behind him as he battle two of the Dark. Out of the corner of her eye, River saw one of the Dark eyeing her with a grin.
She smiled and motioned him to her. Let him think she’d be an easy kill. Let him think he could overpower her. Let him think she was a mere mortal.
River spun and slashed, her blade cutting across his chest. The Dark snarled and reached for her. She wasn’t quick enough. His meaty paw yanked her against him, but she didn’t panic.
She threw back her head, slamming it into his nose. He growled in anger and tightened his grip on her neck. His other hand grasped her right hand and squeezed.
Her fingers were going numb, but River wasn’t going to lose her grip. She tossed her knife from her right to her left hand and stabbed him in the belly, yanking the blade upward.
Almost immediately Kyran and Talin where there plunging their blades into him.
River pulled her weapon out and watched the Dark fall and then disintegrate into ash before floating away. She checked each of the books to make sure none were damaged. Only then did she breathe easy.
“I think we need to talk,” Kyran said as he came to stand beside her.
River faced him. “And I think you need to leave.”
Don’t miss
SMOKE AND FIRE
Volume 9 of the Dark Kings Novels
www.DonnaGrant.com
Read all of the Dark Kings Novels
Darkest Flame (Volume 1)
Fire Rising (Volume 2)
Burning Desire (Volume 3)
Hot Bloo
ded (Volume 4)
Night’s Blaze (Volume 5)
Soul Scorched (Volume 6)
Passion Ignites (Volume 7)
Smoldering Hunger (Volume 8)
The Dark Warriors Series
www.DonnaGrant.com
Midnight’s Master (Volume 1)
Midnight’s Lover (Volume 2)
Midnight’s Seduction (Volume 3)
Midnight’s Warrior (Volume 4)
Midnight’s Kiss (Volume 5)
Midnight’s Captive (Volume 6)
Midnight’s Temptation (Volume 7)
Midnight’s Promise (Volume 8)
Midnight’s Surrender (Volume 8.5)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than thirty novels spanning multiple genres of romance including the bestselling Dark King stories, Dark Craving, Night’s Awakening, and Dawn’s Desire. Her acclaimed Dark Warrior and Dark Sword series novels feature a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, and four cats in Texas.
Want to know when Donna’s next book is available? You can sign up for her newsletter at www.DonnaGrant.com, follow her on Twitter @donna_grant, or like her Facebook page at facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant. Or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6