Dragons of Eternity Collection

by Alexandra Ivy

  Now and forever.

  “That was nice of you to help Fist,” she murmured. “I thought you intended to keep him in the dungeons for betraying you.”

  He snorted, his fingers skimming down the curve of her throat, savoring the sensation of her satin skin.

  “That’s too easy.”

  “You think being locked in the dungeons is easy?” she inquired with a lift of her brows.

  He shrugged. “I have a much better way to punish him.”

  She looked suddenly wary. “What are you going to do?”

  “He’s going to be responsible for keeping Odel out of trouble.”

  Tayla blinked. And then blinked again. “You’re making him my father’s babysitter?”

  “Yes,” Baine admitted without apology.

  Fist had to be taught a lesson, and Baine could think of no worse penance than spending the next century trying to keep the drunken, gambling-addicted imp on the straight and narrow.

  “That’s…” Tayla abruptly released a low chuckle. “Diabolical.”

  “It’s two problems solved,” Baine said with a shrug, his nose wrinkling at the stench of granite that filled the air. Turning his head, he watched as the stunted gargoyle waddled out of the house and down the pathway into the garden. “Now only one to go,” he muttered.

  ###

  Tayla went on her tiptoes to press a kiss to Baine’s tense jaw.

  “Be nice,” she chided, feeling giddy with happiness.

  She’d not only gained a gorgeous, sexy dragon as a mate, but she was no longer being hunted. For the first time in twenty-five years she could breathe easy.

  “I am,” Baine growled, still glaring at the approaching gargoyle. “He’s still alive, isn’t he?”

  Tayla rolled her eyes before she was spinning around to watch as Levet came to a halt next to her.

  “Ma belle, the house will be lovely when it is completed,” he said, his wings fluttering with enthusiasm. Tayla didn’t blame him. The wood sprites were not only repairing the damage, but they’d built on a lovely conservatory that was filled with fresh herbs and flowers that could be grown year-round. “I cannot wait to once again taste your delicious scones.”

  Without warning, Baine’s arm wrapped around her waist so he could tug her tight against his body.

  “No one’s going to be eating Tayla’s scones from now on but me,” he snarled.

  “Baine,” she breathed in protest, feeling a jolt of excitement at his touch.

  Levet tilted his head to the side, studying her with open curiosity.

  “Is this true?”

  “I wouldn’t put it in those exact words,” Tayla said, making no effort to pull away from Baine’s possessive grip. Why would she? This was precisely where she longed to be. “But I do plan to stay with Baine. I was hoping you would remain here and keep a watch on the house.”

  Levet’s gray eyes widened in pleased surprise. “Moi?”

  “Of course.” She offered a gentle smile. This tiny demon had been a loyal friend, and regardless of Baine’s less-than-complimentary opinion, Tayla would never forget his kindness.

  “You do have a budding business to run,” she pointed out.

  “I do,” he preened, puffing out his narrow chest. “But first I have a small duty to perform.”

  Tayla was almost afraid to ask. Sometimes Levet’s duty could get him in serious trouble.

  “What duty?”

  “There is a young fairy in London who is waiting to be rescued. My days as KISA are not yet over.” Reaching up, Levet grabbed Tayla’s hand and pressed a brief kiss on her finger. “Au revoir, ma belle.”

  Before Tayla could demand details, Levet was giving a flap of his fairy wings and heading toward the star-sprinkled sky.

  “KISA?” Baine demanded as the gargoyle swiftly disappeared from view.

  “Knight In Shining Armor,” she explained with a small smile.

  Baine snorted. “Let’s go home.”

  “Yes,” she breathed, her heart swelling with happiness.

  Grasping her hand, he lifted her fingers to his lips, pressing a scorching kiss to her knuckles before he was urging her into his waiting portal.

  They were briefly surrounded by a thick darkness before they were stepping out of the opening into Blaine’s private bedroom. Instantly her tension eased.

  Being in Baine’s lair always made her feel safe.

  Cherished…

  And deliciously aroused.

  Hopefully sensing her ready desire, Baine tugged her across the mosaic-tiled floor.

  “I have a surprise for you,” he murmured.

  Tayla smiled as anticipation tingled through her body. “I don’t suppose it includes your bed and…” Her words trailed away as she caught sight of the bag that was placed on the edge of the mattress. “My suitcase?”

  Brushing his lips over her brow, he urged her forward. “Open it.”

  Slowly moving forward, she halted at the edge of the bed and lifted the top of the suitcase. Peering inside, she felt a stab of confusion.

  “It’s empty,” she said.

  “Exactly.” Stepping forward, Baine reached to close the suitcase and shove it off the bed. Then, with gentle hands, he turned her to meet his smoldering gaze. “No more packed bags. No more escape plans. You’re here to stay.”

  Her heart melted. He remembered.

  Was it any wonder she loved him so desperately?

  Holding his gaze, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Forever?”

  He grasped her hips, tugging her against his stirring erection.

  “Forever.”

  Tayla sighed in pleasure as Baine lowered his head to claim her lips in a kiss of searing demand.

  After trying to avoid her fate for the past twenty-five years, she was done running. From this moment on, she was staying exactly where she belonged.

  In the arms of her dragon…

  The End

  Scorched by Darkness © 2016 by by Debbie Raleigh.

  Editor: Julia Ganis

  Cover Art by Patricia Schmitt (Pickyme)

  Formatting by Sweet 'N Spicy Designs

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the author.

  http://alexandraivy.com

  Scorched by Darkness

  Dragons of Eternity Book Two

  Alexandra Ivy

  CHAPTER ONE

  Torque was in the zone.

  That perfect place where he was intimately connected to his inner dragon and capable of seeing the world with a sharp, acutely brilliant focus.

  Moving with liquid grace, he crossed the vast training room with a complex pattern of leaps, kicks, and lightning-fast punches. Fire danced over his skin, leaving scorch marks on the granite floor. He might be a half-breed, but his dragon was particularly strong, allowing him to create enough heat to melt through stone if he wasn’t careful.

  He was also capable of creating small portals, masking his presence, and killing most creatures with his bare hands. And he had a unique gift of being able to conjure tiny sparks that he could send anywhere in the world. Not a particularly valuable talent, but he’d more than once used them to distract his enemies long enough to gain the upper hand.

  Turning to finish his daily routine, Torque found his concentration wavering as a flicker of movement appeared near the door.

  “Not now,” he growled, leaping high enough to grab the ring hanging from the ceiling.

  With a fierce surge of power he was swinging forward, releasing the ring to arc through the air, landing lightly on his feet before he was spinning to kick a
t the punching bag attached to a steel bar.

  “You’re wanted,” a familiar male voice drawled.

  Char.

  Like Torque, the male was a half-breed dragon who was in the service of Baine, but that’s where the similarities ended.

  Torque was a trained soldier with short dark hair and brilliant blue eyes. Char was a personal companion to Baine, which meant he had the ability to partially shift into his dragon-form. He had silver hair and gray eyes that turned from smoke to charcoal depending on his mood.

  The older male also preferred elegant suits, while Torque wore the plain black uniform of a guard, or casual jeans and sweaters when he wasn’t on duty.

  Even their personalities were different. Char was sly, sardonic and charming. The sort of male who took pleasure in laughing at the world. Torque, on the other hand, was far more serious. He devoted himself to duty, and keeping his fighting skills at peak condition.

  “Wanted by whom?” Torque demanded, whirling to give the bag another kick. “You?”

  Char gave a short laugh. “You should be so lucky.”

  “Yeah, right.” Another kick. “According to the harem, there’s no luck needed to capture your desire. You spread your interest far and wide.”

  “True.” Char deliberately paused. “But I draw the line at an irritable soldier who thinks a romantic night is kicking bags and lifting weights. Give me a warm woman spread across satin sheets and a cold glass of champagne.”

  Torque hissed in frustration, slowly turning to face the male who was leaning nonchalantly against the doorjamb. Clearly he wasn’t going to get any peace until he could get rid of the unwelcomed intruder.

  “Are you going to tell me why you interrupted my training?” he snapped.

  Char watched as Torque grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from his body, tendrils of smoke still clinging to his damp skin.

  “Baine had a visit from his father’s emissary,” he said.

  Torque scowled. Baine had walked away from his father, Synge, centuries ago. Dragon family dynamics were explosive to say the least. Many were downright homicidal. But since Baine had found his mate, the two had started a cautious relationship.

  Which meant it wasn’t entirely unheard of for Synge to send a messenger.

  “And?”

  “And now he’s asking for you to come to the throne room.”

  “A Council meeting?”

  “No. Just you.” The gray eyes darkened with something that might have been regret. “I think it’s that time.”

  A chill raced down Torque’s spine. He knew the end was drawing near. His betrothed had been born a hundred years ago on this precise date. Which meant she was considered a mature female. Ready for mating.

  But he’d done his best to block out the thought of his looming fate.

  “Now?” he breathed.

  Char grimaced. “Sorry, dude.”

  Torque turned away. He felt trapped. Had someone put a noose around his neck when he wasn’t looking and started to squeeze?

  “Tell the master I’ll join him after I bathe,” he muttered, making a straight line for the side door that led to the locker rooms.

  Stripping off his gi, he tossed it on the floor and stepped into a pool overlaid with black and gold tiles. This room was like much of the lair.

  Opulent. Lush. Brimming with priceless artifacts.

  Dragons were jealous hoarders of beautiful objects, and their homes were a reflection of their status. The more treasure, the greater their power.

  There was no doubt that Baine was at the top of the food chain.

  He was also a remarkably fair master to his small army of servants. Not that he was weak. Hell, he could be as arrogant and temperamental as the next dragon. But he wasn’t unnecessarily cruel.

  Something that’d earned Torque’s unwavering loyalty over the past century.

  Which made this day all the more difficult to endure.

  Walking into the center of the bath, Torque sank into the hot water and scrubbed himself clean before leaving the pool. Standing on the tiles, he released a small burst of heat, drying his skin before a robed servant managed to scurry forward to hand him the neatly pressed uniform.

  Torque silently pulled on the clothing, his dark thoughts clouding his mind.

  He wasn’t entirely sure why he was feeling as if he’d been hit by a freight train. Actually, he’d been hit by a freight train not long after they’d returned to this world and it hadn’t been nearly so stunning.

  Sore. Yes. And aggravated with Char for daring him to stand on the tracks. But not shocked to the point it was difficult to think.

  Now he muttered a low curse.

  He was being a fool. His destiny had been decided decades ago. No. It’d been longer than that. After all, he’d known he wouldn’t have control of his future after his dragon father, Pyre, had bartered him into service to pay a debt to Synge.

  At the time he’d assumed he would live out his life as a guard for the ancient dragon. Not an uncommon fate for a half-breed. And one that he’d spent his younger years preparing to excel at. If he had to be a glorified servant, then by god, he was going to be a great glorified servant.

  Then Synge’s favorite concubine had a vision of the future and his entire life had been turned upside down.

  Squaring his shoulders, he forced himself to leave the locker room. No point in putting off the inevitable.

  Baine was less inclined to death and bloody mayhem than other dragons, but his patience wasn’t his greatest asset.

  A wise servant didn’t keep him waiting.

  Pressing open the door, he stepped into the hallway only to come to a sharp halt at the sight of Char leaning against the wall.

  “What are you doing here?”

  The male straightened with a shrug. “I thought I would walk with you.”

  Torque scowled. “Was the master afraid I might bolt?”

  Char cocked a brow several shades darker than his silvery-blond hair. “Baine assumes that his servants are eager to obey his every command.”

  Yeah, that was true enough. Probably because every servant was eager to obey his every command.

  Heading down the hall, Torque slid a sideways glance at the male who fell into step beside him.

  “Then why are you escorting me?”

  Char offered one of his most charming smiles. The one that could make an entire harem giggle like a pack of hyenas.

  “I assume you’ll be leaving us today,” he said. “Since we’ve been together for over a century, I thought we should have a moment together.”

  Torque rolled his eyes, turning onto a main corridor lined with priceless tapestries, as well as several guards who stood at rigid attention.

  “Could this day get any worse?”

  Char chuckled, his gaze watching him with a keen intensity.

  “You know, most males are eager to be united with their mates,” he murmured.

  Torque’s spine stiffened. It was a subject he never discussed. Not with anyone.

  But as Char pointed out, he’d soon be leaving.

  There didn’t seem any point in keeping it a secret.

  “Rya isn’t my mate,” he denied. “At least not my true mate.”

  Char looked more curious than surprised. Unlike many immortals, dragons often chose their consorts to consolidate their power base or to increase their hoard. They could mate on an emotional and primal level. Baine was proof of that. But the solitary nature of their beasts, not to mention their violent tendencies, made it less likely they would find true love.

  “Then why are you betrothed to her?”

  “Her mother is a Shinto,” he said.

  Char released a low whistle. “Very rare.”

  They were. The Shinto were a reclusive clan of fey who resided in the deepest forests throughout Asia. They were elusive creatures who avoided contact with the more predatory species. Especially dragons, who prized them for their ability to catch glimpses of the future.

>   “Yes.”

  “No wonder Synge was willing to offer her a home.” Char’s gaze narrowed. “In fact…”

  Torque cocked a brow as his companion’s words trailed away.

  “What?”

  “Not to be a prick, but Synge could have negotiated a fortune for her,” Char said. “Why choose a half-breed who doesn’t want her?”

  “She’s not a full Shinto,” Torque pointed out. Synge was an old-school dragon. He pillaged, he rampaged, and he used his half-breed children as bargaining chips. “Besides, her mother had a vision during her pregnancy that Rya would mate the son of Pyre with the eyes of sapphire, and that together we would discover Synge’s lost treasure.”

  “You were in a vision?” Char gave a slow blink. “Nice.”

  Torque snorted. “Not really.”

  “So what’s the treasure?”

  “Synge refuses to say. But clearly he’s convinced it’s worth binding us together.”

  There were a few minutes of silence as they neared the towering double doors made of ebony and inlaid with gold.

  “At least she’s beautiful,” Char at last murmured.

  An odd flare of annoyance sizzled through Torque. His betrothed wasn’t beautiful, she was hauntingly exquisite. Long, satin black hair that she wore in a complicated braid down her back. A perfect oval face. Skin the color of dark honey. Almond-shaped eyes that glowed with the same amber power as Baine. And a tall, slender body that moved with a mesmerizing grace.

  But while he’d naturally had a brief meeting during their formal betrothal ceremony fifty years ago, and even placed his personal mark on her back, no other male was supposed to be appreciating her attractions.

  Wasn’t that the whole point of a harem?

  “You’ve met her?”

  Char’s lips twitched as if aware of Torque’s bizarre reaction.

  “I’ve seen her from afar. She’s—”

  Mine.

  The word whispered through the back of Torque’s mind even as he interrupted his friend.

  “She’s suitably attractive,” he muttered, deliberately adding an edge of reluctance in his voice.