by Donna Grant
But he hadn’t spent the last thousands of years putting this plan into motion only to have his uncle destroy it all. There were still things happening that would put Ulrik ahead.
He looked around. If he remained at The Silver Dragon, Mikkel would destroy his shop and all the beautiful antiques he’d acquired through the years.
Ulrik stalked to his bedroom and yanked open the door to his closet. He had little time to get what he needed. Dressing quickly, he made his way down the stairs to the shop below.
He pulled open his bottom left desk drawer and took out the file he’d hidden. Inside was a list of names that he’d narrowed down to two. One of them was the spy Mikkel used on Dreagan.
Ulrik was going to discover which one it was. With merely a thought, the file disintegrated into nothing. Then he used his magic to spell the shop so that Mikkel couldn’t wreck anything.
There was nothing in his desk or on the computer that held any secrets for his uncle to find. No, everything was in Ulrik’s head.
He touched the silver band on his wrist and teleported away, his thoughts on one individual.
Ulrik found himself in the middle of a field with grass reaching past his knees. He looked around and saw the forest before him, a lake behind him, and mountains on either side.
But he didn’t spot his quarry.
Not that he’d expected it to be easy. V never made anything easy.
He headed in the direction of the forest. For over an hour he walked until he saw a road. He followed it, staying in the woods, until he came upon the road sign.
“Sweden, V? What the hell are you doing?” he murmured to himself.
In no time, Ulrik came upon the town. He made his way down the center of the village until he found the pub. Inside, he spotted V. He sat in the back with a pretty woman on his lap, the female running her fingers through his long, dark hair.
V’s gaze jerked to him.
For a lengthy minute, the two stared at each other. Then Ulrik turned on his heel and left. He made his way back through town and up a trail atop a hill.
He didn’t have long to wait before V found him. They stood together, staring over the land as the sun sank into the horizon.
“How did you find me?” V asked.
Ulrik took a deep breath and slowly released it. “No’ easily.”
“You used magic.”
He heard the suspicion in V’s words. Ulrik faced him and nodded. “That’s right. A lot has happened while you slept.”
“Apparently,” V said with distaste.
“I have all my magic returned.”
“No’ a gift from Con, I suspect.”
Ulrik snorted. “No’ hardly. I worked diligently until I found a Druid who helped me.”
V nodded, folding his arms over his chest as he shifted to the side to face Ulrik. “I’ve heard Con in my head every day. He wants me to return to Dreagan because of a war you started.”
“Why have you no’ done as your King commands?” he asked with a grin.
V glanced away. “I’ve something I need to do first.”
“So you plan to return to Dreagan?”
“Eventually.”
Ulrik looked into V’s blue eyes and smiled. “You sided with me once, brother.”
“For a time.”
“Because you knew the humans were a plague upon this realm and needed to be exterminated.”
V’s chest expanded as he inhaled. “Aye.”
“Our dragons are gone because of them.”
Calculating eyes watched him. “We made a vow to protect the mortals.”
“That was before our dragons were slaughtered.”
“Things can no’ be undone,” V said as he dropped his arms and turned to face forward.
Ulrik saw his chance and took it. “You’re right. They can no’. But they can be changed. Con once demanded I fight him to be King of Kings. I declined because I did no’ want the role.”
“And now you do?” V asked, his head turning toward Ulrik slightly.
“Aye. I’m going to set things right. And once the humans are gone, I’m going to bring back the dragons.”
V nodded slowly. “We could fly free again.”
“Whenever you want. No more restrictions, no more pretending we’re mortals.”
“I was forced from my sleep to once more walk this world I want no part of in order to fight in a war. Again.”
“It’s a war I began,” Ulrik admitted. “I did it to exact my revenge for having my magic bound and being banished from my home.”
Turning his head gradually, V met Ulrik’s gaze. “I was one of the ones who killed your woman.”
“You also sided with me in the war against the humans.”
“What do you want of me, then? You have your magic. You can release the Silvers.”
Ulrik smiled. “Oh, that is coming, brother. But no’ yet.”
Blue eyes narrowed into slits. “You want me to return to Dreagan.”
“Aye.”
“I’ve something yet to do.”
He looked around. “In Sweden?”
“I doona know where I’m going, but I’ll know it when I see it.”
“Tell me what you search for. I’ll help.”
V looked away. “Nay.”
“Then find it, but soon.”
“There’s something you’re no’ telling me.”
V had always had the ability to see into the unspoken. “No’ all the dragons went across the dragon bridge.”
“Your four Silvers.”
“There was another.”
V’s head jerked to him. “Who?”
“My uncle. The second my magic was bound, he became King of the Silvers. Then the magic bound not just my magic but also Mikkel’s so that neither of us could shift.”
“It’s been a race to see who could become King again.”
Ulrik gave a nod. “Mikkel never stood a chance with me, but he knew he wasna strong enough to kill Con.”
“That’s why he kept you alive. How long have you known Mikkel was here?”
“No’ long. He hid himself so I wouldna find him.”
“I can no’ imagine you were happy to learn that.”
That was putting it mildly. All those years wandering alone when he had family there watching him … It infuriated him to know that Mikkel had seen him at his lowest. “I’ve been using him just as he’s been using me.”
“How so?”
“He looks like me, except for a bit of gray at his temples.”
V shook his head as he understood the implications. “So the other Kings see or hear about Mikkel and think it’s you.”
“Some of it has been me. Some of it has been Mikkel. As I said, I’ve used him. I put plans into place thousands of years ago.”
“Did he, as well?”
“Aye, but no’ as good as mine.”
“Kill him, then.”
That had crossed Ulrik’s mind on several occasions. “Mikkel can still be of use. I’ve got a plan for him that will keep Con’s attention focused away from the very thing I’m going after.”
“Which is?”
“The weapon.”
A frown creased V’s forehead. “What weapon?”
“Con has kept a weapon hidden in his cave that has the potential to destroy every Dragon King.”
“Then why do you want it?”
Ulrik smiled. “The Dark wish to use it.”
“You’re playing with fire, brother.”
“I know what I’m doing.”
V ran a hand down his face. “So why send me back to Dreagan? To spy for you?”
“I can do that on my own. I’ve got something else for you.”
“What is that?” V demanded to know.
Ulrik looked up at the darkening sky. “There are mates at Dreagan.”
V’s shocked expression was filled with abhorrence. “That can no’ be possible. The spell—”
“That prevented any of us from havin
g strong feelings for the mortals was shattered the day I gained my magic once more.”
“You know I can no’ hurt the mates.”
“I’m no’ asking that of you, brother. I simply want you to gather them for me.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Faith squeezed her eyes shut and counted to ten as she stood in the cave. Everyone around her was talking about Muscles. All because he had apparently stopped three people who tried to get to the cave the night before.
She’d done her part and thanked him. He’d mumbled something she hadn’t understood and walked away. Had he not been there, she wasn’t sure what would’ve become of the bones. She’d never expected someone to risk his or her life climbing down to the cave in the dark.
Several times that morning, she attempted to work, and each time, the conversation of those around her would break into her thoughts.
Everyone’s mind—including hers—was on one person: Muscles.
This had never happened before. It didn’t matter if she had her music on or not. It was like her brain was attuned to Dmitri’s name, because when she heard it, she found herself looking for him.
Which made working difficult since his name was spoken every few seconds.
To help take her mind off him, she walked the cave a few times. At the entrance, she looked over the water that slammed into the rocks below.
Her cheeks became numb from the cold wind blasting against her. She thought about calling Ronnie to thank her for sending Muscles, but with the wind, talking would be difficult. So Faith sent a text instead, promising to call her friend soon.
Faith returned the phone to the pocket of her windbreaker. When she turned around, she came face to face with Muscles. His azure eyes caught and held her gaze.
She looked up at him, mesmerized by the strength and intensity she saw on his face. He was ruggedly handsome, in a wild, reckless sort of way.
Something she found wholly appealing.
She was so shocked at her reaction, that she took a step back. In a flash, his hand reached out, grasping her arm and yanking her inside the cave.
Her heart hammered wildly, because in the second before he grabbed her, her foot had hit air.
With her hands latched on to his shoulders, she felt his warmth and strength. Seconds ticked by as they continued to stare at each other. His gaze was quicksand, and she was sinking.
He steadied her before dropping his arms. “You should pay more attention, Dr. Reynolds,” he scolded and walked away.
Her mouth dropped open. Her embarrassment at nearly falling had turned to a profound hunger she welcomed. That was quickly replaced by annoyance at his words.
She lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders before she strode back to the skeleton, ignoring Dmitri when she passed him as he talked and smiled to a female volunteer.
“Insufferable,” she muttered.
He barely deigned to talk to her, and he certainly never smiled. Not that she cared what he thought of her or her work. Let him flirt with whoever he wanted.
Meanwhile, she was going back to her dragon.
As soon as she put her hand on the dragon skull, she was instantly calm. Faith sat with the brush in her hand, but she didn’t begin moving the dirt away. Instead, she stared at the bones.
“Who are you?” she asked.
So many questions rattled through her head. What had happened to the animal? Why had they not found more skeletons? Had it died alone?
She hoped that once the entire skeleton was revealed, she would have some answers. For some reason, she became a little sad when she thought of the animal dying by itself.
“You’re not alone now,” she whispered.
* * *
Dmitri’s enhanced hearing picked up Faith’s words. He frowned, wondering who she spoke to. Surely it wasn’t the skeleton.
He remained close to Dr. Reynolds for a number of reasons. The major one was to destroy the bones as soon as he could. He could’ve done that last night—or allowed the three who’d tried to get in to do it.
But he was curious as to why the dragon was there. And how it had remained behind.
His other purpose for staying close to Faith was because he had a suspicion that someone on the dig was letting people in. He ruled out Tamir quickly enough. Yet that left a couple of dozen others to investigate.
He roamed the area around the bones for a bit, studying Faith. She was a conundrum. The woman was obviously good at what she did. And while Ronnie’s Druid magic led her to finds, he didn’t think Faith had that ability.
However, she was absentminded and consumed with her work. She often forgot to eat, and never kept up with the time. It was like she was in her own little world where it was just her and whatever she was excavating.
She never seemed to see Tamir move things out of the way so she didn’t hit them, step on them, or impale herself. And now, Dmitri found himself moving things for her, as well.
Hell, he’d had to catch her before she plummeted to her death earlier. He hadn’t said a word when she faced him, but her rounded eyes said he’d startled her. That wasn’t reason enough to take a step back.
He gave a shake of his head. It was amazing that Faith Reynolds was still alive. If it weren’t for Tamir—and countless others who looked out for her—she’d most likely have died long ago.
Usually, humans were more careful with their lives. They understood mortality and didn’t wish to die. That concern didn’t seem to reside within Faith.
He made sure there was nothing about that might get in her way before he climbed to the surface. He’d told Tamir he wanted to remain overnight to see if anyone showed up.
The truth was that he’d wanted to be alone his first night back on Fair. It was just by happenstance that he’d been there to catch the trio. Yet it proved that people would do just about anything to see what it was that Faith had discovered.
Since he hadn’t gotten to talk to Tamir earlier, he took that opportunity now. The man stood off by himself, looking at an outcropping of the cliffs. Dmitri walked to him and found the archeologist with his arms crossed over his chest and his shoulders hunched.
“Everything all right?” Dmitri asked.
Tamir shook his head. “I can feel it again.”
“Feel what?”
“The evil. They’re back.”
There was only one species on this realm that he knew exhibited such evil—Dark Fae. “Where do you feel it?”
“Everywhere.”
Dmitri let his gaze roam the area. If the Dark were there, they were hiding. And though they could remain veiled for a few seconds, it wasn’t long enough to keep hidden. “I’ll find them.”
Tamir suddenly turned his head to him. “Do you know how many digs I’ve been on with Faith?”
“Nay.”
“Dozens. I can’t remember another time where people have tried to see what it is we found like they have here. I don’t understand.”
“People fear what they doona understand.”
Tamir nodded, glancing at the ocean. “That doesn’t explain the ones who want to steal it for themselves.”
“There are those who want to possess anything that could be magical or extraordinary.”
“Yes, you’re right. Faith is going to get hurt in this. I know it.”
That, Dmitri wasn’t going to allow to happen. “Nay, she’s no’.”
Tamir’s black eyes met his. “I have your word?”
“You have my word.”
That seemed to ease him, because Tamir’s shoulders relaxed. “Perhaps I should hire more men to help you.”
“I work better alone.” He didn’t need others to check on, nor did he want anyone watching him.
“Thank you, Dmitri.” Tamir walked away.
Alone, Dmitri sat on a rock and watched the site. He took note of everyone and their movements, cataloguing them in his mind. By the end of the day, he had two people he believed were helping others get onsite.
One was
a woman in her early twenties. She was tall and leggy with brown hair cut very short. She flirted with everyone while doing all that she could to see what Tamir was documenting.
The other was a voluptuous woman in her mid-forties with long, black hair. She worked hard, mothering those around her. Yet her gaze was always on Tamir and Faith. She wanted to be in the cave, but Tamir had them on rotation, which kept her on land that day.
Dmitri didn’t believe the two were working together. In fact, he thought they had opposing agendas.
As daylight faded, he walked the site, observing as people went off in pairs or small groups as they got into cars to return to town.
To his surprise, he found himself thinking about Faith and wondering if she’d managed to keep from impaling herself on anything while he’d been away.
Then he thought of her eyes. Such a unique, striking color. And so damn expressive. Everything she felt was reflected in her sherry colored orbs.
He stopped beside Tamir, who stood at a table with a large plastic bin about five inches deep. Inside the tub were items found within the cave.
His gaze locked on the small piece of dragon scale. It was no longer white. Time and the elements had faded it, but Dmitri would know a dragon scale anywhere.
“You staying the night again?” Tamir asked, not looking up from the clipboard.
“Aye. It’s better this way. The sooner everyone realizes someone is here, the sooner they’ll stop trying to sneak in.”
“Or they’ll kill you.” Tamir looked up and frowned. “Are you sure you can do this on your own?”
Dmitri smiled. “Doona worry for me. By the way, do you have a list of names?”
“For the workers? Yes.”
“Can I get a copy?”
Tamir shrugged. “I’ll bring it in the morning.”
“Put a mark beside anyone you doona quite trust.”
There was a slight pause before Tamir said, “But I approved everyone.”
“That doesna mean you didna change your mind about someone after they began working.”
Tamir frowned and looked away. “You’re right.”
“Have you checked on Dr. Reynolds lately?”
“Not in a couple of hours.”
Dmitri looked at the sea. “There is a storm coming.”