by Donna Grant
As what was left of the dragon who had been tortured and died alone was gently set down, tears filled Faith’s eyes. She didn’t stop them as they flowed down her face.
After everything she’d learned of the dragons, to know that one had suffered so left her bereft. It was cruel and brutal, something someone truly and wickedly evil would do.
And it terrified her that she might be connected to such a person.
She bowed her head and closed her eyes as Dmitri began a chant in a language she didn’t know. Soon, all the Dragon Kings joined in.
Though she might not know the words, she knew they were ones of love and devotion, of strength and tenderness. Of sorrow and regret.
Her tears ran faster. She hadn’t known the dragon, but she had discovered him. Whether it was by Fate or magic, she’d had a part in bringing him home to finally find some peace.
When the chant finished, one by one, the Kings and mates walked to the bones and touched what remained of the dragon before walking out.
Faith stayed by Dmitri’s side until it was only the two of them and Con left in the cavern. Wiping her eyes, she sent up a silent prayer that justice be brought to those responsible for such a horrendous act on a creature that had done no harm.
“You did a good thing,” Con said to Dmitri. “You brought a dragon home.”
Dmitri nodded. “I hope the others we bring home are no’ dead, as well.”
Con knelt before the dragon, his hand on the skull as he bowed his head and whispered words Faith couldn’t hear. When he rose, he walked out of the cavern without looking their way.
She looked at Dmitri to find that his eyes were red with unshed tears. And her heart broke all over again. “We’ll find who did this.”
“I know.”
With a deep breath, she released his hand and walked to the skeleton. There she ran her hand over the skull. “I hope you find serenity now. You are back with your King.”
She swiped away the new tears and walked out to join Con, who stood at the cavern entrance. There she watched Dmitri go to his dragon and kneel before him with his head bowed.
“He’s saying farewell,” Con told her.
She nodded, unable to speak because of the tears.
“Thank you for helping Dmitri bring him home.”
Surprised, she turned her head to Con. “Look what else I did, though.”
“It wasna your doing.” He jerked his chin to Dmitri. “Take him and celebrate the life of that dragon as well as the future before both of you.”
“Will you ever take a mate?”
He looked away quickly. “I made a choice to lead. It’s what I’m meant to do.”
“It’s a lonely choice.”
“No’ when I have all of you.”
She didn’t get to say more as Dmitri walked to her. She took his hand, and stood between two Dragon Kings as they sealed the cavern with magic.
When they walked from the mountain, Dmitri released a breath and smiled, raising his face to the sun. “I’m glad you were beside me for that.”
She grinned as he looked down at her. “There’s no other place I’d rather be than by your side.”
“That’s good, since I doona ever plan to let you go.”
“I love the sound of that.”
“Let’s go home.”
She felt her heart warm at the thought. Home. She had a home now, a place she loved almost as much as the dragon she was going to marry.
No matter what came next, no matter what she unearthed about her family, it wouldn’t touch the happiness and love that she’d found with her Dragon King.
* * *
Rhys walked the Dragonwood with Lily. “You’re going to have to tell me.”
“Wait,” she said.
He frowned but kept silent as they walked. It wasn’t long before they came to a shallow valley. There he saw Guy and Elena, Banan and Jane, Tristan and Sammi, Warrick and Darcy, Thorn and Lexi, Darius and Sophie, and Kiril and Shara.
“What’s going on?” he asked Lily.
She looked at everyone who stood in a circle. “Each of you have asked me why I’m keeping my distance from Con. I’m here to tell you why.”
Rhys frowned as he looked at Kiril. He had a bad feeling about this. “You told me it was because of the things he said.”
“Yes.” She paused and took a deep breath. “I know the things he said were because of the wooden dragon Faith found on Fair Isle. At first, I discounted everything he told me because of that. But the longer I thought about it, the more I wondered about it.”
Kiril shrugged. “He wasna the only one affected. Both Rhys and I were, as well.”
“I know. It’s not about who was touched by the magic, but rather something Con said,” Lily replied.
Lexi moved closer to Thorn. “Just tell us.”
Rhys took Lily’s hand, sensing her distress. He became more concerned when he felt her shaking, and he knew it had nothing to do with the cold temperature.
“Lily,” Elena urged.
When Rhys turned Lily’s face to him and he looked into her black eyes to see them swimming in tears, he felt a band constrict around his heart. “What is it, sweetheart?”
“Con said that humans were never meant to be immortal. He said that we’d go insane,” Lily said.
Guy shook his head. “If that were true, Con would’ve told us.”
“I don’t think so,” Lily said as she looked at him. “He said that’s why he’s tried to dissuade all of you from taking mortals as mates, because when we go insane, we’ll need to be killed. And he’ll have to do it since none of you will be able to kill your own mate.”
Rhys wanted to deny all of it, but in the back recesses of his mind, an old memory stirred.
“I don’t like the sound of this at all,” Sammi said.
Jane shrugged. “It’s done now. There’s nothing we can do.”
“I’ll certainly look for something,” Darcy said.
Warrick wrapped an arm around Darcy. “We all will.”
“At least Shara and Kiril don’t have to worry about this,” Darius said.
Sophie nodded at his words. “He’s right, but it’s not the end for us now either. We’ve got plenty of time to deal with this. We’re aware of it now. That’s what matters.”
“Sophie has a point,” Shara said. “And I know that I’ll use my Fae magic if needed to help all of you. Right now, we’ve got to stop our enemies.”
Talk began between the couples, but Rhys didn’t hear any of it. He took Lily’s hand and turned her to face him. “Why did you no’ tell me?”
“I was trying to come to terms with it. Con said that it would either be the passage of time or us unable to have children that makes us go insane.”
Rhys ran a hand through his hair. “I doona understand this. Look how long the Druids at MacLeod Castle have been immortal. Hundreds of years. None of them are insane.”
“Con seemed adamant about it.”
Because there was truth to his words. Rhys wouldn’t mention that now. “It’ll be fine. We’ll find a way to stop anything like that from happening.”
Rhys prayed that he could follow through with that promise.
* * *
Rhi stood, staring at the display of OPI polish in the middle of the store. She walked to the counter with five bottles to add to her collection.
Humidi-Tea, a nude shimmer. Crawfishin’ For a Compliment, a creamy orange. Take a Right on Bourbon, a metallic pewter. I’m Sooo Swamped, a verdant, creamy green. And to her surprise, a pale pink called Passion.
Her next stop was Jesse. She handed the bag of polish to her favorite nail tech to let Jesse choose the shade. Rhi didn’t look at her nails as they were being done.
Instead, her mind was on her watcher—or, rather, his absence. He’d become such a familiar part of her life that it felt weird not having him there.
Yet, to know that her memories had been taken from her sent her over the edge of reason. Except
those memories had returned.
Every. Single. One.
Fear mixed with her anger. Reapers. She had met and fought alongside Reapers. What she wished she knew more about was Bran. And the woman who had appeared in her chambers at the castle.
Rhi paid Jesse and walked out of the nail shop to teleport to her island. She stood on the shores, listening to the waves roll in as she went over everything that had happened with Neve and Talin.
For a long while, she’d had a suspicion that her watcher was a Reaper. Now she knew. It didn’t bode well that a Reaper was watching her. But what did he want?
It was the tingle along her back that alerted her that she wasn’t alone. Her reprieve from her Reaper was over, though he wasn’t able to get as close to her as before.
Rhi held out her hands and looked at her nails. They were painted the pale pink—Passion—and the metallic pewter—Take a Right on Bourbon—in a beautiful mix of swirls.
Strong arms came around her from behind. “I like them,” Balladyn said.
She leaned back against him. “I’ve missed you.”
“As I’ve missed you.” He kissed the side of her neck. “You’re troubled. What is it?”
She turned in his arms and looped hers around his neck while she looked into his red eyes. “Nothing. Everything.”
“Rhi,” he said, concern in his deep red eyes.
She put a finger to his lips. There was so much she couldn’t tell him—that she didn’t want him to know. About the Reapers, Dragon Kings, and Usaeil.
He nipped at her finger, smiling seductively. “Let me help.”
“Hold me. Make me forget everything,” she begged.
“Gladly,” he murmured before taking her lips.
Read on for an excerpt from the next book by Donna Grant
BLAZE
Coming soon from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
There was no denying it. She had well and truly lost her mind.
But it felt heavenly.
Devon could barely fill her lungs with air as she perched on the few inches of the sofa not taken up by Anson’s powerfully built body.
It might be practical to say something, but for the life of her, she couldn’t think of anything. Ever since he’d pressed that hard physique against her, she hadn’t been able to think about anything other him.
Running her hands over those muscles.
Sliding her hands into his black hair.
Feeling the weight of him atop her.
Having him inside her.
When he’d tried to kiss her in the hallway, she’d been so shocked that she looked away. Looked away! What idiot does that?
Her apparently.
She’d tried to read. She’d even tried to sleep. But he filled her mind completely. So she decided to do something she’d never done before—make a move.
Now here she was sitting beside him as he lay on the couch. His eyes watched her curiously—and with a touch of anticipation. The fact he wanted her to kiss him gave her the boost of confidence to finish what she’d begun.
Her heart hammered against her ribs. But not in fear or even anxiety. In eagerness.
She leaned down and pressed her lips against his. There was a second where he didn’t move. Then he let loose a groan that rumbled his chest.
A sigh escaped her when his fingers entwined with her hair once again. Her head tipped to the side as the kiss deepened. She could tell he was holding back, and after she had turned away upstairs, she didn’t blame him.
But if she was going to do this, she wanted all of him.
Devon ended the kiss and straightened. Confusion filled his gaze. She smiled and got her to feet before she unbelted her robe. There was a millisecond where it felt as if she had an out of body experience and was looking down upon the room.
Despite this being so out of the ordinary for her, it felt good. Right, even. There was a grin upon her lips as she pulled open the robe and let it fall to her feet to reveal she had nothing on underneath.
His gaze heated her skin as he gradually looked her up and down. He slowly sat up and reached for her. Large hands were placed upon her hips as he pulled her toward him. Then he stood, lifting her as he did.
Her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his neck. Their gazes clashed. Her stomach quivered with excitement when she saw the desire he didn’t try to hide.
He held her easily as he made his way to the stairs. Before she knew it, they were inside her bedroom. He stopped in the middle of the room and set her down as it if physically pained him to do so.
She didn’t want to let go of him. It felt good to be in his arms, and she wanted to return there. Reluctantly, she let go of him. As soon as she did, he began to undress.
His white shirt was the first to go. Her lips parted as she took in his finely sculpted chest to his stomach where she counted each and every one of his abs.
With arms that rippled with chiseled sinew, her hands itched to touch him. Before she got the chance, he removed his boots and pants.
When he straightened she bit her lip at the absolute perfection that stood before her. It was the sight of his arousal that caused her sex to clench in need. Her desire blazed out of control—and she loved it.
In the next heartbeat he had her against him, his mouth plundering hers. He kissed her hungrily, greedily. Ravenously.
She moaned, her hands clutching him as she fought to get closer. It wasn’t until she felt something against her back that she realized he’d moved them against the wall.
His kiss stole her breath.
It gave her life.
As if she had been sleepwalking up until that moment. Everything became crystal clear. The more their tongues mated, the more she felt herself changing. Like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
He pulled on her hair, causing her to expose her neck. She gasped in pleasure as he kissed down the column of her throat to lick her pulse point.
Everything he did was erotic, sensual. Utterly carnal.
Her fingers slid into the cool locks of his hair as he continued to her breasts. She groaned when his lips grazed a nipple. Then those lips wrapped around the peak and sucked before his tongue teased it.
She was gasping for breath at the pleasure that filled her. All the while his hands roamed over her leisurely, learning every inch of and leaving a trail of heat in his wake.
“Anson,” she whispered when he moved to her other breast and began to flick his tongue over the peak.
It wasn’t long until she was rocking her hips in need. She relished the thought of being so thoroughly in his control. Helpless.
Ensnared by his skill.
He was better than any fantasy she’d ever had—or ever would have. With her head moving side to side, she waited—breathlessly—for more.
As his lips trailed down her stomach and lower, she moaned at what was to come. He then lifted one of her legs and placed it on her shoulder, exposing her sex. She kept expecting to feel his fingers or tongue on her. But there was nothing.
She opened her eyes and looked down to find him gazing up at her. The look of hunger, of need she saw there made her heart skip a beat.
But it was the promise that he wouldn’t stop until she was fully satisfied that had her panting.
Also by DONNA GRANT
THE SONS OF TEXAS SERIES
The Hero
The Protector
THE DARK KING SERIES
Dark Heat
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke and Fire
THE DARK WARRIOR SERIES
Midnight’s Master
Midnight’s Lover
Midnight’s Seduction
Midnight’s Warrior
Midnight’s Kiss
Midnight’s Captive
Midnigh
t’s Temptation
Midnight’s Promise
THE DARK SWORD SERIES
Dangerous Highlander
Forbidden Highlander
Wicked Highlander
Untamed Highlander
Shadow Highlander
Darkest Highlander
From St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Praise for the Dark King series by
DONNA GRANT
“Loaded with subtle emotions, sizzling chemistry, and some provocative thoughts on the real choices [Grant’s] characters are forced to make as they choose their loves for eternity.”
—RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“Vivid images, intense details, and enchanting characters grab the reader’s attention and [don’t] let go.”
—Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)
Praise for the Dark Warrior series
“The world of the Immortal Warriors is a thoroughly engaging one, blending powerful ancient gods, fiery desire, and touchingly human love, which readers will surely want to revisit.”
—RT Book Reviews
“[Grant] blends ancient gods, love, desire, and evil-doers into a world you will want to revisit over and over again.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“Sizzling love scenes and engaging characters.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Ms. Grant mixes adventure, magic and sweet love to create the perfect romance[s].”
—Single Title Reviews
Praise for the Dark Sword series
“Grant creates a vivid picture of Britain centuries after the Celts and Druids tried to expel the Romans, deftly merging magic and history. The result is a wonderfully dark, delightfully well-written [series]. Readers will eagerly await the next Dark Sword book.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Another fantastic series that melds the paranormal with the historical life of the Scottish Highlander in this arousing and exciting adventure.”
—Bitten By Books
“These are some of the hottest brothers around in paranormal fiction.”
—Nocturne Romance Reads
“Will keep readers spellbound.”
—Romance Reviews Today