Tide exhaled sharply. “When you put it like that, I can understand her frustration.”
“I can’t blame her for being upset and we can’t turn back the clock.” Blaze looked back at Torrent. It was his call after all.
His brother looked thoughtful for a few moments. “You’re sure she’s the right person for the job?”
Blaze frowned. “Her credentials are as long as my arm. The male doctor is probably half as qualified. There is another female with similar credentials but she is mated and has young. She’s unwilling to leave her family for an extended period.”
“That’s just it.” Torrent’s voice was deep, his eyes blazed. “I’m not willing to risk Sky and her unborn child. There’s so much more at stake.” He sighed. “We need the best and if Doctor Roberts is the best, then we will work around the policy being omitted.”
“I thought you would say that. That’s why I included Tide in this meeting. You will need to keep a close eye on this female.” Blaze turned back to him. “And it needs to be someone we trust.”
And there it was. "What? Why me?" Tide growled. "I'm sorry, it's just that I'm swamped at the moment. I have a trip to the mines planned. There are—"
“Cancel it,” Blaze ordered.
“It’s not as simple as that, I’m overseeing—”
“I will assign another male to the task.” Blaze folded his arms. “One of the Earth dragons can go in your place …” The male lifted his eyes in contemplation for a second or two. “Shale will go in your place.”
All of his hard work. His project. His baby. Fuck! “That’s not a great idea. Shale is a jokester. He is not fit to oversee the sinking of a new shaft.”
“Yes, he does like to pull pranks and does take things a little too far at times but he is ultimately a hard worker. Set up a meeting with him and hand the project over to him.”
Not a fuck! He’d been working on this for months. All of his research and for what? So that he could hand it all over to that idiot, Shale. Tide swallowed hard, he shook his head. “Please don’t make me do this, my lord.”
"I'm sorry, Tide," Blaze apologized but remained resolute. "Look, according to the recruitment specialist, Doctor Roberts is very fixated on her work. So much so that she doesn't have time for relationships. She hasn't been in one for over a year and isn't interested in being tied down anytime soon." The male walked over to him. "You are the only person I trust to watch this female. Storm is still very young, he isn't responsible enough. None of your subordinates will take a task like this seriously. This female is pivotal to the continuation of our work. Nothing can happen to her."
“There has to be someone else. A mated male would be a better choice. What about Lake?”
“That wouldn’t work,” Torrent said, frowning. “His focus is on his family. His female.”
Blaze and Torrent exchanged looks. What was going on? Blaze stepped forward but stopped and glanced back at Torrent. “Can I tell him?”
Torrent nodded. “It’s not public knowledge yet, but it will be soon,” he turned to Tide, “Candy is expecting. You’re going to be an uncle … again.”
“What?” Tide couldn’t hide his delight. “Candy and Sky are with child?”
Torrent nodded. “Yes.”
“That’s fantastic news. Congratulations.” He hugged Torrent, who was grinning broadly.
“We are very excited.” His expression soon turned serious. “Both Candy and Sky are part of the experiment. I’m sure you’ll understand that Lake is nervous, just as worried as I am. That’s what I meant earlier when I said that there was so much at stake. We’re talking about my son and heir. My Candy.” He looked distraught, his voice thick with emotion.
“Sky and Candy are the only two royal pregnant females at this time.” Blaze was animated. “We’re making big strides with the silver desensitization. This new program could completely change the face of our affliction. Our future generations could be completely cured of it. It isn’t without risk however.”
“Major risk.” For the first time, Tide noticed how tired his brother looked. How worried.
“Watch this female. Make sure the males stay away from her. Tide doesn’t need the added stress right now. Keep a close eye on her. If she is as focused on her work as she says she is, you can step away and eventually go back to the mine. I know how much work you’ve put into the sinking of the new shaft. I understand your frustration.”
Tide ran a hand through his hair, trying hard not to sigh. “You’re asking me to babysit a human indefinitely.”
“Yes.” It was his brother who spoke. “Keep her safe! The males need to know that she is off limits. On top of that, any humans on our territory are a major security risk. Even though we are assigning the male a guard of his own, we want you to keep an eye on both of them. This healer holds the lives of my Candy and our unborn whelp in her hands.”
How did he say no to that? He didn’t, that was how. Tide squeezed the back of his neck.
“Doctor Roberts is going to play a major role in finding a cure for our silver affliction. Doctor Parry, Granite’s mate, made great strides in desensitizing the Earth males but it is a time-consuming process. Another healer has since taken her place. So far it has improved the reactions the males have, but has not been successful in totally eradicating the affliction. Doctor Parry stated that the only way forward is to bring in a specialist, someone who looks specifically at the cause. This healer will look at the building blocks, at the DNA, firstly with an eye to curing our future generations. And secondly with a hope of not just improving but completely eradicating our affliction.”
“Can you imagine,” his brother’s eyes were wide, “if my son, our heir, was born completely free of this burden? Think of how wonderful that would be. A future where there is no more skulking. No hiding. It would be the same for all of our offspring. For all of our future generations.” Torrent quickly added, glancing in Blaze’s direction, careful to be politically correct.
“It sounds amazing,” Tide had to admit. One of the major problems the mine faced was to stay unnoticed. Unrecognizable from the air. Especially considering how many unmarked aircraft had been seen in their airspace of late. It was restricted airspace but that didn’t seem to make any difference. They were being actively sought out. Actively hunted. A shiver ran up his spine. “Now that I understand the bigger picture, I think that this new assignment is more important than the sinking of the new mine.”
His brother breathed out, his shoulders seemed to slump for a few seconds. “Thank you, brother. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“I think I have an inkling,” Tide smiled; he clapped Torrent on the back before looking Blaze’s way. “I only wish you would reconsider Shale as being the right choice. There has to be someone else.”
Blaze shook his head. “I’m afraid not. It is important that all four kingdoms are represented when it comes to our shared interests in the mines. Know that I will keep an eye on things.”
“If the human hunters were to catch wind of the location of the mine …” Tide shook his head, unwilling to finish the sentence. Disaster, it would spell disaster.
“He will do a good job. You will see.” Blaze looked Tide in the eyes.
Tide finally nodded. “Very well, I will hand the project over to him.”
“Like I said,” Blaze went on, “if the human is as focused on her work as she claims to be, I will assign a regular guard in due course and you can resume your duties at the mine.”
“Let us hope it happens sooner rather than later,” Tide said.
Chapter 7
“Oh my god!” Meghan had a hand over her mouth. She could feel that her eyes were wide. “That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Wow!” she added, her eyes tracking the sight before her.
“I completely agree,” George mumbled.
She turned towards him, noticing that he wasn’t looking at the view like she was. His gaze wasn’t tacked to the mountains and valleys
as far as the eye could see on one side, and to the deep blue oceans and harsh white cliffs on the other. Or to the sun, as it painted the sky in ribbons of pinks and yellows as it set.
Nope, George had his eyes firmly on a group of men. Big, burly, very naked men. “Oh,” Meghan yelped as she looked away. She felt her cheeks heat. They reminded her so much of Tide. Tall and so well built … everywhere. She guessed that all non-humans had big builds in common. She’d found herself stealing glances at each of the guys’ faces, real quick, just to be sure that none of them was him. Of course they weren’t.
It was stupid of her. “I still can’t believe it,” she sighed. “Dragons,” a breathy whisper. “They actually exist and are not just a myth.”
“Me neither,” George sighed. “They’re gorgeous. I’m so glad you managed to get us out of that non-fraternization policy. The tattoos are just too much.”
“Yeah, what’s with that?”
“I don’t know, but I likey likey.” He was grinning from ear to ear. His eyes were darting from one guy to the next like he couldn’t get enough.
“Stop,” she whispered, taking a step towards him. “We are here to work, not to mess around.”
“All work and no play makes George a dull boy.”
“One of those guys would snap you in two,” she whispered some more.
“I sure as shit hope so.” George made a groaning noise that drew the attention of one of the men.
“Stop it!” she whispered behind her hand. “You’re going to get us fired before we even get started.”
“You’re overreacting.”
“Hello,” one of the guys greeted as he approached. “I’m River.”
“Good to meet you, I’m George and this is Megh—”
“I’m Doctor Roberts.” Meghan held out her hand and the guy took it and shook once. He had a hefty grip.
“Please follow me,” River announced. Thank god he was wearing pants. They were thin cotton. He wasn’t wearing anything else. Not even shoes.
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” George winked at River, who grinned.
Meghan elbowed her friend as soon as the shifter turned his back. “Don’t make me regret bringing you on board. Don’t forget, I hired you, I can just as quickly fire you and don’t think I won’t. Our future research depends on this.”
“Okay, okay,” George whispered. He put up his hands as they walked. “We’re on the clock, so it’s all business, but what I do on my own time is my business.”
“As long as you don’t do anything stupid.”
“Deal.” They shook hands.
“Just don’t cause any trouble,” she added.
“Fine.” George rolled his eyes as they gave another quick handshake.
After that, they didn’t talk, they gaped at everything around them. The passageways were voluminous. The floors gleamed and were made of what looked like polished volcanic rock. The doors were made of large oak panels and were mostly double volume and ornately carved. The furniture definitely wasn’t store bought. It looked hand-carved and from heavy wood. It was all quite simple and yet very impressive.
It wasn't long before they arrived at one of the sets of double doors. To Meghan, the doorknob looked like it was made of copper or brass. It was encrusted with what appeared to be jewels. Rubies, emeralds and diamonds. Excellent fakes, that was for sure.
George widened his eyes at her as they entered the room. It was very spacious and had an open plan with an office area, a long conference table and chairs, as well as a lounge area. There were several crystal chandeliers that seemed to be made from the same metal as the doorknob. They were so pretty, with hanging fish, seahorses and starfish. All sparkling with the same fake jewels. Only this time in all the colors of the rainbow. It was the view though that took Meghan's breath away all over again. By now, the sunset was rich with deep burgundies. The sun was huge and golden, hanging over a vast deep blue ocean.
George elbowed her and cleared his throat.
When Meghan turned back, she almost walked into a massive man with vivid green eyes. "Oh, so sorry!" She pointed to the window.
The guy smiled. He was handsome. "Spectacular view isn't it."
"Definitely." He wore a pair of black pants, chest bare and oh what a chest. He had the same tattoo as all the others, except his was golden instead of silver. "I'm Meghan … um … Doctor Roberts and this is my colleague, George."
"Your right-hand man." The guy raised his brows.
“Yes, most definitely.” Stop saying definitely, Meghan. “Couldn’t do without him,” she added, sounding a little too animated. Just shut up, Meghan. Then again, she was entitled to being a bit rattled. This was all too much for a person to take in.
“Let me be the first to welcome you to our lands.” He opened his arms and gestured around them. “I am Blaze, king of the Fire dragons and of the four kingdoms.”
Oh wow, a king.
"Good to meet you, and thank you," George said. "We're delighted to be here. You could not have hired a better geneticist or a better lab tech, for that matter." He smiled broadly, looking completely unfazed by the intimidating man.
Blaze oozed authority. “Oh, I know. MFA Staffing Solutions highly rec—”
The door opened and the sound of voices carried into the room ahead of the men who entered. Meghan turned her head as they did. What? Wait. No! Surely not! She felt like rubbing her eyes and doing a double-take because Tide walked in. He stopped in his tracks as he caught sight of her, his mouth fell open, just as hers had.
"Meghan?" He shook his head like he was trying to shake out of a haze.
“Tide?” Her voice was just as shock-filled. Her eyes flitted from his chest to his face and back again. He too was sporting a big golden tattoo on his chest, as was the guy next to him. It hadn’t been there when she had last seen him. She would have noticed, for sure. Tide and the other guy looked like they were related. They had the same build … freaking huge. They both had the same eye and hair color, only Tide’s hair was cut shorter.
“You know each other?” someone asked.
Meghan couldn’t take her eyes off of Tide long enough to find out who it had been. His eyes seemed to darken as they narrowed in on her and his brow creased. He even put his hands on his hips. “What the hell are you doing here?” His voice was a gruff rasp.
She felt her own brow crease, although hers was with confusion where he looked angry. “I should ask you the same. I thought you said you were a wolf shifter?”
“You said I was a wolf shifter and I didn’t correct you.”
“Okay.” There was hesitancy in her voice. Where was he going with this and why were his cheeks turning red?
“You two know each other?” The other guy stepped forward, almost between them, he was also frowning heavily. “Explain quickly, Tide.”
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” Tide ignored the other guy. He took a couple of big strides in her direction. Meghan forced herself to stand her ground, he looked that menacing.
“What do you mean? You know who I am.” This was starting to irritate her. His whole attitude was uncalled for. “Why didn’t you have that tattoo on your chest the last time I saw you?”
“How did you find out about us? What type of intel do you have?” Tide kept on advancing.
She had to crane her neck as he got closer. “Hey!” she yelled as he grabbed her wrists. His hold was firm. Meghan tried to pull free. “Let me go,” she finally said, when it didn’t work.
“Stop that!” one of the men shouted. His voice deep and menacing. “Let her go.”
Tide took no notice, his eyes stayed locked with hers. “You’d better start talking.” He walked forward, forcing her to step back. He didn’t let up his hold on her.
“Meghan!” George yelled, sounding worried.
“What the hell do you think—?” She yelped as he turned her around, twisting one arm behind her back. It didn’t hurt, but it angered her how he had her completely u
nder his control. He kept walking and she was helpless but to let him lead her.
“Tide,” Blaze growled. At least, she was pretty sure it was him. It was deep and scary sounding. “Unhand the healer!”
"Listen to your king," the other guy shouted from somewhere behind them. George kept screaming her name followed by ‘oh no.' She could hear that his hand was over his mouth and that he was becoming frantic. Thankfully, he didn't try to intervene. Tide would squish him if he did.
“This female obviously knows something,” Tide growled, he kept marching her forwards until they reached the wall. He pushed her against it. Again, he didn’t hurt her, even though her face was pushed up against the smooth painted surface. “Speak up. Who sent you?” He had her completely trapped. His big body caged her in from behind. Pure muscle. Pure strength. Strangely enough, she wasn’t afraid. Meghan didn’t think he was going to hurt her. Maybe it was because she was too pissed off to feel fear. What a jerk! Who did he think he was?
“You’ve lost your ever-loving mind!” she yelled, trying to turn back so that she could look him in the face.
“You staged that flat tire. You staged the whole thing,” he rasped, his mouth right by her ear. Then his hands were on her, moving over her flesh.
“Hey!” she hollered, trying in vain to break free. “No! Stop that!”
Both of the shifter men behind them screamed Tide’s name. They may have said more to try to stop him but there was blood was rushing in her ears. Meghan didn’t hear a thing, she only felt his big, warm hands as they moved over her body.
Over her ribs, across her belly. Up and down her legs … Oh hell! Up her inner thighs. She tried to keep her legs together but he used his thigh to shove them open. His fingers brushing against her. She moaned, and even though it was out of pure frustration, it still aggravated her even more. "Stop this. I didn't know who you were. I still have no idea. This is a total misunderstanding."
Dragon Prince (The Bride Hunt Book 6) Page 6