by Donna Grant
A heartbeat before she saw the massive shadow she heard the beating of the dragon’s wings. Kyndra stopped in her tracks as the female Blue dropped in front of her. She had never known a dragon to kill a Fae, but none had ever failed the dragons as she had.
If she were to die, the Blue had the right to kill her. Kyndra spread her arms to the side and closed her eyes as she waited for the dragon to breathe its fire on her. Instead, the dragon wrapped its claws around her and lifted her in the air as it flew to the Quay of Skulls.
Kyndra gripped the claws as the dragon took her straight up the sky until she couldn’t make out the mountains anymore. Then the female rolled onto its back and tucked its wings against her before she plummeted, head first, back to the ground. A scream lodged itself in Kyndra’s throat as her breath was stolen from her. The mountains grew closer and closer and, just before the dragon slammed into the rocks, she opened her wings and soared to the side.
With her heart pounding in her chest, Kyndra made herself loosen her hold on the dragon’s claws. The dragon could let her go at any time, but she held on to Kyndra. Whatever fear Kyndra might have had melted away as the dragon soared over the lakes, rivers, mountains and valleys. It was a sight Kyndra would never forget.
But the time the female landed at her lair, Kyndra wasn’t sure what the female wanted with her. She stumbled out of the dragon’s claws and tilted her head back to look at the female.
The dragon lowered her head until she could look Kyndra in the eye. Steam rolled from the dragon’s nostrils as the sun glinted off the beautiful blue scales.
“I’m sorry I failed you,” Kyndra said. “I promised I would return the egg and the Fae who killed your mate. I did neither.”
The dragon briefly closed her eyes as if it were difficult for her to hear. She jerked her head toward the lair.
Kyndra looked from the entrance to the dragon. “You want me to go inside?” The dragon repeated the gesture, and Kyndra started into the lair. The cave was massive in width and height, making it easy for two of the Blues to stand side by side. The deeper she got, the darker the lair became. She moved slowly until she heard the dragon behind her.
Suddenly, the dragon inhaled deeply. Kyndra stood still, waiting for the flames to engulf her.
Instead, the dragon blew fire on the water, giving light to the lair.
Kyndra stood in awe. The pool of water was huge, and off to one side was a large nest where the egg had been. She walked to the nest and knelt beside it.
“I didn’t expect Isran to use the last of his life to shatter the egg,” Aimery said as he walked from the shadows.
Kyndra looked up into his face and shook her head. “You couldn’t have known.”
“I’ve missed you.”
How she had missed him too. Desperately.
“You left this behind,” he said and held out his hand.
She looked at her cuff but refused to take it. “I’m not fit to wear it anymore.”
“No one said only priestesses could wear the cuff. Did you know that Julieth sent you to Thav knowing what would happen to you?”
“What?”
“She said the dragons told her to do it.”
Kyndra glanced at the Blue that had lain down. The female blinked her eyes at Kyndra. “I don’t understand.”
“Everyone in the realm is looking for you. Julieth and the Order are wondering when you’ll return.”
“I cannot return to the Order. I chose you over my vows.” He grinned and took a step closer to her. “I know, and I’m so glad you did. Still, you are a hero to the realm, Kyndra, whether you want it or not. You sacrificed your very soul to save me, the dragons and the realm.”
“Aimery, the things I did with the black magic—”
“You did what you had to do,” he interrupted her. “Just as I asked you to do.”
“I want to believe you.”
He took another step. “Why do you think the female sought you out? She could have killed you many times over. They’ve been watching you just as you’ve been watching them.”
“And you? Have you been watching me?”
He nodded. “They told me where you were. You asked to be alone, so I left you alone.”
“Except for today.”
“I thought it time you understood what is going on in the realm. And I thought it time for you to take this.”
He once more tried to give her the cuff. When she wouldn’t take it, he reached for her hand and slid it up her arm. The sapphire eyes glowed for a moment before they turned to diamonds. Kyndra sucked in a breath and watched as the dragon turned from silver to gold.
“Wow,” Aimery murmured. “What was that?”
“No one in the Order has ever gotten a gold dragon. It means…I’ve sacrificed a great deal for the realm.”
Aimery smiled. “I already told you that.”
Kyndra couldn’t believe it. There was no way the cuff would have responded to her had she still had the black magic inside her. It was the reason she had taken it off in the first place.
Yet, it had proven to her that things weren’t as bleak as she had thought.
“I love you, Kyndra.”
She looked into Aimery’s eyes and smiled. “And I love you.”
“Marry me. Spend eternity by my side. I’ve searched for you my entire life and feared I would never find you.”
Her heart almost exploded at his words. He wanted her as his wife, despite what she had done with the black magic.
“I can’t imagine going another moment without you by my side,” he said as he knelt in front of her. “I want to kiss you, caress you, love you whenever I want. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms and wake up with the sun to kiss you good morning. You are my everything, the only thing that matters. Please.”
Kyndra wiped at the tears that fell down her cheek. It had been near impossible to stay away from Aimery the past week. He had haunted her dreams and every waking moment. He was offering her everything, and she would be a fool to pass it up.
“Aye.”
He pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her. “Gods, how I love you.” Her chuckle died as he kissed her until she clung to his shoulders, her body throbbing with desire only he could bring out in her. “Shall we live at the palace?”
“Nay. I’ve a house.”
“Where is this home?”
He stood and held out his hand. “Come. I’ll show you.”
As soon as Kyndra touched his hand he transported them. She gasped as she stood on the veranda atop a mountain overlooking a magnificent waterfall and a lake. “This is yours?”
“Just the view. The house is behind you.”
Kyndra turned and laughed at the sheer size of Aimery’s home. It was nearly the size of the royal palace but, set against the thick forest and mountains, it was spectacular.
He wrapped an arm around her. “It’s my ancestral home, the house passed from generation to generation. What do you think?”
“And if I said no?”
“Then we’d find another home?”
She faced him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Have you ever lived here?”
“Just as a child. After that, no. I was at the barracks as I worked my way through the army. Then, when I became commander, it was easier to live at the palace.” She glanced at the dark stones of the mansion with its steeped roof and many windows, then at the waterfall and lake. “I love it here.”
“Then here it shall be,” he whispered before he lifted her in his arms. In the next instant they were in the master chamber. Aimery set her on her feet and ripped her gown from her.
“I’ll buy you new ones,” he said, his voice thick with passion.
Kyndra didn’t care about the gown. She only cared about Aimery and getting him out of his own clothes. When the last of his clothes hit the floor, they were in each other’s arms, their kisses frantic as the passion consumed them. Kyndra parted her legs as he lifted her and wrapped them ar
ound his waist. She barely had time to realize what he was about before he slid inside her.
“Gods, you feel good,” he whispered.
Kyndra wanted to answer him, but the throbbing of her sex wouldn’t be ignored. When Aimery began to thrust inside her, she gripped his shoulders and rode the wave of desire.
All too soon, her climax consumed her. Aimery’s fingers dug into her hips as he shouted her name and spilled his seed inside her. They fell back on the bed, their limbs tangled together.
“That’s not how I wanted to take you,” he said. “But once I saw you, I had to have you.”
“I’m not complaining.”
He grinned. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Now?”
“After the wedding.”
She raised her brows. “And when is the wedding?”
“How does an hour sound?”
“Perfect.”
He ran a thumb over her lips. “I thought I had lost you forever.”
“I loved you too much for you to make a mistake.”
“Julieth does want to see you.”
She traced a finger down his arm.
“Are you all right with giving up the Order?” he asked.
“Aye. The thought of never having you isn’t something I can live without. You are all I want.”
He thumbed her nipple, making her groan. “If you don’t stop, we’ll miss the wedding.”
“They can’t have the wedding unless we’re there.”
Kyndra laughed and looked into the eyes of the man she loved. She had almost lost everything and, now, she had the world before her.
With Aimery at her side.
Epilogue
“If you don’t stop pacing, I’m going to hit you,” Kyndra said between clenched teeth.
Aimery stopped and sat beside her on the bed. He took her hand and held back a grimace as she squeezed. Sweat drenched her face, and her face paled with each contraction. The labor had lasted far longer than Aimery would have liked, but Kyndra continued to tell him everything was all right.
He wasn’t so sure.
“Ahryn?” he asked.
Lugus’ wife raised her head and smiled. “I see the head. Just a little more, Kyndra.” Aimery smiled at his wife. The pregnancy had been a surprise, but one that they had rejoiced in. As much as Aimery wanted children, he wanted his wife to be safe.
Kyndra grunted as another contraction came as she squeezed his hand. Ahryn let out a whoop, and a moment later a loud cry erupted in the room.
“It’s a boy,” Ahryn shouted and held up the red, screaming infant.
A lump formed in Aimery’s throat as he watched Kyndra take their son into her arms.
She lifted her gaze to him, tears spilling from her eyes.
“We have a son, my love.”
He kissed her and looked at his son. “That we do, love. What shall we name him?”
“What about Casheus?”
“Casheus it is.”
Aimery wanted to stay just as they were, but Ahryn had already told the crowd that had gathered below. Soon Kyndra’s family as well as Theron and Rufina would want a look at the new addition.
“Are you happy?” Kyndra asked.
He entwined his fingers with hers. “More than words can say.” They shared a secret smile as the door to the chamber opened and the congratulations began.
Author Bio
Donna Grant is the award ‐ winning author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, historical, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal and erotic.
Donna was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica and Mexico. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna• s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two ‐ steppin and bareback riding.
Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.
Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as The Druid’s Glen, The Shields, The Royal Chronicles and The Sisters of Magic. Including her award-winning, bestselling historical paranormal series, Dark Sword, from St. Martin’s Press.
Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, three cats and one long ‐ haired Chihuahua. She• s blessed with a proud, supportive husband who
s learned to cook far more than frozen chicken nuggets.
Learn more about Donna at her website, www.donnagrant.com.
Read an excerpt from Cynthia Eden’s BOUND BY BLOOD, a sexy paranormal romance novella available now for only 99 cents.
Chapter One
The sexy little vampiress walked into the bar as if she owned the place.
Since Howling Moon was a low-rent dive hidden on the shadier side of Miami, a bar that catered to werewolves, well, the lady was very much out of fucking place. And, if she wasn’t careful, she might just become the night’s entertainment.
Jace Vaughn tensed when he saw her. He wasn’t as drunk as the other wolves, not yet anyway, so he recognized the deceptively delicate woman instantly.
He could see the hint of her small fangs peeking out just behind the plump fullness of her too-red lips. Vamps’ fangs always came out when they were about to fight or fuck.
So which one was the vamp about to do?
She stilled inside the doorway of the bar. Her long blond hair tumbled behind her as her gaze raked to the left. To the right. Huh. Looked like she was hunting for someone—or something. In this place, the only thing she’d find was a pack ready to rip her to pieces.
Vampires and wolves weren’t exactly playing nice these days. Or any days.
She should know that.
But then her gaze swept by him. Swept by, then came right back. Her blue eyes—bright with a vamp’s power—caught his. She stared at him, and Jace found he couldn’t look away. A vampire’s trick of compulsion?
Nah…more likely just his own lust. Because the lady was hot. Most female vamps were, those pureblood ones anyway. And Jace knew he was looking at one of the elite pureblood Florida vamps.
A pureblood, in a werewolf hell.
He smiled. Fate must be laughing her ass off somewhere.
Then, she smiled too. A lick of heat shot straight through his body, and the beast that he kept chained inside stretched and growled.
Want.
She started walking toward him in her high, fuck-me or fuck-off black boots. Jace shoved away from the bar.
But the others had noticed her now, and they were closing in.
Three males. Big and hulking because that was the way of the beast.
“Vampire…” The snarl floated in the air, and the males reached for her.
“No!” His roar broke a second too slowly.
Two of the males crashed into nearby tables. They’d made the mistake of actually touching her. You didn’t touch a vampiress who didn’t want to be touched. Fools should know that rule.
Purebloods were especially strong.
Excitement had the beast inside yanking on his leash.
Every person in the bar froze for a moment, then instantly turned their attention on her.
The vamp had the third wolf on the floor in front of her. He hadn’t shifted, not yet, but his claws were already lengthening. She had one small hand at his throat while the other held tight to his hair, yanking his head back to better expos
e his neck.
Vampires always went for the throat. So predictable. Their hunger made them weak every time.
“Kill the bitch…” Ah, that mutter came from one of the guys she’d tossed a good ten feet. He was already rising with his claws out and blood dripping from his busted cheek.
Jace lifted his hand, staying the men even as they rose. “Not…yet.” He knew no one would disobey. They couldn’t. He was alpha, and if they tried, he’d be the one kicking ass.
Even the shitty band stopped playing as he crossed the room. The few human females in the bar glanced around curiously, and he saw a couple of the shifters push them toward the back.
The women came to play at Howling Moon. Or rather, the wolves played with them. Those women knew the score about the supernatural world, and they knew to keep quiet about the paranormal society.
The vampiress didn’t release her grip on her prey. Jace took his time stalking toward her.
Like most vamps, she had pale, ivory skin. Her features were…damn, pretty perfect. Wide eyes, high cheeks, small nose. Her chin was pointed a little, giving her a slightly stubborn edge, but then, bloodsuckers were not exactly known to be easy going.
Neither were wolves.
She wore all black. Tight black shirt, a very short black skirt, and those boots that oozed sex.
Sex and violence. Yeah, that was pretty much how vamps and wolves rolled.
As he closed in on her, Jace picked up her scent, separating the light perfume of her skin from the booze, sweat, and the cigarettes in the air. The vampire smelled sweet, tempting.
Her kind always did. The better to lure their prey in for that deadly bite. But she was—
More.
He inclined his head toward her. “Let him go.”
“Of course.” Her voice rolled lightly, soft, sensual, but had no accent. He knew the rougher edge of the south coated his own words. She dropped her hold on the wolf instantly.
But then Mike made the mistake of lunging back up and slicing at her with his claws.
Bad mistake. Rage exploded inside of Jace, and he leapt forward even as his own claws broke from his fingertips.