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When she’s not taking care of her patients, kids or husband, Canadian Élianne Adams loves nothing more than to snuggle under a warm blanket with a good book, or better still, create new worlds where the stories clamoring inside her head can run free. Her paranormal romance series, Return to Avalore, delves into a world where dragons, phoenix and gryphons care for their mates with unrivalled ferocity, and passions run deep.
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Dragon Reborn
By L.C. Alleyne
Heat rating: 2, M/F, inter-racial, shifter, dragon, fantasy
Balthazar Andal lost his dragon scale centuries ago in a fight against his brother, shifting him permanently into a human. He has spent decades searching for it to no avail. Acting as a wealthy business investor, he uses his financial influence to bring in archeological groups to assist in his search. Without the scale, he barely controls his dragon spirit Bal, who threatens to overpower him. If Balthazar is not careful in maintaining his restraint, they’ll die.
Archeologist Eva Haraldsdóttir discovers an Icelandic artifact that Balthazar Andal is very interested in, and during a charity event, she explains its importance. Eva is intrigued by Mr. Andal’s knowledge of history, and even more so with the handsome businessman.
An unexpected assault on her life propels Eva into Balthazar’s world of ancient folklore and disturbing legends. The strange noises coming from his basement reveals a truth that Eva never expects, and she must decide—either run away and allow Balthazar to fade into myth, or overcome her instinctive fears to help him reclaim his true identity.
Chapter 1 – London, England
Balthazar Andal didn’t like crowds. Humans were loud, distracting, and got in his way. Most times, he kept to himself, with his younger brother Lancelot and his security detail for company. However, this evening was an exception.
Tonight was special—he was the host of a charity ball honoring the conservation and environmental companies he sponsored. They had achieved much in the past several months, and by the reports he received on a regular basis, had managed to hold back the juggernaut that was mankind’s greed and destruction of the planet. But they had only halted the disasters, not prevented them.
“Sir.”
He blinked, his thoughts put aside. “Yes?”
“All clear, sir.” Thorsson, the leader of his security team, was a large, powerfully built man with a blond crew cut and a pair of icy blue eyes that missed nothing. “Whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” Balthazar headed for the curved staircase. His gaze swept across the upturned faces of the crowd as they watched his descent to the ballroom floor. He recognized most of his guests as they flitted across the polished floor like butterflies and gathered around to congratulate him on his tireless efforts to save the planet.
He shook hands and kissed cheeks. He murmured his gratitude for their fantastic accomplishments while Thorsson and a second bodyguard discreetly shadowed him. Lancelot and two more security guards mingled in the crowd. Two additional men stood by the ballroom entrance.
It wasn’t enough, but it would have to do. If Ti decided to crash the party and confront him, he would do it. No human stood a chance against an angry dragon shifter. He hoped his older brother had the etiquette not to bring the fight here, but if Ti thought the most opportune time was now, then he would take his shot and destroy anything and anyone that got in his way.
And Balthazar would suffer serious injuries. With his scale still missing, he couldn’t transform into his dragon form, Bal, and defend himself. Lancelot would help him, and although human, Thorsson and the other men would assist as well. But what if Ti brought shifter reinforcements with him? His brother wasn’t stupid, and he wouldn’t suffer the same humiliating loss he had all those centuries ago.
Balthazar took a deep breath. There was time to think about Ti later. Be friendly, say a few words to the guests, recite his speech, and then get the hell out of there. Simple.
He wandered towards the back of the room and noticed several small groups scattered at this end. As he approached them, his dragon soul stirred and uncurled within him. He hesitated, but swept the room with his own senses. Ti wasn’t here, nor was there any danger present. But as he relaxed, Balthazar sensed something else, something intriguing—a woman who stood by a tall set of open balcony doors.
He took his time, greeting nearby guests and sharing pleasantries until he finally stood before the young lady. It took a moment before he recognized her. “Miss Eva Haraldsdóttir,” he said. She smiled, and his body twitched in response. It had been a long time since he’d reacted like that.
“Mr. Andal. You remembered me.”
“I admit I’m used to seeing you and your father together.” He looked around. “Is he here with you?”
“Unfortunately, no, and he sends his regrets. He’s in Iceland studying some new artifacts.”
“Ah, yes, that’s right. The professor emailed me about this recent find. Anything of interest?”
“We found Viking items—spears, knives, helmets and such. We also found other items that will take a bit more time to identify.”
Dr. Harald Símonarson’s archeological expertise was well-known and in high demand, and it had taken a lot of money and a lot of charm to persuade the famous professor to work for him. When Balthazar had hired him, he’d known that Dr. Símonarson had an adopted daughter who assisted in the archeological digs. She had been in her early twenties, pretty and impressionable. But now, only a few years later, she stood before him a beautiful and confident woman. He tried not to stare at her, but it was difficult, and his dragon echoed an appreciative growl. Her emerald-green dress shimmered in the soft glow of lights above them. Her skin reminded him of some of the semi-precious jewels he had in his hoard back home—smoky quartz crystals, a rich brown hue with golden highlights.
Her black, curly hair was tied into a neat chignon at her neck, but he wondered how it would look unbound. She wore no makeup except a smooth sheen of colored gloss on lips so full that his breath hitched in his throat. His mind travelled a dangerous path, and his body ached at the thought of tasting her chocolate-brown skin, of feeling his cock in her mouth.
Balthazar closed his eyes for a brief moment to refocus his attention on her words. Seeing Eva Haraldsdóttir stirred desires he had deliberately shoved aside, and it would be dangerous to explore the rekindled feelings now.
He listened to the tone of her voice as she lovingly talked about her work. Her intelligence was obvious, and as her hands expressed her views, she displayed her passion for it as well. Her face glowed with excitement as she described a Viking skeleton, fully clothed. Her enthusiasm lit the air around her, and he moved nearer to experience the sensation.
Her dress couldn’t hide the swell of generous breasts or firm ass, and she kept herself in wonderful shape. Her toned arms held a hint of definition, no doubt from the heavy lifting during her archeological digs. He glanced at her legs and he saw the outline of taut muscle against the green fabric. Soft skin that covered a fit body. Definitely his type.
He caught a glimpse of Thorsson and one other guard moving along the outskirts of the guests towards him. That was his cue and for a brief moment, he resented the interruption. “I’m sorry, Miss Haraldsdóttir, but I’m afraid that I must leave you for the time being.”
“Oh.” He sensed her genuine disappointment, which gave him an irrational spark of joy. “I hadn’t meant to monopolize your time.”
“If I had my way, I would let you.”
The brilliant flash of her smile encouraged him. “I know you’re a busy man.” She glanced over his shoulder. “Two men are coming this way. Security?”
“Hmm. A necessary evil.”
&nbs
p; “Well, you let me know if you need to lose them. Distractions are my specialty.”
Balthazar couldn’t help himself and glanced quickly at her figure. His dragon uttered a low growl of satisfaction, and it took immense willpower for him to remain still. “They are?” he asked, his voice rough with rising desire. “I’ll keep that in mind.” If Balthazar didn’t leave now, he would whisk Miss Haraldsdóttir to a secluded corner and ask her to demonstrate her distractions. “But until then, I hope you enjoy the party.” He grasped her hand and raised it to his lips.
***
When she’d stood face to face with their benefactor, her internal alarms went off, but in a way that her body hadn’t responded to a man in months. And it wasn’t an “Oh, he’s very handsome” type of response either. Heat blossomed through her, and a trickle of sweat ran down her back.
Balthazar Andal exuded strength and confidence. It surrounded him, and no one could mistake it. People stepped aside to let him pass without question. Over six feet tall with a broad upper body, he moved with an animal grace, almost gliding across the polished floor. Thick brown hair framed a face that displayed deep character lines, which added an appealing allure. But what caught her attention was the gold glint in his eyes as he looked at her—she had never seen eyes that color before.
She rubbed her arms and snagged another glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She sipped it slowly, looking around, and caught Mr. Andal staring at her while surrounded by several young women. They laughed louder than necessary and did their best to engage him in their conversation.
Eva felt a slight twinge of disappointment. If his interest lay in groupies, that was his choice, but she had pegged him as a more mature and intelligent man.
She turned away and walked to the other end of the room, listening in on animated conversations. She walked the perimeter, admiring the intricately carved dome ceiling and paintings that lined the walls. One distinguished gentleman’s portrait caught her eye, and she stood still for a moment, gazing at his confident yet aloof expression.
“That is Edward Hough, Lord Balmont,” a deep, husky voice said next to her ear. “This old building was once his home, but bad habits and risky financial investments left him in a very bad way.”
She turned slightly. Mr. Andal stood behind her, near enough for her to smell his subtle cologne and distinctly clean male scent. The combination sent her mind spinning. “He sold his house to pay his bills?”
“Oh no.” He stood beside her now and their arms touched. Even through his jacket, Eva felt his heat on her flesh, and shivers of delightful pleasure zipped through her nerves. “Lord Balmont inherited the house; it’s unheard of to sell family property.” He looked down and smiled. “So he decided to rent it out while living in Bath.”
“I find that hard to believe,” she replied, laughing.
“It’s true. Even though he lost his money, he was still a shrewd businessman. He figured he would make more money renting his London home, and it still remains in his family.”
Eva looked at the portrait. “Who did he rent this grand building out to?”
“Families of debutantes. Filthy-rich, eligible bachelors hosting secret card parties.” Mr. Andal shrugged. “Money talks, and only a few could afford his exorbitant prices. He actually made a fortune.” He bumped her shoulder gently with his. “And he kept his home.”
Such a light tap, but between it and the story he’d told her, it felt like they shared a secret. “I wonder,” she whispered, “if you have any stories about the other pictures in here?”
“Actually, I don’t.” He smiled and held out his arm. “I hoped to catch your attention so I could escort you to the bar at the end of the hall for a drink.”
Eva wrapped her arm around his, flattered at his attempt. “Well, you knew the right way to do that. It’s nice to talk to a man who enjoys history.”
“Is there anything else you like about a man?”
With other men, the bluntness would have turned her off, but Mr. Andal’s confidence in himself didn’t come across as an inflated ego; it felt natural, a part of him. “It’s a very short list.”
He stopped at that, staring down at her with those golden eyes. “You have particular tastes?”
“Doesn’t everyone?”
He stared above her head into the ballroom. “My security detail is staring at me, which means I will not have time for that drink after all.” He looked at her again. “However, I do have time to find out what you like in a man, if your list is as short as you implied.”
She stared at him. “Do you always do what your security men tell you?”
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Is that a challenge?”
She smiled back. “Only a question, Mr. Andal.”
“Please, call me Balthazar. And as much as I would love to take on your challenge, my men have a valid reason. I’m supposed to give a speech in a few minutes.” He leaned against a pillar and crossed his arms. “So tell me, Miss Haraldsdóttir …”
“Eva, please.”
“Eva.” He said her name in a deep, sensual voice that raised the hairs on the back of her neck. “The name suits you.”
She couldn’t help it, she laughed. “I’m glad you think so.”
“So talk to me, Eva—what do you look for in a man?”
Now that she actually thought about it, it took a few moments to sort out what she wanted to say. “Common interests,” she began. “I eat, sleep and breathe history. Not a lot of people do that, but if a man shows an interest, then I’m more likely to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
“How kind of you.” His chest shook with laughter. “What else?”
“A sense of humor. Also, the grace to laugh at himself when the occasion calls for it.”
He frowned. “Have you laughed at yourself, Eva?”
“A couple of times. It doesn’t happen too often, but I’m willing to admit when the joke’s on me.”
“Do you care to offer an example?”
She shrugged. “I used to be a know-it-all. Papa tried to instill patience in me, but it wasn’t working. I discovered a small pyramid hidden behind a dense wall of vines while we were in South America and insisted it was Mayan. Then I kidnapped a couple of Papa’s colleagues to help me dig it out so I could show off my find.” She giggled and put her hand over her mouth.
“What did you find?”
“Inside the pyramid was a small Mayan statue. I got all excited about my new find until Papa picked up the statue to look at it. When I asked him what Dynasty it came from, he kept a straight face and said ‘1950’.” Her giggles grew louder. “Sometimes I wish I had a picture of the look on my face. Papa said I actually looked pale. He showed me the statue—some cheap imitation with a ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ stamp on it and the year.”
Balthazar laughed out loud, his white teeth flashing in the semi-darkness.
“I’d never been so embarrassed. The team laughed at me, which hurt a lot, and I ran off. Papa found me crying in my tent and calmed me down. He said I had the makings of a great archeologist, but reminded me that teamwork was just as important. I’ll never forget that day. So anytime I started acting like a smartass, I think ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ and shut myself up fast.” She noticed Balthazar’s attention drift past her again. “Is your security team tapping their feet with impatience?”
He looked at her. “Yes, but I want to hear one more trait you find attractive in a man.”
She licked her lips, and as his gaze focused on her mouth, his eyes darkened to a deep bronze. Damn, but Mr. Andal was a handsome man. “Chemistry is important,” she said. “Most times, it doesn’t amount to much, but others…” She paused. “I remember watching a couple at a restaurant. They couldn’t stop caressing each other—their hands, arms, faces. They were in their own little world and didn’t care who saw it.” She sighed, wondering if she would ever discover a relationship like that. It felt as elusive as the artifacts she sought.
Balthazar leaned forward and stroked her shoulder with a finger. “Go on.”
She shivered, his skin electrifying her, and forced herself to look at his face. “There’s an awareness one can’t ignore, something that draws them together, no matter what’s going on around them. They only have eyes for each other, and to hell with everything else.”
His finger traced a small circle against her flesh. “Have you ever experienced such a connection, Eva?”
She shook her head; she couldn’t trust herself to speak. “I’ve only seen it, and it looks scary and exciting at the same time.”
“It is.” He moved closer. “And it’s all you ever want to think about.”
Eva caught her breath as his hand grasped her shoulder. “I must go,” he whispered. “And my guests are staring at us, which isn’t fair to you. However, perhaps we can continue our conversation when we next meet in Iceland?”
“I’d like that.”
“So would I.”
The thought of waiting to see Balthazar in Iceland left her feeling antsy, and her next thought came out of her mouth before she could stop it. “I’d like it even more if you sat with me at dinner.”
His gold eyes widened, and Eva bit hard on her tongue. Damn it, she had been a little too assertive.
“I think that can be arranged.” His smile almost knocked her off her feet. He squeezed her shoulder and then moved past her, brushing his arm and hip against her body.
***
“You’re actually thinking of staying for dinner?” Thorsson asked as he cocked a pale eyebrow in surprise.
Balthazar had finished his speech, and the thought of sitting beside Eva to discover more about her sent a wave of tingling pleasure through him. He shrugged. “Why not? I did pay for the event after all. I think I should stay a bit longer and mingle with the guests.”
Flight of Dragons Page 8