“Careful!” She moved the stack of files away from his huge boot. He’d asked her this half a dozen times in the last month. Ceri sighed. “I told you—”
“If you say ‘nothing’ I’ll…I’ll—”
“You’ll what?” She rolled her eyes.
“I won’t believe you, that’s what.” He sounded exasperated. “What happened? Ever since you got back from vacation you’ve been…different.”
It was true. She was different. It felt like she’d become addicted to another species’ blood. A species that wasn’t reachable. A species her kings would not allow her to associate with. Forget that! Brant would have a shit fit if he ever found out she’d rutted a dragon, and that was putting it mildly. “Nothing happened.” She tried to be forceful but failed.
“I know something happened and I wish you’d just tell me already so that we can fix it.”
There was no fixing it. There was working through it, and that was on her, and on her alone. She didn’t want to get Drago into any kind of trouble. “I’m fine.” She reached over and gripped the side of his bicep. “I promise. There is just so much to do around here. Being a healer is not considered fashionable.”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s just you and a few of the elders. Not many of you, I know. You should look at trying to recruit more females.”
She pushed out a breath. “Why does a healer have to be a female?”
He made a face. “You know I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I don’t know what you meant. You do realize that males would make good healers as well?”
“Absolutely.” He nodded vigorously.
Ceri narrowed her eyes at him and whacked him on the side of his arm. “I mean it. That kind of thinking is sexist.”
Drago dragged his boot off of the desk and used his arms to pretend to ward her off. “Don’t hurt me.” He grinned all the while.
Yeah, right! Like she could hurt him. An Elite. One of The Ten. He was full of shit. She laughed. He soon joined in. Drago sobered. “Look, if you say you’re fine, then I have to respect that. You need to know that I’m here if you need anything though, okay?”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Drago stood up and enveloped her in a hug. “I mean it.”
“I know.”
He squeezed her tighter before letting her go.
Chapter 6
“Take a seat,” Torrent grumbled, not looking up from his computer.
Bay did as he was commanded, watching as his king continued to type using only two fingers. It was painstakingly slow. Bay had to stop himself from fidgeting. From offering to help. He didn’t dare though. He had a bad feeling about this meeting. By the way that Torrent was frowning, he was sure his gut was right on the money as well.
Bay had to work not to flinch when the Water king finally slammed his laptop shut. The male turned narrowed eyes on him. “What is going on with you?” he growled. Thankfully, Torrent didn’t give him a chance to answer. In truth, Bay wasn’t sure what he would say if he had. “You are screwing up at every turn.” He pushed out a breath. “I know you are new at this role. I don’t think you were…prepared for it. I’ll admit that I threw you straight into deep water. You can’t be blamed for that, but these are careless errors.” He ran a hand through his hair, squeezing the back of his neck. “You sent one of the scouting teams into a ‘no go’ zone. They were almost spotted by hunters.”
“I know. I screwed up the coordinates. Sent them west instead of east.” Bay looked down at his lap for a second or two. “I don’t want to make excuses, but—”
“Then don’t!” Torrent all but yelled. “You took a male to task for not arriving for his shift when it was his day off. The list goes on. Stupid mistakes that make you look like a fool, not capable, and in turn it makes me look like a fool for appointing you to this role.”
“My apologies, sire. I will be more diligent going forward.”
“You had better, or I will be forced to make changes I’m not ready to make.” Torrent shook his head. “I do not want to reinstate Flood. Maybe at some point in the future but not right now.” It was made clear to him from the start that this was a temporary role. “Beck was just as much at fault. He disobeyed direct orders and that cannot be tolerated. I need you to step up and take charge for me. We are in dangerous and troubled times, I can’t talk about it right now but…there are plans in motion. I require a strong leader. One who I can trust.”
“I am the right male for the job.” Under normal circumstances that would have been true. Right then, not so much. He needed to pull himself together!
“I hope so. Tide is…unavailable at present, particularly if there are trips involved.”
“What kind of trips?” Bay frowned.
“I’m not ready to discuss it yet,” Torrent growled. “Get your act together.”
“Yes, sire.” Again, Bay bowed his head for a moment. “You can count on me.”
Torrent nodded once, opened his computer and went back to typing. Bay took that as a sign that he had been dismissed. “Thank you, sire.” In truth, he was sure he had been about to be demoted. He was lucky…this time. Bay stood up and left, closing the door behind him.
Tide was standing just outside. The male winced as they locked eyes. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Are you okay? Is there something I can help you with?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m still trying to get the hang of things, that’s all.”
Tide held his gaze for a while. “You seemed to be doing just fine. You were new to the role but managing, and then you went on the Stag Run. Things seemed to fall apart after that. Did something happen?”
“No!” Bay blurted a little too quickly. “Nothing happened.” He folded his arms. “I mean, what could possibly have happened? Nothing that’s what.” He forced himself to shut the hell up.
Tide shook his head. “I don’t know what could have happened. All I know is, you’re acting like something did. Was it a female? I want to help you.”
Bay shook his head. He didn’t want anyone else to know what had gone down. Beck knew he had rutted someone, but that was it. No-one knew how much he was obsessing over this female. How he couldn’t sleep. How if he did he would wake up in cold sweats. On the verge of coming and ‒ at the same time ‒ waking to the realization that finding completion would not be possible. It was frustrating as hell. How had it been possible?
How?
Could it happen again?
He also thought about her, not just the sex. Her eyes. Her smile. What was her name? It was the one thing about her that drove him to complete distraction. He had to know her name. So simple and yet—
“Look,” Tide said, bringing him back from his reverie. The male looked up and down the hall. Bay did the same, noting they were alone. “It looks like you’ll be going on a mission soon. Torrent is trying to pull me in on it, but I can’t go. I have a private matter I need to attend to. He’s expressed concern over taking you. He can’t take Beck because it would mean undermining you, his defense leader.”
Bay frowned. “If he did that the males would lose respect for me.”
“Exactly! He’d have to demote you.”
“Does that mean Flood’s coming back?”
Tide shook his head. “No, he’ll appoint someone new. Possibly put Beck in your position.” The male shook his head. “He doesn’t want to. It’ll make him look bad. Like appointing you was a poor decision.” Tide echoed what Torrent had said, which made him believe they’d discussed it. Of course they had. Tide was Torrent’s second in command.
“I can do this,” Bay said, more to himself than to Tide.
“I know you can.” The male raised his brows. “It’s not the easiest task, keeping two hundred headstrong males in line. Making them, not only do as you say, when you say it, but getting the most out of them at the same time. Getting them to go the extra mile for you…for our kingdom. I know you can do it though and you were managing adequately before. You were making
good headway. That all stopped. I’d even say you’ve gone backwards. Pull it together.” Tide gripped the side of his arm and squeezed. “I’m here if you need to talk…any time.”
Bay nodded. “I appreciate it.”
“This mission is a big deal. I’m sure Blaze will be involved.”
Bay nodded. “I’ve got this!” He needed to sort his mind out. To stay focused. Sleep would be good, but he’d cope. Maybe it was time to go to a healer for help. They could mix him an herbal tea or something. “I do!” he added, trying to convince himself.
Chapter 7
Ten days later…
Ceri looked across the table at the little boy. “Not hungry?” she asked, brows raised.
Sam shook his head. “I don’t like broccoli,” he announced, looking completely put out. Like his five-year-old world had just come to an end.
“You don’t?”
He shook his head. “It tastes like poo.”
Ceri had to laugh. How could she not? “What do you like to eat then?”
“Human blood.” His eyes lit up.
She laughed even harder. “You do, do you?”
He nodded. “We sometimes get visiting humans. I bite them every chance I get.”
Ceri felt her mouth drop open. “You don’t!”
Sam nodded profusely. “Yes, I do.”
“I’m sure your dads don’t allow it.” She looked at him skeptically, leaning her knife and fork on the sides of the plate.
Sam made a face. “No,” he huffed. “I’m not allowed. I get into big trouble…” Then his eyes brightened. “But I do it anyway.”
“You little rascal.” She leaned forward and gave his cheek a light pinch.
Sam giggled. “Why do you do that? Every time I see you, you pinch my cheeks, Ceri.”
“You have the cutest cheeks.” She pinched them again. “So chubby and cute, just like the rest of you.”
“Mummy is chubby.” Sam shoved a big piece of chicken into his mouth and began to chew.
“She’s not chubby, she’s pregnant and there’s a huge difference. Soon, you’re going to have a brother. How exciting is that?”
He shrugged. “He won’t be able to play with me.”
“Not just yet, but soon enough.”
Sam nodded. “I guess.” He shoved another forkful of chicken into his mouth. “He’s going to cry and poop a lot,” he said, around his food.
Ceri laughed. “Definitely, but—”
There was a knock at her door. Two sharp raps and then the door opened before she could say anything. She knew exactly who was there. “Hi Brant,” Ceri said, as he walked in.
Brant smiled. As always, her cousin was dressed to the nines. A three-piece suit, which fit him like a glove. A crisp, white shirt. A perfectly knotted tie. His shoes were shiny. His hair looked like it had been cut and styled that morning. “Ceri.” He nodded in greeting, his expression morphed into one of utter joy as soon as he laid eyes on his son. “Hi, buddy.”
“Daddy!” Sam yelled, his mouth still full. The little boy jumped off his chair and raced over to Brant, launching himself into his father’s arms.
“Did you enjoy your playdate at Ceri’s house?”
Sam nodded. “We played cars and trains,” he announced.
“That sounds like fun!” Brant was smiling. The only other time Ceri saw the male this happy and carefree was when he was with his mate. Unless of course he and Zane were fighting, which happened from time to time. Being in a three-way mating sounded complicated if you asked her. Especially when the two males were both dominant. Both kings and used to being in charge. Certainly not for the faint of heart.
“It was fun!” Sam yelled.
“Are you ready to head home, bud?” Brant asked, putting Sammy down.
“Let him finish his lunch first. He still has a ton of broccoli to eat.” She winked at Sam, whose face fell. The little guy started shaking his head, about to protest. “I’m only teasing,” she quickly added with a laugh. “You don’t have to eat the broccoli.”
“You’re evil.” Brant cracked a smile. “Giving a child broccoli.” He widened his eyes.
“I made the kind of lunch I would normally make for myself. I didn’t give it much thought.”
“Clearly.” Brant raised his brows. “And talking about lunches, you need something a little more substantial than chicken, a spoonful of rice and broccoli. I can scent you haven’t drank from anyone in a couple of days. You could definitely do with some liquid sustenance as well, or there is no point even eating solids.”
“Chicken is healthy,” she countered. “I’m seeing Drago later today,” she continued. Shit! Now Brant was commenting on her weight loss as well. Had it got so bad that those around her were starting to pick up on it?
“You look like you could use some meat on your bones.” He gave her the once over and she had her answer. “You’re working too hard. Have no more trainees come forward?”
The chair scraped as Sam sat back down to his lunch.
She shook her head and locked eyes with her cousin and king of the vampires. “No-one wants to be a healer anymore. There are far more fascinating lines of work now that females are able to apply for any position they want. I’m still hoping to find a male willing to take on the role.”
“You’re still on about that?” Brant asked, one side of his mouth quirked up.
“I want to see males in traditionally female roles. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“There is still a stigma attached. Males are afraid of being seen as pussies.” He gave a one-shouldered shrug.
“Shhhhh.” She put a finger in front of her mouth. “Language.” She looked in Sam’s direction.
“Please,” Brant scoffed. “Have you heard how much Zane swears? Sammy knows he’s not allowed to say those words until he’s much older.”
Ceri rolled her eyes. “You are a ruthless leader and yet your son has you wrapped around his finger.”
“Shhh!!!” Brant’s eyes widened. “Don’t let him hear you say that.”
“What?” She was smiling broadly. “Just in case he doesn’t already know? I assure you he knows, no doubt about it.”
Brant sighed. “You’re right.”
“How is Tanya doing? Did she have a good rest?”
Brant nodded. “Thank you for taking Sam for the afternoon, especially since this is your only day off. My mate really needed the break.”
“Are you sure she’s only eleven months along in this pregnancy? Between you and me, she looks like she should have had this baby already. I’m not sure how she’s going to last one more month.”
Brant widened his eyes. “Yeah, don’t let her hear you say that. We had only just started trying for another child and she became pregnant. I have potent seed. So,” he shook his head, “she’s not further along.”
“That’s going to be one big boy then.”
“He’ll take after his father.” Brant puffed out his chest.
“Or Zane ‒ he could be the biological father this time around,” she blurted, immediately kicking herself for opening her trap.
Brant’s features tightened and his eyes darkened. “It doesn’t matter who the biological father is.”
“Of course not!” Shit! She’d ventured into touchy territory. There was no way to tell who the father was ‒ biological father ‒ they were both undoubtedly doting fathers to Sam. Even though Brant was the biological father, seeing as he was the spitting image of the male. Only once this child was born would they know for sure and even then, it might be impossible to tell just by looking at the baby.
“We’re hosting a meeting between the species next week,” Brant added out of nowhere.
“Oh.” She tried to sound nonchalant, but her heart sped up just a touch. Why was he telling her this?
“Zane and I will be kept very busy during the three-day talks. I know you’re busy too, but I’d appreciate it if you could keep an eye on Tanya. She won’t ask for help, even if she desp
erately needs it.”
“Sure, no problem. I would be happy to help out. I love Sammy.”
“It’s just that ‒ as you know ‒ we’re very picky about who looks after him. He is heir to the throne.”
“Don’t worry about it. I understand. I’ll keep my eye on Tanya and help out with Sam.”
Brant pushed out a breath. “Thank you.” He nodded once.
“So, are all the species going to be there?” She had to know.
“Yes.” Brant nodded. He stood up and looked over at Sam who was playing with his toy car rather than finishing his lunch.
“Even the elves?” She couldn’t jump straight to the dragons or it might look suspicious.
“Yes, Keto will be attending. A couple of the alphas as well. We’re allowing four delegates per species.”
She smiled and nodded. “I’m sure the dragons won’t be there.” She laughed like it was a ludicrous idea.
“Actually, they are the ones who called for the meeting in the first place.”
“Oh! Why is that?”
“It seems they are being harassed by dragon hunters. The dragons believe the rest of the species will also be targeted. That it’s only a matter of time. Since we are still being harassed by factions that wish us harm, Zane and I thought it pertinent. Also, if we can help the dragons, maybe they will come to our aid in the future. You never know what might happen. We plan on keeping our enemies close.”
“The dragons aren’t our enemies though,” she retorted.
“They’re certainly not our friends.” Brant’s jaw tightened. “Let’s see where they stand. We’ll know soon enough.”
“Surely you plan on using this to become allies…possibly even getting onto friendly terms with them?”
Brant choked out a laugh. “I highly doubt it, but you never know.”
At least they were open to the possibility. Dragons were coming. Here. Four of them. There was just no way one of them could be Bay. No way! Her mouth watered just thinking about the male. Maybe she would crave dragon blood no matter who the male was. It was a sobering thought. She needed to stay far away. One thing was for sure, she didn’t trust herself. Just thinking about dragon blood made her fangs descend. It wasn’t getting any better. If anything, her need for their blood was getting worse. Her hunger growing by the day.
The Water Dragons Box Set: Books 1 - 4 (Complete) Page 43
