by Donna Grant
CHAPTER TEN
Rhys halted when he caught a glimpse of black hair. He knew without having to see her face that it was Lily. It never occurred to him that Lily shouldn’t be on the other side of the hedge. All that mattered was that he be near her.
Her head turned toward him, the wind pushing her hair out of her face. That’s when he saw the bruise on her left cheek. When had that happened? There was nothing on her cheek when he left her last night. He took a step to go after her when he was hauled back.
Rhys jerked his head around and glared into Warrick’s cobalt eyes. “Let go,” he demanded.
Warrick lifted a blond brow. “She’s leaving with Denae, or did you forget that?”
“I didna.” Actually, he’d forgotten everything, including the fact he couldn’t shift again, once he saw Lily. “Did you see her face?”
Warrick sighed and dropped his hand. “Were you no’ listening at all when Jane told us Lily’s explanation just a few minutes ago?”
In truth, Rhys hadn’t paid a bit of attention to anything anyone said. His thoughts alternated between wanting to find Ulrik and confront him or kill him—or both—and Lily.
The things he wanted to do to her body made him ache, made him burn with need. And that burn was quickly turning into a blaze. He craved her touch, pined for her smile.
Hungered for her kiss.
“That’s a no then,” Warrick said with a twist of his lips. “Why even bother coming to the meetings if you are no’ going to pay attention?”
“Because Con drags me to them.” Rhys turned his gaze back to Lily, watching her long skirt drag the ground as she follow Denae to the garage that held most of their cars. “How did she get the bruise?”
“She told them she tripped on her skirt and fell, hitting her face on the sidewalk outside her flat.”
Rhys wasn’t so sure he believed the explanation. He hadn’t been staring at her cheek when he was with her last night, but he was sure he would’ve noticed if she were hurt. Besides, if what Cassie told him was true, then it was a man who had done that to her. Was it the same one Rhys saw leaving her flat? Was that what was wrong with her?
Anger ripped through Rhys. He’d been so intent on his desire he hadn’t put two and two together. “That is a substantial bruise.”
“Some humans bruise easily.”
Rhys grunted as Denae drove off in the white Mercedes G-class SUV. “Surely those two are no’ driving to Edinburgh.” If so, he was going to follow.
Kellan walked up on Rhys’s other side. “They’re taking a helicopter I rented for my woman.”
“Helicopter?” Warrick gave a long whistle. “I’m surprised you are no’ trying to talk Con into buying one.”
Kellan shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest. “No need. I bought one myself. It’ll be here in a few weeks. Until then, I’d rather keep Denae off the roads if I can.”
Rhys knew it was because Ulrik’s men had sabotaged Iona’s father’s vehicle, killing him. “Our enemies could get to a chopper as well,” Rhys pointed out.
“No’ when they doona know which service she’s taking,” Kellan replied with a grin.
Warrick grunted. “You do know that since Denae is mated to you that she’s immortal.”
“That’s no’ the point,” Kellan stated in a flat voice. “I doona like to even think of her being injured.”
Rhys knew exactly how Kellan felt. But what nagged at him was the thought of not seeing Lily. “How long does Denae plan to be gone?”
Kellan dropped his arms and turned on his heel. “I’ve no idea.”
Rhys watched him walk to the garage and get into a Range Rover before driving off. “He’s following them.”
“As would I if my mate left on such a trip after all that’s been going on, immortal or not.”
Rhys fisted his hands. At least Kellan could protect Denae properly. He was all but useless. Thanks to Ulrik.
Except for his magic. He still had his dragon magic, and that in itself was lethal.
He turned his head to Warrick. “Fancy a drive?”
“No’ especially. You doona want to follow them as well, do you?” Warrick asked with a roll of his eyes.
“I’m headed to Perth.”
Warrick’s face compressed in concern. “Shite. Con will have your head.”
“Let him take it,” Rhys said as he started toward the garage. “I’d welcome it right now.”
That wasn’t completely true. He wasn’t ready to let go of Lily. And that was the kicker. Rhys feared he would never be ready to let go.
“Is she your mate?” Warrick asked as they reached the garage.
Rhys was surprised Warrick followed. Warrick preferred to be on his own. Then again, each one of them wanted Ulrik to end his war. Rhys grabbed his keys off the hook. He didn’t utter a word until he was behind the wheel of his red Jaguar F-type. He left the top up and started the engine.
“Maybe,” he finally answered. Was being in love the same as knowing she was his mate? Rhys had a feeling it was.
Warrick got into the car and buckled his seat belt. He gave a shake of his head. “You’re certainly acting like she is. Why no’ just take her?”
Rhys jerked his head to Warrick. “You mean like I’ve done countless other women? Lily isna like them. She’s a forever kind.” He paused and took a deep breath, letting himself calm. “And I’m no’ acting like she’s my mate.”
“Aye, my friend, you are. Make her yours.”
“I’d disappoint her, and that would kill me more surely than what Ulrik has done to me.”
Rhys put the car in reverse and backed out of the garage. Once cleared, he shifted into first and drove away from Dreagan.
“Several Kings have already been to see Ulrik,” Warrick said after a long stretch of miles in silence.
Rhys gripped the wheel with both hands. “Perhaps. Then again, none of them had been hit with dragon and Dark Fae magic combined.”
“He’ll never admit to doing it.”
“I think he will. I think he’s waiting for me to confront him.”
Warrick frowned. “Why do you say that?”
“Ulrik tried to recruit Tristan. It wasna long after that when I was struck with that evil mix of magic. The only one stupid enough to mix dragon magic with a Dark Fae is Ulrik. He targeted me for a purpose. He knows I’ll go to him and demand to know his reasoning.”
“I’m no’ sure it’s a good idea. I’m no’ saying I wouldna be thinking the same, but why get that close to Ulrik? He’s proven he can no’ be trusted.”
Rhys threw him a dark look. “Con can no’ be trusted either, and yet we all put our faith in him.” Rhys could feel Warrick’s gaze on him, studying and watching. “Spit it out, Warrick.”
“Are you going to side with Ulrik?”
Now that was a question that hadn’t entered his mind until Warrick posed it. It would get Rhys inside Ulrik’s group and could end up helping the Kings. Then again, Ulrik wasn’t that stupid.
“Never.”
Warrick rested his elbow on the door and rubbed his hand over the stubble on his chin. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Rhys glanced at him the same instant Con’s voice sounded in his head, a connection every Dragon King had.
“Rhys?”
Rhys ignored the King of Kings’ call, realizing Warrick had heard him as well. Pressing his foot to the accelerator, Rhys drove faster toward Perth.
“You’re no’ going to answer Con?” Warrick asked.
Rhys shrugged. “Why? All he’ll do is tell us to return.”
“Rhys!” Con’s voice reverberated in his head.
Blowing out a breath, Rhys opened the link and answered, “You’re no’ going to get me to turn around. I have to see the bastard.”
“Fine.”
Rhys blinked, unsure if he’d heard Con correctly. Since when did Con want them communicating with Ulrik? “What’s the trick?”
“We th
ink he knows where Henry is.”
“That son of a bitch,” Rhys said and swerved to pull the car off the road.
Warrick shifted in his seat. “I was hoping we’d have heard from Henry by now.”
Con’s sigh was audible. “A human in the company of traitorous MI5 agents, Dark Fae, and Ulrik? How was he ever going to come out of it alive?”
Warrick shook his head. “He was trying to help.”
“He’s a fucking human!” Rhys said. “He should’ve stayed out of it!”
Warrick’s cobalt eyes grew icy with rage as he stared at Rhys. “He’s a friend to us. How many others are willing to help?”
Rhys knew Warrick was right, but that didn’t mean he had to like Henry putting his life on the line for them.
“It’s because of Lily,” Warrick said so the conversation was between the two of them.
Rhys looked out the windshield and felt the familiar pang in his chest whenever he thought of Lily. He’d never been more conscious of the fragility of a human’s life than with Lily. It was no wonder the Kings who were mated wanted to have the ceremony done quickly.
Until the human was officially mated, she could die. Once she was bound to a King, she would never age, nor would she die unless her King was killed.
Con said, “Go to Ulrik, Rhys. See what you can find out about Henry. Do whatever it takes to get the information out of him.”
“I doona plan to leave Perth until I have my answers.”
“Good,” Con said and disconnected their link.
Warrick chuckled as Rhys pulled back onto the road. “I guess we’ll be staying in Perth for a while. You know as well as I that Ulrik isna going to give up that information easily.”
“I hope he doesna,” Rhys said coldly. He was itching for a fight, and who better to take his rage out on than the one responsible for his predicament?
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Rhys shook his head. “I doona want Ulrik to know you’re with me.”
“Have you lost your mind?” Warrick asked angrily.
Rhys grinned. “Perhaps.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Henry wasn’t sure if Rhi was a figment of his imagination or real. Since he was in Ulrik’s home, he didn’t trust anything he saw.
Rhi stopped next to the stuffed chair to his right and leaned an arm along the tall back. “Wow. And here I thought I’d get at least a smile from you, handsome.”
“You aren’t real.”
She looked down at herself, then back up at him. “Pretty sure I am.”
Henry lowered his gaze from her ethereal face to the white shirt that plunged low enough for him to see the swell of her breasts. He swallowed hard, his blood pounding. The shirt hugged her frame down to her small waist and the black jeans that fit her like a glove.
“If you’re going to look me over, don’t forget my new shoes,” she said as she lifted her foot so he could see them.
He glanced at the tall heels with silver spikes. “Nice boots.”
“Booties,” she corrected. “They’re Louboutins. The red sole is their trademark. Keep up, sexy.”
Henry nodded in response. He couldn’t care less about the damn shoes. “Why are you here? If it really is you.”
“Trust me, stud. It’s me,” she said as she pushed away from the chair and gently sat beside him. Her face scrunched as she looked him over. “You look like hell. What did they do to you?”
“I don’t recall much once the beating commenced.”
“You’re lucky to be alive,” she said in a serious voice.
Henry shrugged then immediately regretted it. He gritted his teeth until the worst of the pain passed. “It was worth it if I can get the information I have to Banan.”
Rhi set her hand atop his. Henry’s skin warmed where their flesh met. In all his dreams, he would never have expected her to touch him. She was so far out of his league that he was content to just look at her. Oh, but to feel her. His pain was forgotten as desire flared thick and heavy.
“You’re very brave,” she said in a gentle voice.
Henry became lost in her silver eyes. He was floating, drifting. Soaring. “I did what I had to.”
“No. You did what you could for your friends. You put your life in jeopardy for them.”
“They deserve no less.”
Rhi’s smile held a hint of sadness. “You deserve life.”
“I won’t side with Ulrik,” Henry said tightly. “It goes against everything I am.”
“Of course you won’t side with Ulrik.”
Henry looked down at her hand atop his. “I’m prepared to die.”
He wasn’t just saying that because it was Rhi. Henry meant every word. Although having the Light Fae beside him bolstered his courage as nothing else could.
“I see that you are. A pity,” she whispered and kissed his cheek.
Then she was gone, vanished as if she had never been.
It happened so quickly Henry could only blink in response. Then the door opened and Ulrik entered. His gaze landed on Henry before he walked to the chair he had occupied earlier. “It’s morning. Time for a decision.”
Henry couldn’t believe the time had already come. Not that it mattered. His decision was made the moment Ulrik gave him the ultimatum.
“That’s good,” Henry said. “I’m tired of being in this room.”
“Want out, do you?” Ulrik said with a smirk.
“I sure do.”
“The promise you give can be put into your own words. I’ll use my magic to bind your promise.”
Henry chuckled, amazed to find his ribs didn’t hurt as much as they had a few minutes ago. “You’re a piece of work.”
Ulrik’s smile vanished, his gold eyes narrowing on Henry. “Is that some kind of joke?”
“Joke? Not at all. I’ll give you my promise. I vow that I’ll never join you in any endeavor. I pledge that I’ll fight against you from now until the end of my days.”
“Which is imminent,” Ulrik interrupted in a tight voice.
Undeterred, Henry continued. “I promise that I’ll do whatever it takes to bring you down.”
Ulrik stood so fast the chair toppled over. His arm reared back, his palm out. Henry watched it all in slow motion. He lifted his chin and prepared to die.
* * *
“Isn’t this great?” Denae beamed from the passenger seat of the helicopter.
Lily nodded, though it wasn’t her first time in a chopper. She’d always loved air travel of any kind, but the helicopter was her favorite. So much so, she had her pilot’s license. How she missed flying.
She loved seeing the world from the vantage point of the clouds. There was something that altered a person when they looked down upon the ground from such a lofty height and realized how small things really were.
Lily basked in the pleasure as they soared. For a short time, she was able to forget about Dennis, forget about Kyle being threatened, and forget about betraying her friends. The one thing she couldn’t forget was Rhys.
No matter where she was or what she was doing, he was a constant in her thoughts. His gentle but firm touch, his soft but insistent kisses. Her stomach fluttered remembering how tightly he held her as they kissed. She wondered if Rhys would enjoy flying, or was he afraid of it as so many were? Would he feel the freedom of it as she did? Would he love the exhilaration of going fast?
Time after time, she found herself wishing he were beside her so she could point out something below them, or laugh at how sedately they were flying. It was ridiculous really. She didn’t even know Rhys, and yet, he was part of her world. A part of her.
How sad was she? Thank God no one else knew, lest they pity her. It was bad enough she ran from an abusive relationship, but to set her sights on someone that could never be hers? He made her want to find her lost courage, to break the invisible shackles that linked her to Dennis.
The chopper dipped, signaling that their ride was coming to an end. Lily looked d
own at her clothes. They weren’t her. Just as her life with Dennis wasn’t her. It was time to do more than just buy a few new items. It was time to erase Dennis from her life entirely. And she was starting today.
When the helicopter landed, Denae opened the door and stepped out. Lily followed, holding her hair in one hand so it didn’t fly everywhere. Denae was all smiles as she waited for Lily. Together they walked to a black Mercedes where two men waited beside it for them.
“I hope all of this doesn’t make you uncomfortable,” Denae said after they were in the car.
Lily looked at her. “This?”
“The helicopter and the car waiting for us. I know I was unaccustomed to such wealth when Kellan and I got together. It’s amazing how quickly I adapted,” she said with a laugh.
For a second, Lily thought about telling Denae who she really was, but then she decided it didn’t matter. “This doesn’t bother me at all. It’s nice that all of this is available to you.”
“Kellan is a bit overprotective, not that I mind.”
Lily looked away when she saw the love shining in Denae’s whisky-colored eyes. “You’re very lucky, you know.”
“You’ll find love yourself. I truly believe that.”
“Of course.” What else could she say?
When they arrived at the first store, Lily was anxious to shop. It felt like eons since she’d bought anything she liked. They walked through the doors of the store, and Lily paused and took a deep breath. She wanted to feel good in clothes again, wanted them to fit her, but more than that she wanted to stop Rhys in his tracks so he looked her up and down.
“I know that look,” Denae said. “I’ve seen it on Shara’s face often enough. That’s a look of a woman who’s ready to shop.”
Lily returned her smile. “Oh, yes.”
“Where shall we begin?”
Lily pointed to the shoes. “You wanted shoes.”
Denae was shaking her head before she finished. “No way. Let’s look at clothes. Shoes and jewelry are last.”
Lily almost couldn’t remember the last time she felt so carefree as she walked through rack after rack of clothes. Before she had time to find anything, a store employee was beside her. It took just a few items that Lily pointed out before the employee put her in a dressing room and began to bring outfit after outfit to her.
