Blaze

by Donna Grant

  I’m not sure why I decided to try my new honest approach with this fella, but I did. I’d hoped he’d take it like a champ. So I admit, my hopes were high.

  They fell quite rapidly when he kept smiling and moved closer as if he hadn’t heard me. He asked for my number. Again, I declined. To my shock, he tried to give me his in case I “changed my mind.”

  What I wanted to tell him was that, “Dude. That’s so not going to happen.”

  My mother would be ecstatic to know she raised me right because I kept those harsh words to myself. Another polite refusal still didn’t work.

  This guy wasn’t going to let me leave until I agreed to something. And I wasn’t going to give in. I can be quite obstinate, as my friends will tell you. I’d made up my mind, and I wasn’t going to change it simply because he was tenacious or adamant.

  So I dug in and gave him a firm—and final—“no, thanks.”

  At this rate, my friends, I’m about to give up dating for good. Between the Ugh dates, the OMFG dates, and the can’t-take-no-for-an-answer guys, I’m beginning to think there is something wrong with me.

  Perhaps I have a huge sign I can’t see hanging above me that draws the wrong guys my way. If you see the sign, please let me know. I’d like to take it down.

  No. I’d like to rip it down. Set it on fire. Blast it to smithereens.

  With that, I’m signing off for the day. I’m going home to a carton of coffee-flavored ice cream and a bottle of wine to binge watch Game of Thrones.

  It’s really too bad Jon Snow isn’t available.

  Hmm. I wonder how he’d be as a date …

  *   *   *

  Rhi was smiling when she finished reading. She looked up at the others, who were watching her expectantly. “I want to find out who this is. Mainly because while she’s witty and puts it all out there like it is, I see something else.”

  “What?” Kinsey asked.

  Sammi raised her glass of wine and said, “Despair.”

  “No,” Rhi said scrolling down as there were over eight hundred replies to the post, most begging the blogger to keep dating so readers could continue to get her advice and candor. “I see hope.”

  “Hope?” Jane said with a raise of a brow.

  Rhi nodded. “She’s a cynic for sure, but then again, who wouldn’t be in her situation?”

  And she should know. She was in a similar situation, or rather had been for what felt like an eternity.

  “I think she’s American,” Rachel said.

  Sophie shook her head of golden hair. “British, for sure.”

  As the women joked and laughed, Rhi continued reading the blog. The more posts she read, the more curious she was about the woman. No names—ever—were mentioned. Not even initials.

  Whoever this blogger was, she had a massive following if the comments on each of her posts were any indication. All because she’d decided to put each of her horrible dating experiences out in the world.

  As soon as the whole Druid thing was taken care of, Rhi was going to see what she could dig up about this woman.

  CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

  There were few things better than your mission coming to a satisfying end. And seeing Stanley Upton pacing the cavern deep below Dreagan Manor went a long way to helping Anson get some revenge for what the bastard had done to Devon.

  “You can’t hold me here,” Upton said, his blue eyes wide as he looked at each of them.

  Anson stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Beside him was Devon, and on the other side of her was Con. The rest of the Dragon Kings wanted their shot at him, most especially Ryder, and they would all get it.

  “I can do whatever I want,” Con said.

  Stanley laughed, the sound filled with fear. “I have rights.”

  “You lost those rights when you decided to interfere with magical beings,” Devon stated.

  Upton stopped and looked at her. “We had plans for you.”

  “What plans?” Anson asked.

  Stanley’s gaze shifted to him. He smiled in delight and shook his head. “You’ll never find out.”

  Anson dropped his arms and moved into the small cavern. He advanced on Upton, backing him against a wall. He leaned down until his face was inches from the mortal’s. “Tell me everything. Now.”

  “I’d do it,” Devon told Stanley.

  Upton glanced at her and Con before his gaze returned to Anson. “Will you let me go?”

  “Maybe,” Con replied.

  Stanley nodded nervously. “He came to us.”

  “Who?” Anson demanded.

  “He gave us many names, all aliases. I don’t know his real name.”

  Anson straightened and nodded. “How did he know to come to you?”

  “I was doing some digging into employees. The next thing I knew, he was in my office and told me I should be interested in Kinsey Burns and who she was dating.”

  Devon gave a snort. “And you believed him?”

  “I wanted to see for myself,” Upton hurried to say. “Everything he told me about Ryder was true. Once I believed the small things, he then told me about the Dragon Kings.”

  Anson took a deep breath. “So you had Kinsey watched.”

  “Yes.”

  “Why Devon?”

  Stanley looked over Anson’s shoulder to Devon. “You don’t know?”

  “If I knew, would I be asking?”

  At this, Upton began to laugh.

  Anson pressed his forearm against the mortal’s neck and leaned into it. “I’d advise a lot less maniacal laughter and more talking.”

  As soon as Stanley nodded, Anson released him. Upton rubbed his neck and swallowed. Then he said, “Devon’s ancestors come from the Isle of Skye.”

  “We know that,” Devon said.

  “But do you know that your ancestors were some of the most feared Druid warriors? Your ancestors traveled with a brother and sister, meeting out justice to other Druids.”

  Anson was glad they had some answers with regards to Devon, but it opened up a wealth of other uncertainties. “Who were this brother and sister?”

  “I’ve told you all I know,” Stanley said.

  Con asked, “Then why did you want Devon?”

  “We thought to bring her into the fold and have her on our side. He told us her magic might manifest itself.”

  Devon frowned. “Might?”

  Upton shrugged. “It was a chance I was willing to take to have another Druid on our side.”

  “Speaking of Druids,” Anson said. “I need the name of the one helping you.”

  Stanley began to shake his head. “I can’t give you what I don’t know.”

  “That’s a load of shit,” Devon said and gave a shake of her head. “Everyone that came and went at Kyvor was logged.”

  “No’ when there’s magic involved,” Con said.

  Upton gave a quick nod. “She always arrived whenever he summoned her. She’d just appear.”

  “So she can teleport,” Anson said. He and Con exchanged a look.

  Devon cocked her head at Upton. “Where is the Druid?”

  “I don’t know,” he replied.

  Anson narrowed his gaze. “Where is Harriet?”

  “You have to believe me. I’ve no idea,” Stanley said.

  Con put his hands in his pants pockets. “I’m sure you do.”

  “I’ve told you what you wanted. Can I go?” Stanley asked.

  Anson turned and walked through the invisible barrier that kept the human within the cavern. “We’re no’ nearly done with you yet.”

  “Wait!” Upton shouted.

  Anson took Devon’s hand, and together with Con, they walked away.

  It wasn’t until they were in the manor that Con stopped and looked at them. “We need information on Devon’s family.”

  “Yes, please,” Devon said. “I want to know more than you do.”

  Anson smiled as the constriction around his chest loosened. Ryder and Kinsey were in the
process of dismantling Kyvor and erasing anything on Dreagan and the Dragon Kings. The threat Kyvor had held was gone, but now the focus had turned to the Druid.

  And how Devon fit into all of it. But at least she was safe now. She was with him.

  “It’s over,” she said in his head.

  “One part is.”

  Con flattened his lips as he cut them a look. “Getting used to you two communicating telepathically is going to take some doing.”

  Anson grinned as he pulled Devon against him. “I think I left something in my room.”

  “Yeah,” she hurried to say as she put her hand on his butt and squeezed. “That … thing. It’s there.”

  “Just go already,” Con said with a shake of his head.

  Anson winked at Con as he lifted Devon in his arms and ran up the stairs.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  Four days later …

  Finally! Con had discovered who the spy at Dreagan was. Before he could enjoy the satisfaction, he heard approaching footsteps. He wanted Kellan and Asher to confirm it. Then they could take action. The sooner, the better.

  But it couldn’t be today. Today was a celebration.

  “Con,” Asher said as he walked into the office, followed by Kellan. “We have a name for you.”

  He grabbed one of the gold dragon head cufflinks and put it on before reaching for the other. “I’m all ears.”

  “You’re no’ going to believe who the spy is.” Kellan then tossed down a file.

  Con flipped it open and stared at the picture, the same woman he’d discovered just seconds before. “She’s worked for us for over twenty years.”

  “That family has worked with us for over five generations,” Asher stated angrily. “How could she do this?”

  Tugging his shirtsleeves down and adjusting the cufflinks, Con looked at his men. “We’ll find out tomorrow.”

  “Ryder is watching her every move on the estate,” Kellan said.

  Con nodded in approval. Then he looked at Asher. “You should be with the other Kings.”

  “I’m on my way,” Asher replied with a wide smile before hurrying out.

  Con watched Kellan follow Asher with a heavy heart. Con’s time was running short. Any day, Ulrik would issue the challenge. What would happen after was anyone’s guess.

  He’d always known Ulrik had the ability to best him. Now that his old friend had anger and vengeance goading him, the odds were in Ulrik’s favor.

  But Con wouldn’t go down without a fight. He hadn’t given up everything to lead his men only to be defeated now. He hadn’t fought in wars, sent the dragons away, and forged a new life for the Kings for nothing.

  He was prepared to kill the man he’d once considered a brother. Perhaps it would’ve been easier for him to end Ulrik’s life instead of banishing him all those ages ago, but he hadn’t been able to.

  It had been the desolation and torment in Ulrik’s eyes that had stayed his hand. He’d known it was a mistake. He’d seen the way Ulrik’s heart had begun to grow chilly to anyone and anything.

  And he’d foreseen his friend’s quest for revenge.

  Con gave himself a mental shake. Those worries were for later. Now, he had to get ready for the mating ceremonies. Five Kings were taking humans as their mates, and the manor was buzzing with excitement.

  He stood and put on a black suit jacket and adjusted his kilt. After a quick tug of the gold pocket square in his breast pocket, he opened the middle drawer of his desk and took out the five velvet boxes.

  The family was expanding again. It pleased him that the Kings had found love and happiness. After so much heartache and sorrow, they deserved this moment.

  Though he would admit it to no one, he liked having the women around. They had become like sisters to him. It reminded him of the family he’d once had. Despite what might come in the future, the mates were family. And he always protected family.

  Palming one box, he tucked the others in his sporran before walking out of the office. He turned right and headed down to the opposite side of the hall where he rapped his knuckles upon the door.

  Sophie opened it, smiling when she saw him. “Come in.”

  “Thank you.” He looked over the dark purple, strapless gown that hugged her upper body before falling into a full skirt. The top had black beading in a large, elegant, floral pattern that didn’t detract from the overall design of the dress. Sophie’s golden hair was left to hang sophisticatedly midway down her back.

  He saw the picture of her with her best friend, Claire, sitting on a table. “I’m sorry Claire couldna be involved.”

  “I’d rather keep her in the dark about everything. It’s safer that way. We’ll have a party that includes her later.” Sophie walked to the dressing mirror and checked her hair. “Is it time?”

  “Nearly.”

  She rubbed her hands together as she straightened. “I’m ready.”

  “No’ completely.” He held out the small box to her.

  Sophie accepted the gift and opened the lid. Her lips parted in an O as she gazed at the cushion cut dangle earrings. Weighing in at over five carats each, the Siberian amethysts were a rare find.

  “The color is so dark,” she whispered. “They match Darius perfectly. Thank you, Con.”

  He bowed his head in reply and watched as she put them on. “I’m pleased Darius has found such a woman to love.”

  She looked at him in the mirror, her lips turning up in a smile. “He’s a special dragon. I’m going to love him with everything I am.”

  “I know,” he replied.

  Con left her and walked down the hall to another room. This time when he knocked, he heard a voice call for him to enter. He opened the door and poked his head in to find Lily helping to finish buttoning the dozens of buttons at the back of the gown.

  “Con,” Faith said with a welcoming grin as she stood in front of the mirror. “What do you think?”

  He looked over the white, long-sleeved mermaid gown with an appreciative eye. The top of the gown was nude and lace, but instead of being revealing, it was classy and beautiful. The lace continued down the skirt as it flared and ended in a train.

  “You look stunning,” he said.

  Faith beamed and turned her head from side to side, looking at her shoulder-length blonde hair that was in tousled waves with the sides gathered at the back of her head and held together with a glittering clip. “I feel like a princess.”

  “You are one,” Lily said with a grin. She then stood back and looked at Faith. “You’re ready. I’ll wait outside.”

  When Lily was gone, Faith turned to face him. “Is this the time where you tell me how important it is that I love Dmitri? Because I do.”

  “Nay, lass. This is where I welcome you into our family.” He handed her the box.

  “Lily showed me the ring you gave her, but I wasn’t expecting anything.”

  That made him grin. “It’s tradition. If it isna to your liking, I can have something else made.”

  “I’m going to love it,” she declared. Then she opened the box.

  He watched her eyes widen before she pulled out the bracelet. Then she slipped her hand through the narrow band of gold that interlocked with a single pearl.

  It hadn’t taken him long to realize that Faith loved the simple things. Her gift was the first he’d designed as soon as he knew she and Dmitri would be mated.

  To his shock, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful family,” she whispered.

  He returned her embrace. “You claimed Dmitri’s heart. There was never any choice in the matter.”

  She laughed, sniffing as she pulled back. “Stop. You’re going to make me cry, and I don’t want to mess up my makeup.”

  “We wouldna want that. I’ll see you below, then.”

  She gave a wave before he walked out. His next stop was Kinsey. He found her sitting in her room with her laptop open, watching cameras from aro
und the estate.

  When she looked up and saw him, she laughed. “I can’t help myself. I have to help Ryder make sure there’s no one trespassing.”

  “The magic barrier will tell us that.”

  She shot him a droll look. “I know. I just like to allow myself to think I’m needed.”

  “But you are. Now, stand up and let me get a look at you.”

  She smiled and got to her feet before twirling around. The gray tulle dress was perfection for Kinsey. A little fanciful with the ball gown style and some sensuality added with the off-the-shoulder tulle bodice, with it coming together in sophistication that was all Kinsey.

  “Flawless,” he said.

  She beamed and tossed her long, dark hair over her shoulder. The top half was a series of braids—some thick, some thin—that came together, bound by a small, white flowers that then trailed down with the rest of her hair.

  “After everything that’s happened, I didn’t think this day would ever get here.” The smile was gone and her expression serious. “I know what’s coming. Ryder and I have spoken about it at length. What happened at Kyvor with Devon made me realize how quickly life can be taken.”

  Con reached into his pocket and took out her box. “You went to London as a mortal, knowing things could go sideways. You did it for Ryder.”

  “I did it for all of you,” she corrected.

  “You were verra brave.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Or foolish, depending on how you look at it.”

  “I’m no’ changing my opinion. I’m glad to have you with us,” he said and gave her the box.

  She glanced at him before opening the lid. Without hesitation, she drew out the gray star sapphire and slipped it on her finger. The large oval gem was set in a thick platinum filigree band.

  “Wow,” she murmured. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  He watched her play with the ring for a moment before he quietly slipped out to let her finish getting ready. His steps took him to yet another door.

  After being bidden to enter, he found Rachel standing in front of the window, watching the snow fall in a strapless, dark green velvet gown. Her wealth of black hair was pulled back in an array of loose curls with tendrils falling around her face and neck.