The Blackstone She-Dragon: Blackstone Mountain Book 8

by Alicia Montgomery

  “Your Highness, Miss Lennox,” Oskar said. “I will be taking my seat for our landing. Please do put your seatbelts on.”

  “Allow me.” He reached over her, strapping the seatbelt across her lap, though really, it was an excuse to get close. He longed to take her in his arms and kiss her again, but for now he was content to be just close enough to smell her scent. His dragon growled and he snapped back to reality. It was getting harder and harder to control his animal, and surely, if any other dragon noticed how it was when Sybil was around, they might suspect something. He had to rein himself in.

  As the plane made it’s descent, Aleksei braced himself as the plane shook and the lights dimmed for just a second before they flickered back on. Sybil quickly grasped his hand, threading her fingers through his.

  “It’s all right, lyubimaya.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “We are passing through the magical veil that protects the Northern Isles. Look outside and you’ll see it now.”

  Sybil peered outside the window, then gasped. “Is that it? The Northern Isles?” She pressed her nose against the glass. “It’s so big! How did you manage to hide it all?”

  “It’s not that large,” he said. “The main island you’re seeing is no bigger than Luxembourg. Twelve other smaller islands surrounding it are probably the size of Hawaii.” He scratched his head. “We’re actually not sure how the magic works. See, the cloak that hides us from the rest of the world had already been here when my ancestors came. For some reason, we Water Dragons are able to see through it. As far as I know, no other dragons, shifters, or humans can, at least no one has tried.”

  “What are those red things all over the place? They look like mini oil rigs.”

  “Wave generators,” he explained. “We have them to create power, as well as wind turbines and solar panels, plus some geothermal plants. The entire country is powered by one hundred percent renewable energy.”

  “That’s amazing.”

  “We started using renewable resources about twenty years before the rest of the world, mostly out of necessity.”

  The plane dipped lower and soon, the wheels touched the ground. The landing was smooth and the plane slowed down the runaway until they eventually came to a halt.

  “So, where are we exactly?” she asked. “Or can you give me an estimate?”

  “We are in the center of the Norwegian Sea, right in the middle of Iceland, Svalbard, and Scandinavia. But to be more precise”—he clicked his seatbelt off—“we are in the private airstrip of the Royal Family of the Northern Isles, just outside the capital city of Odelia.”

  Sybil unbuckled her own seatbelt. “What’s going to happen now?”

  “We will be heading to Helgeskar Palace. First, I must speak to my father.” He offered her a hand and helped her up but didn’t let go. “One of the Dragon Guard should already be here to fetch up. Oskar,” he turned to the steward, who had magically appeared behind them.

  “I shall make sure Miss Lennox’s things arrive at the palace promptly, Your Highness.” He gave a deep bow, then walked toward the front of the plane. Turning the big lever on the door, he opened it, the air rushing in making a loud whoosh sound.

  “Thank you,” he said. “Come, lyubimaya.”

  They walked hand in hand. The steps were already waiting for them and they descended to the tarmac. There was a dark-colored SUV with blackout windows by the foot of the stairs and a large man was standing there, his arms stiff at his side, his back ramrod straight, and a serious expression on his face. His hair was midnight black, shaved on the sides, though he sported a long, thick braid that went down his back. Eyes like steel clashed against his and he made a deep bow.

  Welcome home, Your Highness, Stein said through their mental link.

  Thank you, Stein. Do you mind speaking out loud for the time being? She’s not used to mind speak and I want to put her at ease.

  Of course. “Your Highness, welcome back.” His voice was gravelly and rough.

  “Thank you, Stein,” he said. His gaze flickered at Sybil then back to the other man. “I trust Thoralf has explained to you who our visitor is?”

  “Yes, Your Highness.” He didn’t elaborate or say anything more, but that didn’t surprise Aleksei. Stein was a man of few words, after all.

  “All right, let’s go to the castle then.”

  Stein opened the door for them and Aleksei helped Sybil inside the SUV. She scooted over and he climbed inside, but made sure to keep some space between them.

  Sybil stared out the window as they drove out of the airstrip. The thick forest surrounding the airstrip soon turned into an expansive highway and they turned onto the exit that would lead them into the capital city. He watched in fascination as Sybil’s gaze seemed to drink in the sights.

  “It’s like Europe, but more modern,” she said.

  “We’ve kept most of the old buildings,” Aleksei said. “It has that certain charm of the continent. But, we’ve modernized the roads and imported electric vehicles as well.”

  “No wonder the air smells really clean.”

  It didn’t take them long to reach the palace. They drove through the gates and to the private garage in the back. The staff had been cleared and ordered to stay away from his wing of the palace, unless they were summoned. Stein stepped out and opened the door for them.

  “Now,” Aleksei began as he helped Sybil out of the SUV. “Someone will show you to your rooms while I meet with the rest of the Dragon Guard to plan your security detail.”

  Sybil frowned. “Don’t you think I should be part of that meeting?”

  “Do not fret. I will take care of you.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Aleksei, I’m sick and tired of being dragged around like some rag doll. I’ve already left my home, and now I’m in a strange place and I feel like I’ve lost control of my own life. For once, I’d like it if I wasn’t treated like some child. I’m a dragon too, remember?”

  He smiled fondly at her. “Of course, how can I forget.” The fire in his mate hadn’t diminished. In truth, he’d been worried throughout the whole flight. She seemed nervous and unsure of herself. “Fine then.” He looked at Stein. “Make sure everyone is gathered in my office. Miss Lennox and I will be waiting.”

  Stein’s face remained impassive. “Are you sure that’s wise, Your Highness?”

  Sybil’s eyebrows just about hit her hairline, but Aleksei placed a gentle hand on her elbow. “Are you questioning me, Stein?”

  That made the gigantic man swallow hard. “Of course not, Your Highness. As you wish.” He made a deep bow. “Excuse me.”

  “Let’s head inside.”

  Aleksei hoped she was ready to meet the Dragon Guard of the Northern Isles. They were the fiercest warriors in the country, but they were also his closest friends. In front of other people, they followed strict protocol and treated him like a prince, but in private, they all jested like boys. Hopefully, his mate could be strong enough to stand up to them.

  Aleksei sat in his chair behind the large oak desk and he looked up to watch Sybil as she stood by the window. The sunlight streaming in from the window made her appear ethereal, and he found himself unable to turn away. He could watch her all day.

  Mine. Mate.

  His desire to make her his was growing the more time they spent in each other’s company. If he didn’t have her soon …

  No.

  He vowed to do the right thing, and the only time he would be with her was when she was ready to give him everything, because he would not settle for anything less. Because if anything, she already owned all of him.

  “Ahem.”

  The discrete cough made him turn his head. “Thoralf,” he called to the captain of the Dragon Guard. “Come in.” He saw the figures looming behind him. “All of you, please.”

  “Welcome home, Your Highness,” Thoralf bowed deep, though the corner of his lips were having a hard time staying still. He glanced at Sybil and this time, he didn’t stop the grin from spreading on his
face. Odin’s beard, man, what have you gotten yourself into? he added through their mental link.

  Thoralf was his oldest friend and they grew up like brothers, having been a ward of the Royal Family since childhood, so he was used to his ribbing. I wish I knew, my friend, he answered back. I wish I knew.

  “Welcome back, Your Highness,” Rorik, second-in-command, greeted as he filed in behind Thoralf. At nearly seven feet tall, he was the tallest of the guard, though he wasn’t as wide and intimidating as Stein, but Aleksei supposed it was difficult to look fearsome when one had wild red hair and twinkling green eyes. Aleksei, I am happy for you. Envious, but thoroughly happy that you have found the other half of your soul.

  Thank you, Rorik. Aleksei nodded to the two men behind him.

  They were identical in looks, with their white-blond hair and dark amber eyes, but the twin dragons were as different as night and day.

  “I hope you had a pleasant journey, Your Highness.” Gideon bowed deep, his eyes lowering to the floor in respect.

  “He sure did,” Niklas chuckled, his gaze immediately going to Sybil. “Well now, you’ve really done well for yourself, you lucky bas—”

  “Niklas,” Thoralf scolded. “You do not speak to His Highness that way when there are others present.” At least not out loud, you idiot, he added.

  “She’s not just anyone,” Niklas shot back. “She’s his—”

  Aleksei cleared his throat loudly. “Gentlemen. Shall we proceed?” And let’s stay out of each other’s heads for the time being.

  Thoralf shot Niklas a warning look. “Of course. Stein is with His Majesty while he is meeting with the Minister of Agriculture.”

  “Good.” At least one of the Dragon Guard always had to be with the king, as per security protocol. Usually it was at least three and most of the time it was all of them, but within the palace walls, King Harald was safe. “At ease.”

  That was his signal that they could do without the formalities. Niklas and Rorik visibly relaxed, and Gideon adapted a looser stance. Thoralf stepped forward. “So, Aleksei, you have a lot to catch us up on.”

  Aleksei stood and walked over to Sybil. Her dark brows were drawn together in curiosity. “As I’ve told Thoralf, this is Sybil Lennox and she’ll be our guest for the time being.” He was careful not to use the word mate, but hopefully Thoralf had already told them. He quickly introduced each of the Dragon Guard by name.

  “Nice to meet you all,” she said.

  Niklas whistled. “I’ve never met a female dragon before.”

  “Don’t talk like she’s not here, you dumbass,” Gideon retorted. “Excuse my language, Miss Lennox. Bad habit I picked up at CalTech. Er,” he stammered. “Not that I think Americans curse too much.”

  “Anyway,” Aleksei continued. “Miss Lennox’s life is in danger. The Knights mean to use The Wand on her.” Though he had already spoken with Thoralf on the way here, he quickly brought the others up-to-date about what happened with The Knights. “She will be staying here for the time being.”

  “There’s no other place safer, my lady,” Thoralf said. “We shall protect you.”

  “We’ve agreed that she should keep her identity a secret for now,” Aleksei said. “We will not mention that she’s a Lennox. Or a dragon.”

  “That should keep some of the attention off of her,” Gideon said. “But, unless you plan to keep her confined to her quarters, people will start talking.”

  “Gideon is right,” Rorik said, his bushy red eyebrows moving up and down as he looked at Sybil. “We should come up with a story of why she is here, something believable.”

  Sybil thought for a moment. “Aleksei, how about we tell them I’m … the sister of your roommate from Oxford? And I’m visiting?”

  “Excellent idea.” His mate was gorgeous and smart, and his inner dragon preened, as if to tell him, of course she is.

  “We shall certainly keep her identity a secret,” Thoralf said.

  “And that will be your main task.” Sybil didn’t need guarding from The Knights, after all. Not here. He already felt a hundred times better, knowing she was safe between the palace walls. “But, you must keep prying eyes away from her and squash any rumors. And for now, you must make sure she does not interact with any other shifters, in case they figure out what she is.”

  “Hopefully she can control her dragon,” Niklas added.

  “Can you guys please not talk as if I’m not here?” Sybil said in an annoyed voice. “And I can control my dragon fine, thank you very much.”

  “It’s not you we are worried about, my lady,” Thoralf said. “Once you are near other male dragons, they will certainly be, uh, curious.”

  Aleksei squashed the jealousy that was rearing its ugly head. His dragon did not like the idea of other male dragons near Sybil. His friends, he trusted with his life, but the others around them … he just hoped they wouldn’t have to encounter any other dragons or shifters.

  “We’ll be beating them off with sticks, if they even get a whiff you or get a hint of your lovely … charms,” Niklas remarked with a grin.

  “Just how many dragons are there around here?” Sybil asked.

  “A small part of our population are dragons,” Rorik said. “Though, we used to be numerous. And some other types of shifters, like wolves and deer. They live all over the Isles, though they do come to the castle often.”

  “Are we expecting any of the dragon families soon?” Aleksei asked.

  “Not tonight,” Thoralf said. But there might be some … complications, he added.

  Complications? Aleksei frowned at him.

  Jarl Solveigson will be dining with the King tonight.

  “Complications.” Niklas snorted. “Right.”

  “Excuse me?” Sybil said.

  Aleksei sent them all a warning mental message. “Uh, nothing to worry about.” He walked over to his desk and picked up the phone, then dialed an extension. “Yes, it’s me. She’s ready, if you don’t mind coming to my office. Excellent. Thank you.” He put the phone down. “Sybil, Ursula will be by to fetch you in a minute. She’ll take you to your room and attend to your needs.”

  “Are you throwing me out of your little meeting?” She raised a brow at him and crossed her arms under her breasts.

  “No, we’re done,” he lied. “I just want to make sure you’re refreshed and ready when you meet my father. He wishes to have a private audience with you before dinner in his study.”

  “Oh.” Sybil’s demeanor changed. Her gaze shifted from side to side.

  “Do not worry.” He came closer to her and longed to hold her to reassure her. He settled on placing his hands on her shoulders. “You will be fine.”

  “Thanks,” she said.

  “Your Highness?” A woman appeared at the doorway. When Aleksei turned to her, she made a deep curtsy. “Welcome back.”

  “Ursula.” He took Sybil by the hand and brought her over. “This is Miss Sybil … Brighton. Miss Brighton, this is Ursula Andresson.”

  Ursula’s gaze immediately went to Sybil and Aleksei’s linked hands and then to him. Her blue eyes danced with amusement as she looked at Aleksei meaningfully. “Lovely to meet you, Miss Brighton.”

  “Same here, Ms. Andresson.”

  “Let me show you to your rooms.” Ursula gently pulled her away from Aleksei. It was a good thing the older woman was like a mother to Aleksei, otherwise, his dragon would have been furious at being separated from their mate.

  “I shall come and fetch you in two hours,” Aleksei said as they left. As soon as the door closed behind them, he turned back to the room.

  “If you don’t mind my saying,” Thoralf began as he approached Aleksei. “Your mate is lovely as a spring day in the Dieldra Mountains. You are one lucky man.”

  “And she seems feisty too,” Niklas added.

  “When I asked him what your mate was like, Stein said she was ‘spirited’.” Gideon scratched his head. “I think he was impressed.”

  Rorik
roared in laughter. “I imagine Stein would be impressed with any woman who didn’t run in the opposite direction when they first lay eyes on him.”

  “I don’t envy your position tonight, though.” Thoralf patted him on the shoulder.

  Aleksei had almost forgotten and he rubbed a palm down his face. “There are three hundred and sixty-five nights a year, and tonight had to be the night Jarl Solveignson is coming to dinner.”

  “Do you think there’s a chance Lady Vera will be staying home?” Thoralf said hopefully.

  Aleksei snorted. “Only if hell should freeze over.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Sybil followed Ursula, her heels click-clacking on the tiles as they walked down the long hallways. The older woman was dressed in a dark-colored pantsuit and her white-blonde hair was bound up in a neat bun. Still, despite her formal appearance, she was stunning and her face was youthful; Sybil guessed she must be in her late thirties, but from the way Aleksei talked about her, it sounded like she was the same age as his mother, which meant she had to have been at least ten years older.

  “I hope your trip was all right? You aren’t too tired, are you?” Ursula asked in the clipped accented voice Sybil had observed from the few people she met. Aleksei too, had the same lilting tone but not as obvious; his accent was much more posh, and she realized that was probably from his Oxford education.

  “It was long,” she said. “But the trip was all right.”

  “We’ll have you refreshed in no time,” she said. “Aleksei mentioned that perhaps you might not have any proper attire for dinner?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid this was kind of a last-minute trip.” Well, that was kind of true.

  If Ursula was curious about the nature of Sybil’s trip, she didn’t show it. “Don’t worry.” She patted a hand on her arm. “I’ll find you something stunning.”

  “Oh, I hope it’s not a bother. Just something simple will do.”

  “Oh hush,” Ursula chuckled. “It’s not every day His Highness brings someone special for a visit.”

  “I’m not—”

  “I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you,” she tutted. “And I don’t believe his story about you being just the sister of a dear friend. But, I’m not wanting to gossip, and I know navigating such things can be … delicate.”