“It could not have happened to a better demon,” Levet said.
“True.” Vex held her glass up in a mocking toast before tossing back the nectar in one gulp. She licked her full lips as she set aside the empty glass on the desk and regarded Levet with a searching gaze. “Now, tell me what you need from me.”
Levet continued to savor the nectar in small sips. Unlike Vex, he didn’t have the money or clout to get his hands on the rare drink.
Between swallows, Levet recounted the events over the past few days, including Torque’s mating with Rya and how they’d located Synge’s daughter, Blayze. Then he told her about his journey to Synge’s lair where he’d broken through the illusion to reveal the echoes of the curse, and the fact that it’d been released by a vampire.
When he was done, he studied Vex’s pale, perfect face. The last thing he expected was for her to tilt back her head and chuckle with rich amusement.
“There’s a pissed-off dragon trapped on the top of The Viper Pit?”
Levet swallowed a sigh. He’d forgotten that Viper and Vex had a less-than-friendly competition between their rival nightclubs.
“Unfortunately, Styx does not find it nearly so amusing,” he muttered.
“He wouldn’t,” she said in dry tones. “I’m afraid I don’t have any skill that would help kill a dragon.” She pretended to consider for a long moment. “Of course, if you’re hoping to kill the vampires I might be able to hook you up.”
Levet gave a hasty shake of his head. “No killing.”
Vex wrinkled her nose. “You didn’t use to be such a party pooper.”
“I am not a poop of the party,” Levet denied. “I merely wish to prevent a war between the dragons and vampires. It would make my friend Tayla most unhappy.”
Vex folded her arms over her chest. “It would make the entire demon world unhappy. War is always messy. And if it is between two of the most fierce predators…”
A hush filled the office as they both contemplated the horror.
It was Levet who at last broke the silence. “I need to find Blayze and return her to Synge’s lair before that happens,” he told his companion. “Will you help?”
She gave a slow nod. “Take me to where your dragon disappeared.”
CHAPTER NINE
As much as Char wanted to toss Blayze over his shoulder and carry her out of the throne room, he was smart enough to comprehend her fierce need to discover who’d hated her enough to curse her. And to relish her long overdue desire for revenge.
Leashing his dragon instincts, he took a position behind Blayze as she slowly began to weave her way through the guests. Most of them ignored her as they concentrated on trying to find the best position to be seen by Synge. No doubt they hoped to attract the attention of the powerful dragon to barter for some favor.
Char had witnessed the same behavior during the centuries he’d spent standing beside Baine. Dragons never gathered together simply to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company. It was all about angling for greater power and riches to add to their hoard.
Kind of sad, when he thought about it.
Char gave a shake of his head. Now wasn’t the time to regret the dragons’ lack of social skills.
If Blayze’s theory was right, somewhere in this room was a craven bastard who was willing to curse a mere babe. He needed to focus on keeping her safe. Plus, he didn’t like the way the male gazes were following her slender body as she moved through the room with her shimmering beaded gown and luminous skin.
His dragon stirred inside him, restless to warn off the idiots who dared to even glance in her direction.
In an effort to keep himself from doing something stupid, he moved to walk close beside Blayze.
“Do you sense anything?” he demanded.
She gave a small shake of her head. “Not yet.”
His lips parted, but before he could continue the conversation, his attention was captured by the sight of two male dragons huddled together, whispering in the shadows.
One was almost as large as Synge, although not as muscular, with long black hair and a heavily jowled face. He was wearing a long crimson robe that was threaded with gold and decorated with large diamonds around the collar. His companion was smaller, with the same dark hair and dark eyes. He was wearing a similar robe, although it lacked the sparkle factor.
He looked like the dragon version of a Mini-Me.
Char’s gaze narrowed as the two dragons began to inch along the edge of the crowd, clearly headed toward the nearby door.
He reached to lightly touch Blayze’s arm. “Wait,” he murmured.
She turned her head, her face unreadable. “What is it?”
“You continue to mingle,” he told her.
“What about you?”
Char gave a covert nod of his head toward the dragons who’d captured his attention.
“Those two are looking pretty shady,” he said in low tones. “I want to find out what’s going on.”
She gave a slow nod of her head. “Fine.”
His fingers tightened on her arm. “While I’m gone, don’t leave this room.”
She blinked, her head tilting to the side. “Why do you assume you can give me orders?” Her tone was more curious than angry.
“Because I was given the duty of protecting you.” He gazed down at her upturned face. When had he memorized each sweep and curve of her features? The wide brow. The slender nose. The high slashes of her cheekbones. The plush temptation of her lips. Probably the second he’d caught sight of her lying helpless on her bed. “There’s no way in hell I’m going to let anything happen to you.”
Her brows drew together. As if she was troubled by his response, but she wasn’t sure why.
“I’m a duty?” she demanded.
Char released a short laugh. “That’s what I’m trying to convince myself.”
She continued to look puzzled. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“I’m painfully aware of that,” he muttered, shaking his head as he released her arm and stepped back. “Don’t leave this room.”
He didn’t give her the opportunity to respond. Instead he plunged into the milling crowd, ignoring the furious glares as he elbowed his way to the far wall.
He didn’t want the two dragons to disappear among the maze of corridors that crisscrossed the lair.
Stepping out of the throne room, he paused long enough to determine the echo of footsteps was coming from his left. He pressed close to the wall as he followed the fading sound.
The lair wasn’t exactly the same as it would be in the future, but it was close enough for Char to realize they were headed toward the harem. He could already catch the rich scent of perfumed oils in the air.
He grimaced. Was it possible the two dragons were simply going to indulge their passions? It was hardly unusual for party guests to seek out companionship among the female servants.
He hesitated at the arched opening to the harem, peeking a glance into the large inner chamber.
The floor was covered with mosaic tiles, and in the center was a large fountain that sprayed water into the air. The walls were made of delicate latticework, and the ceiling was domed and covered with precious gems.
Char watched as the two males crossed the floor, waving away the females who scurried to offer their services. They exited into a darkened room on the other side of the main chamber.
Char shuffled through his memories. When he’d been living in this lair, that particular room the males had just entered was one of the few spaces that had only one entrance. Which meant no one could easily creep up to overhear their conversation.
Thankfully, his time in this household meant he was well aware that Synge was deeply suspicious of anyone who entered his lair. The ancient dragon had dozens of hidden tunnels that threaded their way between the various chambers.
A perfect place to listen in to private exchanges.
His brow furrowed as he tried to recall where the openi
ng to the nearest tunnel was located. At the same time, he caught the scent of cherries as a pretty imp crossed the harem floor to peer out the door.
She had golden curls that tumbled down her back, a pale face that was dominated by a pair of green eyes, and a lush figure that was put on full display by the sheer gown that hugged her curves.
Exactly the sort of female who should have had him panting with appreciation.
Instead, he was trying to figure out how to get rid of her so he could continue with his quest.
“Do you seek entertainment?” the imp asked, her gaze taking a slow, appreciative survey of Char.
He silently formed a dozen different lies. Then he abruptly dismissed them.
Servants were far more observant than most purebloods ever realized. The female could be an asset if he could convince her that he wasn’t there to harm Synge or his family.
“No, I seek a means to overhear a private conversation,” he confessed in a soft voice, his gaze moving toward the door that was firmly closing behind the two dragons.
She stiffened, assuming an air of outrage. “Servants do not spy on guests in this lair.”
Char flattened his lips, hiding his smile. He doubted that things had changed so drastically from century to century. Servants always spied on the guests. Then they would pass along any juicy gossip to Synge knowing that they would be well rewarded.
“Of course not,” he quickly agreed. “But I am a personal guard within Ravel’s clan. We believe she and the child she is carrying might be in danger.”
A sincere concern rippled over the pale, lovely face. It seemed that Ravel was popular among the servants.
“Have you informed the master?” she demanded.
He heaved a rueful sigh. “I did try. Unfortunately, he is convinced no one would dare harm his mate.” Char held the imp’s gaze. “I cannot entirely share his confidence.”
The imp bit her bottom lip, clearly torn between her loyalty to Synge and her worry that something might happen to Ravel. At last she squared her shoulders. Her decision was made.
“Do you swear never to reveal I assisted you?” she asked.
He pressed a hand to the center of his chest. “I swear.”
With a glance over her shoulder to make sure the two males were still behind the closed door, she stepped into the corridor with him.
“This way,” she said, leading him a short distance to an elaborate tapestry that was hung on the stone wall.
Pulling it back, she revealed a narrow opening that ran between the rooms.
“Thank you,” Char murmured, stepping toward the opening.
Without warning the imp leaned forward, trailing her fingers lightly down Char’s neck.
“If you wish to thank me, I have a perfect means,” she said in husky tones. “I will be waiting in the harem when you have finished your business.”
Char found himself oddly tongue-tied. Where was his quick wit? He was a master of flirtation. Or at least he used to be.
Right now he felt as awkward as a bashful troll.
“I—”
The imp dropped her hand and stepped back. “You are mated?”
Mated. The word hung in the air like a hand grenade that might explode at any second.
Then, like any male who was contemplating having his entire world turned upside down, he cowardly slammed the mental door on the mere notion. Much better to pretend he didn’t know what was going on.
“I am not certain what I am,” he told her.
She heaved a deep sigh. “A shame.”
“No shit.”
With a shake of his head, Char hurried down the narrow space. His strange fascination with Blayze was a distraction he didn’t need. Not now.
Probably not ever.
He slowed and came to a halt as the sound of male voices floated through a trellised grate just ahead. He wanted to get closer, but he didn’t dare take the risk they could sense his presence. Right now his scent could easily be coming from any of the nearby rooms.
Turning so he could place his back against the wall and prevent anyone from sneaking up on him, Char concentrated on the low conversation.
“Do you have confirmation?” one of the dragons was asking. Char was guessing it was the smaller dragon. His voice held a note of ass-kissing that meant he was the weaker of the two.
In dragons, size really did matter.
“Yes. Ash confessed that he had agreed to a betrothal between his oldest son Bolt and Synge’s unborn daughter,” a deeper, rougher voice answered.
“A certain maneuver for power.”
“Undoubtedly.” There was the sound of footsteps, as if the larger dragon was pacing from one end of the room to the other. “Logic would demand he challenge me for my seat on the Council. I am in the weakest position.”
“I have heard rumors that Synge has quietly started to return the bulk of his warriors to the lair.”
Char grimaced as a blast of heat managed to sear through the wall. The dragon might be the weakest member of the Council, but that meant he was still mightier than ninety-nine percent of all other dragons.
“That’s what I feared,” he growled. “Synge will make his challenge as soon as the babe is born.”
“You are certain it will not be before?”
“Ash is a cautious dragon. He will not complete the betrothal contract until the baby is born and pronounced an untainted pureblood.”
Char arched a brow. He’d never heard that babies were tested for the purity of their blood. It had to be a secret dragon thing that wasn’t shared with half-breeds like him.
“You should strike now,” the first dragon encouraged.
“No.” More heat blasted through the air. Char felt sweat dripping down his spine. “If there is an attempt to kill Synge or Ravel the blame will naturally be placed on me.”
“True.” There was a short pause. “So what is your plan?”
“I intend to destroy any hope of Synge using his daughter as a bargaining tool to empower his clan. Indeed, I hope I can crush any ambition he might harbor.”
“How?”
The larger dragon chuckled. The sound echoed eerily through the narrow space where Char was hiding.
“The seed of my destruction has just arrived,” he said.
Seed of destruction? Char would have laughed at the melodramatic words if he wasn’t struck by a sudden fear.
The bastard had to be talking about the curse. What better means of wounding Synge than forcing him to agree to a death sentence for his only daughter?
It was cunning. And utterly evil.
“Where?” the lesser dragon demanded.
“The servants’ quarters.”
“How…” The dragon’s words trailed away. “Ah. He is a member of Synge’s household staff?”
Another creepy-ass chuckle. “A trusted member.”
“You are a devious dragon, Magma.”
“Which is why I am a member of the Council. And why I will remain a member,” the larger dragon declared in harsh tones. “Now we need to return to the gathering. I cannot risk attracting attention by my absence.”
There was the sound of footsteps, then a door opening and closing. Char barely noticed. Instead he was tucking the name Magma into the back of his mind. He was going to hunt the dragon down and kill him, he silently promised himself
He didn’t know how. Not yet. But it was going to happen.
But first he had to discover the identity of the treacherous servant who intended to curse Blayze.
***
Levet used his mental connection with Tayla to request a portal to Synge’s lair.
Seconds later, he was stepping out of the gateway along with Vex to discover the golden-haired imp standing at the opening to the lair with a worried expression.
“Vex, this is Tayla.” He made the introduction with a wave of his hand.
Tayla offered the succubus a strained smile. “Thank you so much for agreeing to help.”
; Vex shrugged. “I owe Levet,” she said. “He rescued me from a pack of hobgoblins who were planning to sell me to the slavers.”
Tayla sent Levet a fond glance. “We all owe Levet,” she murmured in soft tones. Levet preened. It was true. He was a hero to countless females. But before he could fully savor the praise, Tayla was turning her attention to the reason that Vex was there. “Is there anything I can do?”
“I need something that can connect me with the missing dragon,” Vex told her.
Tayla stepped back, waving them into the lair. “This way.”
They moved through the web of corridors, the silence in the lair an oppressive force. No doubt everyone was busy preparing for war.
Not the most pleasant thought.
Disturbed by the ominous atmosphere, it took several minutes for Levet to finally notice Vex’s rigid tension as she walked beside him.
He frowned. Vex had been quick to agree to his request for her assistance. But now he sensed that she was regretting her choice.
“Is something wrong, ma belle?” he asked.
Vex wrapped her arms around her waist as a shiver shook her body. “It has been a long time since I was in a dragon’s lair.”
Levet arched his brows. “I did not know you were ever in one.”
She hunched a shoulder, her golden eyes dark with an ancient pain. “My mother bartered me to a harem when I was kicked out of the Guild.”
Tayla glanced over her shoulder with a sympathetic expression. “Why would your mother kick you out of the Guild?”
“Because I’m a succubus who doesn’t feed on or control others with sex,” Vex admitted.
Tayla blinked. “Then how do you feed?”
“I can absorb mental energy.”
Tayla looked predictably confused, but before Vex could answer, Levet jumped into the conversation.
“You should see her. Mon dieu, it is magnificent. She can go into a demon’s mind and suck up all the buzzy stuff.”
Tayla blinked. “Buzzy stuff?”
Levet waved his hand. “You know, the energy that zaps through our heads. And when she is in there she can control a creature’s mind.”
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