Smoke and Fire

by Donna Grant

  “What did you give me?” Esther demanded.

  Rhi held out a hand and another chair appeared. She dragged it to Esther and set it directly in front of her. Then Rhi sat. She looked Esther in the eye and said, “You’ve been given no drug or herbs. The room was cloaked in magic so you wouldn’t know where you were. You’ve not been restrained because you can’t leave this cavern unless Con is with you.”

  Esther jumped up and made a dash for the doorway. Rhi sat back and crossed one leg over the other, exchanging a look with Rhys. A heartbeat later, Esther let out a strangled cry as she was thrown backward at the doorway.

  “Come resume your seat,” Rhi said. “It’s time we began our questioning.”

  It took a moment for Esther to get to her feet and make her way back to the chair. She sat and pulled off the wig. Then she ran her fingers through her brown hair.

  Rhi then said, “You’ve chosen your side in this war, and sadly, you’ve chosen poorly.”

  “Anyone on the opposing side would say that.”

  “True,” Rhi said with a shrug. “However, I’m speaking the truth. It’s a certainty because I choose to be a part of this. I’ve seen both sides, Esther. You’ve only gotten a portion of the reality.”

  Some of Esther’s confidence returned. “And what is the truth?”

  “I prefer that we discuss who you’re working for first. Once I get all the information we need, then I’ll tell you all that you want to know.”

  “No.”

  Rhi raised her brows and blinked before cocking her head to the side. “No? I thought that was fair.”

  “I’m not going to tell you anything, but I do want to know what you are.”

  “What,” Rhi repeated with a smile. She turned her head to look at Rhys. “Methinks she’s catching on quick.”

  Rhys chuckled and said, “Doona get out of hand.”

  Rhi stood and walked around the back of her chair to lean her forearms on it. “What am I? That’s something I seem to be answering quite a lot recently. It’s a fair enough question, I suppose.”

  She stopped herself from looking to the corner at her watcher. It was becoming more and more difficult for her not to look his way. If she wasn’t careful, others would begin to suspect.

  “Answer me this, Esther,” Rhi said. “Do you really believe the men here are dragons?”

  “Yes,” she replied immediately.

  “Do you believe they are the only other beings on this earth?”

  Again Esther said, “Yes.”

  “That’s … very naïve. And you’re very wrong actually. Though to be fair, most humans are as mistaken. I’ve shown you who I was from the moment I walked in. I did magic, spoke of mortals, and even mentioned immortality. Is your brain unable to comprehend what’s right before you?”

  Esther’s face lost a little color. “I thought the dragons were only male.”

  Rhi squeezed her eyes shut briefly, trying for patience. “They are. I’m not a Dragon King. I’m a Light Fae.”

  “Wh … what?”

  Rhi turned to Rhys. “By that reaction, I’m inclined to believe she’s not had any encounters with Fae, much less Dark.”

  When Rhi faced Esther once more, the mortal’s face was white and her eyes dilated. “That’s right. Fae. And if there’s Light, there is also Dark. The Dark are the ones who’ve been setting the cities on fire and doing all the killings. The Dark are also on the same side as you.”

  “No,” Esther said with a small shake of her head.

  “That’s a definite yes,” Rhi stated. “Henry has been working hard to track the Dark and keep other humans free from them, because you mortals are drawn to all Fae. But it’s the Dark who kill. You won’t even know it’s happening. You’ll be too attracted to them, too desperate to have them fill you to know that while they’re having sex with you, they’re draining your soul.”

  “No,” Esther said again.

  Rhi quickly took her seat again. “Tell me who you work for.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Perhaps I should call in a friend,” Rhi said. She used her magic and had an image of Balladyn fill the doorway.

  Both her watcher and Rhys jerked, believing it was really Balladyn at first.

  Rhi stood and moved the chair out of the way so Esther could get a full view of Balladyn. Rhi then used her magic to ramp up the desire within Esther.

  Her eyes were wide with fear while at the same time she moaned with need.

  It was beyond cruel for Rhi to do this, but the Kings needed answers. She walked to stand behind Esther, and then bent so her mouth was near the mortal’s ear.

  “Isn’t he gorgeous?” Rhi whispered. “He wants you. And you want him.”

  Esther tried to shake her head, but her legs spread instead.

  “If he takes you, you’ll die. You’ll experience pleasure like you’ve never had before, but all the while, your soul will be sucked out without you even being aware. Until it’s too late. Shall I let him have you?”

  Esther attempted to get to her feet, but Rhi put her hands on her shoulders to keep her seated. “No!”

  “Then tell me who you work for.”

  “No.”

  Rhi moved the vision farther into the cavern, right toward Esther. “I’m going to let him have you.”

  “Please no,” the human said, tears falling freely from her eyes.

  “Then tell me who you work for. Now!”

  “Sam MacDonald,” Esther yelled as he turned her face away from the approaching Balladyn.

  Rhi waved her hand, and the image of Balladyn disappeared. She looked to Rhys. “Let Ryder know we have a name.”

  “Balladyn?” Rhys asked with a frown.

  Rhi shrugged and patted Esther’s shoulder. Henry’s sister had her face buried in her hands as she sobbed. “I needed a Dark Fae.”

  “But Balladyn?” Rhys asked again.

  Rhi would tell him of her relationship with Balladyn. But not yet. “He’s the first one who popped into my head.”

  “Mmm-hmm,” Rhys mumbled. “Why do I get the feeling you’re keeping something from me?”

  “I’m always keeping something from you,” she joked.

  But there was no answering smile in return. Rhys took her hands in his. “Rhi, I want happiness for you, but it isna with Balladyn. He tortured you. He tried to turn you Dark.”

  “I’m not Dark.”

  “I know, but that’s no’ my point. You’ve been rejected for thousands of years by the one man who is meant to be yours. You want to have someone in your life again, but doona turn to Balladyn. I beg you.”

  Rhi inhaled deeply. “Who should I turn to, Rhys? Another King? Or Henry, perhaps? How about Ulrik?”

  “Rhi,” he began.

  She pulled her hands from his grasp. “I love you like a brother, and I know you mean well, but you don’t understand any of this. You fell in love once, and you got the girl. You and Lily will live happily ever after. I’m thrilled for you.”

  “There’s someone out there for you.”

  At this she smiled wryly. “That’s what someone in a relationship says to a single person. And it’s a load of shit. I’ve been alone for countless centuries. What does it matter who I take to my bed?”

  “Because I know you,” Rhys said softly. “I know only the love you felt for your King will ever fulfill you as you need.”

  Rhi raised a brow. “Not so sure, stud. I’m feeling pretty fulfilled now.”

  “What the…?” He trailed off in surprise. “Who is he?”

  “None of your business.”

  “It is my business. You’re my business. You’re family.”

  That made her eyes sting with tears. Damn Rhys. “Don’t let Con hear you say that.”

  “Fuck Con,” Rhys all but roared. “I’m no’ talking about him. We’re talking about you.”

  Rhi put her hand on his arm. “I know what I’m doing, Rhys. I’m lonely, yes, but not stupid.”

  “Lonel
iness can hit people hard. It can also mix up their feelings so they do things they normally never would.”

  “Trust me,” she said with a smile. Then she winked. “And tell Con I said he’s welcome for getting his information.”

  Rhi teleported out before she gave in and told Rhys everything about Balladyn.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Kinsey was having a difficult time keeping her eyes open. It wasn’t just the long hours staring at the screen, frustration mounting with every search coming up empty. No, it was the dreams that plagued her sleep.

  Dreams of Ryder.

  Her stomach quivered with delight as she recalled one particular dream where she’d been sleeping on Ryder’s chest, his arm wrapped around her and caressing her back.

  Then he began to talk, his words just above a whisper as he told her how much he missed her and how he wished he’d never left. He went on to say how many times he’d wished she were in his arms.

  If only all of that were true. Kinsey tried to focus on the monitor as it scrolled through the e-mails, putting aside all those that were encoded—and there were dozens of them.

  All of which were being deciphered by the software.

  But it wasn’t the e-mails Kinsey kept thinking about. It was her dreams. They’d begun her first night at Dreagan. In the beginning, she wasn’t thrilled to have Ryder invade her mind again.

  Perhaps it was because she was with him all day, but now she found herself eager for night so she could drift away to dreams of happiness with Ryder.

  Though it was dangerous. Her fantasies were creating a life that could never be between them. Kinsey needed to keep herself grounded in reality.

  She glanced at Ryder to find his short blond hair in disarray from him running his hands through it. He’d gone through two boxes of donuts already, with a third waiting.

  Finally she understood how he could eat so much and stay looking so … spectacular. He linked his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair as he gazed at the screen. Every once in a while he’d glance over at the monitors to his left and check the cameras around the property.

  His intelligence, honor, and compassion were what had hooked her. None of that had changed in the last three years. If anything, Ryder appeared as if he were the only one who was keeping Dreagan going with the computers, software designs, and hacks. At least one of the other Kings should know how to do everything Ryder was.

  But every King had their own job. Since they lived forever, she supposed there wasn’t a need to have someone else know computers.

  Kinsey always thought of herself as very good at what she did, but Ryder ran rings around her without even trying. He had four or five programs going at once while doing multiple searches. The two dozen screens weren’t nearly enough.

  She wasn’t sure why he performed searches on certain people, but once he had the information, the screen vanished and he moved on. Kinsey wanted to know what he did with the data as well as why he looked into those people.

  More and more, she found herself thinking about him. And not just about him being a dragon. Several times she actually caught herself thinking about living at Dreagan and being his.

  Lexi did it without a problem. And there were other women there as well. They didn’t have an issue with the men being dragons.

  Kinsey could finally admit to herself that it wasn’t so much that Ryder was a Dragon King—although, seeing him shift had terrified her.

  She’d held onto that fear for months, because it was easy. Being with him, talking to him again made her realize he was still the same man she knew. He was just an immortal dragon.

  Then she could concede that it wasn’t him shifting that made her so angry. It was the fact that he hadn’t shared his secret with her.

  Three years ago, their relationship had progressed to the point of them talking about spending their lives together. Then to have him up and leave without an explanation only to discover his secrets now?

  It broke her heart all over again.

  The reasons behind him not sharing didn’t matter. The other Dragon Kings managed to do it without an issue. But not Ryder.

  Because she wasn’t meant to be his mate.

  Her pieced-together heart shattered all over again.

  Kinsey’s vision blurred as tears filled her eyes. She hastily blinked, but a tear managed to escape. How unfair life was to give her something that meant everything, only to take it away.

  On top of that was an even crueler situation as Ryder was brought back into her life—but only as a reminder of what she’d never have.

  She discreetly wiped away the tear and sniffed. Her gaze jerked back to her screens when Ryder looked her way.

  “It’s late.”

  Kinsey nodded, unable to speak.

  His chair squeaked when he shifted. “You didna touch much of your food, Kins. Did you no’ like it? Tell me what you’d like next time, and I’ll make sure it’s here.”

  “It was fine,” she mumbled.

  Ryder blew out a breath. “Let’s call it a night. My eyes are crossing.”

  She knew that was a lie. Ryder could look at these screens for months without it bothering him. He was giving her an excuse to go to her room.

  And she took it.

  “I’ll see you in the morning then.” Kinsey got to her feet and walked from the room without looking his way.

  She met Dmitri on the stairs and gave him a small wave. It wasn’t until she was in the room that she leaned back against the door and closed her eyes.

  After a moment, she flipped on the lights and began to take off her clothes. Everything was piled in the chair. Mostly because she wasn’t obsessed with folding every piece of clothing. But also because she didn’t have the time or inclination.

  Kinsey removed her bra and grabbed the olive green tank top and put it on. Then she washed her face and brushed her teeth before climbing into bed.

  Except, unlike the last two nights, she didn’t fall right to sleep. She was wide awake, staring at the ceiling.

  And thinking about Ryder.

  Foremost in her mind was their kiss. Her lips still tingled from it. His taste … chills raced along her skin. She could still taste him.

  The power, the desire.

  The hunger.

  If he hadn’t pulled back, she wouldn’t have been able to. For three years she’d yearned to have his lips on hers again. When it happened, she’d been too shocked to move at first.

  But her body remembered what to do. Her arms went around his neck and she eagerly opened for him.

  Her body pulsed with need. A need that only Ryder had ever been able to call up—or quench. She squeezed her legs together and rolled onto her side, but it didn’t do any good. Her sex ached to feel Ryder slide within her, filling her as only he could.

  Kinsey had no idea how long she laid there thinking of Ryder and replaying all the times they’d made love in her mind when the door opened.

  She remained on her side. The light from the hallway lit the room in an expanding triangle as the door opened. A large form filled the crack before the door was quickly—and quietly—shut.

  Kinsey didn’t move a muscle. Who was in her room and why? She was getting ready to scream Ryder’s name when the form stepped away from the door and the shadows there. The glow from the moon shed little light, but it was enough for her to see wide shoulders and a profile she recognized all too well.

  Ryder.

  With her fear gone and replaced with curiosity, Kinsey slowly released the breath she’d been holding. Ryder was in her room.

  Ryder was in her room!

  What the hell? She was furious.

  Wasn’t she?

  Unfortunately, fury wasn’t anywhere close to what she was feeling. That was reserved for exhilaration. And anticipation.

  Her heart rate increased, and it became difficult to breathe. All because Ryder was in the room. She wished now she was on her back so she could watch him. He’d moved out of vi
ew, walking behind her to the opposite side of the bed.

  When the bed shifted with his weight, Kinsey could barely contain herself.

  What about your pledge to ignore him? Weren’t you done with him?

  She was just a woman, a woman with desires. She’d have to be dead not to want him. And she was anything but dead.

  He’ll break your heart again.

  It was already broken. What did it matter if she gave in and took some pleasure? After the past three years, didn’t she deserve that much?

  At this, her subconscious was quiet.

  There was a sigh from Ryder as he lay back upon the bed. For several minutes, he didn’t move. Then he turned toward her, stroking her hair.

  Just like in her dreams!

  Had they been dreams? Was this the only time he’d come into her room? She’d been dead on her feet the past two nights, so a nuclear blast could’ve gone off and she wouldn’t have known about it.

  Her heart beat double when his hand came to rest on her waist. Then, slowly, he scooted close until their bodies were molded together, her back to his front.

  The covers stopped her from knowing if he had his pants on, but there was no denying he was bare-chested. She used to run her hands all over his chest and the dragon tattoo every chance she got.

  And she wanted to do it now.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispered.

  Kinsey squeezed her eyes closed. Those words hit her squarely in the chest. She wanted to believe him, to take those words and hold them against her heart forever.

  But Ryder used to say sweet things like that all the time before he’d left her.

  “Doona ever leave, Kins.”

  If he kept this up, she was going to cry. To have the man she was in love with leave unexpectedly, and three years pass with no contact only to have him say everything she’d dreamt he would say was brutal.

  And glorious.

  This time she knew what was going to happen. This time she understood her place in his world perfectly.

  This time, she’d be the one to leave.

  She played a dangerous game. She was the lamb and Ryder the lion. He’d shredded her heart and her life effortlessly before. He could do it again.