Текст книги "Passion Ignites"

Автор книги: Donna Grant

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CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

Thorn’s heart still raced at how close Lexi had come to death. He had been given the barest hint of hope when she had bravely stood against them.

Her defiant words appealed to him on a primal level, but her precarious position made his blood turn to ice. Thorn had been so enraged, so incensed that he had one thought—save Lexi.

It wasn’t until it was over that Thorn realized what he had done. She had seen him shift. Lexi now knew the secret that everyone at Dreagan worked so tirelessly to protect.

“You’re the other beings killing the Dark,” she said.

He closed his eyes. “Aye.”

“You’re a dragon.”

His chin dropped to his chest. There were many reasons he hadn’t intended to tell her what he was, but the biggest was the way she was handling things now. She was in shock from all she had seen. When that shock gave way, she would be too frightened of him to even be in the same city.

“You’re a damn dragon!” she yelled.

Thorn was going to have to have Guy wipe Lexi’s memories of anything to do with him. It might even be better if she didn’t remember the Dark either.

“Look at me,” she demanded.

He whirled around and held out his arms. “What do you want me to say? Aye. I’m a dragon!”

“How?” She gave a small shake of her head, her voice breaking on the word.

“We’ve been here since the beginning of time.”

“Impossible. We’d have found something.”

Thorn lifted one shoulder. “We have some human allies who have helped to keep us hidden.”

“This makes no sense.” She looked around at the warehouse as if seeing it for the first time.

“None of this would be an issue if you’d remained in the flat as I told you.”

Her gaze narrowed on him. “Told me? I’m not some dog to be ordered around.”

“Nay, you’re a human who has stepped into a war she has no business knowing about!”

“Maybe if more of us humans did know we wouldn’t be dying by the dozens every day because of the Dark!”

Thorn took a step toward her. “You really think knowing of the Dark would stop the deaths?”

“It certainly couldn’t hurt,” she replied, moving toward him.

“That simple thinking is why the Fae came for you to begin with. You think in the entire universe that you’re the only beings? Do you really think there are no’ other planets with life on them?”

“I don’t care about them, I—”

“Well you should care,” he interrupted. He took another step. “Use your brain, Lexi. You’re smart. Look around at your world. Do you really think cancer can no’ be cured when your doctors have cured almost everything else? The Dark keep preventing it. They want you weak and stupid.”

“I’m not stupid.”

“I told you how dangerous it was out on the streets. I told you to remain inside the flat.”

She rolled her eyes. “I had every intention of doing just that except I saw you jump off a six-story roof. Humans can’t do that.”

“That still doesna mean you should’ve followed us!”

They were so close he could see the black circles around her irises. Her gray eyes were stormy with anger, fear, and anxiety.

“I used my head,” she retorted.

Thorn looked down at her and nearly groaned when he felt her breasts rub against his chest. To his horror, the fury in her gray eyes turned to desire.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop himself from yanking Lexi against him as he took her lips in a savage kiss.

He spun her around and pressed her up against a wall. Her hands delved into his hair as she answered his kiss with one just as fierce and violent.

Thorn came to his senses and lifted his head. He looked down at her swollen lips and his hard cock begged him to continue. Whatever thought he had vanished with his craving of her.

He touched her cheek before he slid his hand around to the back of her neck and held her head as he slowly kissed her, tasting the passion and need.

His hand slid between them intending to unbutton her coat when he heard her hiss. Thorn leaned back, concern filling him when he saw her look of pain.

“It’s my left side,” she said, breathing heavily.

Thorn knew he hadn’t touched her with his talons. That meant it was … He couldn’t finish the thought.

He walked her to the table and helped her to sit atop it while noticing for the first time the burn in her jacket. Then he carefully unbuttoned her coat and pushed it open. Thorn closed his eyes when he saw the wound.

“What is it?” Lexi asked while trying to look at it.

He hadn’t moved quickly enough to save her. The Dark should never have been that close to her with its magic.

“Thorn?”

Her sweater was burned where the bubble of magic had grazed her.

“I don’t feel so well,” she said thickly.

Thorn caught her as she toppled to the side. “Darius!” he yelled through their mental link.

A second later Darius ran back into the warehouse. He took one look at Thorn holding Lexi and slid to a stop. “Is she…?”

“No’ yet,” Thorn said and laid her down. He then rushed to find clothes they had stashed there as soon as they found the warehouse. “She was hit with the Dark’s magic.”

“Shite,” Darius said and rushed to them. He peeled back her coat and saw the wound. “It’s not as bad as it could be.”

“It’s bad enough.” Thorn thought to never be in this position again. He’d vowed he never would, and yet where did he find himself?

Darius looked up at him. “We need Con.”

Thorn was shaking his head before he finished. “We’ve been through this.”

“He’ll come for this.”

Thorn gathered her in his arms and walked from the warehouse.

“Thorn, she needs medical attention.”

“I know.”

Darius was at his side. “What is your plan?”

“I willna chance Con refusing to help. Lexi is a human who got in the way, and with the war, Con will say she’s a casualty.”

“Tell him she’s your mate. That always gets him to help.”

Thorn lengthened his strides as night began to fall. “I’ll no’ lie.”

“She could be your mate.”

“So could that woman to my left,” he said, nodding to the old lady at the corner. “I’m no’ going to lie to get Con here. He already thinks I’ve betrayed him.”

Darius blew out a breath. “I suppose you have another plan?”

“I do.”

Thorn was ever so glad to see Darcy’s building come into view. He didn’t breathe easy until they were inside and Lexi was on the bed.

He went to the kitchen counter where he had left his mobile phone. Thorn scrolled through the contact list and found the name he wanted. He hit dial and impatiently waited for them to answer.

“Hello?” said the male voice.

“Fallon, it’s Thorn. I’ve got a problem.”

There was a beat of silence. “Where are you?”

“Darcy’s flat. A human has been hit with Dark magic.”

“We’ll be right there,” Fallon said.

The call disconnected. Thorn turned around, unsure of what to do now.

Darius gave a nod of approval. “Quick thinking.”

Both of them turned to the door when a knock sounded. Fallon was a Warrior who had the ability to teleport anywhere he wished, which was a great asset.

Thorn strode to it and yanked it open to reveal Fallon, his nephew Aiden, who was also a Druid, and Aiden’s mother, Marcail.

“Where is she?” Marcail asked.

Thorn stepped aside as Aiden and Marcail went to the bed and began to look over Lexi. He closed the door behind Fallon. “Thank you.”

“How many times did the Kings come to our aid? It’s nice for you to call on us,” Fallon said as he watched his sister-in-law and nephew. “What happened?”

Thorn walked to the table and took the chair that would give him the best place to watch Lexi. “Her friend was killed by the Dark. I saw her following them and attempted to stop her. She wouldna, and the Dark realized someone was tracking them. They’re all over the city, Fallon.”

“I didna think it had gotten so bad so quickly.”

Darius joined them at the table. “We do as much as we can, but there’s only so much the two of us can do against so many Dark.”

“Let us help,” Fallon said.

Thorn looked at him and smiled. “You are.”

“So the Dark tried to kill her for following them?” Fallon asked.

Darius gave a shake of his head. “Today she followed us to a warehouse where we were taking some dead Fae to … dispose of them.”

“Dispose meaning you burned them, I’m guessing,” Fallon said as he leaned on the table.

“Aye. What Lexi didna know was that the Dark saw her and decided to follow. She led them right to us.”

Fallon ran a hand down his face as he leaned back in the chair. “That’s bad luck.”

“The Dark threatened her,” Thorn continued.

Darius’s lips tightened. “Then we let loose dragon fire on their arses.”

“I thought I got to Lexi quick enough, but I didna. She was hit with their magic.” Thorn glanced at the bed to see the two Druids with their hands palm down over Lexi as they chanted.

Fallon jerked his chin to his family. “Their magic is strong. They’ll find a way to save her. I would’ve thought you’d call Con.”

Thorn looked away, not wanting to tell anyone who was not a King what was going on within their ranks. Darius, however, didn’t have that problem.

“You know Con,” Darius said. “He can be single-minded at the best of times. We’re in the middle of war. He’s no’ going to stop to come to Edinburgh to save one human.”

Fallon grunted in response.

The minutes slowly ticked by as Druid magic filled the flat. It seemed an eternity later before Marcail and Aiden lowered their hands. The two walked to the table where they both sat heavily in their chairs.

“That was … awful,” Marcail said. She lifted turquoise eyes to Thorn. “It was just a glancing blow. Anything more could’ve killed her.”

Aiden accepted a bottle of water from Darius and downed it quickly. He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth and sighed. “Is that what we’ve got to look forward to?”

Fallon leaned toward Thorn on the table. “Let us help. If the Kings fail, we’ll be fighting them anyway. Our numbers could help swing the tide.”

Thorn looked at Darius before they both nodded.

“Here we go again,” Marcail said, a worried frown pulling at her lips.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

MacLeod Castle

Fallon arrived back at his home to find all the Warriors and Druids waiting for him, Marcail, and Aiden to return.

Marcail walked to Quinn and buried her head in his chest. Fallon nodded to his youngest brother. The Warriors had been talking amongst themselves for a while about helping the Dragon Kings kill the Dark Fae whether the Kings wanted them to or not.

Long, slim fingers intertwined with his. Fallon turned and smiled at his wife. Larena’s smoky blue eyes searched his before she squared her shoulders. “We battled the worst of the droughs. We’re more than ready for the Dark Fae.”

Fallon smiled. Leave it to his wife to put it so eloquently. As the only female Warrior, Larena was uniquely suited for warfare since her power was being able to turn invisible.

Lucan, the middle MacLeod brother, kissed the back of Cara’s hand and nodded to Fallon.

“Some of us have already fought these bastards,” Hayden Campbell said. “Malcolm, Logan, and I know what to expect.”

Ian stood from his spot at the long table where they all had gathered for many meals. “I spoke with Tristan yesterday. He and Dmitri are in Aberdeen fighting the Dark. He’s worried.”

The Dragon Kings and Warriors had a unique bond. Tristan was their newest King, having dropped from the sky a few years earlier. Before that Tristan was known as Duncan, Ian’s twin, who unfortunately had been killed by one of the evil Druids they had fought. All were happy to learn that Duncan had returned, even if he didn’t remember his brother.

“The Dark feed off humans,” Charon stated. “We can no’ leave our women alone.”

“Or Aiden and Britt,” Marcail said.

Charon nodded, repeating, “Or Aiden and Britt.”

Ramsey ran a hand over his chin. “They’ll come here.”

Isla looked at him from next to Hayden. “Let them try.”

“I second Isla,” Tara said and elbowed Ramsey.

Fallon raised his hand for silence when everyone began talking at once. “We’ve been through a lot as a group. We’ve lost family,” he said, glancing at Ian. “We’ve lost friends.”

“That’s what happens in war,” Broc stated.

“That it does.” Fallon took a deep breath. “We had a few years of peace. It was … refreshing. Many of us started families. There are now children to consider.”

Larena looked at Fallon. “What my dear husband is trying to say is that each of you must decide to join this fight. No one is pushing another into this.”

“Exactly. As Charon pointed out, the Dark feed off humans. Since we’re immortal, I doona know how that changes anything. And as Ramsey said, the Dark will come here. We can no’ leave the castle unprotected.”

Malcolm chuckled. “Fallon, we’re Warriors. We have primeval gods inside us who demand blood and death. I’m fighting.”

“Damn straight,” Evie said to her husband with a nod. “I don’t want to have to worry about Dark Fae with little Malory.”

Lucan and Cara shared a few whispered words before Lucan said, “I’m in.”

“I’m in,” Quinn stated.

Fallon had known his two brothers would be some of the first to agree. He wasn’t surprised at Malcolm’s response either.

“As if you have to ask,” Hayden said when Fallon looked his way.

Galen nodded, as did Broc.

Logan made a face. “I’m hurt you’d even ask.”

“You know my answer,” Ian said as he put an arm around Dani.

Camdyn grinned. “Of course.”

“I’m a mixture of Druid and Warrior. The Dark will get a surprise when they encounter me,” Ramsey said when Fallon came to him.

Arran gave him a thumbs-up even as Ronnie wiped a tear from her face.

“We’re in,” Phelan said for both him and Charon.

Fallon had expected no less from his men. “We’ll need a plan. What the Kings are doing by splitting up and staying hidden as they kill the Dark is working. I say we take their plan and use it.”

“And what of us?” Reagan said. She glanced at Galen before looking around the table at the other Warriors. “You men don’t expect us to just wait here for you.”

Laura looked pointedly at Charon as she said, “I agree with Reagan. We’ve proved our magic is powerful enough to be used in battle.”

“Aye, sweetheart,” Charon said as he cupped her face and gave her a light kiss. “But you’ve no idea what would happen to me if I lost you.”

“How do you think I’d feel?” she asked.

Larena poked Fallon. “We’re a group. We’re stronger together. We need to use everyone.”

Fallon raised his voice and said to the great hall, “I know what it’s like to fight alongside my wife. We’re immortal, but we can be killed. She just reminded me how strong we are together. So, together we will remain.”

“Let’s go in shifts,” Lucan said. “We’ll rotate who stays here to look after the children and who fights.”

Hayden nodded eagerly. “That sounds like a solid plan. It will give us a rest and allow everyone some downtime before we fight again.”

“It’ll also allow us to know what’s working and what’s not,” Gwynn said.

Saffron then added, “That way we can quickly shift our attacks.”

“And if someone is hurt?” Tara asked. “All of you know I’m a realist. We need to think of this.”

“Isla willna be out there without me,” Hayden stated.

Quinn looked at Marcail. “I think we’re all in agreement to that when it comes to our wives.”

“We’ll go out in two pairs at a time,” Fallon said. “Since the children will be here, this place has to be well fortified.”

Phelan lifted a hand in the air. “Once the Druids are done adding more spells, I’ll call in Rhi.”

“We start tomorrow. Take the night. We meet here at dawn,” Fallon said.

*   *   *

Ulrik entered the Fae doorway into Taraeth’s palace. He was a regular in the king of the Darks’ residence, so no one paid him any attention.

He strolled down the corridors until he came to a small alcove. It was tucked away at the end, hidden from the eyes of others, but gave him a great view of anyone who ventured down the hallway.

A smile formed when he saw bare legs. Muriel leaned forward and winked at him, her dress sagging at the front to give him an ample view of her breasts.

The night he’d spent in her arms had been nice, but he couldn’t let himself relax. He still didn’t trust the Dark. After what happened to him, trusting wasn’t an option. Ever.

Then there was the fact Mikkel was looking through his place. Not that his uncle had a chance in Hell at finding anything. It was the point of it all that irked Ulrik.

“You’re late,” Muriel said.

Ulrik lifted a brow. “I’m right on time.”

“I don’t like to wait then.”

“Then doona get here so early.”

“I had to make sure no one was around.” She sat back and patted the area beside her. “Sit, lover.”

Ulrik unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat, shifting so that one arm rested on the back of the pillows as he half-faced her. “Tell me you have something for me.”

“Oh, I do.” She all but purred. “Mikkel plans to kill you.”

“Tell me something I doona already know.”

She blinked and looked affronted. “How would you know that? He just shared that with Taraeth last night.”

“I know my uncle. He’s a conniving, shrewd arse. He’s dreamed of being a Dragon King. He’ll do whatever it takes to see that it happens. It was simple deduction.”

Muriel’s face lost all of its fake seduction. “Ulrik, he has many allies.”

“And many enemies.”

“As do you.”

He grinned at her logic. “I’ve had thousands upon thousands of years to think of every conceivable way to solve problems.”

She looked down at her hands, a frown marring her features. “Taraeth agreed to help Mikkel.”

“Mikkel doesna need any help. He wants to find out what side Taraeth is on. Besides, if Taraeth really was on my uncle’s side, would your king have sent your sister to seduce Mikkel?”

Muriel shrugged one shoulder as she fiddled with the hem of her dress. “There’s more.”

“Oh?”

“Mikkel doesn’t intend to let you kill Constantine. He’ll let you fight Con right up until you’re about to defeat him, then Mikkel will step in.”

There were few things that could break his calm, but that was one of them. When it came to his revenge against Con, nothing was going to stand in his way.

That was one item he assumed Mikkel would keep to their pact. Mikkel might talk big, but he was afraid of Con. He didn’t stand a chance going against the King of Kings.

“Let my uncle be that stupid.”

“I’ve kept up my side of our arrangement,” Muriel said, raising her red eyes to him. “Have I not?”

Ulrik stood and held out his hand. He saw someone approaching out of the corner of his eye. “That you have, lass. Where would you like to go?”

“I was think—”

“I see someone has caught your attention,” Mikkel said as he walked up. “Why not bring her to my house, Ulrik? We’ll all have dinner together.”

Ulrik had been too intent on Muriel to see his uncle in time. He hated how Mikkel went out of his way to sound English instead of Scots. Ulrik used accents on regular occasions when doing business, but that was different. Mikkel was trying to pretend on multiple levels.

Ulrik faced Muriel and forced a smile. “It’s up to you. Would you like to have dinner with my uncle and his … friend?”

“It would be an honor,” Muriel said while batting her eyes at Mikkel.

Mikkel smiled and slapped Ulrik on the back. “Be there at seven.”

Ulrik waited for him to walk away before he dropped his smile. He swung his gaze to Muriel. The Dark wasn’t just a temptress, she was a good actress.

“I’m not playing you,” she said while meeting his gaze. “I keep my word.”

Ulrik had done his research on the Dark Fae. She and her sister were orphans, having lost their parents during the Fae Wars. Taraeth had taken them in, but only to work in the palace as nothing more than slaves.

Her sister, Sinny, found a knack for spying that Taraeth cultivated. As for Muriel, her petite frame and mouthwatering curves caught the eye of everyone who visited Taraeth. But neither of the women were free. Taraeth owned them.

“Before we go further, I want to know why you picked me to help you,” he demanded.

Muriel’s eyes crinkled as she smiled. “That’s easy, lover. Look in the mirror.”

“Muriel.”

She ran a hand over his jaw. “Because you’re hard and unforgiving. Because I knew that if anyone could help me, it was you.”

Ulrik gave a bow of his head. It was enough. For now. He would want to know more later. “You were choosing a place to go?”

“Your bed.”

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

Thorn rose from the table after Fallon and the Druids teleported back to MacLeod Castle.

“Con willna be happy we agreed to let the Warriors help,” Darius said.

“Con can bite my arse.”

Darius’s gaze never wavered as he studied him. “What is it?”

“I can no’ do this.” Thorn turned his head to look at Lexi lying so still upon the bed. She had just gotten well, and now she was injured in a war she should know nothing about.

Darius followed his gaze. “Ah,” he said slowly. “She’s going to have questions when she wakes.”

Thorn inwardly grimaced. He wanted nothing more than to see Lexi sit up and her gray eyes look his way. After their kiss—their scorching, soul-stealing kiss—he could only think of caressing her skin, of learning every curve … of making love to her.

It seemed that rarely did he wake from dragon sleep and there wasn’t a war. Thorn was tired of it all, but most of all he was weary of having to hide who he was.

“Take care of her, will you?” Thorn asked as he faced Darius.

A frown married Darius’s brow for a moment before he nodded. “You’re leaving.”

“Aye. I’m going to contact Guy. Lexi’s mind needs to be wiped of everything involving us or the Dark.”

“You should be here with her when Guy comes.”

“I can no’ do this again. When she wakes, take her to the airport. Guy will be there to erase us.”

“I’ll see it done,” Darius promised.

Thorn took one last look at Lexi before he walked from the flat. By the time he exited the building, he was looking for Dark Fae. He was angry and frustrated and desolate. They were the perfect outlet.

*   *   *

Darius watched Thorn stride down the street. He had an idea of what Thorn was feeling, because it hadn’t been that many centuries ago when Darius had searched for something to kill.

He almost felt sorry for any Dark who got in Thorn’s way that night. None ever stood a chance before, but that night, they would die slowly. There would be lots of pain involved.

It had taken Darius a very long time to realize others’ pain didn’t dim his own. He hoped Thorn found that out earlier than he did.

Though with the war, it might not be a bad thing to have Thorn in that frame of mind. All the Dragon Kings were angry at the state the Dark had pushed them to, but Thorn’s fury went to another level.

Darius didn’t worry about Thorn. He might be working through things, but he wasn’t a fool. Thorn knew his limits. Because even though Thorn had left, Darius knew Thorn would be watching Lexi from afar the next day.

When Thorn was out of sight, Darius turned to retrace his steps to the table. He pulled out a deck of cards and began to play solitaire when he felt a push in his mind.

He opened up the link when he recognized Constantine’s voice. “Aye?”

“I need an update on the situation there.”

“It hasna improved. No matter how many we kill, more Dark arrive daily.”

Con sighed. “It’s the same all over Scotland. Have the Dark discovered either of you?”

“Nay. The few that do doona live to tell it.”

“Good.”

Darius snorted loudly. “Ask the question you really contacted me for.”

“Thorn helped Ulrik, Darius. Even you should see how that put him in a bad light.”

“Warrick helped him as well,” Darius pointed out.

“Warrick was helping his mate.”

“And Thorn was doing what he could for Warrick.”

There was a pregnant pause. “Darius, this war could be the end of us. I need to know I have every King with me.”

“Then stop being an idiot. Thorn would never betray us.”

“You’re sure?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Have you seen Ulrik?”

Darius shuffled the cards. “We’ve no’. Should we expect him?”

“Possibly. He disappeared and then showed back up at The Silver Dragon. Now he’s gone again.”

Now that got Darius’s attention. “He vanished? All the cameras you have up around his shop and you still couldna see where he went? Are you sure he’s no’ inside?”

“We’re sure. He was exiting the shop by the back entrance when he simply vanished.”

“You think he’s with the Dark?” Darius asked.

“We know. They were quick enough so that many of the cameras didna catch them, but one of the new ones Ryder obtained was able to capture everything. We saw the Dark.”

Darius began to set up another game of solitaire on the table. “We’ve known he’s worked with the Dark. Why is this news we should be concerned over?”

“Because he was gone a long time, and now he’s gone again.”

“Or he’s been back and you’ve no’ known it. We doona have cameras inside his shop, remember.”

Con all but growled, “Doona remind me. Keep your eyes open for him either way.”

The link was severed, causing Darius to shake his head. He knew being King of Kings was a right only the strongest, the most powerful of them could have. However, Darius wouldn’t take on Con’s responsibilities for all the treasure in the world.

Ulrik was unpredictable, which made it nearly impossible for them to try to stay ahead of whatever he might do. It put the Kings on the defensive instead of offensive. That automatically put them on the losing side.

If only Ulrik hadn’t gotten his magic unbound. Darius knew that taking Ulrik’s dragon magic had been their only option. Now, after so many eons, Ulrik wasn’t just coming for Con; he had his magic. Out of all the Kings, Ulrik was the only one who could challenge Con and possibly take over as King of Kings.

Darius was surprised Ulrik hadn’t woken his Silvers. Just thinking of the dragons sleeping caged inside the mountain made him long to see his own dragons. To have the sun glint off their dark purple scales.

“Thorn,” Lexi mumbled from the bed.

Darius shifted his attention to the mortal. She sat up, shoving her long hair out of her face. He remained where he was until she looked over the entire flat.

“Where is Thorn?” she asked.

Darius had been dreading this part. “Out.”

“By out, you mean he’s left.”

Darius briefly thought about lying, but he could see by the lift of her chin she had pieced it all together. “Aye.”

Lexi stood and winced. She looked down at her side before she slid her gaze back to Darius. “What happened?”

“You were hit with Dark magic. Lucky for you, it merely glanced off your side.”

“Lucky, huh?” she mumbled. She slowly made her way to her luggage where she found another sweater before going to the bathroom.

Darius gathered the cards together and set them aside. “You are lucky.”

“Oh, yeah. Definitely,” came her voice behind the closed door of the bathroom, dripping with sarcasm. “I’m such a lucky person that my parents die and leave me alone. I’m so lucky I lose one of my best friends here. I’m so lucky I got hit with Dark magic.” The door opened and she leaned against the doorway. “I’m so lucky that Thorn left.”

Darius wasn’t sure what to say to her. He motioned for her to sit. “All Thorn wanted to do was protect you. He feels he failed.”

“And our kiss?”

Kiss? A lightbulb went off in Darius’s head. “I didna know of a kiss.”

Lexi shrugged and walked to the table. She took the chair opposite him. “Well, there was a kiss. A kiss that was…” She trailed off and looked away.

“I see.” Darius rested one arm on the table. “You mustn’t be angry at Thorn for no’ telling you about us. Everyone who knows finds themselves in extreme danger. We were shielding you and ourselves.”

She nodded and gathered her light brown hair at the base of her neck and wound it around her finger as she once more met his gaze. “The more people that know, the more likely your secret is told.”

“Aye.” Darius was happy she could at least see that. “For thousands of years few knew that the Fae walked this realm.”

“I don’t ever want to meet another Fae.”

“The Light are our allies. They do take humans to their beds, but only once and they doona take their souls.”

Lexi rolled her eyes. “Oh, that makes me feel better.”

Darius bit back a smile. “It should. The only ones wanting to kill your race are the Dark.”

“I want to know everything there is to know of your race.” She gave a slight shake of her head. “How can there be dragons so big around that no one sees?”

“We take to the skies at night. Few bother to look up anymore. Thunderstorms are also perfect times for flying.”

She squared her shoulders. “Tell me more.”

Since Darius knew Guy was going to wipe her memories there was no point in not telling her. “We’ve been here since the beginning of time. For millions of years dragons ruled. Then one day humans arrived.”

“Arrived?” Lexi asked with a frown. “How? From spaceships?”

Darius chuckled. He rose and uncorked a bottle of wine. He poured himself a glass and looked at Lexi. At her nod, he poured her a glass as well. Then he returned with a wineglass in each hand, handing one to her. “Nothing so grand. Your kind just appeared out of nowhere. No’ only was your race mortal, but you had no magic. You were defenseless.”

“As we are now.”

“No’ all of you.”

Lexi nodded in agreement. “That’s right. The Druids.”

“As soon as the humans appeared, every Dragon King shifted into human form to be able to communicate. From then on we were free to shift from dragon to human and back again.”

“How many Dragon Kings are we talking about?”

“As many colors as you can imagine.”

She leaned on the table. “Now I remember. When I saw you in dragon form you were purple.” Her gaze went to her wine. “Thorn was the color of the wine. Deep burgundy.”

“Just as you humans have different races, so did dragons. All sizes, all colors. The strongest dragon with the most magic was king of his race.”

Lexi took a drink of wine before she raised a brow. “All kings? What, are you prejudiced against females?”

“No’ at all. I’m sure had things continued we would’ve seen a Dragon Queen, but at that time, there were none.”

“What happened? Did you get tired of having us humans here?”

Darius swirled his wine as he looked at the claret color. “I’ll admit that I wasna exactly happy to have the mortals around, but for several centuries things were fine. It started slowly. I doona think any of us Kings thought much about it.”

“What started slowly?”

“The humans’ jealousy of our magic and the power we had.”

Lexi scrunched up her face. “That sounds like us. We always want to be the ones in charge.”