Flame, page 19
But she didn’t. She let it continue.
Clammy hands gripped her on either side of her head. A voice near her ear said, “It’s nearly done.”
Noreen jerked because she knew that voice.
It was Moreann.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
He needed to get back. Cain didn’t know why the thought kept running through his head, but he knew that it was imperative that he return to Noreen.
The longer he remained at Dreagan, the more he couldn’t shake the fear that was settling around him like ice shackles. He tried to concentrate on what was being said as the discussion began about their impending battle with the Others, but he couldn’t.
When he spotted Con leave, he started to go after him, but Ulrik stepped in his way.
“You’re distracted,” the King of Silvers stated.
There was no use denying it. “Aye. I need to get back to Noreen. She’s risked her life for us.”
“From what you told us, she’s safe on the Fae Realm.”
“I think she’s safe. I’d like to know for sure.”
Ulrik gave a nod, his gaze briefly moving away. “Or could it be that you doona like being parted from her?”
“Would that be a problem?” Cain didn’t mean to get defensive, but it came out in his voice without a second thought.
A black brow rose as Ulrik stared at him. “She could be anything. The simple fact that she’s helping us is good enough for me.”
Cain blew out a breath and raked a hand down his face. He felt as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Con thinks there’s a chance Noreen will betray me.”
“Con has to look at every angle. All of us do. Even if it’s something that has to do with someone we care about.”
“Do you think she’ll betray us?”
Ulrik’s lips twisted. “To be frank, anything is possible. We know from what little Usaeil told Con and what you’ve gleaned from Noreen that Moreann is determined to have this realm.”
“So, you believe what Noreen told me?”
“You were the only one who was there. You looked into her eyes. You believed it, so aye, I believe it.”
“Thank you.”
Ulrik snorted. “Doona thank me yet. What I’m telling you is that if we believed Usaeil would do anything to get what she wanted, then I think Moreann would, as well.”
“I’ve spent time with Noreen. She’s no’ someone who would betray us. I know Con has long believed that there would be another woman who would do as…” He trailed off, not wanting to bring up the past.
“Nala did to me,” Ulrik finished. “Aye, I know. Con and I have spoken about it at length.”
When he didn’t elaborate, Cain raised his brows. “And?”
“I agree with him. What happened with Nala wasna accidental. She and I were happy. Was she my mate? Nay, but I didna see that at the time. I wanted a wife, a family, and I cared deeply for her. I thought it was meant to be. The fact that Mikkel could turn her so easily against me was proof enough that I imagined the feelings that I desperately wanted to be there. It wouldna surprise me to find out that Moreann somehow helped my uncle set things in motion. If someone goes to that much trouble for something that caused the mass exodus of dragons, why would they no’ do it again?”
Cain frowned at Ulrik as he shook his head. “Look at all the eons that have passed since then with no female betraying us. Look at the most recent years with all the matings. None of them have betrayed their Kings.”
“You’re right,” Ulrik said. “That doesna mean it can no’ happen.”
“I know what I feel for Noreen.”
“And what is that? Do you love her? Is she your mate?”
Aye! It immediately sprang up in Cain’s mind, but he didn’t say the word. “I gave her my word that I would protect her. She’s entrusted her life to me.”
“She’s a Fae, which means she’s no’ without skills.”
“She isna a fighter.”
Ulrik shrugged, his face showing how little that mattered. “She has magic, and if she can get into your mind to see your memories through your eyes, she’s bloody powerful, as well. Moreann got lucky in finding her.”
Cain clenched his teeth together. He’d hoped that someone would see his side of things when it came to Noreen, but it seemed that Ulrik was just like Con, and only saw the worst.
“By your look, you think I doona like Noreen. That is far from the truth,” Ulrik said. “I’ve never met her. I appreciate what she’s doing for us, and I’ll gladly welcome her here because of it.”
“And if she is my mate?” The words were out before Cain could think better of it.
Ulrik didn’t hesitate to respond. “Then you know we will all embrace her and welcome her into our family.”
Cain sighed, his body relaxing a bit.
“But if she sets to betray you, and therefore us, you know what we’ll do.”
They’d kill her, just as they had with Nala.
“She willna betray us,” Cain stated in a low, deadly voice.
Ulrik put his hand on Cain’s shoulder, a sad smile playing about his lips. “I’m trying to show you what every King here is working through. We believe you. But the Others are no’ only after our realm, they also want to wipe us out. I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous their combined magic is. We’re strong, but I doona know how things will go when we face off against them.”
“I have that same fear. Why do you think I went to investigate Noreen?”
Ulrik let his arm drop to his side. “I know, my friend. We all have a lot at stake here, and we’re all trying to ensure that we’ve thought of everything. What worries me is how attached you’ve gotten to her in such a short time.”
“She’s an amazing Fae. Dark or no’, she didna have to help us, but she is.”
“That she is.”
“I told Con to come with me and talk to her to alleviate his fears, but he left.”
Ulrik looked at the doorway Con had walked through earlier, his lips compressing. “Con is doing his best to keep everything going. Let’s leave him. I’ll go with you.”
“You?” Cain asked in shock.
A smile pulled at Ulrik’s lips. “Surprised?”
“Aye. I know you and Kellan are helping Con.”
“We’re all helping each other. This is our home, and some of us have mates, but it isna about that. This is about holding onto what is ours. So, can I meet Noreen or no’?”
Cain smiled easily for the first time since he left Noreen. “Of course. You sure you’re all right no’ being a part of the battle plans?”
“I’m going to fight. Someone will tell us where we need to go and when. There are enough Kings standing around formulating plans that they willna miss either of us.”
Elation rushed through Cain. He would get to return to Noreen quicker than he thought.
“Whether you want to admit it or no’, that smile you’re wearing says it all,” Ulrik pointed out.
Cain laughed, no longer caring what anyone thought. “I can no’ wait for you to meet her. You’ll see that all your fears are unfounded.”
“Then lead the way.”
Cain looked down at the cuff on his wrist. “This is yours.”
“Aye.”
His fingers wrapped around it. While he knew he should return it to Ulrik, the thought of it not being on his wrist so he could return to Noreen at will left him gasping for air.
“I doona need it back now,” Ulrik said into the silence.
Cain nodded as he loosened his fingers. “Right.”
“You sure the doorway you and Noreen used to the Fae Realm isna guarded?”
“No one was there when we went through, and no one was there when I came back. Noreen was sure the Fae have forgotten about it.”
Ulrik’s lips twisted. “They probably have. I’m more concerned about the Others.”
“I didna see—or sense—anyone.”
“Then let’s go,” Ulrik said as he grasped Cain’s forearm.
But Cain hesitated. “Do you need to tell Eilish where you’re going?”
“She knows,” was all Ulrik said.
Cain shrugged and thought about the Fae doorway as he touched the silver cuff. The moment he and Ulrik arrived at the castle ruins, both looked around, expecting someone to attack them.
“Strangely silent,” Ulrik said in a low voice.
“Noreen said it’s because of the location of the doorway. No one uses it since it’s so isolated.”
“That shouldna matter to the Fae.”
Cain hated to admit that Ulrik had a point. “As Noreen said, no one goes to the Fae Realm anymore since it’s been destroyed. Why would the Fae use it now?”
Ulrik shifted toward him, his face set in lines of worry. “I can understand that part, but the location, no’ so much.”
“What about it?”
“The field surrounding the ruins is wide open, giving no cover to anyone. I’ve seen Fae doorways in weird places, but this one seems especially odd.”
Cain gave a shake of his head. “I doona care. It got me and Noreen away, and it’s going to take me back to her.”
Ulrik lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Well, since we can no’ see the doorways, do you remember where it is?”
“I marked it,” Cain said with a grin as he made his way into the castle and up the stairs.
Ulrik chuckled when he saw the two small stones set the width of a doorway apart when they entered the chamber. “That was smart.”
Cain was smiling when he walked through the door. Ulrik was right on his heels. He paused, giving Ulrik time to take a look at the absolute devastation of the realm.
“This way,” Cain said and gripped Ulrik’s arm before touching the cuff.
He didn’t want to take the time to walk to the barrier when he had the ability to jump to it. Ulrik didn’t seem fazed by it at all. Instead, he stared straight ahead at where the barrier was.
“I didna feel it before,” Ulrik said. “But I do now.”
“Walk through it.”
Ulrik lifted a foot and stepped through. Cain quickly did the same. Once on the other side, he began looking for signs of Noreen. She’d said that she’d wait for him, but she could be anywhere within the area of the shield, which was fairly large.
“I’m sure she’s around,” Ulrik said.
Cain nodded. “I told her it might be a while before I could get back. I thought I’d stay through the battle. If I’d known that I would return so quickly, I would’ve asked her to remain close.”
“There are other ways to find her,” Ulrik said. “Shift.”
Cain laughed. Of course. That would be the quickest and easiest way to locate Noreen. If she wasn’t looking up, she’d hear his roar. “You joining me?”
Ulrik shook his head. “I’ll stay on the ground for now and have a look around.”
“I’ll be back soon with Noreen.”
Cain shifted and jumped into the air. As he flew, he kept wishing that Noreen was on his back. She’d been the first person to ride him, and he’d liked it.
He flew fast and low, gliding over the area of the lake where they had made love, and into the forest. He roared as his gaze scanned for any movement, but he didn’t give up. It wasn’t until he’d made a sweep of the entire area that he grew concerned. Noreen should be there, and she should hear him. Was she hiding? Hurt? Scared?
All kinds of thoughts rushed through his mind as he turned back. As he swung around, he saw a figure step from the trees to the edge of the lake.
Relief filled him at the sight of Noreen. She beamed up at him, waving.
And that’s when he knew he loved her.
CHAPTER THIRTY
The excitement that ran through Noreen was so great, she felt dizzy from it. She couldn’t believe that Cain was back already.
At first, she’d thought the roar she heard was her imagination. The second time, she knew for sure. That’s when she looked up through the dense forest canopy for some sign of him. She was about to jump to the lake when she wondered if it was Cain or another Dragon King.
It didn’t help that the erratic dreams from the night before kept playing in her head. So, she ran to the lake instead. The moment she saw his navy scales, she burst from the trees.
Happiness bubbled up inside her as he dove from the sky, rolling into a ball and shifting back into human form right before he landed naked on bent knees, his fingers touching the ground. She didn’t even wait for him to stand as she rushed to him.
He straightened in time to grab her as she flung herself at him. It seemed as if a million years had passed since she had tasted his lips, and she couldn’t get enough of him.
“By the stars, I’ve missed you,” he said between kisses.
“Shhh,” she told him and threaded her fingers into his black hair.
He chuckled, but it soon turned into a moan. She felt his arousal hot and thick between them. Her heart skipped a beat, because even now, she couldn’t believe he desired her.
“Wait,” Cain said and pulled back to look at her.
She gazed up at him, waiting for him to speak. When he didn’t, she leaned in for another kiss, but he held her still.
“You’re beautiful.”
Noreen smiled at his flattery and let her gaze travel his body. “And you’re gorgeous. What are you doing back so quick? Is it all finished?”
“Nay,” he said with a shake of his head, his expression filled with regret. “I’ve shared all you told me with Con and the other Kings. The planning for the battle is being done now.”
“Why aren’t you there?” she asked. “You should be there.”
He gave her a lopsided smile and smoothed a strand of hair from her face. “I wanted to see you. And I’ve brought someone for you to meet.”
She was instantly on guard, though she didn’t know why exactly. It wasn’t as if Cain didn’t believe her and had brought someone to check her story. Then again, it wasn’t as if they could check her story anyway.
Her mind flashed back to the dream where she hadn’t been able to move or open her eyes and heard Moreann’s voice.
“Noreen?”
She blinked and looked at Cain. “Yes?”
“Are you okay, lass? Your face paled for a moment, and you looked a million miles away.”
It felt as if she were being pulled from him, which was silly since he was right here, holding onto her. “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? Because if you doona want to meet Ulrik, you doona have to.”
“The King of Silvers is here?” she asked, shocked.
Cain continued to study her. “Aye.”
“He, too, left the planning for the Others to come here? To meet me?” Yeah, she wasn’t buying that at all. “They don’t believe what I told you, do they?”
“I believe you, and they trust me.”
She shot him a dry look. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“Doona read too much into this.”
“It’s hard not to.”
He sighed and lowered his gaze to the ground briefly. “You saw the betrayal Mikkel and Nala set up for Ulrik. Con has long believed that another such betrayal will befall one of us.”
“And he thinks it’s me?” Noreen got so angry, she pulled away from Cain. “I risked everything to go to the Kings to tell you what I know. And this is the thanks I get?”
“You have every right to be angry, but please understand where we’re coming from, as well. We have to double- and triple-check everything.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and raised a brow. “That’s the thing. You can’t verify anything I’ve told you. It’s my experiences, my memories. You either believe me, or you don’t.”
“I do.”
Noreen knew that he did, but she couldn’t control the ire within her. It was silly to believe that the other Dragon Kings would believe her as quickly as Cain had.
She gave a snort and dropped her hands to her sides. “It doesn’t really matter now, does it? Take me at my word, or don’t. I’ve already burned the bridge with the Others.”
“I vowed to protect you,” Cain said in a low, dangerous voice.
“From where? Dreagan, where you’re needed for battle? Because you can’t be here. You’d constantly be thinking about your brethren and that you should be fighting alongside them, which, by the way, you need to be.”
“Noreen,” he began.
She held up a hand to stop him. “You know I’m right. I almost left when you went back to Dreagan. I wish I had.”
“You want to leave?” The frown that filled his face was one of disbelief and … hurt.
Tears threatened, but she refused to let her emotions get the best of her. “It doesn’t matter much what I want anymore. I knew the consequences when I sent that email. For a brief bit of time, I thought I could actually have my life back.”
“You can,” he insisted.
“No. I gave that up the moment I let Brian see us together. Some will think I’m getting exactly what I deserve as a Dark as well as an Other.”
“I doona think that.”
She smiled at him, thinking of his kindness and passion. “That’s because you’re different.”
“The feeling I had that said I needed to come back here wasna for naught then,” he mumbled.
It was her turn to frown. “What?”
“I had the overwhelming urge to get back to you, felt that you might need help. Now, I see it was simply because I somehow knew you wanted to leave.”
“But I didn’t.”
“How long would you have stayed?” he demanded.
She shrugged, unable and unwilling to answer.
He nodded and looked away as if the very sight of her was too much for him to take.
Movement out of the corner of her eye made her turn her head. She saw a man standing at the edge of the forest, staring at them. His long, black hair was pulled back in a queue at his neck. No doubt, it was Ulrik. How much of the conversation between Cain and she had he heard? Then again, did it really matter?
“I doona think my opinion counts for much, but I’m going to give it anyway,” Ulrik said as he started toward them.
