Heat, page 27
Whether the woman was her and Henry’s birthmother or not, she might know something. The midwife switching the gender and dates of her and Henry’s births was too coincidental to be ignored.
And if Rebecca were their mother …
Esther wasn’t sure she could think about that yet. She would have to face it eventually, but she needed just a little more time.
“I want to talk to her,” she announced to the room.
Nikolai squeezed her hand, his silent way of telling her that he would be by her side for whatever she chose.
“No,” Henry stated.
Everyone turned their gazes to him. He gave a shake of his head, his gaze directed at her.
“Henry,” she began.
“No!” he shouted. “I’ve no interest in finding a woman who gave us up.”
It was Con who said, “You assume she willingly let you be taken.”
“One child, maybe,” Henry said. “I could make concessions for that. But both of us?”
Ryder said, “You’re making judgments without knowing facts.”
“I know facts,” Henry said. “I know that some woman on an isle that used to be inhabited by Druids gave us up. I know that some midwife helped her do it. I know that documents were forged. I know that the person I believed I was, is nothing but a lie.”
Without giving anyone a chance to reply, Henry stormed out.
Esther didn’t try to stop him or go after her brother. Henry needed to calm down, and the only way he’d do that was with some time alone.
She looked at the others in the room. “I’m going to talk to Rebecca Hendry. I need to know if she gave us up and why.”
“And if she didn’t willingly hand you and Henry over?” Kinsey asked.
Esther looked to Nikolai. “Then I’m going to track down the people who took us from her. Now, tell me more about Eigg.”
Con sat back in his chair. “There used to be more Druids in Scotland and England. The mies and droughs didna fight as the Fae do, but that doesna mean the two sects didna clash. The mies learned to gather at spots where magic amassed. Eigg was one such place.”
“But that didna keep them out of Deirdre’s reach,” Ryder said.
Esther nodded, remembering how Isla and the others from MacLeod Castle spoke of the powerful drough they had fought for years. “Go on.”
Ryder threw up his hands helplessly. “The Druids of Eigg slowly died out. Those who can trace their history back to the isle will likely have Druid blood running through them, but it’s doubtful they can do any magic. Rebecca is such a woman.”
“Your ancestry isna important,” Con told her. “I know you want answers, and I think you should get them. There is magic that remains on Eigg. Gwynn and Logan found it when they were searching for a clue to something that could help them defeat Deirdre. It’s how Gwynn learned she was a Druid and discovered her heritage.”
“So the same could happen to me,” Esther said.
Nikolai shook his head. “Doona focus on that. If you do, it’s a bonus, but I think we’ll find out more by talking with Rebecca.”
“If she’ll talk to you,” Kinsey said. She handed the file she’d been holding to Esther. “I thought you might want to visit her.”
“Why don’t you think she’ll talk to me?” Esther asked.
Kinsey wrinkled her face for a moment. “She’s become a hermit. She lives alone and doesn’t speak to anyone. The villagers only get an occasional glimpse of her when she walks the beach near her house.”
“We willna know until we try,” Nikolai said.
Esther slowly nodded. “He’s right. I have to try.”
“When do you leave?” Con asked.
She fully expected Con to want Nikolai to remain at the manor for a few days since they’d been gone, but she couldn’t and wouldn’t hold off on the trip. “As soon as possible.”
“I alerted Denae that she might be making another trip,” Ryder said. “She’s waiting on you.”
Nikolai got to his feet and pulled her up beside him. “Then I guess we’d better pack.”
“I suppose the mating ceremony will be put on hold then?” Con asked.
Esther had totally forgotten about the ceremony with everything else. She and Nikolai had spoken of love, but not about the ceremony.
He raised a brow as she turned to him. “You know I want you as mine.”
“Do you?” she asked with a grin.
He flashed her a wicked smile. “Shall I show you?”
“Ugh,” Ryder said as he strode past them. “Please don’t.”
Kinsey laughed as she followed Ryder out.
Esther watched the couple leave before turning her gaze back to Nikolai. “I’m yours. I always have been. If you really want to do the ceremony first, then I can wait before going to Eigg.”
“I’m the one who will wait,” he said. “Let’s go talk to Rebecca. When we return, we’ll have a grand ceremony.”
“I’m lucky to have you.”
His crooked grin made her heart skip a beat. “Damn right you are.”
She widened her eyes and laughed, playfully pinching him. “Oh, really?”
His smile fell away as he grew serious and smoothed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “I’ve waited an eternity for you. As long as we’re together, we can do anything.”
“Together,” she said and linked her hand with his.
“You’re still in my office,” Con warned.
Esther started laughing, because she had forgotten they weren’t alone, and apparently, Con had realized that.
“I can remedy that,” Nikolai stated.
The next thing she knew, she was cradled in his arms as they walked from the office. When Esther looked back, she thought she spied Con’s lips relaxing just a bit. She wouldn’t call it a smile, but it was close.
“Are you sure about this?” Nikolai asked as he walked them to his room.
She looked into his baby blue eyes before running her fingers through his cinnamon locks. “I’m the TruthSeeker, remember?”
“I’ll never forget.” He stopped walking. “I doona have a good feeling about what we’re going to find.”
“Neither do I,” she confessed.
He gave her a quick kiss. “Onward then?”
“Yep.” As he started walking, she smiled at him. “I could really get used to this. You know, I think you should carry me everywhere we go.”
He acted as if he were going to drop her, their laughter filling the corridor.
She had been through hell, and there was likely more to come, but she could face it all with a smile and conviction for the truth with Nikolai by her side. Because she was a Dragon King’s mate. Nothing else mattered—not even her being the TruthSeeker. Nikolai was her heart, her soul, her very reason for putting one foot in front of the other.
When they reached his—their—chamber, he gently set her down and gave her a heated kiss. When he pulled back, he gave her a wink. “Together?”
“Together,” she replied, eager for the next leg of their adventure.
EPILOGUE
Ireland …
Harriet breathed easier now that she was in Ireland. There was little chance that a Dragon King would be on an isle infested with Fae.
She grabbed the small bag as she exited the plane. There was still work to be done, and she was more than ready to do it. The Dragon Kings would pay for taking Stanley, and she knew just the person who could help her.
“Mikkel,” she said when she caught sight of him waiting for her.
He smiled as she walked up. “Welcome, my dear. We’ve much to do.”
“Then let’s get started.”
“Yes,” he said as he led her to his car. “Let’s.”
London …
For long moments, Eilish stared at the entrance to The Porterhouse. Did she dare go inside? What if Nikolai and Esther had lied about Conal being her father?
Well, she knew exactly what she’d do to the mortal if that were the case.
But … what if they were telling the truth? That’s what kept tripping Eilish up. If she discovered that Donal Cleary was her true father, then she would be demanding answers from the man she’d called Dad all these years.
That brought her back to her mother. Donal had been looking for Eireen for decades with no luck. The only one who knew anything about Eireen was Mikkel. Which meant that Eilish had to continue working with him.
She turned and walked away before touching her finger rings together and teleporting back to the top floor of Graves.
* * *
Con watched the helicopter containing Esther and Nikolai take off as V walked up.
“Another one found his mate, aye?” V asked.
Con nodded, not taking his gaze from the chopper. When the helicopter was out of sight, Con turned to V and saw the King’s blue eyes filled with concern. “What is it?”
“There’s a lot of flux around here, Con. I’m no’ just talking the dragon skeleton on Fair Isle or Eilish. I’m talking about Faith’s connection to Fair Isle and her father possibly being a Druid, Devon’s association with the Skye Druids, and now to learn that Esther and Henry are the TruthSeeker and JusticeBringer as well as from Eigg.”
Con put his hands into his pockets. “Despite our powerful magic, none of us can see into the future, but I know something is at work here.”
“Meaning?” V pressed.
He sighed, not wanting to give anything more away than he had to. Not because he didn’t trust V, but because Con wasn’t ready to alert the others to his fear that the Kings were about to be betrayed on a scale so grand that it could very well be the ruin of them.
“Con,” V urged, a frown marring his brow.
“Ryder is doing all he can. Nikolai is going with Esther to get more answers. Faith, along with Ryder and Kinsey, are still searching for Faith’s father. It’s going to take time.”
Even if it was time they didn’t have.
V’s lips flattened. “Do you believe Faith’s father is a Druid?”
“It’s a possibility.”
V clasped his hands behind his back. “And Mikkel?”
Just the mention of the name was enough to make Con seethe. “I doona know if Ulrik is working with him or no’. Did they conspire to make us believe Ulrik was in charge of everything?”
“Or was Mikkel using him?” V asked.
Con gave V a flat look. “Ulrik isna the type to be used. Ever.”
“Unless he was doing it to get information. You know his motto.”
“Know your enemies better than your friends,” Con said.
V shrugged. “We willna know anything until Ulrik wants us to.”
“And that doesna work for me. His challenge is coming, and regardless of his connection to Mikkel, only one of us can win.”
“I should have told you what I knew of Mikkel when I returned.”
Con stared at him. Anger rose swiftly upon learning that V kept information that could have helped them, but it quickly evaporated once he realized it was V. The King was known for taking time making choices and keeping his thoughts to himself before he reached a decision.
“I knew you spoke with Ulrik,” Con said after a moment. “I understood that Ulrik told you things. I assumed if it was important you would’ve told me.”
“You should be angry. The information on Mikkel was vital.”
Con thought of all the balls he was juggling. “I doona have time to be angry at you.”
Inhaling deeply, V glanced away. “I went to see Dorian.”
Con briefly closed his eyes. “He woke as I asked him to. It’s enough for now. Dorian will be there for us when the war begins.”
“We could use him and his magic now.”
“That time may come, but I’m going to give him the space he needs. For now. Dorian has never let us down before. He willna when the time comes.”
V gave a nod before turning on his heel and striding away.
Con shook the snow from his hair and made his way into the mountain connected to the manor. Though he would never admit it, all the things he was juggling were becoming more difficult with each day. If he dropped or mishandled anything, the implications could be catastrophic.
He walked until he stood in the cavern where the Silvers were kept. He wasn’t sure what brought him there, only that he had to see the dragons. Once in the cavern, he stilled, listening, his gaze searching the shadows as his gut warned him that he wasn’t alone. That’s when he spotted the shape half hidden behind a stalagmite.
Several minutes passed in silence before the form moved and Con’s gaze landed on Ulrik.
Also by DONNA GRANT
THE DARK KING SERIES
Dark Heat
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke And Fire
Firestorm
Blaze
THE SONS OF TEXAS SERIES
The Hero
The Protector
The Legend
THE HEART OF TEXAS SERIES
The Christmas Cowboy Hero
THE DARK WARRIOR SERIES
Midnight’s Master
Midnight’s Lover
Midnight’s Seduction
Midnight’s Warrior
Midnight’s Kiss
Midnight’s Captive
Midnight’s Temptation
Midnight’s Promise
THE DARK SWORD SERIES
Dangerous Highlander
Forbidden Highlander
Wicked Highlander
Untamed Highlander
Shadow Highlander
Darkest Highlander
THE REAPERS E-NOVELLA SERIES
Dark Alpha’s Claim
Dark Alpha’s Embrace
Dark Alpha’s Demand
Dark Alpha’s Lover
Praise for Donna Grant
The Dark King series
“Loaded with subtle emotions, sizzling chemistry, and some provocative thoughts on the real choices [Grant’s] characters are forced to make as they choose their loves for eternity.”
—RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“Vivid images, intense details, and enchanting characters grab the reader’s attention and [don’t] let go.”
—Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)
The Dark Warrior series
“The world of the Immortal Warriors is a thoroughly engaging one, blending powerful ancient gods, fiery desire, and touchingly human love, which readers will surely want to revisit.”
—RT Book Reviews
“[Grant] blends ancient gods, love, desire, and evil-doers into a world you will want to revisit over and over again.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“Sizzling love scenes and engaging characters.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Ms. Grant mixes adventure, magic and sweet love to create the perfect romance[s].”
—Single Title Reviews
The Dark Sword series
“Grant creates a vivid picture of Britain centuries after the Celts and Druids tried to expel the Romans, deftly merging magic and history. The result is a wonderfully dark, delightfully well-written [series]. Readers will eagerly await the next Dark Sword book.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Another fantastic series that melds the paranormal with the historical life of the Scottish highlander in this arousing and exciting adventure.”
—Bitten By Books
“These are some of the hottest brothers around in paranormal fiction.”
—Nocturne Romance Reads
“Will keep readers spellbound.”
—Romance Reviews Today
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than thirty novels spanning multiple genres of romance including the bestselling Dark King stories. The acclaimed series features a thrilling combination of dragons, the Fae, and Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children, a dog, and four cats in Texas.
Want to know when Donna’s next book is available? You can sign up for her newsletter at www.DonnaGrant.com, follow her on twitter @donna_grant, or like her Facebook page at facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant. Or sign up for email updates here.
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CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
And if Rebecca were their mother …
Esther wasn’t sure she could think about that yet. She would have to face it eventually, but she needed just a little more time.
“I want to talk to her,” she announced to the room.
Nikolai squeezed her hand, his silent way of telling her that he would be by her side for whatever she chose.
“No,” Henry stated.
Everyone turned their gazes to him. He gave a shake of his head, his gaze directed at her.
“Henry,” she began.
“No!” he shouted. “I’ve no interest in finding a woman who gave us up.”
It was Con who said, “You assume she willingly let you be taken.”
“One child, maybe,” Henry said. “I could make concessions for that. But both of us?”
Ryder said, “You’re making judgments without knowing facts.”
“I know facts,” Henry said. “I know that some woman on an isle that used to be inhabited by Druids gave us up. I know that some midwife helped her do it. I know that documents were forged. I know that the person I believed I was, is nothing but a lie.”
Without giving anyone a chance to reply, Henry stormed out.
Esther didn’t try to stop him or go after her brother. Henry needed to calm down, and the only way he’d do that was with some time alone.
She looked at the others in the room. “I’m going to talk to Rebecca Hendry. I need to know if she gave us up and why.”
“And if she didn’t willingly hand you and Henry over?” Kinsey asked.
Esther looked to Nikolai. “Then I’m going to track down the people who took us from her. Now, tell me more about Eigg.”
Con sat back in his chair. “There used to be more Druids in Scotland and England. The mies and droughs didna fight as the Fae do, but that doesna mean the two sects didna clash. The mies learned to gather at spots where magic amassed. Eigg was one such place.”
“But that didna keep them out of Deirdre’s reach,” Ryder said.
Esther nodded, remembering how Isla and the others from MacLeod Castle spoke of the powerful drough they had fought for years. “Go on.”
Ryder threw up his hands helplessly. “The Druids of Eigg slowly died out. Those who can trace their history back to the isle will likely have Druid blood running through them, but it’s doubtful they can do any magic. Rebecca is such a woman.”
“Your ancestry isna important,” Con told her. “I know you want answers, and I think you should get them. There is magic that remains on Eigg. Gwynn and Logan found it when they were searching for a clue to something that could help them defeat Deirdre. It’s how Gwynn learned she was a Druid and discovered her heritage.”
“So the same could happen to me,” Esther said.
Nikolai shook his head. “Doona focus on that. If you do, it’s a bonus, but I think we’ll find out more by talking with Rebecca.”
“If she’ll talk to you,” Kinsey said. She handed the file she’d been holding to Esther. “I thought you might want to visit her.”
“Why don’t you think she’ll talk to me?” Esther asked.
Kinsey wrinkled her face for a moment. “She’s become a hermit. She lives alone and doesn’t speak to anyone. The villagers only get an occasional glimpse of her when she walks the beach near her house.”
“We willna know until we try,” Nikolai said.
Esther slowly nodded. “He’s right. I have to try.”
“When do you leave?” Con asked.
She fully expected Con to want Nikolai to remain at the manor for a few days since they’d been gone, but she couldn’t and wouldn’t hold off on the trip. “As soon as possible.”
“I alerted Denae that she might be making another trip,” Ryder said. “She’s waiting on you.”
Nikolai got to his feet and pulled her up beside him. “Then I guess we’d better pack.”
“I suppose the mating ceremony will be put on hold then?” Con asked.
Esther had totally forgotten about the ceremony with everything else. She and Nikolai had spoken of love, but not about the ceremony.
He raised a brow as she turned to him. “You know I want you as mine.”
“Do you?” she asked with a grin.
He flashed her a wicked smile. “Shall I show you?”
“Ugh,” Ryder said as he strode past them. “Please don’t.”
Kinsey laughed as she followed Ryder out.
Esther watched the couple leave before turning her gaze back to Nikolai. “I’m yours. I always have been. If you really want to do the ceremony first, then I can wait before going to Eigg.”
“I’m the one who will wait,” he said. “Let’s go talk to Rebecca. When we return, we’ll have a grand ceremony.”
“I’m lucky to have you.”
His crooked grin made her heart skip a beat. “Damn right you are.”
She widened her eyes and laughed, playfully pinching him. “Oh, really?”
His smile fell away as he grew serious and smoothed a strand of hair away from her cheek. “I’ve waited an eternity for you. As long as we’re together, we can do anything.”
“Together,” she said and linked her hand with his.
“You’re still in my office,” Con warned.
Esther started laughing, because she had forgotten they weren’t alone, and apparently, Con had realized that.
“I can remedy that,” Nikolai stated.
The next thing she knew, she was cradled in his arms as they walked from the office. When Esther looked back, she thought she spied Con’s lips relaxing just a bit. She wouldn’t call it a smile, but it was close.
“Are you sure about this?” Nikolai asked as he walked them to his room.
She looked into his baby blue eyes before running her fingers through his cinnamon locks. “I’m the TruthSeeker, remember?”
“I’ll never forget.” He stopped walking. “I doona have a good feeling about what we’re going to find.”
“Neither do I,” she confessed.
He gave her a quick kiss. “Onward then?”
“Yep.” As he started walking, she smiled at him. “I could really get used to this. You know, I think you should carry me everywhere we go.”
He acted as if he were going to drop her, their laughter filling the corridor.
She had been through hell, and there was likely more to come, but she could face it all with a smile and conviction for the truth with Nikolai by her side. Because she was a Dragon King’s mate. Nothing else mattered—not even her being the TruthSeeker. Nikolai was her heart, her soul, her very reason for putting one foot in front of the other.
When they reached his—their—chamber, he gently set her down and gave her a heated kiss. When he pulled back, he gave her a wink. “Together?”
“Together,” she replied, eager for the next leg of their adventure.
EPILOGUE
Ireland …
Harriet breathed easier now that she was in Ireland. There was little chance that a Dragon King would be on an isle infested with Fae.
She grabbed the small bag as she exited the plane. There was still work to be done, and she was more than ready to do it. The Dragon Kings would pay for taking Stanley, and she knew just the person who could help her.
“Mikkel,” she said when she caught sight of him waiting for her.
He smiled as she walked up. “Welcome, my dear. We’ve much to do.”
“Then let’s get started.”
“Yes,” he said as he led her to his car. “Let’s.”
London …
For long moments, Eilish stared at the entrance to The Porterhouse. Did she dare go inside? What if Nikolai and Esther had lied about Conal being her father?
Well, she knew exactly what she’d do to the mortal if that were the case.
But … what if they were telling the truth? That’s what kept tripping Eilish up. If she discovered that Donal Cleary was her true father, then she would be demanding answers from the man she’d called Dad all these years.
That brought her back to her mother. Donal had been looking for Eireen for decades with no luck. The only one who knew anything about Eireen was Mikkel. Which meant that Eilish had to continue working with him.
She turned and walked away before touching her finger rings together and teleporting back to the top floor of Graves.
* * *
Con watched the helicopter containing Esther and Nikolai take off as V walked up.
“Another one found his mate, aye?” V asked.
Con nodded, not taking his gaze from the chopper. When the helicopter was out of sight, Con turned to V and saw the King’s blue eyes filled with concern. “What is it?”
“There’s a lot of flux around here, Con. I’m no’ just talking the dragon skeleton on Fair Isle or Eilish. I’m talking about Faith’s connection to Fair Isle and her father possibly being a Druid, Devon’s association with the Skye Druids, and now to learn that Esther and Henry are the TruthSeeker and JusticeBringer as well as from Eigg.”
Con put his hands into his pockets. “Despite our powerful magic, none of us can see into the future, but I know something is at work here.”
“Meaning?” V pressed.
He sighed, not wanting to give anything more away than he had to. Not because he didn’t trust V, but because Con wasn’t ready to alert the others to his fear that the Kings were about to be betrayed on a scale so grand that it could very well be the ruin of them.
“Con,” V urged, a frown marring his brow.
“Ryder is doing all he can. Nikolai is going with Esther to get more answers. Faith, along with Ryder and Kinsey, are still searching for Faith’s father. It’s going to take time.”
Even if it was time they didn’t have.
V’s lips flattened. “Do you believe Faith’s father is a Druid?”
“It’s a possibility.”
V clasped his hands behind his back. “And Mikkel?”
Just the mention of the name was enough to make Con seethe. “I doona know if Ulrik is working with him or no’. Did they conspire to make us believe Ulrik was in charge of everything?”
“Or was Mikkel using him?” V asked.
Con gave V a flat look. “Ulrik isna the type to be used. Ever.”
“Unless he was doing it to get information. You know his motto.”
“Know your enemies better than your friends,” Con said.
V shrugged. “We willna know anything until Ulrik wants us to.”
“And that doesna work for me. His challenge is coming, and regardless of his connection to Mikkel, only one of us can win.”
“I should have told you what I knew of Mikkel when I returned.”
Con stared at him. Anger rose swiftly upon learning that V kept information that could have helped them, but it quickly evaporated once he realized it was V. The King was known for taking time making choices and keeping his thoughts to himself before he reached a decision.
“I knew you spoke with Ulrik,” Con said after a moment. “I understood that Ulrik told you things. I assumed if it was important you would’ve told me.”
“You should be angry. The information on Mikkel was vital.”
Con thought of all the balls he was juggling. “I doona have time to be angry at you.”
Inhaling deeply, V glanced away. “I went to see Dorian.”
Con briefly closed his eyes. “He woke as I asked him to. It’s enough for now. Dorian will be there for us when the war begins.”
“We could use him and his magic now.”
“That time may come, but I’m going to give him the space he needs. For now. Dorian has never let us down before. He willna when the time comes.”
V gave a nod before turning on his heel and striding away.
Con shook the snow from his hair and made his way into the mountain connected to the manor. Though he would never admit it, all the things he was juggling were becoming more difficult with each day. If he dropped or mishandled anything, the implications could be catastrophic.
He walked until he stood in the cavern where the Silvers were kept. He wasn’t sure what brought him there, only that he had to see the dragons. Once in the cavern, he stilled, listening, his gaze searching the shadows as his gut warned him that he wasn’t alone. That’s when he spotted the shape half hidden behind a stalagmite.
Several minutes passed in silence before the form moved and Con’s gaze landed on Ulrik.
Also by DONNA GRANT
THE DARK KING SERIES
Dark Heat
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke And Fire
Firestorm
Blaze
THE SONS OF TEXAS SERIES
The Hero
The Protector
The Legend
THE HEART OF TEXAS SERIES
The Christmas Cowboy Hero
THE DARK WARRIOR SERIES
Midnight’s Master
Midnight’s Lover
Midnight’s Seduction
Midnight’s Warrior
Midnight’s Kiss
Midnight’s Captive
Midnight’s Temptation
Midnight’s Promise
THE DARK SWORD SERIES
Dangerous Highlander
Forbidden Highlander
Wicked Highlander
Untamed Highlander
Shadow Highlander
Darkest Highlander
THE REAPERS E-NOVELLA SERIES
Dark Alpha’s Claim
Dark Alpha’s Embrace
Dark Alpha’s Demand
Dark Alpha’s Lover
Praise for Donna Grant
The Dark King series
“Loaded with subtle emotions, sizzling chemistry, and some provocative thoughts on the real choices [Grant’s] characters are forced to make as they choose their loves for eternity.”
—RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“Vivid images, intense details, and enchanting characters grab the reader’s attention and [don’t] let go.”
—Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)
The Dark Warrior series
“The world of the Immortal Warriors is a thoroughly engaging one, blending powerful ancient gods, fiery desire, and touchingly human love, which readers will surely want to revisit.”
—RT Book Reviews
“[Grant] blends ancient gods, love, desire, and evil-doers into a world you will want to revisit over and over again.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“Sizzling love scenes and engaging characters.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Ms. Grant mixes adventure, magic and sweet love to create the perfect romance[s].”
—Single Title Reviews
The Dark Sword series
“Grant creates a vivid picture of Britain centuries after the Celts and Druids tried to expel the Romans, deftly merging magic and history. The result is a wonderfully dark, delightfully well-written [series]. Readers will eagerly await the next Dark Sword book.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Another fantastic series that melds the paranormal with the historical life of the Scottish highlander in this arousing and exciting adventure.”
—Bitten By Books
“These are some of the hottest brothers around in paranormal fiction.”
—Nocturne Romance Reads
“Will keep readers spellbound.”
—Romance Reviews Today
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than thirty novels spanning multiple genres of romance including the bestselling Dark King stories. The acclaimed series features a thrilling combination of dragons, the Fae, and Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children, a dog, and four cats in Texas.
Want to know when Donna’s next book is available? You can sign up for her newsletter at www.DonnaGrant.com, follow her on twitter @donna_grant, or like her Facebook page at facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant. Or sign up for email updates here.
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CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
