King of Khoth: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book 9) Read online

  “I discovered a hidden chamber connected to where the tablet was found. The remains of the sea dragon Cyril used to cast the spell were inside the chamber. It was your cousin, Tanner. Dark magic is no’ to be trifled with, and I reiterate, he will take you again, and there is no telling what he will do this time. He has to know that we discovered his gruesome cave,” Angus finished, his intense scrutiny making his words all too real.

  It didn’t matter that she had no recollection of her cousin. Tanner was dead and had been used in the spell to bind her memory and put her to sleep for a thousand years, and that was enough to rip her heart from her chest. Every second of pain, anger, and loss barreled through her body and she dropped to her knees.

  Bowing her head, she fought the brimming tears. Losing control would not change her situation or help her. There would time to mourn later.

  A heavy hand landed on her shoulder. Angus’s masculine scent filled her nose and soothed her ragged nerves which exacerbated the situation. The male confused her rattled brain. She wanted to push him away, demanding that he release her from his prison, and yet, she also wanted to fall into his arms, accepting his comfort.

  He and Cyril were almost identical, she reasoned, in that they both held her captive, all the while claiming their care and devotion.

  So why did she feel safer with Angus? A warning bell went off every time she was around Cyril. Not that she fully trusted Angus, but her instincts told her he was honest.

  “I don’t remember Tanner,” she admitted and met faceted green eyes. They were mesmerizing and held her in place. Angus reached to stroke her cheek and heat exploded where he touched.

  “Och, I swear I will find a way to free your mind. ‘Tis no’ right. You and Tanner were close. Your favorite pastime was exploring shipwrecks.” Angus paused, and she saw the wheels spinning before he added, “Come, I’d like to take you somewhere,” he invited with a mischievous grin.

  Her skin continued to burn where he caressed her cheek. “What did you have in mind, Hotness?” she replied coyly, and watched his reaction to her nickname.

  “You, naked and writhing beneath me,” he husked in the next breath.

  Heat spread like wildfire straight to her core. Angus’s words weren’t offensive. In fact, just the opposite, and she imagined his description. The visual was arousing and moisture pooled between her legs.

  Keira perused the length of his body. Angus wore the same black leather she’d seen on all the knights. She expected the king to dress differently but was glad he didn’t. The hide paid homage to the perfection of his body, hugging every muscle.

  “In your dreams, dragon-breath. Where are you taking me?” Keira asked, needing to focus on a safer topic while she tried to smother her desire for the dragon.

  The knowing smirk had her balled fist flying before she could stop it. Aiming for his handsome face, Angus blocked her punch with little effort. He quickly cradled her hand in his. Perfectly shaped lips pressed against the back of her hand and she swayed from the burning flame that licked across her skin.

  Keira contemplated throwing caution to the wind. She wanted to taste his lips and feel his body against hers. Light green eyes captured her gaze again, freezing her in the gem depths.

  All Cuelebre’s eyes were brilliant, but Angus’s put her under a spell. Positively hypnotic.

  “I’m taking you oot,” Angus murmured, breaking the trance.

  Shaking off her burning desire, Keira brightened. “Out? As in, outside?” she asked hopefully.

  “Aye. There’s something I want to show you. I think it will please you.”

  “Anything outside these walls will please me,” she replied, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Oh my Gods, yes, let’s go,” she squealed with delight.

  Angus led her to the door with a palm that spanned her lower back from hip to hip. “‘I apologize that you canna leave withoot guards, but I willna take any chances with your safety. Cyril is an evil bastard,” Angus cursed.

  Anger radiated off Angus in waves, and the servants and knights shied away from them as he led her through the castle. Keira had her doubts about Cyril, but she didn’t see him from Angus’s perspective.

  Angus nodded to the guard by the main door and her thoughts scattered as they left the building. Taking a deep breath, Keira stepped away from Angus and threw her arms wide, twirling in a circle. The walls of the castle were closing in, and this was a moment of freedom, albeit a small one.

  “Thank you so much. I needed this. Poor Elysia is probably tired of hearing me curse your name and threaten you,” she confessed.

  The deep chuckle caught her off guard. He rarely showed a light and playful side, and she liked his laugh. “No wonder Elysia seemed so terrified. She’s probably worried I will behead her new charge. She’s been withoot a genuine purpose for centuries, and she always adored you. And, if you’re happy now, wait until we get to our destination,” Angus professed.

  Keira smiled, unable to hide her excitement. How quickly her wayward hormones were sucked in by Angus’s charm. “There’s more?”

  He leaned in and his hot breath whispered over her ear. “I haven’t even started, Turquoise.” His warm lips nibbled at her lobe and seared her flesh, causing her to wonder if a brand was left where he kissed.

  Without warning, Angus stepped back and removed his leather vest, tossing it her way. Her hands fluttered to catch it before it smacked her in the face. “Wh…what are you…doing?” she stuttered through a raspy voice.

  His heavily muscled chest, free from the clingy fabric, swelled with confidence. Angus smirked, aware Keira was admiring his body.

  Her eyes snagged when he went for the buttons on his pants. Swallowing hard as he popped the top, she didn’t miss his knowing laugh. “Don’t flatter yourself, Hotness. I’m just admiring the view,” she scoffed. Okay, that was a lie, but she’d never admit that to him.

  Her mouth dropped a second later when Angus shed his leathers. He wore nothing but a sly grin, and Keira was speechless. She had seen him naked when they walked through the town, but people had surrounded them. Now, it was the two of them and it felt far more intimate.

  Arousal, hot and determined, powered through her system, and when he stepped closer, it took all her strength to remain still and meet his gaze. A nudge to her abdomen tempted her to look down, but she held her ground. It was a sizeable nudge. One she wanted to explore in detail if she were honest.

  Sighing, she ignored her libido and his satisfied smirk. Keira knew he could smell her arousal, but she smelled his, too. It was mutual attraction, nothing else, she told herself.

  “Hold these,” he instructed.

  “Yes, my hands need something to squeeze,” she teased and rolled the fabric between her palms, stroking it while she stared seductively at Angus’s crotch.

  It was her turn to smirk when his shaft jerked, and Angus released a groan. His gaze hooded, and just when Keira thought he might kiss her, his entire body shimmered, and colorful light enveloped him.

  Keira took hasty steps backward, aware of what came next. A hand went to her eyes, shielding them from the brilliant explosion of color. A split second later, she was looking up at an enormous dragon.

  She’d seen his dragon right after they’d crossed into Khoth. She hadn’t taken the time to appreciate the creature before she took off running. Now, she was awed by its magnificence.

  Angus’s dragon was as big as one of the airplanes she’d traveled in while on earth. His scales were black as night, like his hair, and had an iridescent quality. Pale-green eyes were set wide on his long reptilian face and were as big as her head.

  “Are you ready, Turquoise?” Angus’s voice reverberated in her head as the dragon laid flat to the ground.

  “Yes,” she answered honestly. She was excited over the prospect of spending more time outside.

  It took some effort, but she clambered over the enormous hind leg and reached his back. She felt like a tick on a dog sitting on the eno
rmous beast. His scales were smooth and soft beneath her body. Huge leathery wings extended and beat once. The wind they created blew her long green hair across her face.

  Keira hunkered down and grabbed hold of his shoulders. A subtle tingle built in intensity as they left the ground, but the liftoff was surprisingly quiet.

  Glancing back, Keira noted the Máahes standing on the stone wall that protected the castle, their weapons ready. She sensed their discomfort at their king’s departure and wondered what Angus said to make them stay behind. Their main purpose was to protect him, and they couldn’t do that with him out of sight.

  “They’ll be right behind us. We have aboot an hour to ourselves,” Angus said as if he’d read her mind.

  “Where are we going?” she tried again.

  “To a spot you claimed as ours shortly after we met. “Tis located at the tip of Mt. Batia.”

  “Are you hoping it triggers my memory? If so, I think you’ll be disappointed. Nothing has worked.” She heard the venom in her voice and tried to mitigate her snarl, but failed.

  “Nay. I merely want to take you oot of the castle. I know how confined you’ve felt. This place immediately came to mind.”

  “What was I like when you knew me before? I can’t imagine I am the same female you fell in love with,” she probed as she sat up straight.

  Angus was flying slow, and she relaxed on his back. She trusted he would catch her if she fell, and Keira spread her arms, enjoying the warm air against her face. The world below evaporated, and she breathed deep, feeling free and adventurous.

  “You are verra different from the female I met, but you are also much the same. You never allowed my station to impede you and have always spoken your mind. The biggest difference is that you are far less confident. I look forward to the day you release your self-doubt, whether you regain your memories, or not. Trust your instincts, Turquoise. They won’t fail you,” he explained.

  Angus’s words struck a nerve. Not because he was wrong, but because he was right. Keira allowed her memory loss to dictate her life and she needed to focus less on her past and start living. She was home and should embrace that.

  “You’re right. Thank you for reminding me. Now, when can I see my family? I want to be in the sea, Angus,” she implored, hoping he would see that was best.

  “I promise you it will be soon. The last thing I want is to keep you from your family.”

  “What have you missed most about Khoth?” she asked.

  “Aside from you, I missed the castle. ‘Tis where I grew up and had my most important moments in life. I didna realize I had become a shadow of my former self until I returned.”

  Angus had lost as much, if not more, than Keira. Acknowledging that softened more of the harsh edges. If he kept his promise, and allowed her to go home, she may want to date the male.

  The dragon’s speed slowed, and its wings flapped gracefully, descending towards the ground. The smooth landing was impressive considering the enormity of the creature.

  A gasp left Keira at the sight before them. Perched high on his back, she had a perfect view of the clear lake.

  The purple hue of the moon glittered across the surface. She slid from Angus’s back and stumbled in her haste to reach the lake’s edge. His leathers fell from her hand, and she dropped to her knees by the shore.

  “Thank you,” she mumbled. “I have needed this.” Dipping her fingers into the cool water, energy hummed through her body, filling some of the void.

  Without a thought, she shucked her clothes, and dove in, headfirst. She was finally home, and nothing was going to pull her away again.

  Chapter Eight

  Rooted to the spot, Angus watched through dragon eyes as Keira shed her clothes. Her green hair became a lavender sheen under the moonlight, and the glow paid homage to the brief display of her perfect body.

  His mouth watered to taste those pert breasts and his hands itched to grab that firm ass. Legs for miles soared through the air then disappeared beneath the water. A second later, her large reptilian head broke the surface.

  Keira’s sea serpent was a stunning sight. Rough green scales matched the color of her hair, and large, faceted eyes were bright pools of blue. Slightly smaller than the Cuelebre, the Stoorworm were powerful, nonetheless. They ruled the oceans for a reason, and weren’t to be trifled with, or discounted.

  Keira’s chuckle echoed through his mind before she catapulted into the air. Her huge wings propelled her upward before surging down, and her tail smacked the lake’s surface as she went deeper. An enormous wave rushed to the shore. Angus recalled her webbed claws were lethal and watched her slender body move lightning quick through the still water.

  His favorite part was the flash of red on her cheeks. They resembled small wings but were protective coverings for her gills. Angus liked to think it was Keira blushing from his scrutiny.

  “Swimming again has renewed my dragon. Thank you, Angus.”

  It was all the invitation he needed, and moments later, his dragon joined her. She swam up to him and swished her tail in his face.

  “Are you happy, Turquoise?”

  Swimming wasn’t natural for his dragon, and she happily swam circles around him. Angus recalled a few tricks she’d taught him. Holding his wings close, he hovered until she was in front of him and then extended them, sending a large current her way. Her laughter rang in his head, answering his question.

  Keira’s laughter made his heart sing. A levity that was lacking since their reunion surrounded them now. It didn’t help that he’d kept her locked in the castle, but he had no choice. Angus’s repetitive tirades about Cyril frustrated her, but the Unseelie posed a significant threat to her.

  The vile Unseelie King cast a sleep spell on Keira and hid her in a cave for a thousand years to keep her from Angus. When that didn’t deter Angus, Cyril created destructive beings to slowly degrade the land and its natural resources.

  Cyril made it clear he would do whatever necessary to keep them apart, and it worked for a long time. Angus wasn’t the same dragon he used to be. He’d rip the motherfucker’s head off next time he saw him.

  “Join me on the beach? We doona have much time left alone, and food will be coming soon,” Angus encouraged.

  “Alright. But after we eat, I want to return home. To my brother and the sea,” she insisted as she gracefully exited the water.

  Lumbering behind, he noted how sexy her sea dragon was. There was nothing about her that wasn’t mouth-watering. Her stout legs carried her to the pile of clothes, and in a blinding flash, his dragon watched her naked form as she bent to pick up her panties.

  A deep groan left his mouth along with his dragon smoke. The way she turned her head while she bent over made him think of the last time they had been together. She’d looked at him the same way as he entered her from behind and took her in a heated rush. The memory was as fresh in his mind as if it happened yesterday.

  The look she threw him now held that same knowledge of the effect she had on him, but it was filled with suspicion and doubt. Far different from the previous experience.

  “Not going to happen, dragon-breath. I don’t make it a habit of having sex with my jailers,” she blurted, rejecting him outright.

  Angus winced then shifted a second later. Rough hands pulled on pants while he contemplated her words. “I am no’ your jailer, Keira. I know you canna see why I am keeping you in the castle, but trust me, ‘tis for your own good.”

  “I’ve told you this before. I can take care of myself. Cyril has never harmed me, and my brother will help keep me safe. I don’t need to stay with you.”

  Leather vest in hand, he approached her just as she slipped her pink shirt over her head. The color complimented her rosy complexion and enchanting eyes. “You forget what Cyril kept you a prisoner for a thousand years. If nothing else, believe the bones of your ancestor. That was done in Cyril’s bid to control you. Can we forget aboot that for now? We are at our spot for the first time in a
thousand years, and food is on its way.”

  Keira tilted her head as she stepped into her pants, exasperation wafting in waves. Finally, she sighed. “You’re right. Thank you for bringing me here. This place is incredible. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

  “We found this spot one afternoon when I snuck away from Declan and the council. That day, we made love in the water. And, on the bank here. And, I believe one more time in the grass,” Angus offered and watched as her cheeks flushed red.

  “I’ll have to take you at your word,” she murmured, and Angus walked to her side.

  “Unless you’d like me to show you,” he husked and bent to kiss her cheek.

  Heat erupted, and he felt Keira tremble, but she remained in place. His mouth moved along her jaw, and she tilted her head, allowing him to kiss down her neck.

  Chattering caught Keira’s attention and she jerked her head in the direction of the trees to their left. “What’s that?” she whispered.

  A smile crept over his face at the familiar sound. Before Pip returned with Mack and Kyran, Angus hadn’t heard the noise in decades. “That’s a kippie,” he explained as he reached to grab her hand, twining their fingers.

  His gaze remained rooted to his queen as she stared towards the forest. “If I am no’ mistaken, that is their mating call. The females squeak and chirp in rapid succession, and the male answers. If she finds his song pleasing, then they mate.”

  He recalled when Mack and Kyran returned to Zeum and brought one of the critters with them. Pip was Mack’s baby, and she doted on the furry animal.

  “What do they look like? The only creatures I’ve encountered are those awful elves that attacked me. The ones you called Redcaps.”

  “Oh, kippies are nothing like those evil dwarves. They are small balls of fur and verra friendly. The females are pink while their male counterparts are gray. Their faces are barely visible through all the fuzz. They make a good snack, as well,” he teased.