Page 84 of Dragon's Honor

“You don’t think he would drug the important people? He’s a vampire. He clearly has resources and time. You don’t think he hasn’t considered every angle?” Finley sighed. “Not to mention, what you said,” she pointed to Cillian, “he can’t possibly do it all. It’s too big. I don’t think we know what he really wants. And he would be stupid to tell us. Villains surely have learned from James Bond movies, you don’t tell the hero everything ever. You just end up foiling your own plan.”

“Fuck. I don’t know what’s scarier. His plan for world domination or a plan we can’t even conceive of because he’s got it up his sleeve.” Henrik raked his hands through his hair.

“Ash is right, we need to get Tristian back.”

“And Tabitha,” Syrena said.

Ash glanced around at everyone. “We need to figure out how to get heartstones back to those that don’t have them any longer. We can’t protect them. In fact, we need to find a test for Dragon Fire.”

“I’m already working on it. I’ll go back. It would be helpful to have Tabitha. She’s the brains behind the potion. Grey isn’t capable of this kind of power. Not without a witch who knows what she’s doing. And Tabitha is the oldest and most powerful of us all.”

“Fucking opals,” Dalton sneered.

“This isn’t the opals fault,” Ash snapped.

Dalton glared at him. “We’ll see about that. Grey chose them for a reason.”

Marcus stepped forward. “The conclave is excused, we’re going to deliberate on a plan. The rest of you, go back to your corners and regroup. Wait to hear back from us. Do not do anything until then.”

“Wait, you’re just going to go make a plan? What about my sister? What about Tristian? The longer they’re left like this, the harder this is all going to be!” Finley’s voice was full of anger and frustration.

Marcus glanced at Finley and then back to Ash. “Don’t think this has gone by unnoticed. We will address it at another time. I would highly recommend not completing the claim.”

Ash’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t say anything. Now wasn’t the time to tell the conclave to shove it up their ass.

“Let me take you home,” he said.

Finley shook her head. “I’m not leaving Olivia.”

Gavin stayed in the room as everyone else left. “Syrena put her until a sleeping beauty spell. She won’t wake up. She’ll be sleeping peacefully. It’s like she’s in stasis. She won’t need food or drink. And Grey will not be able to use her.”

Finley crossed her arms over her chest. “That doesn’t mean I want her left down there alone.”

“She’s not alone. She’s being watched over by one of my dear friends.” Gavin glanced at Ash. “Ryker.”

Ash’s eyes widened. “You’ve been in contact with him?”

“Of course. He and I come from similar…backgrounds.”

“Yes, turning your backs on your kings.”

Gavin smiled humorlessly. “Something like that.” He thumped his index finger into Ash’s chest. “You are the king. Are you going to turn your back on your mate?”

Ash glowered as Gavin strutted away.

“What was that about?” Finley asked.

“It doesn’t matter. Please let me take you home.”

Finley chewed on her lip. “It feels wrong to leave her.”

“We won’t stay away. It’s dark out. I need to go home and acquire a few things. We should get some food. Maybe some sleep. There won’t be anywhere for you to sleep comfortably. We can’t fix all of this tonight.”

Finley finally relented and let him take her back to his house. He immediately felt calmer when he had her to himself. He parked the car in the garage and set the alarm so if anyone came in, they would be alerted.

Now that they were alone, their actions on the island seemed to mock him. He wanted nothing but to take her upstairs and claim her. He didn’t like Marcus’s threat. But he couldn’t just defy dragon law because now things were different for him.

There had to be a reason why the elders had decided to make it illegal to mate with a human.

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