Fire of Stars and Dragons Read Free

taking a cab home and leaving the car and driver for me as he hurries away.
    “So now what?”
    Theo looks at me, grinning. “You are standing in the royal courtroom with a dragon while the monarchal clan of vampires awaits you, yet you ask ‘so now what’ as if we are shopping at the Celtic Royal Galleria, and you cannot decide between the eatery market or a shoe store.” He shakes his head. “Are you sure you’re human?”
    “Are you sure you’re a dragon?” I counter. “If you read my soul, why ask questions you know the answers to?”
    I think he swears in something other than English under his breath.
    “So now we join them in the conference room and find out what they are offering. I will ensure negotiations work as much in your favor as possible and keep you safe.” He states this without taking his eyes off mine.
    “You’re going to do that for me, yet you’re one of the King’s Guard. And not just any of the Guard, but one of the elite four dragon brothers on the Guard.” Unbelievable.
    “It is quite complicated.”
    Narrowing my eyes, I glare at him. “Complicated. Why is everything with supernaturals always complicated ?”
    “As a human, do you claim your life is free of complications?” he questions. I scowl, refusing to answer. “No matter what happens inside, I ask you please remain quiet and allow me to speak on your behalf.”
    “I make no promises.” He stares, unblinking, possibly wondering if I’m simply stubborn or insane, or maybe just stupid. I blink. He grins. He did ask nicely. “I’ll try.”
    For a moment, we stand staring at each other then he turns and crooks his arm, offering it in a genteel manner unlike typical supernaturals I’ve known. Etiquette training teaches us from a young age how little they appreciate unwarranted physical contact.
    “Shall we, Miss Hayden?”
    “You can just call me Cait.” Formalities, stiff and false, are my least favorite part of high-society life.
    “Not quite yet. It would be improper,” he replies.
    “Do I call you Sir Pendragon?”
    He laughs, a softer, kinder laughter than I expected. “No. I’ve not been knighted as Oliver has. Theo is fine, or whatever you wish. ‘Hey you’, or ‘yo, dragon dude’, if you like.” He uses a funny voice, making me giggle, which earns an easy smile from the dragon as he gazes down at me, our eyes meeting once more before opening the door leading into the private conference room, and his expression turns serious, though his voice remains gentle. “I will always respond, no matter what you choose to call me.”
    I’m stunned. “Okay.” I barely remember we’re joining the king who, a matter of minutes I’d swear were hours ago, acted as though he wanted to eat someone. One of the legendary Brothers of Pendragon has me on his arm, eyeing me with an intensity threatening to burn me alive from the inside out. A vampire draining me is the least of my concerns.
     
     
    *Theo*
     
     
    Corrin and his brother stand away from the rest, Z dismissed as a member of the court council, not of the family. My brothers remain, guarding those of the clan within the room: Cedric, Corrin, and Evan. Dante stays as a part of such matters, tied in complicated ways. Cait would find it amusing I define the status of the Goddess’ son as such, though it is quite true.
    Cedric approaches without hesitation, giving a questioning glance before reaching to take Cait’s free hand in his, her other gripping my arm, as if she thinks I may leave her. He’s gentle in his grasp, reassuring, and I make no move to stop him given the clan patriarch’s nature.
    “Lord Master Corrigan,” she addresses with due respect, lowering her eyes and giving an awkward curtsy as she holds onto me for dear life, her other hand in his.
    “Please, dear, call me Cedric.” His reply is warm, his voice smooth with a Gaelic accent she should enjoy. I gather she finds my accent compelling, arousing even, not what I’ve grown to