Burned by Darkness - Alexandra Ivy Page 0,14

drawled.

Baine stiffened. A nasty premonition crawled through him, twisting his gut into a tight knot.

“What did you hear?” he demanded.

“That you have my pretty little imp.”

Shit. Why hadn’t he realized that his father’s sudden appearance was connected to Tayla? There were no such things as coincidences.

But he was truly caught off guard.

Ruthlessly leashing the aggression that detonated through him at the mere thought that another male was interested in his female, he clenched his hands into tight fists.

“Who told you?”

“It doesn’t matter.” The T-shirt nearly split in two as Synge deliberately flexed his muscles. “I want her.”

“No.”

Danger vibrated through the air. No one said ‘no’ to Synge.

“The trolls gave her to me.”

“And I bought her.”

Synge waved a hand toward the heavy trunk that was sitting on Baine’s throne.

“I’m returning your payment.”

Baine forced himself to suck in a deep breath. Christ. His every instinct urged him to attack.

It didn’t matter that this dragon was his father. Or that Synge was offering a fortune for the imp’s return. His primitive nature only knew that another male was trying to take away his female.

Once he’d stifled his more violent urges, his brain came back online, allowing him to consider his father’s unexpected arrival with a much-needed logic.

The first question was how the hell Synge had discovered he’d managed to locate Tayla. It had to be a spy in his household, of course. Nothing else would explain how the older dragon had learned about her presence so quickly.

Dragon-fire licked over his skin. He would deal with the traitor later.

For now he was much more interested in discovering his father’s interest in Tayla. It had to be a significant reason for him to return a fortune in gold and an emerald the size of a baseball.

“Why?” he demanded.

Synge abruptly turned to pace toward the far wall, pretending an interest in a marble statue that was set in a shallow alcove.

“I want the imp,” he said.

Baine’s brows snapped together. His father wasn’t subtle or devious or capable of elaborate schemes. He was a bully who was blunt to the point of rudeness.

So what was he hiding?

“For what purpose?” he pressed.

“The same purpose I want any female.” Synge turned to face him, a ruddy color staining his face. “To warm my bed.”

He was lying.

The question was…why?

“If that was true then you would chose a concubine from your harem,” Baine pointed out. “You have no need to pay for a bed-warmer.”

Synge glanced toward the treasure chest on the throne. “You were willing to pay.”

Baine shook his head. “Tell me why you want her.”

A low growl rumbled in his father’s chest. “She’s a beautiful creature and she lingered in my thoughts after she…” There was the slightest pause. “Disappeared.”

Baine stepped forward, the air prickling with his power. “I don’t believe you.”

“I’ve returned your payment,” Synge snarled, his belligerent tone intended to intimidate. “Now give me the imp.”

“No.”

Tension pulsed in the air, the potential for a bloody confrontation a tangible force.

Then, with an obvious effort, Synge dialed back his hostility.

“So you’re my son after all,” he jeered. “Fine. You want more treasure? I’m prepared to barter.”

It was so out of character for his father to even suggest he negotiate rather than simply take what he wanted that Baine should have shouted with joy.

How often had he wished he could see his father groveling at his feet?

Instead, all logical thought was shattered as the beast inside Baine roared, his skin suddenly feeling too tight for the fury that pounded through him.

Barter for Tayla?

Not a chance in hell.

“She’s not for sale,” he rasped.

The silver eyes burned with a strange desperation. “Of course she is.” Synge stepped forward, the words that Baine never thought to hear tumbling from his lips. “Name your price.”

Baine couldn’t concentrate on his father’s bizarre behavior. Not until he’d made certain the bastard understood there was no way he was getting his hands on Tayla.

“There’s nothing you could offer that would tempt me.” The throne room trembled from the force of his anger. “She’s mine.”

Synge stepped forward, his hands clenched into tight fists.

“I’ve tried to do this the easy way, Baine, but I will have that imp one way or another.”

Baine whirled on his heel and headed toward the exit. He needed to be with Tayla. To assure himself that his treasure hadn’t been stolen while he was being distracted.

“As far as I’m concerned this conversation is done,” he informed his father.

“Don’t be a fool, Baine,” Synge warned. “You stand in my way and I’ll destroy you.”

Baine never hesitated.