Balladyn spread his fingers after Taraeth was out of sight. The last thing he wanted to do was go to this meeting. Then again, there might be something useful he could glean from the mortals—and even his enemy.
Because, regardless of the fact that the “other” was an enemy of the Dragon Kings, it didn’t make him a friend of Balladyn’s. Ever.
The first chance Balladyn got, he was going to kill the bastard.
CHAPTER FOUR
Rhys followed Con into his office and found Kellan, Warrick, Banan, and Kiril already there. Rhys locked his gaze on Con. There was always a reason for whatever Con did. Usually Rhys could piece it out, but this time he couldn’t.
“Glad you’re back,” Warrick told Rhys.
Rhys nodded, feeling Kiril’s shamrock green eyes on him. Finally Rhys turned his gaze to Kiril. The Dragon Kings were close, but Rhys and Kiril’s friendship went stronger, deeper. They were brothers by choice.
“When did you return?” Kiril asked.
Rhys didn’t want to lie, but he wouldn’t tell them about Rhi’s new ability. “About thirty minutes ago.”
Con moved behind his desk and sat. With all the other seats occupied, Rhys stood near the closed door. His mind was on Lily, on who could have hurt her and why. It took him a moment to realize Con wasn’t talking. Rhys narrowed his gaze when he discovered Con staring at him.
“Are you with us?” Con asked.
Rhys crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall. “Of course.”
“Good, because you appeared to be anywhere but this room.”
“Why am I here?” Rhys asked. “It’s no’ as if I can be of any true help.”
Con leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “Doona let any of the females hear you say such words. They’ll take offense.”
Rhys shot Con a hard look. “Involving me in whatever is going on willna keep me here.”
“You think I want to force you to stay?” Con gave a shake of his head of blond hair, his black eyes penetrating. “In case you’ve no’ been paying attention, we’re being attacked by multiple enemies.”
“How could I have forgotten?” Rhys knew his anger was ruling him, but he knew better than anyone about their enemies. “If Ulrik can do this to me, what’s stopping him from doing it to every other Dragon King?”
“Me,” Con stated.
Rhys blew out a hard breath. “I’ve suffered no’ being able to shift for only a few weeks, and it’s making me crazy. At least I have my magic still. If this is a fraction of what Ulrik feels, then I completely understand his hatred.”
“I willna reverse what was done to Ulrik,” Con stated.
Warrick crossed an ankle over his knee. “No’ that it would do any good if we did give Ulrik back his power. Do you think his hatred for humans has waned?”
“Doubtful,” Rhys answered.
“We’ll find another way to ensure you can shift into a dragon, Rhys,” Kiril said.
Rhys wasn’t so sure. He gave a nod to Kiril, appreciating his words. “Ulrik is another matter. What’s going on now?”
“Actually, it’s about Ulrik,” Banan said and ran a hand through his short, dark brown hair.
Rhys met Banan’s gray eyes. “What about him?”
“He’s set up a meeting between MI5, himself, and the Dark Fae,” Kellan answered.
Con laced his fingers together and let his hands rest over his flat stomach. “Henry North is using his skills to become one of the traitors of MI5. He’s going to this meeting Ulrik set up.”
“Does he know it’s Ulrik?” Rhys asked.
Banan’s lips flattened. “Nay. But regardless, he knows every player is dangerous.”
Rhys liked Henry. The human had stuck his neck out for them numerous times, but this time was different. “If Ulrik or the Dark discover he’s a spy, they’ll kill him.”
“Henry is too good at his job,” Banan said.
Warrick was just as unconvinced as Rhys if the look on his face was any indication. “I doona know Henry like the rest of you, but asking any human to become involved with the likes of Ulrik or the Dark, much less them united, is folly.”
“Let’s no’ forget Ulrik has magic now,” Kiril said, glancing at Rhys.
Banan rose and began to pace the office. “I didna know Henry planned this, or I would’ve talked him out of it. He’s been undercover with the traitorous faction of MI5 for weeks. I got his coded message this morning about the meeting.”
“Do we know where it’s being held?” Rhys asked.
Banan shook his head. “Do you no’ think I’d be there if I did? Henry is my friend.”
Rhys could tell Banan was upset. To them, Henry already knew too much, and that put him in danger. To Henry, he didn’t know near enough. What little he did know could be enough to get him killed.
“If Henry gets out of this alive, we need to tell him everything,” Kellan said.
Con nodded slowly. “I agree.”