Dragon's Grace: Sons of Pendragon, #1

By Sloane McClain

Sons of Pendragon: Brennan - Book One

Sons of Pendragon – Seven brothers with secrets, taken from their own time and raised in the present to continue their father's work. All they require are the weapons their father gave them as children.

Keepers – Seven women with a secret mission. Each the eldest female in a line of women charged with guarding special weapons through the centuries until their owners appear. 

Haunted by a past that only a rare few know, Brennan Pendragon and his brothers hide their real identities. To the outside world, they are co-owners of Pendragon Alliance, a prestigious investigation firm that also deals in protection and retrieval. Injured on his last mission, one that nearly killed him, Brenn is in denial. He does not want to deal with the aftermath. Carnage. Deaths. The sudden, unexpected guardianship of an infant that he does not know what to do with. A baby he wants nothing to do with.

When she's asked to enter into a marriage of convenience, Grace Rutledge barely hesitates. After all, she has been in love with Brenn from the moment she went to work for his family firm.

Letting Grace into his life turns it upside down. Soon the marriage of convenience is anything but. As Grace begins to heal old wounds and teach him to open his heart once more, Brenn fears ancient enemies may once more rip away all he holds dear. Little does Brenn know that Grace's and his secrets are already entwined and the danger has just begun.

Dragon's Grace is a full-length, stand-alone romance with paranormal & fantasy elements. There is no cliffhanger and it ends with an HEA

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sloane McClain
• Release date: Dec 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393338109

Sloane McClain

Sloane has always loved mysteries. The first "book" she ever wrote was a mystery. Though at age eight, the "book" was only around twelve pages long. She's finally combining her love of mysteries, the paranormal, and some Southern charm in this new paranormal, cozy mystery series. Sloane currently has two very spoiled rescue dogs. She also loves photography. You'll often find her photographs on her social media pages. You can contact her on Facebook: SloaneMcClainAuthor BookBub: @SloaneMcClain BlueSky @ sloanemcclain.bsky.social Instagram: @pendragonsandhunters [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

N ooo!

Brennan Pendragon jerked up in bed as the echoes of his scream faded.  He was drenched in sweat and shaking like a dead leaf in a nor’easter.

He automatically reached to turn on the bedside lamp, his fingers stiffening on the switch as he remembered that it wouldn’t do any good. The cause of the visions which formed his nightmares had also created his current condition.

Brenn couldn’t see his present surroundings, but the explosion and its aftermath played over and over in his mind’s eye like a bad horror movie. He saw the rubble of the compound. He saw himself crawling out of the debris, searching for his younger brother, and for his friends. He’d found Roane first. His brother had had cuts and bruises, a concussion, and a dislocated shoulder, but he’d been conscious and mobile.

Brenn had found Rebecca next, her body broken and bloody. She’d died shielding her newborn baby. Brenn expected the baby to be dead, too, but she wasn’t. He’d carried the tiny person out of the rubble and placed her in Roane’s good arm for his brother to hold while he’d gone back in to look for Sam. He’d found what was left of him. Then the third explosion had gone off.

The next thing Brenn knew was when he’d awakened in a private hospital a week or so later and thousands of miles from the explosion site. And he’d been blind.

Blind except for the horrific memories burned into his brain.

Brenn heard the sound of several pairs of feet pounding up the stairs and down the hall. His door was thrown open. It banged against the wall with enough force that he was surprised he didn’t hear drywall cracking. Brenn did hear the snick that told him that someone had flicked the light switch on for the overhead light. If he hadn’t caught the sound among the concerned questions from two of his brothers and Adam, he wouldn’t have known.

For Brenn, the darkness remained.

Are you all right? Kamron, his baby brother, asked.

Of course, he’s not, Roane stated. Roane would understand if anyone did. Roane had been with him on that damned FUBAR mission. He had the nightmare again.

I’m fine, Brenn snapped. He couldn’t help it. He was frustrated and angry and could see no way to alleviate either emotion. Brenn knew his family was concerned, but they were driving him insane. They treated him like an invalid who was unable to take care of himself. Brenn could care for himself fine. If he didn’t feel like bathing, or shaving, or eating, or getting out of bed, why couldn’t they leave him the hell alone?

At the age of twenty-seven, Brenn found himself blind. It didn’t mean he needed a caretaker. He could cope if he wanted. He just didn’t want.

I had a dream, Brenn told them brusquely. We all have them. I don’t need a bunch of loons running in here like anxious parents with a newborn.

Brenn winced. It was the wrong phrase to use. A painful spasm clenched his heart at the reminder.

Brenn was now the guardian of an infant girl. A child he couldn’t bear to have contact with. It just hurt too damned much.

He turned on his side, his back toward the door. Get out and leave me alone. Just go home. Please. He said the last more softly.

Brenn heard two people leave. What is it, Kam?

How’d you know I was still here?

Because you’re the peacemaker. The one who always wants everyone to feel great. Who else would it be? Go to bed, little brother. Or better yet, go home. I'm all right.

No, you’re not. But you will be. Pleasant dreams this time, brother.

Brenn listened to Kam’s retreating footsteps. The child. How is it? he asked abruptly. He could have bitten his tongue. Perhaps he was a masochist, but he needed to know.

Kam’s footsteps stopped. His irritated sigh sounded loud in the quiet room. She’s growing. She needs a name for Christ’s sake, Brenn. And she needs a family. She can’t go on being raised by Dad’s housekeeper. She needs a mother at least.

Brenn flopped onto his back and glared in the direction of Kam’s voice. What do you expect me to do? I can’t raise her. And since I’m not married, there’s no woman handy for an instant mommy, now is there? Maybe I should just let her be put up for adoption. It would probably be best for everyone. Even saying it made Brenn nauseous, but he couldn’t recall the words.

"If you believe that, then the explosion did more damage to your head than any of us realized. You have the opportunity to make a difference to an innocent child. Her parents trusted you to take care of their daughter and raise her in their stead. They believed in you. Where would the seven of us be if Dad hadn’t taken us in and raised us as his own? You can’t let them down. You know you can’t. You could rectify your marital status if you tried. Chelle would probably come slithering back."

Brenn felt his brother’s feelings about Chelle pressing around him like a fog of dislike. He couldn’t blame Kam. Chelle was a lot of things. Maternal was not one of them. After he became blind, Brenn’s eyes had been opened, so to speak, to many things that Chelle wasn’t. Including being in love with him.

Brenn snorted. She’d make a lousy mother. And wife, for that matter.

Then think of some efficient maternal type, Kam responded. You know plenty of women. There must be one you can think of.

Brenn wasn’t totally surprised when one woman immediately came to mind. A sweet face with a figure Botticelli or Rubens would have wept over. She was his favorite secretary from the office pool. Grace Rutledge. She was the one he always requested when he was at the firm. Now Gracie was definitely the maternal type, but she would be the wrong choice for him. Gracie was shy and sweet, though she could and would stand up to him on occasion. Every time their gazes met, Brenn could see the puppy love in her green eyes.

If he was going to take Kam’s suggestion to heart, he needed a woman who would stand up to him when he went into one of the tempers the Pendragon men were known to have. Brenn needed a woman who would stand up to him. He needed one who knew how to be a woman.

Brenn especially needed one who wouldn’t freak out when she learned his real identity.

Brenn usually picked tall, willowy women, but that wasn’t the problem. Gracie was tall enough at around five feet seven, but she wasn’t thin. In fact, she often wore loose-fitting clothes as if she thought to conceal her curves. It didn’t work. At least not with him. Brenn had gotten some very nice glimpses of the hourglass shape she tried to disguise. And what man in his right mind didn’t enjoy generous curves on a woman?

Gracie was that she tried to bury her sexuality. Brenn was by no means a saint. If he married a woman, he was damned well going to have sex with her—often. He would be faithful, too. Which meant it would be a real physical relationship with his wife.

Still, he couldn’t get Gracie out of his mind.

I think she is the perfect choice.

Brenn jerked as the sound of his adoptive father’s voice resonated inside his head. The man moved like a damned ghost. Brenn didn’t even know he was in the bedroom. But maybe he wasn’t. Emrys Pendragon could communicate with them across space. So was Emrys in the room with him or somewhere else? And just what had he meant? His foster dad always had a way of meaning a wealth more than he ever actually stated.

Brenn spoke out loud. If Emrys were present, then Kam would know. Who is?

Who’s what? Kam asked.

A wife for you is the perfect solution, Emrys answered. So the man was present. You could use someone to cook and clean for you.

I don’t think most women these days want to be relegated to the role of housekeeper, Dad, Kam said in a voice laced with humor.

I pay someone to clean for me, Brenn said. And Adam does most of the cooking.

A housekeeper does not make a house a home. And Adam is your Guardian, not your cook.

Don’t tell Aunt Tilly what you just said, Kam warned.

Tilly was their Dad’s housekeeper, and one of three women who’d had the most influence on Brenn and his brothers.

Emrys ignored him. That still leaves finding a mother for my first granddaughter.

She’s not your granddaughter, Brenn insisted, though with little heat.

You may not have accepted your place in her life, but I have no trouble doing so. Emrys’s voice softened. A wife would be an asset to you. Sleep on it.

Though Brenn never heard Emrys move, he felt a familiar touch on his brow. The same touch he’d felt so often during his youth still had the power to comfort him.

The door closed with a soft snick. Brenn knew that this time he was alone with only his own thoughts for company. Lately, they weren’t companionship he enjoyed, but this time memories of Gracie kept popping up. It allowed him to get the best sleep he’d had in months.

PROPPING THE SMALL tablet on her crossed knee and poising the electronic pen in readiness, Grace Rutledge conducted a quick self-inventory. She was pleased to note there were no outward signs of her anxiety.

As a sort of under-secretary to Phaedra Owens, Emrys Pendragon’s executive secretary, Grace was also a senior member of the secretarial pool. She had never once in her employment at Pendragon Alliance, Inc. been called to the office of the CEO. She was worried. She loved her job. She also desperately needed the paycheck and didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize it. That was if she hadn’t already done something.

Grace watched Mr. Pendragon come around to the front of his large oak desk. Rumor was that he’d had it specially made and shipped over from England. Looking at it, Grace could believe it. She loved the dragons that were carved into each corner.

She wasn’t sure what to make of Pendragon’s amusement when he glanced at her pad and pen. You won’t need those, my dear. He propped his hip on a front edge of the desk and regarded her through impenetrable, dark-blue eyes. His skin, even on his bald head, was tanned to a toasted almond from years in the sun.

Grace fought the urge to swallow. If he didn’t want to dictate a letter or an interoffice memo, she was afraid to hazard a guess for why he’d summoned her. She was almost positive that he couldn’t fault her work record. At least Ms. Owens never had. Grace always made certain that her work was completed correctly as well as expediently. She rarely missed work and was hardly ever ill. It was hard to believe that Mr. Pendragon had called her into the inner sanctum to reprimand her, yet he seemed concerned about something.

I won’t?

How to sound intelligent, Grace chastised herself the moment the words left her mouth. She wondered if he realized how intimidating he appeared, and then decided he had to know.

Dark eyes glittered with an emotion she couldn’t begin to decipher. No. What I need today, Miss Rutledge, is not a secretary, but a healer of souls. Someone to drag my son, Brennan, out of the self-destructive miasma he’s sunk into.

Grace went completely still. She must have misheard. After all, what reason could he possibly have for telling her instead of Brenn’s majordomo or his fiancée, Rochelle Williamson? Surely one of them...

Everything inside her froze as one horrifying possibility came to mind. Had Mr. Pendragon somehow realized that she had been in love with his son since her first month of employment? She thought she’d hidden it well, but what if she hadn’t? Was that the reason she was here? And, if so, what did it mean?

Emrys Pendragon was continuing, You are probably unaware of the magnitude of what happened. The explosion left him temporarily blinded and it killed two good friends of his. A married couple. With their deaths, Brenn unexpectedly found himself the legal guardian of an infant girl. On top of that, Ms. Williamson decided to sever their relationship. My son’s spirit is weighed down with grief and loss. His personal demons are battling him, and he is not fighting back. He needs you, Grace. I may call you Grace, may I not? Brenn needs you to shake him up. Make him want to live again.

Grace was shaken herself. She knew of the explosion, of course. Everyone in the building knew of it. But she was not aware that Brenn had been temporarily blinded. His family had done a great job of keeping the extent of his injuries secret.

Nor had she heard that he’d lost people he loved in the assault. It was also the first that she’d heard of the parting of ways between Brenn and the perfect Ms. Rochelle Williamson.

And guardian to a baby!

What do you say, Grace? her employer asked, causing her to jump. Will you help my son?

To give herself time to form a coherent reply, Grace slowly uncrossed her legs, put her tablet on her lap, and finally met Mr. Pendragon’s dark gaze. She didn’t even consider prevaricating. The man seemed to know her heart anyway.

I believe you know that I’d do anything in my power to help him. She couldn’t manage to speak Brenn’s name out loud in the presence of his father. It was a name she said only after months of Brenn telling her to call him by his first name instead of Mr. Pendragon. But when she wasn’t talking to him, it didn’t feel right, given their working relationship. But I don’t see what I can possibly do. I’m just a secretary here. I’m not his friend. I’m not the type of woman to make a man want to embrace life again. I wouldn’t know how to even go about it.

His half-smile was enigmatic. Brenn has mentioned your name on many occasions. Are you not the one he always requests when he requires an assistant? According to Brenn, you are the most efficient person in the entire secretarial pool.

What faint praise, Grace thought somewhat sourly. The warm feeling that had begun to blossom at his first sentence withered a swift death at his last. She could well believe that Brenn saw her as a good secretary—and only that. Because she’d wanted him to notice her, Grace had done everything for him that she could. She made certain that Brenn’s coffee was the way he liked it, that his office was always kept at his preferred temperature for whenever he popped in, and that his favorite music played softly in the background to help him relax and concentrate. Grace had tried her best to become indispensable to him. Apparently, she had—as a secretary.

Grace was well aware that she could never compete with the likes of Rochelle Williamson. Blonde, long-legged model types seemed to be what he preferred. As much as she wanted to help, Grace was honest enough to recognize that she would no doubt get her heart broken should she try.

Maybe if you speak to Ms. Williamson, she might change her mind. Even making the suggestion hurt.

Mr. Pendragon shook his head. No, she doesn’t want anything to do with a blind man. Even a temporarily blind one. How can he tell her how beautiful she is if he can’t see her? How can he take her to all the fancy parties she thrives on?

Grace’s ire rose. But he’s still Brenn. Just because he currently can’t see her doesn’t mean he’s changed as a person.

Brenn’s father smiled. You realize that, but she doesn’t. Or she doesn’t care. She wants nothing to do with him in his present condition. So now, when Brenn needs you the most, are you, too, going to turn your back on him? He leaned toward her. Grace, you have the chance to have everything you’ve ever wanted.

Grace jumped. Emrys Pendragon seemed to know far too much about her fondest dreams.

Are you going to let it slip through your fingers because you lack the courage to fight for it? His tone was sharp. I never took you for a coward.

When he put it like that, she sounded no better than Rochelle. If Brenn really did need someone to care for him, why shouldn’t it be someone who really did care for him? Even if Brenn never learned to love her the way she loved him, Grace needed to take the chance. She had to at least reach for her dreams.

Eight years’ worth of hopes and dreams suppressed by shyness and insecurity suddenly burst free. For once in her life, Grace was going to fight for something she wanted. If she didn’t get it—well, at least she could look back and know that she’d give it her best shot.

Grace’s face lit up with a smile that made the older man’s breath catch. She might not realize it, but she was a beautiful woman. Emrys had no doubt he was doing the right thing for Brenn—and for her.

What exactly do you want me to do? Grace stuck her neck out and just prayed that Fate wasn’t waiting to chop it off.

ARE YOU CERTAIN THIS is such a good idea? Connor Pendragon, eldest of the seven sons, asked. Emrys was nearly infallible. It was the nearly, however, that worried him.

We have to be certain Grace can handle Brenn, Emrys replied reasonably. She isn’t the woman for him if she lets him run roughshod over her, or if his yelling gets the better of her. Better to find out now than after they’re married when the ties will be difficult to sever.

Connor nodded. He knew his brother was a handful. Brenn wasn’t the only one. They all were. It would take a strong woman for each of them. But they needed gentleness as well. Right now, his brother was much more challenging than usual. He needed more understanding than normal.

From what Connor had seen and heard, Grace possessed both strength and empathy in abundance. Perhaps she was unaware of it. She did seem to lack confidence in herself. If she could stand up to Brenn, she would be perfect.

CHAPTER TWO

Emrys told his driver to pull up in front of Grace’s house and let Connor out. She met Connor at her door. Emrys could tell that she was surprised by the mode of transportation, but he’d never learned to drive one of those newfangled contraptions. Horses were so much simpler.

The drive to Brenn’s house barely took five minutes. During which time, Grace spoke only when spoken to. Emrys was concerned by her silence, but he was set in his course. He would learn tonight before things progressed further if Grace would be a match for his third son at his worst. And presently, Brennan was most definitely at his worst.

Connor went ahead of Emrys and Grace, unlocking the door and holding it open for them. Emrys ushered Grace into the foyer. After they all had entered, Emrys said, Connor and I need to check with Adam and see how Brenn is doing in his rehabilitation. You run along upstairs and speak to him. We’ll will join you shortly.

When Grace hesitated, Emrys nodded his head toward the stairs. Go on. Brenn’s door is at the top to the left. We won’t be but a moment.

Grace saw no way to refuse without appearing the terrified specimen she was. Perhaps she could go upstairs and just wait for them outside Brenn’s bedroom door. That seemed feasible. All right.

As she climbed the stairs, she heard them crossing the lower hall toward the back of the house. That only made her more nervous. It didn’t help to find herself facing an open door.

Grace froze.

Who’s there?

Brenn’s voice came from inside the bedroom. It seemed not being able to see had heightened his sense of hearing, because Grace didn’t think she’d made much noise coming up.

I know someone’s out there. You might as well come in and talk to me.

Grace slowly walked into the master bedroom. The first thing she noticed was the lack of light. The curtains were drawn, and no lamps or lights were on. There was just enough light to be able to see.

The second thing she noticed was the smell. It was musty and, well, just smelly. She wondered when the last time was that Brenn had bathed. Obviously not recently.

Brenn rolled to a reclining position on the nearest side of the king-sized bed, drawing her attention. He stuffed some pillows behind his head and leaned back. His shaggy blonde hair was dirty and tousled.

Grace stilled upon noticing he was naked from the waist up. That made her speculate on what he was wearing—or not wearing—from the waist down. The explosion hadn’t cost him any of his vitality. He was still tan. He was still muscled, too. There were new cuts and scratches scattered across his chest and shoulders, and on his face, but those were healing. Grace was startled to see that his eyes were open and unbandaged. From across the room, they looked fine.

Brenn looked as he normally did—except for the stringy hair. Even that didn’t detract from his masculine beauty. Grace heart began to beat faster. She felt as if she’d swallowed a bucketful of butterflies.

Brenn sighed. Loudly. You might as well come all the way in, Gracie. I won’t bite. At least not until after we’re married.

Grace jumped in spite of herself. She was glad he couldn’t see that. How did you know it was me?

For one, I can smell your perfume. Two, your step’s too light to be that of a man, and few women have darkened my door lately. He patted a spot on the mattress near his sheet-covered thigh. Come over and have a seat. It seems Dad thinks we need some time alone.

Oh, no, he and your brother, Connor, are downstairs talking to Mr. Banning. He told me they’d be up in a few minutes.

Brenn laughed. Honey, Adam is out running errands. You’ve been had. My bet is Dad sent you upstairs, and then he and Connor ducked out the back. Go ahead. Look out the front window. I don’t think you’ll see the Caddy there.

Grace had a terrible suspicion he was right. Crossing by the foot of the bed, she went and peeked out the front window. Brenn was correct. The black Escalade was gone. That sneaky old man was going to hear about this. Once she got up the nerve to confront him.

So tell me, what do you think of the old man’s plan? There was no humor in Brenn’s expression or tone now. You realize that you’ll become an instant mother. The baby girl is nearly three months old now.

Baby girl? Doesn’t she have a name? Grace couldn’t believe no one had named the baby.

No, not yet, Brenn’s voice was harsh. A frown marred his forehead. Her parents died before being able to name her. As far as I know, no one knows what they were going to name her. I...I don’t have any idea what to call her. If you agree to marry me, you may name her whatever you want.

Brenn’s cavalier attitude rankled. Jade Turnip. Grace was angry. A child needed a name. It was part of their identity.

What the hell are you talking about? Brenn’s scowl depended.

You said I could name her whatever I want. I think Jade Turnip has a certain ring to it.

Brenn gritted his teeth, fighting for control of his temper. Here was yet another person who disapproved of his actions with the baby. Hell, he didn’t approve himself, but there were limits. Within limits, Gracie. Jade Turnip sounds like a vegetable drag queen or something. I want her well cared for. Make no mistake about that.

You’re not acting like it. You don’t want to have to deal with her yourself, do you? You’ll supply the money, but none of the emotional support. Out of sight, out of mind. Is that it?

The woman was sharp. Exactly. I know nothing about children, and I’m not ready to learn.

Then you don’t want children of your own? Grace was once again glad he couldn’t see her face because she had just turned beet red. Thinking about it made her think of how babies were made, and then reflect on that with Brenn.

If that question made you blush, then what I’m about to say will have your face red for the rest of the evening.

How did you know? Grace’s eyes narrowed. Either he could see, or he was just spooky.

I’m only recently blind. I remember you clearly from before. It takes very little to make you turn pink. He shifted restlessly.

Her eyes were drawn to the sheet bunched low over his hips.

But to continue, yes, I want children. Someday. And lest you get the wrong idea, this may be a marriage of convenience, but the convenience is mostly mine. Once you get used to me, it will be a marriage in the fullest sense of the word. Until then, you’ll still share my bed.

Not unless you bathe on a regular basis, I won’t, Grace stated.

Fine. I can do that.

Who picks the time period for me to get comfortable?

Brenn cocked his head as if he was listening to something only he could hear. I would say you, and no doubt ease your mind, but something tells me that would be a bad idea. One week from the day we marry. Sooner, if I can convince you. Take it or leave it, Gracie. The explosion may have taken some things away from me, but it hasn’t taken away my desires.

Brenn was pushing her. There had always been something about Gracie that made him want to see how far he could push her. She never disappointed him, giving back as good as she got. Gracie seemed to have no problem standing up to him. Brenn was counting on her being strong enough to take him on.

When his dad first broached the idea of a marriage of convenience with Grace, Brenn had been incredulous. The more he considered it, however, the more he began to warm to the idea. Brenn always enjoyed working with Grace. She was smart and witty. She was also easy on the eyes. Or she was when he could see. The beauty of her body would easily translate to his sense of touch.

Fine, Grace stated, yanking him out of his thoughts. One week. Are there any other tests I need to pass to have the honor of becoming your wife?

Brenn grinned at the challenging tone. I can’t think of anything at the moment. Unless you’d like to go ahead and see just how compatible we are.

Don’t you think we will be? We always seem to get on well at work.

I meant in bed, Gracie. To see if we can make each other go up in flames. Hot, sweaty sex.

Grace felt her heart sink. There was no way on God’s green earth that she would be able to make a man like Brennan Pendragon go up in flames. Never in a million years. Grace wasn’t Rochelle, who seemed to ooze sex appeal from every pore.

If that’s prerequisite, then I think I just failed. It broke her heart to suggest it, but Brenn needed someone. I doubt it’s too late to convince Ms. Williamson to marry you.

Making sure to hold the sheet in place, Brenn sat up straighter. He didn’t think his little Puritan could take any more shocks for one day. It’s not a prerequisite, but it will happen, Gracie. And between the two of us. You’ll see.

You’ll be the one to see, Grace muttered, but she knew that he had heard because his mouth twitched up at the corners. What if I’m a disappointment?

Aw, Gracie, you’ll never disappoint me. Brenn didn’t feel like teasing her anymore. It was obvious that Gracie didn’t have the self-confidence for it. This was one area where she didn’t have enough belief in herself to fight back. As gun shy as she was about the intimate aspects of the relationship, Brenn decided to give her as little time to think about it as he could. The wedding will be here in the house two weeks from tomorrow.

Grace chewed on her lower lip for a few seconds. She wanted to protest the rush, but she couldn’t think of a good reason to postpone it. Especially if Brenn thought they would be good together. She wanted them to be. Two weeks from Saturday seemed fast, but it wasn’t going to be a fancy, formal wedding. She didn’t think Brenn wanted a large wedding. She certainly didn’t.

All right. I’d like a small, simple affair. I would like my minister to officiate.

Brenn was a little surprised by