Running in Fear: Dragon's Den
Running In Fear: Dragon's Den
A Ravenous Romance® Original Publication
By Trinity Blacio
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Baileyd
A Ravenous Romance® Original Publication
Copyright © 2011 by Trinity Blacio
Ravenous Romance®
100 Cummings Center
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Beverly, MA 01915
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review.
ISBN-13: 978-1-60777-425-9
This book is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Other books by Trinity Blacio:
Packs were gathering, small ones moving to the larger ones for protection. Remi, Dane, and Mark worked nonstop to organize the packs around the world for the gathering darkness settling around them. All the while, Remi and his mates were determined to keep their mate Jaycee's life as normal as possible during her third trimester of pregnancy. Her nightmare past is a distant memory.
With their pack finally settling down, the men in Jaycee's life wait for the leaders of other species to contact them, each playing an important part in the upcoming fight of good against evil.
Remi had met Dominic Hazelfield once before. His power was equal to his own, and he had earned his respect. Knowing Dominic and his mates were on his way to them, Remi only hoped their journey would be a quiet one—but knowing the enemy, he doubted it.
In the other Realm
Goddess Empusa waved her hand at the water and stared down at Dominic Hazelfield. Of all of her children he was the strongest and the most loyal, but his world was about to turn into a battlefield.
Empusa glanced over at Gaia, who tapped her fingers on the table, drinking a glass of wine. “Are you sure the balance on Earth is so off? Wouldn't my father know about this?”
Gaia sighed and glanced up at her. “I was hoping I was wrong, but I've seen the numbers. Even your father isn't aware of the numbers. If we lose the balance on Earth, the planet won't survive. I need help, I'm also asking a few others to step up to help us. All of us have put too much work into Earth to abandon it now.”
Empusa nodded. “You are right. I would hate to start over somewhere else. Dominic, Archer, Granger, and Blair will be the first warriors to help you in this. He and his mates will be informed and prepared for what is to come.”
Remi LeBlathe glanced around at his surroundings. The last thing he remembered was falling asleep with his mate Jaycee on top of him.
“Your body is still there, Remi. I've called you here to prepare you. Soon you will have a group of very powerful visitors. I believe you've heard of Dominic Hazelfield?” Gaia, Mother Nature, stepped out of the shadows in front of him.
He bowed his head. “Yes I have. I've even met him once, Vampire King in the Louisiana area and servant to Goddess Empusa.”
“Good. Empusa will be sending him and his mates to you. The both of you will be coordinating together against the evil that has sprung up on Earth. I must warn you, Remi, the humans will know about your kind soon, so prepare yourselves. If we are to save the human race, they must also be brought into this war. Many will choose sides and your way of life will change as that of the human world.” She turned and glided a few feet away before she stopped.
“Choose well those you trust, Remi, because all is not what it seems. I can only tell you that Dominic and his mates are among the few you can bring close to yours. You have one week before Dominic arrives. Enjoy your mates till then.”
Dominic snorted and waited for Goddess Empusa to arrive. Only she could enter his dreams.
“Are you impatient, my dragon warrior?” She laughed, flying down at his head in her dragon form.
“No, Goddess, I just know that when you call, it's something of importance, and it's been a while.” He lowered his large dragon head to her.
“You are right. It has been brought to my attention that a war like none other will happen on Earth. Humans will learn of the paranormal world, and good and evil of all kinds will fight. Next week you are to leave and meet with Remi LeBlathe at his home. Both of you will coordinate together. Many will come to the both of you since you are the most powerful.”
A small flame escaped his snout. “I haven't seen Remi in a while. It's too bad we have to come together for such a event, but I will do as you will.”
“You will not be going alone, Dominic. Your mates will come to you soon. Be ready because many will see the five of you as a threat as you travel north. Especially your female mate. They will try and take her from you many times before you reach your goal. Call your army, Dominic, and trust only those who are close to you. That is all the warning I can grant you.”
Table of Contents
Chapter OneAs she took a sip of her cappuccino, Suzanne stared up at the large castle-like structure surrounded by a twelve-foot brick wall. Guards stood at the entrance of the Dragon's Den, only allowing into its doors those who had special invitations. She sighed and waited for Tonya and her mate, Anthony Vergo. Tonya had begged Tony to get permission to bring her to the Dragon's Den for their monthly Mardi Gras party.
Her best friend, Tonya Whitehead, had told her about this place after meeting her mate. Of course, it helped that Tonya was a werewolf too. Only a few special humans were allowed to know about the other species and she was now one of them. She smiled, remembering the first time Suzanne had met her. Tonya had been surrounded by five human men six years ago, bound and determined to rape her friend, but Suzanne wouldn't have any of it. She had stormed into the alley, cutting down three of men and sending the rest of them running. It helped that Suzanne was trained in Shaolin Kempo, her one monetary investment. All her life she had skimped and saved, buying nothing frivolous, knowing from past experience that anything could happen to throw a person into poverty.
“Hey, there. Are you ready?” Tonya slid into the booth in front of her. She wore a black leather coat that covered her outfit for tonight.
“Yep.” Suzanne opened the front of her coat, showing her the top of the outfit. “But I think Anthony got me a size too small on purpose, just so he could see my breasts.” She narrowed her gaze on the large alpha as he sat down, handing Tonya her coffee.
He laughed. “As you remember, I've already seen your breasts, and the top is supposed to be tight.”
Laughing with him Suzanne, she shook her head. “Well, it would have helped if Tonya told me you were going to be there last week. How was I to know you were sleeping over? We always walk around nude.”
Tonya smacked Anthony on the arm. “You don't need to be imagining my best friend's body, and I can't help that I forgot to let you know. Hell, what woman could remember anything with him at her side?” She drew her gaze down his body.
“Okay, none of that now. Later.” Suzanne glanced up at Anthony. “Are you sure it's okay for me to go? I know they don't allow humans in there unless there are special circumstances. I just don't want to get anyone in trouble.” She glanced down at her hands.
Large warm hands settled over hers on the table. “It's going to be fine. Alex, Dominic's right hand man, gave the all-clear. You'll be my responsibility. I promise you I will find you the perfect man.” He placed his index finger under her chin and lifted her head so he could look into her eyes. “Just don't kill anyone, okay?”
Suzanne laughed. “I've never killed anyone, Anthony, just protected those who needed it. Someone needs to protect the children on the street.” The last part was a whisper, but both of them heard her.
Her best friend reached over and put her hand on her arm. “Is that why you take those classes? To protect the children?”
She nodded. “No child should be made to do things just because they are trying to survive.” Suzanne knew her words were filled with anger, but she couldn't help it. From the age of thirteen, she had lived on the street and been raped, drugged, beaten up, and starved.
“You lived on the streets, didn't you?” Tonya asked, glancing up at Anthony, then back at her.
“We shouldn't get into it here, but yes, I've lived on the streets since I was thirteen. We'd better get going. I don't want to be late and have everyone stare at me when we walk in.” Suzanne stood up to close the subject, waiting for Anthony to lead the way. She would go with them in their car and leave her car here since the owner of the Dragon's Den also owned the café.
Anthony stood next to her, his long black hair tickling her shoulder, and stared down at her as Tonya slipped under his arm on his other side. “You saved my mate twice. For this alone you will always be family, and under my protection. If you ever need anything, Suzanne, ask.”
She smiled and nodded, not trusting her words. Tears started to form in her eyes and a lump in her throat. Anthony led them to his car and helped them get in. Suzanne stared out the window. Her vision clouded over as a single tear slipped down her face.
“You're a pretty little thing. We'll make plenty of marks on your little ass. Many men want plump young things to do wicked things to.” Lance yanked her head back and slapped her across the face. “Get her changed and put her in room six. I know just the customer to break her in.”
“Suzanne, you ready? Honey, what is it?” Tonya kneeled down in front of her, snapping her out of her nightmare.
“I'm fine. Let's go.” She patted Tonya's arm as Anthony stared down at her and wrapped his arm around her.
“Are you sure? We can do this another weekend.”
“Will you two stop? I'm fine. Now, find me the man of my dreams.” She took a deep breath and held onto her friends as they made their way into the club. For some reason she had to be here tonight. She knew her life was going to change, but was it for the better?
Chapter TwoDominic relaxed in his corner booth, surveying the room. He watched Archer Morganthe and Granger Iceshard survey the room as they drank their beers. There was no doubt they were his companions. His dragon itched to claim their asses, but it waited for something or someone else. She was here, but where? Then he heard the laugh and glanced up at the doorway when Anthony walked into the room with Alex, his right-hand man.
Behind them stood two females: Tonya, Anthony's mate and a human.
“Damn.” A quick glance at Archer and Granger and his suspicions were right. Both men were staring at the little round woman, and she was
all
woman with her curves.He nodded to Alex, who led the group towards his table as he made his way towards them. The room drew quiet and all eyes turned on the group as they approached his table. It was rare a human was allowed in his club, but Alex had assured him Anthony had vouched for this female and that she was under his protection as a family member.
“Anthony, it's nice to see you and your mate here tonight. Please join me and introduce me to your friend.” Dominic stood, indicating the chairs around the large table, after he shook the were's hand.
Anthony laughed and pulled the two females to his side. Alex made his way to the bar for their drinks. “Dominic, you know my mate, Tonya. Well, this is her best friend, and my family, Suzanne Butterfield.”
Suzanne smiled and glanced down at the floor as she took a seat near him.
“It's a pleasure to see you again, Tonya. I hope the three of you are planning on staying for the entire weekend. Anthony, do you have someone in mind for this beautiful little lady for the weekend, or would you allow me the honors?”
Dominic took a sip of his drink when Alex strolled over with Archer and Granger carrying their drinks. “Archer, Granger, why don't you join us? Anthony Bellefonte, this is Archer Morganthe and Granger Iceshard. The other two lovely ladies are Tonya Setter, Anthony's mate, and their guest, Suzanne Butterfield.”
Anthony stood and shook the men's hands as Suzanne peeked up at Granger and Archer, who took their seats next to him.
“Dominic, I would have thought you already had one of your slaves all picked out for this weekend.” Anthony raised his eyebrow, and sat back in his seat with a damn smirk on his face.
He laughed and twirled the ice around in his scotch and tonic. “It just so happens I released all of my slaves last week. I was led to believe my companions would be here this weekend.” His gaze landed on Suzanne as she lifted her gaze to his. Dark green eyes met his blue ones and they widened while she squirmed in her chair, before she dropped her gaze once more.
“Really? It's hard to believe the King of Vampires would let go of his slaves on a word from someone. Have you found your companions yet?” Anthony leaned forward and grabbed his beer.
Dominic surveyed the group around his table before he said anything. “Not unless it was the Goddess herself who informed me, and yes, Anthony, I've found my companions, all except for one.” His gaze flickered to the little redhead next to him, then back to Anthony, who sucked in his breath.
“I apologize, Dominic. I would trust you totally with my family.” Anthony turned to Suzanne and lifted her chin, staring into her face. “You have heard everything here. Are you okay with my choice? This is up to you, Suzanne. Let me just say that Dominic will treat you right. He'll protect you this weekend and longer.”
Dominic leaned forward. “I have a suggestion. Why don't you let me talk to Suzanne for an hour? That way she can get to know me. No pressures. She can ask me anything. Then Suzanne can give us her answer when you come back.” Dominic tucked a loose red curl behind her ear. “Anthony, why don't you and Tonya pay a visit to the private garden? I have it roped off for you and your mate. I know how much she loves to be outside.” His gaze slid to Tonya to see her turn a bright red. “I believe the last time she visited the area, we could hear her scream throughout the bottom floor. It might liven the place up.” He smiled as Anthony laughed and stood.
“Come on, Tonya, let's give Suzanne and Dominic some time.” Anthony stopped and stared at Archer and Granger. “I take it you two also?” He nodded to Suzanne and him.
Both men nodded, but didn't say a word as Anthony shook his head. “Suzanne, all I can say is keep an open mind, sweetie. These men will protect you with their life.”
Anthony dragged Tonya away, as she whispered to him. “Three men? She's going to flip. Are you nuts?”
Archer moved to take Anthony's chair, then all three of them stared at Suzanne as she squirmed in her seat.
“Suzanne, look at me.” He lifted her chin. “Did you understand what I said to Anthony about companions? Do you know what they are?”
“Companions are like mates, but there has to be a mistake. I can't be yours or theirs. I'm human. It won't work.”
He pushed her drink towards her. “Drink. It might relax you a little. It has been known to happen, human beings as companions for us. It's rare, but it does happen. There is no mistake about you being my companion, Suzanne. Archer, what about you?”
Archer leaned closer to Suzanne and twirled a piece of her hair around his finger. “It's the same as you. She's mine as you two are. I don't know how or why the fates have done this, but there has to be a reason.” His eyes brown eyes flashed red as they met Dominic's.
Dominic nodded and turned to Granger. “Granger, what do you think?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “There is nothing to think about. The signs are there. The question is, what do we do about it?”
Suzanne glanced up and frowned. “What signs? I don't understand? Oh, sorry.” She once again lowered her gaze, taking a sip of her drink.
“Relax, Suzanne, this hour we're here to get to know each other. You can ask whatever questions you want. As for the signs, when a vampire is around a companion, or mate, there are many different signs for us. For me, I knew for sure you were mine when I heard your laugh when you first came in, but my animal could smell you when you stepped into the club. He claims you as his as he does Archer and Granger.”
* * * *
Every muscle in her body was tense as she peeked at the three men around her. She was so going to kill Anthony later.
Vampires, her men were vampires.
Wait, not
her
men.
Suzanne sat back and took another swig of her drink. Her body wanted them, that was for sure. Never had she been so wet, and alive. “So you have an animal? What animal? I didn't think vampires could change.” She glanced back at Dominic since he seemed to be the one taking control of this situation.The man smiled and she moaned. No one should look that good, even with fangs. “It all depends. Some can, some can't. The older ones, or those born as vampires, can shift to animals. My other half is a dragon, hence Dragon's Den.”
Part of her drink got stuck in her throat when he said dragon. Her eyes watered, and she coughed. “Dragon, as in a big huge thing that can breathe fire and fly?”
Archer patted her back, as all three of them laughed. “Yes, a dragon. Are you okay?”
Suzanne glanced at Archer. “And you, can you change, too?”
He grinned and nodded. “Yes. I, too, was born a vampire. My animal is also a dragon.”
She took a deep breath and peeked at Granger, who laughed and nodded. “Afraid so, Red.”
“Oh, this is
so
not going to work. I mean, I always loved dragons, but…how the hell does a dragon mate with a human? Their cocks alone have to be huge!” She squeaked and slapped her hand over her mouth, her face heated. “Oh, God. I can't believe I just said that. Just ignore me.”Dominic roared his laughter as did Granger and Archer. Once more all eyes in the room were on their small party. “Suzanne, our dragons are not going to mate with you. Well, they would if you were a dragon too, but when we come together in our human forms, it would be the same. The dragon is still part of us inside. But of course, you do know the dragon has a nice long thick tongue? Just imagine what it could do.”
There was no way she was going to touch that one, but it sure sent another fantasy through her warped mind. Her nipples hardened in the corset she wore. Suzanne gradually crossed her arms over her chest and glanced back up at Dominic. “Okay, another question. Are you really a king of all vampires? And if you are, won't the rest of them be pissed if a human female is your companion?”
He sighed. “I'm not going to lie to you, Suzanne. We would hope you would allow us to convert you, and yes, some vampires won't like it, but they have no say when it comes to my personal life. I am the oldest and the last male of my line. My father was murdered more than one hundred years ago. There are four different kings around the world. I am one for the Northern Hemisphere.”
Suzanne shook her head and took the last swig of her drink. “It's not going to work, Dominic. I'm a nobody, and I don't have a pretty past. I think Anthony should find me someone else for this weekend. You don't need me around you.” She glanced back at the door through which Anthony and Tonya had left, but Dominic pulled her chair right up to his and placed his hands on each side of her face, staring down at her. Her legs touched the inside of his.
“There will be no one else, Suzanne. Do you really believe any of us care about your past? We have lived a very long life, Little Red, and believe me, nothing in your life can be as bad as what we have done.” He lowered his head and kissed her softly. “Tell us your worst story, Suzanne, I dare you.” He smiled and sat back but grabbed onto her hand, holding her in place.
Suzanne bit her lower lip and glanced at each of them. Dominic could almost see the wheels turning in her brain, deciding if she would open up to them. “I left home, if you call it a home. Anyway, I was thirteen and living on the New York streets when I was caught by a gang.” Suzanne took a deep breath, but held his gaze. “I was beaten, drugged, and made to prostitute myself for more than two years before I could escape. It took me more than a year and half to become clean, with help from outsiders.” Suzanne glanced down at their hands twined together. “I don't remember how many men took me in those two years. Do you really want your people to know your companion was a whore?” The last sentence came out as a whisper, but she knew all three had heard her. A single tear slipped down her cheek.
Dominic released her hand, reached over, and picked her up, and sat her onto his lap. His chin rested on her head. “
Amor meus,
my people would only look upon your experience and wonder how you survived. They would see the courage and strength it took to leave, to fight back.” He ran his finger down her arm. “Tell me, what gang did this to you, and why would you have to leave the safety of your home?”Sighing, Suzanne laid her head down on his chest. “My mother left when I was three, leaving me with my father and two older brothers. At first everything was fine, but little things started to happen when I turned around ten, when my body started to develop. I remember one night I woke up and my father was standing at the end of my bed, naked. He didn't say a word as he masturbated on my bed in front of me. I locked my door and put a chair in front of it at night, but two years later, his being drunk didn't hold him back. I left the next night.” She took a deep breathe. “The Bloods took me. They were slowly moving into New York at the time.”
Granger leaned over and kissed her lips. “Have you seen or heard anything from your father since you left? Why didn't your brothers stop him?”
Suzanne didn't know why it was so easy to talk to these three men, but surrounded by Dominic's arms, she felt safe for the first time in her life. “No, I don't know what happened to my father. My brothers left a year before my father raped me. I haven't heard from either of them.” She could have sworn Granger's eyes flashed red before he sat back.
“Since it's obvious you're not going to get rid of us, do you have questions about this weekend? Because I believe Anthony will be returning soon.” Archer grinned and crossed his arms across his chest.