Running in Fear: Dragon's Den (15 page)

Angela glared at Castor, then turned her attention to Suzanne. “Welcome. It's finally nice to see Granger with someone with a little class. Why, all those sluts he used to bring here were an embarrassment for us all.”

Suzanne smiled, showing a little of her fangs. “I'm sure you would recognize a whore, now, wouldn't you? Thank you, Castor, for the warm welcome, and I can't wait to take a look at
my
new home.”

Dominic stepped forward, placing his body in front of Suzanne's before Angela could move. Castor pushed Angela back and glared at her. “What the hell do you think you are doing, insulting my son and his companions? Go to our room. I'll deal with you later,” he demanded, as a man moved up to Angela, and glared at Castor.

“Don't even start with me, David, I won't have it.” Castor waved his hand, and two guards escorted them out of the room. Castor turned, and bowed his head. “Please forgive me, Dominic. I didn't know she would still harbor ill feelings towards my son. She didn't have any right to take them out on your female.”

He stared at the man before him, when he felt Suzanne's small hand on his arm. Dominic glanced down at her and she smiled. “Please.” He nodded, and stepped a side.

“Castor, I should have held back, and I apologize for insulting her, but I won't have anyone insult Granger. Maybe after we all get some sleep, we'll feel better tomorrow. I would like to get to know Angela while I'm here. It might help ease the tension between her and Granger.” Suzanne smiled and slipped into Granger's arms. “Why don't you take us to your rooms? I'm sure Jaycee must be tired.”

Granger glanced at Dominic. “Go ahead and show the women to their rooms. I'd like a word with your father and Remi before we retire.” He leaned down and nibbled Suzanne's neck. “I know you're holding something back, and we'll talk about it when I'm done here.”

Suzanne nodded, letting Granger lead her and the other women out of the room. All of them were talking together as eight of the fae warriors followed, protecting them.

Remi stepped up to Castor and shook his hand. “I want to thank you for agreeing to this meeting here. I know it was last minute, but it was important.” He glanced at Dominic. “I was talking with Dane and Mark and we both agree this is the strongest compound around because of its location. If it's okay, I think we should coordinate everything from here. I believe our women would be safest here.” He sighed.

“Jaycee wanted to stay in our home since she is only two months away from delivering our children, but it's too open and too dangerous.”

Dominic had studied the layout of the grounds, and he agreed with Remi. “I believe you're right, but with all of us around, it will be easier for us to protect Jaycee and the babies when the time comes. I have a feeling we're here for a while.” He turned and glanced at Castor.

“Castor, I'm not going to mince words here. Angela is a problem. I don't know what it is, but I have a feeling Suzanne does. I will speak with her soon, but I trust you to keep a close eye on her.” He studied the man in front of him. “Something's not right between the two of you?”

Granger's father held his gaze and took a deep breath. “Lately it's as if our bond is disappearing. I can't put my finger on it, but I haven't trusted her for a while.” He shook his head. “I don't know how this can be if she is my companion. Even with Granger's mother there was a stronger connection than I have with Angela.”

Dominic nodded and placed his hand on his shoulder. “Be careful, Castor. If something isn't right here, she could be dangerous to you too. Granger might not show it, but he loves you and it would hurt him greatly to lose you.”

Castor smiled. “We have been apart for so long, but I never gave up hope he'd come home. I have also blocked Angela from my mind. We haven't shared that in more than ten years. Even our son, David, shies away from me.”

“Maybe for now that's a good thing. I think we should all meet around eleven in the morning. We can talk over a late breakfast. Blair has called his family and they'll be here in the morning.”

Remi and Dane nodded to Castor, as they walked beside him towards Granger's personal apartments. When they got out of Castor's hearing range, Remi glanced at him. “Do you really trust Castor?”

“Before we start our talks, I'll ask for a blood bond with him just to make sure, but yes, I trust him and only him. As far as David and Angela, no. If she was truly Castor's companion, it would be impossible for her to hurt him, because it would hurt her too. I believe Castor recognizes this, but didn't want to believe it until tonight.” Dominic stopped before Remi's set of rooms. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I'm afraid it will get worse before it gets better.” He shook both Remi's and Dane's hands.

“It will get better, Dominic, we have to believe,” Dane said before he walked into their room, leaving Remi with him.

“You do know there is a connection between our women, right?” Remi stared at him, and Dominic nodded.

“Yes, and I believe the planning of this war started a long time ago. When I killed the man that had taken Suzanne when she was a child, there was some kind of magic. At first I thought nothing of it, but now…”

Remi frowned. “I too found a trace of magic in a number of Jaycee's attackers. We'll need to talk to Uryne tomorrow about this. It might give us a place to start.”

Dominic turned to leave and glanced over his shoulder. “If what we are thinking is true, then whoever set the plan into motion will die a slow death for the pain they've caused our mates. No woman should have to go through what they both did.” Ladon snarled inside of him, and Remi smiled as fur covered his hands.

“It's good we‘re working together, my friend. I can't wait to find this person, or persons.” Remi stepped into the room and gently closed the door.

Dominic joined Blair and Archer. “It's been a long day.” He glanced at Archer. “I hope you're ready. I need you tonight.”

Archer smiled and grabbed Dominic's hair, pulling his head back and kissing him hard. Dominic's cock hardened and Archer pulled back. “I've been waiting all night, and nothing will stop me from taking you.”

Chapter Fifteen

 

Suzanne stared out at the grounds through the big window. A silk robe covered her body. Temmra rested now, but earlier it took everything she had in her not to let Temmra loose to kill Angela. She now knew there was no way Angela was Castor's companion. It saddened her that he would be alone after she was gone.

Do not worry about Castor. His real companions are here,
Temmra informed her and smiled.
You should have let me kill her.

You know Dominic would want to find out more about her before she dies—and there is still time tomorrow.
Suzanne turned and smiled as Dominic, Blair, and Archer came into the room.

Granger nodded to them and turned to Suzanne. “Okay, we're all here. What do you know?”

She went over to the large bed and sat down. “Angela's not your father's true companion. It took everything in me to control Temmra. She wants her blood, bad. Also, we have other guests that came with Remi's group. I haven't had time to talk to him, but they follow Remi and Jaycee closely. They look like Remi, in a way. Maybe they are the brothers he lost.”

Dominic and Granger sat down beside her. “Are you sure Angela isn't Castor's companion?” Dominic asked, staring at Granger.

Suzanne nodded. “Temmra knows who your father's real companions are, and they are already here. She also tells me when Angela is exposed to make sure David, your brother, is away from her. Angela has some kind of hold on him that isn't normal to trick Castor like she did. Temmra doesn't know if David is trustworthy, but if that connection was gone, she might be able to tell more.” She glanced up and stared at the two warriors she had seen earlier.

“Um, we have guests.” Suzanne pulled her robe tighter around her and nodded at the two men by the door.

We are sorry to interrupt, but we were led to believe you could see and hear us. My name is Pierre. I am Remi's younger brother, and this is my other brother, Adonis.

Suzanne glanced up at Dominic as he and Granger stood. “The two men I saw earlier are Remi's brothers, Pierre and Adonis.”

“Should we inform Remi about them being here, and about my gift?”

Suzanne laughed and shook her head. “It would seem Castor has more than one companion also.” She glanced at the two warriors, who frowned at each other, then laughed.

We couldn't figure out why Castor seemed important to us, but now that you said something it makes sense…Even though at one time I believed Jaycee was my mate, I've learned Remi is Jaycee's true mate.
Pierre frowned.
“But it makes no difference now. We can't do anything about it.

Suzanne swayed on the bed as Temmra pushed forward and glanced at each man.
They are good men, and they are needed here. I will grant them their lives if they wish it now, but the only people allowed to know they are human again are the people here. They must be kept away from Angela and David for now, till we find out what's going on.

Dominic knelt down in front of her, his hands on her shoulders. “What is it?”

“You'd better get Remi, and his mates. Temmra is willing to use her gift. She said they are needed here, but no one is to know that they are human again except those around us. Angela and David are not to know.” Suzanne grasped Dominic's arm. “I'm afraid after she does this I'm going to sleep like a baby, and I'll need to feed, too. Temmra said it will drain me.”

“Is it going to be dangerous for you?” Dominic frowned.

She shook her head. “No, it just takes a lot of energy from me for her to use her gift.” Suzanne patted his cheek. “Go get Remi.” She glanced up at the two warriors as Dominic helped her up.

“I will explain when your brother and his mates get here. That way I'll only have to do it once, because once you accept this, I won't be able to do much afterwards.”

Adonis nodded and bowed his head as Dominic walked straight through Pierre going to the door. He stopped, and grinned back at her. “I take it I just walked through one of them?”

Suzanne laughed and nodded. “Yep, Pierre. Gentlemen, maybe it would be better if you moved over there.” Suzanne pointed to the couch and chairs set up in the other part of the room as Dominic left.

Granger grinned at her and kissed her cheek. “My father will be totally surprised. Thank you, Suzanne. Now all we need to do is find their female for them.”

“Um, well, I think I know who it is, but it's not going to be easy, Granger.” Suzanne frowned and glanced down at the floor.

“You know who?” Granger placed his finger under her chin and lifted it up. “Suzanne.”

“I have an idea, but I can't say. They have to work it out. Temmra knows these two men will be needed here tomorrow. That's the only reason she's doing this now.”

The bedroom door opened and Dominic entered, followed by Remi and his mates. Jaycee was dressed in a robe similar to hers.

Temmra, I'm worried about Jaycee's condition. Will this be too much of a shock for her, and the babies?
Suzanne turned and walked towards the window, staring at nothing.

She should be fine. Just make sure they are aware, before I grant this gift.

“Suzanne, are you ready?” Dominic wrapped his arms around her and turned her to face him as he kissed her forehead.

Suzanne smiled and nodded.

Remi stared at her, then at Dominic. “What was so important that it couldn't wait till morning?”

“Remi, when your group arrived here, you also brought two others with you who aren't from this realm.” He frowned, then glanced down at Jaycee in his arms.

“I take it these two are not dangerous? That I know them, but how would you know?”

Dominic tightened his arms around her. “As with your mate, Suzanne also has a special gift, an animal inside her. Suzanne was given Goddess Empusa's own dragon, who is named Temmra. Well, she was her dragon for a short time. It seems Temmra is mated to our dragons, and she was a princess in her world. While Suzanne has the gift to see things we can't, Temmra has the gift to grant life to those who she sees fit who have passed on.”

Jaycee gasped and glanced up at Remi, tears streaming down her face. “Pierre.” She glanced at Suzanne. “Is Pierre here now?”

Suzanne nodded. “Pierre and Adonis are here behind you, but one of the reasons Temmra is granting this gift now is because they are needed here. They are Castor's companions. Their female is here in this compound as well, but the three of them will have to find her themselves. It's not up to me to do this. Pierre also knows you're not his mate, Jaycee, that Remi was your mate all along.”

Remi traced his finger down Jaycee's cheek. “I knew all along he wasn't Jaycee's mate, but with his death, I just didn't say anything. There was no point.”

Suzanne glanced at Pierre and Adonis. “Do the two of you want your life back, knowing once this happens, it won't happen again? If you die again, you will go into the next realm. Temmra has told me it's very painful, just to let you know.” Suzanne held both of their gazes.

Remi moved in front of her while Dane wrapped his arms around Jaycee. “You mean you can bring them back?”

She grinned and nodded. “It's Temmra's decision. You can't repeat this to anyone, or even ask her. She decides herself who comes back, and who doesn't. Also, no one, even other family members can know they are alive just yet. Just those who are here. They must stay away from Angela and David.”

Remi glanced up at Dominic behind her, and he nodded. Placing both of his hands on her face, Remi leaned in and kissed her lips softly. “You will always be part of our family. I thank you.”

Suzanne glanced at Pierre and Adonis, who smiled and nodded. “It's time.” She glanced up at Dominic, and he kissed her cheek.

Slowly, she walked around the bed into the middle of the room, and faced Pierre first. Suzanne took a deep breath, and released her robe, letting Temmra take over.

Temmra surfaced to her skin, and called Pierre to her. Pierre stepped up to her, and embraced her, warm shots of energy shot through her and him. Suzanne whimpered inside, as Pierre's former body started to slowly appear in the room.

His groans and grunts of pain filled the room until he stumbled and fell to his knees. “Adonis, come quick.” Temmra whispered and grasped onto him. Suzanne could have sworn a semi had trampled her body by the time Adonis fell to the floor, human again.

Temmra pulled back, and curled up inside her, as Suzanne's knees gave, and blackness overtook her.

* * * *

 

Blair rushed and grabbed their mate before she could hit the floor. He swung her up in his arms and placed her onto the bed. Dominic sat down on the other side of the bed checking her breathing, and he relaxed.

Pierre and Adonis slowly moved over to Dominic with Remi's and Dane's help. “We can't thank your mate enough, Dominic. The pain she went through with us…Did she know the pain would be the same for her?” Adonis stared down at Suzanne as he covered her body with a blanket.

“This was the first time for her, so I don't believe she knew. Temmra knew it would totally drain her bringing both of you, but Suzanne would have done it anyway, knowing she could help. I'm sure Remi's mate would have too if she was given the chance. I don't know how Suzanne has the heart and soul to help others like she does, especially after all she has been through.” He turned and glanced at Jaycee.

“You would understand a little better, Jaycee. You see, Suzanne was thirteen when she was taken, and for two years she was sold as a sex slave, high on heroin, the only way to keep her from fighting.” Dominic smiled. “You have the same strength as she does.”

Jaycee smiled. “Thank you, Dominic. I consider it an honor to be put in the same class as her, but yes, I too have had similar trauma, but mine wasn't nonstop like hers. I don't think I could have been as strong as she is. Your people will love her.” Jaycee turned and hugged Pierre. “I've missed you so much.” She smiled. “You will have your own mates, soon.”

Pierre grinned at her. “You will always hold a special place in my heart, Jaycee, but we'd better leave so they can feed Suzanne. I must admit I feel totally exhausted. I just don't know how she did it.” He shook his head as Dane led him out of the room, while Remi helped Adonis.

He turned his attention back to the bed. “I think we should let her rest for a little while before we try to wake her to feed her.” Dominic leaned down and kissed her lips softly, before he went to the bathroom that adjoined their room.

“Archer, come, I need you.” He glanced over his shoulder at Blair and Granger. “Try not to wake up Suzanne, you two.” He laughed as he ripped his shirt off his body and stared at Archer.

“Let's steam up the bathroom, shall we?” Dominic played, and shook his head. “You know, in all my years I've never felt so young again. Does that make sense?” he asked reaching down and turning on the shower.

Archer stripped out of his clothes and nodded. “It makes perfect sense, Dominic. In a way, we're giving Suzanne part of her life back, and reliving our younger years with her. How could we not? Suzanne is the light that is shining bright. There are no more shadows or lonely nights.” Archer stepped into the shower and pulled him into his embrace. “We have years to make up to her that she lost and we will. In a way, it will be seeing things new, through her eyes.”

Dominic crushed his mouth to his. Archer's kiss was strong and firm, but wild. Archer grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled his head back, all the while his strong warm fingers grabbed onto his cock in a firm grip. “I'm going to enjoy taking your ass, Dominic. How long has it been since you've had a cock stuffed in that ass?”

He grinned, his blood heated, and he knew his eyes matched Archer's red ones. “Centuries. I give you this privilege, Archer, because just as Suzanne is special, so are you. We all know it. Smart, wild, strong, and at peace with yourself, while Granger and Blair and I have always been searching for the peace that you have reached.”

Archer was quick. One minute Dominic was staring into his eyes, the next, he was facing towards the shower wall. He felt the cool gel slip into his ass while Archer pushed one, then two fingers into his ass. “You're so tight. I can't wait to get my cock into this ass. Maybe I'll even call on my dragon, stretching you till I hear you beg.” Archer grunted and slipped his fingers out, replacing it with the large mushroom head of his cock. He rubbed his cock back and forth, pushing his cock through the muscle ring in Dominic's ass.

Dominic held onto the wall and threw his head back. “Feed, Archer, I'll hunt tonight.”

Archer rammed all the way into him as his fangs sank into his neck, and Dominic snarled, his seed pouring out of him onto the shower stall. The warmth of Archer's seed filled him, and he smiled. Yes, it had been a long time, but well worth the wait.

“Thank you, Dominic, you honor me.” He kissed his neck where his fangs had been, and gently pulled out of his ass.

He stood and turned toward Archer. “This wasn't about honor, Archer. You will always hold a special place in my heart, as do all my companions.” Dominic took the soap from the wall, and started to wash Archer's body—every muscle, every inch of skin. “I'm not done with you, Archer.” He wrapped his soapy hand around his cock and washed it. “It's time for me to taste you.”

“No, Dominic, you are king. You shouldn't be on your knees.” Archer tried to push back, but Dominic grabbed onto his ass, and held him still.

“You are my companion, Archer. Don't you understand? I love Suzanne differently, but it's not less. I want to show you, taste you, and watch you come while your cock is down my throat.” The water washed away the soap, and he leaned down, taking Archer's now-hard cock into his mouth.

“God, Dominic!” Archer grunted and grabbed his head. He started to move his hips back and forth into his mouth.

Dominic moved closer to him and took his cock deep into his throat, rolling his balls in his hands. Archer shoved one last time, and let loose his seed. Dominic swallowed every drop. Standing, Dominic reached for Archer, kissing him, letting him taste his own seed on his tongue.