Running in Fear: Dragon's Den (5 page)

She shook her head, a lump forming in her throat. “I'm tired, Granger. Can we go up to the apartment now? I just want to soak in a hot bath and relax. Maybe tomorrow we can play some more?”

Dominic swung her up in his arms. “Blair, you and your brothers can have the East Wing.” Dominic turned and glanced at Anthony. “Anthony, I offer you and your mate the guest quarters out back, for however long you need them.” Dominic made his way to the staircase, and turned to Alex, who stepped into the hall.

“Alex, we'll be retiring for the evening. Will you make sure our other guests are shown to their rooms when they are ready, and let out the dogs? No one should be out on the grounds now anyway. Oh, and Alex, thank you for your help earlier.”

Alex bowed. “It's the least I can do for you after I offended you. Again, I'm sorry, Dominic.”

Suzanne glanced at the man and smiled. “You know, you should introduce Alex to Della when she gets here. I think those two would really hit it off.” She laughed when Alex raised his eyebrow. “Just wait and see, Alex. I know I'm right, I just feel it.” Suzanne glanced up at Dominic, who shook his head. “What time will they be getting here anyway? I want to make sure I'm here when Della comes. She's going to be nervous as it is.”

Dominic turned and took the stairs two at a time, followed by Granger and Archer. “They'll be here tomorrow morning. I already have a room set up for your friend in my private wing. That way, you can be close to her.”

He stepped up to a large steel door. “I'll have your palm print programmed into the security system, along with Granger's and Archer's, tomorrow. For now, we'll use this as our home base until we can find a home that you like.” Dominic held up his hand to the large black box on the side, and the door slid across, allowing them entrance into a large living room.

“My God, this is beautiful.” Dominic lowered her feet to the floor, as she glanced around the large parlor-type room. There was a stone fireplace in one corner, a small bar next to it, and off to the right side there was a large bay window, an old antique couch, and chairs and tables decorated the room.

“I'm glad you approve. Come, let me show you to the bathroom, where you can soak. Archer, why don't you grab Suzanne a glass of the white chardonnay that's behind the bar? The bathroom is attached to the master bedroom.”

Suzanne followed Dominic down a long wide hallway. Painted portraits hung on the walls. “Are these of your family, Dominic?” She stopped in front of a beautiful woman's picture. Her smile was just like Dominic's.

“That's my mother. It was painted about two hundred years ago. She was so full of life, and gave my father such a hard time, but he loved her so much.” He sighed and took her hand, leading to a huge wooden door.

When he opened it, Suzanne was in shock. Never had she seen such a huge bed in her life. The bed alone wouldn't have fit in her living room. The room was done in dark colors and up against one wall was a massive flat-screen TV and stereo. “Well, I guess you do like electronics, after all.” She smiled, as he opened another door, leading into the bathroom.

“Of course. I'm not totally in the dark ages, Little Red.” He swatted her ass as she stepped into the bathroom and groaned.

“I'm going to get lost in that pool. It's going to take forever to fill it with hot water. Are you sure you won't run out before it gets half full?” she teased when he leaned over starting the water.

Archer strolled into the room, carrying her wine and drinks for them. “Sweetheart, we're dragons. If we need to, we can heat the water.” Archer sat the drinks down while Granger pulled her dress off.

Chapter Six

 

Dominic leaned against the door frame, and watched as Granger gently lowered her into the warm water. Suzanne sighed and leaned against the little pillow he had found for her use. She was right; she could easily get lost in his big tub. He had it created for such an occasion, but for now all three of them would wait in the bedroom for her. Tonight, they would claim her, and start the change slowly. By tomorrow Suzanne would be partly in their world, and by the end of the weekend, totally. He just wished he had found his fourth.

He turned and strolled into the bedroom, and Granger and Archer followed him. “I take it that Thomas, Ethan, and Blair will be going with us to see Remi?” Granger asked, sitting down in the chair across from him as Archer sat on the bed after handing each of them a timber of scotch.

“Yes, but I haven't informed them of the meeting. I'm worried about Blair's association with Franco. After hearing what the Goddess said, Franco's activities make me wonder if he is not also in league with those creating this army we will be fighting.”

Archer leaned on his knees and took a sip of his drink. “I've known Blair for a while. Even though he reports to Franco, I believe him to be on the path of light. There have been a few times I know of that he has gone against Franco, protecting those who are innocent.”

“That's true, but until I have the blood bond with him, I will not risk Remi's family and ours until I know for sure. I have asked all three for the blood bond before we leave on our trip. If they refuse, they will not go with us. I will have only those I trust with us.” Dominic turned to Granger. “What have you heard in your travels?”

Granger crossed his legs and downed the rest of his drink. “This stays in this room, Dominic. Right now, I don't even want Suzanne to know about this. I've been in and out of the Franco's regime in the past thirty years.” He shook his head. “It's not pretty. He has killed many humans trying to turn them. I've also seen snake shifters in his rankings. They were the ugliest things. So I know Franco will be one of the problems we will face. As for Blair, in the past thirty years he has been back to Franco's once, and that was because he was summoned. I think Archer is right. Blair wants nothing to do with Franco. Matter of fact, Franco has tried to send many people to watch Blair to see if he is a traitor to him.” Granger smiled. “But I'm afraid Blair doesn't take kindly to being followed, and had them sent back in pieces. Franco won't challenge Blair because he knows if he does, he has the wrath of the Wellworth family. And believe me, no one wants that.”

There was a knock on the door and Dominic opened it to Blair, Thomas, and Ethan. They strolled into the bedroom. “How can I help you gentlemen?” Dominic asked. “Is all well downstairs? And may I ask how you got in?”

Archer stood and walked to the bathroom, gently closing the door, trying not to disturb Suzanne's bath.

Blair leaned against the wall near Granger while his brothers stood in front of him. “I want to apologize again for our behavior earlier. I'm afraid you shocked us, and for us that is unusual. You asked us earlier for a blood bond with you. We usually turn down any blood bond. We always have. That is what has kept our family secrets and kept us strong.” Ethan glanced at his brother, Blair, who nodded. “As for how we got into your apartments, let's just say it's one of our gifts.”

“But we have spoken with our father, our other brothers, and we are willing to provide you with the blood bond,” Blair said. “Just you three. We trust no others. I'm sure you are aware of what is going on around us lately?”

Dominic turned to Archer. “Archer, why don't you tell Suzanne to join us in the parlor, where we will be more comfortable with this discussion?” He glanced at Blair. “Since she is part of our group, she has a say in how we move forward. I won't keep anything from her. She's been hurt enough, and Suzanne needs to know we trust her.”

Blair stood straight, and made his way towards them. “Your mate has proven herself worthy of you and our trust. It's a shame we couldn't have stopped her abuse. If I had my way, the Bloods all would be wiped off this Earth.” Blair walked with Dominic down the hallway.

“You might get your wish sooner than you thought. Please help yourselves to a drink while we wait for our mate.” Dominic sat down on the couch and stretched his legs while everyone made themselves a drink and got comfortable.

“Tell me something, Blair. What are your connections with Franco?” Dominic watched Blair tense up, then sigh.

“So you've heard about Franco's activities. I'm not surprised. He's become more and more self-centered, not caring who finds out about his dealings. I've tried to distance myself from him while still keeping an eye on his dealings. I can assure you from now on my loyalties will be to you and your family. I've already informed Christopher, Randle, and Jared that I wouldn't be working under Franco anymore, that I'm totally committed to your family and regime.”

Dominic stood, as did all the men in the room, as Suzanne came in the room wearing his silk robe. She stopped and glanced around, chewing her bottom lip. He smiled and opened his arms. “Come here, Little Red.”

She slowly stepped into his arms, and he picked her up, placing her beside him on the couch his arm wrapped round her shoulders. “I think this robe looks better on you than it does on me.” He smiled and kissed her cheek.

Suzanne laughed and lay her head down on his shoulder. “So, why the big powwow? What's going on?”

He slipped his hand into the robe, and cupped her breast. “I'm about to inform Blair and his brothers about our trip. They've also agreed to do a blood bond with us.”

“Okay, what is a blood bond?” She squirmed in his lap. Glancing around the room her gaze settled on Blair, and her nipple hardened in Dominic's hand.

Interesting. Do either of you two feel drawn to Blair?
Dominic glanced at Granger, who frowned, and nodded, as did Archer.
Well, it looks like we might have a fifth companion.
I wonder why we didn't notice the connection earlier.

“A blood bond is done on rare occasions. With a blood bond, one would know everyone's thoughts and actions. It can be very dangerous to allow another male to have a blood bond with you if he is an enemy. We will drink their blood, but they will not have ours. Well, except for Blair.”

“Excuse me?” Blair leaned forward in his chair. “You would give me your blood? A King? Why?”

Dominic glanced down at Suzanne. “Tell me, Little Red, and I want the truth. What do you feel for Blair?”

Blair sucked in his breath and hissed. “I would never infringe on your bond with your mate. That would be suicidal.”

Dominic held up his hand and nodded to Suzanne, as she squirmed and glanced down at her lap. “There is something there, Dominic. I'm sorry I don't know why, but when I saw him…it was the same when I saw you the first time. I truly am the slut they made me.” She cried into his chest, holding tight onto his leather vest.

He slapped her leg, and raised her chin. “I will not hear that language come out of your mouth again, do you understand? You are not the only one who has these feelings. I needed to make sure before I proceed. It is unheard of to have three males for one female, but for four there must be a reason for it. The Goddess knew we would need another warrior. I've been trying to figure out who it was, but couldn't.”

Granger stood and walked over to Blair. “Please allow me to go first. You are our King. It should be this way.”

He stood still, holding onto Suzanne, then approached Granger. He carefully put her into Granger's arms. “No, Granger, it is I who will go first. I will not dishonor him, since he has already agreed to the blood bond.” Dominic turned to Blair and held out his hand. “Will you agree to find out?”

Blair glanced at Suzanne, then to him, before he nodded. He ripped his wrist open with his fangs and held out his wrist.

Taking his wrist, Dominic sealed his wound and embraced Blair. “No. If you are my other companion, I will not feed from you like that.” Dominic kissed his neck, ran his tongue over the vein, and sank his fangs in, closing his eyes. His warm blood was strong and pure, and filled him when he saw his secret.
Blair is ours and we will truly need his help. The Goddess has blessed us,
he sent to Archer and Granger before he pulled his fangs, and sealed his mark.

“Come, feed from me, Blair, and join us.” Dominic cocked his head to the side, and waited. Blair sighed and licked his neck, sinking his fangs in.

“Umm, is it always that hot watching someone feed, or is it just me?” Suzanne fanned her face. “Let me down, Granger. I need some water, or something to drink.”

Dominic laughed, as Blair released him and grinned. “Welcome to our family, Blair.” He wrapped his hand into Blair's long black hair and pulled his head back, kissing his lips hard. “Tonight your ass is mine, my powerful wizard. No wonder any of us couldn't tell you were our companion.”

Granger and Archer gasped, then smiled as Suzanne frowned, drinking the bottle of water Archer handed to her. “You mean he's a wizard, too? Oh man, I'm getting in way too deep here. First, you're a king, then Archer is a clan leader, Granger could be a clan leader, and now there's a wizard!” Suzanne stopped and glanced down at the floor.

Dominic hid his grin as she was figuring out what all this meant, and knew the exact minute she had figured it out.

Her head snapped up, and she glared at him. “There has to be a mistake! Four men. Are you guys nuts? I'll never be able to keep you four happy,” she yelled, stomping over to the couch and plopping down on it. “Four freaking men, all who are major alphas. Oh, wait till Tonya hears this one. Boy, is she going to flip out.”

Dominic pushed Blair towards Suzanne as Ethan stepped forward and offered his wrist to him. “Thank you, Ethan.” He drank his blood and watched Blair slowly stalk toward their mate. She rambled to herself, not paying attention to anything or anyone. He released Ethan when Blair swept down, and picked up a squeaking Suzanne into his arms, sitting in her spot.

Ethan nodded to Suzanne. “What about Suzanne?”

“You and Thomas can bond with her tomorrow after our claiming. I want you to know her every whereabouts, in case she happens to slip away from us.”

Dominic, Granger, and Archer all finished the blood bonding while Blair sat holding a stunned Suzanne on his lap. The robe she wore opened while his hands roamed her nude body, becoming acquainted with it as they had earlier. He sat down next to Blair and Suzanne, as everyone once again took a seat.

“As the three of you know, we are planning a trip on Monday.” Blair turned Suzanne in his lap, and held on to her breast while he listened.

“The Goddess Empusa paid me a visit about a week ago, telling me I would meet my companions this weekend, but she also informed me of some very disturbing news. What I say does not leave this room. I will be telling a few others on Sunday, those who have sworn alliance to me and who have bonded with me.” He stared at Thomas, Ethan, then Blair as they nodded.

“A war is in the making and it's going to involve everyone, humans and all. I was told to take my companions to meet with Remi LeBlathe and his mates. Once there, we will be coordinate our plans for the attacks that are going to take place. We were talking earlier while Suzanne was in the bath. We believe Franco will be one of those forces we will have to fight on our land, and if I'm right, the Bloods will be working with those like Franco.”

Blair hissed and glanced at his brothers, who nodded. “We would like to inform our father, Dominic, along with our other brothers. Our family must be prepared for this. Of course they will be at your service, and that of the other regimes.”

Dominic sat back and drummed his hand on the couch. “As far as your family, yes, but I must ask you to tell them not to contact or to say anything to Christopher. I've been hearing some rather disturbing reports coming out of his kingdom. Does anyone in your family have contact with anyone close to Christopher? I need to be sure before we meet with Remi. I want as much information before we go there.”

“I believe our father has a few contacts with the southern regime. I will talk with him tonigh and we will see what we can come up with. What about the humans? Will they be destroyed? There is no way they can defend themselves against this threat unless they…” Ethan stopped and stared at Dominic.

“Yes, I've thought of that. One push of a button, and our world will be no more.” Dominic cringed and glanced at Suzanne, who had curled up into a ball on Blair's lap.

“Could your Goddess just disarm all those missiles? You know, make them useless? At least that way this war wouldn't destroy the planet. Just think if the other side got their hands on those weapons,” Suzanne whispered into Blair's chest while he rubbed her back and arms.

He shook his head. “I don't know if they'll help with that, Suzanne. They've already helped more then we know.” Dominic stood and paced back and forth, when the lights went dim, and a green glow filled the room.

Dominic, I have talked with the other gods and goddesses. Your fears are ours. We can't let this planet be destroyed. We've decided that when the time comes, all mass weapons will be disposed of. All knowledge of them will be wiped from everyone's mind. We will only be disposing of massive weapons, so that the Earth won't be destroyed. Take care, Dominic Hazelfield, and make sure you protect Suzanne and Jaycee. They are more important than you know.

The dragon in him clawed at the floor as he dropped to his knees. Everyone surrounded him, as he glanced up into Suzanne's worried face.

“Are you okay? What happened? One minute you were pacing, then the next you just fell to your knees.” Tears streamed down her face as she crawled to him and climbed onto his lap. “Don't scare me again, Dominic. You've become too important to me.” Her body trembled in his arms. His claws retracted when he stood, and he sat on the couch with her.

Blair sat down next to them and pulled her feet into his lap, rubbing them. “It was the Goddess, wasn't it?”