Running in Fear: Dragon's Den (11 page)

Granger reached over and took Suzanne into his arms. Dominic and Archer got out of the vehicle. Even though it was Archer's family, he would make sure no one would hurt his companion, family or not.

Archer shook his head and gazed at him.
No one would dare harm me here, Dominic. My family would protect all of us at the cost of their own lives.

I know, Archer, and forgive me, but with so many who are turning, I just…
Dominic shook his head.

“We'll do fine, Dominic, all of us.” Archer stepped forward and hugged his uncle and aunt. Dominic held out his hand to Suzanne when she stepped out of the limo next to him. Blair and Granger were behind her as the other cars pulled up, carrying their guards.

Thomas, Ethan, Brody, and Jax hurried out of their limo. “Damn it, Dominic, how are we supposed to protect you if you get here before us?” Thomas demanded as all four brothers moved around their group.

Suzanne laughed. “I never thought I would see the day someone yelled at Dominic.” She jumped when he swatted her ass.

“I couldn't very well kill Blair's brother now, could I?” He turned and stared at Thomas, who grinned.

Blair laughed. “I've often thought about doing it. Believe me, he can be a pain in the ass.”

Eleanor Morganthe cleared her throat. “Maybe we should take this party inside. I'm sure Queen Suzanne might want to clean up after her ordeal on the plane.”

Suzanne's face turned pink, and Dominic laughed. “She's talking about the attack, Suzanne. Not our conversation,” Dominic teased and followed their guest into the lodge.

“Well, they know now something happened. Thanks a lot.” She poked him in the ribs with her elbow.

“Please, dear, don't worry about it. Believe me, I know how these men are, and I've had several occasions where they've embarrassed me, but it's always fun to get back at them. Wouldn't you say?” Eleanor grinned, and moved Blair out of the way so she could latch onto Suzanne's arm.

“Come, I'll show you upstairs, while the men can chat. Brady, make sure you show our guests to their rooms when you're done talking.” She glanced back at the men as Tonya, Lissa, and Suzanne followed Archer's aunt up the staircase. The women talked the whole time they moved up the stairs.

Brady smiled and bowed his head. “I'm sorry about that, Dominic, but when Eleanor heard you five were coming, she was beside herself. For the past twenty-four hours she has had this place scrubbed, food prepared, and she even had special equipment put in your rooms, knowing the way you like to play.”

Archer laughed and slapped his uncle on his back. “She hasn't changed, but I was wondering if later tonight we could borrow some horses. We'd like to take our mate out riding.” Archer's gaze met his and he nodded. Tonight they would fulfill one of her fantasies.

“Archer, is there a big enough area around here where we can shift without others seeing us?”

He nodded, and turned to his uncle. “Is the old barn's frame still standing? It would be the perfect place. No roof, but surrounded by walls.”

“Yes, I never got around to tearing it down, but I have a better place. It's about a mile straight down the old creek road. I built it for people who want their privacy to shift. It's big enough to hold the four of you when you shift. There are no other shifter guests here, so you don't have to worry about that. I'll personally take your security team down there now so they can make their plans, and I'll make sure Eleanor stays put, even if I have to tie her down.” Brady glanced up at the stairs.

Dominic nodded and smiled. “Thank you for allowing us to visit. I think we'll join our mate. I have some unfinished business to discuss with her before we go.”

Brady slapped Archer on the back. “You are a very lucky man. Protect them all, Archer, and remember if you need any help, we are here for you. The rest of your family will be here later tonight for supper around eight. I'll show your guards the area.” He turned and left with Blair's brothers.

“Blair, do you think your father and the rest of your family can meet us at Granger's father's home? I thought it would be the perfect time to inform them about Franco's lands.” Dominic pushed open the door to their room and stepped in.

Suzanne stood out on the balcony of their room, gazing out at the open hills. She had showered, and now wore a denim skirt with a white silk blouse and cowboy boots. Her hair hung loose about her shoulders and blew gently in the breeze, sending the scent of rose perfume into the air. She turned and smiled at them, and came back into the room. “All done with the male bonding?”

Dominic wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. “I was hoping to catch you before you were finished with your shower. We never did finish our time together.” He bunched up her skirt and grabbed her ass cheeks.

“I knew you wanted to have that meeting, and it might be best to let our dragons mate before we do anything else. Temmra is getting impatient. We both are.” Suzanne turned and faced Granger as he walked out onto the balcony. “Granger, what's wrong?”

She followed him out and slipped her arms around his waist. Dominic slapped him affectionately on the back. “Something is bothering you about our trip?”

“I don't think we should announce anything around my father's companion. I hope I'm wrong, for my father's sake, but I don't trust her, Dominic. Maybe it's my reaction with the incident with my mother, but even my brother is not right. I suggest we speak to Blair's family at Remi's home, not at my father's. Plus, I believe Remi should meet with Blair's family since they will be working with us so closely.” Granger pulled Suzanne closer to his chest, resting his chin on her head.

“This worries me, Granger, but you might be right. While we are there, we will watch your bother and mother closely. I hope you're wrong too, but I doubt it.” He turned to Blair. “How should we handle security at Howard's home? If what Granger says is true, I'm not too keen on taking Suzanne there, but we need to make sure.”

Blair stepped up and clasped Granger's arm. “With your help, we can work on security. How loyal are your father's men? Are they loyal to the king?”

“My father is very loyal to the king. He used to talk of the old times with Dominic's father. They were good friends, from what I understand. Every guard around him was as well. I don't know what Douglas has been up to since I've been gone, but I have many ears and eyes still in place that will help us.”

“Good, then it's settled. You help Blair with security and we'll have Blair's family meet with us at Remi's, but Granger, if your brother is not trustworthy, he will not take your father's place. You will have to deal with the lands, which you still can do while being with us,” Dominic stated.

Granger smirked and bowed his head. “Of course, Dominic.”

“Okay, so that's also settled. Now, can we get this meeting over with, because I want to fly.” Suzanne smiled and pulled them towards the door.

“You know, we could wait till tomorrow before we leave.” Dominic tried to hide the smile on his face when Suzanne turned and faced him, her hands on his hips.

“Fine, you wait, I'll go fly by myself,” she snapped.

“Excuse me? Did I hear you right? Did you just tell me you would go flying by yourself?” Dominic stepped in front of her and lifted her so she looked right in his face. “You will never fly by yourself, is that clear? If we ever hear you are flying by yourself, I will personally strap you to our bed until I am sure you will obey me on this. Is this clear?” He shook her.

Suzanne whimpered and glanced down at the floor. “Yes, Dominic.”

He took a breath and set her down. “You have to understand, Suzanne, every male around will want to mate with your dragon, no matter that you are taken. Your scent alone will drive others crazy wanting to mount you, and no one will mount you but us.”

They made their way downstairs and outside, where Blair's brothers waited for them with golf carts. “We'll take these to the area. My uncle said it will save time,” Archer announced as they all climbed into three carts.

Dominic slid his arm around Suzanne, pulling her close. “Are you nervous?” He rubbed his chin against her head.

“A little. Temmra said she could shield us, like you can while we fly. I know you don't want us to fly by ourselves, but I want to know how the males could scent us if she shields us. I'm confused.”

Ethan turned around and frowned at them. “Is there something we should know?”

Suzanne clasped her hand to her mouth. “Oh God, she's going to be furious with me. I'm sorry, Dominic, I forgot,” she cried and hugged him, shaking.

“It's okay, Suzanne. They were bound to see you change today. Ethan, this stays in your family only. This is one of the reasons why I've asked Blair to inform your family to meet us at Remi's when we arrive there. At that time, everyone will be told. It seems our mate has been granted favor with the Goddess. You will witness something never seen before today.”

Ethan glanced at him, then at Suzanne. “Why do I get the feeling we're going to have our hands full protecting you two?”

Suzanne laughed and peeked up at him. “Because we're special,” she squeaked, when Dominic pinched her thigh.

“Be nice, Suzanne. We're here.” Dominic was amazed by the building. It stood at least ten stories high and opened at the top. “This is awesome. I've never seen anything like it.”

Archer laughed and nodded. “My uncle is a whiz when it comes to designing things. I remember when he was planning this. We might want to consider using him to help design a home fit for us all, because I have a feeling when word gets out about you two, we'll be having visitors all the time. Visitors are nice, but we also need our privacy.”

Dominic nodded. “You're right. I'll talk to him before we leave tomorrow and have him start drawing right away, but I feel it would be wise to wait for the actual construction till things are settled.”

They moved into the large arena, and closed and locked the doors behind them. “We are all secured now. We have also turned off all cameras,” Thomas said, stepping out in the open.

He nodded. “I ask you and your brothers to give us some privacy for about a half hour. What I do is for our eyes only.”

Thomas nodded, and all of Blair's brothers left, going to an enclosed office off to the side.

Dominic moved to the middle of the arena, his companions behind them. He called the power within him, and called out to the other kings, requesting their presence. He didn't have long to wait, Christopher's, Randle's, and Jared's ghostly figures appeared in front of him. He bowed his head.

“It's good to see you, my friends. I hope all is well with you.” Dominic knew the three of them were glancing behind them.

“This is unheard of, Dominic. Why have you called us in front of your companions?” Jared demanded, as all three of them waited.

“Yes, it is, but these are hard times, and they are about to get much worse, Jared. I have disturbing news that is for your ears only, and those that you trust.” He flashed his gaze at Christopher.

“So you have heard about my brother.” Christopher sighed. “I still seek him. I know of two spies in my realm, but I'm still searching for a third of whom I've been told. I will find him or her and destroy them. Now, what is this news you have for us?”

Dominic held out his hand without turning. Suzanne put her small hand into his. “A week ago I had a visit from Goddess Empusa. She has informed me a war is coming, a war involving humans and all, good against evil. I was to take my companions with me to meet with Remi LeBlathe, where we will plan our attacks.” Dominic stopped and let the news soak in.

Jared stepped forward. “We've heard whispers of dark ones meeting with other species, even using humans to help spread their hate. What else can you tell us?” He smiled and nodded at Suzanne, who squirmed in his arms.

“The gods and goddesses have agreed to dispose of all mass weapons the humans have, afraid they would destroy the Earth, but with this they will also destroy the knowledge on how to use such weapons. Also it seems Goddess Empusa has taken to my female companion. She was gifted, and we are here to show you. I've also asked Blair to see if his family will move onto Franco's lands here on the Northern Hemisphere.”

The other two men stepped forward and frowned. “Why would you need the Wellworth family on your lands, Dominic?”

Dominic turned towards Suzanne. “Are you ready, baby?” She nodded and moved away from him. All three councilmen stared and watched as she stripped out of her clothes and shifted.

As a dragon, she was beautiful. She was a dark red with black and green strips down her body. Her power blew Dominic backwards a few steps. He turned to glance at the three kings. They slowly moved around her in awe.

“She is the queen?” Jared asked, glancing back at him.

“Her mother is the queen. This is Princess Temmra, mate to my dragon, Ladon, and our other companions.” All three men moved in front of him again.

Christopher shook his head. “Your dragon is Ladon? I've heard of him, but he was thought long dead.”

“No, just biding his time. We kept the knowledge to only a few. At first, I didn't understand why, but maybe I do now. With this war coming, we'll need all the help we can get. Maybe with my mate's help, and the help of others like Remi and his mates, we can win this. But it's going to take all of us trusting each other, Christopher. I didn't want to call and ask Blair's family for help, but with Temmra's presence, it's a must. I won't risk losing her. We can't lose her.”

All three men turned and stared back at Suzanne, and laughed. “I agree, the Wellworth family should be with you.” Jared turned to glance at the other two, who nodded.

Christopher tilted his head to the side. “You know you could rule all of us. You are the king in every aspect.”

Dominic sighed. “My friends, I'm very happy where I am at, but if you ever need our help please let us know, and we will come. Especially you, Christopher. Never assume you are alone. You are not.” Dominic smiled.

“Suzanne says she and Temmra would be happy to come and eat your brother for you.”

The man turned and bowed to her. “You do have a good companion, and she should be protected. Let us see you change before we leave, Dominic. Give us hope for the dark hours that are to come,” Christopher said.