Running in Fear: Dragon's Den (8 page)

“I'm afraid it's not pretty, but then again, anyone who gets taken by them doesn't have a pretty story.” Suzanne shook her head. “I was thirteen when my father raped me, and I took off running away from home. I was bruised, and hurt already when Lance found me in an alley. He beat me, and drugged me, but he wasn't happy with that. Do you remember that thing that they use to mark the cattle with, the hot poker? Well, that night he got one of those real hot, and decided to brand me, but where no one would see.” Tears fell down her face.

“The reason I'm telling you this, Lissa, is I believed I never could love again.” Suzanne tore her gaze away from his back to hers. “But it can happen, Lissa, it can happen. Just yesterday, I met my companions, and I couldn't be happier with them, but it's not going to be easy, I won't lie to you. I had to fight every step. Some days, I just wanted to give up, but I kept thinking there has to be someone out there for me who will hold me, love me, and keep me safe, no matter what has happened to me. You are very lucky. You already have a family waiting to help you, if you give them a chance. Just look at your handsome brother. He searched for years and never gave up. Don't give up, Lissa. Give them a chance to help you.”

Lissa was shaking. “I'm so scared. I went with this man, thinking he loved me. How can I trust myself again, Suzanne? How can I look my family in the face, knowing I failed them?” Her voice shook, pain etched in every word she said.

Stephan started to go to her, but Dominic held onto him and nodded towards them.

“Oh Lissa, we all make mistakes. I thought my father loved me and my brothers, but look at what he did to me. You can do this, and the trust will come again. It just takes time. And Lissa, you didn't fail your family. If you look at Stephan's face, I bet you'll see he feels the same way. He thinks he failed to protect you.”

She gasped and turned to Stephan, shaking her head. “No, Stephan, you didn't know. No one knew.”

Dominic let go of Stephan, and he slowly made his way to his sister. “My Lissa, how can I not blame myself for failing to protect you? This man took your trust and betrayed it. Don't give up on us Lissa, please. We need you, and love you.” He knelt down next to them, and pulled her into his arms when she broke down crying.

Suzanne nodded and got up, coming into Dominic's arms.

“I have never been more proud to have you as my mate. If I didn't love you earlier, I do now. For the rest of our days I will show you, until you are sick of hearing my words.” Dominic lifted her chin and traced her lips with his tongue until she opened for him.

He kissed her, giving all he could, showing her with his body how much he loved her. He caressed her tongue, danced with it, and made love to it. Slowly, she pulled back, and lifted her hand to her mouth. “Your mouth is a dangerous weapon, Dominic.” Her cheeks turned a deep pink color.

“Only for you, my lovely mate. Now sit, and eat.” Dominic led her to a chair near Tonya. The two embraced, and started talking right way while she ate, stealing glances at all of them.

Dominic moved to the entranceway, where Blair stood talking to his brothers with Anthony. “Have they dropped off Lance and the others?”

No, it seems they have all gone into hiding. It looks like they have joined forces with Franco and his men.” Blair snorted.

“What about Franco's men? How close are they?” Dominic stretched, the dragon inside of him itching to escape.

“They're too close. Franco is going to make his move soon. We need to get you out of here today. There's no time. Our brothers are on their way here now. I've called in reinforcements, and they are coming up behind those of Franco's men. If we're lucky, we can wipe out those he has sent without warning him, and others.” Ethan said.

“Archer, have Alex wake the others. Gather the men in the back room now. We fight now, and destroy all we can, before we leave tonight. Granger, kill those downstairs now. Blair, on my desk upstairs you'll find the number for the airplane. Call and get it ready to leave tonight at the private landing. Move, everyone. I want you all here in a half hour.” He went to Suzanne and sighed as he sat down next to her.

“Tonya, I hate to interrupt, but I need to speak with Suzanne for a minute, and I believe Anthony would like to speak with you.” Dominic took Suzanne's hands and pulled her into his arms, just holding her and breathing in her scent.

“What is it, Dominic? You're scaring me.” She kissed his chest and gazed up into his face. “You're worried?”

“It seems Franco, a clan leader, is not waiting for the others to attack. As we speak, we are being surrounded. Alex is waking our other guests, but they will be here soon. We must prepare to fight before we leave tonight. I won't leave my lands knowing Franco is trying to take them. I'm sorry our weekend has been ruined, but know I will personally destroy Franco for this.”

“Oh Dominic, it doesn't matter about our weekend. We can play anytime. What matters are your people, and their safety. How can I help?”

Chapter Nine

 

Suzanne stared up at her handsome king, his face tight with worry and anger though he held her gently, soothing her while the fate of his people weighed on his shoulders.

“Do you see my father anywhere, Suzanne? I really could use his help right now. I need to know exactly where these men are so we can destroy them.”

She turned in his arms and glanced around the room as it started to fill with people. “Yes, he's over there, by your private table.”

“Good. Let's go talk to him.” Dominic led her to the table.

“Sir, Dominic would like to know if you know where Franco's men are.” Suzanne lowered her gaze to the floor as she addressed the ghost.

“Yes, I know where every single one is, but it would take too long to explain it to you, then for you to explain it to him. I'm going to do something. Please don't scream. You'll be able to see where each man is in your brain so Dominic can see.”

Suzanne took a deep breath. “Yes, sir.” Andrew walked right through her. A cold chill shot up her spine, but she held still as his information was imprinted into her brain. Andrew appeared in front of her again.

“I'm impressed, Suzanne. Give him information. He'll be able to handle this group easily with the warriors he has here. I'm heading back to Franco's residence to see if I hear anything.”

“Thank you. I'll tell him.” She turned towards Dominic, and he smiled.

“I've already got the information. Thank you, sweetheart. You did great.” He kissed her cheek.

“Your father said he'll be at Franco's, watching. He'll let us know if he moves again.” They headed towards the doorway as all the guests gathered in the meeting room. Tonya huddled against Anthony while they waited for them at the door.

“Go stand with Tonya while I explain the situation. Then you and Tonya can go upstairs with Archer and pack our bags for our trip.” Dominic nudged her towards her friend, then walked to the stage with Blair and Granger beside him. Archer stood next to Suzanne. The room quieted down as everyone gave their attention to him.

She watched Dominic pull himself together before he spoke to the crowd. “I'm sorry to interrupt your weekend, but it looks like this party will have to be postponed to a safer time. My properties are surrounded right now, and I'm going to need all the men to meet me in the back parlor in a few minutes. Ladies, the food buffet is open and will remain open, but I want all of you to stay together here in this area where I will have guards posted for your safety.”

Suzanne turned to Tonya. “Let's get these ladies settled, and make sure they have enough food and plenty to drink. I have a feeling it's going to be a long day for everyone. Archer, could you get a list of everyone who is supposed to be here? I want to make sure no one is missing.” She reached up and kissed Archer's lips. He grinned and swatted her ass.

“You will go nowhere but this room, Suzanne. I mean it.” Archer held her chin, and she nodded.

“I'll be a good little girl, and stay in this area, but I might hit the kitchen a few times, so don't get all huffy. It's attached to this room, so I'll be fine.” Suzanne rolled her eyes and laughed as he grumbled and took off looking for Alex.

Tonya nudged her as they offered drinks to the ladies. “I swear you already have him wrapped right around your finger.”

“Please. There is no way I could have any of them wrapped around my finger. You've seen how big and, well,
male
they are. Each one of them could have any female they wanted, Tonya. I'm not a fool. I know they'll get tired of me. I'll give them a hundred years, and I bet they'll be looking for my replacement.” She poured a cup of coffee for a lady who nodded and smiled.

“She really doesn't know, does she?” the lady asked Tonya, who laughed and shook her head.

“Nope, no clue, and I can't wait till she finds out,” Tonya teased, and placed a plate of doughnuts on the table.

A small woman ran up to her and knelt at her feet, and Suzanne frowned. “Please get up. You don't need to bow to me. I'm not the king.” Suzanne helped the woman up, as she clasped her hands in front of her. “Now, what's wrong? What can I help you with?”

“Caser and Grant are missing. They should have been here by now. I've checked where the men are getting ready to leave, and in here, but they are nowhere.”

Suzanne frowned and turned to Tonya. “Do you know these men, Tonya?”

Tonya nodded. “Yes, they live in the East hall. They work here, and are submissives. Dominic has a few subs that work here who had no place else to live.”

Archer, where are you?
Suzanne searched for the connection in her mind.

I'm coming out of Dominic's office. What's wrong?

She patted the woman's arm.
We are missing two men, Caser and Grant. Tonya said they live in the East wing. Could you and Anthony check and make sure they are okay?

We are heading there now, but Suzanne, don't go off searching yourself. We don't know if the outer halls have been breached.

Suzanne rolled her eyes again. “I swear. What is it with men? They think because we're women, we can't defend ourselves.”

Della and Lissa joined their party. “Well, then, they haven't seen us in action, have they?” Della laughed as Lissa nodded.

“I'm going to go check the kitchen. Maybe they're in there getting more food ready.” Suzanne turned towards the woman. “Why don't you go get yourself something to eat? As soon as we find them, I'll send them over to you.”

Suzanne shook her head, watching her walk away. “So innocent and trusting.”

“You sound like you're a hundred years old,” Tonya said, as all four of them slowly made their way past the woman and headed towards the kitchen.

“I'm afraid sometimes I feel like it inside, Tonya. Maybe that goes with the territory with being abused. Who knows?” Suzanne stopped at the kitchen door and frowned.

Andrew stood in front of the door, blocking the way.
You can't go in there. There are three men snooping around who belong to Franco's group.

“Suzanne, what's wrong?” Tonya placed her hand on her arm.

“Della, you have your weapons on you?” Suzanne turned to see her nod. “Tonya, maybe you and Lissa had better stay out here. There are three men in there, and they don't belong here. Della, let's play a game, shall we?” Suzanne lowered the straps of her dress to her shoulders. “Remember, this
is
a sex club.”

Della smiled and unbuttoned her shirt, exposing the swell of her breast. “Ready.”

Tonya grabbed her arm. “I'm going in too. There is no way you're going in there without me.” Lissa straightened her shoulders and glared at the door.

Suzanne sighed. “Tonya, I've been fighting for more than ten years, I don't want you or Lissa hurt. And I don't think Lissa is ready for this.” She met Lissa's gaze. “When we go in there, Lissa, we'll be offering ourselves to them to distract them. I really think you should stay here.”

Lissa shook her head. “No. I'm tired of feeling helpless. I can do this, Suzanne. I've trained with my brothers, and I know how to fight. Please, I need to feel like I can help.”

She sighed and nodded. All the while, Suzanne had blocked her mates’ entrance to her mind, knowing they would be furious. But she would be damned if she would distract Dominic, Blair, and Granger while they were hunting. She knew the minute the men had left to attack, but said nothing so as not to distract them. Suzanne looked at Dominic's father. “Then let's go, ladies, and have some fun.”

She put a pout on her face as she walked right through Andrew. “I can't believe they left us here. I'm so fucking horny! Here, I thought I was going to have two men fuck me, and now I don't even have one.” She stepped into the kitchen. “I mean, they told us there would be an orgy in the main room, and here there's only women?” Suzanne came to a stop and smiled.

“Maybe we're going to have that orgy, after all. Della, look at all these handsome men. I want those two over there.” Suzanne strolled over to the two who looked like they were in charge, and rubbed her body against one of them.. “And look at all these muscles.” She brushed her hand over one man's cock, and knew her plan was working.

There had been more than six men in the room, and two of them were Blood members, which Della personally took care of. She peeked and smiled as Lissa came to life, flaunting her body for the men.

“Do you think we should share them with the other women in the other room? I kind of like the idea of us having them first,” Tonya purred.

“Now, ladies, there is no need to fight over us. Believe me, we can handle all of you.” The one in front of her yanked her head back and smiled. “So you want the both of us, do you?” He licked the side of her neck. “I think that can be arranged.” The other one stepped behind her and cupped her breasts.

Her stomach knotted, and Suzanne wanted to scream, but she grinned, all the while she heard her mates’ snarls in her head. She'd worry about them later. Suzanne slowly moved her arms around the one in front of her and grabbed on to his sword at his side. “You two have the biggest cocks. It's going to be so tight and painful. I'm so wet thinking about it.”

Suzanne yanked the sword out of its holder, swiping it across the legs of the man in front of her. He screamed and fell to the floor while the other one tried to grab onto her arms, but she head-butted him. As he stumbled back, she swung the sword up and severed his throat, almost cutting his head off his shoulders. “Don't mess with me, asshole.”

Suzanne turned to see the other man on the floor reach for his gun, but she was there before he could fire, cutting his arm off. “Sorry, no guns allowed here.”

She glanced over to see Della smiling down at her two men, now lying dead on the floor. “Boy, you guys are vicious,” she said to Tonya and Lissa. All four men were bleeding from different wounds on their bodies.

Lissa laughed and turned to her. “Thank you, Suzanne. I've never felt so in control, like a piece of me is back.”

Nodding, she glanced around the room. “Well, let's clean this place up. Della, lock that door. We don't need any other surprises while we get rid of this mess.” Suzanne glanced out the back door that led into the gardens.

There is no one there. You can dispose of the bodies just outside the door. The men will clean it up when they get here, and Suzanne
—

Suzanne glanced over her shoulder to Andrew.

I am very impressed. Not once did you freeze. Where did you learn to fight, and with a sword?

Suzanne laughed, as she dragged the first body outside.
I trained for more than five years after I got free from the Bloods. I was bound and determined not to let any man ever hurt me again.

Andrew bowed before her.
The fighting is over. All have been destroyed, but I'm afraid you have four very angry mates on their way. Suzanne, I'm proud to call you daughter.
Andrew disappeared as she placed the last body outside, and locked the door again.

Tonya and Lissa had buckets of hot water and were wiping down the counters, and Della handed Suzanne a mop. “I take it they're on the way back?” Della asked, studying her.

“Yes, and they are furious, needless to say.” Suzanne dipped her mop into the bucket and started to scrub the floor.

“Your movements were much faster than before. You're one of them now, aren't you?” Della asked, and all eyes turned to her.

“Yes, I was changed last night. Dominic thought he could take it slow. Well, it didn't work out that way. Needless to say, I'm totally in their world now. Does that bother you, Della?”

She studied her friend, who finally shook her head. “No, not all. I just want you happy, Suzanne. Out of all the girls there, you took the worst, always protecting the rest of us. You were the strongest among us. You fought while the rest of us wanted to give up.”

Suzanne smiled. “I couldn't give up, Della. I knew there was someone out there waiting for me. Now if you would have told me I had four men waiting for me, I would have knocked you out, but I couldn't give up.”

The kitchen door opened up, and she knew her men had come into the room with the others. The room was quiet. Dominic strolled around each of them and checked to make sure no one was hurt. He glanced out the door, saw the bodies piled outside, and snarled.

“What the hell did you think you were doing, Suzanne? You could have been killed, along with your friends. They touched you, and you touched them.”

Archer took the mop out of her hands. Stephan stood over Lissa, Anthony behind Tonya, and Alex behind Della.

She sighed. “Dominic, I wasn't about to let these men go into the main room with all those ladies with their guns. If we could disarm them, I knew we could take them. All of us are trained to fight and protect ourselves. As for touching them, it was the only way I could think of to disarm them. I mean, this is a sex club. What better excuse?”

Stephan stepped forward. “You knew Lissa was in no shape to confront this kind of violence, but you allowed her to participate in this ruse!”

Lissa grabbed Stephan and twirled him around. “Don't you dare yell at her! She told me to say back, but I refused. I need to do this Stephan, to take back part of me. You know I'm trained, you trained me. I won't have you upset at Suzanne when she is the one who broke through the shell I had created around me. Now, not another word!” she yelled, and stomped her foot.

“Damn it, Lissa, you've seen enough violence. You didn't need to see this.” Stephan grumbled, and pulled her into his arms.

“Stephan, I needed to believe in myself again, and Suzanne gave that to me. Please understand.” She laid her head on his chest and Stephan relaxed.

“I think I'm going to lock you in your bedroom when we get home,” he grumbled.

Suzanne knew he was still furious with her, but didn't say anything. Blair stepped up to her and swept her up into his arms. “Blair…” She rested her head on his chest.

“Not another word, Suzanne. We're all so furious right now, the thought of one of those men putting one scratch on you makes my blood boil. Then to let them touch you1 Don't you think we knew the minute his hands were on you? If they weren't dead right now, I'd rip them to shreds.” Blair carried her out of the main room, and up the stairs towards Dominic's apartment. All her males followed behind, not saying a word.