by Lisa Oliver
“A horde is cold comfort when there’s no one around to care about you.” Byron shook his head. “I don’t know if Dirk can kill you or not. But, if he can’t, it won’t be because he’s weak, rather because he’s got a heart, something you’re lacking. But if you want money so badly, challenge me for my hoard. I’ve been drugged, stuck in a coffin, I had to beat my way out of that and the crate the coffin was in, and then I’ve flown here. I’ve had no food, water, or sleep. Think you can take me, mother?”
“You’re upset. My business is with Dirk.” Mother didn’t look so confident.
“It’s always about the eldest son with you, isn’t it, Mother?” Byron yelled, his throat aching it was so dry. But the previous events had his nerves on a hair-trigger, and he was glad he had someone to vent to. “I was always just the spare. I was the one you really didn’t want, and I don’t even want to think of why you let father get close enough to produce Sammy. But you had me, then ignored me, and then while I lay dying in a fucking coffin in the middle of nowhere, you used my abduction to penalize my brother, tying him up in this ridiculous sham of a challenge, just so he couldn’t save me. You wanted me dead because that would have made your point. Dirk is the one who cares about me – him and his true mate, Jon. So, stuff you, and all your bullshit. Stuff you for all the pain you’ve caused my whole life. Stuff you for hurting my older brother and his family. I’ll show you I’m good enough once and for all.”
Standing up as straight as he could, Byron said in a loud clear voice, “Let those people present bear witness. I challenge you, mother, for your horde, effective immediately. Shift.”
“No.” Mother’s eyes went wide as she looked among the people gathered. “No, you can’t do that. He can’t do that, can he?” She turned to the stranger who’d offered her advice before. “I don’t have time for this. I’m negotiating a challenge for the clan. Byron’s sick. You heard him. He said it himself he hasn’t eaten in probably days, and hasn’t had any sleep…”
“Byron Hollingsworth is well within his rights to challenge you for your hoard. Any dragon can do that, if they’re so inclined, and it would appear your son has just cause for grievances,” the council member said calmly. “I suggest you go with one of our female council members and conduct your shift in private. Screens have been provided.”
“NO! You can’t do that. You can’t make me.” Mother clutched at her chest. “You’re my son. You’re supposed to love and respect me and protect me from the countless dangers in life that plague a poor widow.”
“Where’s the love and respect you should be showing for any of your sons?” Byron couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “These strangers from the council are all here because you challenged your eldest son for the clan. You didn’t even send a gift for your youngest son’s mating, and as for me, the moment you realized I wasn’t going to get you a bigger payment from the European firm, you cut the phone call and haven’t spoken to me since. Where’s your love for me?”
Byron, it’s time. Dancer’s voice came through quickly, filled with pain.
Tilting his head slightly, Byron said, “Mother’s dragon?” He looked across at Dirk who looked devastated.
She’s gone. She couldn’t face what her human side had become any longer. She said to tell you, she’s sorry. Pain scorched through Byron’s heart and his head rang with the chorus of a hundred dragons, wailing their lament. It was brief, it was intense, and when it was over, Byron’s eyes filled with tears.
“How does it feel, mother,” he choked out, desperately trying to blink his tears away. “How does it feel to know your own selfish nature and your lust for power you had no right to, just killed your dragon?”
“My dragon?” Mother clutched at her chest. “No, you must be wrong. I don’t feel any different. She’s just sleeping. She’s such a lazy beast.”
“We all felt the passing and we’re not even dragons.” The council member waved at his colleagues. “Surely, you must have felt something?”
Mother patted her hair. “My dragon and I have a civilized relationship. She does not stick her nose in affairs that do not concern her. Now, about this challenge nonsense. I can’t possibly deal with you right now, Byron. I insist on a contract, drawing up the agreement with my challenge issued to my eldest son, so that there is no disputing what I’m entitled to when I win. There’s this house, of course, and then there’s the companies. Make sure you note them all down individually here in Europe and the ones overseas, as I don’t want anyone suggesting they have prior claim. The jet, let’s not forget the company jet… it’s never available for when I need it although that will change shortly and then there’s the…”
“Shut up, mother.” Dirk came over to stand by Byron’s side, leaning into his shoulder slightly. Byron appreciated the comfort and knew both of them were still reeling from their Mother’s dragon’s death. Dirk addressed the council. “Ladies, gentlemen, I appreciate your coming when you were called. As any one of your seers will tell you, my mother has suffered the loss of her dragon and is no longer able, nor allowed, to issue or participate in any challenge for the clan, or horde. As clan leader, I am asking your indulgence, and request that my mother be removed from this house and taken to a place where she can live out her last days in comfort.”
“I appreciate this is a difficult time, and your request will be adhered to. I am sorry for your loss.” The council member who seemed to be doing all the talking, bowed slightly and then clicked his fingers at two of the men waiting by the front door. “Please escort Mrs. Hollingsworth to the van.”
“Van? What van?” Mother looked around wildly as two men took her arms and encouraged her to leave the room. “Dirk? What’s happening? You can’t do this. I’ve issued a challenge. I will be heard. You’ve got no right.”
“Have some respect for your dead dragon spirit, Mother.” Byron had never heard his brother’s voice so cold before. “Some of us wish to grieve in private.”
“My dragon’s not dead. Why do you keep saying that?” Mother started to kick out at the men holding her. “She’s not dead. I haven’t felt her in years. She’s just lazy, I tell you. She’s just a lazy fat beast who won’t…” The door slammed behind her, the enforcers and the council members, leaving Dirk being held tightly by Jon, and Byron.
“I need a shower,” Byron rasped, suddenly feeling really tired. “If someone could send a tray to my room in about half an hour, I’d appreciate it.”
Dirk’s hand was a welcome but brief comfort, as he stepped past the loving couple. Dirk had tears running down his cheeks, and Jon was doing his best to soothe him. My brother wouldn’t want me to see him like this, Byron thought as he slowly climbed the stairs. But fuck, I could do with a hug right now.
Me too, Dancer’s voice echoed sadly through his mind and Byron knew they were both thinking about their missing mate.
Chapter Fourteen
Perched high up on one of the steep peaks that formed the Hollingsworth Castle roof, Ice gritted his teeth. It wasn’t the cold that bothered him. He was used to worse. But thinking about what he’d overheard going on below his feet, Ice fumed on his mate’s behalf. He’d never been cared for, but Byron stuck up for his brother. Cold, tired, and possibly hurt, and he still challenged his mother to make the point. The death of a dragon… his own mother’s dragon spirit… Even Ice’s dragon was affected, and he wasn’t part of the Hollingsworth clan.
Tis Dancer’s pain, his dragon sent softly. I can’t help but feel it. They have a good heart and have been shunned, considered second best, or not good enough for so long… We should be with him.
You made it worse for him, the wolf chimed in. Fobbing us off with diversions… claiming it was keeping our mate safe when in fact, you just liked your life the way it was.
We have a good life. Ice’s response was automatic. Truth be told, he wanted nothing more than to hold Byron close and let him know he wasn’t alone. We still have much to do.
Nope. Ice could see
the dragon shaking his head in his mind.
Not going to happen. The wolf was also being stubborn. If you don’t make things right with our mate, then we won’t help you with any of your jobs anymore no matter how righteous the kills or deals.
Ice eyed the ground which was a long way down. Heights didn’t bother him – his dragon was an amazing flyer, but if his two animal sides withheld their support, then he’d have trouble getting off the roof, let alone anything else. This is a big place, he told his spirits. I don’t even know where Byron is right now, unless you help.
You want to go to him? The dragon seemed wary.
You want to claim him? The wolf was more pedantic about details.
If he’ll have me. Ice wasn’t going to take a mate by force. Humans talk first, and you know this. I can’t just go in and bite him the way you’re thinking.
The dragon could see his point, the wolf not so much. But it seemed his animals’ sense of camaraderie and cooperation were working, because the wolf pulled back… the for now unsaid but definitely implied.
“So where do I find him?” Ice whispered as he slowly stood, stretching out his legs and arms carefully – the cold was hell on his joints even if he could ignore his feelings about it.
The west wing. Human and dragon are sad now. Overwhelmed.
Not surprising. Ice moved quickly across the roof tiles, using his dragon as a compass. The Hollingsworth estate was huge, a mass of towers and gargoyles, long parapets and steep rooves. Right at the back of the castle, both dragon and wolf hummed with excitement. Our mate’s balcony is right in over the lip of this roof.
Ice peered over, quickly assessing the best way to get down quietly. He could jump, but if Byron was as overwhelmed as his animal spirits claimed, then he didn’t want to startle him. Fortunately, someone thought it was a good idea to adorn the roof of the balcony with a row of carved fretwork and getting down silently was easy.
Peering through the gauze curtains, Ice frowned as he saw the crumpled figure of his mate curled around a pillow in the middle of the bed.
So sad, the dragon whined. Overwhelmingly so. His heart is crushed with it.
We have to make this right, the wolf added.
I’m just going to have to wing it, Ice thought, but not at his animals directly. The last thing he wanted was wings or fur sprouting as he quickly disengaged the French door lock and stepped inside his mate’s room.
Without the glass separating them, Byron’s sobs could be heard. Ice hesitated for the briefest of seconds, and as he did, his whole body was flooded with warmth. Not the nagging dragon heat Dirk had apparently gone through, but feelings, Ice realized, and he would’ve smiled if the situation hadn’t been so dire. His animal sides were worried he couldn’t summon up feelings of his own, so they lent him theirs.
But Ice did have feelings, more than he’d felt in a lifetime. As he made his way towards the bed, his footfalls silenced by the thick plush carpet, he inhaled, bringing his mate’s scent into his body deliberately for the first time. Not questioning his actions, he climbed on the bed behind his sobbing mate’s back, and slipped his arms around the man, holding him close.
Byron didn’t stiffen; he didn’t push Ice away and start yelling and cursing. To Ice’s surprise, his mate turned, his hands reaching blindly as he tugged Ice closer, his eyes still squeezed tight and ringed with tears. There was a lot of robe in the way; Byron must have found the time to shower. Ice kept his hold firm enough he could feel the body beneath the material, allowing Byron to weep against the crook of his neck.
“I’m not normally like this,” Ice heard between the sobs.
“Hush, it’s okay. I know.” Ice stroked the covered parts of his mate’s body he could reach, keeping his touch deliberately firm.
“I didn’t know… It was all too much… Being taken… my mother… that horrible damned coffin…”
Ice noticed finding his mate had avoided him for five years or more didn’t get on Byron’s list, something he was thankful for. “It’s all right,” he murmured quietly. “We’ll work through your list one thing at a time. We’ll make it right again.”
Byron lifted his head, his eyes red rimmed and puffy, his nostrils flared, and his mouth twisted in grief. “Please want me. Please… I’ll accept anything you give, but please, for now in this minute, want me just a little bit.”
Ice’s anger flared, but it was directed at himself, not his mate. Cupping Byron’s face in both hands, he said fiercely, “A man like you does not beg. Not now, not ever, and especially not to the bastard in this mating. Yes, I said bastard,” he added as Byron’s eyes widened. “Bastard by heritage and by nature, and it’s rare you’ll find me apologizing for it. But you – you have the strength and courage of a thousand warriors. You’ve withstood rejection, and emotional pain harsh enough to kill a hundred men, and you’ve stood tall throughout. So, don’t you dare let me hear you beg for anything from me, when it’s me who should be asking you to ‘want me’, especially after the hurt I caused you.”
Byron’ blinked and then the corner of his mouth twitched. “No, please?”
“I don’t beg either.” Ice allowed his features to soften. “We are equals, you and I, as of now and forever more.”
“Does that mean you’re going to fuck and claim me?”
Ice was suddenly overly conscious of the heat of Byron’s body and the rampant hardness of his own cock. But he also noted the deep shadows under Byron’s eyes, the gauntness of his cheeks and the sadness that still marred his brow. “I am not going to fuck you tonight, and you’re not going to fuck me either. Not tonight.” Ice brushed his fingertips over Byron’s lips and then his own. “Tonight, we will bite each other, and start our bond, but there will be no sex.”
Byron bit the corner of his bottom lip. “You do like sex, don’t you? Sex with men, I mean.”
“I know it will be enjoyable with you,” Ice said, refusing to hint at anyone he’d stuck his dick in, when his mate had been without for so long. “But can we be sensible for five minutes? You’ve been drugged, held in a coffin and near death for days. I’ve been looking for you that long, and doubt I’ve had more than an hour’s sleep. Then, when we do meet, you find out I’ve behaved like the worse kind of cad, and then, yes, your mother’s dragon died while her human side treated you like garbage – all in the space of twenty minutes. You’re tired, your emotions are all over the place, and that food you ordered is already five minutes late.” Running his tongue over his bottom lip nervously, Ice very deliberately tilted his neck. “I want you to bite me.”
Byron swallowed hard. “A claiming bite? I’m sure that’s what you’re saying but I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings between us.”
Ice nodded, and then remembering the misunderstanding comment, added, “I want to wear your claiming bite – the scar only your teeth can leave.”
“But you don’t want to have sex with me. Will the bite, the bond even take?”
“It will.” Ice’s animal sides let him know it was the right thing to do. “It’s not that I don’t want to have sex with you, I do. But sex is just part of the life we’ll have together. I am a bastard. I’ve admitted that, but I’m not that much of one that I’d take you now, after all you’ve been through. Our first time together will be memorable and made even more pleasurable when our trust in each other has begun to grow.”
Byron reached up, touching Ice’s face lightly as if expecting to be rebuffed. Ice, for his part, did his best not to flinch. He was rarely touched with anything akin to affection, and yet that was what flowed from Byron’s fingertips.
“I was starting to think you were a myth – a figment of my imagination. You look different somehow, to when I saw you that very first time.”
It was Ice’s turn to gulp. “I would have been on a job. I can project a minimal glamor if necessary, making me look younger, more innocent, meaning people are more likely to trust me. This though,” He pointed at his own face. “This is me as I tru
ly am.”
“I’m glad.” Byron smiled then, a true smile and Ice was blown away again at how handsome his mate was. “I sometimes despaired of ever finding you.”
“You will always know where I am from now on.” Ice tapped the side of his neck. “Bite me mate, and then I plan to go and find out what the delay is with your food.”
“When I bite you, the entire Hollingsworth clan is going to know we’ve found each other in two seconds flat.” Byron leaned his face close enough, Ice could feel the waft of breath across his neck. His insides were jumbled, his animal sides hovering with anticipation, while his very nervous human side was screaming at him, What if he rejects you again? “Last chance to back out.”
In response, Ice reached around, fisting his mate’s hair and pushing his mate’s face into his neck. His body, already on overload, hummed as he felt the graze of teeth and the lick of Byron’s tongue teasing his skin. Byron murmured something, Ice couldn’t catch what it was, but even as he was trying to work it out, his animal sides came alive at the jolt of pain that sent shock waves through his body, quickly followed by pleasure.
An impressive orgasm. A chorus of cheers in his head. Ice didn’t expect to feel either, but that’s what happened. His teeth dropped before he knew it, and next thing he knew, he was swallowing his mate’s life essence as the bond snapped firmly between them. His eyes closed, Ice could see his eager animal halves, running to embrace the spirit of the blue dragon, their joy and contentment emanating from all three of them. Ice was just soaking up the rare moment of positivity, when a huge person came bursting through the door to Byron’s bedroom.
Chapter Fifteen
“Thanks for ruining our fucking moment,” Byron yelled, clutching his robe around him as he jumped off the bed. He could see it in his mind’s eye, the joyous moment when three spirits found each other, their love evident on two scaled and one furry face. But before he’d even had the chance to enjoy the afterglow, Dirk just had to come barging in. Byron’s spunk was a cooling mess on his belly, and he tightened the robe, hoping nothing dripped.
