“What are you thinking? You're so far away,” Suzanne whispered, and traced her finger down his cheek.
“You can read my thoughts, Little Red, so why do you ask?” Dominic nipped at her finger, and she laughed.
“Because, Dominic, I'm not ready to go through all your memories, seeing you with other women. I'm not ready for that.”
Suzanne tried to get up, but he covered her body with his and held her face as she gazed up at him. “Suzanne, I might have had other women, but none of them held my heart. I love only you.” He kissed her lips softly and jumped up, bringing her up with him.
He reached to the floor, picking up her blouse and sliding it around her shoulders. “This is all you get to wear, Little Red, and I want it left open,” he ordered, and swung her up into his arms.
Dominic jumped from the loft to the floor below, and Suzanne screamed his name while her nails sank into his shoulders. He laughed as he strolled to the black stallion that Archer held for him.
Archer reached over and grabbed onto Suzanne as he hopped onto the stallion. It had been years since he'd been on a horse, but it felt so good. He reached down, petting the horse's neck. “It's been a long time. Thank you, Archer.”
Archer's gaze met his, and he smiled. “It's my pleasure. You two have a good time, and I'll see you later.” Archer handed Suzanne up to him, and he settled her in front of him.
Suzanne giggled when they took off, jumping the fence and running full force into the open fields. “This is so beautiful, Dominic. Just like I dreamed. Thank you.” She curled back into his chest. He slowed the animal down and reached up, spreading her shirt open.
“We're just beginning, Suzanne.” He cupped her breasts and nibbled her neck. “I want to apologize for earlier. I never want to make you uncomfortable again. If I could have thought of another way to protect you…”
She hushed him with her finger, pressing it against his lips. She turned in his arms carefully. “I know why we had to do it, and I understand. I was with all of you and that is all that matters. I love you all so much, Dominic, and if that little sacrifice could help ease some of your worries, then I have no problem with it. You already carry enough on your shoulders and you just added more, promising to be their king. I'm proud of you.”
“There is nothing to be proud of, Suzanne. I just did what needed to be done. Maybe if we allow them to feel normal, for at least one night they won't wreak havoc on the human world. Turn around and lean forward, love.” Dominic pushed her upper body towards the neck of the horse while he unzipped his pants and pulled out his cock.
Dominic rubbed the head of his cock against her damp folds, and slowly brought her back, sliding all the way in. He moaned. “See, there is another thing good about being brought over. You might have been stretched earlier, but your pussy is now tight as it was before and it feels great.”
High above them, Blair's brother's circled, watching and protecting them. “Look above us and see the fireworks just for you,” Dominic whispered into her neck, one hand on her breast and one on her clit.
The sky lit with fire, the words “loves heart” shone bright, and he smiled as he saw the tears rolling down her face.
“Hear the crickets are serenading us, wolves welcoming us with their cries of love, all for you, my love.” Dominic captured her trembling lips beneath his. She tasted of barbeque sauce and honey, and he slid his tongue over hers, caressing it and dancing with it. He squeezed the horse to stop with his thighsHe tweaked her nipple with one hand, and his other circled her swollen clit.
He broke the kiss and stared down into at her face, nipping her lip. “I have something for you. It was given to me from my grandmother, long ago.” He rested his head on hers as she leaned her head onto his shoulder.
“Nana told me she saw me with my companion, that no matter what was going on around me as long as I had her by my side, I would be whole. She said my mate would heal the emptiness in my soul, and that I would heal her heart.” He reached into the saddle pouch and took out a small box. He opened it up as another streak of fire rent the sky.
The red ruby heart sparkled in the night, surrounded by a blue sapphire circle attached to a red and black velvet choker. “Will you wear my collar, Little Red? I promise to love, protect, and cherish you. To give you every fantasy you can think of—and mine, of course.”
Suzanne's laugh filled the night air while her happy tears slipped down on his arm. “Dominic, you have given me so much within the last two nights. You are the…” She moaned as he nudged the horse to trot. “You are my knight, my warrior, my master, and my love. I would be proud to wear your gift and you…” She sniffled. “You have already closed the large hole in my heart, and filled it with your love.”
She lifted her hair, and he fastened the choker, sealing it with a small touch of fire. “You can wear this in water. It will still be around your neck when you shift, so everyone will know to whom you belong.”
He scooted back and pulled his cock out of her. Suzanne moaned when he picked her up and turned her to face him. “Lean back, Suzanne, I want to watch your face as you come, wearing my collar. Wrap your legs around me and hold on to me.” Dominic leaned over her and speared her hard as he urged the horse into a full run.
Her legs wrapped around him, and Suzanne hung onto his shoulders while he surged back and forth into her. Dominic ground his pelvis onto her clit with each thrust and lowered her head to her breast, sucking in her nipple.
“More, Dominic, please!” Suzanne scratched her nails across his shoulders and lifted her body towards him. “No!” Suzanne wrapped her arm tight around him, and swung her weight off the horse, taking him with her.
He hit the ground hard, as he tried to brace their fall, but as he turned his head to stare down at Suzanne, her pain-glazed eyes met his before he realized an arrow was sticking out of her side arm. “Don't move, Suzanne, I've got you.”
Blair's brothers surrounded them with their large bodies, searching the area. Blair, Suzanne is hurt. We're coming back.
We're already have the house on lockdown, Blair responded.
“We have visitors, Dominic.” Thomas said and he shifted, standing in front of them.
Dominic carefully picked Suzanne up in his arms and she moaned. “I'm sorry, Dominic, I thought I could get us out of harm's way.” She tried to smile to reassure him.
Shifting, he carefully took to the skies with her cradled in his arms. He roared his promise of retribution. Thomas, if they are responsible, kill them. If not, find out why and how they got there.
It will be done. Dominic heard him say as he landed near the house. He shifted as he ran inside. Blair and Granger met him at the door.
“Prepare to hunt tonight after we see to our mate.” He ran to their room. Archer stood by the bed, ready with bandages. Anthony, Tonya, Lissa, and Stephan all stood back as they watched him lower Suzanne to the bed.
“Looks like we're going to have to try that fantasy another time, Dominic…” Suzanne cried as Archer cut the end of the arrow.
“Sweetheart, Dominic is going to put you into a deep sleep so you won't feel the pain when I have to cut the tip out.” Archer stepped back and Dominic grinned down at his brave mate.
“You and I are going to have a nice long chat when you awake, my pet. I thank you for trying to save me, but you put yourself at risk, and that will not happen again.” He leaned down, kissing her lips. “Sleep, my Little Red, and awake only when I call you.”
Suzanne tried to stay awake but the pull of his power was too much for her. She closed her eyes. “Do it, and stay with her, Archer. You alone will guard our most precious one,” Dominic ordered as he stood. He glanced at Anthony and Stephan.
“I suggest we keep the women together till we find out who is behind this. Stephan, you will stay with Archer. Anthony, Brady is downstairs with Greg, I want this house secured. No one goes out or in. Suzanne saw who did this, but with the pain clouding her mind, I could not read her thought
s.”
Thomas stepped into the room and Dominic turned to him. “Who were they?”
“Six demons coming to offer their help. It seems the word is getting around about you, but only to those that are trusted. They had nothing to do with this, and they appeared after you fell,” Thomas reported.
“So we have nothing? Just an arrow coming out of nowhere? We're missing something here, and I don't know what it is. Is everyone accounted for?” He glanced at Blair and frowned.
“All but two of your stewardesses from the plane. Your pilot called and said they were missing.” Blair approached the door. “I'm on my way to talk to the other one, Sarah. Maybe she'll know something. I'll meet you downstairs.”
Dominic nodded, and turned his attention towards Archer, who was removing the arrow from Suzanne's arm. He cringed, his anger so deep he didn't know how he controlled Ladon, who wanted to destroy everything in sight.
I've been thinking about this situation, Dominic. The Goddess mentioned to you that Jaycee and Suzanne were to be protected no matter what, right? Archer glanced up at him for a minute and he nodded. Archer turned and went back to caring for their mate. What if this attack wasn't on you, but to make it look like it was on you? Maybe someone on the other side has figured out that Jaycee and Suzanne are the keys to our success in this war. Shouldn't we warn Remi?
“You are a smart man, and one who sees all. Thank you, I'll call him now.” Dominic nodded to Suzanne. “How is she?”
“Suzanne is fine, but I'm worried. This is no ordinary arrow, Dominic.” He pulled out the tip and Thomas stepped forward, taking it and studying it.
“Dominic, this is enhanced with a wizard's magic. It had a certain target, and it hit its target.”
Dominic headed downstairs as he dialed Remi's number.
“Hello, this is Dominic Hazelfield. Can I speak with Remi, please?” Dominic stared out the large bay window, watching Blair's brothers cover the grounds.
“Hello, Mr. Hazelfield, this Jaycee. How is Suzanne? Will she be okay?” Jaycee's question startled Dominic, and he held the phone away from his ear for a minute.
“How did you know?” he asked when he put the phone back to his ear.
She laughed, and he heard Remi in the background growling at her. “My mother, Marsha, saw what happened, and she wants to talk with your companion Wellworth and his family when they get here. You see, Marsha is one of the strongest witches around, and she believes that with the Wellworth family and her connections, well, you get the idea.”
Blair stepped up next to him and smiled. “She's right. Marsha's family history is one of the oldest and most powerful. Tell her we'd be honored to meet with her when we all get there.”
Dominic nodded. “I'm sure you heard what Blair said. As to how Suzanne is, she's fine. Archer is healing her now.”
“Good, I can't wait to meet her. I'll give the phone to Remi now. Oh, but Dominic, I'd wake Suzanne before you leave there. She'll be pissed if you don't.” Jaycee once more stunned him with her knowledge.
“Excuse my mate's bluntness. Believe me, she will be punished for such behavior,” Remi said, and Dominic heard Jaycee laugh in the background.
Dominic grinned. “I have a feeling our mates are too much alike. I wanted to warn you. My companions and I were talking and we believe someone might have figured out that Suzanne, and maybe Jaycee, are a threat to their cause. At first we believed they were after me, but now we think they were after Suzanne.”
Remi sighed. “I was afraid of that. Jaycee is already confined to the pack house for the duration of this. It's bigger, more secured, and with the packs around all the time, we have plenty of guards. When do you get here?”
“We have one stop to make, and it's getting cut in half. I just have to assure myself of something, then we'll be in the air again tomorrow. We should be there tomorrow afternoon, if no other attacks happen. Blair's family should be arriving tomorrow as well. Are you sure you have the room?” Dominic turned and walked back upstairs to their room.
“Yes, the pack house holds more than three hundred, easy. Give me a call and let me know when you're close. I'll be there with the cars waiting for you. Oh, and Dominic, use this private line. Right now, we aren't using the pack lines. Someone already tapped into those twice. I would do the same with your people.”
He shook his head and stared at Archer. “It will be done, and thank you. It'll be good to see you again, Remi. Till then, stay safe.” Dominic hung up the phone. “Are you done? We need to get packed and on our way as soon as the others come in.”
“I'm done. She'll need to feed when you wake her because of the amount of blood she's lost, but she is healed.” Archer glanced up at him. “Actually, you should be aware that Suzanne healed twice as fast than normal,” Archer said. Then he added quietly, just so only he and her other companions could hear, “I believe the Goddess has something to do with that.”
Dominic sat down on the bed. “I'm so mad at her right now. I wanted to let her sleep, but I guess it's best to get this over with. Wake Suzanne.” Her green eyes as flickered opened.
“I take it you haven't cooled down yet.” She smiled up at him.
“No, far from it, but there are a couple of things we have learned. I wasn't the target. You were.” Dominic watched the play of emotions spread across her face: doubt, hurt, then anger.
“Why would those bitches from the plane want to kill me? Because I'm mated to you?” Suzanne scooted back onto the bed and tried to sit up, but he laid his hand on her chest, holding her in place.
“So you saw the women from the plane?” Dominic glanced at Blair, who shook his head.
“They're nowhere to be found. We've searched everywhere, and I talked to the other one. She didn't know anything and was clueless.” Blair sat down on the other end of the bed, and traced his hand down Suzanne's cheek. “You scared the shit out of me, Little Red. I don't like to be scared.” His voice was calm but held a whip to it.
Suzanne glared at both of them. “Well, I don't like being shot at either, especially by his old playthings, so excuse me for trying to save his life.” She crossed her arms over her naked chest.
Blair glanced at Archer. “Is she healed?” he snapped.
Archer nodded. “She feels no pain now.”
Dominic moved off the bed before Blair reached over and plucked Suzanne up. He sat her down on his lap, facing him with her legs wrapped around his waist. “Tell me why you're angry.” He held her chin in his fingers.
“I've only been with all of you for two nights, Blair, but it feels like I've known you all my life. When I saw that arrow coming, I didn't have time to do anything. Just the thought of someone hurting Dominic or one of you…” Tears dropped down her cheeks. “I couldn't do anything, and I was furious that someone wanted to take away my happiness. But when you two, or all of you, say you're mad at me for trying to protect Dominic, it set me off. I'm sorry I snapped, but I'd do it again, Blair, if someone threatened one of you. I can't lose you.”
Dominic sat down next to Blair. “Suzanne, you have to understand, if we lose you, we all die in some way. We've waited centuries for you, and to have you ripped away from us just now would be too much. If you would have opened your mind to me, I would have been able to save you from getting hurt.”
Suzanne frowned. “But I thought you could see everything I saw. I didn't close my mind from you, Dominic. Matter of fact…well, we were, you know, having sex, so I opened my mind totally to you so you could feel what you did to me, the gift you gave to me every time we make love. Didn't you feel it, or whatever you call it?”
He searched her mind, and shook his head. “No, Suzanne, you're still partly closed off to me. Blair, Granger, Archer, is she closed to you too?”
All three of them nodded and glanced at her.
“Damn it, Dominic, I tried, I really did, and I'm still trying. Why can't I open up all the way?” Suzanne got up and paced back and forth. “Temmra says I'm totally open and that
you should be able to read everything.” She stopped and glanced down at him.
“Blair, do you feel any kind of magic, or something that could be blocking us?” Dominic reached out and pulled Suzanne in between his legs. His phone rang in his pocket.
Dominic reached into his pocket and flipped open the phone as Suzanne sat down on his knees. “Dominic,” he said into the phone, holding Suzanne close to him.
“This is Remi again, Dominic. We have a problem here, and we're wondering if you were having the same one. Marsha believes it's some kind of ancient spell, but she's not sure. When I got off the phone with you, I tried to connect with Jaycee. We all did, and part of our connection is gone. Are you having the same problem?”
Blair stood, and grabbed his phone, nodding. “Yes, at first we thought it was just that Suzanne didn't know how to open fully to us, but now we know different. Blair is contacting his father. We'll have him bring any ancient books he can find with him. Maybe with Marsha's help, we can figure this out, but until then…”
Dragon's Den Page 15
