Dragon Hearts (D.O.A. Book 1)

by Cree Storm

  "If we do not get Bren to agree to be ours, Rene, you could burn alive from the inside out." Azul stated in concern.

  "If our sentience refuses us, Azul, then death would be a blessing from this pain."

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Bren had cried for what seemed like forever. Rylee and Jude didn't try and stop him, they just sat him on the couch and held him. Bren laid with his head on Rylee's lap and his feet on Jude's legs. Rylee was running his hand gently through Bren's hair, "What happened, Bren? If you love Rene like you say you do, what is the problem?"

  Bren whispered, "I want to talk to you guys. Hell, I need to, but I promised Rene I would keep his secret."

  "What could be so horrible that you can't tell your best friends?" Jude asked.

  "Jude, please just drop it." Bren insisted as he sat up.

  Jude looked at Bren with his brows drawn together in anger, "I'm serious, Bren. What the hell could be so bad that you would break it off with a guy you clearly care for and love?"

  Abruptly Bren stood up, "I told you, Jude, I promised not to say anything."

  "Is he an outlaw? I know he's with that biker gang we see, but I figured with him being a special investigator and all, that he was at least legal. Oh, my God, is he on the take?" Jude asked in awe.

  Shaking his head, Bren gave a short laugh, "If only it was that easy, Jude. No, he isn't doing anything illegal. It's just that he and his group are not──"

  The phone rang, stopping Bren from saying what he was about to say. If he had said Rene and his friend were not what they seemed to be, Jude would have really drilled him for information. Doing his best to get away from the inquisition, Bren walked outside, looking up at the stars.

  On the second ring, Rylee answered, "Hello. Hey mom──I don't know, I think so, let me ask." Rylee walked outside asking, "Mom wants to know what time we land on Saturday."

  Bren gasped, "Shit! I completely forgot we were going. I don't know if──"

  Jude hissed low, "You are not cancelling. This trip was your idea, Bren. We decided on this weekend because it's mom's birthday. You can't bail on her or us for that matter. Do you have a fucking clue how hard it is for me to get off rotation? Besides, we all know how bad Steph needs to get away from here right now."

  "But mom will know right away something is wrong with me." Bren whispered in agitation.

  Snorting, Jude said, "Most likely mom already knows. She was always scary as shit with that mother's intuition thing. Hell, she knew you needed help before you even knocked on the door when your parents kicked you out."

  Bren knew Jude was right, but the thought of being so far from Rene for even a few days had his stomach in knots. However, Steph really did need to get out of here. She didn't take Falon's death well, at all. It had made the loss of Aaron even more difficult for her to process. Besides, Jude was right, he needed this trip, "You're right. What time is our flight?"

  "Our flight leaves at ten in the morning." Rylee replied.

  "Then we should be with her no later than six in the evening." Bren answered.

  Rylee told mom then held the phone out to Bren, "Mom wants to talk to you."

  Bren rolled his eyes, and took the phone, "Hi mom."

  "Bren, I have been dreaming about you. Are you alright?" Clara asked in concern.

  Bren sighed, "I'm fine, mom. There's just been a lot going on here that I'm working through."

  "No, you are not fine. How many times do I have to tell you that I know my boys? You are troubled. When you get here I expect you to talk to me. Do I make myself clear?" Clara asked firmly.

  Bren quickly replied, "Mom, I am not going to talk to you about my boyfriend issues."

  Bren could picture Clara with her brow raised, hand on her hip, and tapping her foot, when she snapped, "Why not? Is there something wrong with the man? Is he mean? Did he threaten you? Was this an abusive relationship, Bren? I will kick his a──"

  Bren interrupted before she could complete her thought, "Mom! Rene is a wonderful man. He is kind, loving, and sweet."

  "Then what the hell is the problem? I can feel your angst all the way to Texas." Clara said in concern.

  Bren rasped, "I wish I could talk to you, mom, but I can't."

  "Bren, you can tell me anything. If there is a problem, talking to your family is the best way to work through it." Clara said pointedly.

  Bren felt his anxiety growing and walked further outside, "Mom, I want to talk to you. I want to talk to Jude and the others, but I gave my word, Mom. I just don't know what to do. I really like this guy, mom. I think I──I think I might be falling in love, but there are things──"

  Bren felt the warm tears running down his cheeks, and he couldn't get any more words to pass his tear clogged throat. He wished he was home right now so that his mom could just hold him and tell him everything was going to be alright.

  "Bren, baby, it's going to be alright. You just come home to mama and we'll figure this out together. Why don't you bring your young man home so I can meet him?"

  "What?" Bren gasped.

  Clara let out a deep breath, saying, "Bring him here for me to meet him. Let me see the man who is stealing one of my boys."

  Knowing Clara couldn't see him, didn't stop Bren from shaking his head as he said, "I can't ask him to stop what he's doing to come to Texas, mom. He's investigating the murders here."

  "Oh, those poor babies. I was so saddened I couldn't make it to Aaron's funeral. These damn legs of mine are not what they used to be. Then Jude told me about the other babies. It's just disheartening to know that evil pricks like that even breath the same air as we do."

  "I know, mom. Look, I have to go. Jude needs me to help him with something." Bren said gently.

  "Okay, but I still say you should ask your boyfriend to come and meet your mama. However, with or without him, we are going to talk, Bren." Clara warned.

  Smiling, Bren replied, "Yes, ma'am. I love you, mom."

  "I love you too, son. I'll see you in a couple of days." Clara said as she hung up.

  Bren turned around seeing his friends standing there. Jude did the shoulder sway, crinkled his nose, and batted his lashes, Saying, "I told you she would know."

  "It's kind of spooky." Rylee whispered.

  Sighing, Bren said, "Yeah, I just hope she doesn't see too much or all hell might break loose."

  Motorcycles revving up their driveway had Bren rushing inside and looking out the living room window. Seeing Rene on his Harley CVO Street Glider was shocking but when Taj pulled up with him on his Night Rod Special, and Casper with his Fat Boy, Bren felt fear like never before. What in the hell were they doing here? Rene had told Bren that Casper was D.O.A.'s enforcer. His job was to keep order in Drago, but he explained that when one of the men they are hunting is a shifter, paranormal, or magic holder, they couldn't be held in a prison. It would allow humans to learn of their existence and that would cause major problems in their world, but they couldn't be allowed back on the streets to kill or harm others, either. So, Casper's job was to take out the threat.

  Was that why they were here? Were they going to kill him and his friends? Why else would Taj be here? He hated Bren. Granted, the man never said it in words, but to Bren, actions always spoke louder than any words could and Taj rarely spoke or looked in Bren's direction. On the rare occasion he did, it was telling him he couldn't ask shifters what they shift into or ogle anyone that is naked when they do shift, or to say Bren asked too many questions. His nickname, Myst, was very fitting. Bren had gotten to the point he tried to be wherever Taj wasn't, but it was as if Bren would blink and there the man was, giving him a look that made it clear to Bren that he did not belong in Drago.

  Backing away, Bren whispered harshly, "We need to hide."

  Jude drew back in confusion, "Why? What's wrong?"

  "Rene is here with a couple of his friends and we need to go." Bren said anxiously.

  Jude raised a brow and marched to the door, "I am not hiding in my ow
n home. Besides, I have some choice words for the dearly departed Rene."

  "He isn't dead, Jude." Rylee said with a scoff.

  "He may just be by the time I get done with him." Jude said, grasping the door knob.

  Bren tried to get to Jude before he could open the door, but he was not in time.

  "What the fuck are you doing here Rene? Oh, and I see you brought reinforcements with you. Sexy as they may be, and as much as I might want to lick the scruffy dark-haired beauty like a popsicle, it doesn't change the fact that you are most certainly not welcome in or near our home." Jude said with a sneer.

  Bren's eyes widened almost as large as Casper's at what Jude had said. He tried to pull Jude back, but his friend was not one to be deterred when he had his mind set on a mission and right now that mission was to defend his friend at all costs.

  "Go the fuck home, Rene. I do believe hell is making s'mores tonight, have one for me." Jude snapped.

  "Jude, I need to speak with Bren." Rene stated looking at Bren with a yearning Bren was immediately drawn to.

  "You need to kiss my ass and maybe jump off the nearest cliff. What you do not need is to cause more pain to one of my best friends. Now get the fuck out of here." Jude snarled.

  Taj was looking at Jude as if he was a three-headed purple alien doing the cha cha. Casper was staring at Jude in a way that had Bren thinking he might want to take up his buddy's offer to treat him like a popsicle.

  Rylee, normally quiet and shy, stepped up behind Bren waving his cell, stammering, "I──I have a ph──phone and I──I'm not a──afraid to u──use it."

  Bren had to fight not to laugh. Leave it Rylee to use a phone as a weapon.

  Rene looked passed Jude and directly into Bren's eyes, "I think I might have a way around our problem, Bren. Please, Azul and I need to speak with you."

  For the first time, Bren noticed that Rene was sweating and looked in pain. "Rene, are you alright?"

  "Which one is Azul? The tall mean looking one or the really tall luscious Indian guy?" Rylee whispered in Bren's ear.

  "Neither." Bren answered as he continued to notice things about Rene that indicated he might be ill.

  "Rene, what's wrong with you? Are you ill?" Bren asked in growing concern.

  "Oh no, no talking to the enemy. Rylee, take Bren inside while I work to take out the trash." Jude ordered.

  "It's his maharishi heat." Taj answered, ignoring Jude's attitude.

  It took a second for Taj's words to set in. Bren drew in a deep breath, pushed back his fear, then looked at Taj, asking, "Are you here to kill us?"

  Rylee gaped and Jude turned to Bren, "What the fuck? Bren what in the hell have you brought to our door? Killers? Are you saying these men are killers? Is that why you dumped this shit wad?"

  Turning to Rylee, Jude yelled, "Call the cops, Ry! Tell them to hurry!"

  Rylee started pressing buttons, but Bren grabbed his phone, "Hey! Bren, give it back."

  Casper stepped forward, but Jude, ever the protective one, yelled, "You guys make a run for it. I'll hold them back."

  Bren was shocked to see the enforcer's lip actually lift in what might have been a smile. Well, it could be gas, but Bren was thinking Casper was finding Jude to be entertaining.

  "Bren, no one is here to kill anyone. We are here to talk. I ──" Rene doubled over moaning, then rasped, "I need to tal──"

  Bren gasped when Rene fell to his knees and then passed out.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Rene knew the moment Azul rejoined with him that he was on borrowed time. The dragon heat washed over him instantaneously. Pain as he had never felt before encompassed every joint and muscle in his body. Jude not allowing him in to speak with Bren was causing Rene great distress and increasing his pain, as well as causing his blood to feel as if it was about to boil his organs.

  "Are you here to kill us?" Bren asked Rene.

  Rene tried to answer, but no words would pass his lips. How could his sentience think, for one moment, that Rene would ever harm him?

  He could tell that Jude was speaking as Rylee wiggled his phone, but the ringing in his ears was so bad, Rene couldn't make out the words. Everything around him began to spin and he knew that he was not going to last. His mate thinking Rene would wish harm upon him told Rene that he was too late.

  "Pit, don't lose hope. Bren loves us. "Azul whispered into his mind.

  Pit could feel the darkness ready to take him and he opened his arms wide. Hoping that death would not be far behind, whispering, "You have been a great friend and protector, Azul. I hope your next binding is worthy of such a great maharishi as you."

  * * * *

  "Jude, get the hell out of my way!" Bren snapped shoving his friend to the side and dropping to the ground in front of Rene.

  Everywhere Bren touched was like lava on his hand. "Casper, Myst, bring Pit inside, now."

  Jude went to open his mouth, but Bren was ready for him, "You are a doctor that took an oath. Even you can see that Rene is in a crisis. Now, either help me with him or get the fuck out of my way. I will not allow my mate to die!"

  "Your what?" Jude asked looking at Rylee in confusion.

  Shrugging Rylee replied, "I have no idea what that means."

  Myst and Casper laid Rene on the couch, and Bren knelt next to Rene, brushing the hair away from his man's eyes, whispering, "Rene, don't die. Please don't die." Turning to Myst, Bren rasped, "This is far worse than the last time this happened."

  "All of this is new to us. However, we think the longer the wait, the worse it is." Taj replied.

  Jude sighed, went to Rene, and pushed at Bren, "Move. Maybe there's something I can do to help."

  Bren moved aside, but didn't leave Rene's side. Jude touched Rene then snapped, "Rylee, go get my bag."

  Rylee rushed to do as Jude asked, and quickly returned. Jude opened it and took out a thermometer, quickly running it along Rene's forehead, then looked at the reading, muttering, "This can't be accurate."

  Digging in his bag he pulled out another thermometer and quickly placed it in Rene's ear. The second he heard the beep, Jude looked at it and muttered, "What the fuck is going on?"

  "What? How high is it, Jude?" Bren asked.

  "One hundred ten degrees, but that can't be right, Bren. The average temperature is ninety-eight point six, anything over one hundred five can cause brain damage. We need to get him to a hospital." Jude insisted.

  "No hospitals." Casper snapped.

  "Jude, you can help him. Just tell us what to do." Bren begged.

  Jude turned to Bren in frustration, "Look, his temperature is already high enough to cause brain damage. Soon will come the convulsions and eventually death. He needs a hospital."

  "No! There has to be another option." Taj replied with a snarl.

  Casper looked at Jude, saying only one word, "Please."

  Jude pursed his lips, looking at Casper for a short time, then let out a loud breath saying, "Fine, but when this is over, someone is going to tell me what the fuck is going on here and if I can't get his temperature down, then we will be calling an ambulance or I will call the police."

  Casper's intense gaze never left Jude as he nodded.

  Jude quickly ordered, "Bren, you and the asshole there take Rene to the whirlpool tub. Cold water only. Take the tea pitcher in there with you, so that you can pour the water over his scalp. It's important to make sure the water gets past his hair to the skin. Rylee, take blue eyes with you to the corner store and get all the ice you can fit in your car──better yet, take Bren's SUV, fill it the fuck up. Crushed or cubed, not the solid."

  Rylee rushed to the key holder. Casper didn't say a word as he left with Rylee.

  "I don't care. I don't think it's appropriate for you to see my mate naked!" Bren was yelling.

  "We have known each other for hundreds of years. I have seen Pit naked many times." Taj argued.

  "I so don't want to hear that right now, Taj. Just close your damn eyes while I u
ndress him." Bren argued.

  Jude walked into the large bathroom, "Bren, right now Rene's modesty is the last thing you should be worried about. Getting his temperature down is what's important here."

  Bren knew Jude was right, but the thought of so many seeing his mate naked bothered him. However, he wanted Rene to live. "Let's just do this."

  The three men undressed Rene then lifted him into the tub, Jude saying, "Oh, and when we have Rene stabilized, someone in this room better explain to me about Taj's comment on knowing Rene for hundreds of years."

  Bren knew he looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Taj just let out a low breath, "That is why we came here to begin with."

  Jude only nodded, then said, "I'm going to go to the hospital and get some IV medications that might help. Pour the water over Rene's scalp, like I said earlier. When Rylee gets here, slowly add a bag of ice at a time. I'll be as fast as I can."

  Jude left and Bren grabbed a cup to start pouring it over Rene's scalp as Jude had instructed. Taj stood back saying nothing. Five minutes or so passed, when Bren asked, "What you said to Jude, what did that mean?"

  Taj's brows slanted, squeezed together in a wrinkle. His lips tightened then twisted to the side. He was clearly annoyed by Bren's question. What in the hell else was new? Bren seemed to always bother the Native man. "Never mind."

  Sighing heavily, Taj said, "I don't dislike you, Bren. I dislike change. It has been the dirty dozen for over four hundred and fifty years. Now things look as if they are changing and I don't like it, nor do I trust it."

  Bren looked at Taj, saying, "I understand."

  Shaking his head, Taj replied, "I don't think that you do. I am a man of routine. I like order. When my routine is altered, it brings unsteadiness. D.O.A. is on this earth to help make people's lives safer. If we are disrupted from that, humans will die. For example, the case with the Alphabet Killer here. We've been on this case for over a month and a half. We are no closer now to finding the assailant than we were when we first came upon the case. Rene would be ordering us to go to the locations of the bodies, talk to friends and family, get the police reports and go over them with a fine-toothed comb. He would be right there beside us. He has one of the best investigative minds I have ever had the pleasure of working with. However, since you came into his life, his mind is not in the game. We have been doing what we can, but in my eyes, we are a man down and that man is one of the most important minds that we need to succeed."