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

by Cree Storm

  "I want the man killing these kids caught as much as you do, Taj. I would never distract from that if I had a choice. If I remember correctly, I was the one taken from my clinic, by your instruction. I was the one brought to Drago by Azul, and I was the one told I was Rene's mate. I didn't ask for any of this." Bren replied.

  Nodding, Taj replied, "True, but you are also the one that left, causing Pit to separate himself from not just our investigation, but from the entire team."

  Bren looked up at Taj with tight, wrinkled brows. His jaw thrust forward and his nose wrinkled, in anger, "I was told I had to give up everything, Taj. Everything I worked for and everyone I had ever known or loved. Loving someone should never mean choosing the life you had for the life you might want. It wasn't just not fair to ask of me, it was wrong to even ask it."

  "Which is the conclusion that the rest of us came up with. Cam actually came to us. He spoke to us on a level that I don't think any of D.O.A. would have thought he could. Eagle went back to the logs with Cam and when they returned, Cam pointed out something none of us had ever thought about. These logs were written back in the fifteen hundreds. They were talking about male female mates. During that era, women were treated and thought of very differently than they are today. Once we realized that they were talking ancient history, we realized our mistake. We went to Rene." Taj stated then looked sideways then back to Bren, "We agreed that if we could trust your friends to not say anything, we would let them in on our secret."

  Bren went from surprised to skeptical in seconds, "If that's the case, then why is Casper here? Rene told me what he does for the team."

  Taj seemed to grow uncomfortable, then muttered, "Casper and I needed proof that your friends would not be the type to blab their mouths. We had to see them for ourselves. Meet them, and decide if we agreed with the rest of the team."

  The sound of the front door opening, and Rylee yelling, "We're back!"

  "Up here!" Bren yelled back, then looked at Taj, "So what did you decide?"

  Taj shrugged, "I have to talk to Casper, but although your friend Jude is an odd one, he seems like a straight shooter."

  Rylee walked in with Casper. They each had multiple bags of ice in their hands. Bren stood up, took a bag, saying, "Jude went to go get some meds for Rene, but he said for us to add a bag of ice one at a time."

  Pouring a bag of ice in and then another, Rylee said, "We'll go get some more."

  Once Rylee and Casper were gone, Bren asked, "When this happened before, it stopped when Azul transfer from Rene to me, didn't it?"

  "Yes." Taj answered opening another bag of ice.

  Looking around, Bren asked, "Where is he now?"

  "Where's who?" Taj asked.

  "Azul, he's normally on the arm, but I don't see him here." Bren stated, still looking.

  Taj dumped the ice in, saying, "He was hurting pretty bad after you left, he might be hiding out behind Pit."

  Touching Rene, Bren said, "His temperature isn't going down. This ice is melting as fast as we put it in, Taj. Azul needs to join with me so we can stop this. Otherwise, Rene is going to die."

  "I don't think he will, Bren. Azul might not want to join with you since you rejected him and Pit. Our maharishis can be very stubborn." Taj answered.

  "Are you really going to let my friends in on your secret, Taj?" Bren asked.

  "Yes, Bren." Taj answered.

  "What about my veterinarian practice?" Bren asked.

  Taj sighed, "Bren, your death means Rene and Azul's death. It isn't safe."

  Bren sighed, and Taj placed a hand on his shoulder, "What about a compromise?"

  Turning his head to look at the man, Bren asked, "What kind of compromise?"

  "You move to Drago. You work in your office here three days a week, and the rest of the time you work from a clinic in Drago." Taj replied.

  Bren thought a moment, then said, "What if I worked at my clinic here Monday thru Thursday and then at a clinic in Drago Friday through Sunday? I can bring in a last year veterinarian student to cover the rest of the time or for days I might be needed elsewhere."

  "Bren, sometimes work calls us away, and I don't know if Pit is going to want to take you with us during those times." Taj answered.

  Bren thought a moment, "Okay, how about this. The clinic has been growing every day. What if I brought in another veterinarian? He could cover for the time I would be away as well as the days I'm in Drago. Do you really think that Drago will have enough for me to do?"

  "Bren, we have a horse farm and a cattle ranch as well as all the animals the residents there have. I'm sure we can find a lot for you to do. Besides, you are going to want time with your mate." Taj answered with a rare teasing look and smile.

  Bren called out, "Azul! Did you hear that? Taj and I worked out a plan that would work for all of us. Please, come back to me. Come and join with me so that we can save Rene and be a family."

  Rylee and Casper could be heard making their way up the stairs when the front door opened and Bren heard Jude talking to someone a little louder than need be, "It was really nice of you to bring Bren's mail, Lex. I'll make sure he gets it."

  "I was hoping to see Bren and make sure he was alright. It isn't like him to not pick up his mail for so long and the clinic has been closed for three days.

  "Who the hell is that?" Taj whispered.

  "He's just a friend we play cards with once in a while. Just give me a second and I'll get rid of him." Bren whispered.

  Bren went to go downstairs when he heard Jude say, "Bren hasn't been himself."

  Lex practically snarled, "Did the guy he started dating do something to him?"

  Bren watched Jude walk to the front door and open it, "Honestly Lex, I don't feel comfortable talking about Bren's private life. He just needed a small break but should be back to work by Tuesday."

  "Jude, what are you not telling me? I saw the IV stand and medicine you brought in. Is Bren sick?" Lex asked sounding worried.

  Bren quickly walked down the stairs, putting on a wide smile, "Hey there, Lex. This is a surprise."

  Lex looked Bren up and down, saying, "Sally was concerned when you hadn't shown up to get your mail. She said you had taken some time off at the clinic and we were concerned that something might be wrong. I told her I would bring your mail and check on you."

  Plastering that smile on his face, Bren took the mail, saying, "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I was feeling down for a few days, but I feel much better. Hey, Jude, Rylee is waiting to pack up those supplies."

  Jude took the hint, nodding at Lex, saying, "I'll just get this upstairs. Lex, it was great to see you."

  "You too, Jude. See you tomorrow night." Lex called out as Jude made his way up the stairs.

  "Tomorrow night?" Bren asked.

  "Yeah, poker night. We're still on for the weekly game, right?"

  Shaking his head, Bren replied, "Sorry Lex, I should have called. We can't have the weekly game for a couple of weeks. Jude, Rylee, Steph, and I are on our way out of town and need to get ready. We leave in a few days."

  Lex looked disappointed, "I was really looking forward to unwinding with my friends. Where you headed to? What about the clinic?"

  Bren wanted to scream none of your fucking business! I need to get back to my mate! Instead, Bren said, "We're going to be with our mom for a few days and I have another vet covering for me at the clinic for a couple of weeks. I just needed some vacation time."

  "Oh damn, I hope everything's okay? What happened? Is there anything I can do?" Lex asked.

  Shaking his head, Bren replied, "She's fine, but thank you. We're going to celebrate her birthday and like I said, I just needed some time off."

  "Yeah, I was thinking of taking some vacation time, myself. It's really nice of you guys to go all the way to Texas for your mom's birthday. I bet she's looking forward to it."

  Smiling, Bren replied, "I think we all are. Well, I better get back up there and help Rylee and Jude."

>   "Okay then, I guess I better go. Would you like me to collect your mail until you get back?" Lex asked.

  "That won't be necessary, I'll ask Sally to hold it, but thanks." Bren replied.

  Lex was walking out when he quickly turned around, "Oh, did you hear there was another murder?"

  "No, who?" Bren asked anxiously.

  Lex's lips slanted down in a somber look, "Erik Ernest."

  "Oh, my God, no!" Bren gasped.

  "He was found on Edgewood, near the stables." Lex replied.

  "Do they know what happened?" Bren asked.

  Les shrugged, "I don't know. I just heard about it today."

  "This maniac needs to be caught. Too many of our kids are dying." Bren said low and angry.

  Nodding, Lex sighed, "I just thought you should know before you hear it on the news. I know you really liked him."

  "He was a good kid. Well, I better go. I'll see you when I get back, and thanks again for dropping my mail off."

  "Anytime, and have a safe trip. I'll see you when you get back." Lex said as he waved goodbye and made his way towards his vehicle.

  Bren quickly closed the door and rushed upstairs. Rene was in the guest room, hooked up to an IV, and Jude was talking to Taj, "The ice bath helped Rene a little, but it's still one hundred seven point four."

  "There's been another murder." Bren said solemnly.

  "Son of a bitch! Who this time?" Jude asked anxiously.

  Bren felt tears coming to his eyes, "Erik Earnest. He was found on Edgewood."

  Rylee gasped, "Isn't that the boy with the fat cat that's always getting sick?"

  "Yeah. Fourteen fucking years old. What is wrong with this bastard? I need to remember to call his mother and give my condolences." Bren replied.

  Taj made a growling type noise and grabbed his phone from his pocket. Seconds later he was snapping, "We got another one. I know, Wiz, but Pit's out of commission and Casper and I are with him. We need you guys to take the lead on this until we can get Pit back into the game. For now, take Sparky and Solo. He was found on Edgewood. Have Nautical go talk to the cops and tell Cobra to get a hold of that new FBI guy."

  Taj was silent for a few minutes, then gave Bren a look, "Yeah, we came to a compromise. It's going to be fine. Just hold down the investigation. It could be a few days before we get back to Drago."

  Just as Taj hung up, Rene started jerking and flailing in bed. Jude yelled, "Fuck, he's starting to seize!"

  Bren rushed to the bed screaming, "Azul, damn it, stop being a stubborn ass and transfer now, or Rene is going to die!"

  "Who the hell is Azul?" Jude asked as he moved things out of the way so Rene didn't get hurt.

  Ignoring Jude, Bren focused on his maharishi, "Azul, I'm sorry. I know I hurt you when I left, but Taj and I spoke. I promise, if they keep their word, I have every intention of joining you and Rene for eternity, but you have to help me here. I need you to come back to me. If you and Rene die, where does that leave me? Azul, please, give me another chance."

  Rene twisted and turned as his body lifted and dropped.

  Jude dug in his pocket and pulled out his phone.

  "What are you doing, Jude?" Bren asked fearfully.

  "Calling the fucking ambulance. I told you if he deteriorated that is exactly what I was going to do." Jude responded.

  Taj snatched the phone with Jude screaming, "Hey!"

  Bren looked at Rene, tears filling his eyes, "Azul, I don't want to you lose either of you. Please help me. Help Rene. I'm so damn sorry for hurting you both. I never wanted that. I love you two more than my own life."

  "Who the fuck is Azul?" Jude shouted still trying to grab the phone.

  A dark mist came from around Rene's back, forming into a mist dragon then slipped to Bren and wrapped around Bren's arm. "That's Azul."

  "What the fuck?" Jude and Rylee both gasped.

  Taj stepped forward, "Once Rene is back on his feet, we will tell you everything."

  "Jude, I think Rene's temperature had come down." Bren said as he lightly touched Rene on his head, arm, and chest.

  Running the thermometer over Rene's forehead, Jude shook his head in disbelief, "I have no clue what the hell just happened here, but his temperature is almost back to normal."

  "How long until he is healed?" Taj asked.

  Jude gave Taj an annoyed look, "I don't have any idea. For a human, it might be a few days. However, after what I just witnessed, I have no clue who or what the hell you are enough to make a determination."

  Taj sighed, "We are Dragons of Anarchy. Rene is our leader and he is five hundred and ten years old. Rene is going through what we call dragon heat because he met his mate and he has not consummated that mating as of yet. What you witnessed is his maharishi transferring to Bren and showing his acceptance of the pending mate. Now that you know this, will Rene wake soon?"

  "Five hundred and ten?" Jude muttered.

  Rylee gasped, "Shit,” and passed out cold.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Rene tried to open his eyes, but it was as if someone glued them shut to impede the drum band that was pounding away in his head from leaving. Slowly, Rene tried opening them once more. A tiny slit began to form and bright light had him groaning then tightly closing them once more.

  "Rene? Rene?"

  The sweet lyrical voice of his mate had Rene ignoring his discomfort and prying his eyes open once more. Bren's beautiful chocolate brown eyes with those fascinating sparkling gold flecks were filled with concern. "Hey there, beautiful." Rene croaked.

  Bren grabbed the water from the small table next to the bed and held the straw to Rene's lips, "Drink some water. How are you feeling? Does your head hurt? What about──"

  Releasing the straw, Rene gave a short laugh, "Hey, calm down, babe, I'm still kind of fuzzy. What the hell happened and where am I?"

  "You're in the guest room in my home. Your temperature escalated to dangerous levels. Taj and I gave you an ice bath and Jude has been monitoring your recovery. You had me really scared, Rene. When you didn't wake up for two days, Taj had to restrain Jude from calling an ambulance."

  "Two days? I've been out of it for two days?" Rene gasped.

  Nodding, Bren replied, "You had us all very worried. However, Taj explained about the healing sleep."

  "Looks like you could use some of that yourself." Rene whispered and moved over, "Why don't you just lay down with me and we can rest?"

  Bren did as Rene asked, careful of the IVs in his arm, when he turned on his side placing his head just under Rene's chin, his arm over Rene's chest. Rene sighed with contentment the moment he felt Bren in his arms once again. The second Bren walked away from him, Rene's heart and soul felt empty. Right now, at this moment, every part of Rene felt at peace and he never wanted that feeling to go away again.

  Bren's light snore had Rene smiling. His mate had to have been exhausted to have fallen asleep so fast. Closing his eyes, Rene basked in the comfort of his sentience's arms and fell asleep.

  Hearing the door open, Rene opened his eyes and immediately felt the warmth next to him. Looking down, Rene smiled, realizing the dream of having Bren in his arms once again, was actually a reality.

  "You're awake." Jude said as he walked in the room. Rene placed a finger to his closed lips, Jude nodded in understanding.

  Quietly, Jude checked one of the machines hooked to Rene, then whispered, "I'm going to remove the IV."

  Rene didn't say anything as Jude did as he said. Once he finished, Jude looked at Rene, softly saying, "I don't understand everything going on here, and your friends refuse to talk about it until you're up and around. Whatever that thing is that's on Bren's arm freaks me the fuck out and if what Taj said about you being over five hundred is true, I have only one question."

  "What question is that?" Rene asked just as quietly.

  "Are you guys vampires?" Jude asked.

  Rene would have laughed, but had a feeling Jude wouldn't appreciate the mirth. Instead, Rene shoo
k his head, "No, Jude, we are not vampires."

  Jude looked at Bren's arm with unease, and Rene quietly said, "Azul will not harm you or anyone else, unless he feels Bren is being threatened, Jude. He is what my group calls a maharishi. He helps me in times of need and guides me in times of uncertainty."

  Azul took that moment to move and Jude backed up a little whispering, "That shit is just freaky. Kind of like combing your hair while you look in a mirror and your image starts brushing its teeth."

  Rene gave a short laugh, then explained, "Azul is very much alive, even in his hidden form. He hears everything you say, and is just letting you know that if he had wanted to harm you, he would have already. I swear on my soul, Jude, you and your friend are safe."

  Jude gave Azul one more dubious look, then said, "I'll have to take your word on that. However, maharishi or no, if you hurt Bren, I will find a way to kill you both myself. Bren is a wonderful person and one of my best friends. I may be hesitant about whatever it is going on with you two, but Bren isn't. I know love when I see it, and he is in love with you. I've never seen Bren so broken up about a guy as he has been since the day he came back from your last date. He didn't eat, sleep, or even go into work."

  "I was the same." Rene replied as he tenderly looked down at his sleeping mate. "He is my world. The moment he left it, that world──my life, ceased to matter."

  Jude must have seen Rene's sincerity. Giving him a short nod, Jude said in a low voice, so not to wake his friend, "He never left your side. Even when I told him you were out of the woods, he refused to leave except to go to the bathroom or shower. Rylee brought him meals, and we would check on you, but every time we stepped in the room, Bren was sitting here, holding your hand, and talking about your future. Bren is a kind, sweet, and caring man. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, Rene. I don't know what I would do without him in my life. All me or any of his friends want is for him to be happy. You seem to be the one to bring on that happiness."