“You are the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. I absolutely ache every time I look at you. Please hear me, please listen.” Duncan beseeching him was making Lyle’s head spin with the need to reach out and hold him, but he began to panic as the gravity of everything he’d just been told began to set in. He was also pretty sure Duncan hadn’t told him everything and that this was just the first run at ‘hey, this is your new life’ and there were many details yet to come.
Lyle jumped to his feet and Duncan followed. He looked around not sure what to do but sure that he needed to get away and think. He needed time and space. He turned and began walking towards the living room. The place was huge, and it was quite a distance to cover as he continued on towards the front door. He stopped with his hand on the doorknob and glanced back at Duncan who was right behind him looking devastated. Lyle quickly glanced away not able to withstand the pain in those flashing green eyes.
“I have to go; I have to go.” He kept saying as he rushed out the door and ran to his car. Lyle didn’t look back just kept his focus on getting to his car turning the key and driving away. He forced his mind to block the shock and pain and forced his body to comply. He tore down the mountain not sure where he was going but needing to find a place to go that was somewhere else.
Duncan stood on the porch and watched as his mate drove away. Did he share too much too soon? Lyle was overwhelmed and he had to run. Duncan didn't know how he could have handled it differently. The time of his heat was approaching, and Lyle had witnessed so much already. He really had not expected him to just bolt.
“Are you okay, brother?” Grey came up to stand beside him. He followed Duncan’s line of sight and noticed Lyle’s car missing. “Did he leave?”
"Yes, but he will return to me, soon." Duncan didn't feel like talking and walked back into the house and went to his office where he closed the door and stretched out on the sofa by the wall. He needed to calm and center his dragon before he shifted and went in search of his mate. Chasing Lyle and forcing him to come back would not help his cause. Duncan needed Lyle to come back of his own accord. He needed Lyle to choose him freely.
…
After several hours of driving, Lyle found a small motel on Highway 287 and stopped. It was shabby but probably cheap and that's what he was looking for. He got out of his small car and began to scratch at his birthmark. Ever since he left the Gatehouse, the thing was itching and throbbing. If it didn't improve, he would have to find a clinic soon.
He checked in and hurried to his room. He locked the door and threw himself onto the bed not even caring that it was probably dirtier than the floor. After a few minutes of quietly freaking out, he reached into his pocket pulled out his phone and called Hunter. He moved to the edge of the bed and sat up. He had no luggage, he had no plans, he wasn't sure what he was doing.
"Hey, Lyle. How's it going." Hunter answered upbeat, but Lyle could detect an undercurrent of uneasiness.
“I left, Hunter. I couldn’t stay there any longer. The trim in the kitchen is done and I have the plans for the benches drawn up, but I can’t complete the job.” Lyle found that he was feeling breathless and his mark was starting to actually hurt not just arrant sharp pains this was a deep hurt.
“You ran?’
“Yeah.”
“What happened?”
"I panicked and I didn't know what to do so naturally I ran. It's what I always do." Lyle grimaced and rubbed his face with the palm of one hand. "He told me everything or most everything. It's true, isn't it? I stumbled into an alternate universe where monsters are real."
"Yes, it's all true, but there are no monsters here."
“He said I’m his mate, his perfect match. Why me?”
“Don’t go there, Lyle, this is a gift, it is the greatest thing to ever happen to either of us. This is the life we deserve, to be cherished and loved and live with miraculous individuals with a sense of honor and duty. This is better than we could have ever dreamed, and you know it.” Hunter was emphatic.
“I love my life and I love my mates just as they love me. There is no doubt and no games, no hidden agendas or a desire to hurt. The dragons traveled thousands of miles over hundreds of years to discover their true mates, do you really think they take any of this lightly or with scorn?” Hunter stopped for a few ragged breaths before continuing.
“King Duncan has searched eight hundred years for you, yeah he’s that old. Dragons live for a long time. When he saw you in that picture, he took off immediately not by plane or boat but under his own power. He flew across the Atlantic because he knew his dragon was faster than any man-made machine and he could not wait to get to you. That’s how much you mean to him. That’s how important you are.”
Silence descended for a few moments while Lyle took in his brothers’ words and then he told him what was troubling him. “It’s all happening so fast and I’ve made so many mistakes before. I don’t trust myself.” That was the bare bones of what he was really feeling. “I’m not making light of anything you’ve said and I’m not doubting the bond you have with Forbes and Flynn it’s just that . . .” He trailed off.
“What?” Hunter prompted not letting him stop.
“What if he is mistaken, what if I’m not the one he’s been waiting for and this birthmark is just an anomaly? What if I reach out with all that I have and all that I am and fall flat on my face?” Lyle felt his eyes misting and fought hard not to succumb before continuing.
"Duncan Adair is magnificent, and I don't use that word frivolously. He's like a five-star general up here. He opens his mouth and people jump, no actually he doesn't even have to open his mouth he just looks at them. He has that level of authority, command, and respect. How will he ever be satisfied for any length of time with someone like me? Just a skinny kid from the reservation, the child of an asshole rancher and a young girl who could never get her life together."
"What do you feel for him?" Hunter asked, causing Lyle to stop and consider everything rushing through his mind and body at the moment.
“I want to be with him. The further I drove away from him the more desperate I was to return. I’m sitting here in this rundown motel and I feel like total shit. I’m not even sure anymore why I left in the first place.”
“Do you need me to come and get you?” Concern was taking over Hunter’s tone and Lyle felt a pang of guilt for upsetting him.
“I’m a basket case for sure but not a complete basket case, yet. I’ll be okay, I’m heading back.” Lyle stood and began walking to the door. “I should talk to him.”
"He's hurting, I need to tell you that your leaving has laid him and his dragon low," Hunter interjected. "When the King is in any sort of pain the entire Circle feels the effects. I can tell you that all the dragons here are about on their last nerve and his Knights are probably worse off because they are in closer proximity. Don't wait, go to him, don't chicken out. This is your destiny, meet it like the man I know you are." Hunter was beyond firm and Lyle was listening, but his heart got stuck on ‘he's hurting' and went into an emotional spin.
“I’m leaving now.” Lyle ran to his car and tossed his phone on the passenger seat. Duncan needed him was the thought that was forefront in his mind. He’d driven for quite a while before reaching this motel so, unfortunately, he had a long ride ahead of him.
CHAPTER NINE
Duncan held his dragon in check for well over four hours before he began to lose his control. He’d felt certain that Lyle would have returned by now. The influence of the mark, the bond that had already started and their mutual attraction should have brought Lyle back to him. The tremendous sadness and loss he was feeling began to pervade every part of his being.
With a tremendous effort he managed to get himself outside. His brothers soon gathered around. If he shifted completely in his present state of mind, he would not be able to stop himself from tracking down his mate and bringing him home. Not to mention the fact that the locals would be witness to his dragon soaring
and darkening the skies. This was not good.
He knew that his people were being affected by his torment and he tried to rein in his emotions, but it was impossible. He could see the stress and strain on the faces of his Knights as they attempted to keep him grounded. He needed his mate, he needed Lyle. Nothing would satisfy him or his dragon except the presence of their mate, their consort, their soul, Lyle Davis.
…
Lyle felt the need to get to Duncan steadily increase the closer he got to the mountain. The need was making him sweat and shake as he tried to steady himself behind the wheel of his car. He needed to stay clear and attentive if he ever hoped to arrive there in one piece. It felt as if he were running a fever, but he didn’t feel sick just anxious and driven and his birthmark was on fire, it hurt so much he couldn’t lean back in his seat.
He knew that all of this had meaning and there was a reason for it, so he decided just to let go and followed his mind and body, his instincts had never let him down. He would follow and do whatever his mind and body were demanding, no more analysis, no more second thoughts. He would do what he needed to do, no more fighting, this was his destiny.
Nightfall was upon them when he finally pulled into the drive that leads to the Gatehouse. He pulled up close to the front of the building and saw the flashes of light and thunderous roars as they broke the night and sent chills up his spine. It was Duncan and the call was so savage and so passionate that Lyle could not stop himself from leaping from the car and running to the back yard of this expansive building.
He saw Grey standing between the side of the big garage and back porch. He was focused and his energy was crackling the air. Lyle slowed and looked on at what had Grey’s undivided attention. There towering over the trees stretching the width of several acres was Duncan or rather Duncan’s dragon. The beast was magnificent just like Duncan. Gorgeous and graceful and fierce beyond all comprehension.
He took a step closer overcome by the power radiating through the air. This was the beautiful beast that called to him, recognized and accepted him. Why had he run away? The question filled his mind as his eyes took in the incredible beauty before him.
Lyle saw the familiar light in his burning green stare and the black mane that ran from the dragon’s head down to the tip of his long muscular tail. The face was stark and angular but just as stunning and handsome as the man himself. The dragon was covered in iridescent scales that glittered in the setting sun and displayed silvery black diaphanous wings that stretched across the land. The sight was taking his breath away and tearing his heart out at the same time.
Lyle rushed forward unable to withstand the emotional torment emanating from his mate and called out as Grey and the others took note of his arrival. They all moved towards him except for Rafe. Rafe kept his eyes and his awareness on Duncan tracking his every move. He had not shifted, but it was obvious that they were all prepared to if necessary.
"My God man, where have you been?" Grey shouted at him. Lyle didn't respond; he pushed past Grey and began approaching Duncan. The Knights held their ground but did not interfere. It was the moment Lyle locked gazes with the great beast that will forever stay emblazoned on his heart. That look that burned to his soul and touched him like nothing before.
This was his mate, this was his destiny, he had no doubts. "Duncan!" He yelled and the beast instantly transformed into the man of his heated love-starved dreams. He looked exhausted but also exhilarated as he ran towards Lyle and caught him up in an embrace that crushed and claimed.
“Lyle, my love.” The declaration came out ragged and rough, panic and relief evident in his tone. Lyle held him tight needing the connection as much as Duncan.
“My body is throbbing.” Lyle breathed the words in a panic afraid he was going to pass out. “My heart is beating so fast I can’t catch my breath and I feel as if I will die if you don’t love me now.” Lyle felt out of control, his body responding and demanding and pushing. He started to shake, and Duncan gathered him closer while running towards the deck and into the house. Lyle didn’t know what was happening, but he trusted Duncan to take care of him.
"I have you, sweetheart. I will ease your need and stop the heat, just a few more minutes. Let me prepare you." Duncan was laser focused on him and Lyle could sense that the mark and his reaction were tied to Duncan and his dragon. He found himself lying on a large bed on the top floor, this was the penthouse master bedroom that he toured his first night here. It was remarkable in its furnishings and craftsmanship. It was the bedroom of a King for sure. The thought brought a half smile to his face.
“This is your room.” He mumbled while Duncan was rapidly disrobing him and massaging his spasming muscles.
“Our room, my love.” He corrected and flipped Lyle to his stomach. Lyle could feel his ass tender and pulsate from the intense heat. If this was a fever, it had to be cresting a hundred and ten. "Relax, I'll take care of you. I hoped to claim you before the heat got this bad, I'm sorry I was so bad at explanations." He dropped a kiss to Lyle's throbbing cheek as he spread them apart and began massaging the object of his quest. Lyle's little hole throbbed and leaked a clear gel-like liquid common with a heat of this degree.
“What’s happening to me?” Lyle was not afraid he had complete trust in the man. Having let go and given in to the dragon had opened his eyes and his understanding in such a way that all thing made sense to him now. This is where he belongs.
"The pain and discomfort of your mark was due to my presence and you not being claimed. The longer we waited, the more intense your heat would grow until you became overwhelmed by the need to be claimed. I thought I could claim you earlier today and spare you this pain." Duncan pressed his large fingers inside Lyle and stretched his tight hole now loosening from the effects of the dragon heat and the viscous fluid.
“I need you so bad.” Lyle was beyond caring and started to beg for relief.
Duncan flipped him back over and seated himself between Lyle's thighs with his own stiff member prominent and throbbing for release. "Deep breaths my love, take deep breaths. I have to do this faster than I would have preferred. There will be pain, but it will be brief; I promise you." In that instant from one breath to the next Duncan drove inside him stretching and filling him completely. The pain was instant but just as quickly morphed into a pleasure so deep Lyle squirmed and wrapped his legs around Duncan's middle trying to force him even deeper.
Duncan held him tight and began a rapid hard rhythm of plunging deep and drawing back sensitizing Lyle's chute to mind-numbing proportions. Lyle held on and tried to breathe, while he was filled so full and pleasured so deeply that every cell in his body seemed to be reacting to this man and his dragon.
He realized there were tears in the corners of his eyes when Duncan kissed them away and then concentrated on looking so deeply into Lyle's eyes that Lyle could see everything. He knew that Duncan wanted him, needed him like he needed the air to breathe. This was true emotion passing between them true desire, Lyle could see it all and he could see his future there in his lover's eyes.
Duncan was alive and pulsating with the beat of Lyle's heart and the warmth of his love. Lyle was open to him; he could feel everything Lyle was feeling their connection was nearly complete. He plunged deep and hard coming in long powerful bursts filling his mate with his seed and marking him for all time. Lyle yelled his name and dug his nails into Duncan’s shoulders as he too filled the space between them his seed joining that which seeped out of his raw and swollen hole.
Duncan dropped and sunk his teeth into Lyle’s shoulder marking him on the outside as the Consort of the King. He felt Lyle come once more on a deep moan and a quiver adding to the warm seed pooling between them. He pulled his teeth free and licked the wound until it was healed. He remained inside his mate not wanting to withdraw as yet. Holding Lyle was his priority at the moment.
Lyle caught his breath and held tight to his mate. The Dragon King really and truly belonged to him for all time. They were
bonded, they were two souls and now they are one. Lyle saw everything so clearly now and he couldn’t stop devouring Duncan’s handsome face with his eyes. He ran his hands over his shoulders and down his arms needing suddenly to touch him everywhere to know he was real.
"I feel energized and new; the fever and the pain are gone, and my heart is elevated to new heights of love and affection." Lyle chuckled and glanced away. "I never used to talk like that, I sound like an idiot, but I am just too happy right now to care."
Duncan was over the moon with the reaction of his lovely little mate. Everything fell into place and everything worked out just as Fate and deemed it to be. “I love you little one, more than I thought I could love anyone. My life is yours and my heart beats only for you.” Duncan kissed him passionately as the stay wrapped in one another’s arms sealing their bond and appeasing their needs.
After a few more minutes of simply embracing and listening to each other’s breath and heartbeats, Duncan got up and with a warm wet towel cleaned them both before settling back down in bed and wrapping his mate back in his arms. “If I could hold you for a thousand years it would not be long enough.” He stated softly, his words ruffling hair near Lyle’s temple. “You are my Consort now my love. I will touch no other, I will look at no other, only you from now until the end of our time, only you. I will love and honor you always and forever.” He pledged his heart and kissed the side of Lyle’s head.
"I love you, Duncan, I never thought I'd say those words to anyone, I thought they were the stuff of romantic fairy tales and nothing more. I never thought feelings could run so deep and connect two people together so completely. I feel as if I hold your soul in my heart and yet I've known you for such a short time." Lyle reached up and touched the side of Duncan's face and pulled him down for a soft, sweet kiss.
“I have a lot to learn of your culture and your people and your life. I will do my best to please you and make you proud. I will cherish and honor you always and forever.”
King of the Dragons: Dragon's Blood M.C. (Dragon's Blood M.C. Book 9) Page 8
