by Cree Storm
“I’ve been taking care of myself for a really long time. I’m not stupid and I won’t do anything that would get my dad hurt or even killed.” Berk hissed out.
“We know that. Garth knows that, but you should understand his feelings, Berk. You’re human and Carl is a shifter. If we’re right, he’s a dangerous man. You’re asking Garth to just stand back and watch his very human and fragile mate go to a very lethal shifter alone and without backup. He’s as much afraid of losing you as you are of losing him. You can’t be mad at that. Not if you don’t want him upset with you for how you’re feeling.” Chance calmly explained.
Sighing, Berk replied, “I know. I really do know, but he won’t even talk to me, and when he does it’s with a growl in his voice. It’s... it... I mean...”
“It hurts.” Chance said in understanding.
Berk could only nod. Chance smiled, “Then it’s a good thing I have an idea that might help the both of you.”
“What did you mean about it being different if we were mated?” Berk asked.
Chance answered, “If you were mated, you two could mind talk and he could feel if you were in danger.”
“Seriously? Damn, I really want to know if any of those gay romances I read are done by shifters. Because they talk about that all the time. Is it true that your hearts and breathing match up when you mate? And that you are two souls separated in time only to be brought together by fate?” Berk asked.
“No, our hearts and breathing don’t link up like that, and I don’t know how true the soul separation thing is, but it would make sense, I guess. Because there’s nothing like finding that fated one and joining. You will feel complete like you have never felt before.” Chance thought a moment, then asked. “Have you ever eaten so much you just know you can’t take another bite, because your stomach is so stretched no more will fit?”
Berk laughed. “Only at Thanksgiving and when my mom makes fried chicken strips with mashed potatoes, white gravy and biscuits. I’ll eat so much and forget how the breads expand in my stomach... ha ha. Ha. I can’t move for hours after that meal.”
“That’s how your soul feels. Full and content.” Chance stated.
Berk thought about what Chance had been saying, then asked, “How did you know?”
“Know what?” Chance asked in confusion.
Berk whispered, “How did you know that Micah was the man for you and that you were willing to take that plunge?”
Chance laughed, “Sorry, I wasn’t laughing at your question, just the wording. You know with how we claim and all.”
Berk felt his cheeks redden, “You know what I mean.”
Laughing a bit more, Chance finally answered, “It’s not the same for shifters, Berk. We’re told very early in life about mates. We know by scent. It isn’t unusual for mates to claim each other the second they scent their partner. It’s so hard to find that person and we don’t want to wait another second. Again, it’s a trust thing. We trust that fate knows. I’ve heard stories of shifters mating and not even knowing the other person’s name.”
“Seriously?” Berk asked in surprise.
Chance nodded, “A mate is supposed to be perfect for us in every way and we live a very long time. We know that we have centuries to get to know each other.”
“And you think that fate chose me for Garth?” Berk asked curiously.
Shaking his head, Berk almost felt sad, until the man said, “I don’t think fate chose you for Berk, I know fate chose you. Garth scented you and said as much, but even if he didn’t say anything, we all see how he is with you. We see how protective he is with you. Berk, Garth is a great man. You couldn’t have been given a greater gift.”
“But what do I have to offer Garth? There isn’t shit special about me.” Berk softly argued. “How the hell am I supposed to complete him when I have nothing to offer.”
Chance’s gaze softened, “Berk, you offer so much for Garth. You’re his mate and there is nothing like a mate. You bring Garth balance. A person he can talk to... share his doubts and fears with... love and have purpose in life. When we sent our request into Fantasy, it was because Garth has done so much for all of us and we wanted him to experience the love only a mate could offer, like he had given us.”
“I wish I could truly understand this mate thing.” Berk muttered, laying his head back on the head rest.
Smiling, Chance’s look turned so serene and happy. “There is nothing like it. To feel love within you every moment of every day. To know that no matter what life throws at you, you don’t have to face it alone. To have that one person to be there for a hug or kiss when you need it, or even when you don’t know you need it.” Wiggling his brows, Chance said, “And the sex is off the charts.”
CHAPTER 10
Garth sat in the back of the large SUV Berk’s father had picked them up in, with Berk at his side. Chance and Micah were in the seats behind him, and Bo was driving the rental with his mate, Nolan and Linus.
“I hope you all are comfortable back there.” Nort said as he continued to drive.
“We’re fine, Dad.” Berk said.
Garth could see the term Berk used had really touched the older man. When they had first arrived and Berk greeted them, Berk had called out, “Mom! Dad!” Then, rushed into their arms for a big hug. It didn’t take Garth’s shifter hearing to notice the deep intake of breath from Berk’s mom or the stunned look from his dad. Both had become misty-eyed and Nort rasped, “Son!” That teary-eyed look hadn’t gone away.
“I got a hold of Carl like you asked, son. He’s expecting us tomorrow at ten in the morning. He said that we’ll have passes at the front gate, and all we need to do is tell them our names. Can you tell me what all this is about?” Nort asked, turning onto another road.
“I will, Dad, when we get home, I have a great deal to explain.” Berk replied nervously.
Nodding, Nort didn’t push, but looked in his rear-view mirror right at Garth, “So, Garth, tell me about yourself. How do seven men come to live together?”
Garth shrugged, “I have a big home and they needed one.”
“Well, that is something. What do you do for a living?” Nort asked.
“Daaad.” Berk groaned.
Nort quickly said, “What? I think I have a right to know what kind of people my son is living with. I have to say my first impression wasn’t all that great.”
“Dad!” Berk huffed.
Garth placed a hand on Berk’s leg, “It’s okay, Berk. Your father has a right to be upset with us.” Looking at Nort in the mirror, Garth said, “There was a misunderstanding that we will be explaining as soon as we get to your home. I want you to know that it was never my, or any of my family’s intention to hurt Berk in any way, and I give you my word that I will do whatever I need to do to always make Berk feel cared for and safe, as long as he will allow me to do such. However, you must know that Berk can be a bit...”
“Stubborn? Pig headed?” Marla said with a laugh. “Oh yes, we do know how our Berk can be. When he sets his mind to something no one and nothing will change it.”
“But, he always has good intentions, even if he doesn’t have the best common sense sometimes.” Nort snorted.
“Hey! I’m sitting right here.” Berk grumbled.
“Yes, dear, we know exactly where you are and you know how much we love you, but truth is truth.” Marla said, turning to give Berk a loving smile.
Berk immediately defended his stand, “What’s wrong with wanting to help someone? If I can do something, I should. Like you and Dad did for me all those years ago. First, by taking me in like you did and putting up with my silence for so long. You gave me a home and all the love a kid could ask for, and you didn’t have to do that.”
“We did it because you were an easy child to care and love, Berk.” Berk’s mom quickly said.
“I don’t know about that, but I do know if you hadn’t been there for me, I don’t know what might have happened. I just want to do for others what you
did for me... help. It’s called paying it forward.” Berk muttered.
Marla brought her hand close to Berk and he took it. His mother squeezed it gently, “Baby, listen to me. You have nothing to pay forward, but if there’s a problem your father and I will help in any way we can.”
“I know that Mom. It’s why we’re here. There could be some really bad things happening, and we might be able to help.” Berk said.
“You didn’t answer my question, Garth. What exactly is it you do?” Nort asked, turning into a driveway.
Garth looked at the beautiful two-story home before him and opened his door. “I’m in retrieval, I guess you could say. The rest will be explained soon.”
* * * *
It had taken them a bit to get settled into their rooms. Nort and Marla wouldn’t hear of them getting a hotel and had insisted that everyone stay in their home. It was large enough with six bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms as well as a large attic that was turned into a large suite. That’s where Garth found himself.
Garth currently stood on a large balcony overlooking the back yard facing the ocean. It seemed Berk’s parents lived on a peninsula and the scenery was beautiful.
Sighing, Garth watched as wave after wave rolled and hit the shoreline. Berk had gone up straight to the room he would be using for the duration of their stay, without a word to him. They hadn’t spoken since Garth had growled at the man on the plane, and Berk had gotten up and sat as far from Garth as he could get.
Garth had heard Berk talking to Chance. With his shifter hearing, everyone could hear the man talk, but no one had interrupted or shown that they were eavesdropping on a conversation not meant for them. Well, Linus seemed to have been affected. He had started sniffling and buried himself into his mate as Berk spoke. Garth had a feeling that Linus’s cool demeanor he had with Berk would be changing.
A soft knock had Garth figuring it must be Bo, coming to discuss what they were going to do about Berk going into that zoo alone. Everyone knew he wasn’t happy about it, nor did he approve. However, he had been outvoted on the issue, and although he refused to be part of this stupid plan, it didn’t mean he was just going to let his mate come to Florida without him. Even if he might want to, his dragon wouldn’t allow it... and he didn’t want to.
Another knock had Garth calling out, “Come in.”
Garth hadn’t turned around, preferring to watch the waves and do what he could to calm his dragon. “What is it, Bo? I told you I can’t know what you’re planning. I won’t be able to control my dragon.”
“Is that why you won’t talk to me?”
Hearing the sound of Berk’s voice, Garth turned in surprise. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with the others planning tomorrow’s adventure.”
Okay, so he could have not sounded so sarcastic, but damn it he was barely holding onto his dragon as it was. Having his mate in the same room, smelling his scent and knowing that he was about to place himself in danger, wasn’t going to make holding back his beast easier... quite the opposite.
Berk looked away, biting his bottom lip, “I thought you would be with me when I tell my parents. I wanted... I wanted to...” Shaking his head, Berk turned to go back to the door. “Never mind.”
Before Berk could get to the door, Garth asked, “You wanted what?”
Berk didn’t turn around as he softly replied, “I wanted to introduce them to my mate.”
Garth’s eyes widened and he found himself rushing to Berk and pulling him into his arms. Drawing in a deep breath, just to smell that fresh basil with a pinch of allspice. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been an ass lately. I don’t mean to be. It’s just... my dragon... he’s not happy and... I know it isn’t a good excuse and I promise to do better.”
Berk turned around in Garth’s arms and looked up, “I know you hate what I’m going to do, but I... I don’t just want to do this. I need to do it. I just wish you’d understand how important this is to me.”
“Why? Just tell me why it’s so damn important? Carl isn’t a good man, Berk. Hell, he’s not even human. He could kill you and no one would find the body.” Garth quietly argued.
Nodding, Berk replied, “I know that, but I swear to you I can handle myself. It’s just that... I couldn’t save my parents. I couldn’t save the hell some of the other foster kids were put through, but I can do something to save these shifters. I can help them. I need to help them.”
Sighing heavily, Garth pulled Berk even closer, drawing in another calming breath, “Okay, but I would feel better if someone was going with you. I just don’t know how we can do that, since Carl will smell a shifter.”
“Chance came up with an idea. Trevor can shift and come with my dad and I to the zoo. Because he’s a pygmy possum, his scent is almost undetected amongst other shifters. Bo isn’t happy about it, but Trevor convinced him to let him come along.” Berk quietly said.
Pulling back slightly, Garth whispered, “Then let’s go down there, explain shifters to your parents and get the plan underway. I’ll feel better once my dragon knows you’re safe.”
* * * *
“What do you mean you know about shifters? If you’ve known why the hell wasn’t I told about them?” Berk asked with a huff.
Nort shrugged, “It wasn’t our secret to tell, Berk. Your mom and I have been fostering children a long time. One of our boys had just turned twelve and we were in the middle of singing happy birthday when he started to shimmer and shifted. One second he was a happy go lucky brown-haired boy and the next...”
“He was an adorable little otter.” Marla said with a large smile. “Poor thing was terrified and hustled under the couch. Took us a full hour to get him to come out.”
“Puberty. It’s normally when we have our first shift.” Bo stated.
Nort nodded, “Yes, we learned that later by another shifter.”
“Deer I think he said.” Marla said looking at her husband. “The family took our boy in to help him learn about his abilities. We still keep in contact and he’s about ready to graduate from college next year.”
Garth sat forward, “As interesting as this conversation is, we really need to talk about what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
“First, I want to know what this mate thing is and what it means for our son?” Nort insisted.
“Dad, it’s okay.” Berk quickly said in a calming tone.
Trevor smiled, and answered, “Think of it like a soul mate to a human... love at first sight if you will. Fate brought two beings together saying... this is it for you. You are to love, cherish and keep this person safe for the rest of your life, and in return you will be loved, cherished and safe for the rest of yours, never to walk this earth alone again.”
“And this is what you say our son is to you?” Nort asked Garth outright.
Nodding, Garth replied, “Berk is my everything. There is nothing in this world I won’t do or give to my mate if he were to ask. My heart is full just by him sitting next to me. My soul is just longing for our joining so that we can feel complete.”
Garth could feel his mate looking at him at those words, and when Garth returned the stare, there was something in Berk’s eyes. Some kind of understanding that hadn’t been there before. Garth didn’t understand it, but it wasn’t fear or uncertainty, just a... how to say this... a knowing. What that meant, Garth had no clue, but since it wasn’t a negative, Garth would take it as a positive sign for their future.
“And you’re a dragon shifter? A real honest to goodness dragon?” Marla asked in awe.
“Yes, ma’am.” Garth replied.
Marla pursed her lips. “Don’t ma’am me. I’m not that old yet. You can call me Marla or Mom.” She then looked at Berk, and sternly said, “You had better never let anything, but Mom pass those lips again. I’ve waited too many years to hear that name come from you.”
“I promise.” Berk said with a smile. “I should have said it sooner. I knew how I’ve felt for a long time I just felt guilty for feeling i
t. The thing is, I realized my parents would love the both of you and appreciate how you’ve taken me in and treated me as if I was your birth child. I know now I shouldn’t feel guilty, because all my parents would have wanted was for me to have someone to guide me through troubled times, love me unconditionally, and support me when I needed it. That’s what the both of you have done for me since the day I walked into your home. I love you both.”
Marla raised a shaky hand to her lips, tears falling unchecked down her cheeks as she said in a tear-filled voice, “We love you too, Berk.”
Nort cleared his throat, and Garth could see they had become misty all over again. However, he drew in a shaky breath, saying, “I take it that you’re here because of those troubled times you mentioned. What’s going on?”
After Bo explained everything, Nort nodded, “I get an oily feeling whenever I’m around that Carl. It was why I was going to contact him and tell him no to his offer. Don’t get me wrong, it would be a great location for a restaurant, but besides the fact that I didn’t like how he was looking at my son, I didn’t like the fear I saw in some of the employees’ faces as he showed me the location he wanted my restaurant.”
“Have you told him this yet?” Garth asked.
Shaking his head, Nort said, “Naaa. Marla and I were busy checking out our new home and I haven’t bothered calling him yet, but I did contact him like Berk asked and gave him a bullshit story about wanting to see the zoo from a tourist point of view. Like I said, he’s gonna leave us tickets at the front gate. He wanted to meet with us, and I told him maybe the next day, because I really wanted the entire experience without business talk. He agreed.”
“Wait! He won’t be there at all to meet us?” Berk asked.
Shrugging, Nort replied, “He’s not supposed to, no. Then again, he’s a slimy eel, so I wouldn’t put it past him to be there anyway. Especially since he knows Berk’ll be there.”
