by Cree Storm
Illan's booming voice had Rhys and Angelo turning to look at the dragon leader just as Day and Ethan returned from outside. "We need to get Rhys and Jett to a safe location in Crystal. Have them guarded twenty-four seven until we can locate Salem."
Shaking his head, Rhys whispered, "I'm not going anywhere. Maddox is my new home and I'm not letting that sick bastard take that from me."
Ethan walked towards him in concern. "But Rhys, it isn't safe for you here."
"He found me all the way from Aspen, Ethan. If he could find me from over two hundred miles away, he damn sure can find me from just over thirty. No, I'm staying here. I have work to do and this is my home. I will not flee another time. I am tired of assholes coming in and pushing me out of my home," Rhys whispered.
Day walked to Rhys and grasped his forearm. "Rhys, think about this. If Salem gets his hands on you, he will make you wish for death before he actually does kill you."
Zev was still taking comfort from his mate, when he stated, "My father is a sick bastard, Rhys. The things I saw for myself and heard from others..."
Rhys quickly interrupted, "I understand what you're saying, Zev, but I'm still not leaving. I swore when Destrain said we were all leaving Shadowfox to come here, that it would be the last move I make. I have given up two homes already and I will not give up a third."
"Son, please think about this. Salem is somewhere in Maddox, just waiting for the opportunity to get to you and Jett. You need to go somewhere safe. For once, please don't be a drama queen. Do the smart thing," Dain argued, making Day and Ethan both growl and turn towards the Pixies Regent.
"Do not speak to him that way again, Dain, or I will rip your head off and shove it up your ass so it's not just a figure of speech, but a reality," Day said in a low, threatening voice.
Rhys gasped. No one spoke to his father that way and lived to tell about it, but damn if Day hadn't made his cock go rock hard. Day's deep timber and slight growl was like a vibrator being shoved in his ass and turned to full power. Rhys couldn't understand what in the hell was going on with him, but he was no homewrecker, besides, if he ever went with the thoughts in his head he would be put to death for interfering in a mating. However, it might be worth the cost of his life for one night alone with Day and Ethan.
"What the hell, Day? You can't threaten Dain that way," Justice gasped.
Ethan slowly turned to his father. "Then I suggest that he learn how to speak to his son and maybe listen to what Rhys is saying. Rhys just wants a home to call his own. He is not saying anything different than Dain, Destrain, you, or Illan would say."
Rhys couldn't believe that Day and Ethan were taking his side. Rhys couldn't remember the last time someone took his side or stuck up for him and he would be lying if he said it didn't turn him on even more than he was a few minutes ago.
Ethan sighed, "Look, Day and I have a place that is closer to Maddox then the rest of you. If he agrees, we will take him there and keep him safe."
Shaking his head Rhys replied, "No. I will be going to my own home."
Ethan and Day looked at Rhys and he could see the frustration, but then Ethan's shoulders dropped in resignation. "Okay, Rhys, but Day and I would like to come with you and make sure you stay safe."
Rhys gave Day and Ethan a tentative smile. "That's good with me."
"Fine, but I want guards outside your home at all times and if Rhys insists on coming to work, then he will be accompanied by guards every step of the way," Illan ordered.
Destrain went to Illan, "When we purchased Maddox, we agreed that I would run this town while you and Justice took care of Crystal."
Illan rolled his eyes. "And you are. I just──"
Destrain placed a gentle hand on Illan, "No, Illan. Besides the fact that this is Maddox and the people here are my responsibility, Rhys is one of my people. He is also my nephew. I will have Baldwin assign some of the Griffions to guard over Rhys. You focus on Jett and his safety."
Illan sighed, "I don't like it, Destrain. We are supposed to be protecting you."
"I'd like to think of it more like we are protecting each other. Look, Rhys has always been particularly close to Casimir and Aracus. With them and the Griffions, Rhys will be under watch twenty-four seven. Also, Wyndingo should be here any day now. Just keep Jett safe and if we need you in any way, you will be the first to know," Destrain replied.
Ryder cleared his throat nervously, then said, "Destrain is right. You guys need to get back to Crystal. Salem may not know that you guys are even here."
"No, he had to of come here to get to Jett," Zev argued.
Vik stepped up. "I agree with Ryder. I don't think he has a clue what's going on in Crystal. You guys said he left your clutch years ago. He would have no way of knowing Illan had called everyone to Crystal."
"But he may have seen us coming in here earlier," Zev argued.
"Which is why Jett will have the same protection as Rhys, until this bastard is caught. Salem is beyond evil. He is an insane evil, which makes him far more dangerous than your typical threat. You are also off duty until this prick is caught," Illan stated firmly.
Jett drew in a sharp breath. "Oh, hell no!"
Illan immediately snapped, "There is no argument on this, Jett. I will not have this bastard creating a fire that you get called out to so he can take you out when you respond. No, you are officially on leave starting now. Do I make myself clear?"
Jett pursed his lips, muttering, "Perfectly."
"Good. Now we need to tear this town apart. Look under every rock you can until we find this fucking asshole," Illan snarled.
"I can talk to Dimitri and find out if he may have seen Salem in town or maybe find out where he is staying," Marco suggested.
Dain was still standing eye to eye with Day, hissing, "And I can talk to my head bouncer at the club, Devonte. He knows everyone in Maddox. If there is a new guy in town, he’ll know where to find him."
"We should probably let Captain Holt know what's going on as well. He, Sut, and the guys can help keep an eye out," Jett stated.
Destrain turned to Baldwin, "I want you to pick out three guards. There will be two with Rhys at all times."
"Sir, if Rhys is going to be here at the club, two may not be enough," Baldwin stated.
"If you think more are needed at any time, you have my permission to up the protection level." Destrain answered back.
"Yes, Sir," Baldwin replied, turning immediately to do as the King ordered.
Rhys sighed, "Is this all really necessary? Maybe if I talk to Salem and make it clearer that I have no interest in the man, he might just go away on his own."
"No, he won't," Zev rasped.
Zev walked over and looked straight into Rhys's eyes. Rhys could feel the pain and sadness rolling off the man. Zev took a deep breath and forced out his next words. "My father used to beat the shit out of me and my mom just for breathing. Whenever my mom said the "N" word, and I am talking about the word no, it would set him off like a stick of dynamite. I swear those beatings were worse than when he caught my mom cheating on him. Trust me. Salem Brady does not take no for an answer."
"And that is why Ethan and I are not letting you out of our sight until Salem has been dealt with," Day said without room for argument. The thing is, Rhys and arguing seemed to always come hand in hand.
There was no way Rhys could stand to have Ethan and Day around him day in and day out. To see the two lovers kissing and cuddling on his couch while he sat there wishing and thinking "what if".
Shaking his head, Rhys replied. "No, Casimir and Aracas will look out for me just fine."
Day felt his dragon coming forward. No way in hell were his and Ethan's uncles going to protect Rhys. That was his and Ethan's job, end of fucking sentence.
A gentle squeeze to his shoulder had Day jerking away and ready to attack. Illan gave a low growl then hissed, "You will stand down or I will make you stand down."
Ethan snarled and jumped between Illan and Day. "Ba
ck off my mate! You have no idea what you're getting in the middle of."
Avery hissed and started towards Ethan. "And you have no right to speak to my mate like that either. So, I suggest you back the fuck off or you might find yourself trying to learn to breath under water."
Justice jumped in the middle holding a hand up to Ethan and Day and the other on Illan and Avery. "Everyone just take a step back. This shit is crazy." Turning to Ethan. Justice asked, "What is it that we are getting in the middle of, Ethan?"
Ethan turned away, looking at Day. Rhys could see that something was up, but he didn’t understand for a second what that something was. It was like a puzzle needing to be put together and Rhys hated the damn things. He never could figure out where to start, and when he tried to put the fucking thing together he never could get the stupid pieces to fit right. Normally Rhys just ended up banging the damn pieces of cardboard with his fist until he just tossed them around the room. Day and Ethan were not two men he could toss around even if he wanted to, which he didn't.
"Ethan, I asked you a question. What is it we don't understand?" Justice asked again.
Destrain went to Rhys and started pulling him away, saying, "Look, like we said, just take care of Jett on your end, and we will take care of Rhys."
Rhys jerked and pulled, yelling, "Let me go."
Destrain let out a loud sigh, "Just come with us Rhys and stop making a scene."
"I am not making a scene. I don't like to be manhandled, by you or anyone else. Now let me the fuck go," Rhys shouted and pulled. Destrain's grip slipped and Rhys fell backwards, smacking his elbow on a table and landing on his ass.
Rhys watched Day and Ethan's eyes began to flicker and Day let out a roar that had everyone but Justice, Illan, and Destrain backing up.
Day and Ethan rushed to Rhys's aid, Ethan standing between Rhys and the others as Day knelt next to him, taking his elbow in hand, whispering, "Are you alright?"
"What the hell is going on? Get away from my son. He's fine. Illan, tell your people to back off Rhys this instant," Dain snapped.
"Yo, Ethan, what the hell is wrong with you, dude?" Jett asked, slowly making his way towards the trio.
Day snarled as his head whipped around, stopping Jett in his tracks. Rhys felt tingles running through his body and continuing until they hit his balls. Just fucking great. Now he was getting a boner and everyone, including his father, was in the room. "Day, I'm fine really. Just take Ethan and go home."
"No," Day growled low then helped Rhys up, brushing him off as if he had dirt everywhere. He seemed to really be focused on Rhys' ass. He enjoyed the feel up, but was brought back to reality when he heard everyone in the room draw in a sharp breath.
Rhys pulled away knowing he should sound pissed. "What the hell is your trip? You have no right to touch my ass like that."
Day pulled Rhys into a tight hold, Rhys wiggled and felt Day's hard shaft touching his belly button. "What the hell are you doing? You have a mate. Back off!"
Shaking his head, Day replied, "You’re wrong, Rhys. I don't have a mate."
"Daytona!" Illan and Justice gasped in shock.
Day ignored them completely, but Ethan went behind Rhys and clasped Rhys' hips, whispering in Rhys' ear, "I don't have a mate either, Rhys."
"Let go of my son. What are you two doing?" Dain shouted.
Day didn't stop looking into Rhys' eyes, saying, "Testing a theory."
Rhys was beyond shocked when Day leaned in and kissed him. The soft feel of the large man's lips was amazing and rather surprising. Suddenly he felt his wings fluttering in his back and tingles racing through his body. The warm comfort that only one thing in this world could bring to him. When Day pulled back Ethan turned Rhys around and instantly locked lips with Rhys as well. Oh, by the Gods, Ethan's kiss was just as fantastic as Day’s and Rhys knew he was about to shoot his load in his pants.
Ethan slowly pulled back and with Day on one side and Ethan on the other, Rhys finally looked at everyone's shocked looks. "Holy crap. They're my mates."
CHAPTER 6
Ethan sat in the living room of Rhys' home with Day and Rhys. They had left the club soon after confirming Rhys was his and Day's mate, promising Destrain and the others they would talk soon. For now, Day and Ethan just wanted to talk to their mate and figure out where they were going to go from here.
Rhys walked in carrying a tray with some fancy pot and the world's smallest coffee cups. The china shook and Ethan stood to take it from him before he dropped the tray or broke the cups with all the clacking. "Let me get that for you."
Rhys never looked at him as he allowed Ethan to take the tray. "Thank you."
Ethan poured and handed a cup to Day, who looked at it with a raised brow. Ethan gave his big mate 'the look' and his mate quickly took the cup, trying to hold it by the teeny handle.
Ethan watched Rhys sit in a chair with his legs crossed and hands folded. The man looked nervous and unsure of himself. Ethan's phoenix was fluttering in agitation. It seemed his bird didn’t like his mate being uncomfortable as much as Ethan's human side. "Rhys, please don't be afraid. Day and I are not about to leap on you and take you on the floor."
"Why not? We're mates. Do you not want me? I mean, I know you guys have been together for a couple of years, but isn't that how this works?" Rhys asked with a shake in his voice.
Day set his cup down and joined Ethan. "Rhys, we want to talk. Get to know you and give you a chance to get to know us. Make no mistake, Ethan and I know you are our mate and would love nothing more than to make you ours. So, any thought you might have that we are hesitant to do so, you need to get rid of now."
Rhys' head moved up and down in sharp jerking movements. Ethan took Day by the hand and led him to the couch. "When Day and I met, it was the worst, and yet the best, day of my life."
"Why?" Rhys asked in confusion.
"Levi started a fire at the shelter my mom volunteered at. When she tried to save Manny and his mom, he smashed her head, then the building blew up. Day went in and got her out, but it was too late. She died in the hospital. The thing is, before she died, she said something to me," Ethan said quietly, remembering that day.
“Daytona is a good man, Ethan,” Nina whispered against his hair. “He will make for a wonderful mate.”
Ethan pulled back, stunned at his mother’s words. “But he is a dragon, mom. You know how phoenix and dragons are.”
“The stupidity of both dragon’s and phoenix have made both our races suffer too much. It’s time to make peace. It’s time to bring the two back together for the good of us all. I heard Angelo. Daytona is your true mate, Ethan. The first true mates of our two species to find each other for centuries. Don’t walk away from that. I fear that if you do, you will be making the biggest mistake of your life and you will come to regret it deeply. Both races will.”
“Mom, I don’t―”
Nina cut him off. “Do what’s right for our people, Ethan. Most importantly, do what is right for you. You and Daytona together are the hope for all of your futures.”
“Nina, do you know what you’re asking?” Justice said from the other side of the bed.
Nina turned her head slightly to look into her husband’s eyes. “Yes, Justice. It is our son’s destiny. You and he both need to accept and embrace it. Ethan is our son and I love him no matter who he is. Face it, Justice. Our son in gay. Long before the Great War, this was a non-issue. Maybe because both sides started making such a fuss over it and only wanting to mate the opposite sex to gain numbers is the reason the gods punished us in not finding our true mates. By going against our ways, we destroyed ourselves and have now left us vulnerable to attack. There is a reason for our Ethan being born gay, Justice, and Angelo’s vision proves it. He was made for Daytona and Daytona for him. Do what is right for all of us. Dragon’s and phoenix alike. Embrace the reunion Justice, and nurture it. Fight for it.”
"Ethan, are you alright?" Rhys asked in concern.
Day put hi
s arm around Ethan, whispering, "Nina was a wonderful woman that believed that our mating needed to be embraced. Our joining was the first dragon and phoenix mating since the war began. Angelo had a vision that said Ethan and I would mate then lead the fight that will save our kind. Not just from discovery, but from something dark and evil that is trying to kill us all."
"Well, that's ominous," Rhys muttered.
"Day and I have spoken about what Angelo saw. It is one of the times we actually argued," Ethan replied.
"What did you argue about?" Rhys asked.
"Ethan believed that Levi was that dark and evil Angelo spoke about. I disagreed. Something told me that whatever was coming our way had not arrived yet. Lately, I've felt like that vision is getting closer. I've been worried because it was like Ethan and I mating wasn't what the vision foretold. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love Ethan with every fiber of my being and nothing or no one will ever change that," Day stated emphatically.
Rhys lowered his head and Ethan could see the sadness. "Rhys, let him finish before you get any crazy thoughts in your head."
Day sat up straight. "Rhys, sweetie, look at me."
Rhys raised his head slowly, Day quietly said, "The thing is, Angelo always says that his visions are not always one hundred percent on and sometimes he only gets pieces."
Rhys licked his lips nervously and Ethan felt his cock twitch.
"So, what are you saying? That I somehow am part of this destiny?" Rhys asked softly.
Nodding his head, Day replied, "I think you are a large piece of this vision that we were meant to find when the time was right. If there is anything I've learned since Ethan and I met, it's that fate is a fickle thing. She does shit on her terms and in her timeframe. I think you were always supposed to be ours, we just had to be patient and wait for it to happen."
"So, if we mate, it will help our people?" Rhys asked.
