Dracones Boxset Books 1-5

by Sheri-Lynn Marean

  Deseria patted the bed. “Come, sit.”

  Thaniel didn’t move.

  “I won’t hurt you, I promise.”

  Finally he walked over and sat down a little ways away from his half-brother’s mother, definitely not ready to trust anyone here.

  Deseria took a deep breath. “I really am sorry for all that happened to you and your mother.”

  “For all that happened to us?” he repeated, his anger simmering even hotter. “My father left me on my fourth birthday. You have no idea the hell I’ve been through.” Too agitated to sit still he stood up and paced in the small space.

  Deseria sniffed. “I know I don’t, but he didn’t have much choice.”

  Thaniel shook his head. This wasn’t making any sense. This whole day was messed up. Maybe he was dreaming and would wake up soon, but somehow, he doubted it. Just like his life, it was too fucked up to be anything but real. “What do you mean, he didn’t have a choice?”

  “How much do you know of the clan and our ways?” she asked.

  Thaniel shook his head. “Nothing. I didn’t even know Weres existed until Elianna bit me last summer.”

  Deseria’s eyes widened in shock. “Elianna bit you?” She didn’t wait for him to reply. “So, you’ve turned?”

  Thaniel nodded.

  “Last summer, you say?” she asked and he nodded again.

  “Yes, why?”

  Pursing her lips, Deseria closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, Thaniel wanted to turn away from the pity he saw in them, still, she didn’t answer his question.

  “Thaniel, your father was born a Were-leopard, as were most of us,” Deseria told him instead.

  It was Thaniel’s turn to stare at her in shock. His father was born like this? How had he never known what his father was? Surely there would have been some sign, indication, wouldn’t there? Of course, he had been a kid. … And what did that mean for him? Why did it take him getting bit to turn into a Were?

  Deseria continued. “Your father was in line to become Tomlee, but he never wanted the position. When the Queenlee suggested he take over the position, your father left the clan. Then, when he married a human woman, he was banished. But the Queenlee had grown tired of her Tomlee and wanted a new Tomlee, and she was furious that your father had thwarted her. She didn’t care he was banished. She made the rules and she could change them.”

  Thaniel thought he heard a touch of bitterness in Deseria’s tone as she spoke. “The Queenlee knew what she wanted and set out to get your father. She threatened him.”

  “Couldn’t he have just turned her down and taken us away?” he asked. That would have been what he’d do if he had a family he loved, a wife and child who loved him back and thought the world of him. He’d never give them up.

  A vision of Jax holding onto Tierney as she cried at the door flashed through his mind and pain pierced his heart. Jax and Tierney cared about him. As afraid to believe as he’d been, as much as he tried to convince himself otherwise, he finally realized it was true. Too late, but true—they had cared and he hurt them. Anger at his father continued to rise in him and he shook his head. It wasn’t the same thing. Tierney and Jax had each other. He had no one to love that way.

  Thaniel frowned as he tried to convince himself that he was right, that he did the right thing, but it didn’t feel right. The emptiness in his heart for his friends, and the life they had given him that he’d thrown away, was like a deep, black void. They were the first people to show him any affection since his fourth birthday and he’d callously walked away just so he could see his father again—a man who still didn’t seem to care about him. Obviously he wasn’t so different from his father.

  Unaware of his inner conflict, Deseria hesitated. “He didn’t have much choice.”

  Thaniel glared. “Because you and George were here.” Deseria blanched and gave a tiny shrug but didn’t answer. Thaniel frowned, wondering what she wasn’t telling him. “So while married to my mother, he had a secret family and when push came to shove, he chose you and George,” Thaniel muttered. He turned away as something stung the backs of his eyes. His father chose them over his four-year-old son and his wife who had no one else.

  Deseria hesitated. “Things aren’t so simple.”

  Anger pushed the tears away. “I grew up hating myself, wondering what I did that was so awful that would make him leave,” he said, turning back to her, feeling completely done.

  Tears filled Deseria’s eyes as she looked at him in horror. “I am so sorry, Thaniel. I had no idea.”

  Thaniel snorted. “No, I don’t imagine he told you how it went on the day he left.”

  “No, he didn’t. Your father, he used to tell me about you,” she said and Thaniel shook his head, even more confused.

  “So when can I see my father?” he asked, anger putting a bite into his tone that he really didn’t intend.

  Deseria sighed. “You will see him tomorrow, after the Nightmeal,” she said, suddenly shaky.

  He started to ask why when her words registered. Tomorrow? His father couldn’t even be bothered to come see him? Heart aching for all that he had just left, Thaniel shook his head. “Why not sooner?”

  “This is just how things are done around here,” Deseria told him as she got up to leave and George’s earlier words came back to him.

  “What did he mean?” he asked.

  Deseria turned back and frowned at him. “What did who mean?”

  “George. What did he mean earlier when he said ‘he’s going to be pissed’,” Thaniel asked.

  “That’s not important,” she said, dismissing his question.

  “He meant my father, didn’t he?” he asked as she turned away. He didn’t want to let it go, but now as she paused, he held his breath, fearing he was right.

  A moment later, Deseria turned and with a resigned look, she said, “You shouldn’t worry. I’m sure it will be fine. Your father is a busy man. He leads the clan. Even though the Queenlee is technically in charge, it’s your father who does everything. Takes care of all of us.”

  Thaniel just stared at her as he wondered what kind of man his father had become.

  “He’s very busy,” she added and Thaniel got the feeling that was a line she used often. Possibly with George? “Someone will bring you food and come get you when it is time to see him. For now, you should rest,” she said. She paused in the door and turned back. “Oh, and if you need to use the facilities, they are just across the hall and one door down.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  Spoiled

  JAX LANDED NEAR THE TREE-LINE and shifted back into human form as the little red car he’d been following neared the monstrosity of a house. Wonder if they get any kids out here on Halloween? He chuckled as he eased back into the shadows of the trees. He was far enough away that he shouldn’t be seen, but close enough that with his excellent hearing, he’d be able to pick up anything said at the door.

  He frowned as Elianna climbed from the car. Thaniel was slower getting out, as if unsure of what he was doing or where he was going. Jax knew he most likely was having second thoughts. Who wouldn’t? But the pull to see his father was too strong. A pain stabbed Jax’s chest and he wished he could reassure his buddy. He had no idea of what Thaniel was getting into any more than Kitty did himself.

  He thought about his nickname for Thaniel. Ever since they rescued him, Jax had felt the urge to protect the guy, and over the last few weeks that had grown so much stronger. Like he told Tierney, he really did care about Thaniel. And it was weird. Jax had known how Thaniel felt about Tierney for a while, which should have pissed him the hell off, but for some reason, it didn’t bother him at all. If it had been anyone else carrying around those feelings for his mate, he’d want to rip their head off and feed it to Genna.

  Thaniel’s feelings for Tierney became very clear this morning when they woke up in such an awkward position. None of them had thought about how they would awaken after the happenings of the night be
fore. All they’d been concerned with was reassuring the Were-leopard. Letting him know he wasn’t alone, that he was loved. That boring when Elianna showed up, he and Tierney both caught the love Thaniel tried to hide from the both of them.

  It had left them momentarily stunned, until they realized that he was still leaving.

  Jax knew Tierney was struggling with her feelings for Thaniel. He knew not only because they were mated and bonded, but because he was struggling as well. He was aware that Tierney was scared of his reaction, of hurting him. He also knew, with his whole being, that she’d never intentionally do anything to hurt him.

  Just like he told her earlier, he could feel the depths of her love for him along with how she felt about Thaniel. While she loved them both, he knew he had nothing to fear. He had tried to reassure her, but she needed to figure it out on her own, and he needed to follow their friend and make sure he was safe.

  He tried not to think about his own feelings for Thaniel, which had become much more complicated. He had never loved anyone but Tierney and had definitely never been into guys, and after his childhood, he didn’t see things changing. But then, he didn’t think of Thaniel as another guy, more as someone he loved and cared about.

  Jax watched, stunned when the front door opened and another version of Thaniel stood in the doorway. Whoa! It was Thaniel if he’d had a normal life. Sadness and anger filled him at the sight and thought. This guy was maybe an inch or two taller and his hair was cut short. He also had more weight on him, like Thaniel should have, if he hadn’t spent his life starving. Jax heard Elianna call the guy George and saw Thaniel stop when he heard that George was his brother.

  Holy … Wonder if Thaniel had any idea he had a brother? Judging by his friend’s reaction, he hadn’t. Jax thought about the day they rescued Thaniel, when Tierney touched the metal collar and had been swamped with a slideshow of Thaniel’s life.

  With her connection to Sami and Jax open, they too were swamped with all the gruesome and painful memories, something that they never let on to Thaniel.

  When Thaniel’s new brother glared at him, Jax took a step forward, ready to put the guy in his place. Thaniel deserved to be treated right. Then Thaniel walked inside and the door closed. Jax fumed. He knew he needed to let Kitty do this in his own way, but that didn’t make it any easier. Still, if there was any chance of Thaniel making his way back to him and Tierney, it had to be on his terms. It had to be because he wanted to come back. Jax clenched his fists and paced, hating not knowing what was going on inside. What if they hurt him?

  Then he stopped. If they hurt his friend, there would be hell to pay because he knew he’d lose his mind over it and wouldn’t be able to stop his dragon from destroying everything.

  Shaken by his emotions, Jax forced himself to calm down and leaned back against a tree, telling himself he’d watch just a bit longer before heading home. He’d just gotten his breathing under control when the front door opened and George emerged.

  George scanned all around, sniffing the air. Then the guy stepped down off the veranda and made his way across the yard directly toward Jax.

  “Who are you? What are you doing here?” George asked when he drew near enough to see Jax.

  Jax waited a moment before answering. “I’m a friend of Thaniel’s.”

  At his words, George sneered. “Of course you are. But what are you doing here?”

  Jax shrugged. “Just making sure he’s okay.”

  With a slight shake of his head, George rolled his eyes and muttered to himself. Before George could move, Jax was on him.

  “What did you say?” he asked in a deadly quiet voice as he wrapped his hand around George’s throat and shoved him up against the tree. Jax could feel his dark rage––something he’d been much better at controlling lately––beginning to surface along with his power.

  George’s eyes widened and he pulled at Jax’s hand. “N-nothing, I didn’t say anything.”

  But he had, and Jax didn’t like his tone or attitude. Jax sneered at the guy who looked so much like Thaniel, yet was nothing like his sweet, kindhearted friend. Spoiled was the thought that rushed through his head.

  “Just knew the fucker would be trouble,” George wheezed out.

  “What did Thaniel do for you to treat him like this?” Jax asked, pissed as he squeezed George’s throat even tighter.

  “S-sorry … n-nothing,” George gasped.

  Jax shook his head in disgust but he eased up a bit on Thaniel’s brother. “Did you grow up with a father?” George blinked, not understanding the question, so Jax shook him. “Did you?”

  “What?”

  “I asked if you grew up with a father,” Jax repeated with a growl.

  “Y-ya-yes,” George wheezed.

  “You did. You had a father. Did you have a mother who loved you?” Jax asked next, fuming at the spoiled little shit in front of him.George gave a minute nod, unable to move more than that. “And did you have a home? A warm bed? Clothes on your back? Food in your belly?” Jax growled the next series of questions. He knew his eyes were glowing; he was too angry for them not to be.

  Truly scared now, George nodded.

  Jax finally eased his grip on the Were-leopard’s neck a fraction. “Did you know you were safe and loved?” he asked very quietly.

  George gulped and nodded again, but didn’t say anything as he struggled to push Jax away—Jax didn’t budge. “I asked if you knew you were safe and loved all your life.”

  “Yes. I did, okay. Yes!” George cried out and Jax pushed away, letting George fall back onto his feet.

  “Well then, you had it good, didn’t you?” Jax sneered and moved close to George as the guy rubbed his neck and glared at him.

  Jax shook his head. “You may not like your brother, but if any harm comes to him, and I mean any. If so much as a single strand of hair on his head is touched, you will pay. You will all pay,” Jax growled.

  George watched him with wide, fearful eyes, not moving as he rubbed his neck and Jax let his power rise even more.

  Then he stepped back a few feet as he changed into his half-dragon form. His shirt disappeared and the blue scales on his arms and back grew and lengthened, turning into sharp points. His arms elongated and thickened, his hands turning into long, razor-sharp talons. He knew his eyes were glowing blue ringed with red, as he pulled on his compulsion and directed it at George. “Do. You. Understand. Me?”

  Scared, George nodded. “Y-yeah.Yes.”

  “Good.” Jax nodded and recited a phone number. “Repeat the number,” he demanded, then listened while George, unable to do anything else but obey, repeated the number. “Now, if something happens and you need to contact me, or Thaniel does, you will call that number. Got it?”

  Again, George nodded.

  “Go, and don’t tell anyone I was here,” he said and watched George hurry back to the house. A moment later he shifted fully into his dragon and aware of George watching from the door, he shot into the sky and let out a breath of fire, singeing the tree tops for good measure. He really wasn’t into scaring people, but George’s attitude toward Thaniel had majorly pissed him off.

  Jax flew away and sadness once again consumed him. Sadness over Thaniel as well as Chloe. He’d been trying not to think of her and Lilly, but every so often it would seep back in. He really hoped Tierney was right, but the more he thought about it, the more he was sure he was responsible for Chloe’s husband’s serial raping and killing.

  With a heavy heart, he drew on his power and it settled like a cloak around him, making him invisible to anyone watching. He hoped that his compulsion worked properly this time and George kept an eye on Thaniel, made sure that Kitty was okay.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Maze of Gloom

  THANIEL SAT ON THE BED, leaning up against the headboard when George stopped by a little while later. He figured his half-brother had come back to glare or taunt him some more. So he was surprised when George didn’t do any of that.
/>   “Oh. I thought you might be sleeping,” George said.

  Thaniel stared at him. As much as he might have liked to rest, there was no way he was closing his eyes in this place, at least not until he was unable to keep them open any longer. George didn’t know that. Though anyone who had been severely abused, had bad experiences in foster homes, or who lived on the streets would know. Just another example of how different his and George’s lives had been. When he didn’t say anything, George rubbed his neck and shrugged.

  “Okay, later then,” he said and walked away.

  ***

  JAX DROPPED down onto the top of the building, drawing his wings close. He remained in dragon form but cloaked as he surveyed the other building beside him, where Chloe’s husband awaited trial.

  Although the place was heavily guarded, Jax knew it wouldn’t be a problem to get inside and talk to the man. He’d been inside before, had his investigator’s I.D., and if that failed to work, his compulsion worked just fine in these situations.

  At least he once believed it did. As he reviewed his plan, he hesitated, suddenly unsure.

  He knew what his question would be, but wasn’t sure how he’d handle the answer from the man who had murdered at least seven women.

  He felt sick as he thought about Chloe’s husband, and his possible part in it all. Could he be hesitating because he wasn’t ready to face the truth? Because, as badly as he itched to know, if it turned out that Chloe’s husband did what he did because of Jax’s compulsion, he didn’t know what he’d do—how he’d live with himself.

  He flew through the sky toward home, feeling sick and uncertain. He could see Tierney sitting on their rock, waiting for him. The sun was starting its descent as he did, and he saw Tierney stand up. She waited for him to land and shift into his human form. “You’re shielding from me,” she said frowning, though he could feel that she wasn’t upset.