by Cree Storm
“I told you I was there.” Taco argued.
Lex sat up turning to Taco, “Yes, you were there, but you were attached, not standing near the balcony or sitting in a chair, you were attached and when you unattached, you made it to where Gio couldn’t see you. How was Gio supposed to know he wasn’t in the room alone? Jude told us how upset Gio was with himself because of the things his father forced him to do. He told us how much self-loathing he saw within the guy’s eyes. If that’s how he feels about himself, what makes him think that any of us feels any differently… or that you and Cobra don’t hate him for what he had to do?”
“But it wasn’t his fault. He did what he had to do to save his family.” Taco argued.
“And I get that, Taco, but does he? I don’t think he does. I’ve only met Gio a few times, but from the way the townspeople talk, he is one of the sweetest, most caring men in Drago. If anyone needs anything, Gio does everything he can to get it for them or help them out. He has helped most of the businesses in Drago prepare and open, and he risks discovery to take some of the people’s handmade goods into the Boulevard for them to be sold by stores there. Can you imagine having that much heart and having someone force you to do things that ruin others’ lives and families?” Lex asked in wonder.
“I see where you’re going with this Lex, but I asked him what was wrong and he completely ignored me. Then, when Gordy showed up, he calmed down and actually talked to him.” Taco said, knowing his hurt feelings were coming through his tone.
Lex asked curiously, “Taco, have you ever cried?”
Shaking his head, Taco replied, “No. I have teared up, but it is ingrained into all dragons we are not supposed to cry.”
Lex snorted, then said, “Most alpha types are that way and it’s such bullshit. There are times in life that tears are needed. It can help soothe you. It helps activate your PNS…”
“PNS?” Taco asked.
Shaking his head Lex replied, “Hell, I can’t pronounce the real name, but I can tell you it’s part of the nervous system or some shit. Anyway, crying also helps people know you are in need of comfort, or maybe even need someone to talk to. Your tears release oxytocin and endorphins which in turn help the person feel better both physically and mentally…”
“Okay! Okay! I don’t know how you know all that shit, but I get what you’re saying. I should allow myself to cry more.” Taco snapped.
Sighing, Lex replied, “It does more than that, Taco. Crying is like a release mechanism that acts like a cleansing to our souls, and I can tell you about it because I read, Taco. If something makes me question it, I research the hell out of it.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Taco muttered.
“I know you were sleeping when Smoky and I arrived, but I also know that even in sleep you guys are hyperaware of your surroundings. Tell me, Taco, why didn’t you hear us when we arrived?” Lex asked.
Shrugging, Taco softly said, “I don’t know. I was so heartbroken, when I came up here I just wanted to sit back and pretend that everything had been a dream. That Gio and I were still on a picnic and fell asleep, and when I woke up things would be like they had been before, and Gio wasn’t Gio, he was Calvin, the funny man I loved to hear laugh.”
“And that’s my point. If Gio woke up thinking he was alone, what if he thought that you and Cobra were disgusted with him and didn’t want him in your lives. What if he thought that Pit and the others in Drago were going to hate him and Pit was going to force him to leave? He has lived in Drago, hiding from a man who tried to kill him three times. Do you really think he wants to go out there in the world alone? Would anyone want to leave a place they have called home for so long? To leave the people he calls friends? Do you really think he would leave the one place he has felt safe in since he was born? I just don’t see it, Taco. If Gio feels he has to go, it’s because he thinks that’s what everyone wants, not because he wants it for himself.” Lex insisted.
“Do you really think that’s it? Do you really think he doesn’t want to leave Cobra and me?” Taco asked hopefully.
Nodding, Lex replied, “I know that’s how I would feel about things if I was in the same situation.”
Taco deflated, as he rasped, “But I was such an ass. Cobra wanted to talk with Gio and I… I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t calmly sit there as he told us he was leaving us and we would never see him again. Cobra said we needed to all calm down so we could communicate without anger, but I… I was so hurt, Lex. I was hurt and angry and I just couldn’t do it. I had to get out of there before I said something I couldn’t take back.”
“Taco, there’s nothing wrong with needing time to pull yourself together. You were right to go, because people can say some pretty horrible and often unforgiveable things when they’re angry or hurting. Once something is said it can never be unsaid, so stepping back… walking away until you can talk more rationally is a good thing. I’m sure Gio will understand why you left.” Lex replied.
Sighing, Taco said, “I hope you’re right.”
“How about we go back home and you find Cobra, then both of you talk to Gio. Get everything out, and when you do, I have a feeling you’re going to discover your mating is going to be just fine.” Lex said with a gentle smile.
Taco went to Lex and hugged him close. “Thank you, Lex. You’ve always been a great friend. Honestly, I never had a best friend until I met you. I adore and even love Cobra, but our relationship is different. Thank you for being my friend.”
“I feel the same way, hot stuff. Now get down here so I can saddle up and ride your ass home. I have two mates to make feel all better since I left them to come here. Not that they were upset, but they do need a big thank you, don’t you think?”
Taco laughed, “First off, never say you’re going to saddle up and ride my ass, it just sounds wrong, and if Solo or Stone were to hear that, I would find myself on a spit being turned into a rotisserie dragon and Talpa will eat me when they’re done.”
Lex wiggled his brows saying, “They are so hot when they’re jealous. Let’s go, so I can tell them what a fun ride you just gave me.”
CHAPTER 8
Cobra walked to the back of the house. He was at a loss as to what to do. Hearing his mate was considering leaving, had hurt and scared the shit out of Cobra, and he had no idea what to do about it. He had wanted to talk to Gio and get some answers, but Taco had done something Cobra had never seen him do in all the years they had been together… the dragon had completely lost his cool and run.
Out of all the dragons, Taco had always been the fun-loving, level-headed maharishi out of all of them. He was outgoing and made Cobra laugh when he tended to get too serious. As Taco always said, “Someone has to pull the stick out of his ass.” So, to see his maharishi so angry he would just take off, really threw Cobra for a loop. Then, Gio had started screaming for Taco, and Jude had rushed in with Rylee. Jude had to sedate Gio so he didn’t pull any stitches out, and Cobra had been kicked out of the room. At least Rylee and Jude had promised to have one of them in the room with Gio in case he woke up. Cobra didn’t want his sentience alone.
Seeing Sparky out at the bird feeders wasn’t a surprise. Sparky actually made bird feeders of all kinds. They were really fantastic. Sparky had castles, ranch houses, a Taj Mahal, and so many more, and then he made these things that held bird grease for small birds and woodpeckers. Those were either metal-looking cages, or just the grease in heart shapes, bird shapes… if it was for a bird, Sparky was making it, and yes, that included birdbaths.
No one would think that a man who took down serialists could have such a soft spot for birds, but Sparky said it was relaxing to sit outside and watch all the birds come to eat, bathe, or just hang out. He knew just about everything about them, and honestly, it was kind of fascinating if not a bit odd. However, Cobra was a live and let live, or to each his own, kind of guy.
Each D.O.A. agent had their own thing they did to destress. He worked on his bike, and Casper used to do the s
ame before he found his sentience. Wiz played on the computer, doing who knew what, Nautical loved reading anything he could get his hands on, the others had their things, and Sparky’s just happened to be anything birds. “Hey, Sparky, is that a new feeder?”
“Yeah, I saw a picture of a glass and metal design for outside decoration and I thought it would make a cool feeder.” Sparky said, as he filled the glass part up with seeds.
“Damn, Sparky, you have to spend a mint just feeding these guys.” Cobra said with a laugh.
Sparky laughed, “I do. You going to go work on your bike?”
“Yeah, I just needed to chill for a while.” Cobra said.
“Need some company?” Sparky asked.
Shaking his head, Cobra replied, “No, I just need to be alone and think some shit out.”
“What about a bike ride?” Sparky asked.
“What?” Cobra asked in confusion.
Shrugging, Sparky said, “Sometimes, when I really don’t want to talk to people, I like to take the bike out for a nice ride. It allows you that peace without really being alone.”
Cobra thought for a second, then said, “You know what? That sounds like a really good idea. How about we go into the Boulevard and grab some dinner while we’re out?”
Sparky closed up the birdseed bag and took it to the shed he had all his feeder things in. “Sounds good to me. Let’s head out.”
They each decided to take out their Harley Davidson FXDR 114s. It still blew Cobra’s mind that he and Sparky had purchased the same bike on the same day at two separate times. Cobra’s was white, grey and orange, and Sparky’s was white red and black, but it was still the same bike.
“You lead and I’ll follow.” Sparky said.
“Hold on, I need to call Jude and let him know we’re going out.” Cobra said.
“I already did. How is it you all keep forgetting about our blood bond?” Sparky asked.
Cobra put his helmet on, saying, “I’ve kept that window closed since Rylee kept forgetting to close his when he and Taj were getting it on. It was a bit disconcerting knowing exactly what Taj was doing to his mate, then having to face them an hour later at dinner.”
Sparky threw his head back, laughing, “Or when Jude would scream to all of us just what a god Casper was?”
“Oh shit, don’t remind me.” Cobra said, getting on his bike.
Both men started up their bikes and headed out of the garage. It didn’t take them long before Cobra found himself on the long strip of road that would take them to Poconos Boulevard. As he felt the vibration from the bike and wind flowing around him, Cobra felt the tension of the day releasing bit by bit. Damn, this was a good idea. Cobra didn’t remember the last time he just went out on his bike for fun. Shit, he needed to do this more often.
Forty-five minutes later Cobra saw the town come into view. Seeing the Beer and Brats Bar and Grill, Cobra turned on his turn signal so Sparky would know Cobra was stopping. A beer and a few brats sounded good right about now.
“I’ve been wanting to try this place. Taj says he and Jude come here because Smoky loves the place.” Sparky said, locking up his helmet.
Making their way inside, Cobra almost changed his mind when he noticed a few of the Tiger Sharks were in there as well.
As with anything in life, there are good and bad. The Tiger Sharks were the bad. They were what bikers call outlaws or the one percent. Normally biker gangs had rules, regulations, and a hierarchy that was followed, and although the one percent had a hierarchy, they rarely followed the rules. They were more likely to cause problems than they were to just walk away if they felt someone had disrespected them, or just because they felt like it.
Sparky leaned in asking, “Isn’t that Loon and Bones over there?”
Nodding, Cobra said, “Let’s head to the back. I see a table there and it’s far enough that we shouldn’t run into any trouble.”
“Sounds good.” Sparky answered.
They had barely sat down and looked at the menu on the table when their server, Axl, arrived. “Can I get you something to drink this evening?”
Cobra looked at Sparky, “You want to do a pitcher and the bottomless brats?”
“Love it. Let’s give it a go.” Sparky answered.
Turning to the server, Cobra said, “We’d like the bottomless brats and a pitcher of Budweiser.”
“Very good, sirs. Would you like the fries with that, or just the brats?” Axl asked.
“Just the brats.” Cobra answered.
Smiling, Axl replied, “Very good sirs. I’ll get your pitcher and first round of brats.”
As Axl left, Sparky whispered, “Damn, he is one fine man.”
Cobra looked at Axl. He was good looking. Cobra could tell the man was a runner if his leg formation was anything to go by. His hair was short and dark, and when Axl returned with their pitcher of beer and two brats each, Cobra noticed the silver eyes. If he didn’t know he had a sentience waiting for him at home, Axl was the kind of guy Cobra would have looked up to have some fun.
The second Axl left their table, Cobra said, “I’m taken, but feel free to go for it.”
Sparky had already taken a big bite of his brat, humming in pleasure, “My Gods this is so good.”
“Must you talk with your mouth full?” Cobra grumbled, as he began to eat his own food. Damn! This shit really was good, or Cobra was starving and it just tasted like the best thing he had eaten in years.
The two men ate four more brats each and finished the pitcher of beer. They were paying for their meal when Cobra noticed Loon standing there with an odd smile on his face. Cobra told him, “We don’t want any problems, Loon, so just back up.”
Loon held his hands up as if to say, “No trouble here,” but Cobra knew better. Loon was exactly that… a loon… a crazy as fuck idiot, who didn’t seem to operate on common sense. “I’m not doin’ nothin’. Just wanted to ask ya what y’all did with our good friend Deak?”
Cobra snorted. Deak was one of the Tiger Sharks that had asked Rylee to defend his friend the Sharks called Quack, though his real name was Mallard Wilson, from a murder charge. Rylee had not only proved Mallard hadn’t done the crime, he found evidence of who really had, and had shocked the hell out of everyone. Mallard was currently in Drago, where the other Tiger Sharks couldn’t get to him, and Deak had just up and disappeared.
“We haven’t seen Deak since the trial, Bobby. Now go away.” Sparky snarled.
“It’s Loon to you, asshole, and you better find him soon or there’s going to be hell to pay.” Loon said, as he walked out the door.
Finishing up, Sparky and Cobra left, making their way to their bikes. Loon and Bones were waiting for them. Loon shouted out, “Tell your grocer, daddy says hello.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Cobra snapped, feeling an icy fear run through his body.
Bones laughed, saying, “Find Deak for us. When you do, we want you to hand him and Quack over. We have some unfinished business to take care of with the two faggots. Maybe then I might tell you somthin’. Otherwise, things might get ugly.”
Cobra started towards them, but Sparky tried to pull him back. Jerking his arm out of Sparky’s hold, Cobra continued forward. “I want to know what you meant about our grocer.”
Both men snickered, Loon saying, “I’m not sayin’ nothin’. I was asked to deliver a message to you guys if we saw ya and I did, and know if I get the chance to off the fucking bastard, I will bathe in his blood, laughing as you cry over his dead fucking body. Because he will die, fuckwad. Whether it is by my hands or one of my gang’s, he will die. Who knows? Maybe daddy will come and pay him a visit and make his death a slow, painful one.”
Things happened fast from there. Cobra went to grab Loon by the throat, but Bones jumped him from behind. Sparky rushed in pulling Bones off Cobra’s back. Loon threw a punch at Cobra. Cobra deflected the hit and threw out one of his own. Sparky fell back, zapping into Cobra just as Loon threw a punch connectin
g with Cobra’s jaw. Cobra felt his lip split open and blood seep into his mouth, but he ignored it as he lunged and connected his fist into Loon’s gut, then went in for an uppercut, causing Loon’s head to snap back.
The fight went into full force at this point. Loon jumped onto Cobra, both men falling to the ground and were rolling around hitting and kneeing each other, when the whoop whoop sound, indicating the police had shown up, alerted them to the trouble they were in.
“All of you stop right there, get on your knees, and place your hands behind your heads.”
“Fuck. Pit is going to kick our asses.” Sparky muttered.
Cobra did as he was told, as did the others. Two officers approached them and placed handcuffs on their wrists. They were stood up one by one and searched, then led to a waiting cop car. Sparky and Cobra were placed in one car, and Loon and Bones were placed in another.
Cobra dropped his head back int the seat, muttering, “Who’s going to make the call to Pit?”
“I’ve already put in a message to Rylee. He and Taj are going to come to the station to bail our asses out.” Sparky replied.
Snorting, Cobra said, “Damn, I keep forgetting about that mind shit.”
“Yeah, well, we also forgot that Pit isn’t in town and Taj is in charge ‘til he gets back, and Taj is pissed. We are in for a good ass reaming.” Sparky grumbled.
“The only one I want reaming my ass is my sentience.” Cobra muttered.
Sparky’s brows rose, “You’d let him… you know?”
Cobra turned to Sparky, “Sure. He’s my mate, man. I mean, I’ve never done it before, but for him I would.”
“I honestly never thought about bottoming before. I don’t know if I could do it.” Sparky stated thoughtfully.
“If it was your sentience asking you to do it, trust me you wouldn’t even give it a second’s hesitation. I can’t explain it, Sparky, but making him happy is more important to me than my next breath. If he wanted me to get on all fours and bark like a dog, I probably would. I might ask why, but I would do it if it meant making him happy.” Cobra said, with complete conviction.
