Dragon Elements (D.O.A. Book 5)

by Cree Storm

  “They could have been working with your father and told him where you were.” Cobra finished for him.

  Nodding, Gio said, “When Clem brought me to Drago, he said someone from the inside had to be telling my father where I was being held, and not to trust anyone there.”

  Taj said, “So, if Cameron told the leak in the FBI, he—”

  “Or she. You know women can be just as bitchy as men.” Gio said, and when the others looked at him with raised brows, he said, “What? I have sisters and I love them to death, but trust me, they are not always sweet and loveable.”

  Taj sighed, and continued, “We learned that when Stephanie Archer killed all those boys, then tried to kill Bren.”

  Gio looked at Cobra in confusion. Cobra whispered, “I’ll explain later.”

  Taj sighed once more, “So if this FBI person heard Cameron trying to make a deal or something, then that agent would have made the call to your father.”

  “It all depends on the steps Stone took with Cameron to know how many agents he was around.” Cobra stated.

  Nodding, Taj said, “When we get home, if Stone isn’t there, I’ll call him.”

  An officer walked into the holding area with Rylee and unlocked the cell door. Rylee said, “All the charges have been dropped, but there is a catch.”

  Sparky smiled and rushed to hug Rylee, “I don’t care about a catch. You fucking rock, and if you weren’t mated and so madly in love with Taj, I’d steal you away.”

  Taj growled, “But he is, so get your hands off my mate. Damn, Sparky, you really are trying to get your ass kicked.”

  Cobra went to Gio gently caressing his face. “I hate that you put yourself in danger, but thank you for wanting to be here for me.”

  Gio licked his lips, whispering. “All I have dreamed about since I’ve come to Drago is being with you, but there is something you need to understand. We’re supposed to be mates.”

  “Not supposed to be. We are mates.” Taco said, as he slightly peeled up from Gio’s neck.

  “Stop doing that, it’s just weird.” Gio hissed, then looked into Cobra’s eyes. “Like I was saying, if we’re going to be mates, then we need to do things as a team. I might not like confrontation, but I’m not weak either. No matter whether it is who’s going to cook and who’s going to do the dishes, or if it’s facing my father. We work together as a team.”

  Cobra took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, saying, “I’m a D.O.A. agent, Gio. You can’t go on missions with me. It’s something I was created to do and I won’t have you putting yourself in danger. I know you have a beautiful and loving heart, and killing is not in you. Your abilities might make you a badass, but you’re my mate and I won’t allow you to place yourself in harm’s way or put you in a position where you might have to end someone’s life. Death at one’s hands stains a person. No matter how badly a person needs killing, it still takes a piece of you when you’re put in that position.”

  “And I’m not asking you to do that, but I’m not a stupid man. I can help you in other ways, Cobra. It doesn’t have to be on the front line, but I’m really good at brainstorming things. I like my life at the store. I like talking with the people that live in Drago, and I keep really busy helping out where I can, but when it comes to my father, I will be helping take him down whether you like it or not. I might not want him dead, but if that’s what it means, then so be it. However, I will not be put in some room and told to be a good boy and wait until you get back. I know how my father works. I know how he thinks. I can help with this and… and I need to help with this. The idea that something bad could happen to you or Taco about kills me. That man has taken so much from me, Cobra. I will not let him have either of my mates. So, you let me work with you on this and I promise to stay out of D.O.A. business as much as possible. If you can’t do that, then I’ll go it alone.”

  Cobra’s jaw clenched. He wasn’t liking what his mate was saying. His job was to go after the bad guy, yes. However, even more important to Cobra, his job was to protect his mate, but the stubborn shit was not giving him any alternative. If he said no, Cobra had no doubt the man would do exactly what he said, and somehow Cobra also knew he could lose his sentience, either by death or the man walking away from their mating.

  Just the calm way he said it, and the determination in his eyes, told Cobra that Gio wasn’t making a threat, but giving him a promise. Sighing heavily, Cobra said, “Okay, but you need to remember there is a hierarchy when it comes to D.O.A. and Pit is the big boss. If you want to do something and he says no, then the answer is no. Everyone will listen to your ideas, but the final call is always Pit’s, or the person he puts in charge, and since we are so close to this case, we won’t be the ones running it.”

  “But—”

  Shaking his head, Cobra didn’t let Gio finish. “We’re compromised. You and I would go after your father using our feelings and not our minds. That is never a good way to go. It leads to someone getting hurt or killed, and I will not allow that to happen. I hate it as much as you, but it’s the only way to make sure we have a chance of coming out of this alive.”

  Seeing Gio about to argue, Cobra said firmly, “Don’t you think I want to go after your father with everything I’ve got? I’ve been after that man for years and each and every time he has slipped from my hands. Now… now I have you, Gio, and I know that man will do whatever he has to in order to get his hands on his weapon, and that weapon is you. I can’t allow that… no… I won’t allow that to happen. So, you either agree to follow my lead, or I swear to you I will find a way to keep you out of this case all together.”

  Gio never took his gaze from Cobra. After a few seconds, he finally nodded, saying, “I’ll follow your lead.”

  Rylee clapped his hands together. “Okay, now that we have that settled, can we go home? Mom was cooking her famous enchiladas, and I’m starving.”

  Everyone started walking out of the holding cell area, when Gio whispered. “Mom? I didn’t know Rylee’s mom was in Drago.”

  Making their way to the car, Cobra said, “Clara took Rylee in when he was younger, just as she did Bren. They have always considered her their mom.” Giving a soft laugh, Cobra said, “She’s done the same thing to all the D.O.A. as well. She expects us to call her Mom and I have a sneaky suspicion the same will be asked of you.”

  “Me? Why?” Gio asked wide-eyed.

  Shrugging, Cobra replied, “Because you’re mine, Gio. Clara is the sweetest, most-loving woman, and she only wants to take care and love us. Just don’t cuss in the house. She tends to get a bit upset when we do, and trust me, as loving as the woman is… she scares the hell out of me when she gets upset.”

  “Okaaaay.” Gio replied, with a shake of his head.

  Hugging his sentience close, Cobra said, “She wouldn’t hurt you, Gio. The thing is… I think we all respect her wishes more so because of “the look” she gives us when we upset her.”

  “What look?” Gio asked.

  Thinking a bit before answering, Cobra answered, “I can’t speak for everyone, but for me it’s almost like she’s disappointed in me. It hurts my heart to see it. I lost my family so long ago and having this opportunity to have such a beautiful woman, showering me with that love and acceptance, is something I didn’t even know I had been missing until Clara came into our lives. I don’t want to lose it. Do you know what I mean?”

  “I think so. I… I never really knew my mom. Everything I knew was from stories my older brothers and sisters told me. I don’t know how to act around someone who would want to take on a mother role to me. What if I screw up and she hates me, Cobra? I don’t want you to lose a mother’s love because I’ve messed up.” Gio whispered.

  Cobra stopped walking, and brought Gio into his arms. “Love, there is nothing you could do or say that would mess anything up when it comes to my and Clara’s relationship. She is going to love you. You are sweet, caring, and beautiful in mind, body and soul. Just be you, and trust me, everything w
ill be fine.”

  “And if it isn’t?” Gio asked.

  “Then we can move out of the house and you never have to see her again.” Cobra replied.

  “You’d leave your home because of that?” Gio gasped.

  Leaning down, Cobra whispered, “I would do anything to keep you in my life, Gio. You are everything to me and worth anything I would have to give up to keep you. I love you, baby.”

  “I love you too, Cobra.” Gio rasped, as Cobra closed the distance and latched his lips onto Gio’s.

  The kiss was long, hard, and passionate. If not for Taj clearing his throat, Cobra would have probably stripped his man and taken him on the jailhouse steps right then and there.

  “As hot as that is to watch, I think it might be a better plan for you two to continue that conversation back in Drago.” Taj said with a raised brow.

  Cobra was about to say something when the wind picked up so strong, debris rolled and clattered all around them and took their motorcycles off their kickstands, dropping them onto the hard pavement.

  Everyone looked up in time to see a bolt of lightning streak through the air as a loud clap of thunder rumbled all around. Rylee pointed to his left, shouting, “Holy shit, what the hell is that?”

  Turning to where Rylee was pointing, Cobra’s eyes widened as he watched a large funnel, filled with dirt and debris, making its way right towards them all. It had to be at least five feet wide and fifteen feet high, and from the way it swirled around them, Cobra knew they were in deep shit.

  CHAPTER 11

  Gio gasped, “Shit it’s a dirt devil!”

  “What the fuck is a dirt devil?” Rylee shouted, as the damn thing grew larger and larger.

  “Some compare it to a tornado, but it’s not as intense, but they can still cause injury and even death.” Gio shouted over the loud wind that continued to build the closer the damn thing came to them.

  Taj shouted out, “Everyone back inside!”

  Everyone started back up the steps of the jail, but Gio didn’t move from where he stood. Instead, he lifted his arms as he closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath.

  Cobra grabbed at Gio, yelling, “Baby we need to go!”

  Shaking his head, Gio said nothing as he started to swirl his hands in the air, humming as the energy around him grew. He felt a slight buzzing throughout his body, and knew it was just his body’s way of gathering what Gio needed, to do what needed to be done.

  Cobra pulled, but Gio stayed firmly planted right where he was, ignoring his mate’s shouts, the sound of car alarms and breaking glass going on around him. Then opening his eyes, continuing to swirl his hands, Gio slowly lowered his arms, and brought both straight in front of him. A cold arctic blast shot from his fingers and surrounded the dirt devil, causing it to dissipate right there and then.

  “Fuck me!” Cobra gasped. “How the hell did you do that? And what the hell is wrong with your eyes?”

  Gio slumped a bit. Between still healing from being shot and using so much energy to help that process, along with the added stress of discovering Cobra was in jail, and the fact that Gio hadn’t used his abilities in over twenty-five years, Gio knew his get up and go had got up and went.

  “Baby, are you alright?” Cobra asked in concern.

  Letting out a slow breath, Gio nodded, “I’ll be fine. It’s just that with being shot and all the energy I used to heal myself, and—”

  “We need to get you home so you can rest.” Cobra said, without allowing Gio to finish.

  Nodding, Gio replied, “I know, but…”

  The bright flash of lightning and loud clap of thunder had Gio pulling back from Cobra, rasping, “Something isn’t right, Cobra.”

  “It’s just a storm, baby.” Cobra said, looking around.

  Shaking his head, Gio whispered, “No. Something is different about this. It isn’t…” Gio stopped talking as he gasped, “We need to get the hell out of here, now!”

  Gio was pulling on Cobra as Taj and the others came back outside. Gio yelled, “We need to go!”

  Taco peeled off of Gio and grew to the same height as Cobra, “What’s wrong, Gio?”

  Shaking his head, Gio whispered, “I don’t know, Taco. This doesn’t feel right. Nothing about this storm and that dirt devil is right.”

  “Everyone get in the SUV. Cobra, you and Sparky leave your motorcycles here. I’ll call Nolan and have him put them in their impound for now.” Taj instructed.

  Shaking his head, Cobra picked up his bike, “I think Gio would be safer on my bike. My Street Bob can maneuver a hell of a lot easier and quicker.”

  “But it offers no shelter and your bike isn’t near as fast as my Bentayga. Now do as I say and get in the fucking SUV.” Taj snapped.

  Sighing, Cobra placed his kickstand down just as another bolt of lightning hit not ten feet from them. Rylee shouted, “Taj!”

  Taj took off to his mate looking around, but Gio immediately saw what had Rylee sounding so scared. A tall man with military-style cut, black hair, was walking towards them. He had to be at least six foot four and a good two hundred and twenty pounds of pure muscle, and man did he looked pissed.

  “Sparky, get Gio the fuck out of here now.” Cobra snapped.

  Shaking his head, Gio shouted, “No! I told you I was going to be a part of this shit and I’m going to do just that.”

  Turning Cobra replied, “And I told you that you were going to do as I said. You are too weak right now to do anything. Now get the fuck on Sparky’s bike and head back to Drago…now!”

  Gio went to argue, but the man coming towards them shouted, “I am Kace. Son of Marceli Pasteli. I am here to bring Giovani home.”

  “Oh, hell no!” Gio shouted. “What the fuck do you mean son of Marceli Pasteli. I have eight brothers and not one of them is named Kace.”

  Kace stopped walking, looking confused for a moment, then the stone look he had moments ago returned. “You and I are meant to keep order and help Marceli.”

  “Help Marceli? I wouldn’t piss on that man if he was on fire. I refuse to even call the fucker father and I damn sure ain’t going to help the bastard do anything. Those days are over.” Gio argued.

  “Father?” Kace asked in confusion.

  Gil snorted, “What, the fuckwad didn’t tell you, Kace? Yes, the man you call Marceli Pasteli is my sperm donor, and as far as I’m concerned that’s all he is. Now go back to your dear old dad and tell him I said to fuck off!”

  Kace’s features hardened once more. Raising his hands into the air, the man calmly said, “I have orders.”

  “What orders?” Gio asked, feeling his gut knot, knowing he wasn’t going to like what he was about to hear.

  Kace twirled his hands, causing large black clouds to rush towards them, the flashes of lightning coming closer, and the sound of the booming thunder growing louder, with the clouds swirling from below,

  Gio shouted once more, “What orders?”

  “D.O.A. must die, and Giovani must return to Marceli.” Kace called out over the sound of the thunder and flashes of lightning.

  The rain started to fall and the air began to cool. Gio realized the bastard was forming a funnel cloud, and if not stopped, not only would his mate and all his friends be killed, half the fucking town would as well.

  Lifting his own arms, Gio created a warm air of his own as he pushed the moisture from the air back into the clouds, shouting, “You can’t do this, Kace. You’ll kill hundreds of innocent people.”

  “It is not my intent, but I must fulfill my orders.” Kace stated, using his strength to draw the rain down once more and cooling the air Gio had been warming.

  The funnel began to form, and Gio felt sweat trickling from his hairline and running down his face, neck and back. He couldn’t allow Kace to win this one. Too much was at stake.

  “Taj! You have to get everyone out of here. I can’t hold him off for long.” Gio shouted, as he drew in more of his energy to draw the rain up into the clouds once more, an
d warm the air around them.

  Gio knew Taj would struggle with leaving Gio behind, but it was the only way. “Taj, Kace won’t stop until he has completed his mission. He can’t. If he does he faces Marceli’s wrath, and trust me, what that man does makes you wish for death. I can hold Kace off, but I can’t do it for long I’m still not completely healed. You all need to go, or more than just you will die, so will hundreds of innocent people on this boulevard!”

  “Sparky, Rylee, Cobra, get in the SUV.” Taj snapped.

  “I’m not leaving my sentience. You guys go. Gio and I will follow.” Cobra stated firmly.

  Gio gasped, “No! Cobra you need to go. Take Taco and just go. Please.”

  Cobra snapped, “There is no way in fuck I’m leaving you behind. So, either you get into the fucking car and go with us, or we fight this son of a bitch together. There is no other option!”

  Gio knew his mate wasn’t going to leave him behind, but he also knew he could never live with himself if something was to happen to the people in this town.

  Kace drew in even more energy and Gio found himself in a power for power fight against the man. It was a fight that Gio knew he couldn’t win, and if he lost, Cobra would be lost to him.

  Taco lifted from Gio, saying, “Allow me to help.”

  “Help how?” Gio asked, his exhaustion sounding clear even to him.

  “You are our sentience. I freely give to you my power, my energy, my life if you must.” Taco rasped.

  Gio felt a surge of energy fill his body and mind…hell, even his soul. Gio gasped, “No! Taco no!”

  Something within Gio knew that all the power Taco was giving him could very well kill the dragon. There was no way in hell he was going to let that happen. Needing to distract Kace while Gio attempted to pull from the electrical currents within the air, Gio said, “I know what our father has done to you, Kace. Which is his favorite torture tool for you? Is it the whip? Maybe the knives? Father used to love tying me to the bed and whipping me until I bled, and when that still didn’t work, he would fillet my skin slowly and painfully, and when that didn’t work he would take our brother, Teagan, and play Russian roulette with him until I would agree to do his dirty work. Is that what he did to you, Kace? Did he use someone you cared about, or was it the torture he used to brainwash you to doing his bidding?”