Runaway

by B. A. Stretke

  “Yes.” James was beginning to understand.

  “Was he dictatorial or dominant, beyond reason?” Bryn gave a half grin and winked at him.

  "No, he made me feel as if I was in control and everything was at my pace," James admitted and he was starting to feel that he was the one who let his mate down and not the other way around.

  “When you said you were leaving for this meeting, did he try to stop you?”

  “No, he looked very upset, but he said nothing. He let me go.” James dropped his gaze to stare at the floor between his feet. “I said I would call him, but I haven’t.” That was a mere whisper.

  “You haven’t spoken to him since you left yesterday?” Bryn’s tone was accusatory.

  "He sent me a text about forty-five minutes ago and asked if I was alright. I told him, yes, but he didn't text back so I sent him another saying that I would see him this afternoon. He hasn't answered that one either." James glanced at his phone.

  "You have to know that your one-word answer was insulting and he probably took it as the brush off that it was." Bryn was brutally honest. James instantly bristled and turned to stare at Bryn but didn't comment.

  “I don’t know what is true and what isn’t regarding his past, distant past, but I would say that he has treated you with great care and respect, which you have not reciprocated. You are going to lose this guy and then you’re going to be moping around for the next hundred years wonder what you did wrong. No doubt Augustin will be off living his life, probably mated to some gorgeous vampire who treats him right.” James jumped to his feet and Bryn lazily leaned back in his chair.

  "You're being an asshole, James. I know you've had a tough life and people who should have cared for you didn't but are you going to live in that fearful defeatist bubble forever? Talk to him if you have questions ask them but don't sulk around wondering what is and what isn't true. The answers lay back at the hotel not here in your room. Show your mate some respect." Bryn stood up and without a backward glance left the room closing the door behind him.

  Bryn's honest observation was a defining slap in the face. James felt like he was reeling from the blow. Bryn was right, he needed to speak with his mate and assure him of his place in James' life. He recalled once again the look on Augustin's face when he left and it made his stomach churn with the need, immediate need to make this right.

  He’d told Augustin that he didn’t want to lose him and then a few hours later he walks out on him and ignores him for a full day. James was ready to kick his own ass for the way he had treated Augustin. If Augustin killed his father and uncle, then James was confident that he had a good reason. He trusted his mate last night and he trusts his mate now.

  He picked up his phone and sent a text that was heartfelt and pleading and then waited. After a good twenty minutes of nothing, he sent another, more pleading than the last and begged Augustin to talk to him. After another five minutes of waiting, he called him, but nothing. The phone sounded as if it were turned off.

  He'd had enough waiting and decided to head back to the hotel. Augustin wouldn’t ignore him if he were pounding on his door, at least he hoped not. As he was making his way through the kitchen Alrick stopped him.

  “You okay, James?”

  “Yes.” He said and kept walking. Alrick grabbed his arm and forced him to stop.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Back to the hotel, I want to speak with Augustin.” He attempted to pull away from Alrick but he maintained his grip.

  “I understand that you want to be with him and that you want to believe the best of him, but you must also understand that you could be putting yourself in grave danger.” Alrick implored, but James refused to listen. He appreciated Alrick’s concern but Augustin was his mate and he had to come first.

  "I'm going," James said a little more forcefully.

  “James, listen to him.” Flynn came into the room and added his two cents worth. “That vampire could hurt you.”

  “That vampire is Augustin Chamberlin and he is my mate.” James was beginning to feel ganged up on. “He won’t hurt me.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Augustin had waited long enough, it was time to go and collect what belonged to him. He would not let anyone not even a clan of dragons stand in his way. His beloved’s place was by his side.

  "I'm going to the Lodge. Nef, stay here and Antoni comes with me." He kept walking and Antoni fell into step beside him. "It might get dicey so be ready for everything." He told Antoni as he opened the car door for him.

  "I will, sir." Antoni closed the door and then took his seat behind the wheel and soon they were on their way to the Lodge, home of the Dragon Clan. It took only a few minutes before they were pulling into the large expansive parking area and Antoni pulled up, parking close to the front porch.

  The place was teeming with activity. Several members were covering the front porch and voices could be heard from inside. There was a level of tension in the air that was palatable. Augustin didn't wait for Antoni and exited the vehicle as soon as it was parked. Antoni got out and stood beside him.

  He recognized the two dragons on the porch, one was Angus and the other Donell, he’d met them both at Vadin and Kyle’s bonding ceremony just a few days prior. It was remarkable how much life had altered for him since that day. He walked up to them and stated his business.

  “I wish to see my beloved James. Please take me to him.” The two dragons stared at him but did not speak. They looked at each other and then at the front door and then their gazes finally landed back on Augustin.

  “Probably not a good idea right now.” Angus offered. Augustin detected a coarseness in his tone that hadn’t been there before and Donell’s expression was less than appreciative. They acted like he was an object of disdain and he was not having it.

  Augustin turned his gaze to the front door and within seconds it exploded inward. The dragons reacted but were too slow to stop Augustin and Antoni from gaining entrance. Vampires had the ability to explode inanimate objects by causing electron acceleration resulting in a friction heat and ultimate explosion. It didn't work with living tissue, but they had other skills when dealing with their enemies face to face.

  The room froze for a moment as everyone took in the uninvited newcomers. Augustin searched the room with a quick glance and saw James across the room standing with Alrick. "Come to me," Augustin demanded and held out his hand towards James.

  “He’s not going anywhere with you.” Alrick grabbed James and prevented him from moving. The other dragons joined Alrick in his defense of James. The room was becoming unruly. Everyone was talking at once and James was trying to free himself from Alrick’s grip. Augustin and Antoni started to advance on the group in response to James’ distress.

  At that moment, Calum came from the back of the Lodge and charged into the center of the melee bringing everyone’s attention to him. He stood there and observed for a moment, Augustin and Antoni on one side, the dragons on the other and James in the middle.

  "Release him," Calum spoke to Alrick who immediately let go of James. James took a look around at his brother dragons, all looking at him like he was making a grave mistake, all except Bryn. It didn't matter what anyone thought, he wanted his mate regardless of his past.

  He felt ridiculous for entertaining the notion that Augustin could be anything other than the wonderful man he presented himself as. No one was going to take his happiness away from him, no one.

  James quickly moved to stand beside Augustin. “I’m sorry that I doubted you.” He said and then took his hand. He was pleased when Augustin squeezed his hand and pulled him close.

  Donell took a quick step forward with anger still etched on his face. “How can you let him go to that monster? He killed his own father just to take power, he’s not fit to live!” That was the outburst that undid the room.

  It became clear in an instant, Augustin should have taken the time and demanded that James listen to him when he tried to
explain his past. He got caught up in the physical and now he was paying for that absence of good judgment. His beloved was given the worse information in the worse possible way and that was on him. But James was standing with him now and that spoke volumes.

  Within a second of the outburst, he noticed from the corner of his eye when Antoni took an agitated step forward and began to charge the accuser.

  “How dare you.” He shouted as he rushed Donell.

  Augustin recognized the danger the moment that the conflict erupted. They were no match for angry dragons. Antoni was operating off pure adrenalin otherwise he would have been more restrained. The situation was anything but restrained as it was turning into a free for all.

  “Antoni, no.” He yelled but it was too late. Donell half shifted and roared as a funnel of blue flame came barreling towards Antoni. Augustin threw himself in front his guard forcing him to the floor as he tried to cover the man and save him from a fiery death. His guard did not deserve to die like this.

  He waited for the searing pain but none came. He glanced up and James had shifted and was shielding them both with his black translucent wing. The sight was breathtaking, his beloved was magnificent and the beauty of his lover's dragon-filled every corner of Augustin's mind. It was also fortunate that their main room had an extremely high ceiling because James' beast barely fit.

  James' dragon looked down at him with sheer panic flashing in his eyes and Augustin reached out and ran his fingers over the smooth surface of the impressive wing. James' dragon needed reassurance that Augustin was okay. Slowly the beast retreated and left James standing there huddled around them.

  "Thank you, James," Augustin said as he helped Antoni to his feet. Antoni repeated the gratitude. Augustin then gave James his attention as James was giving Donell a stare that would leave the average man dead on the floor. Donell recoiled at the hatred encased in that glare.

  Augustin drew his attention away from Donell and pulled James in for a tight embrace. "I've missed you, sweetheart." He declared and was rewarded with a softly spoken, ‘I missed you too.' Then James pulled him down for a kiss that asked for forgiveness and understanding, two things Augustin would readily give.

  The kiss ended but James refused to let go of Augustin and kept trying to push Augustin behind him. James’ dragon was obviously not trusting anyone in the room.

  “Donell! What the hell were you thinking?” Calum was furious. “If I wanted the vampires dead, I would have killed them myself.” He cut an angry stare at Donell and the man shriveled and dropped his gaze to the floor in front of him. “Get out, now, out!” No one had witnessed Calum so angry in decades and it had everyone on edge. “No, wait a minute, I have some information for you first!”

  Even Augustin tensed at the dragon’s fury but he kept his arms around his beloved, no one was taking James from him, no one. Calum turned to face Augustin. “I apologize for the actions of my family. They had a small amount of information and decided to act on it rather than wait for the whole story.” He glanced back at the others standing behind him and gave them all a derisive glare.

  “I just spoke with Vadin and he clarified what took place over two hundred years ago in France. The information we had was that you murdered your father and uncle in order to take control of the Coven. Well, as it turns out, the killings were justified. If anyone had bothered to read further into the Council’s report, they would have known that.” That one was directed at Donell and he visibly flinched.

  “Vadin told me what happened and the Council reports support his statement. Tabor Chamberlin and his brother Merrill rose to power when their father passed. Tabor was the eldest so he took control. Tabor was known for his harsh control and violent outbursts, but as the years passed he became increasingly paranoid and heartless. Merrill was a willing participant in all Tabor’s deeds.” Everyone was hanging on Calum’s every word except Augustin. This was his family and his past and it was still all too painful.

  James pulled him close and kissed his jaw while rubbing circles on his back. Augustin appreciated the soothing touch of his beloved, but Calum’s words were tormenting.

  “Augustin was his only heir and once he reached adulthood he worked tirelessly to defend his people against the viciousness of his father and uncle. Everything came to a head one day when Augustin witnessed his father brutally execute a young boy for daring to address him, while his uncle stood by and watched.” Calum took several steps towards Augustin.

  “Augustin killed his father and his uncle that day and freed his coven from their tyranny. He has protected and provided for his people since that day and there isn’t a one that doesn’t sing his praises. Vadin connected me with several coven members and I’ve listened to their stories of kindness, honor, integrity, loyalty, and love. Augustin Chamberlin is a better man than most.” He turned to look back at his family. “You should all contemplate that for a moment. He was willing to die for his guard. His actions spoke louder to me than even the testimonies of his people.”

  Calum held out his hand to Augustin who hesitated for a moment and then took it. “I’m pleased to count a man such as you as one of my Clan and James is lucky to have you. Congratulations, Augustin.” He then turned to James.

  “I’m proud of you for choosing your mate over the fears of your family. You knew him better than we did and your loyalty to him is commendable.” He shook James’ hand and with a grin added. “Don’t fuck it up, boy.”

  "I won't sir," James stated with a certainty that he was feeling to his soul. Augustin was his mate and he would never let him go. No more running, no more pissing and moaning about the past. He was ready for his life with the Master Vampire and the sooner he was claimed the better. Seeing his mate nearly reduced to cinders caused a panic in him that was pushing him to want to grab his mate and just take off to the mountains away from all this confusion.

  With that thought paramount, James pulled his mate out through the destroyed doorway and out onto the front lawn. He stared at his mate for a moment conveying what he needed and as soon as Augustin smiled and nodded his agreement, James shifted. He then gently scooped up his mate and they took flight soaring to the mountains, to James’ favorite spot.

  Augustin was beyond ecstatic, his beloved had claimed him in front of his Clan and leader. James had chosen him when it really mattered and he would forever be grateful. His beloved was a beautiful beast, large and commanding and yet so loving and tender.

  When James looked at him so needy and urgent, Augustin could not deny him. He’d never flown in such a manner before but he felt infinitely secure in the hands, or rather claws, of his beloved.

  They ascended high into the mountains miles away from everything to a place that was perfect. It was shrouded in thick greenery and looked like paradise. It was clear why James liked it here, it was beautiful and private.

  James deposited Augustin carefully on the ground and landed a few yards away. He quickly shifted and ran to his mate. “I was so scared, Augustin. I’m sorry that I left and then all this drama. I’ll never run again, I swear.” James held onto both of Augustin’s hands as he spoke.

  Again, Augustin recognized the depth and sincerity in James’ words. It had been an unpleasant day for them both and now it was time to move on with their lives, together. “I believe you and I also know that if it hadn’t been for the added drama, you would have returned to me sooner.” Augustin bent slightly and kissed James softly at first and harder as their combined lust began to take over. Augustin pulled back slightly and added. “Thank you for choosing me.” He then plunged back eagerly into the kiss.

  He felt James’ hands on his belt and felt the unfastening of his pants. He smiled as he thrust his hard cock against James’ hip letting him know that he was more than ready for whatever was planned.

  "I want you to claim me, Augustin, right here. I love it here it's so open yet secluded. The air is fresh and smells wild like nature. Claim me here, Augustin." James continued to implore all the w
hile stripping Augustin of his clothing. The fine suit was tossed aside.

  Augustin was impressed with James’ ability to multitask. He felt free and a touch wild standing there naked in the wilderness while his beloved stroked him so deliciously. “I will claim you, James, do not doubt that.” Augustin moved to grab the hem of James’ t-shirt and pulled it up and off. He tossed in the pile and then went after James’ jeans as James continued to stroke his cock and squeeze his balls.

  Augustin had some difficulty staying focused as his body was treated to such pleasure but the need to get James’ naked took precedence. “You have a lovely body.” He declared once all the clothes were gone and they stood there wrapped in each other’s arms.

  James smiled and pulled Augustin down for another ravenous kiss. Augustin steered him over to a grassy spot under an oak and placed James comfortably on his back and then followed him down. He spread out on top of his beloved and reveled in the feeling of hot, naked flesh beneath him.

  He quickly spread James’ thighs and seated himself snug against his hardness. James began to thrust and Augustin braced himself up on his elbows to provide added pressure and control. He loved that his beloved did not hold back, his desires were clear and he was not one to hide what he wanted.

  Augustin reached between them and found the spot, the tight ring of muscles that would lead to one of the most beautiful experiences of his life. He thought about taking it slow but then decided that would be impossible. He wanted his beloved in every cell of his being and nothing short of death was going to stop him from completing his claim as soon as possible.

  James felt the intrusion immediately and it did not alarm or cause him to pull away as it had with past lovers. In all honesty, he hadn’t been breached in many years. His personal demons and frailties had taken control and pleasure had taken on an aspect of guilt and inadequacy that kept him isolated. But this was right, every aspect of his time with Augustin felt right. He was his mate and the need for him was irresistible.