* * * *
Every muscle in her body was tense as she peeked at the three men around her. She was so going to kill Anthony later. Vampires, her men were vampires. Wait, not her men. Suzanne sat back and took another swig of her drink. Her body wanted them, that was for sure. Never had she been so wet, and alive. “So you have an animal? What animal? I didn't think vampires could change.” She glanced back at Dominic since he seemed to be the one taking control of this situation.
The man smiled and she moaned. No one should look that good, even with fangs. “It all depends. Some can, some can't. The older ones, or those born as vampires, can shift to animals. My other half is a dragon, hence Dragon's Den.”
Part of her drink got stuck in her throat when he said dragon. Her eyes watered, and she coughed. “Dragon, as in a big huge thing that can breathe fire and fly?”
Archer patted her back, as all three of them laughed. “Yes, a dragon. Are you okay?”
Suzanne glanced at Archer. “And you, can you change, too?”
He grinned and nodded. “Yes. I, too, was born a vampire. My animal is also a dragon.”
She took a deep breath and peeked at Granger, who laughed and nodded. “Afraid so, Red.”
“Oh, this is so not going to work. I mean, I always loved dragons, but…how the hell does a dragon mate with a human? Their cocks alone have to be huge!” She squeaked and slapped her hand over her mouth, her face heated. “Oh, God. I can't believe I just said that. Just ignore me.”
Dominic roared his laughter as did Granger and Archer. Once more all eyes in the room were on their small party. “Suzanne, our dragons are not going to mate with you. Well, they would if you were a dragon too, but when we come together in our human forms, it would be the same. The dragon is still part of us inside. But of course, you do know the dragon has a nice long thick tongue? Just imagine what it could do.”
There was no way she was going to touch that one, but it sure sent another fantasy through her warped mind. Her nipples hardened in the corset she wore. Suzanne gradually crossed her arms over her chest and glanced back up at Dominic. “Okay, another question. Are you really a king of all vampires? And if you are, won't the rest of them be pissed if a human female is your companion?”
He sighed. “I'm not going to lie to you, Suzanne. We would hope you would allow us to convert you, and yes, some vampires won't like it, but they have no say when it comes to my personal life. I am the oldest and the last male of my line. My father was murdered more than one hundred years ago. There are four different kings around the world. I am one for the Northern Hemisphere.”
Suzanne shook her head and took the last swig of her drink. “It's not going to work, Dominic. I'm a nobody, and I don't have a pretty past. I think Anthony should find me someone else for this weekend. You don't need me around you.” She glanced back at the door through which Anthony and Tonya had left, but Dominic pulled her chair right up to his and placed his hands on each side of her face, staring down at her. Her legs touched the inside of his.
“There will be no one else, Suzanne. Do you really believe any of us care about your past? We have lived a very long life, Little Red, and believe me, nothing in your life can be as bad as what we have done.” He lowered his head and kissed her softly. “Tell us your worst story, Suzanne, I dare you.” He smiled and sat back but grabbed onto her hand, holding her in place.
Suzanne bit her lower lip and glanced at each of them. Dominic could almost see the wheels turning in her brain, deciding if she would open up to them. “I left home, if you call it a home. Anyway, I was thirteen and living on the New York streets when I was caught by a gang.” Suzanne took a deep breath, but held his gaze. “I was beaten, drugged, and made to prostitute myself for more than two years before I could escape. It took me more than a year and half to become clean, with help from outsiders.” Suzanne glanced down at their hands twined together. “I don't remember how many men took me in those two years. Do you really want your people to know your companion was a whore?” The last sentence came out as a whisper, but she knew all three had heard her. A single tear slipped down her cheek.
Dominic released her hand, reached over, and picked her up, and sat her onto his lap. His chin rested on her head. “Amor meus, my people would only look upon your experience and wonder how you survived. They would see the courage and strength it took to leave, to fight back.” He ran his finger down her arm. “Tell me, what gang did this to you, and why would you have to leave the safety of your home?”
Sighing, Suzanne laid her head down on his chest. “My mother left when I was three, leaving me with my father and two older brothers. At first everything was fine, but little things started to happen when I turned around ten, when my body started to develop. I remember one night I woke up and my father was standing at the end of my bed, naked. He didn't say a word as he masturbated on my bed in front of me. I locked my door and put a chair in front of it at night, but two years later, his being drunk didn't hold him back. I left the next night.” She took a deep breathe. “The Bloods took me. They were slowly moving into New York at the time.”
Granger leaned over and kissed her lips. “Have you seen or heard anything from your father since you left? Why didn't your brothers stop him?”
Suzanne didn't know why it was so easy to talk to these three men, but surrounded by Dominic's arms, she felt safe for the first time in her life. “No, I don't know what happened to my father. My brothers left a year before my father raped me. I haven't heard from either of them.” She could have sworn Granger's eyes flashed red before he sat back.
“Since it's obvious you're not going to get rid of us, do you have questions about this weekend? Because I believe Anthony will be returning soon.” Archer grinned and crossed his arms across his chest.
Chapter Three
Dominic kept his dragon at bay as he held his precious cargo. He scented both Archer's and Granger's dragons close to the surface. One day soon, he would personally track down the bastard that had raped Suzanne.
She squirmed in his arms, and his cock strained against his pants. The scent of her sweet honey filled his nostrils and he couldn't wait to taste her.
“How will it work with the three of you being masters?” Suzanne eventually asked. “Where will I be staying at night? Can you go in the sun? Do you eat? What happens after the weekend if what you say is true? I have a job and a home.”
Archer laughed and sat forward. “The older the vampire, the longer we can stay in the sun. We don't burn if we're out in it. It's uncomfortable, but we're fine. Now, newer vampires would become sick. Yes, we eat. I enjoy a good steak, too.”
“We all enjoy food, Suzanne,” Dominic said. “As far as this weekend is concerned, the three of you will be staying in my home here in the club. I live in a separate wing. All three of us are your masters, Suzanne. You will do as we say. If you have a question, or you're unsure, ask us. Do you have experience as a submissive or slave?” Dominic glanced down at her face.
“I've been to clubs before, but they were public. I never found anyone whom I felt comfortable with to really call a master or be a slave, so I guess the answer is no. I've seen and know the terms, positions, and such.” She laughed and stared back down at her hands. “I even decked the last guy who tried to tell me what to do. I mean, he was such a weasel to think he could try to take a whip to me.” Suzanne glanced back up at him. “You still haven't answered my question about what will happen after this weekend.”
Dominic put her back in her chair and turned it around to face the table. “We don't have much time, I'm afraid. We must be on the road by next week. We're meeting Remi LeBlathe and his pack a week from tonight, and it will take us two days to get there, if no problems arise.” He glanced at Archer and Granger.
“I've heard of Remi LeBlathe. He's one of the strongest, and most powerful were alphas in the United States. Why are we meeting him, and why so soon?” Granger frowned.
“The Goddess came to me last wee
k, as I said earlier. She not only told me of you three, plus the one we seemed to have been missing, she has warned me of a great war coming. All sentinel creatures will be dragged into this war. The renegades have joined forces with outcasts from all kinds. They're building an army, infecting humans. Remi and I have been chosen to coordinate the Northern Hemisphere clans, packs, and so on.”
Suzanne frowned and tapped her hand on the table. “Let me get this straight. It's more or less going to be a war against evil, and humans are going to be fighting too? Wow, that would mean they're about to find out about your kind?” She shook her head. “That alone is going to scare the crap out of them.” Then she stopped and stared up at him. “Wait, you mean all of us? The four of us are going?” She jumped up from her chair and paced. “Dominic, this is too fast. You're asking me accept all of this and take off with you? Give up everything I've worked for?”
He stood and pulled her into his arms. “I know I'm asking for a lot, Suzanne, but you're strong, and you know you belong by our side. Trust us, Suzanne. We won't let you down.”
Dominic glanced up into Anthony's face. “Is everything okay, Suzanne? Have you decided?”
Suzanne turned in his arms and stared up at Anthony. “You didn't stay long, and I didn't hear your lovely mate's scream of pleasure. Is everything okay?” He tried to ease the tension he saw in Anthony's and Tonya's faces.
“I'm afraid my mate was too worried about how Suzanne would deal with the three of you, and I'm afraid I was a little nervous myself. I'm sorry, Dominic, but we love her.”
Dominic nodded and glanced down at the petite woman in his arms. “I totally understand. She is special.” Suzanne smiled up at him and patted his cheek.
“I'm fine, Anthony and Tonya.” She turned and faced her friends. “I mean, what woman wouldn't want three gorgeous men taking care of her? I'll stay with them, and see how things work out.” Dominic could have sworn Granger and Archer let out a breath they'd been holding.
Tonya stepped up to Suzanne and took her hands. “You do understand what a companion is? That there is no going back once they claim you, and you will belong to them?”
Suzanne glanced at Archer and Granger, then up at Dominic, and sighed. “I'm not going to lie, Tonya. I'm scared half out of my mind, but all my life I've wanted someone to take care of me. I've been beaten, raped, and never had a feeling of being safe as I do when I'm held in Dominic's arms. I love you and Anthony, and you'll always be my family, but it's time for both of us to take the next step.” Suzanne pulled away from Dominic and hugged Tonya.
“You two had just better keep yourselves safe, because if I have to kick someone's ass for hurting you again, I'm going to get pissed.”
Anthony stepped up to Suzanne and kissed both of her cheeks. “I promise I will protect her with my life, Suzanne.” He looked Dominic in the eyes. “Take care of her, Dominic.”
Dominic's hands circled Suzanne's waist, and he gently leaned her back against his body. “We will cherish her always. Before you leave this weekend, and after everyone else has left, we must talk. I'm calling only those who are closest to me.”
“Is there a problem?” Anthony stood straight and tense.
“We will enjoy this weekend, then I will fill you in on what must be done. I'm sorry to sound so evasive, but before I say any more, my companions and I need to talk.” He reached over and grasped Anthony's arm. “But whatever you do, don't mention this meeting to anyone. Is that understood?”
“It will be done.” Anthony grabbed his arm back in a tight grip. “You can count on me.”
He nodded. “I know I can. That's why I asked you. Now, let's get this party started, shall we?” Dominic clapped his hands and Alex appeared next to them.
“My liege.” Alex bowed.
“Gather everyone in the main room and give me ten minutes. I'll be up there to start the festivities.” He skimmed his thumb against the side of Suzanne's breast and her body trembled, but she stayed still, not saying a word.
“You are announcing the start of the weekend?” Alex asked, shocked.
He laughed and patted the man on his back. “Yes Alex, but first I have an announcement, and I want everyone's attention.”
Suzanne flinched against him, but still said nothing. “It will be as you ordered.” Alex turned and left.
She looked up at Dominic. “Please tell me you're not going to announce about me?” She cleared her throat, her eyes big, and her body trembled.
“Yes, I am. I've waited too long to find my companions, and we're all going to announce it here first. Let it trickle down to others. I figured a smaller crowd would be easier on you. Since the party is starting, let's set some ground rules, shall we?” He glanced at Archer and Granger.
They both stood and stretched, scanning the room as it filled with people. “First rule: you will only speak when asked a question by one of the three of us. If you have a question, you are allowed to ask it. You know about safe words, right?”
She nodded her head.
“Good, your safe word will always be…”
“Rose. Suzanne reminds me of a beautiful red rose. Her safe word should be rose.” Granger interrupted him, but he smiled and nodded.
“Perfect. I couldn't agree more. So Suzanne, your safe word is rose. Once you say that, everything stops, and we will talk. Second—and this is very important—no one, and I mean no one, will touch you but the three of us. Do you understand?” Dominic almost snarled just thinking of another man touching what was theirs. Granger and Archer both turned towards him, as tiny tendrils of smoke drifted out of their mouths.
Suzanne laughed. “I think the dragons are close to the surface.”
Dominic swatted her thigh. “This isn't funny, Suzanne. We haven't joined yet, and we can be very dangerous right now. We're trying to hold back for you, so you can enjoy the rest of the night before we join tonight, but if any man, and I mean any man, touches you…”
She turned and hugged him. “Why would I want any other men? I have the three most handsome men here. I understand, Dominic.”
He closed his eyes for a minute and took a deep breath. “Good. While this party is going on, you will not go anywhere without one of us. As soon as we can, we'll find the right guards for you. It's time. Shall we?”
“Wait a minute. Guards? No one said anything about guards, Dominic.” Suzanne frowned at him as he stepped in front of her and grabbed her arm.
He glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “Of course you're going to have guards. You're our mate and must be protected. Not another word.” They reached the stage and he dragged a reluctant Suzanne up with him. Granger and Archer followed behind her.
The room quieted down when the music was turned off. More than three hundred people stared up at them. Dominic stepped up to the microphone as both Granger and Archer stood at each of Suzanne's sides, holding her hands.
“I would like to thank everyone for coming for our annual party. This year, I personally have a reason to celebrate. Normally this kind of announcement is handled more formally, but since most of my personal staff and leaders are here, I'm announcing it now. I would like everyone to meet my companions, Suzanne Butterfield, Archer Morganthe, and Granger Iceshard.”
Dominic turned as Archer and Granger stepped forward and pulled Suzanne up with them. Her head was down as she stared at the floor. Her knuckles were white in each of his other mate's hands.
He turned back to the crowd as the whispers and the shock wore off. Dominic gazed around the room and landed on Alex, who glared at Suzanne.
There had better be a reason you are disrespecting my mate, Alex.
He looked up and he bowed his head. Please forgive me, sir. It was just such a shock. Are you sure? Alex sent back through their personal empathic link.
You are questioning me? We will talk later, he demanded, and found a few other frowns among the crowd.
“Let's start the festivities,” Dominic said, addressing the crowd. “Harold, shut a
nd lock the doors. Demonstrations will be starting in ten minutes, and the food bar is open now. So please, everyone, let's have a safe and good time. Remember, we have guards posted around if anyone should need one. Alex, strike up the band, please.”
* * * *
Suzanne kept her gaze lowered to the ground, but she'd heard the gasps and murmurs at Dominic's announcement. Her palms were sweaty, but she refused to give up Archer and Granger's hands, and clung to them for support.
Dominic stepped in front of them, and lifted her chin. “Archer, why don't you take Little Red here out to the dance floor while Granger and I take care of some business? We'll meet you in the other room in a few minutes. Suzanne, I know this is hard for you, but you'll see they will come to see how special you really are. Give them time.” He kissed her lips softly and stepped back. Archer wrapped his arm around her waist to pull her off the stage.
Dragon's Den Page 2