“Evan!” He called, his voice sounding laced with agony. Evan’s mother glanced over her shoulder, gesturing for her son to duck down behind the couch. He cursed himself internally, but hid as she suggested. He had his cub to think about, and if worst came to worst, he didn’t want to see what would take place between his two loved ones. He heard the front door creak open, heard the cocking of the gun. There was the sound of a scuffle, and he heard his mother cry out in pain. Seconds later, the gun fired, and he could make out the sounds of angry growls and fearful whimpers. Fearing the worst for his mother, he hid himself as best as he could, trying to choke down the sobs that threatened to spill past his lips. There was the loud thump of something-- or someone, collapsing against the floor. The door creaked once more signalling that it was being closed behind whoever was entering the house. The dreadful sounds of footsteps slowly approached the couch, and fear shot down Evan’s spine as the soft whining from near the doorway came to a stop. The growling, however, remained ever persistent even as his potential assailant grew closer and closer to the couch. Evan whispered a silent prayer, tears streaming down his cheeks as he prepared himself for the absolute worst.
“There you are.” He heard Dakota mutter, crying out in fear as he was grabbed by the back of his shirt.
“Get away from me!” Evan screamed, trying to squirm away from the bear shifter’s grasp. Dakota held him tight, and Evan became increasingly aware of the feeling of warm blood soaking his clothes. “What did you do to her!? How could you!?” He screamed, reaching back and swinging a vicious punch square against Dakota’s nose. The man bear yelped in pain, releasing him and stumbling back whilst clutching his face.
“Evan, honey, calm down! I’m fine!” His mother’s voice rang out, and he paled as if he had seen a ghost. He wheeled around to face her, relief washing over him as he saw her in one piece. There was blood on her clothes as well, and the gun was still smoking from being fired, but she seemed no worse for wear. He rushed towards her, and she swiftly set the gun aside before he could slam into her. He swept her up into his arms, laughing almost hysterically as he peppered kisses along her face.
“Christ… that hurt.” Dakota lamented from behind him, and Evan drew away from his mother, turning to face the other man.
“There’s more where that came from if you don’t leave--” He started, cutting himself short as he looked towards the doorway. There lay the body of a bear, slowly shifting into the form of an unfamiliar man. Claw marks covered his body, and a single bullet hole marked the center of his forehead. “What in the name of God!?” Evan managed, looking to Dakota and his mother uncomprehendingly.
“I didn’t realize they had followed me here. I just wanted to be sure you were safe…” Dakota muttered, his expression wounded-- literally and figuratively. His nose was crushed into an odd angle, and blood spilled from his nostrils.
“What do you mean? Who followed you here?” Evan demanded, taking a step towards the bear shifter. Dakota flinched away, reaching up to touch his own nose and attempt to set it back into place. Evan winced at the loud crunching sound that resulted from the resetting of the man’s nose, but tried to remain firm in his fury at the other man.
“The old gang I used to be part of… When I came home, I saw the house was torn to pieces and you were gone. I was so scared. I had to try and find you, I know you’re angry with me, but I just had to be sure you were okay--” Dakota rambled, glancing back towards the door as there was a loud crashing sound from outside. “Fuck!” He swore fearfully, glancing to Evan’s mother. The older woman’s mouth was set in a grim line as she looked towards the door as well.
“How many of them do you suppose there are?” She asked of Dakota, who laughed bitterly and shook his head.
“Probably around seven. I took four out on the way here, and there’s that one that we double teamed, but… they were a pretty big group. I didn’t even know Damon was running things now.” He said unhappily.
“Why are they following the two of you? More specifically, what do they want with my son?” The older woman demanded, reaching for her gun once more.
“They want to kill Evan and our unborn cub, because that piece of shit Damon wants me for himself.” Dakota spat, glancing towards the door. Something bodily thudded against the door, and Evan bit back a gasp.
“Isn’t that a bit extreme!?” Evan squeaked, his voice cracking. Dakota smiled weakly, shrugging his shoulders helplessly.
“Trying to throw me under the bus for those murders wasn’t working quickly enough, apparently. I confronted them about it, and Damon admitted that he and his crew were behind the whole thing.” He offered. Evan stared at him for a long moment, mouth hanging agape in disbelief. “They thought you leaving me would be enough for me to turn back to Damon, but… I just couldn’t let you go so easily.” He said, sounding rather derisive towards himself.
“Dakota…” Evan murmured, reaching out towards the other man. Dakota turned those soulful eyes upon him, those eyes he had never been able to resist. He suppose he knew all along, in his heart, that Dakota would never hurt a fly. At least, not a group of innocent people. He rushed into Dakota’s arms, burying his face in the larger man’s chest and choking back a sob. “I’m so sorry. I should have believed you…” Evan whimpered. Dakota kissed the top of his head, drawing away from him with a sad smile.
“I shouldn’t have snapped at you, either.” He said apologetically. Evan leaned in, brushing their lips together in a soft and tender kiss. He only pulled away when his mother cleared her throat from behind him, and he jolted away from the other man, offering his mom an awkward smile.
“As sweet as all of this is… we have a bear problem to take care of.” She said darkly, smiling a wicked smile that Evan mused was entirely unsuitable of his elderly mother. Dakota rumbled a laugh, drawing away from Evan’s grasp and turning to face the door.
“Your mom has a point, E. I need to finish what I started.” Dakota growled, rolling up his bloodstained sleeves. Evan inhaled shakily, the gravity of the situation finally settling in upon him. He shifted uncomfortably, looking between his mother and Dakota before speaking.
“What’s the plan?” Evan asked shakily, touching his stomach with a tenderness he wasn’t sure he had felt before that moment. He wasn’t exactly eager to join the fight, but he wasn’t exactly happy to let his mother and his lover go out and fight a losing battle on their own. His two most beloved people exchanged a glance, seeming to come to some sort of silent agreement. Dakota nodded his head once, inhaling a deep breath before facing Evan once more.
“You’re going to go upstairs and wait this out.” He said carefully, holding up a hand as Evan immediately made to protest. “I know you don’t want to see your mom in any danger--” He started, cut off by an indignant squawk from the man he loved.
“I don’t want to see you hurt either, you insufferable idiot!” Evan interrupted, receiving a snort in response.
“Okay, okay. You don’t want to see me or your mom in danger. But I think we can all agree that between us, your life… and the life of our cub is the most important.” Dakota offered, and the three jolted in collective fear as something slammed against the door once more. Evan glanced to the door, eyes widening as he noticed just how much the wood was beginning to splinter.
“But what if something happens to one of you--” He said plaintively, reaching out for both of them. The three gathered together, forming a small group hug. Evan could not help the tears that spilled down his cheeks, could not help the sense of certainty that this was the last time he would see the two of them. His mother pressed a kiss to his forehead, drawing away with a faint smile.
“If something happens to me, it just means I’ll be with your father again. Don’t worry, baby. We’re going to make sure everything is okay.” She murmured comfortingly. Evan whimpered, fear growing in the pit of his stomach at the thought of losing his mother. However, Dakota nodded in agreement with the older woman, kissing Evan tend
erly on the lips before taking his place at the elder woman’s side.
“I would willingly die a thousand times over, if it meant keeping you safe. If it meant keeping our family safe.” Dakota said firmly. He wiped the tears from Evan’s cheeks, hesitating a moment longer. “I love you, Evan. I always have. Even before I knew what love was, before I could put name to it… I’ve always known you were the only one for me.” He admitted, drawing his hands back towards himself. Evan took in the man he loved, their life together before that moment flashing before his eyes. He was taken back, remembering days in the treehouse, nights wandering the forests, feelings he couldn’t explain but cared not to put name to. Truly, the two of them should have known all along that it could have been nothing else but love.
In that moment, it was not the strong and broad bodied bear shifter that stood before him; it was the chubby young man he had grown up with. Tears sprung to his eyes, and he reached out to cup Dakota’s cheek. Dakota smiled, that smile that Evan had only just realized he had been in love with his entire life.
“I love you too…” Evan said with certainty, only to be cut short as the front door burst inwards, flying off its hinges. Evan shrieked in fear realizing with growing fear that they had simply dawdled too long. He pulled away from his loved ones, darting towards the stairs. The sounds of gunshots echoed through the house, and Dakota tried to run alongside him to block any potential attacks, but was immediately taken down by two of their seemingly endless attackers. Evan screamed as one of Dakota’s assailants sank his teeth into the bear shifter’s shoulder, tearing a chunk of flesh away.
“Time to party!” A vaguely familar voice called out over the cacophony, and Evan looked up just in time to see Dakota’s ex step into the house. He took a step back, trying to hide himself from the other man, knowing he was Damon’s intended target. Evan squeezed his eyes shut in fear, trying to ignore the sounds that shook the house all around them. Dakota’s pained screams pierced the air, and Evan bit back a whimper, knowing he needed to remain hidden from their assailants. Suddenly, he heard a cry of agony from his mother, shrieking in fear as she flew across the room. The older woman hit the ground hard, landing in a heap some distance away. Evan jolted away from the stairs without thinking, adrenaline fueling his movements as he tried to rush towards his fallen mother. Before he could make it too far, he was snatched up by one of their assailants, dragged away from where his mother lay. Evan screamed and cried out, struggling against the man holding him before being presented to Damon. The ring leader smiled a cheeky smile, baring his pointed teeth. “Bring me Dakota!” He shouted out, glancing past the squirming Evan to where the object of his desires lay. Dakota was thrown before him in a heap, and if Evan were able to fully make out each of the wounds that littered his lover’s furred body, he was certain he would have fainted. Damon smirked, stepping towards Dakota and nudging the side of the other bear shifter’s body with his boot.
“Leave him alone!” Evan screamed furiously, trying to squirm out of his captor’s grasp. The man who held him simply sneered, tightening his grip on Evan’s shoulder. Evan cried out in pain, but did not cease struggling, fighting against the man’s grip with all his might. Damon barked out a laugh, watching the scene with an expression of amusement.
“Ah, let him go. This ought to be fun.” Damon rumbled, jerking his head towards Evan. The gang member released the impregnated man obligingly, and Evan fell forward in a heap, reaching out towards Dakota. The werebear he loved was breathing heavily, his body quaking with each breath he took.
“Was it worth it, Dakota? Was it worth it to stick your dick in this piece of garbage? Don’t you wish he had stayed gone?” Damon rumbled, kicking out against Dakota’s side with his booted foot. Dakota rumbled unhappily, and Evan wrapped his arms around the injured bear’s neck, burying his face in the bloody fur. “And you. Evan, was it? Looks like you’re going to be left all alone, now. No mommy to help you. No one to help raise your child. I can’t imagine what kind of life that would be… it would truly be an act of mercy on my part, to kill you and your rotten kid. What do you think, Kota?” He drawled, kicking Dakota more viciously this time. Dakota groaned in pain, trying to get his feet under him. “Stay down!” Damon screamed, shifting into his bear form and lurching towards Dakota. Dakota wailed in pain as the other bear slammed into him, effectively pinning him to the ground.
“Get off of him!” Evan shouted, rushing towards the two. Dakota desperately rumbled, obviously trying to keep his small lover away. Damon looked towards him, raising up on his hind legs and baring his teeth in a wicked snarl. He roared, blood and saliva splattering against Evan’s face as he tried to intimidate the human into submission. Evan stood firm, bearing his own teeth in what looked an almost feral expression. “I won’t let you kill him. I won’t stand by and watch.” Evan bit out. Before he could take another step, get another word out, Damon swept a clawed paw towards him, aiming right for his gut. Fear flowed through Evan’s being, and everything seemed to go dark all around him as Damon’s claws edged against his stomach.
Suddenly, Damon was thrown back by a flash of golden light. He hit the ground hard, looking up with an animalistic and angry expression as soon as he was able to gather his sense. His eyes widened in shock as he took in the bizarre sight before him; where Evan had stood, there now stood a massive white furred bear with eyes that shone gold. Damon stared in disbelief, climbing back to his feet and seeming to deeply consider the bear who had inexplicably appeared.
“One who would disturb the life of an innocent youth is not worthy of life! As bear or man!” The white furred bear snarled, his voice shaking the house. Damon hesitated, lingering a few feet away before deciding his anger overruled his fear of the unknown. The smaller bear made to slam into the large white spirit bear, only to be knocked aside by a careless swipe of the guardian bear’s claws. As he hit the ground, the white bear rushed towards him, pinning him effortlessly to the ground. Damon struggled beneath his massive paws, gasping for breath as one of those mighty paws pressed to the side of his ribs. Damon began to struggle more fervently, and Dakota could do little more than watch as the massive bear spirit that had overtaken his lover’s form began to crush the smaller bear beneath a single paw. A loud crack of Damon’s ribs, and he roared in pain, helplessly shifting back into his human form.
“Stop! Please stop!” He cried out, sighing with relief as the bear spirit’s form began to dissipate. Where the spirit had stood, there stood Evan once more, though his eyes still shone with an unearthly golden glow. Evan smiled wickedly, pressing his foot against the center of Damon’s injured ribs, right above where his heart lay. “You wouldn’t dare.” Damon sneered, weakly trying to push the other man off of him.
“Wouldn’t I?” Evan retorted, his voice sounding wobbly and distorted. Damon’s eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to speak, only to be cut off by a stomping pressure against his ribs. He screamed in agony, blood spilling past his lips. “You have brought shame to your kind. May you suffer in eternal indignity.” Evan cried out, his voice echoing all around them. He smiled to himself, drawing away from Damon as the shapeshifter desperately tried to gasp for breath, only to be choked up on his own blood. The ill willed man began to gurgle helplessly, and as the life faded from his body, so did the unearthly light begin to fade from Evan’s eyes. A final breath, and as Damon’s life ended, Evan collapsed almost bonelessly to the floor. It was as if all the strength had been drained from him in his final stand. Dakota, having shifted into his human form, lurched towards his downed lover with what little strength he could muster. He gathered Evan in his arms, murmuring soft words of comfort as Evan tried to cling to his consciousness.
“It’ll be okay, darling. Everything is going to be okay.” Dakota rambled, brushing a hand to Evan’s cheeks. Evan tried to nod, but found himself unable to move due to his sheer exhaustion. He blinked his eyes shut, fully intending to open them once more. However, he found himself too weak to do that, either. He was
vaguely aware of unconsciousness sinking its metaphorical claws into him, and as much as he wanted to assure his shouting loved that everything would be okay, he simply couldn’t cling on any longer. The sensation of Dakota’s hands cradling him melted away, and the distant sounds of sirens were the last thing Evan heard before everything faded to black.
When he awoke, his body was wracked with intense pain which seemed to radiate from within his stomach. He kept his eyes squeezed shut against it, able to make out a somewhat distant chatter that was growing increasingly louder. He groaned weakly, reaching out to touch his stomach. It was sore to the touch, with stitches going across his entire underbelly.
“Evan?” Dakota implored softly, receiving an unhappy grumble in response. “Evan! Everyone, he’s awake!” The bear shifter shouted, leaning in to kiss Evan on the forehead. As little as Evan wanted to be touched in that particular moment, the small show of affection was appreciated.
“Thank God.” Evan’s mother said weakly, and Evan’s eyes popped open in sheer disbelief just upon hearing her voice. Immediately, his vision was assaulted by a bright light, and he was aware of just how many people were surrounding his bed. He tried to sit up, but his mother was swift to stop him, pressing a gentle hand to his chest.
“You’re going to feel very weak for a little while… Mister… Misses… Williams.” A professional voice said uncertainly.
“Mister Williams, thank you very much. And you’d do well not to forget it.” His mother snapped at the unidentified voice.
Evan blinked blearily, soon able to make out the vaguely familiar shapes of a hospital room surrounding the cot he lay on. His mother stood right to the his head, and what seemed to be nearly the entire hospital staff surrounded the remainder of his bed. Feeling overwhelmingly exposed, he drew the sheet over himself, glancing to his mother with a pleading stare.
Arrested by the Dragon: Gay Police Paranormal Romance Page 17