The Call of The Dragon

by B. A. Stretke

  Once he reached the stairs, he ran and didn't stop until he was at Will's door. Donell took one moment to compose himself before he knocked and then entered without waiting. Forbes was seated in the straight back chair near the left side of the bed and Max was seated on the right-side holding Will's hand. Will lay still and beautiful as before.

  Forbes turned to look at him and smiled immediately. “Hey, you here to relieve us?” He said with the same understanding that Calum had. Donell decided not to look too deep and just take what they were giving him.

  "Yes," Donell said quickly and walked towards Forbes side of the bed. He did not miss the deadly stink eye that Max had flashed him, but he chose to ignore it.

  "I can stay," Max said. "You don't have to be here."

  “Come on, Max. Let’s get something to eat and rest. Donell will keep a close eye on your friend.” Forbes broke in before Max could continue. He reached his hand out to Max indicating that the discussion was over.” Max slid off the bed and followed Forbes out of the room.

  When the door closed behind them, the stillness fell and Donell found himself frozen and staring at his mate. He was so weak and Donell's heart broke all over again for the pain and suffering he'd endured. One slow step at a time he moved forward and sat down on the chair Forbes had just vacated. He moved it closer until it was flush against the side of the bed.

  Donell reached out and, tentatively at first, touched Will’s hand once again. He felt the flesh quicken beneath the pads of his fingers and instantly took Will’s hand and held it between both of his. He fought to keep his grip light, but he held him tight, he couldn’t do anything else. Every emotion under the sun rushed him mercilessly.

  …

  Will felt it again, the warmth and power enveloped him and he knew the moment was important, but he couldn’t pull out of the dark. He tried to move his hand. He sensed that someone was there and pulling him back. He resisted the darkness now rather than giving in to it. The strength and desire that was consuming his desolation filled him with a burning desire to stay.

  …

  Donell had to touch; there was nothing that could stop him from leaning in and caressing Will's face and hair. The sensation of the silk as it passed through his fingers sent a thrill through his body and made his dragon swoon. This was how it felt when you met your mate; this was extraordinary.

  "Hello Will. Do you know who I am? Will you wake up for me?" Donell kept his voice soft and soothing while he continued to stroke his mate's hair. The connection was weak, but he could feel a response deep down in Will' subconscious. He was experiencing the presence of his mate and was reacting ever so slightly. Donell kept talking about anything and everything that came to his mind, hoping to reach his mate.

  At some point during his one-sided discussion of the Clan’s exploits in Central America, Donell felt someone else in the room. He turned his head and saw Calum seated in the stuffed chair near the foot of the bed. Their eyes met and Donell was left with no doubt that Calum knew.

  “You want to tell me about it?” Calum said without any judgment. Calum looked like he’d been watching him for a while. Donell was surprised that he’d been so caught up that he hadn’t noticed anyone enter the room.

  Donell turned back to Will and after a moment of hesitation, he spoke. "Will is my mate, Calum."

  “Is that why you disappeared for the day?” Calum continued in a tone that was understanding but unyielding.

  "Yes, sir." Donell swept his hand down the side of Will's face and cupped his cheek. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "He is my life, my quest, my everything and I refused to save him." Donell's breath caressed the side of Will's face with every word he uttered. "My heart is in shreds over the things I said yesterday."

  "Sort it out quickly. Will is going to be wake up soon. Your mate will need you one hundred percent." Calum was not going to debate Donell's sense of guilt. "This is your mate and you have responsibilities." Calum stood and walked up behind Donell and placed a supportive hand on his shoulder.

  "Now is a time to rejoice. Your mate is truly beautiful. Dr. Tate said that the Fae are naturally shy and distrustful, but no one can resist the heart of a dragon." Calum patted Donell's shoulder one last time and then turned to the door. "Congratulations Donell." He said as he left.

  "Thank you, sir," Donell responded without turning around. He was lucky and he knew it. Many of his fellow Clan members were still waiting and hoping for their mate to appear and he had his right here in front of him. Calum was right, Will needed him, one-hundred percent.

  …

  Will heard muffled sounds and the deep, steady beat of his own heart. He was alive, whatever the wolves had done hadn't killed him. He felt oddly stronger than before and even had a feeling of power wash over him. It was heady and delicious. He hadn't known that feeling in years and never did it feel so right as now.

  The warmth increased until he felt himself pull up to the surface of his consciousness and became present in the here and now. The room he was in was large and unfamiliar to his tired, unfocused eyes. There was someone with him seated to his right. This man was the source of the warmth that was pulsing through him.

  Will squeezed the hand that was holding his and he met the heated green gaze of a God. The green eyes sparkled with intense power. He was a dragon and he saw Will for everything that he was. The room was filled with an energy that seemed to swirl around them as they simply stared into one another's eyes.

  Donell felt the small hand grip him and his heart began to soar. He held him secure and turned to stare down into his beautiful sky-blue eyes. The connection was immediate. He would die for this man. There were no limits to what he would do to keep him safe and happy. Those truths shot through his mind with the clarity of a lightning strike.

  "Hello, I'm so glad that you're back," Donell spoke while he devoured the enchanting vision before him. "You're at the Dragon's Blood Clan Lodge in Laramie. How are you feeling?"

  Donell held tight to Will’s hand and brushed the hair back from his face. Will’s beauty was breath-taking. His translucent complexion combined with blue eyes, surrounded by striking white lashes. His face was soft yet angular which was common with the Fae. Donell wanted to hear Will speak and he wanted to talk to him.

  "I'm better." The words were strained and barely there, but Donell heard them clearly. "Is Max safe?" Anxiety entered his tone with that question.

  “Yes, he’s safe and he’s here.” Donell was quick to assure him. He moved closer leaning over the man, needing the contact. He cupped Will’s cheek and saw the peaceful expression cross his face. Will knew, he felt it too. Donell was sure of it.

  “What is your name?” Will had a half smile on his face that looked so perfect.

  “Donell Keith.”

  “Will Olsson.” He responded in kind and squeezed Donell’s hand. “Do I have to go back to the Pack?” His voice took on an uncertainty that had Donell’s back stiffening.

  “No! Never. You will never go back there.” Donell answered sharply and saw Will’s features relax.

  “Thank you.” Donell knew that Will’s thank you did not belong to him. He did not save him and the shame hung on the edges of his mind.

  “Angus and Ewan, my brother-dragons saved you from the Pack and the Coven doctor treated you. I’m so glad you’re getting well and that you’re awake.” Donell would not lie to his mate.

  “Thank you for being here with me.” Will clarified his words and his eyes began to dim. “I’m so tired Donell.”

  “Lay back and rest. I will stay and keep you safe, I promise.” Donell was thrilled by the sound of his name on his mate’s lips. Will smiled at Donell and closed his eyes.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  It was morning before Will opened his eyes again and this time they were even stronger and brighter and, if possible, more beautiful. Donell held his post throughout the night watching over his beloved mate. Max had come in several times and attempted to take over, b
ut Donell would not relinquish his duty. He promised Will he'd be there and nothing was going to make him move.

  "Good morning, sweetheart." Donell used the endearment before he even realized what he was saying. Will didn't seem to mind, or he didn't notice. Donell took the glass of water from the nightstand and brought the straw to Will's lips so he could take a sip before trying to talk.

  Will drank the cool liquid and savored the comfort it gave him. He glanced up at Donell when he pulled the glass away and set it back on the nightstand. This man was extraordinary and as Will's mind cleared he knew their connection went deeper than just kindness and consideration. This dragon was calling to him.

  "Good morning," Will answered and returned his smile. Donell loved the Fae's sweet smile. "You stayed."

  "You needed me. I will always be nearby when you need me, always." Donell could not stop himself at the tender loving expression that bloomed across his mate's face and he bent and placed a quick kiss on those plump red lips. The taste exploded in his mouth triggering his arousal and a lustful groan.

  Donell eased back but kept his gaze laser-focused on Will. "Do you recognize me? Do you know who I am?"

  "Yes." Will nodded his head with the barest of motion. "You're Donell, the dragon and you belong to me." Will's affirmation was the gift he was not expecting. Will raised his left hand and used it to pull Donell down for another kiss. Donell was not going to resist. They could talk later. His mate had needs, and Donell was the man to meet them.

  Will wasn't sure what was coming over him, but the desire to have this man close was something he could not fight, nor did he wish to. His life had been pain and agony broken up by moments of flat nothingness and now he was feeling fierce, scorching sensations. He was alive.

  The taste of Donell was addictive and Will held on to devour the warm moist mouth of his eternal mate. Donell was his eternal, the smell, the taste, the touch, the need, it was all there and it was all the dragon shifter. Will had found his eternal mate. Fate had not abandoned him.

  Donell was responding so sweetly. His need mirrored Will's in every way. Will moved beneath the erotic touch of Donell's hand as it traveled his body. The moment was one he wished could go on forever but, too soon, Donell began pulling away. His moves were slow and gentle, but he was releasing Will and straightening in his seat.

  Will just barely resisted reaching to pull him back. The connection was powerful, but he needed to control himself. He didn't know Donell yet and there would be adjustments for both. He stilled his ardor and gave the dragon space. It was clear that Donell had something he needed to say.

  "You are my mate Will and I wish, with all my heart, I'd known you were in such despair and so near. I'm sorry for what you had to endure and I'm sorry that it wasn't me who rescued you from the Pack." Donell punctuated his words with a kiss to Will's knuckles.

  “You had no way of knowing. What happened to me is not your fault” Will tried to reassure. Donell’s remorse was heavy between them and Will saw no reason for it to exist at all. “You are here with me now and you are the reason I fought the darkness. I felt you even though I didn’t know you. You are my eternal mate, Donell.” Unfortunately, their tender moment was interrupted by Max who came barreling into the room and jumped on the bed.

  “Easy, Max.” Donell scolded. “He just woke and we need to be careful.”

  Donell wanted to wrap Will in his arms and keep everyone away until he was thoroughly healed. He watched as Max hugged Will and the little Fae began to cry. Will hugged him back and also cried. Donell had to let go of Will’s hand, but he continued to maintain contact with his hand on Will’s upper thigh. He needed the touch and he was pretty sure Will needed it too.

  “How long have you been awake?” Max implored.

  “Not long, a few minutes.” Will’s voice was gaining strength and the tone was sweet to Donell’s ears. He would never tire of the sound. It was a sound he would always be drawn to and would always know even if whispered in the middle of a shouting mob, he would recognize his mate.

  "I'll stay with him if you want to get something to eat." Max was not angry or accusing this time; he sounded so happy that Donell could not take offense at the attempt to get rid of him.

  Donell's eyes took in every nuance of expression on Will's face and found only joyful contentment. "I'll let you have some time with your friend." He spoke to Will. "I'll be downstairs. If you need me call and I'll hear you." He didn't bother to explain this to Max who was looking obviously perplexed.

  "Thank you, Donell." Will said and Donell bent and placed a proper kiss on his lips before turning away and leaving the room. Donell smiled when he heard Max begin to question Will as he closed the door.

  "Okay, now that will require some explaining and don't leave out the details," Max demanded and Will gave a low satisfied chuckle.

  …

  Donell was passing through the great room on his way to the kitchen when he was called and asked to sit for a while. Calum, Bryn, and Alrick were present along with a man Donell had never met.

  “Come, sit for a minute.” Calum urged. Donell sat next to Bryn on the sofa by the windows. “How is he?”

  “He’s awake and alert. Max is with him now.” Donell spoke carefully not sure how much he wanted to reveal.

  “Good, this is Dr. Jesse Tate from the Coven. I asked him to stay a while just to make certain that both Will and Max are well and adjusted.” Calum made the introduction.

  "Pleased to meet you, Doctor Tate." Donell stood and shook his hand and then they both took their seats once again.

  “Dr. Tate will give us a summary of Will’s condition and what to expect. He also has also offered to share his understanding of the Fae culture.” Calum turned the floor over to Dr. Tate.

  “Will is an older Fae and judging by his height and features, he appears to be a member of a Court known as the Servants of the Light which is a rare and powerful Seelie Court.” Dr. Tate instantly had Donell on the edge of his seat eager for every bit of information the man had regarding his mate.

  "As I said, Servants of the Light are rare and powerful but not in the offensive only in the defensive. Their light gives them the ability to hide and it is also their life force. Without it, they die. Their blood also possesses healing powers which would explain the high that the wolves received from ingesting it."

  "They look so different," Bryn interjected. "Will is tall and his hair long and features solid and angular. Whereas, Max is tiny with pixy hair and his face is round."

  “Max is not all Fae. One of his parents was obviously human.” Dr. Tate stated as if it was unimportant, yet everyone seemed surprised. “It happens.” Dr. Tate looked directly at Donell as he finished. “Mates are not always found in your own culture or species.”

  “He was raised with the Servants of the Light Seelie Court but Max does not have a strong light and his blood does not have power. He took after his human half in many ways.”

  “But the light is their life source. How does that affect Max?” Donell asked.

  “Humans have a stout heart and spirit and so does Max. His light is an addendum, not a necessity.”

  “What about Will, he’s awake and looking stronger by the minute will he continue to grow stronger? Will he recover completely?” Donell needed to know.

  "Yes, and you are the reason for that." Donell knew at that moment that everyone was aware that Will was his mate and he couldn't be happier. He wanted everyone to know that the stunning and elegant Fae belonged to him.

  “Congratulations.” Bryn was the first to say it and then the others joined in.

  "Yesterday Will was struggling to come back as if there were something important here. Today I discovered your connection and I understood completely his desire to return. He was very close to crossing over. Very few people get that close and come back." That statement had a stunning effect and a knot formed in Donell's heart. He felt his dragon whine as the thought of losing Will was unconscionable.


  "Your dragon has been feeding his light. Without you, he might have lived, but he would probably have faded within a few months at the most." Dr. Tate let him know.

  “What do I need to know to take care of him?” Donell was past stepping lightly he wanted to know everything.

  “Keep him fed and rested and he will rally. Other than that, take pride and pleasure in the fact that Fate has rewarded you handsomely for your wait.”

  "Thank you, Doctor," Calum said but kept his gaze on Donell. "I had Flynn bring a plate and drinks up to Will and Max," Calum added and Donell nodded his thanks.

  “If no one minds, I’d like to take a walk and clear my head. I love the morning air.” Dr. Tate began to rise and Bryn stood also.

  “I’ll go with you. We have some pleasant trails I could show you and I could use the fresh air.” They left through the kitchen leaving Donell alone with Calum, and Alrick. Alrick had been oddly silent throughout and Donell had a feeling he was biding his time.

  “Have you discussed your connection with your mate?” Alrick asked.

  “Not in so many words, but yes he knows we’re mates.” Donell did not elaborate until all eyes were on him and no one was talking. Silence could be so deafening.

  “He seems pleased and I agree with Dr. Tate that Fate has been very generous. Will is exquisite.”

  "Good to hear," Calum stated. "Hope you haven't left any unrequited, angry stalkers in the shadows. We don't want to have to go through that again."

  Donell chuckled. “No, I’m sure no one is that interested.”

  “Yeah, that’s what Bryn thought.” Alrick clipped.

  "Let's leave the past where it lays, shall we," Calum spoke up.

  “Agreed.”

  "You seem distracted." Alrick made the pinpoint accurate observation that Donell did not wish to get into. Calum already knew the issue and Donell was desperately trying to put it behind him and enjoy his good fortune. Yet, the truth of his actions would not let him go.

  “I’m struggling with the fact that I vigorously advocated against saving the life of my mate.” He put it out there loud and clear to everyone.