“That’s the understatement of the century.” Lyle shot back.
“I thought you were straight?” That question stopped him mid-thought and suddenly he had a lot to consider. Yeah, he always believed that he was straight because never had a man interested him before. But no woman had either. He’d dated girls in high school, but no one had stirred his feelings and it was always over after a couple dates. Was he gay?
“I thought I was too, Hunter, but what I’m feeling for Duncan Adair is definitely not platonic. He’s making me sweat; he’s making me hard. This is crazy, maybe I should just pack up and head to Denver before I say or do something that can’t be undone.” Lyle was getting the urge to run rather than deal with his new found interests. “I should sort this all out in a motel room far from here.”
“Don’t run, Lyle. There is nothing wrong with finding a guy attractive. Morris isn’t going to come after you, your life is your own so live it as you like.” Hunter shifted into older brother mode.
“I don’t feel like this is wrong, it’s just that it’s a surprise. I’ve never been this attracted to anyone before and this here is so enormous and deep and every part of me is reacting to him. It’s blowing my mind a little bit.” He expected another chuckle from his brother, but Hunter responded seriously with concern etched in every word.
“Duncan Adair is gay, so I doubt you have or will upset him in any way. Don’t tear yourself up by over thinking this. You had no problem when I told you I was gay all those years ago so give yourself the same break. Does it feel right to you? Do you enjoy being near him even though you’ve just met? Does it seem as if you’d met him before?”
"Yes, to all of the above," Lyle answered honestly.
“Pay attention to your feelings and not your thought process and relax. Like I told you before, just be yourself, you’re a charming good guy.”
“Okay, charming and good, I’ll keep that in mind and give it my best shot. If I do end up running, I’ll call you.” It was the best Lyle could do.
"You damn well better call me before you run and not after. Promise me, or I'm heading up there right now. If I have to sit there and hold your hand through all this, I will." Hunter was not joking.
“Okay, I promise I’ll call, you don’t have to come up here. I’ll focus on the projects and force back the lust that’s eating my brain out right now. My God Hunter you should have seen him all tall and broad and beautiful.” Lyle stopped when he heard Hunter chuckle.
“Yeah, you keep your mind on the projects Lyle.” He busted up and Lyle joined him.
“Yeah, right the projects.”
…
Duncan chose the bedroom across the hall from Lyle for now. Later they would take the opulent master suite on the top floor, but for now, he wanted to be near his mate. He then organized his office on the first floor at the end of the hall off the living room.
The Gatehouse was now the King's Quarters. It would house his family, his Knights and the vulnerable members of the Circle along with room for visitors and services. Clan Keith was masterful in their design and construction, he knew he would be very happy here on top of the mountain.
He glanced at the envelope that Calum had given him which lay unopened on the top of his desk. He decided that now was a good time to review the information regarding his mate’s prior life.
He knew from their first meeting and their first touch that Lyle was strong physically and emotionally. Not many could withstand the probing touch of the Dragon King who was looking for answers and responses. Lyle felt the contact, but he held his own and when his resistance faltered, he retreated to the garage.
Duncan felt his apprehension and his need, but also his resolve not to surrender to either. Lyle wasn't going to be a pushover, but he did present himself as a reasonable man so he would accept the attraction as right and true. Duncan just needed to be persistent and overwhelm the gorgeous man. He smiled to himself as he sat down and opened the envelope.
He was heartbroken for his mate’s losses and the rigid life he led with his father on his ranch, but that was in the past now. Just as Hunter has moved on and grown in so many ways so would Lyle. His contrast to Hunter was now clear and was due to his Shoshone heritage. Lyle possessed the blood of warriors.
Duncan's own birth father had been a Viking warrior before bonding with the Dragon King. It was a tradition that royal birth fathers came from a warrior's line and that tradition continues with Lyle. To birth and raise the future Dragon King and Dragon Knights takes a stout heart, a firm hand and a loving nature, it takes the heart of a warrior.
He quickly skimmed through the rest not overly concerned with early grades, conduct, or other people’s opinions of his mate. He stopped when he got to Hunter’s personal handwritten note. It was written as any such letter should be, with love and support and a healthy smattering of veiled threats if he did anything to hurt Lyle.
Duncan did not doubt the young human would attempt to carry out the threats if needed. He was glad his mate had such a man as Hunter in his early life to love and guide him through the worse parts and celebrate the best parts. He stuffed the papers back into the envelope and stuck it in one of his desk drawers. He wouldn’t want Lyle to innocently stumble upon the information.
Now, time for lunch so he headed to the kitchen and pulled together some ham sandwiches and a fruit salad along with some ginger tea. It was a soothing drink for someone in heat as Lyle clearly was. Once everything was prepared, he went out to the garage to collect his mate.
Lyle was hunched over a workbench sketching out what he assumed were plans for the eight benches Calum had requested. "Lunch is ready, Lyle." He announced as he entered through the large roll top door. Lyle looked up at once and set his work aside.
Duncan came up beside him and draped his arm around Lyle's shoulders and began moving him towards the exit. He didn't balk at the familiarity which was a very good sign their connection was doing its job. "I'd like to see your designs if you don't mind. I'm told you are an artist at heart, and I'm interested in seeing your style."
“I thought I’d put together three or maybe four plans and send them to Calum for approval, but I'll show you as soon as they're ready," Lyle told him, but he seemed hesitant or perhaps worried his design would be rejected.
"Calum has given me full authority in regard to your projects, so you only need to show them to me," Duncan told him and lightly squeezed his shoulder pulling him slightly closer. "Show me your favorite, you don't need to give me three or four possibles."
“Okay, I’ll have something ready for you by this evening.” Lyle sounded surer of himself and the apprehension was fading from his tone
"There is no rush, take your time." Duncan opened the door to the kitchen and stepped back for Lyle to enter first. He let his hand slip from Lyle's shoulder to graze the royal mark lightly and he was delighted with the reaction.
Lyle fought to cover it with a cough, but it was a definite moan and it went straight to Duncan’s cock and vibrated. It was the most delicious sound and feeling he’d ever experienced. He was discovering many firsts with his new mate.
He’d prepared and set out their lunch at the small table in the kitchen for its intimacy. The breakfast bar seemed too informal. He wanted to be as close to Lyle as was appropriate under their current circumstances and a nicely set small intimate table helped with that endeavor.
He held Lyle’s chair for him as he sat down and then served him the ginger tea without asking first. He hoped that Lyle would at least try it and the calming quality would ensure that he finished it. That and his touch were the only things he could do to ease Lyle’s discomfort but as time wore on and his heat escalated the small gestures would fail to appease.
Lyle wasn’t sure about the hot tea, but he didn’t want to offend Duncan, so he took a tentative sip. To his surprise, he liked it. The flavor was light but distinctive. He took another sip before setting it back onto the table. “That’s good, I like it.” He said
referencing the tea.
“It’s ginger tea, one of my favorites. I’m glad you like it. I iced some and it’s in the fridge so help yourself if you get thirsty.” Lyle was melting at the sound of Duncan’s voice so deep and yet so smooth and sexy. He could listen to him talk all day long.
They sat quietly for a few minutes while Lyle finished his lunch and his tea which Duncan refilled without request. He seemed to be in tune with Lyle’s needs and that thought made him smile. No one understood Lyle’s needs least of all a virtual stranger.
"We aren't strangers Lyle, I know you and you know me, we already have the basis for a relationship so how about we build on that?" The question was right out of Lyle's thoughts and it stunned him for a moment. Duncan had his eyes on the window looking out onto the expansive back yard and the tree line beyond that. He watched as Duncan reached over and turned Lyle's chair towards him.
"Tell me about yourself, Lyle." He said and moved his right foot in its heavy leather boot to rest at the side of Lyle's chair. He was fencing him in, but Lyle didn't feel trapped and he didn't have the urge to run; rather he wanted to give this man everything he was asking for.
Lyle took another sip of his ginger tea before responding. The obvious delay method made Duncan smile and the pure warmth exhibited by it made Lyle smile in return. It was so natural, so comfortable being near this man and yet he knew nothing about him.
"I'm honest, reliable and a hard worker, I won't let you down." Lyle assumed he wanted to know work-related information.
“Tell me about you.” Duncan leaned forward with his forearms on his thighs and blocked Lyle in a little tighter.
“My background is a little messy, nothing too horrible but things happen, you know, and you have to make choices, decisions. I hope I’ve made the right ones; I believe that I have.” Lyle stared into those captivating green eyes that he was certain could see through to his soul.
“What are your dreams?” Duncan seemed to be moving closer with every question, he smelled of earth and fire and Lyle drank it in. The questions got progressively more personal, but Lyle felt no reluctance in answering. Lyle felt no judgment, everything about Duncan was acceptance and warmth.
One of Duncan’s large calloused hands reached out towards him and normally Lyle would have flinched, but the move was gentle, and his touch was soft as he ran his fingertips down the side of Lyle’s face to the corner of his mouth. He then slowly slid the pad of his thumb across Lyle’s lower lip. All the while he held Lyle’s gaze which seemed to deepen their link to one another, and Lyle found he was powerless to look away.
"I want to live a respectable life. It doesn't have to be an easy life, but I would like it to be a happy life. That is my dream." Lyle never shared his inner thoughts so freely with anyone other than Hunter, but somehow this man compelled him to be completely honest and clear.
“What about you, what are your dreams?” Lyle was feeling bold and decided he wanted answers too.
“I want to settle down, here on this mountain. I want my people’s lives to be better for the choices and decisions that I have made. I too want a happy life.” Lyle wasn’t sure why it happened, but he had no complaints when Duncan leaned ever closer and his eyes shifted from Lyle’s eyes to his mouth. He knew what was coming and he opened ready and eager for the moment.
Duncan knew he was pushing hard, maybe too hard but the nearness of his beautiful aroused little mate was more than he and his dragon could resist. Lyle opened for him and did not pull away and that was just perfect. He wanted those luscious red lips from the moment he first laid eyes on them and now he was finally going to get a taste.
He didn’t embrace Lyle like he wished he could. He kissed him deep and hard but would take it only as far as Lyle would allow. He gave Lyle room to pull away if he needed to, but he didn’t. The moment their lips touched Duncan felt the fever rising within Lyle and his need was pushing at the surface of his resistance.
Lyle couldn't believe this was happening to him. Everything about this man screamed power and influence, but he wasn't forcing himself on Lyle. He was giving him every opportunity to pull away if he wanted to. Lyle did not want to pull away; this was a kiss for the history books. He wasn't sure what it was about him that made Duncan want to kiss him, but he hoped he never lost it.
Duncan’s lips were so soft and searching yet dominating as they pressed against his and Lyle opened immediately to the exploration of that marvelously skillful tongue. He tasted just as good as he smelled. This man was making him feel things and making him want things he never realized he wanted.
Lyle tentatively raised his right hand eager to touch but hesitated, fearing that the kiss might end if he pushed for more. Lyle was withdrawing his hand when Duncan took it in his and brought it over to rest on his thigh. The hard muscle and radiant heat beneath his palm ignited an excitement that had Lyle moaning softly.
Duncan hungrily ate the sounds that Lyle gave and gripped the hand tightly that lay against his thigh. He desperately wanted that hand on his cock but one step at a time. He raised his other hand and threaded his fingers through Lyle’s soft black hair and cupping the side of his head and holding him steady as he continued to ravage his mouth.
The kiss was magnificent, and his dragon roiled beneath his skin basking in the touch of his mate. He trailed the kiss to Lyle’s jaw and then to his ear where he bit softly on the tender lobe and rubbed his cheek against the side of Lyle’s head. He needed to mark him as best he could, his dragon demanded it.
Lyle's heart was beating wildly, and his breath was strained but he did not let go and he did not pull away. Duncan moved to look into Lyle's eyes and gauge his acceptance. Lyle's eyes remained closed for several seconds and when he looked up into Duncan's gaze, his expression was pure and open.
Lyle held his gaze which few in this world could. The Dragon King when under heightened emotions has a penetrating quality that can burn and destroy but his mate was his equal in matters emotional. Only Lyle could endure the Dragon King's concentrated stare. This was a connection that Duncan had never experienced before. This was someone who would not bow or look away. This man would stand beside him, support him, and love him.
…
Lyle was beside himself not sure what his next move should be but also not wanting this special moment to end. That was the best kiss of his life and it was from a man, a very attractive man. This was not the time to overthink, just calm down and follow Duncan's lead. He looked up at Duncan and he was instantly lost. Every thought apart from pleasing this man flew out of his head. All he could do was stare.
"I wanted you the moment I saw you, Lyle." His voice was warm and sensual and stirred the air between them.
"I'm attracted to you too. I won't deny it, but this is all new territory for me." Lyle's voice was a small whisper as he tried to explain himself without having to say the words. He had no idea how to go forward, but thankfully Duncan didn't require long explanations. He picked up where Lyle left off.
“I want us to get to know one another, to truly know one another. We can take it at your pace, whatever you need I will provide. But I will not walk away, know that I will never give you up.” That should have sounded ominous, but it fit the man, he clearly wasn’t a man who gave up. “Open yourself to what is clear to your heart.” He added and then stood up and extended his hand towards Lyle.
Duncan seemed to know what he was thinking and feeling before he knew himself. Lyle was once again speechless and simply nodded. He wanted to walk this path a little further and see who Duncan Adair really was and what he wanted. What did he have to lose? Lyle took Duncan’s hand and stood beside him.
“After dinner tonight, let’s take a walk. I love the fresh night air.” It was more of a statement than a request, but Lyle decided to respond anyway.
"I'd like that." He stopped suddenly and looked Duncan over slowly head to toe trying to figure him out.
“Do you like what you see?” He asked with a wicked smile.<
br />
"Yes, I do," Lyle stated and then turned and left the kitchen heading back out to the garage. Duncan watched him, taking the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and strength of his Fated mate once again. He had a fire and a confidence that would serve him well as the King's Consort.
CHAPTER FIVE
Duncan spent the rest of the afternoon in his office making calls and arranging for the rest of his Circle to be transported to Laramie. His brothers had managed the remainder of the move expertly in his absence. All that was left were the eldest of the Circle, whose move had to be handled with the utmost care.
Grey checked in and got a bite to eat before heading back out to patrol. It was unlikely that there would be trouble but considering Duncan was in the process of claiming his mate, he did not want to be disturbed.
He had not notified his people of his discovery as yet. The only ones who knew that he found his mate were Clan Keith and the Dragon Knights. He wanted to delay the congratulations until Lyle was whole and truly his. Once they were bonded, he would make the announcement in the meantime he wanted to focus on his mate without the added distraction of too many well-wishers.
Lyle was interested but also possessed a level of skittishness normal for someone questioning their wants and desires. This was all new for Lyle and Duncan needed to make sure it was positive, uplifting and fulfilling. He had a lot to understand and accept before the King could claim his consort. Not to mention the time table of his heat hanging over them and pressing for things to move faster. Their Fated bond would work in Duncan's favor and make Lyle more amenable to change, but it didn't guarantee success or an easy path.
…
Lyle finished several designs for the deck benches and then settled on the one he preferred and sketched it in detail. It was utilitarian to a degree but also possessed points of interest to pull it out of the basic category. A deck bench that was too fussy did not seem to Lyle, to fit the personality of Duncan Adair. He saw the man as appreciating strength and purpose and he tried to put that into this design.
King of the Dragons: Dragon's Blood M.C. (Dragon's Blood M.C. Book 9) Page 4