His mate would tire soon and need to rest and that’s when Duncan would make his approach and try to explain. He’d have his brothers nearby so as to make all the introductions and set any fears aside. Lyle had witnessed Rafe’s partial shift showing him the specter of the beast that resides within all of them. It was unfortunate how it happened but now that it had perhaps acceptance and approval would move along more rapidly.
Lyle’s birthmark provides him with a predisposition to absorb and identify with what he saw. Lyle is sharp and deep even though he puts forth a quiet persona. Duncan found him to be exceptionally intelligent and had no doubt he would figure it all out. With the looming time table of Lyle's heat hanging over them, there was no time to waste on further games and never-ending explanations. The reckoning was upon them so to say.
…
Lyle was suddenly so exhausted he could not put one foot in front of the other. The adrenalin burst he experienced when the beast appeared had now run its course and he felt as if his body would shut down of its own accord if he didn’t stop and breathe. He glanced behind him and saw nothing following so leaned against a tree and bent over for a moment to center himself.
A sound from not far off had his attention spiking and he began to move further away while trying to remain aware of his surroundings. These things could move fast so if they got close, he was finished. He didn’t hold out much chance of him getting away if they wanted to catch him, but he would not just give up.
The sounds were closer now as he entered a clearing, he knew for a fact that they were there, they were following him. He felt it in his bones the presence of the beast. He didn’t feel the fear he’d felt with the angry man at the house, this was different.
There was no anger in the air only the heaviness of worry and distress. Lyle made it to the center of the clearing, he preferred to see who was after him and decided to make his stand there in full view of his pursuers. His heartbeat accelerated and his breathing came in rapid puffs, his body was readying itself for whatever was to come.
The first person he saw was Duncan. He strode carefully out of the tree cover and into the sunlight. Lyle could see at least two others behind him, but they remained on the edge of the clearing partially hidden by the dense brush. Lyle watched them closely. He stayed still letting Duncan walk up to within three feet of him before raising his hand for him to stop.
“Are you going to kill me?” Lyle was impressed at how casual his voice sounded. He didn’t believe Duncan planned to kill him, but he wanted to get that possibility out of the way immediately. The shock on Duncan’s face and the instant denial and begging for forgiveness was genuine. Lyle felt the truth of his words.
"No, never. You are my life, Lyle. I am sorry you were put in a vulnerable position and I am sorry I was not with you. My brother Rafe did not know who you were. He would never have treated you with such contempt if he’d known who you were.”
“He hates humans.” Lyle just put it right out there.
“He has had some bad experiences over the years and an antipathy has taken shape, yes," Duncan answered using words that lightened the gravity of the accusation. "That opinion does not include you, Lyle or any of the mates of Clan Keith. To be a mate is to be one with the Circle." Duncan stepped closer and Lyle considered stepping back but remained rooted. He felt no threat.
“He’s here.” Lyle glanced behind Duncan and saw the man standing with Grey several yards away.
"Yes, all my brothers are here. I want them to know you. I never want this to ever happen again. You are to be honored and protected, never dismissed." Duncan was talking as if Lyle had a position with this group and it didn't make sense, but Lyle kept his focus and would analyze the details later.
“You have nothing to fear from us.” Duncan took another tentative step forward and was now only a few inches form Lyle. He looked up at the man he’d spent last night with, a glorious and thrilling night and wondered what it was that he wanted from him. This group was old and powerful and of a breed unlike to anything Lyle had experienced. What would they want from him he thought again and glanced at the two men behind Duncan?
Duncan reached his hand towards Lyle offering it but not demanding that he take it. The look in his eyes implored and Lyle could not deny the need to touch him, to connect as he took the hand and held it. This man could influence him and the authority he had was seeping into Lyle’s resolve making him listen and making him want to stay. He fought the pull, but he could not resist what his heart and his soul were telling him was right and true.
His mind battled and the thought of being near these men in the same house was sending a new chill up his spine. Would these brothers accept him or make his life hell? Duncan pulled him close and into the circle of his arms pressing him desperately to his chest and whispering promises into his ear.
“Thank you, my love, thank you.” Duncan’s voice was full of emotion and it went right to Lyle’s heart. He wanted to reassure him and comfort him and tell him everything was okay, but Lyle could not bring himself to make such statements. The truth of this day was that he was more confused and confounded by the minute. Yesterday his life was a job and maybe some good sex before heading to Denver. Today he was facing mystical beasts and promises of forever and a life with people who may or may not hate him.
Duncan held him as each of his brothers came forward and introduced themselves. Lyle had already met Grey and had seen Jude arrive yesterday. Locke was similar in height and stature and coloring as the others, but his hair was wavy, not straight and his face was scared, deep scares ran from his jaw to his eyebrow on the right side of his face. But the marks did not detract from the good looks that seemed to plague this group of men much like the men of Dragon’s Blood.
The problem came when the last stepped forward and introduced himself as Rafe, apologized for his behavior and held out his hand to Lyle. Lyle did not take his hand and simply shook his head refusing to accept. He didn’t want to make a scene out of this, but he wasn’t going to cower to someone who reminded him so much of Morris, a dominating bully. Rafe accepted the denial and stepped back. There was tension in the air, but Duncan pulled him close and suggested they all head back the house.
“I’m sure you have questions and I will answer all of them honestly.” His words were sincere, but Lyle wasn’t sure how much he really wanted to know. If he knew too much would he ever be allowed to leave? Did he know too much already and why was his birthmark stinging like a bitch right now?
…
Duncan was frantic with the need to make things right with Lyle. Duncan could sense his desire but also his apprehension. He was grateful when Lyle agreed to head back to the Gatehouse with them, but he could feel that Lyle was not completely trusting any of them. Their bond and the royal mark were doing their job and opening Lyle’s heart to him, but would it be enough, and would his acceptance be in time? The heat did not wait for any man and would cause his mate agony if not satisfied.
He ran his hand down and over the mark on Lyle’s back and felt the radiating warmth through his t-shirt. The condition was escalating and soon he would have to take Lyle, claim him in order to save him. He had to bring him back to the peace and comfort of last night and also tell him his meaning and his importance to the Circle and his place in Duncan’s life.
Duncan wanted this little human more than he wanted to continue living. Lyle was becoming a part of him, like his heart and his lungs are a part of him and he could not see his life any other way than with Lyle by his side.
This unfortunate incident would not destroy what they’d built over the last day and a half. Their relationship was on course and Lyle’s acceptance was blossoming and Duncan refused to concede any ground. Lyle belonged to him and belonged by his side. He didn’t wait eight hundred years to have his life slip away from him for lack of appropriate action.
Rafe led the way and the rest followed with Jude and Locke bringing up the rear. The situation with Rafe was troubling, bu
t it was a matter that would be dealt with after their bonding was complete. There was no time for any other considerations apart from making Lyle the King's Consort.
When they reached the Gatehouse, Rafe veered off to the right and walked towards the back of the house and Grey followed him whereas the rest entered through the front door. Jude and Locke headed upstairs while Duncan continued on with Lyle to the kitchen. He sat him down handed him a cup of coffee and began pulling together a quick breakfast. Lyle was touched by his attentiveness and appreciated the coffee most of all.
“I’m going to fix your breakfast and you are going to tell me why you were outside this morning before breakfast.” Duncan began chopping fruit and pouring cereal, while he waited for an answer.
"I have work to do and I overslept, so I was going to skip breakfast."
"You didn't oversleep and the work you were contracted to complete does not have a deadline."
"I want to do a good job for you and Calum." Lyle didn't understand the banter that was taking place considering what had just gone down outside. He reached into this pocket and pulled out the plan for the benches that he'd completed yesterday but hadn't shown Duncan. They got sidetracked last night and he'd forgotten. Duncan took a quick scan of the design and was satisfied.
“Looks great.” He said and poured milk on Lyle’s cereal and handed it to him along with a side plate of fresh fruit. “Eat.” He said and poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down beside Lyle.
Duncan waited silently while Lyle finished his breakfast. It should have felt uncomfortable with him sitting there waiting, but Lyle found his company pleasant as always. When he finished Duncan cleared the dishes and refilled Lyle's coffee cup but also handed him a cup of hot ginger tea before sitting back down. Lyle found himself opting for the ginger tea taking a few sips before giving Duncan his full attention.
"You must have questions, Lyle, please ask them," Duncan said and reached out running his fingertips lightly along Lyle's jaw. The tingling sensation was delicious, and he desperately wanted to lean into it. But Lyle had to keep his mind sharp because this was not the time to lose himself in his feelings.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Duncan planned to answer every question fully and completely. They needed to move into a perfect understanding so they could move forward with their lives. Their connection was solid and true and should pave the way to belief. Lyle was aware of so much already, all he needed was confirmation.
“Am I a prisoner here?” Lyle asked and that was not what Duncan had expected. The shock must have been noticeable.
“No, sweetheart, you are not a prisoner. But I would like very much for you to stay.”
"Your brother Rafe turned into something beast like. Was that real or a trick of some sort?" Lyle was asking careful, thoughtful questions, but Duncan could feel an emotional build-up taking place.
“It was real, not a trick. We are Dragons, we share our spirit with dragons, all of us.”
“The Dragon’s Blood Motorcycle Club, are they also dragons?” He noticed Lyle took another sip of his tea after that question. Duncan was pleased that he was finding comfort in the drink.
“They are Clan Keith of the Shetland Dragon Circle and I am their King.” Duncan took the opportunity to explain the Quest he’d sent Clan Keith on and the lack of growth within his Circle and the danger of extinction if their mates were not found.
“Calum was the first to find his mate and that signaled that all other mates would be found in this area. One by one the members of Clan Keith discovered their mates and prepared for the day that the Circle would join them.”
Duncan paused and reached out to touch his mate needing the physical contact. He placed his hand on Lyle's knee and to his delight, Lyle placed his hand over Duncan's. "The Shetland Dragon Circle is now the Laramie Dragon Circle."
"Hunter is Flynn and Forbes' mate?"
“Yes, dragon twins always share a mate, it’s the way of the dragon.” Duncan didn’t want to get too detailed at this time.
"They built this magnificent home for you and your brothers?" Lyle took a look around and Duncan could feel that he was preparing for the questions he truly wanted an answer for.
“They built many homes; I chose this one because I prefer privacy and the mountain air and then I had it remodeled to my tastes.” He smiled hoping to ease the tension.
“Who are you?” Lyle captured him with a stare that demanded he answer fully.
“I am Duncan Adair King of the Laramie Dragon Circle and your mate. The mark on your lower back is my mark it signifies that you are the King’s Consort. Calum contacted me straight away after seeing it and sent me a picture. I recognized you immediately as my own.” Duncan squeezed Lyle’s knee and moved his other hand to brush the hair back from his forehead. Lyle did not resist or pull away.
"That's why everyone was so obsessed with my birthmark," Lyle said and Duncan nodded.
“They knew that you were my mate. I had originally planned to come later after the entirety of the membership had been relocated and our business dealings tied up and transferred, but the moment I got that picture you were all that I could think about. I had to come, and my dragon would not be denied his mate. I left immediately, driven hard by the need to be with you.” Duncan put all his feelings into his words.
"I'm your mate?" Lyle asked, but it sounded more like a statement.
“Yes.”
“What is a mate? My Uncle Clarence had a woman who resided with him and he called her his mate. He told me that their souls had been joined by Fate and he referred to Fate as a powerful being, not a circumstance." Once again Duncan was amazed at Lyle perceptiveness. He also began to wonder if Lyle’s uncle was indeed a wolf shifter.
"Is he your uncle by blood or bond," Duncan asked.
“He was raised by my grandparents, but he was not their biological child.”
“Did you ever witness him shift completely into his wolf?”
"Yes." His understanding was not only due to their growing bond or the birthmark, but Lyle also had experience with shifters. Uncle Clarence was a wolf shifter and there may have been others within Lyle's tribe.
“With that knowledge, do you have doubts as to there being dragon shifters?” Duncan pushed.
"No, I don't doubt, but I wonder as to my part in this group. I'm human and not all of your people are thrilled by that fact." Lyle was absolutely bowled over by the information Duncan was giving him. This was so extreme he didn’t know what to make of it all so he tried to break it down into smaller portions that he could mentally digest.
He knew what his Uncle Clarence was and what he could do, and he witnessed Duncan partially shifting last night and Rafe today so denying the dragon is not possible. Accepting the existence of such powerful creatures was a little scary and caused him to rethink a lot of what was said to him since meeting back up with Hunter. The strange looks, the innuendos, and the comments made sense now.
Apart from Rafe he never felt aggression or anger from any member of this professed group of dragon shifters. He honestly believes that they don’t intend to harm him, at least not physically. Lyle trusted that Duncan was indeed the King as he said, it was clear and obvious by the way he carried himself and the way the others deferred to him. Yeah, he most likely was the King, he could easily believe that.
He had glimpsed Duncan's dragon and there was a fierceness and superiority that shown through and would definitely dominate all others. Rafe was savage and frightening, but he didn't have the power and supremacy that Duncan's dragon held. Lyle filed all that away and moved to the real questions that, although Duncan had tried to answer, he had not yet satisfied Lyle's concern and discomfort.
“What is a mate?” Lyle asked again even though he had a rough idea he wanted Duncan’s opinion.
"They are chosen by Fate to be our perfect match just as Hunter was perfect for Forbes and Flynn and Chance was perfect for Calum, you are perfect for me. It goes beyond just getting along, mat
es are two parts of one soul and when they come together, both parties are made complete. The King's Consort is identified by the mark of a dragon somewhere on their body. The Consort is set apart from other mates due to their destiny of mating the Dragon King and giving birth to the future Dragon King." Okay, that right there had Lyle removing his hand from Duncan's and straining back an inch or two.
“That is impossible.” He stated with considerable emphasis.
“Where do you think Calum’s son Liam came from?” Duncan countered and kept his hand firmly on Lyle’s knee. “He’s the first child to be born to this Circle in over two-hundred years. His birth signaled the rejuvenation of my people and your arrival has signaled out future.”
“Chance had a baby?”
"A dragon shifter can be born from a male or female mate. The only requirement is that the couple be true bonded mates." Lyle decided to leave that tidbit right there and move on. He'd think about it later.
“So, I have no choice in this selection process.” Lyle was beginning to feel trapped. His heart told him to reach out, but his mind told him to run.
"I can feel your desire but also your misgivings. Let me promise you that I will always cherish you and will always strive to make your life perfect. You are the one I have waited my entire life to meet. Every dragon, from the time they realize they have a mate somewhere waiting for them, yearns for that person and dreams of the day they finally meet. I dreamed of you since I was a child. My heart beats for you, my body craves you, and I will always feel the same. The love between mates never tempers, never wanes, it is always on fire."
Duncan placed his hand on the side of Lyle’s face cupping his cheek and rubbed the pad of his thumb across his prominent cheekbone. Lyle found himself leaning into the touch before catching himself.
King of the Dragons: Dragon's Blood M.C. (Dragon's Blood M.C. Book 9) Page 7