“Well, damn.” Dagon backed away. “That’s all you had to say.” He ran his hands through is hair as he looked at the shelter and then back at Roman. “Look, he just ran from some asswipe that used him as a personal punching bag. All I’m saying is give him some space.”
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They both jumped as screaming voices came from the shelter.
They bolted through the front door to see Steven cowering in a corner and Taylor levitating the entire room of furniture at the back door to the sleeping quarters. “
Cachorro
?” Dagon asked as he approached his mate. He glanced over to see Roman hiding Steven behind him.
“What’s wrong?”
“My mom,” he yelled over his shoulder. “She appeared in the doorway and started to come after me with the biggest damn knife I have ever seen.”
Dagon turned and pointed at the front door. “Get Steven out of here. Take him to wherever you are staying and keep him safe.” Roman nodded and pulled Steven from the shelter.
“Wait, why are you sending Steven with him?” Taylor asked in a panic-filled voice.
“Because Roman is his mate. Now let the furniture fall so we can get out of here.” Taylor looked at the doorway he was holding the furniture against and then at the front door. He slowly backed up until he reached the threshold and then dropped his arms, rushing through the front door with Dagon on his heels.
“I thought the warriors took her away.” Taylor panted as he ran across the street.
“I think we need to find Panahasi and have a word with him.” They jumped into Dagon’s truck and sped toward the Den. Dagon kept glancing in his rearview mirror, as if Tamera would appear on the road behind them. Taylor held on to his seat belt for dear life as Dagon made the turn and hit the gravel drive.
They both hopped out and shot across the lawn, making their way to the door. Dagon grabbed Taylor’s hand as he shot around the corner and down the hallway to Maverick’s office.
Taylor dropped onto the sofa as Dagon slammed the door shut.
The Alpha stared curiously at both of them.
“His mom decided to pay him a visit,” Dagon panted as he pointed to Taylor.
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Maverick automatically stood, grabbing the curtains and yanking them closed until no light could filter through the heavy drapes.
“Panahasi,” the Alpha bellowed out.
They waited, Dagon looking around as if Casper were going to jump out at any moment. This was bullshit. “Panahasi!” Dagon roared.
Maverick smirked as an eyebrow raised. “Impatient?”
“You’re damn right,” Dagon growled.
Eyes appeared, and then Panahasi walked into the office. “I’m not your fucking pet. Stop calling me.”
“My mom is free,” Taylor blurted. Dagon stood, walking over to the demon leader.
“Why is that?”
Panahasi rolled his eyes and threw his hands up. “Because the keeper found her innocent. Why else?”
“What the hell is a keeper, and why didn’t you tell us there was a chance she could walk free?” Maverick demanded as he walked from the window over to where the demon leader was standing. “Is there anything else we need to know about?”
“The keeper is not someone you need to worry yourself about, and the reason I didn’t tell you is because it is extremely rare anyone is found not guilty.”
“But there was a damn chance.” Dagon spat out the words contemptuously. “You should have warned us!” he shouted. Taylor began to pull at his arm when Panahasi squared his shoulders and leaned into Dagon, their faces mere inches apart.
“You have no clue, shifter, of what I am capable of. I would strongly suggest you back off.”
Taylor threw his hands out, and the sofa began to lift from the floor. Dagon quirked a brow and looked over at his mate, Taylor shrugging. “I tried.”
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“Your powers are useless against me, young demon, and I would suggest you not try them again against me. My patience only goes so far.”
“Are you threatening my mate?”
“Is there anything else I can do for you? I will handle the demon, rest assured.”
Maverick leaned against his desk, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Thank you.”
“Thank you? Why the hell are you thanking him?” Dagon growled as he pulled Taylor close to his side. This was un- fucking-real. Dagon barely contained his anger as the leader walked back into the shadows. His hands fisted at his side as he breathed out a steady stream of air. He wouldn’t allow Panahasi to take him there.
“We need to let the others know that Taylor’s mother is still a threat.” Maverick walked from the office, leaving Dagon and Taylor standing there.
“Well, damn, that didn’t help.” Dagon ran his hands over Taylor’s head as he considered what they should do. The shelter wasn’t officially opened, but they still had an occupant to take care of.
Steven needed counseling and other services that he could technically get from Thomas, but he knew Taylor wanted to do his job.
“We need to check on Steven.” Taylor had read his thoughts, speaking them aloud. “I don’t feel right bringing him here and then letting the foreman cart him away. He trusted me, Dagon.”
“I know, babe. Let’s go find him.” Dagon scanned their surroundings as he tucked Taylor into one of the trucks and drove back to town. His senses were on high alert, watching everyone as he stopped back at the site, everyone cleaning up their tools and whatever else men did when a job was complete.
“Can you tell me where to find Roman?” Dagon asked one of the workers.
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“He’s out at the Lakelands’ farm,” one of the workers answered over his shoulder as he hauled a load of used drywall into the back of a truck.
“Do you know where it is?”
Dagon felt stupid as hell as he shook his head. It was a shame that a stranger had to tell him where someone lived in his own town.
Hopefully that would change once the new businesses were up and running.
“Thanks,” Dagon said as he headed back to his truck. He reached across the bench seat, grabbing Taylor’s hand and giving it a light squeeze. “I’m thinking that maybe we should let Steven digest what happened before we head out there. What do you say we go in the morning? He is with his mate after all, and Roman won’t let any harm come to him.”
“I feel terrible that Steven witnessed all that. Not only is he probably freaking out about what I did, but he was already shaky as hell from the start,” Taylor murmured. “But you’re right. It’s probably best to let him sleep on it.” Although Taylor didn’t like the idea, he knew Dagon was right.
* * * *
Taylor stared at the old white house. He wanted to kick himself for what happened at the shelter. Steven had trusted him to help him out, and Taylor had made it worse.
“It’ll be okay,
cachorro
.” Dagon reached for his hand once they cleared the truck. He was thankful for his mate’s strength. Dagon had been behind him all the way on this new path Taylor was taking and knowing someone was by his side had helped tremendously.
“Can I help you?” An older gentleman came to the door with a shotgun over his shoulder. Just great, how much more traumatizing shit could Taylor introduce Steven to today?
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“I’m looking for Roman and Steven,” Dagon called out as they walked closer to the front porch. Dagon had pulled on Taylor’s hand until he was partially behind Dagon. His mate didn’t seem to like the man having a gun and neither did Taylor.
“You friends?” the man asked as the gun lowered slightly.
“Yes. Could you tell him Dagon and Taylor are outside?” Dagon answered.
“Wait right here.” The man pointed at his porch with the shotgun.
“If you step into my house uninvited, I’ll shoot you.”
“He seems friendly,” Taylor said as he climbed the porch and took a seat on the swing that was to the left of the door.
“Mighty friendly,” Dagon snarled as he stood in front of Taylor, blocking his view. Taylor reached out and slapped Dagon’s hip, nudging his head to the side.
“Move.”
“Not while I’m still breathing,” Dagon grunted and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Taylor?” Steven asked as he hesitantly stepped out onto the porch.
“It’s me, behind Mr. Mountain here.” Taylor moved his mate aside as he approached Steven. “Look, I’m sorry that you had to see what happened yesterday. I know you must be wigging out and regretting your decision to come here, but I promise it is safe.” Steven shook his head as he stared back at the screen door.
“Roman explained a lot to me. I think I understand.”
“So you’re not trying to run back to the city?”
“Why would I do that? I’m fine, Taylor.” Steven shoved his hands in his front pockets as he stared around the front porch.
“Then you’ll come back to the shelter?” Steven shook his head. “I’d rather stay here. Mr. Lakeland is really nice, and so are Roman and his brothers.” What the hell was Taylor supposed to do now? “I set up an appointment with Thomas, he’s one of the counselors, for today at
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ten.” Taylor began to panic. Everything he worked for seemed to be falling apart all around him.
“I’ll go. I just don’t want to stay at the shelter.” Steven walked over to the steps and sat down.
“Is it the shelter? Tell me what you didn’t like about it.” Taylor took a seat next to Steven on the steps, pulling at his pant legs as he prayed he hadn’t made the wrong decision to open the thing in the first place.
He felt his dream blowing away with the breeze, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Dagon knelt behind him, massaging his shoulders as Taylor saw his first chance at a meaningful life slipping through his fingers.
“O h no, the shelter was very accommodating. I just prefer to stay here.” Steven’s head shot sideways as his eyes grew wide. “Unless you want me to go back there.”
“No one is forcing you, Steven. If you are more comfortable here, then we don’t mind.” Dagon stepped in, talking when Taylor’s tongue felt like it had stuck to the roof of his mouth. “Come on,
cachorro
.
Let’s head home.” Dagon patted his shoulder as he stood.
“You’ll go to your appointment today?” Taylor asked before he stood and brushed his bottom off.
“I promise.” Steven stuck his hand out. “Thank you for helping me, Taylor.”
Taylor smiled as he shook Steven’s hand. “That’s my job. Call me if you need anything.”
“Even if I want to talk.” Steven smiled as he finished Taylor’s sentence.
“I’ll see you later at the shelter.”
Taylor grabbed Dagon’s hand as they walked back to the truck. “I want to ride.”
Dagon chuckled as he climbed into the driver’s side. “I want you to ride.”
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* * * *
Taylor bounced on the back of Dagon’s bike as they drove back to the small bakery thirty miles from home. It was twilight now, the stars shining brightly as Dagon pulled to the back of the bakery. It was closed, but they had brought their own treats.
Taylor took off to the gazebo as Dagon followed close behind. He laid the bag of bread and cheese on the bench as he spun around and wrapped his arms around Dagon’s waist. “It seems like a lifetime ago we were here.”
“Yeah, it does.” Dagon laid small kisses down Taylor’s neck. “I remember a certain someone who freaked out from giving me a blow job.” He chuckled into Taylor’s neck. “Now he’s a pro.”
“And I remember a smartass who wanted to give me a gold star for
sheer
enthusiasm
.” Taylor laughed. “The grass is still tall.” He wiggled his brows as he took off running.
“Good, I get my cock sucked again then.” Dagon gave chase.
Peals of laughter trailed behind Taylor as he ran through the weeds, hearing Dagon close behind. He jumped when an arm reached out and grabbed him. He squealed as he tried to yank it away.
“You bastard. I told you Josh would rub off on you.” His mom yanked him along with her fingernails digging painfully into his arm.
“Why are you doing this? You’re my mom.” Taylor cried as he tried to pull away, seeing blood slowly drip down his arm. This was a fucking nightmare.
“O nly by blood, faggot.” She tossed Taylor to the ground, pulling a long serrated knife from a sheath on the side of her leg. “I can’t cure you, so I’m gonna kill you.”
Taylor’s vision blurred as the knife rose into the air. He was crying, trying to wipe the tears away so he could see. Why? Why would he want to see his own mom stab him? Taylor became angry.
He had done nothing wrong, and his fucking demon mother was trying to kill him.
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“No!” he shouted as he raised his hand, making the knife fly away from her and land somewhere in the tall grass.
“I see your powers are growing, brat. But it won’t be enough.” Taylor watched in horror as Dagon’s wolf form leapt from the tall weeds, tackling his mother as he fought to save Taylor’s life.
“Dagon!” Taylor jumped up, running around the fighting pair and feeling helpless to do anything.
“Stand back,” Panahasi said as he emerged from the grass. The leader raised one hand and then flung it, his mom rising up and then flying through the air. He saw two of the demon warriors with him tackle her then place strange- looking handcuffs on her.
“You fucking fag. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot. I’ll kill you.” She fought her captors as she was hauled away.
“I think this time the keeper has a reason to hold her.” Panahasi bowed and then walked away.
Dagon shifted, wrapping his arms around Taylor as he stood there, numb. “She tried to kill me,” he said in shock.
“I know,
cachorro
.” Dagon ran his hands up and down Taylor’s back, soothing him as nobody else could. “Things seem crazy at the moment, but it will get better.”
Taylor snorted. “Hardly. We live in a paranormal world. Things are always going to be screwed up.”
Dagon chuckled, his naked chest vibrating with laughter. “True.
But it will never be boring.”