True Calling (Fantasy Book 2) Page 4

  Garth’s eyes widened in shock. Whether it was from the way Berk had just spoken to him, or the thought of losing his cook... which made no sense since all he’d made for them since arriving was an omelet. “What would give you that idea? Of course, we want a chef. It’s just that... well, it isn’t... I mean...” Sighing, Garth said, “Berk, it isn’t safe to go out to a place you’ve never been, by yourself. You could get lost, run into the wrong people, or get hurt and have no one to help you. One of the guys would be more than happy to...”

  “Are you shitting me? I’m like a fucking leper here with those guys and you.” Tossing his hands in the air, Berk said, “You know what? Forget it. I’m just going to ask Mark to give me five and I’ll get my stuff and go. I don’t think this arrangement is going to work out.”

  Berk took off outside and went straight to Mark, “Can you give me five and I’ll be with you?”

  “Sure. Everything alright?” Mark asked, looking at the mansion warily.

  Nodding, Berk said, “Yeah, things are fine. I’ll be right back.”

  Berk made his way to the house and heard people arguing. They stopped as soon as Berk walked inside and watched as he started making his way upstairs. Fuck, it sucked to be talked about and not to. Berk didn’t understand what he had done wrong. The first day he had arrived, everyone seemed so damn nice, and then everyone went to sleep, and pod people took over.

  He hated that he was getting teary eyed, but this had been Berk’s dream and it had been shattered all to hell. Berk didn’t understand why or what happened, but he wasn’t going to stay where he wasn’t wanted. Yes, his dad had said he had a job to do, and he really should stay and do it, but Garth’s harshness and being ignored... Berk just couldn’t do it. He might not mind being alone, but he was used to being alone with no one else around, not when a place was filled with people.

  Grabbing his suitcase, it only took Berk to two minutes to pack and snap up. He was glad he had packed light to begin with.

  Berk started making his way downstairs, hearing Bo yelling. “Damn it, Garth, you can’t let him go.”

  “What do you want me to do? I didn’t mean to upset him, but he can’t go into that town alone.” Garth argued back.

  “Well if you don’t do something, he’s going to go further away than town, and then no one will be safe from you.” Chance hissed out.

  “Well, just tell him you’re sorry. Humans appreciate apologies, right?” Micah asked.

  “You know your dragon won’t accept his mate leaving like this, Garth. You have to do something.” Bo insisted.

  Garth sounded pissed, and his voice was far more gravelly than Berk remembered it being, “I know, gods be damned! I know! I just need time to think.”

  Humans? Dragon... mate? And what did they mean about him leaving would mean no one was safe? None of this made any sense at all. This wasn’t a romance novel that Berk loved reading, and always fantasized about living. This was real life and these people were crazy.

  Fuck it. Berk didn’t give a shit anyway. These people were nuts. He was out of there.

  Just as he was making it to the door, Trevor rushed to him. “Please, don’t leave, Berk. Let’s talk this out. Garth is really sorry for upsetting you and if you...”

  “It isn’t just Garth. Yes, he was the final straw in all of this, but it isn’t the only reason I’m going,” Berk said with a tilt of his chin.

  Bo blinked, “I don’t understand. Why else are you going? Is it the not being able to cook yet? If you give me a few minutes, I’ll take you to the...”

  “No! I don’t get you guys at all. I mean, I really don’t fucking get you.” Berk snapped with a shake of his head. “You act all nice when I get here, and then I’m not worthy of a fucking hello, or talk with when I walk into a room. You guys sneak out, so I won’t follow and think I’m stupid enough to even do it. Fine, you don’t want me to be your friend, so be it. I’m used to being alone. My parents died when I was a kid and I have known lonely for a long time. My first foster families didn’t want me. The other foster kids didn’t trust anyone to be around long enough to be friends with anyone. This wouldn’t be any different. I won’t lie, it kind of hurts, but I get it. I’m just the hired help.”

  Trevor quickly tried to speak, “You’re not the...”

  “You’re right, I’m not.” Berk hissed. “I can’t be what I can’t do, and it’s the only thing that I can say has ever given me what I need... a purpose! Cooking is my solace... my place of belonging. I was hired to cook. Yet, when I try to go and get what I need to even do that, I’m told I can’t go. Well, fuck that and fuck all of you. I may have my foster parents now, but I remember exactly how it felt to not be wanted from one foster house to another. I know what it is to be pushed aside... but you know what else I know? I know I don’t have to take it anymore. I’m a good person, with an IQ that not only got me graduated early, but to become top in my classes, no matter what was taught. Not wanting me in your little clique is your loss.”

  Berk jerked the door open, not even realizing that he had tears running down his cheeks. He barely registered when someone shouted out Garth’s name, before Berk was pulled away from the door and it was slammed in his face.

  He was turned to face a very upset Garth. So upset, that smoke was literally coming out of his nostrils, and when Berk looked up and into the man’s eyes, they had become wider, but the pupils were slits... like a lizard or a snake. “What the fuck!” Berk gasped.

  Chance, Bo, and Micah rushed forward, “Garth, let him go!” They all shouted at once.

  Garth either didn’t hear them, or was ignoring them. Either way, Berk was about to piss or shit himself... if not both. It didn’t help when Berk remembered Micah saying, “Humans like apologies.” And Bo saying Garth’s “dragon” wouldn’t like his friend... no not friend, he’d said mate. “Your dragon won’t accept his mate leaving like this, Garth. That’s what Bo said. Holy shit you’re a dragon... or a shifter... or I’m fucking losing my mind.” Berk murmured, feeling fear like he never had before.

  Scales started forming on Garth’s arms and up his neck. Dark red scales... Oh fuck me. I’m gonna die.

  “Berk, you need to calm down, sweetie. I know you’re scared right now, but I swear to you, at this moment you are the safest one in this room. However, the rest of us are about to be eaten, if you don’t relax and breathe.” Bo insisted quietly.

  Berk gave a nervous laugh, “Safe? How the fuck am I safe with Lizard Man looking at me as if he’s hungry and I’m lunch?”

  “His dragon is confused and upset, because you’re upset and trying to leave.” Chance explained just as quietly as Bo. “He won’t hurt you. He’s trying to defend you.”

  Before Berk could say anything, there was a knock on the door. Linus hissed out, “It’s the Uber guy.”

  “Shit! Micah, pay the man and tell him Berk changed his mind.” Bo rasped quietly.

  Micah rolled his eyes, muttering how Garth was going to owe him for this one, then went to the door and opened, it. Pulling out his wallet, Micah said, “Hey there, sorry. We had a misunderstanding earlier and Berk isn’t going to need you. Is a hundred enough?”

  “Changed his mind? Berk looked pretty upset.” Mark stated, sounding as if he didn’t believe a word the man was saying.

  “Family squabble. How about two hundred?” Micah asked, trying to hand him the bills.

  Shaking his head, Mark said, “I want to hear it from Berk and I’m not leaving until I do, and if that doesn’t happen, I’m calling the cops.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Berk was shaking in his shoes. He had a shifter... a dragon shifter gripping him close and not looking like he was going to let him go any time soon. What the hell was he going to do?

  “If you try to leave this building right now, Garth will completely lose what little control he has over his dragon at this moment. That means the driver, all of us, and anyone in your path you pass will be in danger.” Nolan hissed out quietly.


  “I know you’re scared, Berk, but please, let us explain. We just need to talk this out. I swear Garth won’t allow any harm to come to you. Just give us a chance and I know you won’t regret it.” Chance whispered so Mark couldn’t hear what was being said.

  “We just need you to tell the driver you’re fine and to go. I promise if after we talk you still want to leave, I’ll take you to the airport myself... hell, I’ll pay you a full two years wages and still take you to the airport. We just need to talk, that’s all I’m asking for. Just time to explain.” Bo said, just as softly.

  Swallowing his fear as best he could, Berk squeaked, “I’m...” Clearing his throat once again, Berk said loud enough for Mark to hear, “I’m fine, Mark. It was all just a misunderstanding. You can go.”

  “Not until I see you. Come to the door and tell me face to face.” Mark insisted.

  Micah started to close the door, snapping, “He told you he’s fine and wants to stay. Why don’t you get...?”

  Mark put his hand on the door, stopping Micah from shutting it in his face. “He could be saying that under duress. I want to see for myself that he’s fine and what he’s telling me is really what he wants.”

  Berk tried to get Garth to let him go, but the stubborn man wouldn’t relent. He didn’t know where he got the courage, but he leaned in closer to Garth, hissing, “If you don’t step back that man is going to call the cops. Now let me go, so I can get rid of him before that happens.”

  At first, Berk didn’t think Garth would listen to him. Then, he watched as the man took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, then did it again. Inch by inch, the scales receded, until finally, they were all gone. Looking into Garth’s eyes, he noticed they were back to his human emerald green and rounded like they should be.

  “What’s taking so long?” Mark snapped.

  Berk went to go to the door, but Garth stopped him. Instead of the man letting him go, he drew Berk into his arms and pressed their lips together.

  The first feel of Garth’s mouth against his own had startled Berk, and then oddly he found himself opening up for more. It was mere seconds before the two men were in a hot passionate kiss with tongues and teeth.

  At some point Berk must have wrapped his arms around Garth’s neck, because when he pulled back, that was the position Berk found himself in as Garth’s forehead touched his, both men breathing heavily.

  “Well, it looks like things are fine here.” Mark said, startling Berk enough to come to his senses and jerk out of Garth’s hold.

  Turning to the driver, Berk licked his lips as if to get another taste of the delectable man behind him. “Uh... hey Mark. I’m uh... I’m sorry. I uh... I may have misread some things, and well... uh... we’re gonna talk some more.”

  Mark smirked, “Interesting way of communicating. My wife says I need to work on mine more. I’ll have you give your way a shot when I get home.”

  Mark took the money out of Micah’s hand, gave him a nod of thanks, and left. No one said a word while Mark’s car could be heard making its way down the long driveway.

  “I think we should all have a seat in the grand living area. This way Berk won’t feel as if we’re all ganging up on him.” Trevor said, breaking the silence.

  Berk followed the guys, noting that Garth was right next to him, as if afraid Berk would try and run.

  Knowing he would need to focus on what was going on... and in all honesty, needing to feel a bit safer than he did, Berk sat in one of the deep-blue long-back chairs. If Berk wasn’t mistaken, it was an Eames. Damn it was comfortable with the supple leather upholstery as soft as butter against his skin. If this situation wasn’t so frightening, Berk could find himself sitting here, with a good book, feet on the matching ottoman, relaxing as he read. He bet with a fire going in the huge ass fireplace, it would be even better.

  “First off let me start by apologizing to you, Berk. Never did we mean to make you feel unwanted, or as if you were just the hired help. Every one of us would love to know more about you, but until you knew the truth, we couldn’t answer your questions.” Bo said, sounding remorseful.

  “We didn’t want to lie to you.” Trevor quickly added.

  Micah nodded, “We were waiting for...”

  “Micah.” Linus whispered, shutting the man up.

  Berk raised a brow, looking at Garth as he stood far enough away from Berk to give him space, but close enough to get to him if need be. “Waiting for what?”

  “Waiting for me to pull my head out of my ass.” Garth said, with a long-drawn-out breath.

  “But it wasn’t his fault either. He was taken by surprise and needed time to wrap his mind around everything.” Linus quickly defended, pushing himself closer into Nolan, as if he needed the safety of the man’s arms.

  Holding up his hand, Berk said, “Okay, I’m really trying to grasp everything, but I need to play some catch up here. I’m going to go off my books... hell, it’s the only resource I have to follow at the moment, so I’m going to go with that.”

  “Books?” Chance asked with a tilt of his head.

  “Paranormal Romance books. I love them. It’s what some might call a guilty pleasure. They’re supposed to be fiction, you know. However, I’m thinking that one of my books has come to life, and I’m one of those characters.” Berk muttered.

  “Is he making any sense to you?” Linus asked Nolan in a quiet whisper.

  Berk watched as Nolan shook his head, “Maybe he’s just overwhelmed or something. I’ve never seen any books about us.”

  “If you’re shifters, like I think you are, then yes, there are a shit ton of books about you guys out there. When we’re done here, I’ll be happy to log you into a place that you can check them out. Hell, you can even borrow my Kindle.” Berk stated, turning to Garth. “You’re a dragon? Am I right?”

  Garth nodded, but still didn’t speak. Berk looked at Bo, “And you?”

  “A cross fox.” Bo said, then pulled Trevor into his arms, “My mate is a pygmy possum. Linus is a Viquita, they’re like a porpoise, and his mate, Nolan, is a Bengal Tiger. Micah is a dugong. That’s hard to explain but it’s kind of like a hippo meets a porpoise and has a baby? Anyway, maybe one day you can watch him shift when he takes a swim.”

  Berk looked at Chance, “I take it you’re Micah’s mate. What do you shift into?”

  “I’m a Galapagos giant tortoise.” Chance answered.

  Nodding, Berk said, “Okay. I would love to see you guys shift, but I think we can put that off for a bit. I have some questions, first.”

  “Of course. We’ll answer as best as we can.” Chance responded.

  “Why is it no one wanted to talk to me? Is it because I’m only human?” Berk asked.

  Garth growled low, “You are not only anything!”

  Berk jerked back and Trevor quickly admonished, “Garth, you need to settle your damn dragon before you chase Berk out the damn door.”

  Shaking his head, “I won’t run. The books say that’s the worst thing I could do. It would make his animal want to come for me and I wouldn’t stand a chance of getting away.”

  Apparently, Bo agreed with Berk, because he went back to what they were talking about. “It had nothing to do with you being human, Berk. Yes, that kind of threw us all for a loop at first, but it wasn’t why we did our best to avoid you.”

  “Okay, then why did you?” Berk asked.

  “One of the reasons is because we didn’t know how to tell you we’re shifters. That’s also the reason we would sneak out. Normally we just head out back and shift there. The giant pool is for Linus and Micah, but we normally shift and run around there. However, with needing to hide it from you, we had to go to the lake just past the forest line, so Linus and Micah had a place to shift in their form, and we could shift into ours.” Chance explained.

  Berk nodded, asking, “And the other reason?”

  Bo looked at Garth, but the man didn’t say anything. When the others all looked his way, Berk did as
well. It was interesting to see the man’s cheeks were red, as were his ears and neck. Holy crap, Garth was embarrassed, but why?

  Finally, Garth looked down, “Because...” Licking his lips Berk almost forgot about his question, thinking about the kiss they had experienced together, but the man’s next words had him forgetting the kiss and rethinking the running part. “Because you’re my mate.”

  Berk knew that term from his books, and if what he read was correct, Garth just more or less told him that they were to be like a married couple in his world. Two souls that would bind during sex and a bite.

  Feeling his cock harden at the thought of getting up close and personal with such a hot ass man, Berk did what he could to make it stop. Thinking about Nort and Marla having sex, did the trick... thank god. Not only did his cock deflate, but it caused Berk to shiver in disgust. That was not a mental image he had needed. Yet, he couldn’t deny that it worked. Drawing in a deep breath, Berk said, “If that’s the case, why did you run whenever you saw me? Like I said, I read... a lot, and the past week I’ve had a lot of time to do just that. From what the books say, you’re supposed to want me so bad you wouldn’t be able to keep your hands off me. Yet, you didn’t seem to have that problem.”

  “Trust me, he had the problem.” Bo muttered.

  Garth did look at Berk then, “I have wanted you since the moment I scented you at the front door. My dragon is angry and confused with me right now.”

  “Why’s that?” Berk asked in a hushed tone.

  Garth snorted, “Because of my foolishness. I knew I needed to talk with you... to explain about our world, to tell you who and what we were, but fear kept me back.”

  Berk was shocked by that admission. “Fear? What would someone as big and fierce looking as you, be afraid of?”

  “Losing you. I had to tell you about our world, but I was afraid that if I did, you’d leave. I didn’t want that to happen. My actions have caused you great hurt, and for that I can never forgive myself. My dragon doesn’t understand my actions. Just being near you now, is taking everything I have to hold my dragon back from scooping you up and taking you to our lair and mating you. However, I know that’s not what you would want.” Garth stated in shame.