Page 12 of Adding Fuel To The Flames

CHAPTER 5

Rhys didn't remember ever being so scared and alone before. Just the thought that Jett and him were in such danger from a man he considered evil at its best had Rhys feeling his skin crawl.

"Hey Rhys, it's going to be okay. I swear to you, we won't let that sick prick anywhere near you," Angelo whispered.

Rhys turned to Angelo tearfully. "Every part of me wants to run as fast and as far as I can. Just the thought of that man with his dick anywhere near me makes me want to shower and vomit, not necessarily in that order. The thing is, Angelo, I'm tired of running. This is my home."

Illan's booming voice had Rhys and Angelo turning to look at the dragon leader just as Day and Ethan returned from outside. "We need to get Rhys and Jett to a safe location in Crystal. Have them guarded twenty-four seven until we can locate Salem."

Shaking his head, Rhys whispered, "I'm not going anywhere. Maddox is my new home and I'm not letting that sick bastard take that from me."

Ethan walked towards him in concern. "But Rhys, it isn't safe for you here."

"He found me all the way from Aspen, Ethan. If he could find me from over two hundred miles away, he damn sure can find me from just over thirty. No, I'm staying here. I have work to do and this is my home. I will not flee another time. I am tired of assholes coming in and pushing me out of my home," Rhys whispered.

Day walked to Rhys and grasped his forearm. "Rhys, think about this. If Salem gets his hands on you, he will make you wish for death before he actually does kill you."

Zev was still taking comfort from his mate, when he stated, "My father is a sick bastard, Rhys. The things I saw for myself and heard from others..."

Rhys quickly interrupted, "I understand what you're saying, Zev, but I'm still not leaving. I swore when Destrain said we were all leaving Shadowfox to come here, that it would be the last move I make. I have given up two homes already and I will not give up a third."

"Son, please think about this. Salem is somewhere in Maddox, just waiting for the opportunity to get to you and Jett. You need to go somewhere safe. For once, please don't be a drama queen. Do the smart thing," Dain argued, making Day and Ethan both growl and turn towards the Pixies Regent.

"Do not speak to him that way again, Dain, or I will rip your head off and shove it up your ass so it's not just a figure of speech, but a reality," Day said in a low, threatening voice.

Rhys gasped. No one spoke to his father that way and lived to tell about it, but damn if Day hadn't made his cock go rock hard. Day's deep timber and slight growl was like a vibrator being shoved in his ass and turned to full power. Rhys couldn't understand what in the hell was going on with him, but he was no homewrecker, besides, if he ever went with the thoughts in his head he would be put to death for interfering in a mating. However, it might be worth the cost of his life for one night alone with Day and Ethan.

"What the hell, Day? You can't threaten Dain that way," Justice gasped.

Ethan slowly turned to his father. "Then I suggest that he learn how to speak to his son and maybe listen to what Rhys is saying. Rhys just wants a home to call his own. He is not saying anything different than Dain, Destrain, you, or Illan would say."

Rhys couldn't believe that Day and Ethan were taking his side. Rhys couldn't remember the last time someone took his side or stuck up for him and he would be lying if he said it didn't turn him on even more than he was a few minutes ago.

Ethan sighed, "Look, Day and I have a place that is closer to Maddox then the rest of you. If he agrees, we will take him there and keep him safe."

Shaking his head Rhys replied, "No. I will be going to my own home."

Ethan and Day looked at Rhys and he could see the frustration, but then Ethan's shoulders dropped in resignation. "Okay, Rhys, but Day and I would like to come with you and make sure you stay safe."

Rhys gave Day and Ethan a tentative smile. "That's good with me."

"Fine, but I want guards outside your home at all times and if Rhys insists on coming to work, then he will be accompanied by guards every step of the way," Illan ordered.

Destrain went to Illan, "When we purchased Maddox, we agreed that I would run this town while you and Justice took care of Crystal."

Illan rolled his eyes. "And you are. I just--"

Destrain placed a gentle hand on Illan, "No, Illan. Besides the fact that this is Maddox and the people here are my responsibility, Rhys is one of my people. He is also my nephew. I will have Baldwin assign some of the Griffions to guard over Rhys. You focus on Jett and his safety."

Illan sighed, "I don't like it, Destrain. We are supposed to be protecting you."

"I'd like to think of it more like we are protecting each other. Look, Rhys has always been particularly close to Casimir and Aracus. With them and the Griffions, Rhys will be under watch twenty-four seven. Also, Wyndingo should be here any day now. Just keep Jett safe and if we need you in any way, you will be the first to know," Destrain replied.

Ryder cleared his throat nervously, then said, "Destrain is right. You guys need to get back to Crystal. Salem may not know that you guys are even here."

"No, he had to of come here to get to Jett," Zev argued.

Vik stepped up. "I agree with Ryder. I don't think he has a clue what's going on in Crystal. You guys said he left your clutch years ago. He would have no way of knowing Illan had called everyone to Crystal."