Page 17 of Starting Over

Although he wished there was a way he could keep hiding out in the bathroom, there was no way he was even going to try it. No way.

Jude was scary as fuck when he was pissed.

The closer he got to the living room the slower his steps became. As scary as Jude might be, it was nothing compared to the fearhe felt going out there and really getting a look at his honest to gods mate.

Jude stepped into his line of vision with a raised brow, crossed arms and toe tap.

Well, shit.

Rushing forward Rain didn’t look at any of the men standing in front of the fireplace, instead he sat on the couch quickly and started picking at an invisible string on his new sweat pants.

Because he wasn’t looking at anyone, Rain was startled when a hot cup of tea was put under his nose with a sharp, “Drink,” from Jude.

“Thank you,” Rain whispered as he took the cup, and sipped the hot liquid.

Rain was never much of a tea drinker, but he had to admit it was good. He had no clue what kind it was, but Rain could taste the honey in it and was thankful whoever made it had put a bit of milk to help cool it down just a bit.

“All of you guys have a seat. We have a shit ton to talk about and not a lot of time,” Jude stated.

Rain heard people moving and then he smelled him… his mate… sitting right next to him.

Oh fuck.

Rain didn’t look up. He couldn’t move.

“How are you feeling? My dragon didn’t hurt you when he lifted you from the water did he? I know he has sharp talons.”

Rain felt his cheeks heat at the question, but didn’t look up, as he answered, “I’m good and no, he didn’t hurt me, he saved my life. Thank you both.”

“I’m Wyatt.”

“Rain… but you already knew that.”

The heat he felt from his embarrassment now included his neck and ears. Oh gods, could he be more stupid.

“Yes, I did, but it’s still nice to officially meet,” Wyatt softly said.

“Well I’m Jude, but you already knew that I’m sure as well. How about you guys introduce yourselves so we can all be in the know?”

“I’m Tandris.”

“Asod.”

“And I am Ryan. It’s nice to meet you in person, Jude. I have some questions for you that I know my thunder and I would love answers to.”

Jude snorted, “That isn’t how this is going to work. You guys have been hanging around my land watching Rain and me like hawks. I know who you are… well, I didn’t know you were dragon shifters and I have a friend that is going to be seriously interested in meeting you, but I do know who you are and why you’re here. What I don’t know is why you didn’t just come to the door and introduce yourselves. Maybe we could have worked together and helped Rain end this shit a lot quicker.”

“We don’t work that way,” Asod said, as if that answered everything.

Rain knew those words were a big mistake, and Jude’s next words proved Rain right.

Jude’s tone hardened, “Is that right, Asod? Well, I do. I’ve learned the hard way that people that hide away aren’t to be trusted. So, I suggest you start talking about what you know about Danny Houdon, or I’m going to have some of the biggest and baddest men on your asses so fast and hard you’ll be begging for lube and a pillow for when they’re done with you.”

Rain gasped at the threat, “Jude, maybe…”

Jude turned his hard glare towards Rain, snapping, “Don’t you even start, Rain. We haven’t even gotten started on that bullshit move you just made.’

“We’ve been a thunder and a team for centuries. Our way of doing things is like no other and works. Our track record proves this,” Asod stated firmly.