Page 12 of True Calling

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.”