The Black Hills: Patience and Endurance

The Dragon’s Rage

Lisa POV

“I’m unaware with whom you are currently married, my attention has been solely on courting my mate.” Brad replies, seemingly unaffected by Charles intimidation tactics.

Sarah gives Brad an approving smirk before she returns to the head of the table with Travis, while my brother-in-law continues to glare down upon my ex.

“Lisa,” Charles seethes, “I advise you to step out into the hall with me, as we clearly have much to discuss.” He commands as though I am some personal piece of his property.

“Lisa may join you of her own free will, after she has finished her breakfast.” Bradley responds firmly to Charles.

I glance to the dark rage-filled eyes of my ex-husband before looking into Bradley’s soft, warm eyes full of compassion and protectiveness, and I feel comforted and secure. Strengthened by the presence of my true mate, I respond in defiance towards Charles by firmly stabbing a fork into my pancakes before raising the utensil to my mouth, taking a bite. I can feel the glare of my ex boring into my soul.

“This is very delicious, perhaps you should have some, Charles, the food may improve your mood.” I remark, with a polite smile, my eyes still focused on Bradley. I know I’m literally playing with fire, but it feels good to stand up for myself for once. Under normal circumstances I would never defy Charles as I’ve been burned by his rage before, however I know in this very moment, surrounded by family, friends, and more importantly my mate, I am safe from any retaliation.

“Perhaps.” Charles replies shortly, and I glance to him once more, noting his shock and displeasure at my newfound boldness. An omega brings forward a platter of food for our unintended guest, while Kason begins recounting his night of fun to Charles, Bradley and myself.

“We got to play games, and dancing, and eat all the sweets we wanted.” My youngest son beams to me.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself.” I smile down at Kason, still seated upon his father’s lap, when I feel a strong grip upon my knee and I look over to Kyler, and notice how tense he is at the unexpected presence of his dad. I place my hand upon his and give it a firm, reassuring squeeze, while mentally urging for him to recognize that we are safe here in this place.

“So what about you boys?” Charles addresses Kyler and Kaleb. “Have you enjoyed your visit here to the Black Hills?” He asks our sons.

Kaleb merely nods while Kyler meets his father’s eyes with a stone-cold stare. I squeeze his hand again, willing him to look at me, but instead he speaks directly to Charles, “Why did you come here?” He asks his father darkly.

“Well, to see you and your mother, of course.” Charles replies simply.

“Really? You expect me to believe that you traveled all this way just to see us, without any ulterior motive?” Kyler gives a fake laugh, “Well that would be a first.” He chides, and I internally wince.

“Kyler...” I murmur.

“Son, if you have something you feel you need to say, I’m all ears, just know that there may be recourse for how you choose to speak to me.” Charles warns our eldest child. Now I’m the one who tenses at the obvious threat of violence from my ex-husband.

“What exactly do you plan to do to me, father.” Kyler growls, his eyes growing black with his own anger.

“This is not the place...” I begin, but it is Bradley who interjects.

“Quite right, this is not the place for empty threats, for as long as I’m around, no harm will befall these children or their mother.” Bradley states firmly, his eyes locked upon Charles.

“You think you are a match for me?” Charles sneers in return to the Alpha of Dark Moon.

“Enough.” I command loudly, and Bradley backs down giving me an apologetic expression while Charles fumes at my nerve to exert sternness and control over the situation.

I place my fork upon my plate and stand to my feet. Bradley abruptly stands as well, in a show of respect. Charles darts his narrowed eyes between the two of us before he removes Kason from his lap and stands to his feet, which sets off a domino effect of chairs scraping on the marble floor as the Alpha, Beta and Gamma of Black Hills also rise to their feet. My youngest son scrambles under the table, before reappearing at Bradley’s side, who wraps a protective arm around my little boy.

Charles grips my arm firmly, almost painfully as he growls in my ear. “It’s time we talk.”

I give him a single nod in response, before glancing to my protectors giving them a look to stand down, and allow him to guide me out of the dining hall.

Bradley POV

It took everything in me to keep from leveling the table and annihilating the dragon across from me when he dared to place his hand upon my mate. However, with the small bundle of a boy clinging to my leg, I focused my energy on hugging him close, to provide him the comfort and reassurance he needed in that moment as I watched helplessly while Lisa was escorted from the dining hall.

Once they disappeared from view, I knelt down so I could look Kason in the eye, taking his small hands into mine, as he grips firmly. “Listen sweet boy, I’m going to go check on your mama.”

“I’m going with you.” Kyler demands, and I look to him for a moment before nodding.

“Come sit with me, sweet pea.” Lisa’s aunt Diane soothes to the boy. He reluctantly releases my hands before crawling under the table and reappearing in his great-aunt’s lap. I stand and walk towards the entryway to the grand hall, as Kyler and Travis follow me.

Lisa POV

We exit the dining hall into the main corridor, and Charles roughly shoves me up against the wall, his face inches from mine, his eyes dark with fury.

“You dare to disrespect me?” He growls low.

“I owe you nothing, Charles.” I state firmly.

“You need to get these ridiculous thoughts out of your pretty little head, you owe me everything, you belong to me and only me.” Charles growls threatening as both of his hands grip my shoulders painfully. I fight the urge to cry out, even though I can already feel the bruising which will accompany the damage he’s inflicting.

“I do not belong to you.” I seethe through gritted teeth.

“Oh, you do. Perhaps it’s time I remind you.” Charles threatens.

The warmth of my mate nearing our location emboldens me as I respond, “You have no power here.”

Charles pulls me forward towards him before slamming me hard into the wall behind me, and a ferocious growl erupts at the end of the corridor, shaking the entire packhouse. Charles braces himself, but he’s still caught off guard by the strength of an enraged Alpha wolf whose mate has just been harmed before his eyes. I close my eyes as I feel Charles being forcefully ripped away from me, before a large crash sounds nearby. I open my eyes to see Bradley’s chest in front of my face before his arms envelope my body, as he gently presses me to him. I peer over his shoulder to see Charles’ crumpled form on the ground, a few feet away, and Kyler standing over him in a menacing way, with Travis right beside him.

“You will never touch my mother again.” Kyler seethes down at his own father.

Charles spits blood before wiping his face, as he looks up to our son and laughs. “You’ve gotten strong boy, I’ll give you that.”

“I think it’s time that you leave my pack lands.” Travis growls down at my ex-husband.

“Fine.” Charles says as he stands to his feet. “This isn’t over.” He glares to me as the packhouse security approaches to escort him out of the territory.

Kyler rushes over to hug me once his father is out of sight, and I squeeze him tightly while wincing from the pain in my shoulders and back.

“Son, we need to get her to the hospital.” Bradley says, noting the pain I’m in.

“I’ll be ok, I’ve been through much worse.” I quickly tell him.

“Mom, he’s right.” Kyler says to me, “We aren’t alone in this anymore. Let’s get you checked out.”

I look to my eldest son with so much pride, before I nod in agreement. Bradley steps forward and gently scoops me up, bridal-style, in his strong arms, and carries me towards the pack hospital, as Travis leads the way.

“Your strength amazes me.” Bradley murmurs to me before he places a gentle kiss upon my forehead.

“Me? You’re the one who took down a dragon.” I chuckle before grimacing from pain.

Bradley shakes his head, disagreeing with my assumption. “No, my darling, it wasn’t I who brought down the dragon. When I was mid-lunge, Kyler sprinted before me and got to your ex first. It was your son who took down his father.” He whispers to me.

I look up to Bradley in shock, before glancing over to Kyler, who is walking beside us, his focus straight ahead on our destination. I rest my head against Bradley’s chest while keeping my eyes on my pride-and-joy. I’ve always been afraid that the trauma inflicted by his father would have instilled too much fear to overcome, but despite what we’ve endured, my son is strong, so much stronger than I ever knew. My heart swells as I stare at the strong features of my beautiful, grown, young man.

We arrive to the pack hospital, where Travis commands the staff, as they leap to his orders. Within a few minutes I’m in an exam room, as Bradley helps me settle onto the table, Travis and Kyler stand guard across the room from us. Bradley is so gentle with me and I look to my son who holds so much admiration in his eyes for the manner in which the Alpha is treating me. I can’t help but think how Bradley may just prove to be the best thing that has ever happened to all of us.

The doctor enters quickly and looks me over, carefully palpating the area of bruising along my arms and right shoulder. “Let’s get a set of x-rays to see what kind of damage has been done.” Dr. Caroline says to Travis who nods his agreement.

As the radiology tech enters the room with the portable X-ray machine, Dr. Caroline orders everyone out of the room.

“I’m staying.” Bradley says firmly.

“Suit yourself, but I suggest a lead-lined drape.” Dr. Caroline states, before crossing the room to the cabinet, pulling out a heavy apron before fastening it around Bradley’s neck. She then takes her leave with Travis and Kyler as Bradley helps me position as directed by the radiology technician.

After the images are taken, the portable machine is wheeled out of the room, and Travis returns with my son.

“I’m sorry for all of this, Lisa.” Travis apologizes gently to me.

“This is definitely not your fault.” I reassure my brother-in-law.

“I promised you would be safe here, and my guard let you down.” Travis growls, before softening, “I vow that this will never happen again.”

Bradley stiffens beside me, and I glance up to him. “Something wrong?” I ask him.

“No... and yes.” He replies, looking down at me with eyes filled with concern and some internal struggle.

“Talk to me.” I soothe him, softly.

“I would really like for you to consider coming home with me. To Dark Moon. We can keep you and your boys safe there.” Bradley says to me.

My eyes widen at the consideration of leaving behind my family. “I don’t know.” I whisper, biting my lower lip.

“Please think about it. I have to return at the end of the week and I can’t imagine leaving here without you, not being able to protect you.” Bradley pleads with me.

“While I can confirm that the dragon will never step foot on my territory again, I also understand the need to have your mate close to you.” Travis says from across the room. “You will always have a home here, Lisa, but I think you should consider the offer from your mate.” He advises.

I look to Kyler who shrugs, “It’s whatever you want, mom. Home for me is wherever you are.” My son tells me, and I smile to him. His maturity is startling and I’ve truly never been more proud of him than I am today.

“Ok, I’ll think about it.” I look into Bradley’s eyes, noting the hint of hope behind them.