The Black Hills: Patience and Endurance

A Tale of Desperation

Lisa POV

Settling around the office, we are swiftly joined by my father, aunt Diane and uncle Terrence who is cradling the sleeping form of Kason. My father engulfs me in his arms, hugging me tight before kissing the top of my head, before holding me at arms length to look me over. “Why are my daughters always finding themselves in compromised situations?” He muses.

“Just lucky I guess.” Jenni says, crossing her legs and shooting our dad a grin.

“Lisa, what haven’t you told us?” Sarah gets straight to the point, standing beside her mate who is seated at his desk, with her hands upon her hips. Travis wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her into his lap, as he nuzzles the side of her neck. Sarah’s body relaxes but her face still holds a frown as she stares at me.

I take a breath before beginning my explanation. “Ok, so as you all know, I was previously mated to an overly possessive dragon. It is no secret that the human side of my former mate was not committed to monogamy. Initially the pain of his betrayal was devastating and all-consuming, but I held on for the sake of my sons, Kyler and Kaleb.” I look over to my boys, and give them a reassuring smile as I can see guilt upon their faces. “Their happiness and stability was worth all the suffering I endured.” I add, before turning back to my audience. “One day, I finally decided that I had had enough, as the pain was tearing my soul apart. I drove to his workplace, stormed into his office, and found him and one of his secretaries in the throes of a romantic encounter.” As I tell them of this scene, I can vividly see the images replaying in my mind. “I screamed at him that I wanted a divorce, and he threw her out of the office, slamming the door shut and locking it behind her. He turned on me and declared that I could never leave as he owned me.” I can feel tears threaten my eyes and I gently shake my head, as my sons have never heard the truth of this encounter. “I told him that he no longer held my heart and that I was done, I rejected him, and as I tried to leave, he lit me upon fire.” I shudder as I recall the incineration of my flesh. “Once he allowed the flames to extinguish, he forced himself upon me, before wrapping my burned body in a blanket and carried me from his office.” My words become lost in my throat, and I struggle to regain my composure.

“I remember that day.” Kyler speaks and I look over to my son with so much sadness in my soul. “Dad came home and carried mom to their room. He told me that she put herself in a dangerous situation and that I would have to look after Kaleb for awhile, before he locked the two of them away for days.” Kyler details from his memory. “Sometimes I could hear my mother screaming and crying.” His jaw clenches as he recalls my desperation.

“I remember Kyler turning on the stereo, and playing it loud, to drown out the noise because it scared me.” Kaleb admits, and I can’t help the tears that fall, I never knew how brave and devoted my eldest was to his little brother, even at a young age.

I let out a slow breath before I continue, “Charles continued to burn me, and r*pe me until he finally decided I had been punished enough, and then he left, suddenly one night.” I close my eyes as I recall the most life-changing experience. “Out of nowhere, this radiant Goddess appeared, she told me her name was Hestia, the Goddess of Fire. She was mournful over the suffering inflicted upon me by one of her children, and she bestowed a gift of healing and immortality against the flame, so that Char could never burn me again.” I explain, looking around as my family processes the information I have shared. “She informed me that my womb was once again impregnated and that not only would I be safe from further harm, she was giving me the title, ‘The Keeper of Dragons’, so that I could command all of their species.” I conclude, allowing everyone time for comprehension.

After a long while, Sarah is the first to speak, “Why didn’t you tell me?” She asks, and as my eyes meet hers, I see so much devastation reflected there.

“Because, you were nearing the age of your adulthood and prophecy fulfillment and I knew the fate of the world rested upon your ability to remain focused.” I answer honestly.

“What about me?” Jenni interjects.

I consider her for a moment before answering, “You were so devoted to helping Sarah find the right path, that I didn’t want to burden you.” I finally confess.

“Lisa, I understand why you made the choices you have made.” Travis says to me, “However, your sisters have both proven themselves to be very strong, and capable women. Your aunt Diane has shouldered the burdens of the entire world for decades, you were never alone.” Travis declares and I feel myself wince in guilt. His insight is spot on, and I know this now.

Auntie reaches over and takes my hand in hers, “The only question I have, my dear, is what path are you going to choose now?” She asks me gently, and I squeeze her hand as I return her loving gaze with one of complete gratitude for accepting me and all my decisions, whether broken or otherwise.

“I suggest that we go to Dark Moon.” Kaleb says with such a firm resolve, that I’m taken aback. I lock my eyes on his.

“Are you sure?” I ask my middle son, knowing his resistance and reluctance all along, wondering why this sudden change of heart.

Kaleb nods to me, “There is no redemption for him anymore.” He replies in a fierce tone.

“I agree, mom. What dad has done to you, is unforgivable, even before today.” Kyler adds. “We will go to Dark Moon, you will find your happiness and security, or I will be the one to burn the earth to the ground.” My eldest son declares.

Charles POV

Returning to my Manhattan apartment, I storm past my personal secretary, into my private office, slamming the door in her face as she tries to greet me. Fuming, I snatch the photo of Lisa from my desk and slam it onto the ground. Pain stakes through my heart, and I quickly kneel to retrieve the photo from the broken glass of the frame. I run my fingers over her image, wishing her smooth skin present with me right now.

Just who does she think she is, daring to leave and find her soul bonded to another!? Not in this lifetime, I vow. She is mine, she belongs only to me.

“She has turned our sons against us.” Char growls in my mind.

“We will reclaim all of them.” I reply, with a snarl, “Even if we have to take them by force.”

Char seems satisfied with my response as he settles back down. I press Lisa’s photo to my lips, before placing it gently upon my desk. I peer across my office to the door, and the willing witch posted on the other side, awaiting my command. Making up my mind, I stride across the room, wrenching the door open, to find Stella standing there staring back at me. I beckon her forward, and she steps into my office.

“What do you desire from me, Master?” She whispers seductively. As I close the office door, I motion her towards my desk. Stella knows just what to do, as she walks around the piece of furniture, leaning over the smooth surface, eyes locked upon me. I remove my clothes, before stalking over to her. I pause to stand Lisa’s photo up, against the screen of my computer, before approaching Stella from behind.

I run my hands up her caramel thighs, lifting her skirt, before stroking my fingers along her panties, feeling her moisture soaking through. Hooking my forefinger around the thin garment, I tug it to the side, before swiftly impaling her core with my hardened erection. I fix my eyes upon the photo of Lisa as I pound into the warm, accepting body of the female before me.

Lisa POV

Bradley scoops Kason from my uncle’s arms as we retreat to my guest suite, while Kaleb and Kyler opt to go out to stretch their wings, and look over the destruction caused by their father. I allow my elder sons the attempt for closure on their decision to move forward, since we are all on the same page, finally. Once we enter the guest suite, Bradley carries Kason to his room, resting his carefully upon his bed, before I tuck the covers up around his small body. I place a soft kiss upon his cheek, before we step away, closing the door quietly behind us.

Standing in the living room of the suite, Bradley wraps his arms around me, holding me close. I snuggle into his embrace, as his lips press against the top of my head. We take in this moment of comfort in silence before Bradley loosens his arms, stepping back just enough to look me over once again.

“You’re certain you’re not hurt?” He asks, his voice low and strained.

I smile softly and nod, “Not a singe.” I reply.

Bradley scoops me up to his chest, cradling me in bridal-fashion. “I was so scared.” He murmurs to me, as I rest my head upon his shoulder. He carries me to my own private room, before placing me upon the bed, and curling up beside me.

“I’ll try to be mindful of your fears in the future.” I promise the Alpha’s as his arms engulf me once more, holding me tight to his body.

“There better not be a next time.” He demands.

I shake my head, inwardly rolling my eyes, “You and I both know that he isn’t going to give up that easily.” I protest.

“I am aware, but it is my duty to keep you safe and far away from any threats.” Brad vows.

I tilt my head back before pressing my lips gently to his. “You alone cannot stop an unstoppable force,” I whisper, “But fortunately you have back-up.” I remind him.

Bradley opts to end the disagreement by covering my mouth with his own, as he kisses me hungrily, pressing his tongue between my lips, which I part in acceptance to his intrusion. We kiss one another until we are breathless, before we break the intimate contact of our mouths. I rest my head against his chest, and allow the rising falling of each breath to lull me to sleep.