Autumn Feast - Charlie Richards Page 0,2

year, Casey,” Kristof claimed. “I don’t belong to anyone. I’m my own man.” He pointed at Agnoroth, his dark eyes sparking. “That means I ain’t yours, either.”

Making a mental note to watch his use of possessives, Agnoroth dipped his head in acquiescence as he used his hold to shove Casey toward the grass. “My apologies, Kristof. I’ll remember that.”

Casey must have been surprised by the force of Agnoroth’s shove, for his eyes widened. “This ain’t over, Kristof,” he declared, raising his hand and pointing at him.

Before either of them could respond, Casey spun and stalked away.

Agnoroth watched Casey until he disappeared around the corner, then turned his attention back to Kristof. Except, Kristof no longer stood there. Lifting his gaze, Agnoroth spotted his mate’s third-floor apartment door clicking shut.

Shit.

Chapter Two

Kristof slammed the door behind him and rested his back against it. A second later, he reached over and remembered to flick the lock. Blowing out a rough breath, he fought against the mix of arousal and guilt that surged through him in equal measure.

Grimacing, Kristof pressed the heel of his palm against his fly and the base of his throbbing erection.

Holy shit. I thought it was a fluke.

Kristof ruthlessly pushed that thought from his mind. Yanking his phone from his pocket, he wondered who he should call about Agnoroth’s unexpected appearance. Even though the air dragon had gotten him out of a tight spot with his ex-boyfriend, Kristof couldn’t imagine the male was there for a good reason.

Hell, the only time Kristof had met Agnoroth, the dragon had been helping another of his kind kidnap his buddy, Riley.

Kristof figured contacting Kazeem was the obvious choice. The water dragon—who specialized in manipulating ice—was Agnoroth’s half-brother. The problem was, the dragon shifter who was mated to Kristof’s good buddy, Stefan, lived hours away in Steamboat Springs.

The natural second was Benjamin Sturgis. The earth dragon was mated to another of Kristof’s best buddies, Cory. The pair lived in Denver so could get there fast. Plus, Benji was a pretty down-to-earth guy, so he wouldn’t overreact even as he came to aid him.

Ha! Earth dragon. Down-to-earth!

Ugh! Focus, dumb-ass.

Kristof’s indecision cost him.

Soft tapping sounded on the other side of the door. “Kristof Merrill.” Agnoroth’s surprisingly high-pitched voice could still easily be heard. “Open the door, Kristoff.”

Gasping at the way Agnoroth’s sexy accented voice said his name, Kristof felt his stomach clench as need rushed through him.

Oh, fuck! Why do I love the sound of his voice?

“Kristof, you know that I could easily break this lock. Just open the door.” After an instant, Agnoroth murmured, “I won’t hurt you, Kristof. You have my word on my honor as a dragon.”

Seeing as Kristof had no idea if that meant anything, Kristof murmured back, “Give me a minute, please.” As he dialed Cory’s number, he figured being polite would be the best way to get a few minutes leeway.

“I’m not leaving, Kristof,” Agnoroth replied, his voice quiet. “Not until I have a chance to speak with you... in private and face to face.”

That was sort of what Kristof was afraid of. He felt shame at his responses because he found the bigger, broader man sexy as fuck. Just hearing his voice caused his prick to stand up and beg for attention.

The problem was, Agnoroth was the enemy.

Wasn’t he?

Then why did he help me?

“Hey, Kristof. Don’t tell me you’re begging off dinner,” Cory greeted. “We’ve had this planned for weeks! Feasting at Chen’s!”

Kristof winced.

Shit! How did I not remember our plan to over-eat at the Chinese buffet-style restaurant in celebration of Cory’s promotion?

Hearing the soft knocking on the other side of the door, Kristof remembered.

“Stop knocking!” Kristof barked. “If you’re really legit you’ll let me verify it!”

Even as Kristof heard a soft chuckle coming from the other side of the door, he grumbled into the phone, “I didn’t forget about our dinner, but I had an unexpected visitor. I need to talk to Benji. He around?”

“Oooo-kaaaay. Heading to Benji’s office,” Cory responded. “Who is it?”

“Agnoroth,” Kristof replied, seeing no reason not to tell his buddy.

“Agnor... who is—Oh, shit!”

Cory’s next cry of Benji was easily heard through the phone line, but Kristof knew it wasn’t directed at him.

There were muffled voices, Cory obviously talking to Benji, then the dragon’s deep voice filled Kristof’s ear. “Is it true?” Benji asked gruffly. “Agnoroth is at your place?”

“Yeah,” Kristof confirmed.

“I’m on my way.”

“Benji, wait a sec,” Kristof called, afraid Benji was going to disconnect the line. “I have a question.”

“First, are you safe?