---Lane's POV---

It was unnerving to walk up the driveway and towards the house where Jethro's longtime friend lived. Not only was this the first time we'd ever meet, it would also be the first in a long while since the pair met in the flesh.

Apparently, my master had been distracted with finding and healing me, not to mention all the shenanigans with the pack wolves.

After countless of Council visits and us getting mated to one another, Jethro hadn't had any time to visit Zander. Which made me surprisingly nervous.

What if Zander blamed me for Jethro's lack of contact? What if he saw me as someone stepping between their friendship?

I knew Jethro had said not to worry about such things and that Zander had no reason to be upset. But that was easier said than done.

A firm hand gently squeezed my neck, making me purr as Jethro ruffled through my fur, offering me a warm smile. "You're okay, love." He murmured, making me grin happily as we reached the doors.

With his reassurance, the nerves simmered down at least somewhat but raised their ugly head once more when footsteps approached.

Remembering my training, I lowered my gaze to prevent accidentally locking eyes with Zander, who was a fellow dominant with Jethro.

The second the front door opened, I almost felt the power radiating off of Zander, though it was nowhere near comparable to the energy that Jethro could emit.

Nor did it seem that Zander was forcibly emitting this aura in an attempt of intimidation. It was simply the natural flow of his energy that made any shifter nearly instinctively realize this man was potentially dangerous.

Yet the warm smile he sent to Jethro along with the hug my master was pulled in, showed none of this lethal energy. Instead they acted like two long lost brothers reuniting, which made me smile and ease some of my worries.

His brilliant white smile contrasted sharply against his darker skin, the short stubble on his chin neatly trimmed in comparison to the thick, relatively short afro fade.

"Jethro, it's so good to see you brother!" Zander grinned boisterously, patting Jethro on the back while the dragon snorted but returned the hug with a grin of his own.

"It's been far too long." He agreed, grasping Zander's shoulder before he sighed. "You've grown even more. And impeccable control as always, I see."

Zander seemed to beam under the compliment, rubbing a finger under his nose as he snickered. "Well, now that I've got a lil' brat on my hands, I'm being kept sharp and on my toes at all times."

As their gazes shifted to me, I made sure to keep my head lowered demurely. Both wanting to avoid angering two powerful dominants and also show Zander that I had been properly taught by my own Master.

"Zander, this is my precious mate, Lane." He introduced, making me swallow in realization as he hadn't given me permission to look up or greet Zander yet.

A test? Or to show Zander I was a good submissive besides being Jethro's mate?

Instead of tensing up like the worrying thoughts wanted to, I simply remained in a relaxed but submissive pose. Wanting to make my Master as proud as I possibly good.

"Impressive, isn't he?" Jethro grinned after a moment of silence before letting his fingers dance over my nape. "Pet, you can look up and greet Zander."

Doing as commanded, I could see the curious glint in both their eyes as I briefly made eye contact with Zander before inclining my head.

"Apologies, but I don't know how you prefer to be addressed." I murmured softly, repressing a smile as Jethro snickered proudly.

Zander's gaze showed his respect and slight surprise, relaxing his arms from their previously crossed position. "Personally, I feel like Sir and Master is more between a sub and their bonded. So you can call me Mr. Zander during classes. I'll leave it up to Jethro if he wants to keep things formal between us after class."

"Sir would be fine after the classes, darling." Jethro added after a thoughtful hum. "Master is something that should be used only for myself or any Dominant higher ranking than me."

Inclining my head once more, I replied "Then Mr. Zander, it is an honor to meet you."

Jethro's fingers squeezed my nape, murmuring a soft "Good boy." I bit my lip, feeling elated yet wanting to keep up the good impression.

Zander gave a low whistle as he circled us once. "He's a fucking natural. And you said you personally trained him? He didn't receive a modicum of training before y'all met and mated?"

Jethro huffed in amusement, shaking his head. "None. He absorbed every bit I taught him and works to improve without me asking."

"If I didn't have my own two gems, I'd be jealous. Make sure to guard him well, Jethro." Zander confessed, a smile warming his stern features before reaching out a hand.

I shook it nervously, feeling a burst of pride from Jethro before following the two men into the house.

"Ah, right." Zander paused, turning around before looking between Jethro and myself. "What kind of shifter is Lane? The training may vary depending on the nature of his shift."

Jethro smiled in understanding before motioning to me. "Lane is a Hybrid. His ancestry is a mix between Siberian Tiger, American Cave Lion and the largest breed of Sabertooth tiger."

Zander let out an impressed whistle, rocking back on his heels. "That's a potent mix right there. Wouldn't be surprised if his lineage is even more diverse than at first glance." He added with a point towards Jethro.

"After all, dragons are attracted to things and beings that are unique. From what little I know, you wouldn't fall head over heels for any kitten that struts over your path."

Jethro snorted. "If it was that simple, wouldn't I have found my mate a long time ago among many of the ancient bloodlines? Your logic is skewed, my friend."

My master pulled me closer against him as he continued, "I never cared about species and rank anyways. I didn't even know what Lane's shift was when our bond formed."

Zander produced a curious sound, brushing his hand over his mouth pensively before shrugging. "Well, there goes my theory. It is a pleasure meeting Lane. I'm glad that Jethro has finally found someone that is his match."

I couldn't hide the small grin and heard both Dominants chuckle before Jethro ruffled my hair. The two Dominants walked into the house and I followed obediently, glancing around the large, open areas.

Massive floor to ceiling windows allowed the sun to illuminate most, if not all of the house, warming it at the same time. High tech shades that could be rolled down to stave off the heat of the average African day.

Yet I noticed that the place was still relatively warm compared to most. Most likely due to Zander's shift being coldblooded and needing external heat in order to feel comfortable.

"Normally I'd offer you guys a drink, but you should never, ever even consider drinking when you're going to play or are learning how to play." Zander said, walking around the bar before looking through the fridge. "Though I can make a mocktail..."

Jethro smiled, easily accepting the mocktails and handing me the ice-filled refreshment. I took a sip before humming at the pleasant virgin mojito that was both sweet yet refreshing.

Glancing around, I couldn't see either of Zander's submissives and he must've noticed my glances as he chuckled. His caramel skin glowed in the sunlight as he took a sip of his own drink.

"Normally, my subs would've been at the door to greet you both when you arrived. Yet it seemed a certain brat decided it would be fun to try and get punished before our kinbaku classes." Zander's eyes flitted to the doorway before sighing an added "Come inside Faust instead of eavesdropping. You know I hate that nasty habit."

Sipping from the mojito, I lowered my gaze to avoid eye contact as a gorgeous man walked into the room. A thick mane of long white and black hairs flowed behind him with each step he took.

He approached Zander instantly, uttering a softspoken apology. Zander's formerly happy mood seemed to change as his eyes narrowed.

"Why were you snooping around the doorway instead of coming in, Pet?" He asked sternly, his tone warning Faust against lying his way out of the situation.

Much to Faust's credit, he didn't hesitate as he lowered his head with a sheepish look on his face. "I... wanted to ask if you were going to let Charlie out of her punishment before your guests arrived, Master. But then I heard your voices and I-I..."

I watched curiously as Faust seemed to bite his tongue, struggling to find the right words. Even though he was only slightly shorter than Zander and sharing the man's impressive bulk, he showed none of the confidence that Zander exhibited.

Instead, he seemed to slouch into himself, pulling at his nails until Zander placed down his glass. Hand setting down on Faust' nervous gesture with a soft, understanding smile.

"You wanted to make a good impression but couldn't get over your nerves around strangers?" Zander inquired before producing a deep rumble in his chest as Faust gave a hesitant nod.

Zander instantly dragged Faust against his chest and the fair-skinned male came willingly, nuzzling against Zander's throat to seek comfort.

"Aw baby, I told you before to use your safe words. I'd much rather you safe word too much than that you work yourself up to the point of sickness."

Faust nodded against Zander's throat, making the man chuckle before adding "Words, darling. I need words."

"Yes Master. I'm sorry, I just wanted to be good." Faust murmured, a blush fanning over his features as he slowly untangled from Zander as his Dom took a short step back.

The man coed softly "And you are, precious. You are such a good boy, such a good sub. Worrying about how I'd look in front of others and not wanting to make a mistake. We all have to experience and learn, right? That's why Jethro and his sub are here for. We're all students in some point in our lives."

Faust took a fortifying breath, discreetly rubbing under his eyes as Zander smiled softly before motioning towards us. "Jethro, I would love for you to meet my precious gem Faust. He's been a recent addition and is still settling into the mating bond. Faust, you may address him as Mr. Jethro, though I feel you'll be more comfortable with Sir."

"Thank you Master." Faust nodded, making only the briefest eye contact with Jethro before swallowing nervously. "I-it's an ho-honor to meet you, Sir Jethro."

Honestly, I pitied the man even though he was taller and more muscular than myself. His nerves seemed to be extremely deep-rooted, a slight trembling in his limbs showing just how unsettled he truly was.

I was surprised as my master crouched down, reducing the height difference between them, offering Faust a reassuring smile. "And it my pleasure to meet with Zander's newly found match. I can guarantee you that you'll never be in danger or harmed under his care."

Faust's troubled expression lessened, a gorgeous smile illuminating his face as his voice shook less on his confident, "I know. Thank you Sir."

I smiled, nuzzling against Jethro's palm as it caressed against my face before he introduced me to Faust with the same soft kindness. Making me squirm and wanting to pounce on my master for being such a loving, kind master even though he thought himself to be a monster.

Yet curiosity also gnawed at me. What happened to Faust that reduced him to a shivering mess when faced with new people? And what happened to Zander's other sub, Charlie, that resulted in her being punished?

I knew better than to ask though and resigned myself to inquire later on with Faust, if we had the time to speak in confidence. For now, I would just enjoy the comfort of my mate and the tour of the house Zander was going to provide us with.