Praise for the writing of Cyndi Friberg
Dream Warriors 1: Gareth
Ancient mythology peppered with contemporary humor, tender and passionate romance with an occasional tantalizing glimpse inside the bad guys’s bedrooms…in Cyndi Friberg’s latest book, dreams are getting hotter by the minute! -- Daria Karpova, author of Loose Diamonds (Loose Id)
Cyndi Friberg has done it again with the start of her Dream Warriors series. Gareth and Meagan suck you into their world. A fast and enjoyable read! -- Kally Jo Surbeck, author of For The Love Of… (Loose Id)
The debut of Gareth, Cyndi Friberg’s latest offering from Loose Id, proves she is an author to watch. Where Born of the Shadows takes plot and characters from the Biblical story of creation, Gareth brazenly borrows from Greek mythology. Ms. Friberg’s unique interpretation of familiar characters -with the addition of her own -- is the setting for an exciting, plot-driven, yet very erotic romance that will thoroughly engage the reader’s senses. -- Kate Douglas, author of Wolf Tales 3: Anton (Changeling Press)
Owner of a Lonely Heart
Owner of a Lonely Heart was exhilarating. The suspense kept me on the edge of my chair waiting anxiously for the story to play out. I think Ms. Friberg has a definite winner with this and would recommend to those who love romantic suspense books. -- Sheryl, reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Owner of a Lonely Heart is a page-turner. With several surprising plot twists, Ms. Friberg keeps the reader guessing until the end. The main characters are well-written and believable as two people Fate had to bring together, and not just on the dining room table. If you like novels you must read straight through, start to finish, this one is for you. -- Rayne Forrest, author of Across Time (Loose Id)
Owner of a Lonely Heart is now available from Loose Id
DREAM WARRIORS 1: GARETH
Cyndi Friberg
Warning
This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers. ***** This book is rated:
Contains explicit sexual content and graphic language.
Dream Warriors 1: Gareth Cyndi Friberg
This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-29 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com
Copyright © 2004 by Cyndi Friberg All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.
ISBN 1-59632-013-3 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader
Printed in the United States of America
Editor: Maryam Salim Cover Artist: April Martinez
www.loose-id.com
Chapter One
Elysian Fields Gareth pulled the supple body of the young woman into the bend of his own. Mortals responded to death in different ways. Some wept. Some screamed, bemoaning the injustice of all they had failed to accomplish; and some -- like this woman -- wanted one last taste of what they were leaving behind. He pushed her hair aside, fastening his mouth onto her neck, sucking firmly, while he caressed her soft skin. They lay on their sides in the fragrant grass, sunlight warming their naked bodies. Spooning, he’d heard this called. Such a silly name for something so erotic.
And eroticism was Gareth’s life, his sustenance, his purpose for existence. She squirmed restlessly, her nicely rounded bottom teasing his aching erection. He cupped her breast, enjoying the contour and firm resilience. Her nipple peaked as he rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. She arched into his caress, increasing the pressure against his palm and grinding her buttocks against him. “Please, you’re driving me crazy.” She panted out the words and Gareth smiled. Mission accomplished. Slipping his fingers beneath her knee, he raised her leg, pushing it up and toward her chest. His shaft had no trouble finding her entrance. Her hot, liquid response eased the way. He loved sinking into a woman slowly, allowing her to feel his thickness and length as he stretched the walls of her sheath. The woman in front of him trembled, moaning loudly once he impaled her completely. He hooked her ankle over his thigh, keeping her open as he stroked the silken plane of her belly. Her feminine curls were damp, praise to his skill and caring. He explored her tender folds, amazed at how tightly she stretched to take him. “I want to feel your pleasure. Don’t move. Just let me touch you.” He whispered the words into her ear and searched until his fingers found her swollen nub. Oh, yes. How he loved this incredible little gift from Aphrodite. His job would be so much more difficult without it. He circled her gently, knowing she didn’t need much stimulation to lose control. He rocked forward while increasing the pressure of his fingers. Her core rippled, squeezing him tightly and she shook in his arms. “Very nice. Can you do it again?” “I could do this forever.” She laughed. “You’re amazing.” He was still hard and throbbing within her, so he didn’t remind her that this was a one-time only offer. As soon as Rhadamanthys officially admitted her to the Elysian Fields, her libido would dissipate. She’d be at peace, content, happy, but never…horny. Poor thing. “Gareth.” Someone spoke his name from behind him, but he ignored it. He started moving in the woman, reveling in the sweet friction of her clinging sheath. “Gareth. You have to come now.” “I’m working on it,” he snapped, thrusting faster. “We have an emergency. Morpheus sent me to find you.” “I’m a little busy right now!” “Just hurry up. The team is assembling.”
Rolling the woman to her stomach, Gareth raised her hips and thrust in earnest. She clawed at the grass and bucked against him, but he was frustrated. He hated to be rushed and he hated to be watched -usually. He triggered her orgasm with his mind and left her sprawled in the grass, sated. Gareth never left a woman unfulfilled. But he wanted to strangle the winged messenger who hovered just beyond his reach. Pulling his tunic on over his head, he glared at Hermes. “This better be important. I was just getting into that.” “So I noticed. Don’t worry, my friend. She won’t remember you in the morning.” “That’s supposed to appease me?” “You’re not a god.” Hermes shot him a sardonic smile. “I wasn’t trying to appease you.” “So, why the summons?” Gareth raked both hands through his damp hair, offering it to the breeze. “Morpheus has assembled the whole team? This can’t be good.” Hermes shrugged, the tiny wings on his hat flapping. “I’m just the messenger.” The Grand Hall of Morpheus was the command center for the world of dreams. Dreams transcended time, place and imagination, but they influenced mortals far more than any human realized. Wars had been won and lost in the realm of dreams, brilliant inventions born, and unspeakable horrors vanquished while mortals slumbered, unaware. Morpheus moved effortlessly between substance and shadow, his form appeared and disappeared with the flick of a thought. Long, flowing robes shimmered around his tall, lithe body, creating a nimbus, a golden aura, making it impossible to see his features. Only his eyes, startling in their intensity, shone like obsidian in his shadowy face. He looked up from the reflection pool as Gareth entered the hall. “The others have come and gone, dispatched to their assignments. Where were you?” Gareth glanced behind him, but Hermes hadn’t followed him into the hall. “Comforting a new arrival, as is my duty.” Morpheus laughed. “Comforting the new arrivals is a perk, not a duty. You’re a Dream Warrior. Try not to forget it.” “I’ve not forgotten what I am,” Gareth stressed. “What do you require of me?” “We’ve got an incubus on the loose. I thought the damn things were extinct, but this one’s nasty and agile. He’s easy enough to track; we just look for the victims he leaves behind. But we’ve got to anticipate his next move if we hope to stop him.” “What is my mission?” “Not what, who.” Gareth clasped his hands behind his back, impatient and restless. It had been a long time since he’d been dispatched on such an important case. He was a little rusty, but he was looking forward to the fight.
“Who is my assignment?” Morpheus waved his hand across the surface of the reflecting pool, revealing a young woman. “His latest victim.” “What! I’m a warrior. I want to fight, not play nursemaid to some wounded mortal.” “We have yet to determine the full scope of the damage, but distortions are rippling out along the timeline, changing it even as we speak. The attacks could be random, but I doubt it. The distortion wouldn’t be this intense. The incubus terrorized this woman so badly she won’t leave her apartment and is about to lose her job. You are fighting the creature by playing nursemaid to the woman.” Gareth crossed his brawny arms over his chest and looked at the mortal. Huddled in a chair, with a fuzzy blanket tucked around her legs, her wide, blood-shot eyes stared unseeingly at a television. He glowered at his boss. “Why me?” “Gee, I don’t know. Maybe because the nymphs sigh whenever you walk by and I heard that new arrival crying out her pleasure all the way in here.” Morpheus waved his hand dismissively. “You have exactly the skills I need for this particular assignment. Hermes knows the way.” Gareth turned to go, but Morpheus’ laughter brought him up short. “Oh, and Gareth,” Morpheus said. “Be gentle. She’s a virgin.” Chapter Two
Seattle , Washington Sleep had become her enemy. Meagan Addison splashed cold water on her face, waiting for the shock to clear her mind. It didn’t help. As she patted her skin with a towel, her reflection stared back, daunted and afraid. Purple shadows circled her eyes. Whiskey eyes, her father had called them, after the beverage he loved more than life itself. Three weeks. She’d slept in sporadic fragments for three weeks, terrified that each time she closed her eyes the creature would return. Her supervisor had called twice, the second time sounding more annoyed than concerned. What was she going to do? “Call a shrink and explain that you’ve lost your mind?” she asked her reflection. Would that make these…incidents any less real? Flipping off the bathroom light, she wandered into her living room. Her apartment wasn’t large, but it had a fabulous view of Elliot Bay; and she could walk to work. If she still had a job when she vanquished this imaginary demon. The television droned, but she didn’t bother looking at the picture. She hadn’t turned the channel in two days. How did you fight a nightmare? That’s all this was, a vivid nightmare. She shuddered. Even now she felt the clammy hands and smelled the fetid breath as the monster -- stop it! Thinking about it only
made it worse, imprinted the images on her brain. So tired she could hardly move, she sat on the sofa, then lay on her side, pillowing her head on her hands. She had to stay awake! Blinking repeatedly, she fought to keep the room in focus. She couldn’t fall asleep no matter how exhausted she felt. She had to… ***** Gareth’s heart tightened as he stared down at the mortal woman. She was tiny, almost child-like. The damage left behind by the incubus was obvious, not only in her fatigued body, but her weary soul. The shimmering vitality and spark of ingenuity that should have glowed within her were all but extinguished by the demonic leech. His orders were simple. Repair the damage. Restore her self-confidence and help her deal with the subconscious violation. Gareth must erode the memory of the incubus, combat terror with peace, pain with pleasure. He sank into her mind, constructing the illusion with effortless skill. Something sweet and romantic for this tortured angel. A massive tester bed, damask hangings and the soft glow of candlelight. The faint smell of a crackling fire and fresh flowers in a vase on the nightstand. Stretching out on the bed beside her, he commanded their clothing to disappear. His breath lodged in his throat. She was lovely, exquisitely feminine. This was no child, despite her diminutive form. High firm breasts, crowned with deep rose nipples. Dramatically tapered at the waist, her torso gave way to rounded hips. Her legs definitely warranted further investigation. How to begin. As much as he enjoyed the play of candlelight across her naked flesh, he knew she couldn’t be nude when he drew her awareness into the illusion. A white linen gown with buttons down the front, perfect for a virgin. He smiled as he thought of Morpheus’ parting shot. Was it true? Was she truly chaste? Excitement gathered, heating his blood, speeding his respiration. In all his years of existence, the opportunities to partake of virgin energy had been few and far between. He slipped his arm under her neck and covered her mouth with his. Her lips were warm and giving, but she didn’t respond to the light kiss. “Meagan, my love, come to me.” Tilting her head, he slid his mouth across hers, nibbling gently on her lower lip. She rolled toward him, her arm rising to circle his neck. Her fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him closer. Her mouth parted, allowing his tongue entrance. He went slowly, caressing her lips, tracing her teeth and finally delving fully into the warm cavity of her mouth. Moaning softly, she tore her mouth from his and opened her eyes. Hazy and confused, her gaze searched his face, but she remained in his embrace. Thank the gods, she didn’t push him away. “Who are you?” she murmured. “Where am I?” “I am Gareth and you are in my arms.” “This is a dream…it has to be a dream, but you seem so real.” Using his shoulders for leverage, she
lifted up and looked around. “That creature. Is it here? Is it --“ “You’re safe, Meagan. That’s why I’m here.” Her breath escaped in an audible whoosh and she relaxed against him. “Then, I didn’t imagine it? It was real?” Suddenly, she sat and crawled as far away as the bed would allow. “What am I saying? You’re not real. Oh, God, I’ve completely lost it.” “The creature is called an incubus, and you didn’t imagine it.” She laughed, a short, sharp burst of sound. “I’m so comforted to know my delusions acknowledge each other. It makes being loony so much easier.” “Meagan, the incubus left marks on your body. No delusion can bruise your flesh. It is a real entity, it’s just not corporeal.”
Meagan stared at the naked man reclining in her imaginary bed and blessed her subconscious for the reprieve. The other dreams had been violent, terrifying, degrading. This was amazing by comparison. Gareth looked like he’d strolled right off a romance novel cover and into this bizarre dream. Muscular shoulders and a rippling abdomen led her curious gaze to his lean hips. He’d haphazardly pulled the covers over his lower body, but her imagination had no trouble filling in the blanks. One well defined arm supported his head, his elbow propped against the bed. Long and dark brown, like the finest mink, his hair hung nearly to the mattress. “Well, you’re a welcome change,” she said softly. “Especially if you keep that other thing away.” He smiled and flutters filled her belly. Boy, was he easy on the eyes. “Come here.” He sat up, the covers slipping precariously low across his lap. She hesitated. Talking to him was soothing. Why did he have to spoil it? “Can’t we just talk?” “Sorry. I’m here for a reason and I can’t accomplish my mission with you way over there.” “Your mission? What’s your mission?” He caught her wrist and pulled her toward him. His light green gaze caressed her face. “You can’t live in the shadow of the incubus. I’m going to help you move beyond what happened to you.” Tugging against his hold, panic tore through her. “You don’t know what you’re saying. You don’t know what that thing did to me! I…please, I can’t…” His strong arms wrapped around her, molding her against his naked chest. Shudders shook her, but no tears came. For three solid days after the first attack, she’d done nothing but cry. She simply had no tears left. “I will not hurt you, Meagan. I would never hurt you. But you cannot live the rest of your life afraid of your own body.”
“I’m not afraid of my body,” she objected. “Then let me touch you. Let me show you the pleasure you were meant to feel.” “Why can’t I dream about flying?” she cried. “Put me in my underwear in front of a room of laughing people. I don’t want to have sex in my dreams!” Gently, his warm fingers stroked her cheek, the underside of her jaw. “Do you have sex when you’re awake?” She pushed against him, but his hold remained secure. “I want to wake up now. I’m not amused by this dream anymore.” “Amusement isn’t the emotion I was hoping to elicit, so relax. I won’t hurt you.” Frustrated by her continued resistance, Gareth sent soothing pulses of warmth through her body until he felt her go lax in his arms. He laid her back across the bed. Her hair fanned out over the pillow, firelight intensifying the red in each dark strand. Uncertainty still clouded her gaze, but she wasn’t resisting. “Kiss me, Meagan,” he coaxed. “Kiss me like you love me, like you’d die without me.” Cupping the side of his face with one hand, she slanted her mouth against his. She had accepted his kiss before, but this was different. She participated -- no, initiated this kiss. Her mouth moved, slid and rubbed. Her tongue ventured beyond his lips, seeking and finding his. Gareth groaned, deep in his throat. Her hesitant response unleashed a firestorm of desire through his well-honed senses. He hardened and throbbed, demanding the attention of her hand or her mouth or her sheath. He didn’t care which, but the sudden jolt of passion stole his breath and left him aching with need. He tore his mouth from hers, panting harshly. “Are you all right?” “No. By the gods, no. Feel what you do to me.” He guided her hand down along his body. His erection jerked against her palm. “Oh boy, do I have a good imagination. There is no way men are like that in real life!” She laughed. He liked the sound. It made him want to capture the cadence inside his mouth along with her warm breath. Morpheus hadn’t been taunting him. “You’ve never been with a man, have you? Who are you saving yourself for?” “Shouldn’t you know all of this? Doesn’t my subconscious know what’s going on in my conscious world?” She laughed again. He didn’t think she’d answer, but she said, “I’ve never found the right man. I graduated high school at fourteen and college when I was eighteen. Everyone has always treated me like a little sister. Then the foundation recruited me and all the other scientists resented me. I’m `The Wonder Kid.’ Being precocious just isn’t amusing anymore.” “Well, we need to find you a lover in reality. It will discourage the incubus from returning. A virgin’s sexual energy is pure and powerful.”
“So, if I were promiscuous that creature would have left me alone?” Gareth propped himself up again, pushing his fingers into her hair. “You don’t need to worry about anything. I’m here to protect you.” “Protect me how? What are you going to do?” “Help you relax.” She squirmed away from him. “Nothing you’ve done so far has been relaxing. I think I’ve frolicked through this fantasy long enough. I’m going to wake up now.” Chuckling, Gareth swept her beneath him, easily insinuating his hips between her thighs. “Sure you are.” He was careful not to force her, not to pin her down. She writhed and wiggled. He kept his weight balanced on his forearms and knees, settling his mouth over hers. He kissed her slowly, patiently, waiting for her to accept his lips and the gentle penetration of his tongue. She tossed her head, attempting to avoid him, but her hands explored his back, his ribs, his chest. She wasn’t immune to him, just frightened. Rocking back onto his knees, he freed his hands and unbuttoned her gown, parting the material before he released her mouth. “Oh, Meagan, you are lovely.” He had already seen her body, but she didn’t need to know that. He cupped one breast, caressing the nipple with the pad of his thumb, while he bent to suckle the other. She gasped, trembled, then tangled her fingers in his hair. He nibbled and licked her tender nipples until they pebbled, distended and tight. Catching one between his teeth, he slowly increased the pressure until she cried out, her entire body arching off the bed. Oh, yes, sensitive and responsive. “Gareth,” she whispered. “Yes, love.” “I ache. You’re making me ache.” He suckled her for a moment longer before he responded. “I know, sweetheart. But I won’t leave you aching. Never. I promise.” Moving his mouth farther down, he feathered kisses across her belly. She grabbed his hair, panic clear in her light brown eyes. “No, don’t do that.” “Is that how the incubus took you? Did he put his mouth on you?” “He…oh, God. Just don’t.” “Meagan, look at me. If this is how he hurt you, then this is how I must heal you. Pleasure for pain. I can’t cleanse your mind of his taint unless you trust me.” “I don’t want you to! I don’t ever want to…leave me alone! Just leave me alone.”
Damn it. The illusion wavered all around them. Gareth gathered energy and reinforced the dream, but she was slipping away. She curled up on her side, drawing her knees to her chest. “You’re not real.” She sobbed. “You’re not real. Wake up. Wake up!” Her hysteria polluted the air, distorting the illusion. With a soft curse, Gareth let her go. Chapter Three
Gareth stomped into the Great Hall of Morpheus spoiling for a fight. His sandals slapped against the marble floor, the staccato sound echoing off the walls of the massive room. When the Dream Warriors weren’t on assignment, they were welcome in the hall, encouraged to interact and learn from each other. But the hall appeared empty except for two lean youths lounging near the reflection pool. Their indolent smiles and unlined faces made it obvious they were trainees, yet to venture beyond Olympus. “Is anyone about?” Gareth asked briskly. “Other than us?” the towheaded boy replied cheerfully. “Have you seen Morpheus?” Both boys shook their heads. Garth approached the reflection pool and swept his hand impatiently above the water’s surface, causing it to ripple. “Show me Kane.” “Yes?” The water remained a silvery mirror, but the sardonic voice came from directly behind him. Gareth turned to face his friend. “Are you working on the incubus or does Morpheus have you hacking up demons in some king’s subconscious?” One corner of Kane’s grim mouth quirked, and his ebony eyes flashed, then narrowed. “Do you need my assistance with the virgin?” Gareth laughed as he imagined Meagan’s reaction if Kane appeared in her dreams. Kane’s long black hair had been drawn back, accenting his lean features, features arranged without pity or gentleness. Ruthless mouth, proud nose, brutal cheekbones, and those pitch-black eyes. In a word, dangerous. “I need information, nothing more.” Kane shrugged one bare shoulder, black leather pants and cross-gartered boots his only garments. “I know what we were told in the briefing, which wasn’t much. Our objective is the incubus and Morpheus will apprise us of the details as they become available.” “Who else is working the assignment?”
Again he shrugged, his lazy stride taking him away from the reflection pool. “Everyone not assigned elsewhere.” “That’s not an answer!” Kane shot him a warning glare. “Don’t snipe at me like some fishwife.” Warm and verdant with the fragrant promise of spring, a brisk wind swept through the hall. Dried leaves danced across the marble floor, driven before the breeze like anxious sheep. Gareth bit back his sharp reply, while his gaze surveyed the room. Though pleasant and soothing, the breeze was unseasonable, unnatural. Warnings thrummed through him, stimulating his senses, heightening his awareness. Gareth heard the muted scrape of metal against leather as Kane drew his long sword. They stepped into formation, back to back. Pulling his daggers from the belt at his waist, Gareth clasped one firmly in each hand. He glanced at the reflection pool. The trainees had fled, most likely to search for Morpheus. Flowers. The cloying fragrance permeated the hall. Leaves circled their feet. Heat caressed Gareth’s thighs, brushing ever higher under his tunic. He slapped at the unseen invader. A tinkling laugh drifted on the flower-scented breeze. “Show yourself,” Kane snapped. The fragrance intensified and shimmering light erupted, revealing the pattern of the breeze. It swirled and spun, around them, between them, and over them until Gareth felt dizzy from watching it. “What is this?” Kane swung his sword. The blade passed harmlessly though the apparition. “Be gone, you she-devil! Tell your master we’re on to him!” Morpheus shouted from the arched entrance to the hall. The creature twirled madly, hissing and spitting, before it dissipated, leaving behind a sickeningly sweet perfume. “Well, now we know it’s true.” Morpheus’ robes swaying as he strode across the hall. “We know what is true?” Gareth returned his knives to the loops in his belt. “They travel in pairs, incubus and succubus.” “That was a succubus?” Kane sounded doubtful. “What was it doing here? I thought such creatures only targeted humans.” “She was spying for the incubus, no doubt. Sizing up the enemy.” “Are we on to the incubus or did you just say that to make her leave?” Gareth followed Morpheus toward the reflection pool, Kane a step behind. “I know more than I did this morning, but not as much as you’re likely to want.” Morpheus swept his pale hand over the water, summoning images to the surface of the pool. “This is the research laboratory where our little virgin works.”
“Her name is Meagan,” Gareth corrected. Morpheus chuckled. “Don’t get too attached to her, Gareth, you know the rules. You must never interact on an emotional level. Challenge her intellect, stimulate her senses, but you must remain distanced. This is an assignment, like any other assignment.” “I don’t think he can handle it, Morph. Better let me have her.” Morpheus raised his hand, preventing Gareth from launching himself at Kane. “He is teasing you, Gareth. But your reaction makes me wonder if I shouldn’t do exactly that. I have no doubt Kane can seduce this mortal without compromising the mission. Can you assure me of the same?” “I will not compromise the mission, Morpheus. You have no need for concern.” Gareth glared at Kane, who smirked in return. Their competition had been friendly for centuries. Why had Kane’s simple taunt enraged him? Why couldn’t Gareth banish the human’s haunted eyes from his mind? So tormented, so afraid. He wanted -- no, needed to comfort her, protect her. “I spoke with the Fates.” Morpheus interrupted Gareth’s troubled thoughts. “Stingy bitches that they are, they gave me the thinnest slivers of information. Our little vir…Meagan is supposed to discover a benign, transmission virus. This virus can be programmed to seek out and attach itself to a specific sort of tissue.” “For what purpose?” Kane shifted restlessly, assessing the images in the pool from various angles. “Atropos wouldn’t explain in any detail, but apparently, the virus itself is harmless, but it can be used to transport biological or chemical treatments for a wide range of diseases.” “So without this virus, the diseases can’t be treated?” Gareth’s brows knitted together in confusion. “Or can’t be treated as effectively.” Morpheus turned from the pool. “You have to get her back to the lab. She can’t make a medically significant scientific discovery locked in her apartment.” “It could take some time. She was terrorized by --“ “Time is the one luxury we don’t have. The Fates are frantic. If she doesn’t make this discovery, it could take the human race onto a timeline so far removed from their present course they will be beyond our control. Diseases they were meant to cure will increase in severity and incidence: leukemia, cancer, AIDS. Do whatever you must to stop this creature. Now get busy!” ***** Gareth watched Meagan inch her front door open and peek out at her unwanted visitor. “I’m really not well, Sheri, if you wouldn’t mind --“ “I mind, darlin’, I mind.” With firm steady pressure, Sheridan Vellmos pushed her way into Meagan’s apartment. “Saul said you’d called in again, but I know you’ve got the constitution of a quarter horse.” “What is that supposed to mean?” Meagan closed and locked the door, her face scrunched up with a combination of confusion and insult.
“We’ve known each other for what, six years? You’ve had maybe one cold in all that time. What is going on, Meagan? You look like hell.” Sheri stood tall and stylish, her light brown hair cut in a silky bob. Compassion lit her hazel green eyes. Meagan fidgeted, burying her hands in the pockets of her terrycloth bathrobe. “I…I have…you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” “Try me. I’ve bought into some pretty bizarre things over the years.” An encouraging smile parted Sheri’s lips, but Meagan couldn’t seem to find the words. “Do you want something to drink?” “Why don’t you get dressed and we’ll go get something to eat. How long has it been since you left this apartment?” Tears filled Megan’s eyes and her little chin began to quiver. It was all Gareth could do not to manifest and wrap his arms around her. “I can’t,” she whispered. “They’ll know. How can they not know?” The older woman took Meagan into a light embrace, while Gareth ached to take Sheri’s place. Hard, ragged sobs tore through Meagan. Tears fell unchecked from between her tightly clenched eyelids and her whole body shook with the onslaught of her emotions. Damn the incubus and damn Gareth’s inability to banish her fear completely. “Oh, honey, what is all this? Talk to me, Meagan. Tell me what happened.” “I don’t know.” She sniffled. “Maybe nothing. Maybe something so -- evil…I don’t know how to explain.” Gareth sat on the floor as Sheri guided Meagan to the sofa. “Just start at the beginning and tell me everything. I don’t care how strange it sounds. You have to share this with someone.” “It started three weeks ago.” Sheri patted her hand, but didn’t rush her. Meagan took a deep breath; her expression grew distant and troubled. “I’d been working on Bental-2 and I got home really late. The virus has some fascinating properties, so I couldn’t shut down my brain. I was so tired I could hardly move, but my mind was manic with speculation.” Sheri smiled gently. “I’ve been there.” “I must have fallen asleep, finally. I remember sensing…something. I knew I was dreaming, which didn’t make sense. Usually my dreams are surreal, but this was focused and specific.” She didn’t say anymore and the older woman scooted closer. “I don’t understand. This has to do with a dream?” “Have you ever heard of an incubus?” Sheri’s dark brows drew together, creating furrows in her forehead. “Aren’t they a techno band?”
Meagan laughed, a harsh, abrupt burst of sound. Wrapping her arms around herself, she rocked subtly back and forth. “They’re demons that attack women while they sleep.” “Attack? You mean sexually?” Meagan pulled the edges of her robe apart, revealing the deep purple bruises visible above her nightgown. “Did I do this to myself? I have bite marks on my thighs. I may be flexible, but I’m pretty sure it’s physically impossible to self-inflict these particular wounds.” “Oh, Meagan. I’m so sorry.” Sheri paused, her wide hazel eyes brimming with tears. “This happened three weeks ago?” “The first attack happened three weeks ago. Now I’m terrified to go to sleep. Terrified it will happen again.” Would she tell the other woman about him now? Would she admit that the incubus wasn’t the only spirit to appear in her dreams? “Is it possible that someone drugged you? That this isn’t an incubus at all but a real live man?” Curving her legs up under her robe, Meagan wrapped her arms around her knees and shook her head. “Maybe if it had only happened once, but…you probably think I’m crazy. I’m half-convinced I’m crazy.” “You’re coming home with me,” Sheri said decidedly. “No way you’re staying here one more night alone.” Gareth shot to his feet. Damn it, woman, she’s not alone! The illusions he created took Meagan beyond the physical realm, but his assignment required privacy. Sounds and motion could meld with the physical world. It would be just his luck to have this daft intruder shake Meagan awake at the worst possible moment. Chapter Four
After take-out Chinese food and a warm bubble bath, Meagan knew she should sleep like a baby. She thanked Sheri for all her kind attention and slipped into the guestroom/office. Sheri had thoughtfully left the hall light on and promised to wake Meagan in plenty of time for her to get ready for work in the morning. Work. Her research with the foundation seemed a lifetime before. Had it really been less than a month since this nightmare began? With Sheri’s help, Meagan had been able to push away the night, and feel normal again. But the night had found her, the darkness returned. She pulled back the covers and sat on the edge of the bed. The window she faced looked out over Sheri’s backyard, tall leafy trees all but obscuring the view.
What was she going to do? Slipping between the cool sheets, she lay on her side, staring out at the sporadic sections of sky visible through the trees. A car drove past. Shadows swelled and undulated across the walls. Meagan closed her eyes. A face, captivating in its male beauty, formed within her mind. Long dark hair in no way detracted from the masculine strength of his features. Slashing eyebrows drew attention to his brilliant green eyes. Like the finest peridot, the shade was light, but intense. “Gareth,” she whispered. “I’m here.” She heard his voice, but the image in her head was just a memory. “Go to sleep. Don’t be afraid. I’m waiting for you.” Wrapping herself in his promise, she surrendered to sleep. She awakened in his arms, and yet she was not awake at all, only aware. “I missed you.” He whispered the words against her cheek, his warm breath teasing her skin. A tingling thrill coursed through her body. Stretched out beside her, he pillowed her neck with his arm. He was here. He was really here. She pushed her fingers into his hair, sighing as the long strands slid against her sensitive skin. “I wasn’t sure…” “I’m real.” “I know.” She smiled. “I wasn’t sure you’d return after I sent you away like that.” “You were frightened. How can I fault you for that? It’s the whole reason I’m here.” She stroked his broad shoulder, his thick bicep, fascinated by the strength so obvious in his muscular build. “Where are you when you’re not with me? You said you’d been sent to comfort me. Who sent you?” His fingers traced her jaw, then threaded through her hair, tilting her head. “I was sent to comfort you. So, let me comfort you.” Warm and firm, his mouth settled over hers, molding and caressing. Meagan lost herself in the tingling current. She parted her lips and accepted the gentle stroke of his tongue. The man knew how to kiss! But curiosity nudged past her passion, keeping her surrender at bay. Why wouldn’t he answer her questions? “Who are you, Gareth?” She turned her face away. “What sort of being are you?” “I will not hurt you, Meagan. I will bring you only pleasure.” She sat up, trying not to be distracted by his magnificent chest. “You didn’t answer my questions. How
are you different from the incubus? It takes by force while you’re determined to seduce. Maybe you’re both demons. You’re just better at this than he is.” “Demon is a human term. It is not really acknowledged where I come from.” “And where is that? What are you? Where do you come from?” He sat also, his gaze piercing the moonless gloom. “I fight in the Army of Morpheus. I am a Dream Warrior.” She laughed. “I think I’ve watched too many re-runs of Hercules. Morpheus? You mean the god of dreams, I presume, not the guy from the Matrix.” His crystal green eyes stared back at her in confusion. “I only understood about half of what you just said. Morpheus is my supervisor and Hercules died a very long time ago.” “Am I dreaming now?” “I accessed your subconscious through your dreams, but we are currently in an illusion of my making.” He reached for her hand, but she snatched it away. “I can form this image to your liking, if another setting would make you more comfortable.” “Like you did the first time you came to me.” A tight knot of tension formed in the pit of her stomach and she swung her legs off the side of the bed. “Do you control everything that happens here?” “I would never make you do anything you didn’t want to do.” Standing beside the bed, she crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re so good at that. Try to anticipate the reason for my question and maybe I won’t make you answer. Can you make me want you? Is it possible?” “Yes.” He sighed, then rushed on, “But I would --” “I find no comfort in this. Tell Morpheus thanks for the offer, but I’ll figure this out on my own.” “Meagan, it’s not that simple. You need to understand --” “Release me. Now!” Meagan sprang up in bed, the same bed she had just crawled out of in the illusion. Trembling, she forced her sluggish mind to accept the obvious truth. Gareth was real. Just like the incubus, Gareth was not a figment of her imagination. ***** Angry voices echoed inside the Great Hall of Morpheus, reaching Gareth long before he entered the building. He wasn’t looking forward to explaining that he had yet to complete his assignment, so he welcomed the disruption. Morpheus stood near the reflection pool, as was his wont, but he merely observed the argument, which surprised Gareth. Hades and Rhadamanthys faced off in front of Morpheus, their heated debate well
underway. This was not the first time the god of the Underworld and the keeper of the Elysian Fields had quarreled over the final destination of a mortal soul, but why here? How was Morpheus involved? Kane and Ryder stood back from the verbal fray with a man Gareth didn’t recognize. Kane watched the action intently, his black eyes gleaming with interest. Ryder’s burnished hair flowed in waves to his broad shoulders, and those ridiculous dimples offset the brightest smile in Olympus. Gareth focused on the stranger. Had this dazed creature caused all the fuss? “Clearly he belongs to me!” Hades shouted. “Nothing is clear. He was taken too soon!” Rhadamanthys’ kind face and diminutive stature were far less intimidating than Hades’ hulking form, but his tone was no less vehement. Hades swept his long-fingered hand toward Morpheus. “You are the cause of this. You ordered your Dream Warrior to bring the human here. Explain yourself!” “Actually, my assignment didn’t involve anyone in particular,” Ryder interjected. His wide brown eyes sparkled mischievously. “I was just supposed to --” “Silence!” Hades roared, the sound shaking the hall. “We are battling an incubus, Hades. It was necessary.” Morpheus glided between the opponents and approached the man standing with the Dream Warriors. “You have an aneurysm in your brain. Within a few days it will rupture and you will die.” The human’s eyes rounded and the color drained from his face. “I’m not dead already? Where am I? Who are you?” Gareth heard hysteria in the man’s voice and moved closer. This had been no gentle introduction to the afterlife. “I am Morpheus. We have need of your body and the knowledge you have acquired during your life. I have made arrangements for you to remain in the Elysian Fields while we are using your body. When we have vanquished the incubus, we will release your body and your spirit will continue on to your final destination. This is a reprieve, not a pardon.” “I don’t understand. What does that mean? What is my final destination?” Morpheus turned to Hades. “Is this agreeable to you?” “I should have been consulted before this decision was made.” Inclining his head respectfully, Morpheus said, “I apologize. Ryder was told to find a mortal within my outlined criteria. I did not know if the task was possible, much less who the person would be.” “Not possible,” Ryder objected. “Have I ever failed you? I’m your ‘go to’ guy. I specialize in the impossible. If you need --“
“Silence!” Morpheus and Hades cried in unison. Gareth glanced at Kane in time to see him squelch a budding smile. The fiercest man in the known universe couldn’t be caught grinning, but Ryder’s enthusiasm was contagious. “The conditions are acceptable,” Hades grumbled. “I release the human to Rhadamanthys’ authority until you are finished with his body.” Gareth waited for Rhadamanthys to lead the stunned human from the hall before he asked the details of Morpheus’ plan. “If this man is going to die in a day or two, how is his body going to be any use to us?” “You shouldn’t need it any longer than that.” Morpheus made a vague gesture in the direction of the human’s departure. “With a little assistance from Zeus, I’ve had Justin transferred to Meagan Addison’s research team. Take over his body and make sure she stays on task. His personality and memories are gone, but his intellect and knowledge base are intact. It may take some effort to access them, but I have confidence in you.” “Why Gareth?” Kane stepped forward. “The incubus is dangerous. This may require a level of brutality to which Gareth is not accustomed.” “I agree. But the incubus is not corporeal. Ryder didn’t locate this body to battle the incubus, but to interact with Meagan.” “And I’ve already made first contact.” Gareth dared him to argue with a scathing retort. “Exactly. You will keep her focused on her work during the day and continue to infiltrate her dreams at night. Or better yet, seduce her while in human form. The loss of her virginity would be a great defeat for the incubus.” “I’ll do my best.” Gareth smiled. “But don’t forget, your name is Justin!” ***** “What’s your sudden interest in mythology?” Meagan gasped and turned from her screen so quickly her elbow collided with Saul’s hip. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!” “Sorry.” He smiled sheepishly, his bright white teeth eclipsing his thin face. Intelligence gleamed in his sharp blue eyes and his hairline was just beginning to recede. A few inches under six feet, his rail-thin body swam beneath a thigh-length lab coat. “I’ve been dreading this all day, Megan, so I’m just going to get it over with. Mr. Carroll insisted that I do some cross-training. He said the project shouldn’t have come grinding to a halt because of your…illness.” “I see.” She folded her hands in her lap. Was he going to fire her? It was 2:30 in the afternoon. Why let her work half a day before handing her the dreaded pink slip? Why have her come in at all? “Mr. Carroll believes someone should have been familiar enough with your research so that your project could have continued even in your absence. So, I’ve hired a research assistant for you. Justin Garrett’s
qualifications are impeccable and his experience --” “Justin Garrett?” She echoed. “You hired someone to assist me?” She looked around the lab, but she was alone with Saul. “He’s in the hallway. I asked for a moment to explain this to you. I told him it might be a bit awkward.” Relief bubbled up within her until she wanted to laugh. “Have him come in.” He started toward the door, then paused. “What does mythology have to do with the Bental-2 virus?” “Nothing. I was taking a break.” “I’ll get Mr. Garrett.” She made a face at his retreating back. How the Carroll Foundation had ever hired such a prize was beyond her. Saul spent all of his time creating needless work for the research scientists. If he would just leave them alone and let them do their jobs… Her mental grumbling trailed away as her new assistant appeared in the doorway. Tall and lean, Mr. Garrett moved with the loose-limbed grace of an athlete. Until his foot caught on the leg of one of her tables and he ended up sprawled on the tiled floor. “Are you all right?” She rushed to his side, not sure whether to be concerned or embarrassed for him. He held up a hand, his dark head bowed, face hidden. Had he hurt himself badly? She knelt beside him and heard his muttered curses. “I haven’t quite got the hang of this, yet,” he said. She chuckled. “I feel like that myself sometimes. Did you hurt yourself?” “Mostly my pride.” He raised his head and met her gaze directly for the first time. Meagan gasped. Those eyes! He had eyes the same crystal green color as…Gareth -- Garrett? No, it couldn’t be. “Are you all right?” He grinned. “I know I’m no Prince Charming, but you gasped when you saw my face.” “I’m sorry. You have eyes the exact same color as someone else I know.” She scrambled to her feet, extending her hand to help him up. “They’re an unusual color. I’d never seen anyone else with eyes like his.” He was taller than she realized. Her head tilted back as she studied his face. Disheveled from his fall, or maybe it always looked messy, his rich brown hair curled over his ears and across his forehead. She fought the urge to brush it off his brow. Nice straight nose, mobile mouth, but all his features seemed to blur when she looked into his eyes. “Justin Garrett.”
“Meagan Addison.” “Do you prefer Ms. Addison or Meagan?” Finally dragging her gaze away from his face, she smiled. “Meagan.” Chapter Five
Mindful of his every move, Gareth followed Meagan about the laboratory. She explained where supplies were kept and the ergonomic strategies utilized in the lab’s layout. Gareth tried to remain attentive, but the realities of the corporeal world kept distracting him. The dream realm had a softer focus. The boundaries were less rigid. He glanced away to hide his smile. Actually, he controlled the boundaries in the dream realm instead of being controlled by them. His shoe caught against the floor and he stumbled. He managed to catch the edge of a filing cabinet before he took another tumble, but his tour guide turned to face him. “Maybe you have an inner ear infection,” she suggested, a smile flirting with her lips. “Do you always have trouble with your equilibrium?” “New shoes. New job. I’m just a little nervous.” She wore a lab coat but hadn’t bothered to zip it, so her striped sweater and blue jeans were visible beneath. Burying her hands in the pockets of the lab coat, she smiled. “It’s my job on the line, so you can relax.” “I’m here to assist you, Meagan, not replace you.” Her smile turned cold. “I wouldn’t be the first person to train their own replacement. I know what Saul said, but I also know I’m out of chances. If they can find a reason to let me go, they will.” “So don’t give them a reason.” They spent the rest of the day discussing the Bental-2 virus. Bental-1 had been eradicated by the immune system before it could attach itself to the target cells. The trick was finding a virus that was hardy enough to survive, while not causing damage to the host organism. All the detailed case studies and controlled experiments had yet to yield the desired balance. A soft tapping drew their attention to the doorway. Sheridan Vellmos stood there, her hazel eyes bright with curiosity. “Are you ready to go, Meagan?” Meagan’s gaze darted to the clock mounted above the doorway. “I guess it is about that time. Have you met Justin Garrett? Justin, this is Sheri Vellmos. Sheri, meet Justin.” Stylish heels clattering, Sheri crossed the lab and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. How long have you been with the Carroll Foundation?” He chuckled. “About two and a half hours.”
She flashed a warm smile, her eyes sparkling. “Well, welcome aboard.” Meagan gathered her belongings, but hesitated by the door. “Was there something else you wanted to accomplish today? I like to make sure everything is locked up.” She didn’t trust him alone in her lab. “No. I was just dreading traffic.” That was the understatement of the millennium. If she thought he was graceless on foot, she should see him behind the wheel of an automobile. Morpheus insisted all of Justin’s skills were intact, so operating the four-wheeled deathtrap shouldn’t have been such a challenge. Perhaps Justin had just been a horrible driver. Chatting comfortably, the women headed off in the opposite direction once they reached the parking garage. Gareth started the engine of the bright red sports car but couldn’t bring himself to engage the transmission. “It won’t get any easier, Justin.” Ryder appeared in the seat beside him. The mocking observation made Gareth wish Ryder was more than just an apparition. If Gareth smacked the back of Ryder’s head, as he desperately wanted to do, his hand would pass right through the illusion. The oldest and most skilled of the Dream Warriors, Ryder alone was able to manifest in the waking world. “This is the twenty-first century,” Gareth muttered under his breath. “Put some clothes on before someone sees me talking to a toga-draped imbecile.” “Testy.” The illusion rippled and reformed. A black tee shirt and blue jeans now adorned Ryder’s tall form. “Shall I style my hair? Is my makeup okay?” He batted his long eyelashes and then laughed. “Smart ass.” The echoing clatter of high-heels announced the visitor. Gareth looked out the passenger window and saw Sheri Vellmos approaching the car. “Too late to blink out. I’m pretty sure she saw me.” Using the driver controls, Gareth rolled down the passenger window and smiled at Sheri. “Did you forget something?” “Just my manners. We’re going to grab a pizza and thought you might like to join us.” Her gaze moved over Ryder with obvious interest. “Where did you come from?” Ryder chuckled. “I’m afraid that’s a really long story.” “Well, you’re both welcome to join us, if you like.” She reluctantly dragged her gaze away from Ryder and smiled at Gareth. “Meagan thought we were being rude.” “We appreciate the offer, Ms. Vellmos, but we’ve got other plans,” Gareth said dismissively. She waved haphazardly as she walked away. “Now they’re going to think we’re lovers,” Gareth grumbled. Ryder laughed at the notion, but Gareth didn’t find the situation amusing. He was trying to seduce Meagan. This was a complication he couldn’t afford.
***** “Did you see that blond?” Sheri’s voice rose passionately. “He was to die for.” Meagan laughed at her friend’s melodramatics. “I’m sure Justin thinks so, too. No wonder he seemed so nice.” “There is no way those two are gay. Believe me, honey, there was simply too much testosterone in that car.” Sheri raised a slice of pizza to her mouth and took an enthusiastic bite. “Hungry?” She nodded while she chewed and then said, “Ravenous. He made my insides quiver.” “Is that a good thing?” Sheri paused, lowering the pizza slice. “Haven’t you ever been with a man who -- made your insides quiver?” Picking up her mason jar filled with cola, Meagan intentionally took a leisurely sip. Thankfully the restaurant was dimly lit, so her friend couldn’t see her fiery blush. Why was everyone so fascinated with her sexual inexperience? It made her feel…deformed. Sheri pushed her plate aside and leaned across the table. “Have you ever been with a man?” “I’m not going to talk about this.” “How old are you?” She continued, despite Meagan’s insistence. “Twenty-three, twenty-four? Weren’t you eighteen when we met? The Carroll Foundation snatched you right out of MIT, but --” “Let it go, Sheri. I’m not going to talk about this.” “All right. I won’t push, but I don’t understand it.” Anger flared within her and her hard won control slipped. “What’s to understand? I have never had sex. Big deal! Does that make me less intelligent? Less compassionate? Less ambitious? Why is such importance placed on sexuality?” Sheri pressed her lips together firmly, keeping her grin at bay, but merriment danced in her expressive eyes. “I know. If I’d done it, I wouldn’t have to ask.” “Did you take a vow or something?” Sheri dove right back in. Raking her fingers through her shoulder-length hair, Meagan shook her head. “I’m not a nun, Sheri. I think having sex indiscriminately is dangerous, but I wouldn’t mind feeling my insides quiver at least once before I die.” She fiddled with the sleeve of her sweater. “Gareth said the incubus might have been attracted to me because --“
“Who is Gareth?” Meagan closed her eyes. She hadn’t meant to mention Gareth. Convincing her friend that she’d been attacked by an incubus had been difficult enough. If she explained about the Dream Warriors, Sheri was sure to think she’d lost her mind. Maybe she had. If she was suffering from a mental illness, it would explain all of her bizarre experiences. “Did you talk to a counselor about your dreams?” In a manner of speaking. She couldn’t resist the hope in Sheri’s tone. Opening her eyes, she said, “Yes. Gareth specializes in the sort of attack I suffered.” “He’s a paranormal psychologist?” “Something like that.” “Is Gareth his first or last name? How did you make contact with him? Did you check out his credentials? There are a lot of crackpots out there, Meagan. You have to be careful.” “He came highly recommended and I think Gareth is his first name.” Sheri’s gaze remained suspicious. “What’s his last name? Who recommended him?” “His last name is about fifteen syllables long and no one can pronounce it, so he just has his patients call him Dr. Gareth.” Meagan nearly choked on the lie. Sheri’s tenacious protectiveness warmed her heart, but this was one situation better left alone. “Why the inquisition? He’s helping me. Isn’t that what’s important?” “How many times have you seen him?” “Just twice.” Meagan sighed. Obviously, Sheri intended to fully explore the subject. “And he agrees that this is some sort of spirit?” “Gareth is the one who told me what it’s called, but I’ve researched it on my own, Sheri. This isn’t a new phenomenon. The incubus and succubus have been reported --” “Wait. What’s a succubus?” “An incubus attacks women. A succubus attacks men. They both feed off the sexual energy of their victims. The attacks aren’t always -- brutal. Some reports indicate that the spirits seduce their victims and are welcomed when they return.” Glancing around as if to see if anyone was listening to their wild conversation, Sheri scooted closer to the table before she spoke again. “I know you believe all of this, Meagan, but I can’t help wondering if there isn’t more to it. Did the incubus bother you last night or were you safe at my house?” A certain warrior assured her safety; it had nothing to do with her new location. “It’s been six nights
since the last attack. I keep praying it’s over.” “I’m trying to keep an open mind about this spiritual attack theory, but you have to promise me you won’t disregard the possibility that this is being caused by a flesh and blood man. It might be someone in your building. Maybe someone is following you home from work. Isn’t it more realistic to think that some sick-o is stalking you than… Have you considered reporting this to the police?” “I don’t think they can stakeout my dreams, Sheri.” She moved her half-empty plate to an adjacent table, her appetite completely gone. “The police can’t help me.” “And this Gareth can?” “He’s the only hope I have, right now. But I’m having a hard time trusting him.” Sheri patted her hand and offered an encouraging smile. “That’s certainly understandable.” They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes. Sheri was plotting something; Meagan saw it in her eyes. But Meagan’s thoughts were already on Gareth and the night ahead. “Back to the beginning of this subject,” Sheri said quietly. “Gareth said your…lack of experience might have something to do with why you were targeted?” “He said a virgin’s sexual energy is highly concentrated, very attractive to this sort of spirit. My research confirmed what he said.” Sheri drummed her fingers against the tabletop. “Seems to me there’s only one way to dissuade the incubus permanently. We’ve got to find a man who’ll make your insides quiver.” She punctuated the decision with an outlandish smile and Meagan groaned. ***** Meagan tossed and turned in the unfamiliar bed. She couldn’t get comfortable. Every sound startled her. It was as if the elements had conspired to keep her awake. The wind howled through the trees. Rain pelted the window with noisy splatters and lightning illuminated the night at unpredictable intervals. This was ridiculous! For the first time since her ordeal began she wanted to fall asleep and the storm wouldn’t cooperate. We’ve got to find a man who’ll make your insides quiver. Sheri’s teasing words haunted her, mocked her. The only man who’d even come close was locked in her dreams and she couldn’t get to him. Frustration compounded her restlessness. She flipped on the bedside lamp and sat up. What she wouldn’t give for a tranquilizer right about now!
A moaning emanated from her purse, which she had hooked over the footboard’s thick post. Who would be calling her at 1:40 am? She’d turned off the ringer, but apparently left it on vibrate. The call went to voicemail before she could free her cell phone from the side pocket of her purse, but she didn’t recognize the number on the “missed call” display. Must have been a wrong number. She was about to return the phone to its pocket when it vibrated again, creating the same low moaning. Curious now, she flipped open the phone. “Hello?” “Hello? Who is this? Wait, I’m sorry. I was trying to call my phone. Can’t find the damn thing. This is really embarrassing. Sorry I bothered you.” It took her a moment to place the nicely modulated male voice. “Justin? What are you doing up? It’s almost two o’clock in the morning.” “Who is this?” She laughed. “Meagan Addison. Your phone number must be one off from mine. All of the Carroll Foundation numbers are sequential.” “Might be why I can’t get my phone to ring. I’ve been calling yours.” He laughed and she felt an odd tingle in the pit of her stomach. “I’m really sorry to disturb you. But why are you awake?” “Good question.” “Are you afraid of the storm or is it just one of those nights?” Flipping off the lamp, she curled up on her side and stared out the window, holding the phone to her ear. “It’s been a strange night. Nice, but strange.” “Why don’t you tell me about it? Doesn’t sound like either of us have anything better to do.” He had such a nice voice and anything was better than listening to the storm, alone. “I want to ask you a question, but you have to promise not to get offended.” “That’s a pretty tall order. Can I hear the question first?” “Sheri was impressed with your friend. What’s his name?” After a pause, he said, “Ryder. Why would I be offended by that?” “Is he your friend or your…partner?” He laughed and Meagan found herself grinning in the dark. “Do you honestly think…never mind. Obviously, you don’t know us well enough to understand how utterly ridiculous the assumption is. Ryder and I are not lovers and we are both passionately attracted to women.” “Well, thank you for letting me be nosy. It really is none of my business. But I will admit that I’m relieved.”
“Why is that?” There was that tingle again. She licked her lips. “I better let you go. We both have work in a couple hours.” “We’ve got plenty of time. Unless you’re feeling sleepy.” She wasn’t particularly sleepy, just uncomfortable with the conversation’s turn. “I’ll see you in the morning.” “Meagan?” “Yes?” “I’m glad you answered the phone.” A tingle wasn’t quite a quiver, but it was a good place to start.
Chapter Six
The following day was one of the longest of Gareth’s existence. He was physically exhausted and emotionally torn. Controlling his borrowed body became easier, more natural with each passing hour, but he was not used to sexual frustration. As Justin, he smiled and flirted, but kept his banter light and playful. Meagan responded well to the hands-off approach, protecting herself behind her professional reserve. Well, Gareth wasn’t her coworker and Gareth’s approach would be anything but hands off. The instant Justin’s body fell asleep Gareth soared across the realm of dreams. He hadn’t realized how constrained he’d been by the corporeal world, how limited, until his essence burst through into his natural environment. Stretching and twisting, he projected himself toward Meagan, flying unfettered. Power surged through him, heady and dizzying. He could finally breathe! He manifested in the guestroom spinning as he landed deftly on his feet. Where was she? The bed was empty, as was the entire room. Sheridan Vellmos was propped up in bed across the hall, watching a late night talk show, but Meagan was nowhere in sight. Concerned now, Gareth rushed through the house. Had Meagan altered her plans and returned to her apartment? She’d told Justin she was staying with Sheri at least through the weekend. So, where was she? He didn’t hear running water, but the guest bathroom was the only room remaining. Easing his essence through the door, he looked inside. She reclined in a tub filled with water, mounded high with iridescent
bubbles. Barely asleep, she offered him the slimmest of opportunities, but the slimmest of opportunities was all Gareth required. He slipped into her mind, drawing her deeper into his domain, constructing the illusion as he went. Her breathing deepened, her head leaned slightly to one side. The walls expanded, blending with the shadows until they floated in the purple vastness of space. The tub deepened and curved into the claw-foot design of a bygone age. He softened the light, surrounding them with candelabras. After reshaping his image to one adorned in a silk dressing gown, he knelt beside the tub. “Meagan.” He whispered her name with a subtle compulsion, drawing her awareness into the illusion. “Don’t you know it’s dangerous to sleep in the bathtub?” She shifted beneath the blanket of bubbles, the upper curve of her breasts coming into view. He smiled. Her lashes fluttered and she murmured something incomprehensible. “Will you let me to touch you, Meagan? I’ve thought of nothing else.” “Gareth.” She sighed. She raised her hands and cupped her breasts, pressing them firmly together. Gareth groaned. Was she aware of what she was doing? Or was she lost in some in between stage? Controlled illusion or conventional dream, one thing was certain -- she was thinking about him! He found her knee beneath the bubbles and slid his hand down along her inner thigh. Her legs parted, welcoming him. Damn! Why hadn’t he started this in a bed? His erection pounded painfully, demanding immediate attention. Short of crawling in the tub with her, there was no help for it. He would have to content himself with the hot silk of her smooth skin. Heat radiated from her center. He played across her tender flesh, relishing each moan and jerk of her slender hips. She continued to touch her breasts and he had to know that she understood what was happening. “Meagan, open your eyes. Look at me. See me.” She gasped as their gazes locked, but she didn’t speak. Staring deeply into her light brown eyes, he gently pushed his finger into her passage. “I want to touch you, taste you, take you. Go to bed!” He flicked his thumb across her sensitive nub, pushing her into orgasm and shattering the illusion. He groaned as tangible and intangible separated, taking her beyond his grasp. She shuddered, gasped and sat up in the bathtub, her hands still covering her breasts. “Oh my,” she whispered. “You’re…still here. Aren’t you?”
She could no longer see him or hear his voice, but apparently she sensed him. It was an important victory. Lowering the lever, she released the drain and stood. Gareth watched as rivulets of water followed the sweet contours of her body. If they’d still been in the illusion he would have insisted on exploring her gleaming flesh with his tongue before she stepped from the tub. But he couldn’t touch her, could only watch as she toweled herself dry and donned a flannel nightgown. Such a shame. Her gaze darted around the room, while she brushed her teeth. Was she hoping to catch a glimpse of him? Wondering if he had departed for some other woman’s dreams? Would it bother her to think of him with someone else? He shook away the thought. Morpheus was right. He needed to be careful. Meagan was an assignment, nothing more. He couldn’t allow her to be more. She crawled into bed and curled up on her side, tucking her hands beneath her cheek. He waited for her subconscious to open, for her to fall asleep. Nothing happened. Gareth groaned. Not again. She had to fall asleep. He was hard as a rock and more than ready to show her where their love play led. She had to fall asleep! He heard the creature’s laughter, then smelled its vile stench. Pivoting on the ball of his foot, he dove, attempting to intercept the incubus in midair. The spirit passed through him and floated over Meagan. She wasn’t asleep. It couldn’t harm her. But the incubus remained there, hovering like a thundercloud above her peaceful body. Gareth insinuated himself between the incubus and Meagan. He tried to force it away, but here, in the waking realm, it was intangible, impossible to move. Meagan, stay awake! Don’t go to sleep! He sent his thoughts to her mind, but she didn’t respond. If he couldn’t wake her completely, he must infiltrate her dreams and control the illusion. In the dream realm Gareth could fight the incubus, he would welcome the fight, but he had hoped to spare Meagan any further exposure to the creature. Gareth scanned her mind, frantically searching for a path into her subconscious. She was still awake! Damn it. He had no access. She wasn’t asleep. The incubus laughed.
A pulse of burning energy propelled Gareth off the bed. Meagan rolled onto her back, a moan escaping her lips. Beneath her lids, her eyes began the rapid movements that signaled dreams. This was not possible! One moment she was awake and the next she was dreaming? Gareth clawed at the incubus, but his hands passed through the entity’s shadow, useless, harmless. His infuriated scream made no sound. How had the incubus reached her? She hadn’t been asleep! He searched her mind, scanning every avenue, every pathway. Blocked. Each way was barred against his entry. He couldn’t reach her. Couldn’t protect her. He was helpless! Propelling himself back into Justin’s body, he scrambled out of bed. “Morpheus! Morpheus take me to her! I’ll never make it in time if you don’t help me.” Gareth waited but nothing happened. He jerked on a pair of jeans and was reaching for his discarded undershirt when his borrowed body was pulled through the fabric of space. He screamed. Skin burning, muscles cramping, he felt as if his body was being torn apart. Then he slammed into a solid wood door. Grunting, he bounced back and landed hard on his rear end. Pain shot up his spine, the sensation jarring him out of his dazed stupor. Quickly making sure he was at the right house, he rang the doorbell and pounded on the door. “Ms. Vellmos! Open the door. It’s an emergency. Open the door!” Sheri inched the front door open, still protected by the metal and glass security door. Her face scrunched up with her confusion, she clutched the front of her bathrobe. “Let me in,” he insisted. “Meagan is in trouble. Open the door!” “Meagan? What are you talking about?” Gareth’s heart pounded painfully in his chest -- or was it always this painful when a human heart pounded? “I don’t have time to explain.” “I’m not opening this door until you --” Grabbing a perimeter brick from the garden edging the porch, Gareth smashed the top section of the security door. Sheri shrieked and jumped back as glass shards showered down around her. Without hesitation, he reached through the wrought-iron frame and rotated the bolt. Rushing beyond the debris, he took the stairs two at a time. “What the hell is going on?” She flew up the stairs a step behind him. Gareth burst into the guestroom. In his human body, he couldn’t see the incubus, but he sensed the
entity. Evil permeated the room. He felt the subtle vibration and smelt the lingering stench. Meagan moaned, tossing her head, but otherwise unmoving. He threw back the covers and shook her gently. “Meagan, wake up. You must wake up.” She didn’t respond. Sheri rushed to the bedside. “My God, what’s wrong with her?” He slipped his arms beneath Megan’s trembling body and tried to lift her. A pressure far greater than her body weight resisted his efforts. “Come on, sweetheart, fight it! Come back to me.” “What are you doing?” Sheri’s hands closed around his upper arm, tugging him away from Meagan. “She needs an ambulance.” Shaking off her persistent hold, fear and frustration burst through his calm. He needed help and he didn’t dare summon anyone with this meddling woman in the room. “Get out!” “Not a chance!” Sheri responded just as vehemently. “What’s wrong with her?” “The incubus is upon her.” Sheri’s laugh sounded hollow and harsh. “You’ve got ten seconds to explain what this is about or I call the cops!” Good. She hadn’t done so already. Meagan whimpered, shifting restlessly. He reached for her again and Sheri wrapped him in a bear hug from behind, trapping his arms against his sides. “What did you do to her?” “I must get her to…I need help.” He gritted out the words between clenched teeth. “I cannot fight this alone.” “Where do you want to take her? Is she drugged?” She paused, panting. “Where are the rest of your clothes? How did you know she was in trouble?” He’d heard enough. In one violent motion, he raised both his arms and set her away from him. “Do not interfere again.” “Go straight to hell, buddy.” He ignored her. Gathering energy to himself, he pulled Meagan’s listless body close to his chest and lifted with his legs. Battling the force of the incubus, he managed to dislodge her from the bed. A distressed cry escaped her throat, but Gareth ignored that, too. His fear mounted with each moment she remained despondent. He had to get to Morpheus!
Sheri ran to the door, blocking the exit with her outstretched arms. “You’re not going anywhere with her. Put her back on the bed!” A faint, golden shimmer coalesced behind her. Gareth kept his angry gaze on Sheri’s face, careful not to give Ryder away. It’s about time, he complained to the other Dream Warrior. Ryder manifested with his hands hovering to each side of Sheri’s head. He sent a sleep pulse into her brain and she crumpled to the floor at his feet. “Better late than never,” Gareth muttered, stepping over the prostrate woman. He carefully maneuvered the stairs with Meagan cradled in his arms. Clutching her tightly to his heart, he reached out with his very soul and summoned the Dream Master. ***** “I’ve never seen anything like this,” Morpheus admitted, his slender hands hovered over Megan’s head, moving slowly as he scanned. Gareth’s human heart missed a beat. “How is that possible? You’re a god.” Morpheus’ obsidian eyes flared with crimson intensity, illuminating his shadowy features, before the darkness closed in. “What does that have to do with anything?” He straightened, facing Gareth across the bed on which Meagan lay. “The incubus operates within my territory, but I didn’t create it, and I don’t control it. I no longer sense the actual entity, but he has locked her within some sort of trance.” With all the care and tact of his first transportation, Morpheus had jerked them through space and slammed them into Meagan’s apartment. He’d stood beside her bed, waiting for them. A bruised shin and banged head were a small price to pay for privacy and the counsel of his master. Or so Gareth thought until he’d heard what Morpheus had to say. “Who controls the incubus?” “Good question. When you have the answer, let me know.” Gareth ground his teeth. This was no time for Morpheus to be difficult. “How should I proceed? What can be done for Meagan?” Turning from the bed with a swirl of dark robes, Morpheus paced the small room. “Kane and I will continue our search for information. This creature cannot be acting alone. Incubi are minions. We must unmask his master.” “What about the other human, Sheri Vellmos? Her memory must be purged, but how do we keep her from interacting with Meagan until we’ve vanquished the incubus?” Gareth rolled his shoulders, his gaze drifting back to Meagan’s pale face. “What a tangle.” “Actually, Sheri Vellmos’ name has come up before. I’ll assign Ryder to the situation.” An image of Sheri’s appreciative gaze moving over Ryder flashed through Gareth’s mind. “She has seen Ryder with me, or rather Justin. He must remain invisible.”
“I’ll tell him.” “And Meagan? What should be done with Meagan?” “You are uniquely qualified to deal with Meagan. You must find a way beyond this trance. Stimulate her senses, take her virginity if you must, but find --” “I will not force myself on an unconscious woman,” Gareth insisted. “Even to save her life? The incubus may have submerged itself so deeply within her subconscious that it only seems to be gone. The only way to know for certain is to access her subconscious, and only a combination of corporeal and non-corporeal stimulation will accomplish this task. Gareth and Justin are going to have to work together on this mission.” “That isn’t funny.” Morpheus didn’t argue. He blinked out of sight. Chapter Seven
Stretching out beside Meagan on the bed, Gareth studied her pale face. Fine wisps of mahogany hair feathered across her forehead and framed her cheeks. Faint purple smudges shadowed her eyes. Her serene expression concealed the trauma triggering her condition. Gareth wished the spindle of a spinning wheel had triggered this repose, but nothing as innocent as a fairy curse was responsible for her trance. He brushed the hair back from her face and traced the soft curve of her lips with his thumb. If only this were a fairy tale. If only a simple kiss would break the spell and release her from the realm of dreams. Understanding unfurled as his fingertips memorized the petal soft texture of her lips. It was never really the kiss that broke the spell. It was the meeting of two hearts destined to live happily ever after. True love. An unfamiliar tingle danced across his skin and warmth expanded in his chest, his abdomen. He felt an emotional link with this woman, had from the first moment he saw her. That was his weapon, his plan of attack. Pleasure for pain. Tenderness for terror. He must find her in the darkness and surround her with…his love. Gently, oh so gently, he pressed his lips to hers, forming a connection, a bond. He cupped the side of her face with his palm and eased his other arm beneath her neck. Meagan, feel me. You’re not alone. I’m here with you. He sent the thoughts deep into her mind, infusing them with warmth and tenderness. Molding his mouth to hers, he stroked her neck, caressing her throat with his fingers. She remained unresponsive. He focused his emotions. Recalling the warmth that pervaded his being when their eyes met. He thought
of his fascination with her quick mind, and the nearly overwhelming protectiveness that had overshadowed his actions since he first saw her weary smile. Open for me, sweetheart. Let me in. Let me slay this dragon! Her breath hitched and her lips trembled. Gareth angled his head, sliding his lips back and forth across hers. She murmured something soft and low. Fight, my love, make a way for me, and I will do the rest. Distant and subtle, her resistance to the incubus was nearly undetectable. Gareth sensed a faint weakening in the barrier surrounding her subconscious. Centering his attack on the anomaly, he poured energy into the disturbance, expanding the disruption and opening a small gap into the dream realm. He concentrated his essence into a thin stream and projected himself through the tear. Sulfur, rot, and sweat combined in a stench so putrid Gareth gagged, covering his nose and mouth with his hand. The incubus hadn’t bothered to create an illusion or it no longer possessed the strength. Gareth still stood in Meagan’s bedroom, but here in the dream realm, the incubus couldn’t disguise its presence. The creature sat on the bed, propped against the headboard with Meagan sprawled across its lap. She was naked, her eyes wide and staring, her body battered and bruised. “You will die slowly for this,” Gareth vowed. Fury clawed at his composure, driving every thought from his mind except murder and retribution. Fluctuating between substance and shadow, the incubus moved in and out of focus with sickening undulations. Its only discernable feature was ice-blue eyes, eyes without emotion, flat and soulless. “She is so sweet, this woman of yours.” Its shadowy hand passed over her breasts and descended along her abdomen. Gareth roared and dove for the bed. His fingers closed around the creature’s throat for only a second before the incubus shifted and Gareth’s hands passed right through its body. The incubus laughed. “Not so mighty as you thought, Warrior?” Think, Gareth. Calm yourself. Concentrate! Morpheus snapped the directives within his mind, but Gareth knew he heard echoes of his long years of training, not a literal manifestation of the Dream Master’s voice. Reining in his emotions, Gareth concentrated entirely on the entity now facing him across Meagan’s bed. He studied his enemy. It was only semi-corporeal, even here in the dream realm. It was a creature of energy. “Would you like to hear all the things I did to her?” It taunted. “Or better yet, I’ll show you. She kept screaming your name, expecting you to save her. Where were you, Gareth? Why didn’t you come?” Bile rose into the back of his throat, but Gareth kept his gaze fixed on the creature, refusing to so much
as glance at Meagan. He must vanquish this fiend! He felt her hand touch his hip, but kept his eyes trained on the incubus. She moved in his peripheral vision, struggling to her knees on the bed. Gareth licked his lips, seething with useless energy. He wanted to brawl, to pummel the creature and rip its flesh to ribbons. She slipped her arms around his waist and pressed her body against his chest. “He feeds on my energy,” she whispered. “He hasn’t…fed for several hours. He’s weak. I can feel his hold slipping.” Battered and abused, but not broken. Relief rushed through Gareth with painful intensity. The incubus hadn’t shattered her spirit! He held her carefully, tenderly, stroking her back, tucking her head beneath his chin. “Let’s get out of here.” Gareth shot a challenging glare at the incubus and went to work. Filling the room with cool currents of rain freshened air, he drove the evil stench out the window. The incubus shuddered, its glacial stare flashing like blue diamonds. Gareth formed a silk robe and wrapped it about Meagan, shielding her from the creature’s leering stare. He gathered her into his arms and ruptured the room, propelling everything outward in one violent burst of energy. The incubus howled, shriveled, and twirled like a leaf on the wind. Gareth clasped Meagan to his heart, grinning triumphantly. But a moment later, the incubus found its bearings and solidified. “You can’t protect her forever, Warrior. I will return the moment you leave her unguarded.” “Then, I will never leave her side.” The creature cackled, taking an unsteady step toward them. “And make her a prisoner in her own life? Guarded night and day?” They stood in the rubble of her room, surrounded by a black abyss of shapeless space. She clung to him, silent and defenseless. Why was the creature still here? It should have vanished with the energy burst. “Push harder,” Meagan whispered. “His hold on me is weakening. I can feel it.” Her voice wasn’t loud, but Gareth was pleased by the calmness in her tone. The incubus took another step, its shape nearly disintegrating before it managed to reform. Gareth gently moved Meagan behind him. He couldn’t allow the incubus to touch her, to restore any measure of its energy. “This illusion is dismal at best,” Gareth drawled. “How about something more pleasant?” The incubus launched itself into the air, flying directly into Gareth’s face. Raising his arms, Gareth deflected the creature’s attack. The darkness rolled back, exposing a bright blue sky. Thick blades of grass sprang up around his feet. Leafy trees shot into the air and wildflowers dotted the gently rolling hills, which undulated toward the horizon. Physical interaction was useless, so Gareth forced the creature to battle the illusion, draining its depleted energy.
Writhing and moaning, the incubus twitched wildly, while sunlight passed through its essence, exposing its evil, saturating its shadow. I will return. The threat was whispered on the wind as the incubus faded from sight. Turning, Gareth caught Meagan as her knees gave out beneath her. She was shaking, her face devoid of color, her lips tightly clenched. “It’s over, love. You’re safe.” He sank to the grass, arranging her on his lap, cradling her lightly in his arms. “How can you say that? It will come back. It always comes back.” He tried to draw her near, but she pushed him away. “I want to wake up now. Can you make me wake up?” “Yes, but I need to explain --” “No.” She turned her face away. “No explanations. No justifications. Just wake me up!” ***** Deep in the heart of the Underworld, Chaos paced his bedchamber. Firelight played across his muscular body and accented the changeable quality of his thick dark hair. The shoulder-length strands transformed from crimson to black and back again. Delilah lounged upon his massive bed, naked and sated, for the moment. Delilah wasn’t her real name, but learning her name would allow any being to enslave her, so she guarded the secret more fiercely than life itself. Never again would Delilah subjugate herself to anyone, be they man, woman, god, sorcerer, or king. She had fought too hard, sacrificed too much, to endure such an existence again. She stretched, effortlessly shifting into a different form. Her lovers never knew what they would find when they glanced her way. It was part of her allure, and she enjoyed the ability to the fullest. Arranging her long, lithe body to showcase her small, firm breasts, she silently demanded Chaos’ attention. “Your brother failed.” Chaos growled the words, his eyes, like his hair, alternated red and black. Tucking a lock of shiny black hair behind her ear, she smiled. The blue highlights perfectly matched the sapphire flash of her eyes. This was one of her favorite forms and she chose it now because it pleased her. Chaos preferred curvaceous blondes. “Zared left the human. That doesn’t mean he failed.” One dark eyebrow arched, mocking her argument. “He was forced from the human by a Dream Warrior. He was vanquished.” Delilah scooted to the edge of the bed and studied her companion. He stood framed by the marble fireplace, a striking combination of crimson and gilt. The entire room seemed fashioned of crimson and gilt. Delilah smiled. Savage and uninhibited in his nakedness, Chaos contrasted beautifully with the regal décor.
She shouldn’t have told Chaos what she sensed, but she’d been too shocked to lie. Her link with Zared was powerful, and when she felt Gareth force her brother from the mortal’s subconscious, Delilah had been dumbfounded. Well, she must now assure Chaos they had only begun to fight. “You would have to see a woman after Zared has finished with her. Meagan will be incapable of coherent thought, much less scientific discovery.” Chaos stalked toward the bed, his red/black hair fanning out behind him, muscles rippling. Heated tingles bounced along her nerve endings, calling her senses to aching awareness. It had been too long since a lover genuinely excited her. “I risked much to free you, Delilah. If my father were to realize --” “If Hades realizes I bested him -- again -- I will ensure you are kept from the conflict.” Chaos grabbed her upper arms and pulled her up until she knelt on the bed. “Empty promises fall readily from your lips. My father is beyond your control, as am I. You and I work together toward a common goal. That is all! Now locate your brother and find out what went wrong.” He gave her a little shove and stalked back to the fire. Gloriously naked, he stood there contemplating the leaping flames. Damn him! Her eyes narrowed on his sculpted back. There was far too much of his father in him. Of course, his mother was Hera, arguably the biggest bitch in the universe. Little wonder Chaos was arrogant and difficult and utterly attractive to her. Delilah shook away the thought and climbed from his bed. “I will expect your report before nightfall tomorrow.” He didn’t bother to turn around. His curt order made her pause, her gown bunched about her shoulders. Why was he provoking her? Releasing the diaphanous material to float about her slender body, she crossed the chamber to where he stood. “Expect whatever you like, Chaos. I do as I please.” With speed and agility that stole her breath, he sprang. He pulled her arms behind her back, locking them there with one large hand. His fingers tangled in her hair and he held her immobile as his face descended. “You will do as I please, Delilah, or I will return you to the pit. I may not be able to enslave you without your real name, but there are many ways to motivate cooperation.” “Threats and intimidation just happen to be your favorite?” Her voice held a soft note of challenge. “That was not a threat. It was an explanation of my intentions. You will please me, succubus, or I will return you to the pit. It is as simple as that.” “I understand,” she muttered, her gaze defiant. He laughed. “I don’t think you do.” Wrapping her in his brawny arms, he crushed her against his chest and took possession of her mouth. He moved his lips, urged, and guided. The instant she opened for him, his tongue thrust home. He
touched her, tasted her, savored her with slow, deep sweeps of his tongue. She clung to his naked back, her senses inundated with Chaos, her head spinning. Her breasts swelled, their tips sensitive and tight. Deep in her feminine core the throbbing rhythm of desire erupted with demanding intensity. How could a kiss, a simple kiss, make her whole body ache? They had just spent hours indulging their carnal passions! He cupped her breast with his hand as he eased her away. “Do you burn for me, succubus? Are you hot and wet, ready to be filled by me?” She trembled. His breath fanned her kiss-moistened lips and amplified the throbbing between her thighs. “I burn.” “Good.” Lowering his hand, he turned back to the fire. “Return with information that pleases me and I will please you.” Chapter Eight
Meagan emerged from the nightmare gradually. She wanted to be as far away from the incubus as humanly possible, but lethargy pulled at her senses like a warm current. Shame and humiliation tempted her to avoid reality. But her attacker didn’t exist in reality. Her assailant polluted the intimate sanctuary of her mind, so where could she find refuge? With a helpless sob, Meagan opened her eyes. Gareth’s light green gaze stared back at her. “Gareth?” Her eyes snapped shut and she waited for the last of the terror to recede. Think. She had to make sense of this madness. The incubus couldn’t harm her as long as she was awake, but Gareth only existed in her dreams. So, where the hell was she? Hot tears escaped beneath her lashes. Fingers gently brushed them away. She gasped. Hesitantly, she lifted her lids. Those light green eyes remained, but little by little the rest of his face came into focus. “Justin?” “Which name makes you more comfortable?” “Where am I?” She placed her hand against his chest, meaning to push him away. His skin was warm and inviting, the muscle beneath her palm firmly pronounced. Her hand lingered. “We’re in your bedroom. Morpheus brought you here. Ms. Vellmos was attempting to protect you, but she couldn’t accept the nature of our enemy.” Images flashed through her mind, frightening echoes, and distant voices. Justin had burst into the guestroom and attempted to awaken her. The incubus had increased its control, smothering her screams and paralyzing her body. After that there had been only the incubus, its rancid breath and hurtful hands, until she heard Gareth urging her to resist, to allow him into the dream.
Justin arched over her, not touching, just hovering. Panic sent her wiggling out from under him and she sat, panting and confused. She trembled and an occasional tear trailed down her cheek, but she knew the danger was past. At least for now, the incubus was gone. “Do you know Gareth or are you Gareth?” He sat as well. Scooting to the edge of the bed, he put one foot on the floor and bent his other leg in front of him. “Morpheus has arranged for me to use this body while we battle the incubus. It will allow me to interact with you in both the dream and waking realms.” “Why did you deny who you were that first day? I suspected it was you the minute I looked into your eyes.” “We had hoped to minimize your involvement.” He took her hand, stroking her fingers gently. “I was supposed to protect you. I’m so sorry, Meagan. I failed.” The need to reassure him pushed through her vulnerability, releasing an unexpected surge of strength. She embraced it eagerly. She had felt so isolated by these attacks, abandoned by a world that didn’t understand, didn’t believe what she was suffering was real. This man believed. It didn’t matter what name he used, he understood what was happening to her. She wasn’t alone. “You didn’t fail, Gareth,” she whispered. “I’m alive. I’m sane.” She squared her shoulders and met his gaze. “I’m ready to fight.” He raised her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “You’re amazing.” Unimpressed by his praise, she focused on the determination rapidly building within her. Information was power and she would never be powerless again. “What does it want? Why is it attacking me?” He heaved an audible sigh and stood, her hand slipping from his loosened grasp. “I’m not supposed to give you specific information. I might inadvertently change the course of history, but I’m so far outside my usual mission parameters, I don’t know what is permissible. To be honest with you, all we have right now are theories.” “Theories? Theories about what?” “Your work. This has to do with your work.” “The Bental-2 virus?” She drew up her legs under her nightgown and wrapped her arms around her knees. “I was making significant progress right before the attacks began. I’d nearly proven my hypothesis. So, this was no coincidence. The incubus wants to keep me from completing my research, but why? What does it gain by preventing this development?” Justin shook his head, his gaze darting away. “The question is, who benefits from preventing this development? The incubus is a minion, more than likely under someone else’s control.” “How do we find out who controls the incubus and how do we keep it from attacking me again?” She crawled off the bed and stood beside him. Loneliness closed in, making her restless. She needed to touch
him, to reassure herself that he was real. “I don’t think I can go through it again, Gareth. I don’t think…” She stepped toward him and he turned, taking her gently in his arms. “I’m here. I’ve maintained a link to your subconscious. The incubus cannot isolate you again.” “You said it was attracted to me because…if we make love will it…” He eased her away from his chest and framed her face between his palms. “Sweetheart, I don’t want to make love to you only because you’re afraid of the incubus.” “This is your mission, remember? Pleasure for pain. I want to feel something -- @@anything@@ other than this emptiness. That creature…” Guiding her head to his shoulder, he let her cry. He rocked her gently, stroked her hair, and whispered soothing phrases or just her name. She clung to him, her hands moving absently across his naked back. “Kiss me. Please, Gareth.” He feathered kisses across her face coming no closer than the corner of her mouth. Meagan squirmed, trying to anticipate his movements, until she finally took his face between her hands and nipped his lower lip. “Kiss me, now.” He chuckled, returning the nip and then laving the tiny hurt with his tongue. “Are you sure? I can hold you until we fall sleep, then I’ll make love to you in your dreams.” “No.” She shuddered. “I have to do it for real before I’ll be able to do it there.” “Okay, but…I wasn’t prepared for this. I don’t have protection.” She lowered her face, resting her forehead on his chest. “I don’t keep condoms in my nightstand. I’ve never done this before.” He gave her a quick kiss. “It’ll be okay. It’ll just be a little unconventional.” “Unconventional?” She wiggled away from him. “Maybe we better wait.” “Maybe you should trust me,” he countered, his fingers encircling her wrist. “If you honestly want to wait, we’ll wait, but you’re right. This is my mission.” Staring up into his glittering eyes, Meagan felt her inhibitions melt. What did she have to lose? Her unwanted virginity. Her horrible memories. Certainly nothing worth keeping. He offered comfort and tenderness, and she longed for both. “Well, we can’t have you failing your mission.” His mouth covered hers. Taking advantage of her smile, he eased his tongue between her parted lips. Meagan slid her hands across his chest, enjoying the heat and the texture of his hair-roughened skin. He angled his head, his hand cupping the back of her neck. His tongue stroked across hers, inviting her to play, encouraging her response. She didn’t notice him busily undoing the buttons of her nightgown until the garment slipped off her shoulder. His warm palm covered her breast and Meagan sighed. She was so ready for this. Her entire body vibrated with anticipation.
Sitting on the side of the bed, he drew her between his legs, his hands sneaking under her nightgown. He cupped her bottom, burying his face between her breasts. “Your skin is so soft.” He nuzzled, using his nose to separate her gown until his mouth fastened onto bare skin. “And warm.” His hands wandered beneath her gown while his teeth worked to expose more skin. He found her tender nipple with his fingers, then his lips as his teeth dragged her gown aside. She arched. His lips sealed over her, drawing her deeply into his mouth. The firm suction caused her nipple to harden and burn. Threading her fingers through his hair, she pressed herself closer. Releasing her nipple with obvious reluctance, he said, “Take off your nightgown. I want all of you.” The urgency in his tone sent tingles skittering down Meagan’s spine. She pulled the gown off over her head and tossed it aside. He cupped her breasts with both hands before she could complete the motion. His thumbs flicked her nipples, each touch synchronized. She rested her hands on his shoulders and leaned into his teasing hands. “I need to know one thing, but it’s the only thing I’ll ask.” His hands stilled against her breasts as he waited for her to respond. “All right.” “During the attacks…I want to take you in a different position than you were in when you were attacked.” She shuddered violently, but what he said made sense. “He was always on top of me, holding me down.” “Okay, we’ll try something a little less --” “Conventional?” “Yeah.” He stood and shucked his jeans. Meagan pulled off her panties, giving herself an excuse to turn around. His arm encircled her waist and he swept her hair away from her neck, his mouth exploring the sensitive skin beneath. Shivering, she tilted her head and moved her hair farther up, exposing her nape. Accepting the invitation, he nibbled and sucked until each ticklish tingle made her quiver and moan. “You like that?” His moist breath played across her skin. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Unfamiliar sensations gathered low in her belly, making her restless, achy. He turned her in his arms, his hands skimming over her torso, lightly cupping her breasts, descending along her sides before he started caressing again. Was he intentionally avoiding the areas of her body that longed most for his touch? She twisted, trying to bring her breasts against his palms, but he ignored the silent plea and continued to torment her. His mouth covered hers in a slow, deep kiss as he guided her backward, pressing her shoulders to the wall beside the window. Grasping her waist, he lowered himself to his knees, pausing to nuzzle the underside of her breasts. Gently, he raised her foot to his thigh and angled her leg out, opening her for
him. Meagan stiffened. Why was he on his knees? He descended to her belly and she tangled her fingers in his hair. “I don’t want that, Gareth. Don’t use your mouth on me.” “I don’t want to hurt you. I want to make sure you’re ready.” “So touch me. Use your fingers. I don’t want…” Nudging her thighs farther apart, he exhaled his hot breath across her feminine curls. “I’m just going to touch you. Relax.” Each word stirred his breath against her moist flesh. Oh heavens, it felt good. She relaxed a bit, resting her head against the wall and his fingers were there, pushing through her folds and into the very heart of her body. A smooth twist of his wrist and those clever fingers spiraled deep into her core. “That’s right,” he murmured. “Now I’m going to touch you right here.” He gently parted her. “With my tongue.” She started to protest, but the tip of his tongue drew a tight little circle and her inner muscles fluttered, squeezing his fingers. It felt wonderful! He pulled back and pushed deeper. She moaned, arching her back, surrendering to the pleasure. Each gentle touch of his tongue released a separate wave of sensation. She squeezed his fingers while his tongue tenderly caressed her clit. If his fingers felt this good… He slid his fingers in and out. The slow, teasing glide made her wild for the stretching fullness of real penetration. His lips closed around her nub and he carefully sucked it into his mouth. Meagan cried out, her back bowed and her legs gave out beneath her. Gareth gathered her into his arms, stroking her hair until her senses returned. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” She blinked repeatedly, but didn’t speak. “Are you ready for more or ready for sleep?” Chuckling softly, she struggled up from his lap. “Now that’s a loaded question if I ever heard one. If I go to sleep, no doubt your alter ego will only finish the job.” “No doubt.” He led her to the bed and lifted her to the mattress before he stretched out on his back and hooked his hands behind his head. “The next move is yours, sweetheart. Here I am. Come and get me.” His borrowed body lacked the muscular definition Gareth had acquired over a millennium, but he recognized attraction in her light brown eyes. She knelt beside his hips and studied him, unconsciously licking her lips. Gareth groaned. Oh, to feel that warm, soft mouth enveloping his aching erection. “Do whatever you like, just do something.”
She chuckled and her hand touched his hip, inching toward the source of his discomfort. “I’ve seen a…penis before, you know,” she said calmly. “I’m not a complete…” She closed her hand around his…penis and her words trailed away. Gareth grinned. She could call it whatever she wanted so long as she didn’t move her hand. Well, actually he wanted her to move her hand, just not remove her hand. She touched him, tentatively at first, but soon with a rhythm that had him bucking and groaning. Her clever fingers encircled his shaft, while she cupped his aching balls with her other hand. Heat enveloped him, made him groan, made him pound with desire so demanding he was afraid he’d spill his seed before he ever got inside her. “Oh, sweetheart, I really need --” She bent her head and kissed the very tip of his shaft. Every muscle in Gareth’s body clenched and he expelled a ragged gasp. “I don’t know how quickly this body recovers. We better wait until I’ve…” “Deflowered me?” she asked dramatically. He laughed at the phrase, but nodded. “Swing your leg over, straddle my hips.” Still sitting, he helped her into position, kneeling across his lap. “Now lift up a bit and kiss me.” Her thighs flexed as she raised her hips. He opened his mouth to welcome her tongue and positioned himself to take her. Hesitating just inside her entrance, Gareth shook with the pleasure of being surrounded by her heat, the moist welcome of her body. Slow or fast? Which would hurt her the least? He generally enjoyed a slow, gradual entrance, but this was different. He suspected a quick, hard thrust would be more merciful. Grabbing her hips with both hands, he kissed her deeply, thoroughly, until she sagged against him, responding wildly. Then, he braced his legs and thrust up as he forced her hips down with his hands. She cried out, her nails biting into his shoulders. “All done,” he whispered, easing them over onto their sides. “What do you mean all done?” she cried. “I can still feel you inside me and I know I sure as hell didn’t…I mean I’m not finished.” He stroked her flushed cheek, and pulling out of her clinging, hot body about cost him his sanity. “Go to sleep, Meagan. We can’t finish until you go to sleep.” Chapter Nine
Delilah loitered in the Hall of the Dead impatiently waiting for her brother. Even changing her appearance without warning held no amusement for her this evening. The startled gasps and appreciative glances had kept her entertained for several hours, but midnight approached and Zared had yet to appear. The Hall of the Dead was a dismal place. Scarred trestle tables stretched as far as the eye could see. Ridiculously medieval. Hades preferred his luxurious palace and his simpering wife Persephone to the realities of the world he ruled. It was an irony that had long since cost Hades her respect. The god of the
Underworld should not be afraid of the dead. “It’s thoughts like that that landed you in the pit.” Delilah gasped and spun to face Zared. “Don’t sneak up on me, you fool. I could have skewered you.” She jabbed at him with her dagger, but he didn’t bother to dodge the blade. Being semi-corporeal affected them differently. She was able to change her shape at will. He never quite solidified. “You’re standing in the Hall of the Dead with your knife drawn. Guess I don’t need to ask who inspired this tantrum.” “I don’t throw tantrums, Zared.” She huffed. “The dagger helps me think.” “Yes, I heard what you were thinking. And I’m not the only one capable of reading your mind, so I’d be more respectful in my thoughts regarding Hades.” Sliding the dagger into the loop at her waist, she glared at his fluctuating features. “How did Gareth get in? The charm you had should have insured your success.” He floated through the bench to her right and then solidified enough to sit. “The charm worked perfectly. I led Meagan into the dream realm and blocked Gareth’s entrance before he had the chance to follow.” Biting back a caustic remark, Delilah filled her tone with patronizing mockery. “I know how things began and I know how things were supposed to transpire, but you didn’t answer my question. How did Gareth get in?” He laughed, unmoved by her exasperation. “The mortal roused enough to let him in. You frequently underestimate the strength of the human spirit. I, on the other hand, am ever amazed by their…resilience.” “How fortunate for you.” She sneered. “How long before you can go back?” Waving her back, he rose through the bench, and stood. “Returning to Meagan is pointless. She understands too much. Besides, the Dream Warrior is linked with her now. I have no chance of isolating her again. We must adjust our plans.” “Chaos is not going to like this.” He gently touched her shoulder. “Why do you insist on staying here? You are free. Let’s go. What is keeping you here?” “Our kind are never really free. You are bound to me and I am bound to the one who knows my name.” “Even when that one throws you in a pit and leaves you there to rot?” Zared shook his head. “Hades has forgotten you. That’s the only reason Chaos was able to set you free. You’d been down there so long Hades has forgotten you exist.” Delilah turned her back on her brother, unwilling to reveal the torment caused by his careless words. “He hasn’t forgotten me,” she whispered.
“You better hope he has, sister mine. If he finds out you’ve been entertaining yourself with his son…” She heard his ragged sigh. “It will be better for all of us if he’s forgotten. In the meantime, you ask that creature you’re curling up with what he wants me to do next. And once he figures out Plan B, have me summoned.” She nodded without turning around. He made no sound as he departed, but she knew the instant he was gone. Tears blurred her vision and her chest burned with sobs she refused to release. He hasn’t forgotten me, her heart cried out to the Hall of the Dead. ***** Meagan snuggled into the sun-warmed contour of Gareth’s body and sighed. It had taken forever for her to fall asleep. Justin had rubbed her back, rocked her in his arms like a child, and left her alone to succumb naturally. Just when he was ready to abandon the endeavor, she drifted off. Roses and the stronger scent of Jasmine filled the warm breeze. She stretched and rolled onto her back, gazing up at the bright blue sky. Sunshine hurt her eyes but warmed her naked body, making her feel brazen and daring. “Why is there a king-size bed in a field of flowers?” She turned her head to smile at Gareth. He lay on his side, facing her, his head propped up on his arm. Sunlight gleamed in his rich dark hair, contrasting sharply with his eyes. Justin was handsome in that boy-next-door, friend-you’ve-known-forever sort of way. Gareth muddled her thoughts and made her act irresponsibly. He was the stuff of fantasies. “Would you rather I put the bed in a room or make love to you on a mountain of furs? The possibilities are endless.” Heat curled through her as sensual images filled her mind. Beds, bathtubs, tables, all the positions she’d seen in movies and read about in books. Just looking at him was enough to fire her imagination. “Why wouldn’t you finish making love to me in Justin’s body? Is this what you meant by unconventional or was it something more?” He traced the slope of her shoulder with his index finger, his glistening gaze racing on ahead. “I didn’t have protection, so that was as far as we could go in my borrowed body, but I won’t pretend to be disappointed by the development. I wanted to be your first, not him.” Chuckling softly, she pointed out, “He is you, Gareth. I was making love with you.” His mouth captured hers, his arm slipping beneath her neck. She rolled to her side and molded her body to his, parting her lips, welcoming his tongue. His hand found her breast already achy and sensitive. Without instruction or hesitation, she raised her leg and hooked her calf over his hip, bending her knee. She expected to feel his penis surge into her, but his fingers accepted the invitation instead, petting, stroking, playing. Clutching his shoulders, she tried not to think about the pain he’d caused, to wonder if it would hurt again or if she would feel… He rubbed against her, around and over, but not into her. She held perfectly still, accepting the intimate massage, allowing him to stimulate her clit. Her core throbbed, impatiently waiting for the thrust of his thick shaft.
“Now,” she whispered. “I’m ready now.” He chuckled against her kiss-dampened mouth. “Ready for what?” “Ready for you.” Catching the underside of her knee, he pulled her forward. “Ready for this?” he asked and filled her in one slow, steady drive. She arched her back, taking him deeper. They both gasped. “Yes, oh yes!” He cupped her bottom, anchoring her tightly as he rolled onto his back, bringing her with him. For a long moment, she lay sprawled on top of his muscular body, impaled by his erection, breathless and dazed. She stroked his chest, listening to the steady thumping of his heart beneath her ear. How could this be a dream? It seemed so real, more real than before, or maybe just more… “Are you all right?” “I think so.” She parted her thighs. He slid deeper and she cried out. It didn’t really hurt, but her body stretched tightly to accommodate him. The pressure surprised her. She sat up, balancing her weight on her knees. “Very nice.” His hands cupped her breasts as she paused, adjusting to his presence deep inside her. He bent his legs, creating a support for her back, while his fingers reacquainted themselves with her nipples. “I’ll give you pleasure again. Your release will make it easier for me to move.” Her entire body tingled in agreement, so she only smiled. “Relax against my legs and lift up just a bit.” Meagan closed her eyes and did as he asked. Each pass of his fingertips triggered ripples of pleasure along her internal muscles. With her body stretched tight around him, the sensations were accentuated. She gasped and jerked, clasping his thighs for stability. “That’s right.” Hard, throbbing spasms of pleasure erupted and her body bathed his in liquid appreciation. “Very good. Now lean forward and ride me.” He guided her hands to his chest and showed her what he meant. Lifting her hips nearly off him, he groaned when she eagerly pushed back down. Apparently, she didn’t need his help. She found a rocking rhythm that had him gasping and arching up into her. The warrior in him wanted to turn over, to pound into her, to dominate, but he loved her too much to ruin this moment with fear. He loved her too much?
Shocked by his own thoughts, he tried to concentrate on the pleasure building low in his belly. How had this happened? He couldn’t love her. It was forbidden. He clasped her silky hips and matched her movements, increasing the force and depth of each thrust. She cried out, her head thrown back, her inner muscles squeezing him tightly. Gareth arched off the bed, buried completely within her heat as his body shook with release. She collapsed across his chest, her face pressed against his throat. Mmm, a Meagan blanket. Very nice. He stroked her back, her hips, wondering how long they could lie like this before her legs fell sleep. “Gareth?” “Um hum.” “How long can you stay with me?” “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I’m assigned to protect you until Morpheus tells me otherwise.” “Do you always do what Morpheus tells you to do?” “I’m a Dream Warrior. Morpheus is the Dream Master. Yes, I must obey him. He can end my existence with a thought.” She pushed against his chest, sitting up, their bodies still joined. “And would he? Would the Dream Master blink you out of existence?” “I’ve not done anything so far to make him do so.” He spread his arms. “Obviously.” “Are Dream Warriors born? Were you ever a child?” “No, Dream Warriors are created beings, we were never children.” Cocking her head, she ran her hand through her hair carelessly. “Then, you don’t have parents or siblings?” Her interest in the specifics of his existence troubled him. Was she simply curious or did she feel an emotional connection with him? It was unwise to encourage any attachment. He was unsure how he was going to handle his unexpected affection for her. This was not good. “The other Warriors are my family.” His voice was curt, impatient. “I never really had a family.” The sadness in her tone made it obvious he’d misjudged her thinking. This wasn’t about him at all. It was about her. “You’re human. You had to have had parents at least.” “I had a father. My mother died while I was too young to remember her.” Gently rubbing her thighs, he asked, “Why does this make you sad?”
“I guess it shouldn’t. Why should I miss something I never had? But I do.” She shifted restlessly and Gareth raised his legs, allowing her to relax against them. “Maybe if Dad had been different, I wouldn’t have wanted a mother so badly.” “Your father didn’t love you?” “No, he just loved whiskey more.” Pink tinged her cheeks and she shook her head. “Listen to me. I sound like a petulant child. My father was an alcoholic, but he loved me. He wasn’t abusive or neglectful. I think in many ways, he just didn’t know what to do with me. I could read long before I started school and by second grade they knew I had unusual aptitudes, so I was sent to an institute for the gifted and talented.” “You were educated at this institute?” “Yes. And I went from the institute to MIT and from MIT to the Carroll Foundation. Dad died of cirrhosis of the liver when I was nineteen.” “I’m sorry for your loss. There is nothing petulant or childish in those memories. You’ve been alone in the world your entire adult life.” She smiled, splaying her fingers across his chest. “I used to have a rich fantasy life. I think that’s part of the reason why I’ve had such a hard time dealing with the incubus’ attack. My dreams were sacred, intimate, and safe. Even when life wasn’t a dream come true, I was free to dream. He took that away.” He framed her face with his warm, capable hands. “You will feel safe again. No matter what it takes, you will feel safe again.” Chapter Ten
“Where is she?” Hades roared. Chaos stared at his father with dispassionate interest. Their features were similar, he supposed. Hades was easily described as brutally handsome, where people struggled to label his overall appeal. Taller and more heavily muscled than his son, Hades intimidated with a glance and demanded attention with the roar of his deep voice. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Hades tried again. Placing his knuckles on the highly polished desktop, Hades leaned forward bringing his face a hair’s breadth from his son’s. Chaos refused to flinch. Refused to blink. He fixed his ever-morphing eyes on his father’s endless black stare and waited. “The succubus was incarcerated for a reason.” “And that reason being?” “Irrelevant to the present circumstance.”
Chaos pushed back his chair. The desk prevented Hades from advancing. “I’m not sure I agree.” He crossed his legs, tapping his fingertips on his boot indolently. When the summons had come from his father, he had flirted with the idea of ignoring it. Their relationship was rocky at best. But he had questions. Elements of Delilah’s tale didn’t add up and he wanted answers. So, here he sat in his father’s ornate office, listening to him rail. “She’s a fascinating creature. Why did you lock her up?” Hades crossed his arms over his massive chest and glared down at his son. “You will tell me where she is, so I can return her to the pit where she belongs.” “Not until you tell me why she belongs in the pit and why it took a full cycle of the moon for you to realize she had been released.” The bluster deflated from Hades and he met his son’s gaze without fury or affect. “This creature you harbor nearly destroyed Olympus. She used her wiles to tempt and influence until we were on the brink of civil war.” “This was before my conception, I take it.” “Yes. It was a long, long time ago.” Chaos pondered this new information, debating how to proceed. “What I really need is a way to control her. Tell me her name.” His lips compressed into a grim line and his night-black eyes bored into Chaos. “It is a vile temptation, too addicting for any man to resist. I knew her name once, but I had Athena take the knowledge from me.” “Then how did you trap her in the pit?” “Don’t you understand? I laid the trap while I knew her name and then had Athena erase my memory. I can no longer control her. Your precious Delilah will disrupt this world in ways we can only imagine. And then she’ll come for you!” ***** Meagan heard muffled voices and sat up in bed. Gareth was nowhere in sight. When had he gotten up? He’d better be one of those voices. A shiver of fear tingled down her spine. Who was he talking to? Light crept in around the blinds on her window and panic raced through her system. Her gaze flew to her alarm clock. 9:25 a.m.! Why hadn’t it gone off? It was Saturday! She chuckled. How ridiculous was that? She’d been more frightened by the possibility of being late to work than having an intruder? Crawling out of bed, she slipped on a pair of jeans and a baggy tee shirt. She eased open her bedroom door, peering out into the main room of the apartment without revealing her presence to those participating in the conversation. Gareth faced the same blond man she’d seen in his car the day they met. Half a head taller than Gareth’s
“borrowed body” the blond man laughed at something Gareth said and she watched deep dimples frame his killer smile. Oh, that was so unfair. No one that masculine should have dimples. “I know you’re there, Meagan. You might as well join us.” Gareth spoke the words without turning from his friend. Reinforcing her calm with a deep breath, Meagan pulled open the door and stepped into the outer room. “This is Ryder. He’s been keeping an eye on Ms. Vellmos and thought you’d like to know she’s doing fine.” “Keeping an eye on?” She turned to the blond. “Are you… Does Sheri know she’s under surveillance?” He flashed that blinding smile. “Nope.” “Is it safe to presume you’re not a police officer?” Both men chuckled and Meagan crossed her arms over her chest. “Are you Justin’s friend or Gareth’s?” “He’s a Dream Warrior.” Gareth approached, his expression cautiously amused. He ran the back of his fingers along the curve of her cheek, but his crystal green gaze focused on her mouth. “Morpheus dispatched him to protect your friend. As of right now, Sheri is unaware of his existence.” “Why does Sheri need… Wait a minute. How can you be a Dream Warrior? I’m awake.” She addressed the question to Ryder with her eyes. “Gareth is a clumsy infant when it comes to the ways of the Warrior. If Morpheus had entrusted you to my keeping you would know pleasure like nothing you have ever imagined.” He stalked toward her as he spoke. “I would take you in my arms.” She quickly sidestepped his outstretched arms, but Ryder was too fast. His hands passed right through her body and Meagan yelped. “I would take you in my arms.” He did it again. Rolling his eyes at Ryder’s foolishness, Gareth pulled her away from the other Dream Warrior. “He’s not really here. Just like me, he’s only corporeal in the dream realm.” Without warning or precursor, a shimmering golden being flashed into sight to Meagan’s right. She gasped and pressed her hand to her pounding heart. Now what! The being was male, tall and lithe, wearing a simple…dress that fell in wide pleats to mid-thigh. His nicely muscled chest was partially exposed by the upper portion of the garment. The fabric blended beautifully with his gold-toned skin. His head tilted as he looked at her and she noticed gently flapping wings protruding from his closely fitting cap. Similar wings extended from his shoes. Okay, winged messenger god. She searched her memory for his name. “Hermes?” Offering her a sweeping bow, he then turned to the men. “The Fates have spoken. The timeline has stabilized.” Meagan laughed. She couldn’t help it. “Sleeping with me really was all it took?” “I’m sure you were delightful, but it’s a bit more complicated than that.” Hermes smirked at her. “Morpheus is not convinced it’s over. He thinks they have simply paused to regroup.”
“Who are they?” Gareth took the question right out of her mouth. “Morpheus wouldn’t tell me the specifics, but I know he’s had Kane camped out on the banks of the river Styx. Stands to reason he’s narrowed his search to the Underworld.” Rubbing her temples, Meagan slowly shook her head. “I don’t know what’s hurting my head worse, the fact that you’re talking about all of these mythological places as if they’re real or the fact that I’m believing every word.” Gareth slipped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. “So, what are our orders?” Hearing the tension in his voice, Meagan glanced at Gareth’s face. If she didn’t know better, she’d think…he didn’t want to leave her. Warmth pervaded her being, bittersweet in its intensity. She wrapped her arm around his waist, molding herself to his side. “Wait and watch. Like I said, Morpheus doesn’t think it’s over.” “He thinks the incubus will return?” Dread doused Meagan’s momentary contentment. “The Fates say no, but…” The messenger paused, obviously hesitant to finish the thought. “They’ve been wrong before?” She finished for him. Hermes nodded. “Well, looks like I’m back to being a spook.” Ryder blinked out of sight. “It was nice meeting you.” “It was nice meeting you, too. And Ryder.” “Yes.” His disembodied voice responded. “Sheri Vellmos is a friend of mine, a good friend.” She heard his good-natured chuckle. “Yes, ma’am.” Her gaze moved around the small room, searching for proof that he had actually been there. If he had never really been there, then what was to say that he actually left? “Did Ryder really leave?” she asked Gareth. He assured her with a quick nod, his attention focusing in on the messenger god. “Did Morpheus mention how much longer this body will be available? I know the embolism limits my time here.” Hermes shrank. Subtly, but noticeably, his size decreased. “Well, here’s the thing, Gareth. The embolism already ruptured. When Morpheus transported you for the second time, it was more than Justin’s body could tolerate. Unfortunately, you hadn’t…fulfilled your mission yet.” Meagan’s hand flew to her mouth and a disgusted shudder shook her. “Dear God.” She lowered her hand to her chest. “I made love with a dead --” “Not at all. Knowing what was at stake, Zeus removed the embolism.” Hermes, who was now roughly the size of a child, gently flapped his wings, brought himself back to eyelevel with Gareth. “Morpheus
hadn’t intended for you to use Justin’s body for an extended period of time, but that is an option now.” A curtain fell over Gareth’s expression. Meagan could no longer tell what he was thinking. Even his expressive eyes were shuttered, guarded. “How would it work? How long would I be allowed to stay?” Heaving an audible sigh, Hermes began to shrink again. “You’re not going to like it.” “I gathered that from your -- shriveling.” Meagan’s heart thundered within her breast. Her chest felt tight; each breath had become an effort. What did this mean? Could Gareth stay here with her? Would he want to? But he was an immortal being, a mythological being. Hermes flew toward her and she gasped, stumbling back several steps. “Easy now.” About the size of an action figure, despite her cringing, the god managed to land on her shoulder. “If you want to stay together, Morpheus is willing to release Gareth, but it’s an all or nothing deal. You’re no good as The Lover now that you’re in love.” “What does that mean?” Meagan tried to look at the miniature god without dislodging him from her shoulder. “Gareth wouldn’t be able to make love to me?” “Dream Warriors all have specific roles. I’m The Lover. Ryder’s The Charmer. Kane’s The Soldier. But if I understand Hermes, this body will remain fully functional.” He smiled and then his gaze shifted to the being on her shoulder. “What about my mind? My memories? My personality? Would they remain unchanged or would we be prolonging Justin’s life?” “Justin’s life ended last night. You are Gareth, that wouldn’t change. And because you’ve served the Dream Warriors so well, Morpheus will allow you to access Meagan’s dreams. You’ll be able to create illusions for the two of you to enjoy. You’ll be able to communicate with the other Dream Warriors, but only if they come to you. However, you’ll no longer have access to the rest of the dream realm.” “What if the Fates are wrong? What if the incubus returns?” Hermes flew off her shoulder, hovering in the air between them. “Then you’re in the perfect position to protect her. You have twenty-four hours to return to the Great Hall of Morpheus. After that, you’ll have made your choice.” “Can I father children?” “All these questions. Do I look like an Oracle? That body is as it was. Removing the embolism was the only adjustment.” “Will I ever see you again, my friend?” “I don’t know, Gareth. I’m just the messenger.” After delivering his favorite parting shot, Hermes blinked out of sight. Silence hung in the room long after Hermes disappeared. Meagan stared at Gareth, but he was deep in thought.
Finally, she couldn’t stand the tension any longer. “It’s really unfair that they’re making you decide in twenty-four hours. If the embolism is repaired, then why --” His beautiful gaze shot to hers. “Does this mean you want me to stay?” Slowly wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue, she searched for just the right words. “I never believed in love at first sight.” She paused, letting the phrase sink in for a moment. “I never believed in a lot of things. My being came alive the first time I saw you. I knew you were the only one for me. But you weren’t real, or you weren’t real in a way that made sense in my life.” He took her in his arms, their mouths pressed together. Parting her lips, she eagerly met the bold thrust of his tongue. His warmth surrounded her, comforted her. She absorbed his taste, his faintly spicy scent, the way his strong arms felt wrapped around her. “I’m real now.” His breath stirred across her damp lips. “I can hold you, protect you. We can walk in the sunshine and --” “Make love in the moonlight?” He chuckled. “Or make love in the sunshine and walk in the moonlight.” She tugged her tee shirt out from inside her jeans, provocatively showing her bare tummy while she unfastened the metal button. “Hermes said we have the rest of our lives to explore.” “I fought my feelings for you. I didn’t see any possibility of us building a life together. So, I convinced myself --” “That I was only an assignment?” “Yes.” Lowering the zipper, she wiggled out of her jeans. His gaze followed the subtle shimmy of her hips. “I have an assignment for you, Gareth.” “Do you now?” “You’ve only really made love to me in the dream realm. I want to experience everything while I’m wide awake.” He groaned. “I want that too. More than you can imagine, but one of the main reasons I didn’t really make love to you last night hasn’t changed. We don’t have --” A flash of light blinded Meagan and an exotic, sensual aroma filled the air. When her eyes focused again, she saw a pile of gold foil packets resting on the coffee table beside them. She picked up one and laughed. It was obviously a condom and an elaborately inscribed A marked each side. She glanced at Gareth questioningly. “Aphrodite?” “Undoubtedly.”
“Thank you,” she said to the unseen goddess. “This means she may be watching.” “Does that bother you?” She pulled her tee shirt off over her head, then skimmed the sides of her breasts with her hands. “You can’t say I didn’t warn you.” He wrestled out of his shirt and shed his pants, kicking off his shoes in the process. “I take my assignments very seriously.” Snatching the foil packet from her hand, he tackled her to the leather sofa. She shrieked and giggled, writhing beneath him. “It’s cold!” “Not for long.” They clung to each other, her long legs cradling his hips. He stroked her face while he kissed her. Deep, leisurely kisses that communicated so much more than passion. She explored his back and his sides, squeezed his butt, pulling him closer. His mouth moved over and against hers, his tongue delving. He found her breast with his hands, teasing the nipple, while he gently suckled her earlobe. Meagan turned her head and arched her neck, offering herself more fully to his wandering mouth. He nibbled his way downward, drawing upon her skin, making her tingle. Her nipples ached; her inner muscles pulsed, demanding to be filled. She tossed restlessly, arching, digging her fingers into his shoulders. “Gareth, come inside me. I need you -- now!” He released his hold on her neck with a muffled chuckle and looked into her eyes. “We have to work on your impatience.” Retrieving the foil packet from the floor, he knelt between her thighs and tore it open with his teeth. She watched him closely. “Why do you know how to use those?” “I don’t, but apparently Justin was a responsible lover.” He rolled the thin barrier down the length of his shaft and paused. “Would you like a closer look?” “Yes, but I’d like to feel you inside me more.” His smile was wicked with promise. “We’ve got the rest of our lives to explore.” He touched her tenderly, parting her folds and easing inside with his fingers to test her readiness. She opened her legs wider, shameless, abandoned. His thumb fluttered over her clit and Meagan gasped. Slipping his hands beneath her, he slowly pushed inside. Meagan closed her eyes. Her body opened, stretched, surrendered with a tingling spasm. “There you go,” he whispered. “I’m inside you.” But he didn’t move. He stayed on his knees and arched over her. Holding himself up, he teased her with his fingertips. He plucked her pebble hard nipples and sneaked down to where their bodies joined. With
a circular motion, he tormented her, creating a burning need, painfully amplified by the fullness of his shaft deep inside her body. He pulled back and thrust forward. She eagerly raised her legs against his sides. Thrusting deeper, stronger, he filled her, completed her. The tingles intensified. She cried out. They moved together, searching for the perfect rhythm. Arching and panting, she concentrated on the glorious slide of his body in and out of hers and his warm weight moving over and against her. They would be together. Gareth wouldn’t leave her. They had years to live and love together, both here and in her dreams. With a soft gasp, she tightened around him, climaxing in rhythmic waves. She clung to him, breathless and tingling. He shuddered and groaned, and finally relaxed against her. Clutching her tightly to his chest, he rolled them to their sides, carefully keeping their bodies entwined. Meagan had never felt so safe, so sated. “Everything that went before only prepared me for this moment, only led me to you.” His words so perfectly echoed her feelings that she looked up at him and smiled. “No matter what it takes, Meagan, I will win your love.” She laughed, her spirit soaring beyond the scars, beyond the pain. “You don’t have to win my love. I’m already yours. You are literally the man of my dreams.” Epilogue
Ryder knelt beside the unconscious woman and sighed. Gareth had been in trouble and he’d offered the most expedient means of support. Sheridan Vellmos. He’d learned her name from Morpheus. She looked fragile and helpless sprawled on the carpeting, her torso in the bedroom, her legs in the hall. Her semi-twisted position couldn’t be comfortable, but he’d been unable to soften her fall. In the waking realm, Ryder was little more than an observer. Intangible. Wraithlike. Only in dreams did he have any real power. So, over the millennia he’d learned how to compel humans to sleep, to send them to the realm where he was nearly a god. Ryder grinned. He’d learned a lot of things over his long life. Some even Morpheus didn’t realize he knew. A good magician never revealed his secrets. He’d been dispatched to supervise this woman. He was to cleanse her memory of anything having to do with the Dream Warriors and make sure she didn’t interfere in their war with the incubus. He slipped effortlessly into her subconscious, finding the fiber-thin path connecting him directly to her mind.
Relaxing into the familiar rhythm of the melding, he let his energy flow. How he loved his life…
Cyndi Friberg
Cyndi has been a member of Romance Writers of America since 1999 and also belongs to two local chapters of RWA. She is the winner of multiple national contests including The Molly and The Merritt. In 2003, she was chosen as a finalist in the prestigious Golden Heart, as well as winning the Jasmine with Born of the Shadows. After dabbling in freelance journalism and songwriting, she returned to her true passion: paranormal romance. You can find Cyndi on the Web at http://www.cyndifriberg.com/ or email her at
[email protected]. ***** Read on for a tantalizing glimpse of
Across Time by Rayne Forrest
Available at Loose Id
Across Time
“We need to mark out our path,” she said to him. He snorted and handed her a hand full of small faceted disks. “Just stick them up on the right wall every few feet.” “Smart.” “Ain’t it, though? Another Starkey innovation,” he told her. “Who’d he steal it from?” she asked conversationally. “Tsk, tsk. Be nice, Dunn. What would your mother say?” “She’d say shoot the bastard while you have him in a cave where no one is likely to find the body,” Corri replied without missing a beat. She slapped a marker onto the stone and it stuck. Their lights danced off it. She had no warning. Devin grabbed her and spun her around. He glowered down at her. “What do you want, Dunn? You still want to see me fall on my sword?” “Let go of me,” she said coolly. Her heart fluttered wildly at his nearness. “No. Not until you talk to me.” “We’ve been talking. And you can take your sword and do whatever you like with it.” Corri yanked her arm out of his grasp. He lunged and pressed her against the cold stone of the cavern wall. “I cared for you, Corri. Did you like seeing me bleed?” His voice was raspy, strangely resonant in the still air. Corri looked up at his face, bare inches away from hers. His body pressed hers to the wall. Awareness of him flared hot and bright in her. Her body remembered his touch and longed for it again. Nipples tingled and hardened. Her innermost flesh contracted, throbbed and flooded wet, all in remembrance of him. She struggled to remain motionless. “Did you, Corri?” he whispered, his angry gaze bored into hers in search of an answer. Corri shook her head in denial. She had not meant to hurt him. She had not believed anything could hurt him, had not believed he gave enough of himself to anyone to be hurt by them. Except maybe by Carlton Starkey. And it was her concerns over his relationship with Starkey that had made her leave him. Her advisor at
TSEA had called her to his office and had all but said that her relationship with Devin Tremaine, and his relationship with Starkey, would prevent her from ever achieving her own command. She’d been seven months from graduating at the top of her class. She’d tried to explain to Devin. She didn’t want to break it off with him, but she had her future to consider. She’d suggested that after she graduated and was posted, perhaps they could reevaluate their situation. All he’d been able to see and hear was her abandonment of him. The door had closed between them. He’d never called her. Never tried to see her. Corri had tried to find him after her graduation. She’d not been able to obtain any information about him. Then she’d realized he’d blocked her–and only her–from any personal information on him. That computer block had been lifted about two years ago. She’d not been aware of it being rescinded until she’d heard he was coming to Adhara VII and scanned for current information. “I never wanted to hurt you, Devin.” She hated the way her voice quivered. “You didn’t hear what I was trying to say.” “I heard you,” he said tightly. “Your career meant more than we did. More than I did.” His jaw muscles worked, clenched and unclenched. He swallowed. “I heard that loud and clear, Captain Dunn.” “Damn you, Devin,” she said and pulled his mouth down to hers. He jerked away at the first touch of their lips and stared at her with eyes gone black in the strange lighting of the cave. His hands slid from her shoulders to her wrists, grasping them tightly and raising her arms over her head. He pressed his body to hers and she felt the hard ridge of his arousal pressing into her belly. Her body rained down an aching welcome for him. “Damn me all you want,” he whispered, his voice husky. He slowly lowered his mouth back down to hers. Need exploded in Corri. She opened her lips to his onslaught and gasped in his mouth. He thrust his hips hard against her. Their tongues danced and mated, sending a scorching bolt of fire through her loins. He yanked her away from the wall and tumbled her beneath him. He settled his weight onto her and she arched up to him, almost sobbing into his mouth from her long years of need for him. His hands were on her breasts and his hips pumped against hers. She pulled his shirt out of his pants and felt his heated skin. He rose up from her and tugged her jacket off, then yanked at her uniform. Closures popped open, baring her body to him. He knelt above her, straddling her. His hands deftly opened his pants and his erection sprang free. Corri reached to touch him but he grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. He lowered his weight fully onto her. Never taking his eyes from hers, he spread her knees with his. She couldn’t stop from arching up to him as his cock slipped across her slickness. The teasing of his body was at odds with the bruising vise of his fingers around her wrists. She tried to pull away and his grip tightened. “Please,” she whispered. His gaze lowered to her mouth, and then flickered back up, once more locking
with hers. He slowly released her wrists and slid one hand beneath her head, cradling it from the hard ground. He was so close to her heat, touching her so intimately, that she couldn’t keep still. Her hips moved in small jerking movements to tempt him to her. “Please,” she whispered again. Only this time it was not a plea for gentleness. It was a plea for whatever he was willing to give her. *****
What people are saying about Across Time
This story of futurisic space travel is vivid and full of great detail. The passion and sexual tension between Corri and Devin is unmistakable, and the sex scenes are heated and steamy. Rayne is not afraid to allow her hero to express his emotions first, which is a rarity.
Greed, power, lust, and love know no boundaries, and Ms. Forrest has presented readers with a great story that covers them all. I'm impressed with the attention to detail and the wonderful imagination of this superb story-teller. -- Miranda Moore, reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Across Time is a fast paced story with strong characters. The intensity of Corri and Devin’s passion is palpable and only adds to the suspenseful tension Rayne Forrest has laced throughout the book. The new worlds and civilizations that authors create always amaze me, and Across Time is one of the best. Ms. Forrest’s stellar imagination has given us another science fiction romance to be in awe of. Across Time will certainly be worth your time. -- Tina Burns, The Road to Romance
