6 comments/ 27634 views/ 11 favorites Bad Dreams Ch. 01 By: Adare2009 As she ran she was swallowed by the night's warm breath and nearly tangible breezes. She was only vaguely aware of the crescent moon lighting her path through the forest in mid August. Leaves crunched under her feet and insects chirped; this was the only sounds that were discernable besides what was closing in. She was the prey, and he was the hunter. Adalia knew this night was coming. Was Adalia Robinson afraid? Yes. Adalia was always afraid. The creature of the night- this being- was not completely human; he was something more. But what was it? Is it dangerous? At full speed through the forest she stumbled over the uneven forest floor, which brought her down on her side. The fear almost totally numbed her pain; glancing back she could see the massive silhouette of a wolf. It was closing in. The wolf was grey with hints of blue fur spread scarcely across his massive body. "Don't be afraid. We were meant to be." Shaking with fear, Adalia reached towards the wolf. "Wait! The wolf itself did not speak!" At her own realization, Adalia screamed a sound that pierced his very heart. He did not want her to fear him. *Beep Beep Beep* She awoke from yet another nightmare with her hand clutching her chest and her breathing erratic- as if she just ran a marathon. "That was odd," She thought. "It felt so real." At the age of 19, she was not yet comfortable in her own skin. One could describe her as a late bloomer- she hit puberty at thirteen; it seemed to her that just about everyone in her class had already had viable cleavage by then. Since then, Adalia had filled out quite a bit; she wore 34C and any weight she gained seemed to go into her hips. This gave her a more hourglass-like shape. Adalia stared miserably at the clock. It was only 2 a.m. "Damn. I'm not going to get any sleep." The fact is Adalia hasn't had a good night's sleep in weeks. This dream plagued here for quite a while, causing her to toss and turn restlessly in bed. Tonight, however, was the first time the wolf came near. It was the first time it spoke. The details seemed more vivid today, than before. Adalia lived in an apartment partially paid for by her parents near the college she would be attending this fall. They called her every week, and visited once or twice a month to see that there sweet little girl was quite alright. Other than that, it was as if they barely existed. Her bathroom was small, but still comfortably functional. She began to run a tub full of warm water, and added lavender scented beads. As she settled into her ready bath something startled her. Ring! Ring! The phone was back in her bedroom. "I guess have to end my bath early. Who is calling me at 2 am?! This better be important," She thought. "Not a number I recognize." She called it back... "Hello?" For a moment there was silence. Adalia was on the verge of hang up by the time he responded: "Hi." "Who are you? What do want?" At first Adalia was annoyed. Then the voice frightened her; it was the same voice as the man in her dreams. "I want you." He stated simply. "Come to me. I'll make your bad dreams go away." She slammed down the phone immediately. "How could he have known? What has he done to me? Why won't he leave me alone? Why me? Why is this happening- to me?" Couldn't stop the shudder that went through my body, as I had to make sure all the doors and windows were locked—giving me a little piece of mind. **************************** Of course, Adalia has some responsibility. Adalia worked for the government- she filed unimportant paperwork that the office employees were too lazy to take care of. "Hey! You're early!" Adalia walked in not at all looking or feeling her best. The eyes were not that noticeably jaundiced and bloodshot from lack of sleep. Her hair looked was pinned in such a way that it was frizzy and unkempt. "Yeah," I said lethargically. The day was too much of a blur to her- boring file after boring file. If she was lucky, someone would send her to make copies in the photocopier room. Oh, joy. "Hiya! How's it going?" said a familiar voice from near behind her. Adalia was in the copier room, promptly alphabetizing the folders in the file cabinets nearing her lunch break. The most gorgeous man, with sexy green eyes, lean build, and a smile that made angels sigh was peering into the copier room with a briefcase in one hand. "Good morning, Mr. Freer. Always a pleasure to see you," she replied sincerely. He walked off. Adalia was too bashful to stare at his perfectly sculpted ass as he walked off. It didn't stop her from fantasizing about what it'd be like if she could get him to take her willingly and alone. For plenty of females here, he was the eye candy of the office. Six hours later, Adalia was on a caffeinated induced high. She could not wait to get home! She was miserably tired and fully awake at the same time. "This office is too bright! I just want to sleep." This went through her mind more than once. "Two more hours to go! One bus ride through the suburban town! A short distance walk...Almost there." She groaned. Just then, her boss Allison Morgan walked by. "What's up? You sick??" Not even giving me the chance to answer her first two questions, she continued, "Let me know, if you need to go home. You really not supposed to be here if you're sick." On Ms. Morgan stern face was a look of pure concern; Adalia looked a mess. "I'm not feeling too well, actually," she admitted. "Go home. Call me tomorrow if you don't feel any better. Get some rest, and go see a doctor." "Okay, I will. Thanks!" Sighing...feeling slightly better knowing that I would be home that much sooner. "See yah!" She responded over her shoulder as she was already heading to her office. Bad Dreams Ch. 02 At 6.pm, it's already getting dark. The navy blue night sky was appearing as Adalia rode the bus home from work; it was a pleasant enough ride, if you ignored the fact that hunger and the motion of this vehicle was making her nauseas. Adalia loved how suburban this town is; it's not condensed like the city, but it's not so rural that there is absolutely nothing to do. There is plenty do: You could volunteer time at animal shelter, visit a mall so huge it could be its own town; go to the zoo, or maybe the library. Believe it or not, as much as her parents travel Adalia has yet to ever visit a zoo. As she exited the bus, Adalia could sense something was not right. The hair at the back of her neck was sticking up, making it feel like all her senses were on high alert. It was like something or someone was watching her. "I'm in danger." Hastily, she half-ran back to her apartment, making sure to shut and dead bolt the door right behind her—a sense of security flowing through her. ************************** I watched her get off the bus and followed her to her apartment. As she climbed the outdoor steps fast to the third floor of that dingy apartment building, I watched her long brown hair flow in the wind. I hope she smells and tastes as good as she looks... The building was brick- climbing to her large windows would be too easy. Supernatural strength is definitely an advantage I couldn't do without. ************************** "Why am I so paranoid?" Adalia paced the floor- it was an old nervous habit. She skulked around making sure every door and window was locked. "I feel so...silly. I'm on the third floor. Who's going to come through a window? I honestly need to relax before I have a nervous breakdown." Just the thought of that made a little laugh escape my lips as I went and tried to take deep breaths. ************************** Ha ha! She locked all of the windows. She closed her blinds as well—as if any of this will help her. Ha! She's smart, but not smart enough. If I choose to come in, I could have my way with her. I could peel off those clothes and see the beauty underneath. I really want to slide my hands across her firm breasts, and squeeze her nipples. I wonder if that alone could make her come. I wonder if...no no stop! I won't break in just yet! By the end of this week, she'll come looking for me. She knows what is meant to be and she does know I'm the only one who will make her every dream come true. I want to take her when she is willing. I'll work hard to make sure she's happy, and I'll give her the best sex of her existence. We'll be partners for all eternity. Never again will she see another man the way she is going to see me. A growl escaped my lips before I can even think of stopping it. Just the thought of her in another man's arms ....that is never going to happen! After all, you can't fight your own destiny. ******************************** Adalia ran her hands down her body in the shower, and observed the water as it slid down her body and into the shower drain. The only thing on her mind was her exhaustion. She was still weak, and hungry. Well, this is doing nothing for me. She turned off the water and then she exited the shower after she finished washing herself. She then dried off, and went into her bedroom naked and with very damp hair. Sifting through her night gowns, Adalia picked a modest dark green one. It had a lacy trim on the top and went down to just below her knees. Upon lying on her bed, she was instantly asleep. That night she dreamed.... ******************************** As she glanced back into his hazel glowing eyes, she fell. "Don't be afraid. We were meant to be." Shaking with fear she couldn't help but reach towards the wolf. The wolf's gaze, although she was fully clothed, made her feel naked and vulnerable. Adalia quickly did check to confirm the presence of clothes, but she was only in her night gown. The wolf stared shamelessly at her. His eyes swept across her body lingering on her breasts and exposed legs. The wolf seemed to lick his lips with desire. No, it was more like anticipation. Something was going to happen. I've never felt so afraid. My emotions were so torn apart right now. It felt like my body wanted...needed him—wanting to cave into desire—but my mind was telling me something completely different...to stay away—you don't even know him...it!! At the same time, Adalia felt in the back of her mind, that this wolf could be the man of her dreams. This could be her destiny... "Don't be afraid. Trust your instincts and come to me, my sweet Adalia," said the wolf. Though, the wolf never spoke. It was as if she had just heard his voice in her head. How is this even possible? ***************************** "Am I ever going to get any sleep?" Adalia thought as she crossed the street, walking quickly in the direction of the nearest 24 hour pharmacy. At this hour, the only cars that passed by were large vehicles passing through to the next town; then there was maybe an occasional late night town's person. The only bad thing about this place is the bus stops running at eight. A chilled breeze came through forewarning the season of fall. "I should've worn a jacket." Adalia wore a pair of tennis shoes, black yoga pants and ridiculously oversized t-shirt. Her hair was a tangled mess stuffed into a ponytail holder that could barely contain it. She really wasn't dressed to impress. Another breeze chilled her to the very bone; yet, it wasn't the temperature that made her shiver. "I'm being followed," her mind relayed to her body. Almost instantly, she began running; without thinking she head into the forest. Without thinking, she put herself in situation that could possibly get her killed. Leaves crunched under feet and insects chirped; this was the only sounds that were discernable besides what was closing in. She was the prey, and he was the hunter. Adalia knew this night was coming. Was Adalia Robinson afraid? Yes. Adalia was always afraid. The creature of the night- this being- was not completely human; he was something more. But what was it? Is it dangerous? Now she could hear the footsteps- the wolf was gaining. At full speed through the forest she stumbled over the uneven forest floor, which brought her down on her side. The fear almost totally numbed her pain; glancing back she could see the massive silhouette of a wolf. It was closing in. The wolf was grey with hints of blue fur spread scarcely across his massive body. "Don't be afraid. We were meant to be." Shaking with fear, Adalia reached towards the wolf. "Wait! The wolf itself did not speak!" At her own realization, Adalia screamed a sound that pierced his very heart. He did not want her to fear him. "Wake up," Adalia yelled in her head. "Wake up." Only this time it wasn't a dream. Bad Dreams Ch. 03-04 Note to Readers: Thanks to my inspiration! (I refuse to disclose who/what my inspiration was/is, so don't ask.) Huge thanks to my editor! If you haven't noticed when chapters disappeared, the plot changed. Therefore, you need to reread chapters 1 & 2. I realize it's been forever since my last update, but please don't criticize me too much for that: One, life is chaos. Two, I'm an amateur. Now, leave comments please!!! I don't care if there good or bad, but let me hear what you think. ~Adare~ Chapter 3 "Wait! The wolf itself did not speak!" At her own realization, Adalia screamed a sound that pierced his very heart. He did not want her to fear him, but her fear permeated the humid night time air. "Wake up," Adalia yelled in her head, desperately trying to escape the nightmare. "Wake up." Only this time it wasn't a dream. Adalia desperately grabbed at the soil in an effort to pull herself away. This was all too real. Unsure of what made her want to turn around to look, Adalia found herself trapped in the golden eyes of the wolf- the wolf identical to the one of her dreams. All motion had- and time too, it seems- had stopped. A new bizarre feeling -- one of belonging- washed over her limbs. Was this the result of his presence? Something intangible and strange was at work here, and the wolf appeared to be the main source. Magic, perhaps? The scariest part of all was that the feeling also seemed to be emanating from within her. Invisible strings were attached to her lips and heart, all pulling in the wolf's direction. What was this pull she felt towards the wolf? Adalia had never truly been afraid of the wolf. Yet, she was terrified. I've got to get away. Far away. Why did I run into the woods? What was I thinking? "Why are you so afraid of me," he projected, as Adalia continued her not-so-subtle retreat. "I don't understand why, but I want too." Maintaining his distance, the massive grey wolf paced slowly around her. Adalia stilled, having him so close to her was as pleasant as it was unpleasant. On her feet, Adalia said in the bravest voice she could muster, "I don't know you! I don't know anything about you! Leave me alone!" Inwardly, she hated how weak she sounded—hearing the squeak in her voice. The fear that had nauseated her down to her stomach and left her frozen in place was too evident. Then she clumsily launched herself off the ground into a sprint in the direction of her home. She couldn't help it. Her mind was just screaming one word...RUN. Before she took her first step, her face was in a patch of grass in the forest floor. The wolf crashed into her side with force, but not enough to cause any real permanent damage. "Talk to me, Princess. Give me a chance to know you. Get to know me. If you decide after knowing me to walk away, I promise to let you. For now, I will continue to chase you. Trust me, I will never get tired of following you wherever you go..." "You're a stalker and a wolf! Call me Princess one more time and I will break your face!" she gritted through her teeth. A load of other derogative words seemed to also fit him, as well. In no position to threaten him, the words escaped her lips before she could rethink them. This is silly. Am I really chatting in the forest with a wolf? "Don't think about it like that!" Is he out of his mind? Like that? Is there any positive way to stalk? Is there any normal way to befriend a wolf? "You're one of those creepy perverts staring into girls windows at night, aren't you? You're the reason they invented blinds? I wonder if your neighbors know about you? They'd call animal control on your ass! Why should I follow you?" All her attempts to stand were countered by the weight of the wolf pressing her down on the forest floor. The dirt was moist and really starting to press into her pants, while the sparse bits of grass were tickling her face. As uncomfortable as it was, her only thoughts were escaping the potentially deadly predator. Her vengeful words were her only weapons that seemed to be making an impact and she really wanted to push his buttons if escaping was not at all possible. "Get to know me! You really feel that I'm some random peeping Tom?! Where you've jumped to those types of conclusions, I have no idea. " "You chased me! You tackled me! You threatened to follow me around! You're a wolf!" To emphasize her words, unsuccessful attempts at an attack were easily deflected. "Ok, it's easy to see how I gave off a bad impression." I'm more afraid of how I'm reacting to you. I should be more afraid. "You think?" "I'm a werewolf." "Werewolf?" The word sounded so peculiar from her own mouth that she could almost laugh. Almost. The current situation dampened the humor. Maybe I would feel saner if it was a human I was talking to? Telling my friends and family about the talking wolf would only have me end up in the insane asylum. I'm sure talking to a werewolf is just as worrisome. "Prove it. I want to see." The weight of him was removed and the change happened in the blink of an eye. There no time to process the occurrence. The giant mass of fur erupted soundlessly to a nude male that seemed too large to be an ordinary human. Of course, transforming into a wolf wasn't ordinary by any human standard. "You're naked!" she shrieked. "What did you expect?" The man grinned down at her. God, he's beautiful, she thought to herself. The man had a particularly handsome face with cropped raven-black hair. Muscles were very much visible beneath the surface of his golden brown skin. He's too beautiful. He looks like a flawless media image of a photo shopped model. She glanced a bit lower not catching much of view, before reddening with embarrassment. Did he see that? The smirk on his face confirmed that he had. A light breeze rustled the trees and the crickets chirped melodiously, on an otherwise quiet night in the woods. The silence was not awkward, though it was unpleasant. Neither knew where they stood in the other's eyes. He broke the silence first, with the hopes of winning her over and the fear that hated him. "I would like to start over. Let's do things your way." He almost regretted those words; there was too much uncertainty in that. Maybe, he should've just let the silence win out. After all, Adalia could simply run away. She could hope on the next plane to who-knows-where and leave him there. Would she? Though, he knew the magic will lead them back together again and again, he really wanted her to choose to be with him on her own free will. "My way?" she said, not purposefully aloud. "I'll bite. You and I have lunch, like sane people, and talk. Tell me why you're here." She thought about this for a moment, before adding softly, "I'm Adalia, by the way. I see you didn't bother to ask." A lunch date will buy me some time to think without setting him off, hopefully. He grinned like he accomplished something of huge importance. "I'm Trent, and I knew your name already. I didn't want to frighten you worse than I already have by asking. Tomorrow, we will meet. How does lunch at 3p.m. sound to you?" When Adalia nodded, he continued, "I'll pick you up. Clear your afternoon schedule because there is much to discuss." Then he said, "Get some sleep," and for the first time ever Adalia saw him smile. At his command, Adalia's head shot up. "Clear my schedule? I will not! I could have something important to do tomorrow, and I barely know you. I'm not taking orders from you!" Trent merely shook his head, shifted into his wolf form, leisurely strolled away. It seemed like he learned something new about Adalia. She always had to have the last word... Chapter 4 I don't know what to wear. Considering the function, clothes should be the least of my issues. I have a lunch date...with my stalker. My werewolf stalker. However, there is something here—like magical invisible strings that ties me to this dark stranger. I feel safer in his presence, when I know the sight of him should inspire fear. The urge to kiss him is much greater than the urge of killing him, but I can't let him know that. Whatever this is, it's going to pass. It's just a phase. I hope. There is definitely something strange happening here. Now, back to clothing. Modest? Yes, I definitely should. Sexy? ********** 2:59 p.m. I've been pacing for about forty minutes in front of the apartment complex like a mad man. People in neighboring windows all seem to be staring me down like some sort of lunatic. Maybe I have completely lost my mind. Travelling three states away from my pack, without back-up, on a gut feeling that my mate was here does seem a bit impulsive. As calculating and indecisive as I usually am, I seem totally out of character here. *********** At promptly 3 p.m., my doorbell rang. I run to open it, and standing there is a smiling male with a button down shirt partially tucked into belted slacks. Instantly, the urge to place my hand on his chest while pulling him into a deep kiss was renewed. This date could turn into a nightmare if I don't keep my lust for him at bay. "Am I underdressed?" I wore a pair a dark washed skintight denim jeans and an off-the-shoulder purple top- definitely too casual for anywhere nice if that's what he had in mind. Who knew? "Not at all." He couldn't seem to stop smiling, and this irritated me immensely "What's so damned funny?" I demanded finally, while putting my hands on my hips. "You're beautiful." Was his plan to flatter and then seduce? Only one part might be working. We descended the stairs into the parking lot. "Let's go and get this over with." "You really think I'm leaving after this?" He asked as we stepped off of the sidewalk onto the asphalt while shaking his head in disbelief. "You promised." He turned to face me, gazing into my eyes intensely. "I promised that after you got to know me, and then decided to walk away I would let you. I hardly think a lunch date will teach either of us anything." "Hmmmm, I disagree. It should be enough for you to decide that you and I aren't going to happen and that..." Before the rest of the words could escape my lips, his connected with mine and at that moment his lips touched mine, fireworks erupted and time stopped. Though, the kiss was sudden, it was tender. The kiss was passionate, yet gentle. It was a promise of something greater to come. I gasped for a breath, and his tongue took full advantage of the chance to pass between my lips and slowly intertwine with my tongue in a sinful dance. Through the passionate daze, I could feel his hand slide on my arm encouraging me to accept him for who he was—the wolf man. Logic and morals seemed to have caught up just a moment later, when I pushed back hard against his chest trying really hard to rationalize what had just happened. Trent looked rather pleased with himself, and I had every intention of wiping the smile from his face. "You're more than attracted to me. You're drawn to me. I make you feel safe. Right?" My mouth hung open. How could he know? How does he know? Of course, I wasn't going to admit it, right away so I began my resistance speech, "How can you even assume that..." "You waited to stop me from kissing you. You waited too long to stop me for me to believe anything other than what I suspected." He stated simply, his golden eyes now burning into mine; it was scarily intense. They offered me no escape from the flames. I was almost at a loss for words. Almost. "What is it that you suspect?" "You are my mate. Have you any idea how long I waited for you?" I gasped. "Waited for me! Before last night, I was not aware you existed!" "You knew!" He yelled before quickly resuming his too calm demeanor. "Now let's go in my car. We are making a scene." I glanced around, to catch a few of the blatantly nosy peeking out of the windows. Additionally, a security patrol officer had parked conspicuously five rows away from where we were standing. This neighborhood was relatively boring; I guess a domestic dispute would give him something to validate his paycheck. "No!" I hissed. "After that kiss, how do I know you won't rape me?" I knew instinctively that rape wasn't on his agenda. Trent probably had some major seduction plan that I am not the least bit prepared for encountering. "You're wolf knows." He stated, once again, too calmly. "My what?!" I shrieked. "Am I..." "Adalia," he attempted to grab a hold of my hand. I pulled away, readying myself to sprint for the stairs leading up to my third floor apartment. "Come back," he raced after me, successfully getting hold of my hand this time. I couldn't look at him, but with his other hand he turned me to face him. Once again, I found myself lost in his eyes. With strange magic compelling me, I surprised my self by pulling him into a kiss. He was unresponsive for a split second. Whether that time was spent in shock or contemplating I could not tell yet. This kiss, which was more intense than anything I've ever felt, had started a flame in my chest, caused a pleasant sensation in my breasts, and a warm feeling that reached down to my toes. The smell of him- his must intermingled with some cheap soap- and the taste of him had me holding tight against him hoping he wouldn't let go. Suddenly, Trent held me away from him questioning me silently with his eyes. My body was still under the magic's spell. My hands wandered under his shirt over his taut skin stretching of his muscles core, and that seemed to answer whatever he was thinking. "Ahem! Would you do me a favor? Might you two take that to a room or somewhere? There a kids in the neighborhood." The patrol officer had found his way over to intervene. "To my car?" Trent whispered in my ear. I nodded, and he tugged me anxiously towards the silver BMW sitting in the back row of the lot. Why hadn't I noticed it before? God, that car looks expensive. Who the hell is this man? Or wolf man? Bad Dreams Ch. 05 Thanks to my editor! Thanks to any and everyone reading! Do comment, regardless of whether you like my story or not. ~Adare * Our lunch date took place at a quaint cafe I never had the curiosity to enter. It's run-down exterior was an eyesore in comparison to the newly renovated stores surrounding it. On the inside, shelves were littered with dusty china decorated with flowers. There was faded pastel pink peeling wallpaper revealing the hideous interior-definitely, an eyesore within too. Everything in this shop seemed miniature, like the tables and the utensils perched on them that wrapped in industrial napkins. We both ordered a coffee, but my coffee was definitely decaf. After my recent streak of nightmares about Trent, I was seeking a good night's sleep. This entire ordeal was overwhelming and exhausting. After this date I really planned on ditching him. Across the table, he stared intently at me as he quizzed me about trivial little details about my life. I really wanted to discuss this whole wolf issue but this seemed an inappropriate place to do so. So what else is new? Tables were barely a foot away from each other; others could definitely tune into our conversation, even accidentally. "Favorite color?" he asked while I stirred my drink without cause; I did anything to keep me from gazing into his eyes. It was his eyes that had led me into a heated kissing frenzy not long ago. They are just that compelling. "Violet." "Nice." He replied. Was Trent mocking me? I swear if the curve of his lips when he smiled wasn't so damned sexy I would have reached over and stabbed him with my fork. His shirt wasn't form fitting but it did nothing to hide his muscular build; it wasn't helping my concentration either. "Now ask me something." "You know what I want to know and what we need to be talking about," I seethed, barely audible. When I saw his smile fade, I knew that he had heard me clearly. "This is hardly the place." He sounded calm, but the expression on his face was reading more like frustrated. "Then why'd you bring me here?" I retorted a bit too loudly earning several curious glances. His voice seemed very controlled. "Last night, you were under the impression that I was stalker...some random peeping tom. I'm certain that you wouldn't have been receptive to be eating where we could be totally alone and away from prying eyes." The last statement just oozed with sarcasm. He continued more softly, "I don't want you to fear me. I'm not trying to scare you away. Yes, we do have important things to talk about, but I disagree that they are as significant as getting to know you. We will be seeing a lot of each other." How could he be so certain? If I had my way he'd be leaving. Hopefully this magic pull crap will just go away, and I'll regain a semblance of control over my life. I decided to look up into his eyes, at last. "Because we are mates," he answered me, though I said nothing aloud. "You can read my..." "Mind," he finished. What the hell?! ******* "You can read my..." she began. "Mind," I answered. I wasn't certain, but know I'm sure. Adalia is my mate. I remember Nana's words: It is astoundingly rare that wolves can telepath with a human before mating. It is much more common for wolves to have this ability to communicate with their mates before they are mated. Even then, this phenomenon is rare. If Adalia was a wolf, she certainly would not be in so much shock. Is it possible that she is unaware of her wolf's presence? Or just a human with an extraordinary gift? Neither of us spoke for a few of the longest seconds of my life. I wonder if she heard me. "I can hear you, but not very well. It's all so fuzzy, like a T.V. with bad reception." The connection is definitely two-way, but what are the odds that a non-shifter can telepath with me? Is that why her reception is 'fuzzy'? A tear welled out of her eye, and she quickly tried to wipe it away. Nothing could be worse than knowing that I caused this pain. "Let's get out of here," I suggested, while tugging one of her hands away from her face and into my grip. There was someone we needed to see. ********** "A tear falls, and then shatters over broken glass. It dissolves in a fluid- a viscous oxidizing red- that is surrounding her head like a halo." Great Mother's resounding voice foretold the path of the current future. "How is any of this information relevant to finding Trent?" asked a disgruntled man, pacing a poorly lit room surrounded by windowless medieval-style stone walls. "What's a dead woman got to do with anything? Isn't it his mate that he is in search of?" The intimidating elderly women, wearing drapes of colorful fabric, a sloppy side bun, and a multitude of rings answered: "Look: I see the future-which is highly subjective. You give me Trent's hair, and this is what I see. How certain are you that this hair is his? If it is, then the dead woman will be present in his future. If he changes intentions or actions, I would need a new sample from the time after his decisions were made to give a new reading." "Damnit!" The massive man clinched his fists and paced back and forth. The hair he gathered must have been from weeks ago. He wasted so much time before finding this woman who could supposedly forecast the future. After all, psychics were supposed to be fiction. For the most part, psychic abilities and magic were outside the scope of reality for wolves. He honestly didn't think he would become this desperate, but Trent stole something important. The candlelight on the women's table illuminated his sleek dark hair orange every time he passed it. "Don't you play big bad wolf with me, Luriat! You may be alpha, but you're nothing without a pack to lead," the women huffed. "Do you want my help or not? Stop pacing the room like a mad man! Given the circumstances, you are fortunate that I am even willing to assist your pack." Luriat knew that this woman owed no loyalty to him or his pack. To Great Mother, the powerful wolves that prowled the forest were merely a pack of dogs in a play pen. There was a short pause, as Luriat calmed himself down before kneeling in front of her searching her glossy brown eyes. "I apologize, Great Mother. This entire situation has put me on edge. Can you get a reading on the woman?" "Ha ha! Not unless you are about the hand me a piece of her hair!" she laughed, but Luriat's glare silenced it. "You already know how this works, my dear," she said apologetically. As a non-shifter, she knew better that to infuriate a wolf- let alone the alpha. Even if she did not respect the wolves, Great Mother knew that her body was frail and that an angry wolf could easily cease her life. "I can draw you a picture, and maybe you can ask around to see if your pack members recognize it." She patted the table before pulling out a pen that was well hidden from view in her hair. "How about that?" Her thin lips lifted up in a smile. ********** "Where are we?" He just smiled, as he continued intently focusing on his driving. "We're almost there." I looked around, instantly aware that the only building present seemed like a neglected wooden disaster. "That's it?" "Yeah." "But it..." "Looks disserted. I know, but it isn't." Upon arrival, Trent opened the door for me and led me by hand to the front door of the small wooden home. Several vines filled with leaves and thorns had to be pulled over to the side in order for him to knock on the plank door. An ethereal elderly women, with lapis lazuli eyes that had the same compelling property as Trent's opened the door with her arms ready to hug. "Trent! Good to see you! Hurry in! People mustn't think this place is lived in. It was risky bringing the girl with you, you know?" "I know," he smiled, after their embrace. The woman quickly hugged me, as well with a strength that surprised me. Then she stepped back and did slow once over with her eyes. "Hmmmm..." Trent looked worried by the woman's facial expression. "What is it?" I wonder if this should worry me. "I can't read her aura. Is she human? Or wolf?" "I'm Adalia," I interrupted. The thing that grates on my nerves the most is when people have conversations about you as if you're not there. Older relatives at family cookouts seemed to have made a habit of it. Now it was happening here, and I was not going to put up with it! "Where are my manners, child? Forgive me. Call me Nana. Everyone else does. Care for some tea and cookies?" Before I could respond, Nana had vacated her current position into a door that was right behind her. Inside this place, there were smooth wooden walls and doors and a space that was three times larger than what it appeared outside. What magic is this? Trent, who was studying me intently the whole time, answered "Nana's one of our pack elders, but she has legendary powers and has earned great honor. I came here because she can better explain everything. "Follow me," she said, after returning with a cookie sheet with a plate of cookies, a small teapot, and tiny cups. We were led into another room that was just wide enough for you to reach both arms out before touching the wall. There was a lime green coffee table that matched the wallpaper that had been put up one wall. Other furnishings, made the room look more like a magazine ad than something that people lived in. Once seated, the Nana commanded that both me and Trent take one cookie each and to take a sip of tea. The tea had already been poured into the cups that sat before us on the coffee table. Trent did as commanded. I knew that he obviously trusted the woman with his life, so I did as well. The tea was unsweetened, which explained his grimace after the first sip. "Tea is good for you." Nana explained, moving her arms into odd gestures as she spoke. "It has lemon, which I was hoping would strengthen you aura. It did nothing. Now bite the cookie you are both holding." The cookie appeared to be oatmeal raisin, but the taste was wildly different. It tasted tart, instead of sweet. "What type of..." "It's a special blend, my dear! If you two are mates, you'll start to feel the effects within hours. If you two aren't mates, than nothing will happen. After all, you can't strengthen something that is non-existent." Suddenly, I felt nausea in the pit of my stomach. ************* Bad Dreams Ch. 06 I will apologize for the long wait. I have a list of excuses, but I don't want your pity. Life can be difficult. I hope enjoy the story! This chapter has been self-edited, so go easy on me. I tried my best, but I tend to miss things. Do comment! Good or bad, I want to hear it! ~Adare ************* "What effects?" Nana's face was an indecipherable mask, which I found terrifying. "What effects?" I demanded. Trent opened his mouth to say something but Nana spoke first. "If you are not true soul mates nothing will happen. The cookie is a secret recipe I use for detecting true mates among wolves and humans. Of course, if you are not human there will be no effect either way. I am quite perplexed by your aura; it does not read like any human or wolf I've ever encountered. If the cookie affects you, then we'll know for sure that you are human, or at least human enough to vulnerable to magic, and Trent's true mate. Certainly this cookie test is vague, but if I knew what usually aura readings are all the test that is ever needed." Trent nodded along with her words, although with his raised eyebrows, he appeared not to know what she was going to say. "That's interesting, but I want to know how the cookie will tell us if I'm his true mate. How do you know whether or not that I have reacted?" "That is a question I cannot answer..." Nana began. Why is she evading my question? Oh, no! What if I end up doing something crazy, like dry-humping a tree? Or trying to fly? Or trying to fly off of four story building? "Cannot, or will not?" Nana's face had never changed since the beginning of this conversation. Eerie. "I cannot predict the effects because the magic never works the same. Even if I were to recall couples of whom the magic has effected in the past, the way the magic affects you will be totally different. As each individual is unique, so is every reaction. Your aura is something of a mystery; I do not even know which direction to begin looking in." I probably am going to end up doing something crazy. If I get home and stay there maybe I won't embarrass myself. "I'm feeling sick. Take me home now, please," I announced loudly while staring directly into Trent's eyes, in an attempt to politely escape this ladies home. As if on cue, the moment I uttered those words they became true. My fingers began to tingle as if they had been shocked, and the nausea which had gradually worn away throughout this conversation came crashing back to me. Nana's stare was impenetrable as she studied me. Trent looked worried. "Shit! Are you okay?" "I'm nauseas." To lesson to its grip, I leaned over the edge of Nana's dainty green couch with my arms clutching my stomach feeling much too distracted by the persistent ache. I felt his heat through the thin fabric of my shirt before Trent placed his large hand on my back. His touch was like magic; with his hand, he chased the nausea away. "Whoa," I sat back up into his arm that had curled its way around my waist. I didn't want Trent to touch me but honestly to be free of this ache I'd let anyone, with the exception of maybe a serial killer, touch me. I glanced back to him only to be met by his version of the indecipherable mask. "I know how you feel." I could feel his words vibrate off his chest. Nana cleared her throat loudly to grab out attention and then smiled warmly at us. Had I been staring? "I assume you the two of you haven't ate much before you came here. I had not expected the magic to take hold quite that fast." This is the magic? I resisted the urge to ask that stupid question, until I found a better one. "When will it wear off?" I asked. Soon, I hope. Trent spoke up, "It depends on the concentration of her cookies." His voice was deeper than it had been, or maybe it was just the feel of him vibrating against me that changed my perception. "This batch was highly concentrated. I hadn't expected you to visit today; I'm having visitors later- that's who they are for- and you really can't be here when they arrive." Nana spoke looking directly at Trent with a grave expression, before genuinely smiling at me. "I cannot guess the time it takes to wear off either. I've never seen it last for longer than two days." "Two days?!" They both said yes at the same time. Creepy. That's not the word for it, but creepy will do. Trent obviously revered this woman. "It looks like you've found your mate!" "What exactly does that mean," I demanded, perhaps a bit too rudely. However, Nana's mood remained unchanged. A faint ringing that sounded much like a cowbell cued Nana to her feet. Then as she begin to hastily return our tea mugs to the tray she said "Dear, I know it's a lot to take in over such a short period of time." Then she scolded Trent with a wagging finger, "I'm sure you're handling all wrong." Returning back to me she said, "He's never been one with words, but I'm short on time today and you two are definitely not safe here. Call me, if you have any questions dear. Trent you'll be hearing from me soon, but not now. You must go! You really must go!" **************** On the ride back to my house Trent held my hand to keep the nausea resurfacing; it seemed that we'd be stuck together until the effects of the magical cookie to wear off. This must be a joke. "What's funny?" "Can't you read my mind?" "Just because I can does not mean that I do," Trent said. "Even with invasive magic, there are ways to be polite." "So I'm your mate?" I asked, hoping he would deny it. "Yeah," he said, as he gave the widest most genuine smile I've seen since I met him. Even the lascivious smile he had in my dreams could not rival this; it was both breathtaking and infuriating. "Explain." If he explained his logic, maybe I could refute this entire mess. Surely this is a mistake. It must be. He inhaled audibly. Then suddenly, I could taste his anxiety. It had an unpleasantly acerbic taste and it surrounded him like an inivible hidden mist. What the hell? "I can taste your feelings," I said aloud before thinking about whether I should have said anything at all about it. Could he use it against me, and say it's just another reason why we should be together? "You can sense me?" he asked. His eyes never moved off the road, but he was smiling widely right now. The happiness added a sweet aftertaste to his anxiety. "My wolf chose you before I ever met you. It told me you were alive, and instinctively how to find you." "Just like that. But how?" "Dreams," he said. I froze. Did he know about mine? "I'm sure you had them. I shared them with you. I didn't mean to scare you and I tried to call you. I got your number from... " "You lost me week's worth of perfectly good sleep! If you knew you were scaring me, why didn't you stop?!" "Adalia, I had as much control over the dreams as you did. You had no idea what it meant, but werewolf mates are sacred and..." ****************** The wooden door splintered ahead with the force of Luriat's fury. Muttering an assortment of curses under his breath, he stalked through the house destroying doors and other obstacles. He found Nana in her kitchen, guarding her tea set which had nearly fell off of the shelf that had shook with Luriat's forced entry. "Stop it," Nana voice, became infused with anger that took a physical form. She carefully set down all of the items of her tea set on the counter with her back turned him. Although her body was frail, she could protect herself without ever touching any of her enemies. Of course, Luriat knows this, but rage destroys logic among even the most level-headed. He clinched his fists and inhaled air deeply. Then he exhaled that air along with a fraction of his rage. "They were here today, damn it. I can smell them. Trent and one other? Where are they? Where is Trent?" "You're angry for the wrong reasons, alpha wolf. Should I even call you alpha anymore? Many of your followers wonder the same thing?" "Trent could never be alpha!" Luriat stomped down childishly, with enough force to damage reinforced concrete beneath the carpeting. "Control your temper! Are your really expecting my help while I stand by here watching you destroy my home? Get out of my house!" "I'll be seeing you again." "I hope not," Nana replied, but Trent was already out of hearing range. ***************** "We're here," Trent announced. "I know," I stated, annoyed. "Stay and talk," Trent pleaded, putting his bottom lip out. Before now, I thought he was too masculine to appear even remotely cute but somehow he managed and I couldn't resist. "Fine. Talk," I demanded. "What are you thinking about?" "Nothing," I responded instantaneously, like a reflex. "Liar." Strangely, there was no emotion in his voice as he said this. No accusation, frustration or anger. Knowing what he felt made me feel safer. If he became angry, I could try to talk him down or run away. I haven't tasted a feeling from him after told him I could. Does the power come and go? Can he read me now? "You asked me to stay and talk. What do you want to talk about? Otherwise, I'm leaving because I have nothing to say to you right now. Besides, I thought you couldn't taste how I feel." "I cannot. However, I do know a lie when I hear one being so blatantly told." Trent moved his body quickly enough that I missed it even while staring at him. We had been hand in hand the entire ride home, but Trent twisted his body around to place his other hand in my cheek and force me to look in those beautiful golden eyes. His stare had a physical force to it; all of my logic had almost immediately fled. I was remembering the feel of him on my lips and thinking of other places I would like to feel those lips. Looking in his eyes, it was hard to believe that I wanted nothing to do with him. Could life with him really be so bad? Maybe if I got to know him more... "Tell me what you are thinking," he stated, interrupting my thoughts. "What does being mates mean?" His stare never lost an ounce of intensity as he told me. "It's something sacred among werewolves. It's like human marriage, except the only rings are the magic that binds us." Magic? Of course, magic. I'm talking to a werewolf. What other explanation would make any sense? "What type of magic?" Nothing on this earth could be worse than the dreams. "When love is involved, it's powerful magic." "What about hate?" "Same thing. They are synonymous. A hate powerful enough to rival love resulted from the lost of love. It's not always romantic love that makes for powerful magic, but for mates it has to be romantic." Trent's unfaltering gaze had me squirming under his scrutiny, so I tried to look away. His hand, which had never left my cheek, held me gently in place. "The magic that binds us as mates can cause insanity if we resist." "So you are trying to scare me into being your mate?" My displeasure was obvious in the tone of my voice. Trent is a either a credible actor, or the thought had never actually crossed his mind. His jaw dropped; he was shocked that I could even conceive the idea. "Trust me when I say the last thing I am trying to do is scare you away. I want you as near to me as possible." I believed him. Trent gradually moved closer to me; it was almost like a slow motion movie, but perhaps less graceful. I learned that the gap between the black vinyl seats was hardly a barrier to our close proximity. Trent's strong callous, yet smooth hands, caressed my cheek while his other hand never left own hand. His round, almost feminine lips, brushed across mine. I ran my tongue along the bottom, tasting him. This kiss was a test of my willingness and of his control, but also more. There were absolutely no barriers at all. His golden eyes and gentle, yet insistent, nature was a powerful physical force, much greater than my will, and trying to bind us. My heart was trying to pound a whole into my chest; the air soon became too solid, too stagnant to breath. I pushed Trent back with both hands on his chest. He removed his hand from mine and my face, and studied me. I need more time, more space, and definitely keep my distance from the tempting man in front of me. "I need," I whispered, certain Trent could hear. He had relaxed back into his seat, letting the pumpkin-orange of the setting sun illuminate his dark hair and half his face. "What is it," he urged. As much as I wanted to keep my distance, it was as if my body still needed his touch. The nausea was returning. Trent grabbed my hand again, and soothed in small circles. "I don't know," I lied, certain he could see right through it. Sharing feelings has its downside, I guess. Trent's neutral faced suddenly changed to something more primal, or more needy. He leaned in closer. "The only thing I can think about right now is you. Tell me you can feel it too." His fire gaze was beginning to burn, and it was unpleasant. "I need more time to think," I announced. With that last comment, I exited the vehicle. The first shades of navy were beginning to bleed into the sky. I crossed my arms as I welcomed the cool night breeze and let it wrap around me like a blanket. The feel of it relieved me from the suffocating heat in Trent's car. "Adalia?" Trent called. I had not heard him exit the car, or even approach me. He was only a few feet away, and walking towards me with an agile stride. The frown is what gave away his anger. "What is it?" I asked, with my most cautious tone of voice. He grabbed my arms and tugged them away from my chest."You are hurting yourself." I let my mouth make the surprised "O." Why had I let myself dig my nails into my arms until it drew blood? Why hadn't I felt it until just now? "Is there something you are not telling me?" I wondered. Trent held my wrists at my sides and moved so that even a pencil could not fit between us. "Actually, I already told you." "Huh?" "The magic that binds us as mates can cause insanity if we resist." "This isn't insanity! This is, well, I don't know what this is! By insanity, I though you meant it would affect only our minds." "No, I meant we would do things. Crazy things that we don't even think about doing. It makes you look insane for not knowing what you are going to do next, but you really don't know," he clarified. "Had you noticed you were hurting yourself?" Trent leaned down and whispered softly by my ear. His hair teased the skin that was bar on my shoulder. "No." Could being Trent's mate really be that bad? Life right now is becoming absolute hell. I should be furious, but the only thing I feel is slumberous. Trent walked me to my apartment, gently kissed my forehead, and then ran past his car and into the woods. ************** Back at my apartment, I showered and hopped into bed with nothing on my mind but the promise of good sleep. I wore the most conservative pair of pajamas I owned: a yellow cotton t-shirt and shorts that were emblazoned with hundreds of tiny pink hearts. The promise was a lie, because that night I dreamed again. In a bed of leaves on my back, I stared up at the moon between the branches that hoped to eventually grasp it. I strong, smooth, yet callous, hand wrapped around my ankle. I lifted myself on my elbows to stare down the line of my body. To my horror, my pajamas were not cotton or yellow. It was a green silk gown that would have no hope of ever reaching my knees. Its low lacy trim left the tops of my breasts fully exposed. The gown barely covered my bikini style panties, which were smooth, black with a lace trim. At my ankles, my eyes were met with a pair or golden ones and hair so black it looked like a shadow. In a short instant, the still air was replaced with a refrigerator cold breeze. Certain my face was an embarrassing red from the cold and being in front of a man in nothing more than lingerie, I dared to meet his eyes. The smile there was anything but lascivious; it was the same look of "Awww" that people got when staring at cute kittens, puppies, or small children. "What do you want?" His hand, still on my ankle, began to message; Trent just gave me full-toothed smile as he did this. Tugging my leg away, I said "This is my dream. You can't touch me here!" However, my voice lacked conviction. His full, almost feminine, lips upturned into a mischievous smile, as he said "Ah, my dear, but this is my dream too. Please?" Standing before my legs, his otherworldly beauty- hazel eyes, glowing skin, sensuous lips, and muscular chest- took my breath away. From my current position, lying on my back on the cold stark ground, I could see Trent was naked from the waist and up. He held out his palm to pull me up into a sitting position. "Trent..." was all that escaped my lips before his lips covered my own in a searing kiss that was not gentle or hesitant. Consumed by desire, I led Trent's dormant hands to my waist. Deciding to travel upwards, Trent caressed the side of each of my breast trough the silky fabric of the bra. His thumbs brushed lightly over my nipples which had already tightened considerably against the thin fabric that did nothing to conceal them from prying eyes. The unbroken kiss only deepened when I ran my hand up his solidness of his chest. He pressed my body with his back into the bed of leaves and began slowly planting small kisses onto my neck. I turned my head stifling my moan into my pillow. The warmth, the source of my pleasure, was replaced with agony. I was no longer dreaming, but fully awake sleep deprived and sexually unsatisfied. My clock, the only source of light at the moment, read 3:38 a.m. Crap. ********* At 3:38 a.m. Trent awoke from one of the most intense dreams of his life in his hotel bed. He tried everything: a cold shower, the pledge of allegiance, and counting backwards from 100. By number 93, his mind was already wondering back to feel of her body against his, the smell of her body near him, and her moans of pleasure. The fact, the he was the source of her pleasure pleased Trent greatly. Adalia fit perfectly against him and he was certain that she would fit perfectly into his life. Now, if only his jeans fit more comfortably over his erection. Suddenly, his cell phone rang. It's 4 a.m. Who the hell was calling him? It was Mark- Trent's cousin. "What is it?" "I couldn't be calling just to chat?" asked Mark. "Hell, no! It's 4 a.m. It better not be a social call." "It's not 4a.m. here." Mark laughed. "There is only a 3 hour time difference. You don't make social calls at 1 a.m. either." "Very true. I do have a reason for calling, but I want to know how things are going with you mate." "Great," Trent answered automatically. "No things are not. I sense that there is tension between the two of you. What's her name?" "Adalia." "Ah, beautiful name. When can I expect to meet her?" "Not any time soon." "But we must get to meet the girl that stole the alpha's heart..." "I'm not the pack's alpha. That battle was unofficial and for personal reasons." "Trent, you're in denial. You know that as long a single council member is there to see that the fight is fair it can be declared official. You won a battle against the alpha! Few can challenge the packs strongest! Yet, you won! And I bet you could win again..." "Mark! If the only reason you called was to lecture me, I will hang up!" "Ok, ok. I'll get to the point. Brianna is in the hospital." "What? Why? Is she going to be ok?" "A broken arm, and a bunch of cuts and bruises. You know who did this." "No." Trent shook his head. "That bastard will pay!" "That bastard is looking for you actually. According to Great Mother, both you and he visited Nana this afternoon. I'd be careful. I'd keep Adalia near tonight."