Demon Dreams Read online

  * * * *

  Pleased I had found my bag of toiletries intact after the accident, I had done a quick freshen up with my beauty wipes in spite of the strong desire for a shower. I would have to put that off until morning because I hated going to bed with wet hair, and with power out, blow-drying wasn’t an option.

  I gave the huge glass enclosed shower one more wistful look before I turned back to the bedroom. A hot shower sounded so good. But after a quick internal debate I went ahead and slid under the quilt, naked again so I would have clean clothes in the morning. I tossed and turned for a few minutes as my brain scrambled to figure what to do next. But I was too tired and fell asleep before an answer came to me.

  * * * *

  I giggled as I watched the bunny darting around the grass. Papa had fallen asleep while we watched the movie so I had come outside so I wouldn’t disturb him. It was a bright sunny day and I hadn’t thought twice about following the rabbit. I was big girl now and I’d be eleven in a matter of weeks so I would be fine as long as I didn’t get lost.

  The bunny hopped around nibbling here and there while I watched. All of a sudden the bunny’s ears twitched like it heard something and it fled. I stood still as I realized something was watching me. I didn’t know how I knew but the feel of something icy skittered up my spine. There was a sound of something moving beyond the trees behind me and when I turned toward it, I was terrified. A huge black bear was lumbering towards me.

  Not running, but it was coming right for me at a determined pace. I couldn’t make my feet move as I watched it get closer. I was so scared I couldn’t even scream.

  It was about twenty feet from me when there was a flash of gray fur out of the corner of my eye. Suddenly there was big dog between me and the bear. The dog lowered its head and growled, low and mean. The bear stood on its hind legs and roared.

  My knees went out from under me and I fell to the ground. The dog lunged toward the bear, snapping its jaws. A shriek escaped me as strong arms came around me from behind.

  A soft voice whispered in my ear. “Shh. We need to be quiet.”

  I didn’t recognize the voice but it made me feel funny and warm inside. My body relaxed and I didn’t fight as I was picked up.

  “Good girl.” A hand turned my head until my face was buried against a warm male chest.

  My hands clutched at his shirt but I stayed silent even when I heard the sounds of the two animals fighting. Fear for the dog filled me and my tears soaked the man’s shirt. I didn’t want the dog hurt, he was so brave to protect me and I knew that was what it was doing.

  The bear roared again but this time it sounded different, like it was scared. The dog howled and the sound was something out of one those scary movies I wasn’t supposed to watch.

  But I wasn’t afraid of it.

  “It’s over. The bear left.”

  I started to sob then. “The dog…is he okay?”

  “He’s fine. Look, you can see for yourself.” His grip on me loosened. “Go ahead, I promise it’s safe.”

  I let go and wiped at my wet cheeks. The dog came up to me. He was nearly as tall as I was, his tail wagging furiously, and he tilted his head at me as his tongue poked out of its mouth in a silly grin. A surprised giggle escaped me.

  “See, everything is okay now. Al… scared it away.”

  I laughed as the dog pushed its head under my hand and rubbed against it. Smiling, I petted and scratched its head as it shook in pleasure. “That’s a funny name for a dog.”

  “You think so? I kind of like it.”

  “I would think so since he’s your pet and you probably named him,” I said.

  “Oh, you have it backwards. I’m the pet. He found me all alone, and I haven’t been able to get rid of him.”

  The dog huffed in what almost sounded like laughter.

  I heard Papa shouting my name in the distance. “Oh no, am I in big trouble.” I looked down at the ground. “Do you have to tell Papa about the bear?” What if he told Mom and I never got to come back?

  “No, and don’t worry. You won’t be in trouble.” His voice changed, becoming all…glowy? “Neither of you will remember, but please stay out of the woods unless you have an adult with you.”

  “I can’t forget this.” Was he kidding? I couldn’t wait to tell my best friend Katie how a dog saved me from a bear.

  A large hand cupped my chin. “It’s not time yet. But we found you now and we will again.” He lifted my head and when I looked into his gold eyes they burned bright. “Sleep, Sweetness.”

  My eyes shot open as the dream ended. It had been damn vivid. I could still feel the heat of his arms holding me tight. The soft pressure of his gentle grip on my chin.

  The bristly fur of the dog under my hand.

  I would even swear I smelled the dog’s fur, but now that I was awake, I realized that the canine in my dream world hadn’t been a dog at all but a huge gray wolf. Except it had been even larger, almost half again the size of a regular gray, from everything I had devoured on them I had a firm grasp on how big they were. I had been fascinated with the creatures for years, watching every documentary and buying nonfiction books for more information.

  Not to mention my collection of shifter romances that Katie always rolled her eyes at.

  I turned onto my stomach and punched the pillow a few times, but after a few more minutes I knew trying to sleep was a waste of time. Might as well shower.

  I didn’t linger under the spray no matter how wonderful the hot jets felt. I wasn’t too sure how big the hot water tank was and it would be poor manners if I drained every last drop for myself. However, I did go ahead and shave because stubble was not attractive.

  Not to mention it itched like hell.

  After towel drying my hair and brushing out the long curls I looked at myself in the mirror. Yep still the same old me. Long wild brown curls topping a passably pretty oval face. My green eyes no longer had bags under them so I must’ve gotten enough rest. Katie always said they were my best feature, at least the best one that wasn’t triple rated.

  My body had a large-boned frame and at just shy of five foot ten I was never going to be model thin or petite. Plus, I liked chocolate and pizza way too much to get rid of the bit of extra cushion I always carried in spite of a waitressing job that kept me pretty active. I just wasn’t what most guys saw and wanted. Long term at least, because my large breasts got plenty of attention for the short term.

  If only I had a nickel for every leer I had gotten or whispered conversation debating if they were natural or not.

  I went ahead and got dressed. Maybe they would have something I could surprise them with for breakfast later.

  I was glad I was trying to be quiet when I took a few steps out of my room and saw Alec sprawled out on a pile of blankets. And sprawled was the right for it as he lay on his back, one leg bent partway and his arms thrown over his head.

  I shook myself as I took in the sight he made. Surely I was still dreaming because nobody could look that good in real life, could they?

  The firelight danced across his bare chest. I guess he’d kicked the covers off because his only clothing was a pair of dark, silky boxers. He had a smattering of hair covering his chest, thinning out over his belly and forming an honest to god treasure trail until it disappeared into the underwear. I could see the outline of a thick cock lying under the silk and as I watched, it hardened and grew until the head was poking out the fabric slit.

  I should’ve looked away but that mushroom-shaped head reached even farther. Jesus, he was hung. Thick and long and oh how I wanted to see the balls that went with that cock. Were they high and tight or low and heavy? Did he have a thick bush or was it a light fuzz like his torso?

  “Mmm.” Alec shifted slightly as he moaned. His hips moved the slightest bit as the tip of his cock formed a drop of moisture as it filled out even more. Another thrust and low groan and I realized he was dreaming.

  And it was a very good dream, too, as he kep
t moving in a rhythm that had me growing wet. When his hand dropped to his dick and rubbed, I barely held back a whimper. Arousal spread through me and it was like being lost in a dream.

  Don’t do it, Becca!

  As usual, I didn’t listen to my own common sense. Slowly, I lifted one hand to pinch my left nipple and slid my right hand into my sleep pants and under my panties as I watched the amazing sight before me.

  My slit was dripping so my finger slid against my clit and I bit my lip to hold back a whimper. Oh God, what was I doing?

  As I caressed myself in time to the slow slide of Alec’s hand on his cock, I gradually became aware of the heat of another body behind me.

  “Hello, Sweetness,” Samuel’s whiskey smooth voice sounded from behind my shoulder. Carefully he pressed against my back, fitting the curves of my ass to his groin. “Can I play, too?”

  This had to be a dream, because there was no way in hell this was real. I felt my head nod. When his arms wrapped around me and strong hands cupped my breasts, I shuddered. Samuel’s fingers plucked and twisted my erect nipples through my clothing. I almost protested when he stopped until I realized he was sliding his hands under my shirt. He took the front hook of my bra in his fingers. “May I?”

  I nodded again, staying quiet because I didn’t want to wake from this. I bit back a gasp when he unhooked it and my breasts spilled into his hands. The heat of his skin felt wonderful. My hand stilled between my legs as I moaned. I didn’t want to come and end this, not yet.

  “Look at Alec…do you see how hard he is for you?” Samuel’s wicked whisper had me dropping my gaze to see Alec watching me with fire in his eyes as he pulled on his cock. “I think he wishes it was his hand in your pussy. Or do you think he would rather sink his dick into you?” Sharp teeth nipped my ear. “I know I would, but I don’t think you’re ready for that yet.”

  I shuddered at the imagined feel of them filling me…separately…together. They were every fantasy I’d ever had.

  “Do you need to come, Sweetness? Show me what you want.” Samuel nibbled on my neck.

  Lost in his erotic spell, I took his hand in mine and slid it down my belly and into my panties. All the while I stared at Alec as he watched us. Samuel sank his finger into me.

  “Mmm…so wet and hot I can’t wait to feel you gripping my dick.” Samuel’s forehead dug into my shoulder as he groaned and rubbed a thick erection against my ass. “I want you so badly, Sweetness.” His finger slid out of my channel then sank back in with another. Two thick fingers filled me. I whimpered and rocked my hips against his hand.

  Alec came to his knees in front of me and nuzzled my breast, then his tongue snaked out and licked the stiff peak. Even though I couldn’t see his hand, the movement of his shoulder and hips made it clear he was fucking his fist as he started to tongue my nipple in earnest.

  “Now, Alec!” Samuel’s order came at the same time he lifted my left leg at the knee, spreading me open as he plunged his fingers into me as far as they would go, then he fucked me with them fast and hard as his thumb flicked my clit. Alec sucked my nipple hard and I threw my head back and keened as I came on Samuel’s hand.

  Alec moaned against my breast, still sucking and licking as he stiffened.

  Samuel groaned against my shoulder as he rocked against my ass harder. I felt wet heat dampening the fabric on my backside and the front of my thigh.

  It was that sensation that had me coming out of the fog of desire.

  Wait? What? Oh Christ, was this really happening?

  “Shh, Becca.” Samuel’s whisper had me sinking back into the soft haze. “Shh…sleep now, Sweetness. It was only a dream.”

  As I followed his instructions a part of me wished that it hadn’t been.

  * * * *

  “Samuel, did you have to do that?” Alec asked in a harsh whisper as I was carried in his arms.

  “Yes. She was starting to freak out,” Samuel’s weary voice answered him. “She’s not ready yet, Alec.”

  Alec gently laid me down on the bed. “I don’t know how much longer I can hang on.”

  A part of me responded to the emotion in his voice and tried to wake but a soft, unintelligible whisper dragged me back down.

  Alec continued, “It took everything I had not to pin her to the floor and claim her.”

  “You have to hang on a little longer.”

  Alec gave a bitter laugh. “I’ve been waiting over eighteen years.”

  “So have I, but if we push too hard she could run from us.” Samuel’s finger traced my cheek. “I know she will be everything we’ve prayed for but we have to ease her into it or…” He sighed. “She’s worth the wait.”

  Alec took my hand. “Yes, she is… and so much more. I’m just afraid of not being strong enough to give her the time she needs.” He sighed. “We shouldn’t have touched her tonight.”

  “I know, but Gods, her desire and need were so sweet… and strong. I have never felt anything like that before… I couldn’t walk away from her, could you?”

  “No. When I saw the way she watched me… No, I would’ve done anything for her then.” Alec sighed. “And now for that matter.”

  There was silence then I felt them leave the room and the dream faded away.

  Chapter Two

  When my eyes opened, I had to blink at the sunlight leaking through the blue curtains. I was naked. Confused, I turned to the dresser. My clothes were still folded, right where I had left them.

  More dreams? What the hell is in this mountain air?

  After another minute, I stumbled into the bathroom and started getting ready. I had a few brief moments of déjà vu like when I automatically reached for the shampoo in the shower without having to look for it or check the bottle. Weird.

  Even stranger was when I went to shave only to see I didn’t have nearly the stubble I had thought I had. Almost as if I…

  No, not possible.

  My thoughts drifted as I towel dried my hair, and fragments of the dreams teased the outer edges of my mind. And not just the sexy ones either.

  It was almost as if I’d had a lifetime of dreams in one night.

  Most had been of me as a young girl, playing in the woods near Papa’s cabin. My times spent there had been some of the happiest of my life, so dreaming of that time hadn’t surprised me. But dreaming of playing with a wolf had.

  Now I remembered that I used to dream of that wolf often back then. Chasing after him and squealing with laughter when he had let me catch him and a voice teasing and laughing along with us as we played.

  A voice that I almost recognized.

  More and more fragments came to me as I brushed out my hair. How could I possibly have had that many dreams in one night? And why did they feel almost… real?

  I shook off the dreams as best I could. You have other things to worry about, Becca.

  Wasn’t that the fucking truth? After securing my hair in a thick French braid that went halfway down my back, I straightened up the bathroom, wiping over the tub to clean up any hair I had left behind. When I finished making the bed I realized I couldn’t put off facing the day any longer.

  Alec and Samuel were already up, sitting on stools by the long, narrow island, and they had steaming mugs of coffee in their hands. The rich aroma had me salivating. “Is there any more?”

  “Oh yeah. Alec fixed an industrial-sized pot this morning. There’s sugar and sweetener in the cabinet right above the coffee maker. Milk is in the fridge if you like that.” Samuel smirked at Alec. “There’s also three containers of a white chocolate raspberry creamer that he’s addicted to.”

  Alec’s shoulders hunched slightly, obviously a bit embarrassed. “Hey, it’s good stuff.”

  His eyes widened as I hurried to the fridge and pulled out a creamer bottle. When I hugged it to me and called it my precious Alec started laughing. “Glad I’m not the only one who does that.”

  I doctored up a huge, Alec-sized mug of coffee and joined them at the island, gratefu
l when they let me drink in silence.

  But I should’ve known it wouldn’t last.

  Samuel exchanged a look with Alec then he spoke. “Becca, the power is back on now and so is the Wi-Fi.”

  A sinking sensation formed in my belly as I watched him hesitate over his next words.

  “I went online to the local news station, for the weather reports—your picture came up. It’s one of the top news stories,” Samuel said.

  I could feel the color draining from my face and gave a bitter laugh as I wondered how long I had before cops showed up. “Let me guess. I’m a person of interest in the murder of my boss?” I clenched my fists against the need to just lie down and give up. No, I won’t make it easy for David.

  Samuel nodded while Alec said gently, “We haven’t told anyone you’re here.”

  My mouth dropped open as I nearly fell over in relief. “Why?”

  Samuel shrugged. “When we brought you in, you had hypothermia. You rambled a bit in your sleep and said some things. We thought at first that it may have been just some bad dreams but when I read the story…Well, I wondered.”

  “What did I say?” Not that it mattered. Why would they believe me?

  “You said Tony. That’s your boss, right?” At my nod he continued, “You were scared and told him to look out, that David had a knife. There wasn’t much else.”

  Alec took my shaking hand in his. “You can trust us.”

  Could I really?

  What choice did I have? Even if I couldn’t convince them about what really happened I owed them truth. No…I wanted to give them the truth.

  So I took a deep breath and started from the beginning. “I live and work in a small town in the Oklahoma panhandle, at a small diner attached to the truck stop. There’s this cop that came in a lot. Flirted with me.” I sighed. “I thought he was cute, not that it matters.”

  Alec gave a soft growl that had Samuel shooting him a warning look before saying, “Okay.”

  “I worked days but that night I stopped by in the middle of the night. I had gotten back from visiting a friend in Enid, a few hours away. Decided to get a drink before going home. When I got out I heard Tony’s voice from behind the diner. I had also seen the police car in the parking lot, so I was concerned.” I grimaced as I remembered my stupidity. “Tony liked to get BJ’s from the hookers that frequent truck stops. He’d give them free food and stuff like that. A place they could clean up and rest. He’d also warn them who to stay away from.” I remembered Tony explaining himself to me when I had caught him. I also thought of all the small kindnesses I had seen from him, to me and others. I shrugged as I tried to defend him. “He was a little sleazy, but he wasn’t a bad guy.” It bothered me that they might not understand.