Demon Dreams Read online

  “Okay, you’re the one that knew him. Keep going,” Alec said when I paused.

  I took a deep breath as I saw it unfold again. The flash of the knife as it caught the light from one of the parking lot lights. “I looked around the corner and David, the cop I told you about, he had Tony pinned against the wall. There was a girl on the ground, not moving. Then I saw David stab Tony.”

  “And you ran.” Samuel’s gentle voice was understanding.

  “Yeah, I did call the police in Guymon, the next closest town, but the person I talked to berated me for making a crank call about a good cop, so I didn’t give my name. I didn’t have to. My roommate Katie called a few minutes later to say the cops were looking for me.”

  “David?” Alec growled.

  “Yes. He must’ve seen me.” I rubbed my face. “Likely decided I’d make a good patsy. So now it’s my word against his.”

  Samuel titled his head. “There was no mention of a second body. Just that the diner had been robbed and the owner had interrupted it.”

  “I thought this crap only happened on TV.” I slumped in my chair. “I didn’t know what to do so I came here. I hoped Papa’s cabin was empty and I could hide while I thought about what to do.”

  Alec and Samuel moved next to me and pulled me to my feet. Samuel comforted me, “We’ll help you figure it out.”

  When they hugged me between them I finally let myself go and cried out my fear over the danger I was in. I didn’t want to be locked away in a prison. And, not the least of all, my grief over a man that had been a friend even if he had been far from an angel.

  * * * *

  We spent the next few days preparing for the next storm that was going to hit. Since it was supposed to be much worse than the few inches that fell the other night, Samuel and Alec had run to the closest town, which was about thirty minutes or so away.

  I wanted to pull my own weight so I had volunteered to help with the cooking and so they had offered to pick up whatever I needed along with the other items.

  Alec and Samuel had chopped an unbelievable amount of wood and I had helped them stack the more seasoned ones in the woodshed off the back porch. They had assured me that if we lost power again that we would be well stocked for weeks if needed.

  I almost hoped we were snowed in for that long because I would be able to use that as excuse to keep hiding. I knew I would eventually have to figure out where to go to report my side of things.

  But I felt safe here.

  Even more than that, I just didn’t want to leave Alec and Samuel. I still dreamed nightly. Vivid dreams of wolves and more. Being loved by two faceless men.

  And during the day I imagined Alec’s and Samuel’s faces when I thought about the dreams.

  I wanted to thank them, so I scrubbed and scoured the entire cabin while they were gone. The bedding Alec used at night was washed and folded on the coffee table. I had tried to convince him to let me sleep on the sofa but he had insisted on my using his bed. He said I needed the privacy.

  Samuel had volunteered to let me have his room so Alec could sleep in his own bed again but had dropped it quickly when Alec had given a low rumble, almost a growl, of anger.

  As much as I loved the cabin, I wanted to stretch my legs before I was snowed in again. So I bundled up in Samuel’s coat and the extra pair of boots he’d given me, then wandered outside. I remembered to take a large stone with me, one that would make a good mark on trees so I would be able to find my way back.

  After exploring for about twenty minutes, I decided I’d better head back before the cold started to get to me. About halfway there I heard a sound. It didn’t quite fit with the previous noises. I swallowed down the lump in my throat as I realized there was movement among the trees.

  I saw gray fur out of the corner of my eye and my first reaction was a stunned joy. But I saw another flash and then another.

  We were on the fringe of the Rockies in Colorado. There were not supposed to be any wolves left in the wild here. A memory of a news report stating that a gray wolf had been killed in Colorado, the speculation that they were making a comeback came to the forefront of my mind. Oh fuck!

  The three wolves weren’t hiding any longer. They stepped from the shadows, about thirty or forty feet away, and I froze, dropping my eyes enough that I would not be challenging them. If they had seen me as prey I would already be dead. They must be trying to figure out if I was a threat so I tried to calm my heart but it was no use.

  The one on my left started to growl. Then another joined in. Still I held my ground and stayed motionless. There was no point in running.

  Then I heard a voice cut through the crisp air.

  “Becca!”

  Alec!

  The sound caused the wolves to growl more menacingly and edge closer.

  Oh God, Alec has no idea!

  I carefully slipped my hand into my pocket and pulled out the cell the guys had given me while they were gone. I slid my gaze down just enough to shoot Alec a quick text.

  Wolves!

  The fur on the back of the wolves raised up as the growls intensified. I swallowed as I realized they were going to help David out with his little witness problem.

  David, you bastard! I hope Karma makes you its godamned bitch!

  The wolves burst into motion, and I spun on my heel and ran. It was futile, I knew, but my survival instinct stepped the fuck up and took the wheel. I could hear the wolves gaining on me as I ran. Then I saw another one running from the direction I was fleeing to. It was bigger and it howled in fury and flashed vicious fangs.

  I had been surrounded and hadn’t even known. The larger one was almost to me and I instinctively dropped to the ground and balled up my body. I couldn’t hold back my scream as it reached me.

  Then my scream cut off in shock as it sailed over me. My head whipped around in time to see it land on a smaller wolf and rip out its throat in a matter of seconds. The other two wolves quickly attacked. I heard the sounds of vicious fighting as I rolled away and clambered to my feet, intending to run when I heard the large wolf cry out in pain.

  And somehow I knew it was him.

  I spun back around to see him standing over the body of another one. The last of the three smaller wolves was racing away. I was frozen in place as I watched him stagger forward before stopping. His soft whine had me moving forward as scenes played in my mind.

  Chasing a wolf through the grass.

  Pulling a fluffy tail as he yipped in delight.

  Collapsing to the ground to catch my breath as a furry body lay down next to me.

  A bear lumbering toward me.

  Strong arms holding me tight.

  Gold eyes and smooth voice.

  “Sleep, Sweetness.”

  The pieces clicked in my mind and suddenly I understood. Not dreams. Oh God, not dreams!

  I slowly walked to the wolf as I realized where I had truly been running to when I had come here.

  Chapter Three

  The wolf lay down as I reached it and I could see the long, deep gashes in its flank. My chest tightened as he watched me with fear-filled eyes.

  Black eyes.

  Familiar eyes.

  When I reached out a trembling hand he nuzzled it and flicked his tongue out to lick the inside of my wrist. My hand stroked his muzzle then I sat back on my heels in wonder.

  He turned his head to look toward the cabin and moments later Samuel was in sight. A paw lifted then rested on my leg. As if he was asking me to stay.

  Samuel’s concerned gaze ran over the wolf when he reached us before returning to me. “He’ll be fine.”

  I waited for him to speak again but when I saw the same fear as the wolf’s in his eyes I was the one who spoke. “Are you going to make me forget again?”

  Samuel swallowed hard. “Only if you want me to.” He took a deep breath. “I need to explain.”

  I held up a hand. “Later, let’s take…” I gulped as my mind raced along with my heartbeat, ideas and
thoughts swirling around as I tried to just think. But the wolf was bleeding and I could almost feel the pain he had to be in. Taking a deep breath, I tried again. “Let’s take Alec home first.”

  * * * *

  We didn’t say much on the way back. Actually, other than Samuel telling Alec not to shift, I don’t think either of us said a word.

  I hurried to open the door for Samuel as he carried Alec into the house. It hadn’t escaped my notice that Samuel hadn’t even broken a sweat during the trek here. Even as wolf Alec had to be a couple hundred pounds and the implications had me swallowing back nerves.

  Samuel took a breath, hesitated then spoke. “It’s better if he’s in his own bed. The scents will help him rest easier.”

  I opened the bedroom door for him. “Maybe I should change the sheets so my smell won’t disturb him.”

  Samuel shook his head. “No, your scent will help soothe him.” He carefully laid an unconscious Alec on the bed.

  I bit my lip as I considered that. “Why?”

  Samuel kept his eyes trained on Alec. “I think you suspect the answer already.”

  I averted my gaze. No, I really didn’t—unless. I swallowed down a rising panic as a wild idea came to me. I shut it down, not ready to go there yet. “Is there a way you can help him heal faster?”

  Samuel tensed. “It will only take him a few hours of rest, then he will be fine.”

  “But you could, couldn’t you?” I lifted my chin. “Why won’t you?”

  Samuel’s hands curled up. “Because I don’t think either one of us is ready for what that would entail.” His head snapped up when I started to argue gain. “There is nothing I would not do for Alec!” He took a deep breath before saying more calmly, “Trust in that when I say all he needs is sleep.”

  I considered the stress lines on his brow, the way his nostrils flared. “Okay, then tell me what I can do to help him.”

  “Simply lie next to him so he knows you have not run.”

  I didn’t say a word. I just stripped down to my t-shirt and the cotton pants I had been wearing under my jeans, then climbed onto the bed. No matter how badly I was shaken at the idea that they were something…other, I would not—could not—abandon Alec if my presence would help him recover.

  “Thank you.” Samuel sighed and looked at the two of us for a lingering moment before leaving the room.

  It was a long time before I could push away the pain I had seen in Samuel’s eyes as he’d stared at us in the bed together. Finally, I fell asleep with one hand resting on the wolf, just so I could reassure myself he still breathed.

  Chapter Four

  I stayed still, keeping my eyes closed as awareness returned and I felt myself being watched. “You’re staring.”

  I opened my eyes to see the wolf watching me.

  “Are you okay now?”

  He nodded.

  “Alec.” I watched him give a little shudder as I said his name. “Can you shift now? I have questions.”

  He moved back from me a little ways but when I got off the bed he whined and froze.

  “I’m not leaving. I…” I turned up my palms and shrugged. “I just don’t know how much room you need. I’ll just stand here, okay?” I smiled when he gave me a soft woof then he whined. “What?”

  The wolf turned over and presented me with his back before facing me again, making another soft whine.

  And I suck at charades with people. “What?”

  He repeated his actions then gave a woof.

  “You want me to turn around?” I asked, pleased that his nod told me I had understood. “I could just go in the other room.”

  He bared his teeth and gave a low growl.

  Okay. I guess not. It was surprising that his snarl didn’t scare me. I arched a brow at him. “You get a bit bossy when you sprout fur, don’t you?” On a wolf, an astonished expression was actually cute and I had to laugh. “Okay.” I turned my back and waited. I heard the sound of the sheets rustling as something moved on the bed. There were a few soft groans and grunts.

  A few minutes later Alec spoke. “You can turn around now.”

  When I faced him again, I couldn’t hold back the slight flinch at the sight of Alec on the bed, obviously naked under the sheet he’d haphazardly pulled over himself for modesty. Then I made it worse by taking a slight step back.

  Alec’s mouth tightened as he averted his gaze. “I’m sorry.”

  “For what? Saving me… again?” I shook my head. “I’m the one who’s apologizing. I couldn’t help it. I knew—before you changed back, I knew but…” I shrugged. “Turning around and seeing you human again was still kinda shocking.” I cocked my head. “Are you human at all? I have about a million different myths and legends running through my head right now.”

  Alec raised his gaze to look at me. “I was once, years and years ago.” He started to say something else but stopped. “Samuel needs to be here for this.” He hung his head. “What I am…what he is… it’s all connected.”

  I stayed quiet, just nodding my acceptance.

  “You’re taking this rather well, so far at least,” Alec said and I could see the hope in his gaze.

  I gave a strangled laugh. “I’m glad one of us thinks so.”

  When his face fell I held up my hand in apology, sighing. “I didn’t mean it like that, Alec. I’ll go wait in the living room while you dress.” And I hoped Samuel wasn’t there because I could really use a few minutes to myself.

  * * * *

  Samuel was fixing a plate of sandwiches when I stepped out of Alec’s room. He had his back to me but he knew I was there. “He’ll need food. Let me finish these and I’ll leave so you can have some time alone.”

  He sounded so…lost. My chest tightened as I took in the stiffness of his body, then I realized what his words meant and I gulped. “Can you read my mind?”

  Samuel turned to me, his amber eyes darkened to near gold as he looked at the floor. “No. But I can sense emotions.” He placed the plate in the microwave. “I’ll leave. Will you please tell Alec he has food ready when he leaves his room?”

  A knot formed in my stomach. “Please stay.”

  Samuel’s gaze shot to mine and his eyes flashed bright gold. “I don’t want your pity!”

  I drew up my shoulders and stepped closer to him. “You’re not getting it!” I softened my voice. “I was sad and guilty because you’re upset.”

  Samuel gave me an incredulous look. “Why would you be? We’ve lied to you and we’re something not… human.” He sighed. “You should be terrified.”

  I heard the door to Alec’s room open and I shifted so I could see both of them. I nodded. “I should be. Probably should be driving like a bat out of hell right now but I…” I’d seriously thought about it too. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to figure out how to describe it. Finally I just threw up my hands. “I can’t. I think about leaving and I want to cry. Why?”

  Samuel closed his eyes briefly. “Do you think I’m doing this?” He held very still.

  Alec growled but I flicked a hand at him. “Stop, please, Alec.”

  I stared directly at Samuel. “No, mostly because I don’t want to, but also because if you were doing it I don’t think I’d have any clue. I’d just be all shiny and happy and let you do whatever.”

  A slow smile formed on Samuel’s face. “You really are quite remarkable.”

  I swallowed nervously and tried to ignore the hunger burning in his eyes. Never had anyone ever thought I was special but they were looking at me as if I was miracle and I truly didn’t understand it. “Umm, not really.”

  Alec came a step closer. “Do you think you’re the first to suspect we’re something different?” He shook his head. “We’ve been around for a long, long time, Becca, and this is usually when they start throwing holy water and screaming for a pitchfork-bearing mob.”

  Samuel spoke quietly. “I can feel your wariness. You’re not blindly believing that you’re safe. I sense you’re
deliberately pushing away your fear to give us a chance to convince you to stay.”

  “Explain this to me so I don’t have to anymore,” I asked quietly, almost losing my nerve when I saw true fear flash across Samuel’s face as he backed away a step. He didn’t want to tell me but it was time to rip the band aid off. I turned to Alec and flat out asked him. “Shifter or werewolf?”

  “Neither,” Alec said quietly, giving Samuel a sorrowful glance before continuing. “I’m a demon’s familiar.”

  My mouth fell open, and I barely managed not to jibber my racing thoughts aloud. Slowly, my eyes wide, I turned to Samuel. “Then that would make you…” My voice trailed off as I hoped he would say something different.

  Samuel’s voice was barely a whisper. “A demon.”

  Chapter Five

  “A demon?” I repeated dumbly as I wrapped my arms around myself.

  Samuel wiped his face of all expression and lifted his chin. “To be precise, I’m an incubus.”

  Alec quickly interjected. “He’s not evil. He has his soul.”

  I remembered the feel of strong arms enfolding me and hiding my face from violence. Once again I heard his words in my head.

  You’re safe.

  Sleep, Sweetness.

  “I believe you,” I whispered. “Tell me so I can understand.”

  Samuel sagged in relief, and hope became a glimmer in his eyes. “I feed on sexual energy, and I can use it to heal.”