“I have to get her awake enough to get her to feed. If she doesn't feed, she won’t live. Bring her and follow me and never speak a word about this to anyone. Do you both understand?” Coventry booms.
I’m once again scooped up and carried, and the same smells wrap around me comforting me and lulling me deeper into a haze.
“Whisper, you have to wake up. You have to feed your Nightmare.” Treyton whispers softly. His voice is laced with worry and a touch of fear that brings me out of my haze.
I gaze up at him. “I’m sorry you are being dragged into all this mess.” My eyes roll in my head.
I close them and open them again. I try to lift my hand to rub them and it's no use, my hand feels like it’s been chained to my body.
“Put her on this bed. Amy, bring one of the cattle. She needs to feed.” Coventry all but yells at her, the panic in his voice tells me I’m worse off than I think I am.
I feel the bed dip as someone slides in beside me. “Miss Lawrence, you have to feed.” Coventry’s voice floats in the distance of my mind.
I feel my hand being lifted and placed in the hand of whoever is lying beside me. I don’t have to do much but think about feeding my Nightmare and I’m instantly floating above myself and the beautiful dark hair woman beside me. I don’t waste any time and dive into her head.
I’m standing on the edge of the ocean just behind the silhouette of a woman staring out at the waves. She turns around and beckons someone to come closer. At first, I think she is talking to me, until another woman walks up and wraps her arms around the first. The second woman is taller, slim with long white hair that hangs down to the middle of her back. They kneel down picking shells up off the sand, inspecting it closely.
I take a step towards them curious to know what makes the shell so special, but as I do black tendrils seep from my feet spreading out, churning and swirling angrily, draining all the color and sounds from the dream and replacing it with darkness and blood curdling screams.
Next thing I know, I am pushed out of the dream so fast that it feels like I’m being ripped in half before being slammed back into my own body.
I bolt upright to the sound of the woman beside me crying, screaming, and thrashing about on the bed. My eyes widen as I scoot further away from her, almost falling off the edge of the bed before strong hands catch me around my waist.
“What happened?” I stare up into Treyton’s worried face searching for an answer.
“You don’t remember? You tried to read the ancient text and then you passed out.” He tightens his grip on my waist, pulling me into his chest.
I’m confused by Treyton’s display of affection. I know we are friends, but I didn’t think he was this bold.
“Miss Lawrence?” Coventry’s voice startles me, and I pull away from Treyton embarrassed that I had been caught in such a vulnerable position. “You haven’t been feeding your Nightmare and we just about lost you.”
I round on him with a new boldness churning inside me. “I would be able to feed my Nightmare if the resources were available to me at school. Being shut up and separated from everyone is not the way to nurture a new Nightmare.” I’m not sure where this is coming from but it's out now.
Coventry’s face grows so red I think his head might explode.
“It’s nice to know you are feeling much better and with renewed boldness, Miss Lawrence. You can return to your studies now.” He all but growls as he turns and leaves.
I glance over at Brennus. His eyes are wide as he watches Coventry leave the room.
“How can he even suggest such a thing?” Treyton’s newfound bravery catches me off guard and causes me to jump.
“He’s the Praesidium. He can demand whatever he wants, and we have to obey.” Brennus is now calm, cool, and collected. “Let’s get back to the library, we will stick to the light topics for today.” He smiles at me and walks out the door.
I begin to walk out the door behind Brennus feeling a bit defeated when Treyton grabs my elbow spinning me around. He stares at me and time seems to stand still. As if in slow motion, I watch as he pulls me closer and leans in for a kiss. Before his lips make contact with mine, I turn my head slightly to the side and the kiss lands on my cheek instead.
Treyton backs away. “I’ve wanted to do that since the day you walked in the door. I hope I haven't offended you, but the urge was just too much to deny any longer.” He stares at me with a confidence he has never shown before.
Here I am thinking he is this shy guy, but boy did he prove me wrong. I really like this him but what will my guys think about me adding him to our already established relationship? Am I willing to risk them all just to have Treyton? I need to have a meeting with the guys and let them in on what has happened.
“Well… that was unexpected, but no I’m not offended. Surprised, yes. But at some point, there are a few more things you’ll need to know about my relationships before you fall head over heels. You’ll need to think about these things before we take this any further.” I wink at him.
“Lydia might have mentioned something during tutoring. I will stand down, but after seeing you almost die… I just got caught up in the moment.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone there.”
“It’s really ok. We’ll talk more soon.” I pat his hand.
We walk out of Coventry’s private feeding room and return to the library. I falter in my steps when I notice that not only is Brennus waiting for us, but Coventry has decided to join us as well.
He is lurking in the corner trying to be inconspicuous but failing greatly. I guess he doesn’t trust Brennus to teach me the topics he demands I learn. I take my seat at the table and Brennus switches the book out for a new one.
“What topic are we doing this time?” I rub my eyes. The feeling of exhaustion is overwhelming. I wasn’t aware what would happen if my Nightmare wasn’t fed on a regular basis.
“Let’s try a practical application.” Coventry sneers from the corner. “How about levitation? That shouldn’t take too much out of you I wouldn’t think.” “But if at any time you feel faint or weak, don’t push yourself too far.” Brennus glances over at Coventry and then gives me a nod to begin.
I try to grasp what it is I need to do, but this skill wasn’t even in my memories. Brennus opens the book in front of me and I read the first chapter and shake my head. I don’t understand how to make myself levitate.
“She needs to be pushed, Brennus; she has to accomplish these things now.” Coventry booms from the corner where he is now sitting in a chair staring a hole through me. “If you can’t perform Miss Lawrence, then maybe you are not what everyone thinks you are.”
“Or maybe I just need rest. I almost died in your care, remember.” My eyes lock with his. The fire in his eyes springs to life and the muscle in his jaw begins to tick.
I know I have hit a nerve and my insides are doing a victory dance. I force myself to study the book in front of me before he sees the smile spreading across my face.
A few more hours pass, and we are on the last topic of the day when Coventry stands and exits the library. You could hear the sigh of relief come from everyone in the room. Apparently, we were all holding a breath that we didn't realize we were holding.
I stand up and stretch out my back. I’m stiff from sitting for so long and my eyes burn from staring at the text in the book.
“There’s no need in you helping put things away Miss Lawrence. Go rest, tomorrow will be tougher.” Brennus gives me a kind smile and continues putting things away.
“Thank you Brennus.” I place my hand on his arm to let him know I really appreciate him backing me up.
I start towards the door and my foot catches on the carpet causing me to stumble and fall. A set of strong hands catch me before I hit the floor. My eyes fly up and find myself staring into a set of bright green eyes.
“Whisper, we’ve got to stop meeting like this.” Treyton winks at me as he sets me back on my feet.
“If you don’t mind, I can walk you to your room. You know... just to make sure you don’t fall up the stairs.”
“I would like that.” I giggle shyly and then wonder where that came from. This is an attraction I didn't see coming but then the best things always tend to surprise us.
Chapter 12
After Treyton walks me to my door, I say good night and slip inside, thankful for him restraining himself. I need to sort everything out before I allow my feelings to get carried away.
I pull on my nightshirt then lie down, willing my eyes to stay closed, but they keep springing back open. As I stare at the ceiling, I can admit to myself I’m not in as much of a hurry as I thought I was.
I need to talk to Finn before I confront everyone else. He’s the most logical of the bunch. He will totally be able to give me advice. I just hope this doesn’t hurt his feelings. I’m still thinking about him when I finally drift off.
I arrive in a laboratory full of science equipment. Finn is hunched over some device that he keeps tinkering with. “You can’t sneak up on me in my own dream.”
“I wasn’t trying too. I was just thinking about you when I fell asleep. I really need to talk about something, and I wanted to run it by you before I told anyone else.” I sit on the empty stool that’s across from him. “What are you working on?”
“I found the dreamworld a good place to build prototypes. This is a surprise until I figure out a few things.” He pushes the device to the side. “What did you need to talk to me about?”
“Well…” I stare into his icy blue eyes and hesitate. Will this hurt him?
“Whatever it is, it won’t get any easier to say by stalling.” Finn reaches over and wraps his hand over mine.
I take a deep breath and start speaking quickly, trying to get the words out before I lose my nerve. “So, I think I might have feelings for Treyton, and I know he has feelings for me. He tried to kiss me tonight because I almost died and I didn’t let him, but I kind of wanted to.”
“Wow.” Finn’s eyes grow wide and he rushes around the table and scoops me up in his arms. “You almost died? What happened? Are you ok now?”
“I haven’t fed my Nightmare side in a long time. No one took me to feed so I thought it wasn’t a big deal. I was working at Coventry’s office and the next minute I’m laid in bed next to a woman getting ready to feed on her. I guess you can literally starve to death if you don’t feed on dreams.” I give him a weak smile. “I’m fine now and under strict orders to feed regularly. I won’t make that mistake again.”
Finn kisses the top of my head then pulls my chin up with his finger. “I can’t bear to lose you. I’ll remind you myself.”
“You missed half of that conversation.” I point out, chuckling to myself.
“No… I was more worried about the serious matter first. Now that I know you are ok physically, let’s talk this over.” He tilts his head, his face an unreadable mask. “Treyton is a good guy. I can’t say I’m happy that you’ve developed feelings for him, but I can’t say it surprises me either. How would incorporating him into our relationship affect everyone?”
“Well… some might get jealous.” My mind flashes to Sam and Max. They are the most likely to protest. “Ryland will agree with whatever makes me happy, even if it’s not what he really wants. You are my unknown variable. I can never clearly make out what you are thinking. The other thing would be my time would be further divided with adding another person. Right now, that wouldn’t be an issue, but when this is all over it might be.”
“Does he know about our arrangement?” Finn slides a stool up next to me and sits.
“I haven’t discussed it with him, but he said he asked Lydia about us.” I smile over at Finn. “You are being so calm. How do you feel about this?”
“Our unique situation has forced me to be secure with what I have with you. If I allowed doubt and insecurity to creep in, it just wouldn’t work. I care deeply for you so if adding someone else would make you happy, I’ll support that decision.” He reaches out and grabs my hand. “As long as it doesn’t push me out.”
“Never.” I squeeze his hand, feeling ready to face the other three now.
“Looks like we need to talk to the others.” Finn stares deeply into my eyes.
“Better now than later.” I sigh. “Let’s go before I lose my nerve.”
I picture the meadow and the tall weeping willow. Finn and I are standing under it as a warm breeze brushes against my skin. I quickly find the guys’ cords and yank them to us.
“Nice to see you again.” Max grins, his eyes burning with desire.
“You might not feel that way in a few minutes.” I mumble under my breath and Finn elbows me in the ribs as he narrows his eyes. “Hey!”
“Whisper has something she needs to tell you all, and you need to listen to everything before you make up your minds.” Finn steps in front of me, trying to help. My heart melts. My quiet observer is trying to protect my heart.
“Well, to start with, I nearly died today. I haven’t fed on nightmares since I was isolated.” I admit, ignoring the elephant in my head.
“What! Why didn’t you say something sooner?” Max growls. “I would have found you a human this morning.”
“It didn’t occur to me, I guess. I thought I could go that long since they didn’t send anyone.” I stare at my feet feeling like a fool.
“Are you ok now?” Ryland rushes forward checking me from head to toe.
“I’m tired, but I feel better. Coventry ordered someone to feed me and my tutor and Treyton jumped into action as soon as I fainted.” I take a deep breath. It’s now or never. “That leads me to the second thing.”
Sam knows me too well. His hands bunch into fists at his side and his eyes darken. “Spit it out,” he growls through clenched teeth.
Ryland turns and smacks his shoulder. “What the fuck is your problem?”
“Just wait… you’ll see.” Sam spits, his brown eyes burning.
“Ignore him. Say what you need to say.” Finn nods at me encouragingly.
“So, you guys know Treyton.” I start, my hands shaking so I ball them into fists, trying to keep them under control. “He tried to kiss me today. I turned my head so all he got was my cheek, but I kind of didn’t want to.”
“See!” Sam yells then stomps off to the other side of the hollow, refusing to acknowledge at me.
My eyes explore the other’s faces and my heart drops. Max is so angry his knuckles are turning white. Ryland is frowning, but Finn is just studying me with his head cocked.
“I know it’s unexpected and it’s not what any of us pictured when we started this relationship, but I think I’m developing feelings for him. And if you guys are accepting of it, I wouldn’t mind adding him to this relationship to see how it goes. I know it won’t be easy, and we will have to make accommodations, but…” My voice trails off. I feel like I'm pushing too hard. I don’t want to turn them away.
“I already told her I’m ok with it. She was terrified of telling everyone and asked me for my logical point of view.” Finn says when the others stay silent.
“Are we not enough for you?” Ryland asks, his eyes full of doubt.
“You are more than enough. It’s not about replacing anyone, it’s about my heart growing to accept another.” I bite my lip and hold back the tears that are threatening to fall.
“Please don’t cry.” Ryland wraps his arms around me, pulling my face to his chest. My body relaxes a little as I feel the rhythm of his heart under my cheek, steadying my own racing pulse.
“I can’t believe you motherfuckers are considering this.” Max stomps off and joins Sam.
The two of them begin discussing the situation animatedly, throwing their arms in the air, but I can’t hear what they are saying. Maybe this was a bad idea. I don’t want everything we’ve built to fall apart, but I also felt I needed to be honest with them.
“Cheer up. Those two are going to fight any change that’s thrown a
t them. It doesn’t mean they won’t come around.” Finn wraps an arm around my shoulder as Ryland releases me.
“Thank you, Finn.” I rest my head in the crook of his arm.
“Well, shit. I guess if Finn is ok with it, I am too. Just don’t forget about us.” Ryland’s eyes darken with worry, almost breaking my heart.
He walks over to where Sam and Max are still standing and joins their conversation. The minutes seem to tick by slowly, and I hate that I can’t hear what they say. After what feels like an eternity, the three of them walk back over.
Sam no longer seems angry, but he definitely isn’t happy. Max is still angry, but I honestly didn’t expect anything less from him. Ryland has a smug smile on his face when his eyes meet mine.
“We talked it over and decided we want to meet with him before making up our minds.” Sam crosses his arms across his chest.
“That’s fair enough.” I nod my head. “Let me go get him.”
I find Treyton’s cord and follow it to him, my heart beating faster at the thought of explaining my relationship status to him. Lydia may have filled him in on the generals, but the way it works and the way it sounds are two different things.
I find him sitting by a pond skipping stones. I slowly walk forward, dragging my feet. I think I want this, but… Is it worth the extra stress it’s causing everyone? I’m already in too deep to back out.
“You came to invade my dreams again? Or are you a figment of my imagination?” Treyton stands up and walks towards me.
“I’m real. Remember I told you we needed to talk about my relationships before you could kiss me?” I hold my hands up when he reaches me.
“Yeah…” He shoves his hands in his pockets.
“Here’s the thing. I am in a unique relationship. I have four boyfriends.” I bite my lip, unsure of how to make this situation sound appealing.
“That’s what Lydia said. And they know about each other?” He watches me close as I answer.
“Of course. I was talking with them earlier and I proposed that we could potentially add you to the mix if you’re willing. They are open to the idea of meeting you if it’s something you would want to do.” I stare down at my hands, scared to hear his answer. My heart is pounding in my chest. “I understand if it’s too weird.”
Obstruction By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 3) Page 11