Liquid Dreams

by Cathryn Fox

  Tall, male, muscular, with charcoal-black eyes, hair the color of midnight and bronzed skin. She gulped air and drew a tight breath hoping her reaction had gone unnoticed.

  “Katrina. Are you okay?” Sherry asked touching her shoulder and pulling her back to the present.

  No such luck.

  “Of course. I’m just excited for you.” Katrina stood and gave her a hug. “I was just thinking about what my child would look like,” she admitted honestly.

  “Let me guess. You pictured a blond little boy with blue eyes. Just like James,” she teased.

  Katrina forced a smile. “Yes, yes I did. Blond. Blue eyes. Like James.” Oh boy!

  Once the dinner dishes were cleared and washed, Katrina became almost overwhelmed with exhaustion. Although she hated to go back to her empty apartment, she knew she had to. With an early morning ahead of her, she made her excuses. Standing in the front foyer, she said her goodbyes.

  The hugs she received from her future family were enough to again convince her that this was where she belonged. A smile touched her mouth and she was glad she’d decided to visit with the Andersons. This was where she was meant to be—with James and his family. Not in some foreign land with a sea god from another time and place.

  Feeling content with her decision and renewed direction, she returned to her apartment to await James’s return.

  She knew something was wrong as she inserted her key into the lock. She pushed open her door and her stomach plummeted.

  Although everything was orderly and in place, she knew someone, or something had been in her apartment.

  Chapter Eight

  Sitting in his lair, Ranek sharpened his dagger as he waited for word from his warriors. Kohan’s signature continued to get stronger, and Ranek wanted to be prepared should they happen to cross paths.

  He closed his eyes and took a glimpse into the mortal world. His heart burned with longing as he watched Katrina rest peacefully. Soon he would go to her. Just as soon as word came back on Kohan’s whereabouts and his illegal experiments in the underworld.

  If such a potion existed that allowed an underworld dweller to travel to the mortal world during daylight, it would have to be confiscated and destroyed. And those in charge of its production would be properly punished. A Bandara’s existence was a fragile one. If discovered by mortals, an attack would undoubtedly be forthcoming. Trips to the surface were reserved for emergency purposes only. Those that abused such privileges put the kingdom at risk, leaving Ranek no choice but to destroy them.

  A knock on his door drew Ranek’s attention. He stood and waved the servant to come forward. “You have news for me?”

  “Yes, Lord Ranek.” The servant handed him a note and waited for a response.

  Ranek read the note and slammed his fist onto the table. The young servant faltered backwards and cast her eyes to the side. Ranek scribbled on the bottom of the paper and handed it back. “See that this gets to my men.”

  With a wave of his hand, he journeyed into the mortal world. He pulled himself from the water and stalked along the beach. Katrina was nowhere to be found. His heart beat faster with each forward step. He walked on until he came upon a small shadow crouched in the sand.

  “Katrina,” he said, reaching for her. “What is it?” Worry rushed through him. Had Kohan infiltrated her subconscious?

  She wrapped her arms around her bent knees and cradled them to her chest. Her long golden locks fell over her face, shielding her emotions. “Go away.”

  He closed his eyes with relief. Her words assured him that Kohan had nothing to do with her emotional retreat. He knew this resistance would happen eventually. The human part of her was struggling with her new memories. He bent down on one knee and tipped up her chin.

  She flinched away. “I do not wish for you to touch me.” Her voice was a whisper of anguish.

  She gazed at him. Her beautiful eyes opened wide, buttery locks framing her cheeks and glistening in the moonlight. Warmth spread through his limbs and filled his heart.

  With unintentional sensuality, she smoothed her hair from her forehead and touched her tongue to her bottom lip to moisten it. A primitive desire raged inside him.

  The sight of her beauty brought out the warrior within and he thought he would go mad if he didn’t take her soon.

  They stared at each other for a long moment as he stroked the skin on her long, graceful neck. His hand traveled lower, to skim her silky cleavage. Her eyes glazed over and he felt her body shiver with desire, need. Ranek knew her wants, her cravings. And he was about to make her aware of it as well.

  “You know not what you want, Katrina. You must drink from me to learn more.”

  “I no longer wish to learn more.”

  Her pained voice tugged at his heart. He had to help her find the courage to continue. He circled his arms around her shoulders offering her his strength and comfort.

  If only they had more time. Time for her to absorb what she had already learned before pressing on. But with Kohan lurking in the shadows and her wedding to a mortal man approaching, time was a luxury they did not have.

  He rose to his feet and hovered over her. “You are a Bandara, Katrina. No matter what you think, you cannot fight it. You must lie with me now to discover the truths of our past.”

  * * * * *

  Katrina tried to scramble away, but he pulled her to her feet and crushed her against him. He pushed his erection against her softness and ran his hands over her curves. Her body betrayed her and began to tingle with anticipation. Moisture gathered between her clenched thighs.

  She tried to block her mind to the erotic feel of his long fingers and large hands splayed over her back. But in the end, her efforts were futile.

  She took a step backwards and opened her robe. “Just take what you want and leave.”

  She watched his eyes darken as his gaze roamed the length of her. And much to her chagrin, her traitorous breasts tightened under his smoldering glance.

  His eyes zeroed in on her beaded nipples. He arched one brow. “And during our coupling, you shall feel nothing?” She watched him smother a smug smile.

  “Nothing,” she assured him, working hard to keep her voice from trembling with sheer excitement.

  “Very well then.” He lowered his gaze. “As you wish.” He reached out and stretched open her pink sex lips. “Strange for a woman who wants no pleasure to come to me so wet.”

  She drew a quick, sharp breath and almost wilted to the ground when he licked his lips.

  He forced her legs wider and pressed a finger into her opening. Bending forward, he drew one nipple between his lips and sucked hard enough to form hollows in his cheeks. Her juices began to flow, and she bit back a moan of pleasure.

  He chuckled playfully and ran a lazy finger over her clit. Like a blossoming flower, it sprang to life. He plucked at the swollen pearl, making it harder. She swallowed thickly and tilted her head back. Her chest heaved as her breathing became labored.

  He dropped to his knees and pushed his tongue into her heated core. “Mmmmm.” His finger massaged the tender cleft between her ass cheeks.

  His erotic actions forced a moan from her throat, putting an end to any kind of resistance. She arched her pelvis forward, wrapped her hands around his head, and pushed his face deeper into her pussy.

  He chuckled. “That’s my girl,” he murmured from between her open thighs.

  Sitting on the ground, he pulled her on top of him. He grabbed his cock by the base and positioned it near her silken slit. In one quick thrust she impaled herself on his long shaft. “Yes,” she cried out shamelessly.

  She clenched her muscles and shimmied lower, wanting every inch of him deep inside her. She shifted and rotated—anything to drive him deeper into her. Thrashing like a wanton woman, she plunged harder and rammed his cock impossibly deeper.

  Frantically, driven by sheer hunger and desperation, she raised and lowered herself, driving his phallus in and out of her tight crevice.
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  A hot release of pressure washed over her as his fingers found her swollen clit. She grabbed her nipples and squeezed as her creamy release poured down his cock.

  “Ahhh!” he cried out, as her heat scorched him.

  She listened to his shallow pants and knew he was close. She climbed from his cock and slid down his body. As she guided him toward her mouth, she gazed into his eyes.

  A deep-seated longing passed through her when their eyes locked, and her heart filled with a lifetime’s worth of love. She drew a shuddering breath as lightheadedness overcame her. “Ranek…” she whispered, her voice tangled with emotions.

  He touched her cheek and brushed her hair from her face. “I need you, Katrina.” The excruciating gentleness in his voice nearly made her cry out.

  “You are my soulmate, and I want you to come home with me. Where you belong. Where you have always belonged.” His voice was a tender, intimate whisper. “Drink from me and learn.”

  Old feelings and emotions that she never knew she possessed ran through her. Her heart swelled in her chest as she took him in her mouth.

  She slid her tongue around the textured head and stroked one hand up and down his length while the other cradled his heavy balls. Sucking hard, she plunged forward, drawing out his impending orgasm.

  His salty juices exploded into her mouth and she swallowed all of his offering. Gentle hands pulled at her until her lips were poised above his. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered.

  Smiling, she collapsed onto his chest and accepted the memories that were about to come.

  * * * * *

  Katrina spent a quiet afternoon resting in their lair awaiting Ranek’s return. They’d been mates for many months now and she still continued to find new joy in his strong, giving arms.

  He’d been gone for hours searching for one of the children that had rebelliously gone to the surface to explore. Katrina shivered. The surface was a dangerous place. A place where a Bandara was an easy mark for mortals. A place where she’d never again venture without the protection of her lord.

  “Katrina, one of the children needs you!”

  She spun around to come face-to-face with one of their servants. “What is it, Selin?” she asked, her voice etched with concern.

  “Kohan sent me to find you. He didn’t say what was wrong, only that one of the children needed you.” The elderly lady rubbed her withered hands together, her eyes skittish.

  At the mere mention of Kohan, Katrina’s senses went on high alert. Katrina knew by Selin’s nervous reaction that she wasn’t the only one who sensed the dark, angry ferociousness buried beneath Kohan’s calm façade.

  As the clan’s healer, it was her duty to attend to the needs of the children. “Take me to him.”

  Selin ushered her into Kohan’s lair. Sitting perched upon his throne, a dangerous smirk upon his face, he waved an arm for Katrina to take a seat beside him.

  She declined and met his gaze unflinchingly. “Where is the child?” She kept her voice tight and serious.

  Ignoring her question, he returned his focus to Selin. “You may leave.”

  Bowing her head nervously, Selin retreated.

  Uneasiness began gathering in the pit of Katrina’s stomach. Even though this man was Ranek’s brother, she did not trust him. She stiffened her back and glared at him. Her gaze settled on the knife scar marring his chin. A scar forged by Ranek’s dagger—a recent mark reminding the younger brother not to challenge Ranek’s authority.

  Since Ranek had stepped into his father’s position and became master of their kingdom, Kohan’s envy was increasingly evident. On many occasions Kohan voiced his objections to Ranek’s rule, and his displeasure had caused numerous battles between the two.

  His bitterness had only grown when Ranek had chosen Katrina for his mate.

  She narrowed her eyes to mere slits. “Ranek will be joining us in a moment.”

  A deep insidious laugh burst from his throat. “Do you take me for a fool?”

  Her heart drummed but she kept her demeanor calm and unyielding. “He’ll be returning from the surface any minute.”

  Kohan slithered from his seat and closed the distance between them. One long finger reached out and coiled through her curls.

  Katrina flinched and drew away. “The penalty for touching me will be high,” she assured him. “When Ranek returns—”

  Again his laughter seeped into her skin, filling her with dread.

  “Your lover will not be returning.” He captured her waist and drew her to him. His nostrils flared. “When I am your master, I want you to look at me the same way you look at him.” His voice grew dangerous, fierce. “And I want you to moan for me the same way you do for him.”

  Had it been Kohan watching that first night Ranek made love to her?

  She turned her head away from him. Although they were brothers and shared many similar traits, Kohan’s dark eyes constantly seethed with anger, while the ruthlessness in Ranek’s eyes was reserved for battle.

  He gripped her chin hard enough to make her wince and forced her to face him. “You will be mine.”

  She struggled from his grasp. “I’d rather die.” She rushed to the door.

  “Like Ranek is doing right now.”

  His words stopped her and she spun around to face him. “What do you mean?”

  “He’s not coming back from the surface, my love.”

  My love.

  Goose pimples crept over her flesh as he emphasized Ranek’s special name for her.

  A cocky grin curled his lips. “I’ve personally seen to it.”

  * * * * *

  Ranek held Katrina’s quivering body tight and soothed the hair from her face as she dreamed.

  Her lids fluttered open and she exhaled a relieved sigh upon finding herself cradled in his arms.

  Her eyes opened wider when she caught his concerned look. “Kohan,” she whimpered, her voice quivering.

  “Yes, Katrina. I know. He’s an evil man.” He stroked her cheek.

  Almost frantically, she grabbed his shoulders. “He’s here, Ranek,” she cried out.

  Ranek stiffened and scanned the semi-dark, desolate beach. “Where?”

  She shook her head. “I’m not sure. I sensed his signature at the cottage and then again at my apartment.” She looked deep into his eyes and Ranek felt her fear.

  “He’s dangerous, Ranek.” Her nails bit into his skin.

  The sun crested the horizon and Ranek felt his naked flesh grow cold. He had to return to his world while he still could. While the sun was still low in the sky. “My time is over here, Katrina.” Frustrated at the situation, he slammed his fists into the sand. He was not used to feeling so helpless. How could he protect her and keep her safe from Kohan if he could not return her to the safety of their kingdom?

  He cradled her tighter in his arms. “It pains me to leave you. You must believe that.” He kissed her forehead, her watery eyes, and then her satiny mouth.

  When she nodded, he continued, “You must promise me you will follow my orders.” Again she nodded. “In order to stay safe, you must remain with another mortal at all times. Stay with a friend until I return. It is unlikely that Kohan will make his presence known in front of another. I will send my men to find Kohan and I will personally see to it that he is captured and punished for his crimes.”

  He felt her body shiver. “Tell me what happens next, Ranek.” Her eyes searched his for answers. “In my dream, Kohan sent someone to kill you.”

  He could not tell her it was she who had been killed. The human part of her would surely retreat and her life would be at risk. She needed time to come to terms with what she had learned already.

  “Rest now, my love. The answers will come when you are ready.”

  Chapter Nine

  Katrina pulled her car into her reserved parking space and nervously glanced around the lot before exiting the driver’s seat, her eyes frantically searching for signs of Kohan’s existence. Paying no heed
to her, people poured from their vehicles and bustled up and down the busy streets.

  Katrina was relieved to see it was business as usual on this beautiful Monday morning. She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. After last night’s dream, calming down had become increasingly difficult.

  With the passing of the storm, not a cloud marred the clear blue sky. Warm golden rays of summer sun bounced off the New York sidewalk and glistened in the shop windows. A soft breeze carried the scent of lilac from a nearby florist.

  Hurried steps carried her into the gallery. She pushed open the door and relaxed upon finding Susan sitting at her desk. She looked up as Katrina entered.

  A bright smile crossed her face. “Hey, how was your weekend?” She pulled her glasses off and dropped them on her desk as she rose. “Did you get some well-deserved rest at the cottage?” Susan took a step closer and stopped mid-stride. “Katrina, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  She wasn’t too far off with that observation.

  Nervously, Katrina glanced around to ensure they were the only two occupants in the gallery. She crossed the room and dropped into the soft, cushioned loveseat reserved for clientele.

  She blew her bangs from her forehead and drew a weary sigh as she replayed the memories that filled her nightly dreams. Maybe she really was losing her mind.

  Susan poured a fresh cup of coffee and sat down beside her. “Want to talk about it?”

  Katrina tilted her head back and stared at the ceiling as she thought long and hard before answering. Her mind wandered to Ranek and all the emotions he pulled from her. Like a warm, cozy blanket, silence settled over them as she drifted. She slumped deeper in her seat as she recalled his every touch, his every kiss. She’d never felt so wanted, needed or cherished. Ranek made her feel complete—and for the first time in her life, she felt a sense of belonging. No man had ever drawn such a reaction from her. Not even James.