The Other Side of Dreams (Nighstalker Novels Book 1)

by Jennifer Tilson

  “He thinks one of the Nightstalkers is turning.”

  “Is that why he has a problem with me? He thinks I’m the one doing it?”

  “No. He’s always skeptical of new stalkers because they are more vulnerable, but you don’t know enough to do this.”

  “If not me, who does he think it is?”

  “He isn’t sure. That’s why he’s so on edge. The strongest Nightmares were those we never saw coming.”

  “Have they tried questioning the Nightmares that have been caught?”

  “No, not since they’re already ensnared. When they’re put in the night snare, they’re put into their natural state of darkness, unable to speak, and it’s too dangerous to let them out. We would have to capture one in its human shell.”

  “Can we do that?”

  “It’s more difficult, but it is possible. We would have to surround it in a cage of our light.”

  “Then that’s what we do.”

  “You make it sound so easy for someone who’s never attempted it.”

  “Easy or not, it’s what needs to be done. We need answers, and this may be the only way to get them.” I walk to the kitchen to make some tea, I haven’t spent much time here, but I already know where everything is. My kitchen is organized in the same manner. Flatware next to the stove, mugs and cups on the other side, pots, and pans hanging above the island. Are organizational skills hereditary? I set the kettle on the stove, turn on the burner, and wait for the high-pitched wail.

  “I need to go report to Gavyn, I’ll return soon.” He leaves just as the kettle begins to sing. I pour the boiling liquid over the green tea leaves and walk to my mother’s room. It was too difficult to go inside before, but I can’t keep hiding from it. Pictures of her and my father stand in brown frames on the dresser. He looks so much happier and younger then. Not the man I remember. Next, to those frames sits a small picture of her and Aeryn. He doesn’t look much younger, but it was at least 17 years ago. I look through her drawers to find barely any clothes. My mother must have taken everything with her when she decided to stay in the human world.

  When I close the bottom drawer, I notice a small broken frame sticking out from under the dresser. I carefully pull the picture from the broken glass. It’s my mother with a man I don’t recognize. He has a similar build to Aeryn, but his hair is black and his eyes a dark brown. They’re both smiling, but there’s a familiar sadness in the man’s eyes. I sit on my mother’s bed and stare at the picture until the thud of a door closing brings me out of my trance.

  “Nadia?” Aeryn calls to me from the living room.

  “I’m in here.”

  Clunking footsteps thunder down the hall announcing his appearance in the doorway. “What are you doing in here?”

  “Just looking around. I found this picture. Do you know who he is?” I hold the picture out to him.

  “Where did you find this?” He grabs the picture, his eyes burn with rage.

  “It was in a broken frame on the floor. Who is that?”

  “This was your mother’s mentor.”

  “He’s the one who killed her?”

  “Yes.” He says as I grab the picture back from him.

  Did he know, when this picture was taken, did he know he would kill the woman he was smiling with? Did my mother know the man she trusted with her life would take it away? I fold the picture, stuff it into my pocket and leave the room. I can’t stay in here any longer. Aeryn gently closes the door before following me into the living room.

  “Did you know him?”

  He nods. I can see the pain on his face, but I need to know more.

  “Was there any suspicion about him?”

  “Not at all. Your mother was closest to him, and not even she knew, at least not until it was too late.”

  “Was he your friend?”

  “Yes. He was smug and obnoxious but had a good heart. At least I thought he did.” He pulls out a small pouch. “Are you ready to go back?” I want to ask him more about the man who killed my mother, but that will have to wait.

  Once more, I wake up on my bed next to Aeryn’s shell with Hanna sitting in front of the closed bedroom door. This time, however, she has a shotgun slung across her lap. “Hanna? Where did you get a gun?”

  “I’ve had it for several years. I just never showed you because you would know something was up.” I laugh at the idea of Hanna with a gun. She won’t squish a spider, much less shoot an actual person.

  “Will a bullet even injure a Nightmare?”

  “If it’s in a shell.”

  I roll out of bed and wait for Aeryn to wake up, but he doesn’t. “Hey, are you there?” I shake his shell but nothing. It still gives me the creeps how similar a shell is to a dead body.

  I shoot Hanna a worried glance, and she shrugs. “I’m your guardian Nadia, not his. I can’t feel him the way I can feel you, I’m sorry.”

  Why isn’t he back? He took the dust right after me, didn’t he? We wait five minutes, but he still isn’t awake. “I have to go back.” I dig through my desk trying to find the pouch of dust Hanna gave me. “Ugh! Where is it?” I thought I put it right on top, but it isn’t there.

  “What are you looking for?” Aeryn, he’s finally awake.

  “What took you so long?”

  “Gavyn, he wanted to talk to me before I came here.”

  “What did he say?” I can see him trying to decide what to tell me.

  “He just told me to watch you.”

  “Which means he does think I’m the one helping the Nightmares?” I slam the drawer shut.

  “He thinks it could be everybody right now. He probably even suspects me to some degree.”

  “Whatever, let’s just find this last guy. What was his name again?”

  Aeryn pulls the small crinkled paper from his pants pocket. “Jake Harris.”

  “And where are we supposed to find him? He’s not another collegiate guy, is he?”

  “Not quite. We should find him somewhere on the streets.”

  “He lives on the streets?”

  “Probably not, but he works there.”

  “Like on the corner?” Hanna asks, stifling a laugh.

  “Like dealing drugs.”

  “Don’t the nightmares know that’s a bit cliché?” Hanna stands tossing the sidearm in the corner.

  “Nightmares aren’t ones for subtlety.”

  “Ok, so we’re after a drug dealer. Do we just comb the streets at night looking for him?” I ask.

  “That sounds like a solid plan, but I actually have another idea.”

  …

  “What the hell are you wearing?”

  Aeryn returns from the bathroom looking like a tractor ran him over. Several times. His hoodie, three sizes too big, hangs to his knees and his pants have more pockets than my entire wardrobe combined. Not to mention all the holes and dirt caked on. “I have to look the part if I’m going to be running around in those areas of town following Jake.”

  I snort trying to hold back the laughter. Hanna giggles and we can no longer contain our composure. Laughter rolls between us with the first real laugh we’ve shared since I found out what I am. It feels like old times again. “I don’t see any difference.” Hanna jokes before another laughing fit begins.

  “Real cute,” Aeryn says sarcastically.

  “What exactly are you going to do? Buy drugs?” I ask, swallowing down the last bit of amusement.

  “No, I’m just hoping to blend in.”

  “Maybe I should go with you this time.”

  “Can you promise you won’t laugh again.” I remain silent as I look him over, but can’t hide the smile that’s plastered across my face. “I didn’t think so. You stay here with Hanna, I should be back in a few hours.” He doesn’t want to say it, but I have a feeling it’s more because he doesn’t think I can handle it yet.

  “Ok, be careful.”

  “I promise.” And he’s gone.

  “Have you heard from Will?” Hanna�
��s question throws me off guard. For a brief moment, I forgot I’ve probably lost one of my only friends.

  “No. And I probably never will.”

  “I am so sorry Nadia. For Will, for not telling you, for everything. I can’t apologize enough.”

  “It’s ok. Really.” I assure her questioning look. “You’re kind of my only friend now, so I can’t exactly be picky.” I give her a weak smile, and she gives me the biggest hug I have ever received, and I squeeze back. Maybe a part of me will always resent the lies, but I need a friend right now.

  “How about a horror movie marathon and pizza while we wait on your gorgeous mentor?”

  “You’re ridiculous.”

  “What? You can’t tell me you don’t think he’s hot. He’s not even my type, and I noticed him. Of course, he then opens his mouth, and the illusion is shattered.”

  “Ok. Maybe, he’s not entirely unfortunate looking.”

  “Stop, you’re going to make me blush.”

  “Shut up and order the pizza while I find a movie.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” She salutes and grabs my cell phone from the table. “I’m going to order from the one place that has the thing.”

  “That’s fine. I’m out of cookie dough, so we’ll need a dessert.”

  I decide to forego our usual lineup since my life has recently turned into a live action horror film. An old black and white comedy should do the trick. We settle onto the couch, and just as I expect, Hanna falls asleep halfway through. I throw on Aeryn’s black hoodie, restart the movie and quietly slip out the front door. I know the place Aeryn pointed to on the map, and just how to get there. A few years ago, it was the prime location for parties. Apparently now it’s prime location for illegal business.

  Taking my car would be too obvious, so I grab the bike old lady Barbara keeps in her yard for her granddaughter. She isn’t due to make another visit for a few months, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me borrowing it. My calf muscles throb by the time I reach the overpass where Aeryn suspects Jake will be. I park the bike, trying to conceal it behind the side of a building. The last thing I need is to have that bike go missing. I advance slowly, trying to keep an eye on my surroundings and the small group of guys huddled near a fire under the overpass. I keep my distance as none of them are Aeryn, and none of them look too friendly.

  An abandoned warehouse lies just on the other side of the road. It appears to be the kind of place that could house drug deals. At least that’s what television has led me to believe.

  Walking under the overpass seems like a bad idea with the group of guys there, so I take my chances crossing the road. At this time of night, the streets in this area are pretty empty. A small Honda squeals by, and I use it as a distraction to make my way across the road, and carefully slide down the other side. I hear the guys murmuring behind me, but I don’t stop. As soon as my feet hit the concrete, I run towards the warehouse trying to keep my footsteps from announcing my arrival.

  As I reach the old building the stench of garbage and old cheese moves with the wind. After surveying my surroundings, I squat low, trying to peek through one of the windows. It’s cracked and cloudy, but I can see Aeryn. He’s inside talking to another guy, presumably Jake. Their conversation doesn’t look too friendly. I press my ear against the filthy window but the glass is too thick, and reading their lips is even harder than listening through the glass. The wind picks up, and a rustling behind me stops my heart. Slowly turning around, I find a small gray tabby cat chasing a mouse. Relief washes over me and my heart returns to a steady pace. Maybe this is why Aeryn wanted me to stay behind. I don’t have control over my light or my nerves.

  When I turn back around, a blue flash of light streaks across the window, but I can’t see Aeryn or Jake. I crouch walk over to another window where I can just barely see them fighting. This window is dirtier than the last. I adjust my height to find a better view. Blue streaks stream out of Aeryn’s hands toward the man now surrounded by black smoke. Jake uses the darkness to block the light. As I sit there watching the battle ensue, I’m frozen, just watching the two fight it out. My heart drums in my ears as I struggle for each shallow breath. Jake uses his hands to shoot the smoke at Aeryn, and the impact throws him across the room into a structural beam. He isn’t moving.

  Jake slowly stalks over to him with glee in his eyes. Leaning over Aeryn’s defenseless body, he opens his mouth, and more black smoke comes pouring out. It swirls down to him, forcing its way inside through his eyes and nose. Aeryn’s body jerks from the intrusion. I can’t let fear cripple me this time. I close my eyes and focus my breathing. My pulse steadies, thank you shrink number two. I run as fast as I can, building up the little fireball inside me, letting it grow almost to the point I can’t contain it anymore, and when I reach the door, I kick it open, clap my hands together and send a stream of golden light straight into Jake. His eyes widen when he realizes what’s coming for him. The force throws him back, a crack echoing in the room as his body slams into the side of the warehouse before clattering to the ground.

  Aeryn is gasping for air when I reach him. Blood streams from the wound on his head. “Come on, you have to stand up now.”

  “Na-Nadia, what are you doing here?”

  “What does it look like? I’m saving your ass.” I help him to his feet, struggling against the weight. He’s weak but holds his ground.

  “You need to leave.” He opens his hand holding a small ball of blue light.

  “No.” I push his hand down, and the light disappears. “Let’s trap this thing, so we can get some answers.”

  Jake stirs. “We don’t have time for that.”

  “Either way, I’m not leaving. We might as well try to cage him.”

  He doesn’t want me here. He doesn’t want me fighting this Nightmare, but he knows we need answers, and he can’t do it alone. Not in this state. “Take that side” He points to the area away from Jake’s semi-unconscious face. I follow his directions and wait for him to take his place. Jake groans as he is coming to. “Our light follows our Will. Just focus on making walls, and it should follow.”

  Jake begins pushing himself up. “You think you can trap me?” He laughs as smoke rises out of his mouth and nose.

  “Now!” Aeryn yells. Focus on making walls isn’t enough instruction for me. Does he not remember I’ve never done this before? I don’t have time for a panic attack, we need to trap him, so I do what Aeryn said. I focus on creating walls, on creating a bubble to trap him in, while building up my light. I watch as Aeryn sends a blue ball of light towards Jake, bringing him back to his knees. I will my light into trapping him, not killing him and push it out through my hands, but nothing happens. “You can do this, try again.”

  I flex my fingers and refocus. He’s right, I can do this. I have to do this. I bring the photo of my mother and her mentor to mind, I see his dark hair and sad eyes, and the fire lights inside me. Golden streams of light snake their way from my hands out towards Jake. When they collide, a giant orb of light begins to surround him. Aeryn does the same on the other side with his blue light connecting with my white light. They blend, creating an electric cage.

  Jake stands and tries to push out of the orb. He quickly pulls his hand away, gently blowing on it. A disturbing smile slinks across his face before a maniacal laugh bursts through his lips, while he strolls the perimeter of his trap. “Nice cage sweetheart, but I still win. Darkness always wins.”

  CHAPTER 14

  “DON’T LISTEN TO IT, IT’S just trying to get inside your head.” The Nightmare positions himself on the floor, staring at me, ignoring Aeryn. Sitting there like that, he looks so normal. I could have walked past him every day on the street and never known there was darkness inside him. “You did great,” he says squeezing my shoulder.

  “Oh, yes sweetheart, such a great job. We thank you.”

  Tabling the urge to burn the glee off of his face, I take a few steps towards his sparkling confinement. “Well then, since you’r
e so grateful, why don’t you tell me how you opened the portal?”

  “Oh, I’m not going to make it that easy for you.”

  Aeryn grabs my arm, pulling me away from the Nightmare. “I don’t think you should talk to it. I need to send word to Gavyn, he’ll be able to make it talk.”

  “How are you going to send word?”

  He grunts shaking his head. “I need to go back home. Can you stay here for a little while? Don’t talk to him or listen to anything he says. Just stay back and make sure your light holds.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll be right back, I promise.” He lays down in a far corner, pulls out his pouch of dust, and leaves for Dream Haven. I cover his shell with a blanket I find. It’s dirty, but being hidden is more important than being clean.

  “Well sweetheart, now that the third wheel has left and it’s just you and me, why don’t we get a little more acquainted with one another?” The Nightmare’s voice carries across the warehouse. I adjust the blanket, covering every inch of his shell. I don’t want anyone finding it if something goes wrong. “Hellooo. I’m talking to you sweetheart. What’s your name?” He told me not to speak to Jake, but I might be able to get information from him without Aeryn around.

  I slowly walk over to the Nightmare gauging his response. “Nadia. What’s yours? Or do you even have a name?”

  “Why of course we have names. Just like you do.”

  “What’s yours?”

  “What makes you think it isn’t Jake?”

  “Is it?”

  “Of course not. What kind of silly little name is Jake? I just needed to borrow his identity for a bit.”

  I ignore the different scenarios running through my head of what happened to the real Jake. “I told you my name. You tell me yours.”

  “Nyrell, but you sweetheart can call me whatever you like.”

  “I would like to call you dead, but we need some answers first.”

  Nyrell shrieks with laughter. “Aren’t you clever. But if you want something from me, I’m going to need something from you.”