by Beverly Rae
He was certain the dream included a woman, yet he couldn’t say what she looked like. He sniffed, then focused on a fragrance of lavender and tried to pull something from that one bit of information still clinging to him.
He had no doubt the dream had something to do with his future mate and the other members of his pack agreed. Yet unlike Michael and Jimmy before him, he hadn’t sent the dream to her. Instead, she was the one in control.
Not only did he sense that she was summoning him, he also had the impression that she’d used a dream similar to the one the Night Runner werewolves used. Had he and the others gone to her? Had they taken her, foretelling the initiation they held for all their future mates? To think he’d had dream sex with his future mate and couldn’t remember rattled his nerves. If only he could remember more details, he’d go to her and make her his. But his body knew, his body still reacted to her.
What kind of woman had the power to send her werewolf mate a dream? He’d never heard of a human having such power. Instead, the pack took charge, bringing the female a dream. First, they’d welcome her with a dream, and then initiate her into their pack in a sharing sexual experience. Only then could she be mated to her one true mate.
Nick strode to the window to gaze at the rising sun. Was his mate close by? Did she smell of lavender? He paused and listened as though he could hear her thoughts. But nothing came. Grumbling, he yanked on his clothes and hurried downstairs.
He rounded the corner into the kitchen and skidded to a stop. Sara sat in the box window of the kitchen. She looked up, her gaze sinking into him, letting him know she’d heard him come awake.
“Coffee’s ready if you want a cup.”
He nodded his thanks, angling toward the counter where steam from a freshly brewed pot of coffee drifted into the air. He poured a cup then slid into a chair at the kitchen table. Sara had returned to gazing out the window.
“You had the dream again.”
It was more a statement than a question, yet he knew she waited for an answer. “Yeah. But it was different this time.”
She turned, her eyebrow arched. “How so?”
“I don’t know. I still can’t remember much. Just sensations and an impression of her. But I have the feeling that it came to a stop sooner than the rest. Like it got cut off before the end.”
She took a sip, mulling over what he’d said. “Do you still think it’s your mate calling you?”
“Again. I don’t know why, but yeah. I do. Is that even possible?”
“Anything’s possible. You know that. But probable? I just don’t know.”
“We’re in the dream, too, right?”
Nick dodged Ranlon’s playful slap as he and the other Night Runners filed into the kitchen. Michael shot Sara a grin and Max kept his arm around Cally. Jimmy whispered in Mandy’s ear, making her giggle. William and Ranlon eased into the chairs next to Nick and waited as the couples took their seats.
Michael strode past him toward Sara. “She must be strong if she can bring everyone into the dream.”
Mandy scowled. “I’m not sure I like some woman dragging my mate into a sex dream.”
“Providing it is a sex dream. We don’t know that for sure.” Jimmy laughed at her pout then hugged her close. “Remember, we’re not really there. We just add our powers to the mix for the dreams we send. We’re there and our power, our images participate. That’s all.”
Mandy jerked away from him. “That’s all?”
Jimmy stammered, but Michael jumped in to save him. “Our dreams are for the pack’s survival. It’s the way it’s always been. When we send a dream to a future mate, we remember her. And we get a sense of whether she’s right for the pack. She remembers our essence, but not our faces or names. Still, it’s different each time.”
“But you’re talking about when you send the dream. Who knows how it is when she’s doing the sending?” Sara rose to get the coffeepot.
Nick gazed at the large table. The pack kept getting bigger, longer tables and, if the dream was any indication, they’d need to make room for another chair. At least he hoped so. He was more than ready to settle down with his intended mate. Providing the pack accepted her.
Ranlon took the cup Sara offered him then held his nose over the edge to take a whiff. “Sara, you make the best coffee.” He took a sip then scowled when it burned his tongue. “Shit. I always do that. So, Nick, are we in that dream or not?”
Nick started to shake his head then didn’t. “I think so. But if I’m right, why don’t any of you have the dream, too?”
“They aren’t the one she’s after. But then again, I’m only guessing.” Sara laid a palm on his cheek. She was their alpha-female and claimed all of them. “We’re dealing with uncharted territory here.”
“Leave it to Nick to follow a different path.” Max dug around in the refrigerator, pulling out items as Michael asked for them.
They were lucky, Nick thought. Max had Cally, Jimmy was with Mandy, and, although Sara, by way of being the alpha-female, had all of them, her strongest connection was with Michael.
“Strange. I can’t remember a female ever calling to a Night Runner before.” Michael broke several eggs then stirred them around the pan.
“Yeah, it’s weird. Could she be a werewolf? Or maybe a witch?” Jimmy bumped into Mandy and made a scary face. “Boy, I sure hope she’s not a witch.”
Mandy giggled, then offered to help Cally make toast for the group.
“I doubt she’s a witch. Besides, what’s her motive except to mate? Would a witch mate with a werewolf?” William leaned his chair back, resting on the rear legs. “Just doesn’t make sense.”
“What do you think I should do, Sara?” Whenever he needed answers, Nick always turned to the pack. But in matters involving women, Sara was his go-to person.
She took a moment, her gaze cast down. When she lifted her head, her big brown eyes shone with excitement. “Keep dreaming. When you meet her, you’ll know.”
* * * *
Tamara lay on the checkered blanket and sighed. Watching clouds was a simple pleasure she loved, but one she rarely got to do. Yet even as she tried to see different animals in each fluffy cloud, her mind strayed to Nick, shutting everything else out. She closed her eyes and brought his image to her mind’s eye.
The man was red hot. She grinned. Red was the perfect color, and she loved that his hair was the same shade of red as the streak in hers. Tanned skin from many hours in the sun highlighted his cheekbones and made his crystal blue eyes stand out. His grin was infectious, and even now it made her smile.
But his body. Oh, boy, his body. His broad shoulders could make any woman want to run her hands along them, down his muscled arms to skirt along the ripped abdomen. She swallowed, imagining the way his chest looked.
She moaned as a hand slid along her thigh. Her heart picked up speed and her lips parted, thrilled at how real her imagination seemed. The hand paused then slipped between her legs. She spread her legs and gave into the pleasant sensation of pressure against her mons.
“I knew you wanted me.”
Her eyelids flew open to find Jackson Walker, the alpha-male of the Walker Pack, leering at her.
“Get the hell away from me.” Tamara jumped to her feet then planted them apart, ready to run. A horse nickered nearby, and the aroma of hay filtered into her nostrils.
“Calm down, Tam.” His gaze flicked to the blanket then back to her. “I couldn’t find you so I got worried.”
“Bullshit. And don’t call me Tam. It’s bad enough that you interrupted me last night.”
“And what the hell were you doing anyway?”
Anger erupted over his angular features, creating lines to match the scar running along his right cheek, and was gone before she could challenge him on it. He was taller and bigger than most men, his strength almost as legendary as his cruelty. Narrowing his dark eyes, he raked a hand over his short-cropped brown hair. “You didn’t answer my question. What were you doin
g?”
“It’s none of your business.”
She crossed the barn, heading to the stall of her favorite horse, Dancer. Cooing at the nervous horse, she unlatched the stall gate, stepped inside and started brushing his long mane. Jackson rested his arms on the gate, his jaw set. So far he’d kept his anger in check, but she couldn’t count on him keeping it for much longer. Still, he had no right demanding answers.
“Fine, I’ll let it pass for now. But I’m warning you. Don’t do it again. Whatever it was.”
She ignored his heavy-handed attitude and centered her attention on Dancer.
“Tamara, you know what I want.”
She knew all right. She knew and didn’t care. “Like I’ve told you before. I’m not interested.”
“I’ve chosen you. Any woman would be honored for me to pick her.”
“Then do it. Choose any woman you want. Except me.”
He made a sound that came close to a growl. Damn it. She shouldn’t have gotten into a stall. Now she was trapped if he decided to do anything.
“You’re the one I want and I always get what I want.”
Like they hadn’t had this conversation often enough. She took a deep breath and faced him. “I’m sorry about what happened with Sheila. She was a wonderful woman and I know you loved her a lot. Losing her in the car accident hit us all hard. But it doesn’t change things for me. I know who I’m supposed to be with, and it’s not you. You know you’re not supposed to choose someone else’s intended mate.”
“Who? Who are you talking about?”
She wouldn’t answer him. If she did, he’d move a mountain getting to Nick. There was no telling what he’d do to him once he found him. “Why don’t you choose Linda instead? She’s free, and I know she thinks you’re hot.”
“Are you not listening to me, woman?”
She gripped the brush tighter, trying to keep her temper in check. Damn, how she hated to be called woman. “I heard you, but I don’t think you’re hearing me. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but I don’t want you.”
Jackson didn’t take the rejection any easier this time than he had all the other times she’d turned him down. Why couldn’t he just accept what was and move on?
He opened the latch and swung the door wide. “How about we go out tonight? Or maybe even get together in your room?”
She tried dodging him, but she wasn’t quick enough. Pushing her against the wall, he put his face close to hers. Lust flared his nostrils and heat gleamed in his eyes.
“Let me go.” She was strong, but no match for him. Still, she had to make him see reason. She had to get away.
“I’ll let you go when I’m ready and not—”
“Tamara? Are you okay?”
Jackson released her, backing away at the sound of Lauren’s voice. He slid into the corner of the stall. Tamara hurried out, latched the gate, and swung around to face Lauren.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She glanced back once then hooked her arm in Lauren’s. Jackson could jump the gate, but he’d still be pissed that she’d locked him inside. Breaking into a quick walk, she led Lauren out of the barn and toward the rented farm house.
“He’s getting more insistent, isn’t he?” Laura whispered.
She could see the worry in her friend’s green eyes and sensed her concern in the way the petite blonde kept up with her long strides instead of lagging behind as she usually did. “Yeah, but it won’t change a thing.”
“I don’t know. He’s got a few of the others thinking he’s right.”
“How can they side with him? They know that’s not our way. Hell, it’s not any pack’s way.”
“Jackson doesn’t much care about other people’s rules. He’s determined to run the pack the way he sees fit. Even if it goes against everything we believe.”
“Then he’s a jerk and someone needs to stand up to him.”
Lauren grabbed her arm, pulling Tamara to a stop. “Are you sure Nick’s the one?”
Tamara took her friend’s hands. “I’m as sure of him as I am of the sun rising in the morning.”
“Then I hope it works out for you.” Lauren’s lower lip trembled. “I’m going to miss you, you know.”
She hugged her, her gaze searching the area behind them. At least Jackson hadn’t followed them. Leaning away, she smiled, hoping to put Lauren at ease. “I’m not going to the moon, you know. We can see each other anytime we want.”
“Promise?”
Tamara laughed and crossed her heart. “Promise. Now tell me. Are any of the women on Jackson’s side?”
“No.”
“You don’t sound too confident.”
“Well, you never know what Linda will do, but the rest of us are behind you.”
At least she still had support. Without that, Jackson might end up getting his way. He ran the pack with an iron hand, putting his wants before all others’. “Would you like to go out and have some fun tonight?”
Lauren jumped at the chance. “Sure. Where to?”
“How about we ride into Gully Gap later and check out the night action?”
“Why Gully Gap? Other towns have better bars.” Lauren slammed to a stop. “Oh, shit. Is that where he is?”
Tamara couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “Why don’t we go and find out?”
Chapter Two
Nick leaned to the right to take the corner, pushing his luck to the limit. But as far as he was concerned no one riding a motorcycle should do anything less. And he needed the speed. Next to running with the pack, riding full throttle down the back roads near Lost Hills, Texas was the only way to clear his head. Even though he couldn’t recall details, the sense that the dream would change his life remained with him.
But today was different. He’d been riding for over an hour, zipping onto highways then returning to the one-lane roads that cut straight lines into the landscape, yet he couldn’t get the dream out of his head. A girl—hell, a woman—was the key. He’d bet his last dollar on it.
Giving up, he let his thoughts turn to the dream as he tried to imagine the woman. She had to be strong. At least mentally, but more than likely a female who could control dreams would also be physically strong. Heat that didn’t come from the hot summer afternoon or the motorcycle underneath him burst to life. Without ever meeting her, she turned him on. Who knew what would happen when they did meet? And if he had any say in the matter, they would meet sooner than later.
Tumbleweeds and thickets of brush blurred as he sped by. Riding was as easy as the Change, an act he could perform without thinking, leaving him to focus on the mystery woman. Some way, somehow, he had to force her to show herself. Yet even the Night Runners, experts at dream manipulation, didn’t know how to make that happen. They were the one who sent dreams. Not the other way round.
He groaned, the sound lost with the noise of the wind and motor. Putting the sun behind him, he turned toward Gully Gap and the club, Whiskey River, where he bartended. Maybe work would clear his mind for a few hours.
He didn’t notice the other rider until she drew up next to him. He slowed, just enough to put her ahead of him, and checked out her shapely ass. She was round and firm in all the right places. She glanced back at him, but he couldn’t see her eyes through the tint of her helmet shield. Of course, she couldn’t see his wicked grin, either. If she had, she might’ve pulled the bike over and slapped it right off his face.
He revved the motor and caught up with her. Riding side by side, she ignored him, acting as though he didn’t exist. He revved the motor again, trying to make her look at him again, but she kept her attention on the road.
If she didn’t want to respond, then what else could a man do? He kept up with her, taking the time to appreciate the way her full breasts stretched the material of her white T-shirt. He sent a silent prayer skyward for rain. Just enough to wet her T-shirt and see the nipples that weren’t hidden by a bra.
Damn, how he loved a woman who didn’t wear a bra. He slid his ga
ze lower, past the tanned stomach showing between the cropped shirt and her tight jeans, and he wondered if she went commando, too. Too bad her hair was hidden by her helmet.
Almost as though she’d heard his thoughts, she whipped her head to the side. He would’ve sworn he could feel the heat from her glare. He motioned to the rest area ahead, asking her to pull over. She shook her head.
Nick was not one to give up that easily. But he never got the chance to try again. In the next moment, she picked up speed and zoomed away. Was she trying to lose him? Or just playing with him? He got his answer when she looked back and motioned for him to follow.
Hell, yeah, I’ll follow.
He raced to catch up with her then positioned his bike next to hers. She twisted the accelerator, jumping ahead of him, only to slow down and let him catch up again. Game time was on.
He flipped up his shield and shouted, “Are you wanting to race?” He doubted she heard him, but hoped she’d understand by reading his lips. A thrill swept into him when she nodded.
“You’re on. How about on a count of”—Her laugh was crystal clear as she gunned her bike and burst ahead of him—“three?”
Damn, she already had a good lead on him. Leaning forward, he opened up wide, sending his motorcycle hurtling forward.
The two riders raced down the long stretch of road, both staring into the setting sun. Nick would take the lead then lose it, only to regain it.
She dodged in front of him and he swerved to miss her. Only his skill as a rider kept him from hitting her. But the view from behind was worth it.
The woman had a wild streak bordering on recklessness. He grinned, more determined than ever to meet her.
Pulling alongside, he tried shouting again. Not that he really expected her to hear him, but he had to try. Anything to get the hellion on wheels to pull over. He didn’t even care if he lost the race.
“Hey. How about taking this off road to a bar I know?”