Sweet Dreams (Sweetwater Book 2)

by Rivi Jacks

  I look up at Lucas to find his expression once again impossible to read. “Lucas, what do you think?” I ask softly. It’s unsettling when I see the sudden unease in his eyes before he hides it.

  “Do not get me wrong,” Hershel interrupts, and I slowly turn his way. “We are going to be in the dark here too. But I trust your Guardian will see us through.” He smiles again. “We” —he nods at the other witches— “will work together to figure out where the gate is located. And Lucas, we did as you asked. We have friends coming within the next couple of weeks to help with controlling the Kihn.”

  I don’t think I imagine the significant look he gives Lucas, and I know there’s something more he’s not saying.

  Lucas looks around the room gathering everyone’s attention. He gives me a quick look before addressing the room. “We continue as we have with the patrols around the town to keep the Kihn at bay. Lucian, I want you to direct all your attention to finding that gate. Max will get together with you, and you can fill him in on anything else you have that needs attention. He’ll help you with whatever you need.”

  My gaze settles on Taylor, who’s been unusually quiet. He’s not looked my way since Maple’s news of me being the Keeper. This worries me. I can’t help but wonder when Lucas is going to tell me what’s not being said about me being the Keeper.

  “The rest of you,” —Lucas directs his attention on the other witches— “continue as you are. What you do is invaluable, but considering this new turn of events, we need to step things up—”

  “How much danger is Sofie in?” Sam interrupts.

  Hershel glances at Lucas before answering. “I will be honest—I am not sure.” Hershel Morton gives me an apologetic look. “But I have a few ideas of what we might do to help protect her until we figure that out.”

  “Now that we know Sofie is the Keeper” —Lucian adds— “we can be more specific with our spells.”

  Brit catches my eye and gives me a reassuring smile. “Estella and I will work with you to keep Ezra out of your dreams but we will talk more about this later.”

  I’m not used to Brit saying what she has to say in such a short sentence, so I wait for her to say more while I look up at Lucas again. I wish he’d say something. I glance over at Taylor who remains uncharacteristically quiet. He seems right somber, and again, I’m troubled when he doesn’t look at me. Even Estella makes me nervous with her quietness.

  “This is not something we are going to solve tonight,” Lucas finally says. “Right now we have no idea where or when the gate will open.” He almost sounds angry.

  “Neither do the Kihn or Ezra, Lucas,” Hershel says.

  “I suggest we all get some rest and talk again tomorrow,” Lucian suggests, looking at Lucas. The room falls quiet as everyone waits for Lucas to end the meeting.

  I look at him as he stands beside me his head tilted down as he remains silent in his own counsel. His behavior is setting off warning bells.

  I breathe his name, and he looks up, his gaze meeting mine. My breath sucks in sharply at the angry set of his face. But what’s most alarming is the darkness in his eyes. A thought passes through me that they hold very little humanity at that moment. He looks away, his gaze scanning the room.

  “Sofie—I’d like for you to go with Taylor out to the Hummer,” he states without looking at me.

  What?

  “Why?” I ask as Taylor walks to the doorway leading to the kitchen.

  Lucas looks back at me. “Because you’re not going to like what I’m about to say.”

  I frown. “What’s going on, Lucas?”

  “Go with Taylor,” he says firmly.

  Is he serious? “I don’t think so.”

  “Sofie, do as he asks,” Jake says.

  What the hell? “Sorry, but no.” Lucas turns to glare at me. “Lucas, since you’re about to say something concerning me, I have a right to know whatever that might be.”

  He takes a deep breath, and I can tell he’s keeping a tight rein on his temper. He gives me a sideways glance, shaking his head and then steps to the center of the room. When he speaks, his words come slow, but his voice is dark and dangerous, demanding absolute attention. A chill moves over my skin.

  “I want every one of you to listen very carefully to what I am about to say.”

  I glance at Sawyer, and his eyes slash to mine before I look back at Lucas when he says, “If what Hershel has told us tonight proves to be accurate, this new information will change everything. Clearly, our strategy will change, and we’ll have decisions to make to that end, but I want it understood that not one word concerning this new role the Keeper possibly holds as it pertains to the gate opening and Sofie, to leave this room. Not. One. Word.”

  I watch as Lucas turns to look at each person, including my family before slowly pacing around the room. I recognize the fact that he’s intimidating on purpose. “You do not mention or discuss anything about this meeting with anyone. Not to each other—not to me—not to Sofie. This meeting never happened.

  “If—anyone else finds out what we have discussed here tonight, I give you my word—I will discover who of you talked—and I will show no mercy.” He turns slowly, making eye contact again. I’ve never seen him look more lethal than in that moment. When his attention settles where Jake and my cousins sit, I glance nervously at them. “Am I making myself clear on the fact that includes the rest of your family?”

  I start to step forward, my mouth opening to ask him what the hell he thinks he’s doing when Taylor catches my eye. He shakes his head slightly, his eyes telling me to keep quiet. I swallow deeply and hold my tongue. Jake, Sawyer, and Sam all answer in the affirmative.

  He turns, his gaze sweeping the room. “I will come to you if your input is needed or if you need further information concerning this subject.” His eyes settle on me. “Now everyone go home,” he adds gruffly.

  Stepping out the back door, Lucas takes hold of my elbow. “Let’s go.”

  As we round the corner from the back of the house, I stop in my tracks, surprised to see Max standing near the Hummer. The whole area where the vehicles are parked is lit up from the mounted lights on two monstrous—I’m not sure what to call them—they look like a type of armored vehicle, very military looking.

  “What’s going on?” I ask looking up at Lucas.

  He hesitates for a moment. “We’re stepping up a few things.” He holds his arm out for me to proceed.

  “Stepping up what?” I ask as we continue toward the Hummer. “Hi, Max,” I say without taking my eyes off Lucas.

  “Miss Sofie.”

  Lucas opens the passenger side door for me, but I hesitate before climbing in.

  “Let’s go, sweet.”

  I narrow my eyes at him. He takes hold of my elbow and practically lifts me into the Hummer.

  “Geez, you’re bossy!”

  “So you say,” he retorts, his eyes leaving mine to scan the darkness beyond the yard before he shuts me in.

  I watch as he walks around the front of the Hummer and signals to Max who climbs into the passenger side of one of the armored vehicles that immediately pulls around in the yard to head back out the private lane to the state highway. Lucas climbs in and starts the engine. As he backs around and turns to follow, I turn to look out the back, seeing first Jake’s truck and then Sawyer’s new Jeep pull in behind us with the second armored vehicle taking up the rear. I wonder who’s driving it and where Taylor got off to.

  “Are we expecting trouble?”

  “What?” I see his frown in the dash lights as he looks over at me.

  “Is there a reason for this armed motorcade?”

  He chuckles humorlessly as he checks the rearview mirror and then looks at me again. “Sofie.” He sighs heavily and shakes his head as his attention returns to
the pot-holed lane we’re bouncing over. “I’m a fool,” he says under his breath.

  I frown. “What?”

  He’s silent as we stop at the highway and the vehicle ahead of us pulls out, slowly accelerating, waiting for us to pull out behind it.

  “Talk to me, Lucas.” I’m not about to let him shut me out of whatever it is he’s thinking. I know the things Hershel Morton revealed made him upset and angry, but denial won’t change the fact I’m the Keeper, no matter how much he or I want it to not be true. It may seem crazy, but I’m just relieved to finally have some answers to my connection with the Kihn.

  “Why do you say you’re a fool?”

  He turns his head, and I catch a bit of his expression in the subdued lighting. His silvered eyes gleam. His whole demeanor practically vibrates with heated emotion.

  “I need your explanation for not telling me everything when we were on the plane earlier.”

  His change of conversation catches me off guard. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

  I can practically feel the glare he sends my way as I focus my attention out the front window.

  “Sofie,” he says with a warning note in his voice.

  I sigh in resignation. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Har— the Guardian,” I murmur. I look over at him. “I was afraid if I said too much you’d start asking questions for which I had no answers. And it was just one more bit of information that I knew would sound” —I huff a soft breath— “unbelievable.”

  He looks at me so long I nervously glance back at the road.

  “What else are you not telling me?”

  I hope he doesn’t expect an answer. I know it’s a perfectly legitimate question, and I would certainly ask the same thing under similar circumstances, but frankly, with everything that’s happened today, his question is just too much.

  “I knew there was something… something seriously wrong connecting you to the Kihn,” he says softly, and I frown at his subdued tone. “I did the one thing I swore that I’d never do,” he murmurs.

  I have a bad feeling about where this conversation is going. “What’s that?” I ask, looking over at him. Even in the dim light, I can see the muscle along his jawline clench.

  “I let my guard down with the Kihn, believing Dar when he told me the Kihn’s alliance with Ezra was broken, trusting that they weren’t going to actively pursue you. We know now it was a ruse, but I’ve held out hope that Dar might come to his senses. No way is that going to happen. You’re too important to them—to Ezra.” He looks out the side window. “They’ve known all along that you’re the Keeper.”

  All along as in all of my life. I swallow deeply. “So—do you think Hershel is correct about—”

  He shakes his head slightly. “I don’t know, but I’m not willing to disregard any possibility when it comes to your safety.” He glances over at me.

  And if the Kihn and Ezra find out this new information—the reason they’ve been in pursuit of me will change. That’s not a good thought.

  We’re quiet for several moments before Lucas breaks the silence.

  “It was a miracle you weren’t hurt today, and knowing what I now know, I realize I’ve let my feelings for you cloud my judgment.”

  It feels as if an ice cold hand grips my heart and squeezes. “What does that mean?” I manage to ask in a weak voice.

  The lead vehicle in front of us slows to turn into the driveway. The gates are already open, and I look over to see several of Lucas’ men standing near the gatehouse as we pull in. Glancing in the side mirror, I watch as both Jake and Sawyer pull in behind us. We follow the driveway up the hill, and Lucas pulls into his usual parking spot as the other vehicles proceed on past the house. I assume they’re headed to the arena and I wonder why my kinfolk have come too. As I watch, Max climbs out of the lead vehicle where it has stopped, and then the driver proceeds on up the hill from the house.

  Heartsick with dread I reach to open the door.

  Lucas reaches over to take hold of my wrist. “Wait.”

  I don’t want to. I want to jump out of the Hummer and run. Run and hide where he can’t find me. I can’t bear to hear what he’s going to say.

  “Sofie.” His thumb rubs over the pulse point on my wrist. “I’m sorry, but I’ve called an emergency meeting. It’ll be a couple of hours before the others arrive, but there are things I need to do in preparation.” He suddenly reaches toward the dash and the interior light comes on. “Are you okay? Your pulse is racing.” A slight frown mars his forehead.

  I take a deep breath, blinking against the sudden glare of light. “Probably because I’m worried about your clouded judgment.” I sound breathless. “And—what that means for us.” His eyebrow lifts. “I’m afraid you’re going to break up with me or hold me prisoner here—locking me up—so I never see the light of day.” My eyes search his, and I swallow uncomfortably at the thought of either possibility.

  I think I see his lips twitch as his hand lifts to stroke his chin.

  “Hmmm.” Is all he says before he quickly grips my arm, pulling me over onto his lap. He reaches to tip my chin, his eyes moving over me and it feels like a physical caress. When he lightly strokes his fingers across my jaw and then down the side of my neck, goosebumps erupt across my skin.

  My hand comes up to delve into his hair, and I pull him to me. My tongue traces his bottom lip before he takes my mouth in a passionate kiss. I cling to him when he releases my lips not wanting him to let me go.

  “That’s a negative on your first concern,” he rasps softly in my ear before biting the tender lobe. “And a possibility on the second,” he murmurs before his mouth finds the sweet spot behind my ear that just about renders me senseless.

  Eventually what he’s said drifts past the haze of sexual arousal. “What?” I push against his chest and lean back against the steering wheel putting space between us.

  He gives me an expression of mock outrage, and then he’s grinning wickedly.

  “Don’t tease, Lucas.” I cross my arms over my chest and give him my best scowl.

  He laughs as he pulls me back close, pressing his face against my hair. “Baby, we both know we won’t be breaking up and,” —he leans back, lifting my chin again— “I promised you, you wouldn’t be a prisoner here.” He holds my gaze.

  I lay my hand on his chest. “Thank you.”

  He gives me his sexy half smile. “Sofie, I will do everything I can to keep that promise to you, but you have to do your part.” He gives me a steady look.

  “I’m always careful, Lucas.”

  His eyes hold mine in their intensity. “There’s a lot at stake here, my sweet,” he says softly.

  I nod slowly. “I know that,” I whisper.

  “It’s imperative, Sofie, that the Kihn or Ezra do not discover Hershel’s theory,” he says slowly. I nod, my gaze trapped by his. He watches me closely as he says, “You can’t say anything to Diane or Emma Rae. Knowing too much can put them in danger too.”

  I nod again, terrified at that thought. “This theory of Hershel’s,” —I say slowly— “if it’s accurate it puts me in a different kind of danger, doesn’t it?” His eyes confirm what I already know. I swallow past the lump in my throat. “If they think I can stop them—” I can’t finish saying what I know will happen to me if Ezra and the Kihn find out my new role in all of this.

  “Sofie,” —he cups the side of my face— “look at me.” My eyes meet his. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise to keep you safe.” His eyes search mine. “Do you believe that?”

  I hesitate for a moment thinking of what I need to say to him. “I do, Lucas. But—as stupid as this may sound to you, I can’t cower or hide from the Kihn. I can’t live my life in fear. I just can’t!” My eyes beg him to understand. “I have to take some respons
ibility in protecting myself.”

  “Shhh.” He pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me and I rest against him my eyes tightly shut as I breathe in his comforting scent. After several minutes of just sitting there with him holding me he gently pushes me back so he can see my face. “It’s going to be okay.”

  I sniff and then nod.

  Lucas looks toward the house as he reaches to cut the interior light. “We’ve garnered an audience, so I guess it’s time to go in.” I glance over to see Max, Taylor, and my kinfolk standing on the front porch talking.

  “Sofie.” When I look back at him, his lips lift in amusement before he reaches out to touch the tip of my nose. “I knew you wouldn’t make it very long before bringing up the meeting, even though I instructed everyone not to discuss it.”

  My eyes narrow at him. “And I knew you wouldn’t pay any attention to Hershel’s warning about doing anything out of my normal routine.” He lifts his eyebrow. “Your armored escort for me when we left the Zelts.”

  He grins. “Touché, my sweet.” I raise my chin in smugness.

  Without warning, he opens his door, steps out, and swings me up into his arms in one fluid motion. I squeak and grab at his shoulders, looking up into eyes filled with suppressed laughter. “You’re an evil man!”

  He laughs and sets me on my feet. I right myself and as we walk around the Hummer, I take hold of his hand, pulling him to a stop.

  “Lucas, I know you’re worried about me, but we can’t throw up any red flags.” He inhales deeply. “We have to remember they don’t know,” I whisper.

  He pulls me to his side. “And we’ll keep it that way, baby.” My arm goes around his waist as I lean into him.

  “Let’s join the others, I need to prepare for the meeting.”

  “Strange hours for a meeting,” I say, curious just who he’s meeting with.