The Awakening (Wake Up #1)

by Sarah Brocious

  "Let’s go test it out," he said gently. He pulled his shirt over his head, and tossed his sunglasses on top of it.

  She bit down hard on her lip.

  He stood, and offered his hand.

  Raina pulled her hair back, rolling it into a bun on top of her head, and took the offered hand. She hesitantly paused, then tossed the sundress much like he had on the t-shirt.

  Nolan watched her with approval.

  She could be brave! She barely let her eyes skim the beautiful physique beside her. She didn't want to start to drool in front of him. Nolan had a perfect beach body...and that scar, well, it just emphasized his maleness.

  The soft hot sand burned her feet, and she felt relief when the water lapped at her soles.

  "Getting quite a few stares," he teased, as they reached the water’s edge.

  Raina glanced about, lots of female eyes she noticed. "You have the female masses atwitter as usual."

  He chuckled. "I was talking about the male stares, Aelan."

  She rolled her eyes. "Well I guess you appeal to both."

  Nolan barked a laugh. "Not at me, you silly girl!" He tugged her hand, so she stepped closer to him. He tipped her chin up and stared down into her eyes. "They are looking at you. Do you know how well that suit fits you?"

  She gasped at his compliment. "With my big hips...thighs and bottom?"

  "Curves Aelan....beautiful curves,” he murmured. He tugged her hand again, and led her into the warm water.

  Raina sputtered after him, not knowing how to accept the compliment. It made her heart skitter a bit. She stared at the broad muscled back, and knew she was the envy of every girl on the beach.

  "Should have brought our boogie boards," he teased.

  "I'll end up drowning myself," she laughed, as a wave caught her around her torso. The water barely reached his hips. She envied his height.

  "How far are we going?" she asked a little fearful, as the water lapped at her chin, and she started to tread a little.

  "Until you can't get away from me," he teased,

  Raina glanced over at him and laughed. "Why would I try to get away from you?"

  He shrugged, wrapping an arm around her waist.

  Raina gasped in shock, and pleasure, as he drew her against his chest. Her arms wrapped about his neck. She looked into his eyes with questions. She saw the silvers fill with desire, and it made her catch her breath.

  "We are going to get this out of the way right now," he whispered. "I needed your full attention." His feet were still solidly in the sand, as he stood holding her. Raina’s feet tread the water around his legs, but it wasn't necessary, he had a good firm grip on her.

  "Get what out of the way?" Her blue eyes held his.

  "We're going to make boundaries much easier to follow...by...releasing a bit of the tension. I want us both to have a clear head tomorrow...no longing gazes, no relentless teasing."

  She blinked.

  He drew in a breath. "One kiss Raina...just one. It has to satisfy something..."

  "Or make it worse," she murmured.

  His eyes darkened. "Well, then I'll deal with that."

  Raina trembled. She knew it wouldn't be enough, but who was she to argue when Nolan was going to kiss her?

  "Then boundaries back in full force, okay?"

  Raina nodded. Her eyes danced. "You're not going to count to three, then kiss me are you? Might ruin the mood."

  He chuckled, and shook his head.

  "Wasn't sure with you and all your rules."

  He sank deeper in the water, and gathered her up more securely.

  "I like this," she said softly. "Just being here...in this beautiful water, bright sun with you. We could do this for a long time." She let her fingers weave into his hair softly. "No boundaries for just a few minutes."

  Nolan closed his eyes, and nodded. He loved the touch...it gentled him, calmed him. He'd always made his hair a boundary because it was so...intimate. Well, he could stand it for a few minutes.

  Raina laid her cheek against his. She lifted her legs to lightly surround his hips, no heavy contact, just made the floating easier. She felt his arms tense for an instant, and then relax. She was surprised he didn't push her away and murmur "boundaries" as he often did. She pulled back slightly to study his face.

  His eyes were dark. Perhaps to his original grey color, Raina thought. "See, this isn't bad for a couple minutes, right?"

  Nolan nodded, not trusting his voice.

  "Maybe," she whispered. She swallowed hard, and tugged gently at the nape of his neck. "Maybe we should just set aside boundaries all together."

  Nolan’s gorgeous frowny face appeared. "We can't Raina. Just a few minutes, then back to business."

  She sighed. "I like no boundaries," she pouted.

  He grinned, that sexy grin. "Oh Aelan I do to. I do to." His hands squeezed her waist gently. "But I have to have a clear head around you."

  She sighed. She'd heard the argument before. "Well, what about a few hours instead? I can enjoy you through dinner...maybe get a dance?"

  He shook his head. "I can't let myself have any more time than this," he sighed. "A few touches, a kiss, and I will be satisfied."

  Raina bit her lip, and shook her head. "I won't."

  Nolan’s eyes dilated.

  She smiled. "But it will help," she admitted.

  Nolan licked the salt water from his bottom lip, and attempted a smile.

  Raina leaned in then and kissed him softly. She didn't linger, but pulled back to look him in the eye. She was caught by the shock, and the arousal her little kiss caused.

  Nolan’s hand captured the back of her neck, and he pulled her back, slowly, with control, until their lips barely touched. He gently moved his mouth along her bottom lip, and then nipped softly at its fullness. Raina’s breath caught. Lazily he turned them in the water, teasing her jaw, her neck with his lips.

  "How do you like to be kissed?" His voice was husky, soft.

  Raina drew in a deep breath. "What?" she asked fully dazed. She was still waiting on the kiss his teasing was promising.

  "How do you like to be kissed?"

  She frowned. "Why are you asking?"

  His shoulders shrugged. She felt his mouth at her ear now. "I just want to please you."

  His words made her tremble, even more so when he teased her earlobe with his teeth.

  "Nolan," she sighed into the side of his neck. "Please just kiss me." Her nails bit into his shoulders gently.

  He appeased her, again drawing her slowly near, his lips capturing hers. He pulled her firmly against him. His eyes closed tightly, and he suppressed the groan in his throat. "Aelan," he whispered against her lips.

  Raina felt her senses slip away, and gave into the feelings his lips were blossoming in her. She shivered when his tongue touched her lip, hesitantly, questioningly, and she accepted him, sighing happily.

  The tip of his tongue gently dueled with hers, and it was more than he thought he could take. His heart was already threatening to come out of his chest. She felt just right in his arms. His hands were now at her hips, cuddling her closer, her legs wrapped around him tightly. He couldn't stop touching her. He couldn't stop tasting her. It was too much...and it was not enough!

  Raina sighed again, letting her fingers play in his hair.

  He pulled away breathlessly, feeling if he didn't he'd lose all control.

  They both stared at each other with dazed, passion filled eyes.

  It was then that they heard hooting from the beach. They must have given some kind of show.

  Nolan grinned, and Raina blushed, burying her face into the crook of his neck.

  Her hands clasped his hair, and she couldn't look up into his eyes. She could still feel her anticipation rising, and controlled her breathing. She wanted so much more, and she knew a kiss from Nolan would frustrate her. She just didn't know it would be this good.

  "How many girls have you kissed?" She whispered this in his ear.
/>   Nolan chuckled. "A very few," he admitted. His muscled chest still labored in its breathing, pressing firmly to hers.

  "You're very good at this," she murmured against his neck, and trailed kisses to his shoulder.

  Nolan cleared his throat, but his voice was still husky. "I'm good with you," he whispered. His teeth grazed her shoulder. He didn't want to let her go. But he knew from the ovation they got, that things were looking hot and heavy. They certainly were feeling that way. He gently disengaged her legs from his torso.

  He heard her protest, and it warmed his blood. Her legs wrapped around him again, he groaned.

  "Aelan, if you don't let go...I may make a fool out of both of us."

  She looked up at him in surprise.

  His eyes were closed. "Please?"

  Raina slid fluidly out of his arms. She paddled back a little, just to look at him. He was so beautiful, his face flushed, the smokiness of his eyes, as he opened them. The pulse at the base of his throat was jumping with the pounding of his heart. He had wanted more too. She smiled, feeling sexy for once. She had made Nolan Gregor falter.

  He pulled in a breath and blew it out slowly. He held his hands up in warning, when she neared him. "Give me a minute," he growled. He needed to calm down, before he allowed her near again...before he left the water. He chastised himself. He was usually so controlled. No control now.

  "That was..." she smiled, "I don't have any words Nolan...thank you."

  He dipped under the water, and came back up, whipping water out of his face. He blew out a breath, and offered her a smile.

  She blushed.

  He had to break the tension somehow, had to distract himself....get the just kissed look off of her face, or he'd kiss her again.

  "Just do it," she teased.

  He paused, lifting his brow. "And what is that?"

  "Make a fool out of us."

  He was speechless, and aroused at once. He growled, grabbed her about the hips and tossed her into a coming wave.

  Raina came up sputtering and laughing.

  He grinned. "Don't toy with me little girl." He deflected the spray of water she sent his way.

  Raina smiled, swimming passed him, then starting toward the shore. She glanced back over her shoulder. "You coming?"

  Nolan furrowed his brow. "In a minute...I'm going to swim for a bit longer."

  Raina didn't question him further. She continued back to shore.

  Nolan tore his eyes away from the pretty sight she made. It only served to remind him, he'd had those curves all around him, against him a moment ago. He'd swim a bit further out, and he should be right as rain. He groaned in his throat, oh no, kissing had been a bad idea. It had been nothing like the drunken kiss they'd shared, and that had been pretty good. This one was beyond that, and he had a feeling it could only get better.

  With a growl, he dove deep under the surface to clear his mind. What the hell had he unleashed?

  Half an hour later, Raina watched Nolan emerge from the water. It was a pleasing sight. It caused a bite of jealousy when she saw she was not the only one taking notice.

  He was smiling at her, this was good. No frowny face...hopefully no apology for what had just happened. She couldn't take an apology. It had been beautiful...warm...oh hell, who was she kidding? It had been hot and sexy. She calmed herself though...he'd promised her a few moments of no boundaries...she would not be greedy. She wanted to be...greedy. She had a feeling she could steal more time...his reaction had been strong, and the fact that it had taken him this long to cool down? He was right...he was good with her, and she with him. They'd be good together.

  As he approached, he ran his hands through his dark hair, and then flicked the water at her. He chuckled at her squeal when the cool water touched her skin.

  "So what are our remaining plans?" she asked gently. She cleared her throat when the words came out too husky.

  Nolan’s silver eyes squinted up at the sun, then back at her. "I think I should get you out of the sun. Despite the protection, you're pink. Not sure if that stuff was water proof.

  Raina blushed, grabbed her towel, and wrapped it about her. She didn't want to talk about the water. "You're a little pink too," she accused. She reached over, and with her index finger touched the skin of his shoulder. It went white then pink where she touched. It was a tell-tale sign of sunburn.

  "It will heal," he reminded her. "Quickly." He reached behind her and grabbed her sundress. "Put this on, more protection."

  She quickly obeyed him, feeling the rough fabric on her sensitive skin...yeah, it was sunburned. Not one hour in the gorgeous sun and she was getting fried.

  "We can go grab some dinner...then stop at the drug store and get you some aloe."

  She tinged pink in her cheeks.

  Nolan chuckled. He grabbed his own towel, stood, and made quick work drying. Raina watched him, not ashamed. Every other pair of female eyes was on him, why shouldn't she be allowed? Her eyes traveled from his feet, the well-shaped calves, to the toned torso, and the scar she wished to touch her lips to again...she bit her lip, and continued over the strong arms that flexed, as they dried the impeccable chest. He was all together breathtaking. The long strong neck, the jaw line...firm lips, fine nose and beautiful eyes that were regarding her now. She sucked in a breath and bit the inside of her cheek. She'd been caught.

  He frowned down at her, then roughed his wet hair, and threw the towel at her.

  "Cover those feet....they're beet red," he spoke gruffly. "And stop gawking at me!"

  Raina's mouth fell open. "Gawking?" She frowned at him.

  "You can't look at me like that! I'm not a piece of meat."

  She gasped, stood, folded her chair under her arm, and started for the hotel.

  "You don't have the key, Aelan," he called gently.

  She continued, ignoring him.

  “You’re overreacting,” he growled.

  She knew when he was behind her, and heard his exasperated sigh.

  She got to the path, leading to the hotel, then growled. "My sandals!" She spun about, not realizing he'd be so close, and nearly fell on her backside when she bounced off of him. His grip on her arm prevented it, but she did drop her chair. She looked up at him, and took in a breath. How did that face have so much of an effect on her?

  Nolan’s gorgeous frowny face appeared, and he tossed his chair along with hers. With a growl, he caught her up, and kissed her hard. His fingers gripped her hair to keep her from moving, and he tenderly assaulted her mouth with his own.

  Raina let out a happy sigh, and wove her fingers deep in his hair. She felt his long fingers skim down her sides and grip her hips to stay them. She hadn't realized she'd been moving them. He was stealing every thought from her head.

  His assault slowed, until he was only caressing her mouth with his own, coaxing her with infinite softness. She followed his lead, and the tender play was turning her mind to a haze more so then their passion in the water.

  This was her Nolan...sweet, gentle, strong Nolan. She never wanted it to stop, but knew it had to. He took one last pull at her lips, then lifted his head just a fraction...a breath away. The warm air touched her face, as he drew deep, and let the air out slowly.

  "I could kiss you for hours," he murmured. "God Raina, you don't know what you do to me. I've opened a Pandora’s box."

  Raina shivered. His voice was pure seduction.

  "We have to wind it in though, Aelan. I can't have you near me, and entertain these thoughts. You have to tell me no...ask me never to kiss you, to touch you, and I will have to obey. It’s in my nature...I'm hardwired for it. Please just tell me no."

  Raina blinked up at him in disbelief. "How can I do that?"

  He smiled and brushed his nose against hers.

  "How about this...no to anymore kisses...touches....for now. I will never say never to you Nolan...I'm hardwired for it."

  He laughed softly, and released her. "Good enough." He reached over and easily lifted the
discarded chairs. "Let’s go get some dinner...enjoy our trip a little."

  Raina smiled back...liking that the frowny face had disappeared. She shyly picked up their towels, the sandals he had rescued, and his shirt. Then she followed him willingly.

  Later that night, with a full tummy, and fresh aloe on her shoulders, Raina snuggled in Nolan’s big t-shirt...anything else would chafe her burn. She crawled into the big King sized bed, and giggled, as he tossed a sheet over her...her warm skin didn't need the comforter.

  "Good night, Aelan," he said gently.

  She smiled at him, as he turned out the light. She listened to hear his bare feet pad cross the carpet, down the hall to where he'd made up the sofa bed. She had tried to get him to take the king, since he was so much larger, and she didn't need as much space. He'd only frowned for his answer. She smiled again, and stretched her limbs, then grimaced at the pain from the sunburn. It definitely hadn't hurt when he applied the aloe. It was almost as if his fingers were a Novocain of sorts. She hoped she'd be fully functional tomorrow!

  Her mind quickly turned to the visit they must have tomorrow morning. All other thoughts from this day fled at that point...no Nolan in the water, Nolan with his hands in her hair, lips to hers...no, that was fleeting. She shivered partly from the sunburn, partly from fear of the unknown. She tried to imagine what this Joseph would look like? He was a grandfather, so older...would his eyes be as startling as the others? He was a changer...what did that all entail?

  Would he be fair? Would he side with Elenora, and Raina would lose Nolan? Her heart slammed against her ribs, and she bit back a small cry. The last thing she needed was the crazy hearing of Nolan to alert him to her woes. She had a feeling he sensed it anyway, but after today’s happenings, he would keep his distance. Tears pricked her eyes. The idea of being without him was insufferable.

  Pictures of a distorted immortal with ice blue eyes, scraggily white hair, and breath like sulfur entered her imagination. She trembled. Could this be Joseph? Her mind fought that fear. Why should he be that much different from the others? No, it was her too big imagination just playing around with her.

  She closed her eyes tightly, and eventually did manage to drop off to sleep. Not a peaceful sleep...not what so ever. Dreams assaulted her...dreams with Elenora. A no faced Joseph.......Thanatos, and worse, a hurt Nolan. It overwhelmed her, and pushed her out of sleep...awake, and in a cold sweat. She reached for Turks fur, and then remembered he was miles away.