by Connie Wood
“I knew it was going to be hard going back to the club. But the dreams I’m having don’t have anything to do with that night.”
Brent’s eyebrows rose in question. “The dreams don’t have any linking factor to what happened at the club?”
They did have one thing in common with the night of the massacre. Dane. But she wasn’t even sure if he was really there or if her subconscious had invented him and then he transferred to her dreams. She wasn’t sure what was real anymore. Not when her dreams were more realistic than her waking life.
“The only thing they have in common are the feelings. The intensity.” She smiled apologetically at Brent. “This isn’t making much sense is it? I just need to know that I’m not going crazy.”
“You’re not crazy,” Brent said in his calming psychiatrist voice that was used for soothing the mentally unbalanced. “You know that dreams are the mind’s way of processing the data of our day to day lives. It is just different because while your analytical mind understands this, your subconscious believes that the dream state is real.”
He moved forward and balanced on the edge of his chair, placing his hands against her knees. “You’re a good psychiatrist; you know logically what is happening to you.” His fingers started to knead the lower part of her thigh. Lea swallowed and tried to move back. “But you’re also a woman and you have to let your emotions have full reign for a while. Let your vulnerability show once in a while.”
A coldness washed over her and she shivered. She’d known Brent had feelings for her, but she never believed he would act upon them while they were in session. Perhaps he didn’t think this was a session, otherwise she never would have come to him today.
“Brent, you’re making me feel a little uncomfortable.”
“See, this is what I mean.” He smiled and moved closer. “Let yourself be vulnerable. Let your feelings come to the forefront instead of your reason.” His hand moved slowly higher up her thigh.
A chill so cold it almost turned her blood to ice surrounded her. Then she heard it; a low feral growl to the right of her. She whipped her head around, fully expecting to see Dane standing above her. A haze of a huge white paw hovered for an instant and then nothing. Her heart seized with cold and instant longing. She wanted to reach out and feel him, feel that he was tangible. Feeling stupid, she looked back at Brent and she felt her eyes widen with fear.
Brent’s fingers bit into the flesh of her legs in fright. His breathing was erratic, coming in short sharp bursts. His eyes darted in every direction as if trying to locate something.
“Did you hear that? Did you see it?” he almost barked at her.
“What?” She said past the lump in her throat, she wasn’t admitting to hearing anything.
“It sounded like a bear growling. I saw a bear’s paw,” he added almost hysterically.
Her chest constricted in confusion. How could he have heard and seen the same thing she had? She knew it was Dane with every fiber of her being. But she didn’t know how.
“I didn’t see or hear anything.” Lea pushed his hands back with such force he fell back into the chair. “Now I’m leaving and I won’t be back.”
She headed for the door with Brent slowing sitting up, his uncertainty giving way to anger as he pounded the armchair with his fist. As soon as she stepped out of his office, the coldness left her. Lea sighed allowing the warm air to thaw out her body.
She was more confused than ever. Brent’s unprofessionalism surprised her. But she could more than handle him. What she couldn’t handle was hearing or seeing things that couldn’t be there. Her dreams were starting to encroach on her daily life. And what was even scarier was that apparently other people could see them too.
~* * *~
Lea sat in the crowded bar and contemplated having another drink before her sister arrived for lunch. She decided against it. Her mind was playing enough tricks on her without plying it with alcohol as well.
A panoramic landscape painting sat above the bar and Lea stared at its cool blue shades of ice and water. But what caught her attention most was the pure white polar bear standing in the foreground. Why was she dreaming about bears that transformed into stunningly sexy men? And why were those dreams now leeching into her reality? Lea was certain about what she saw and heard in Brent’s office. It was Dane, she knew it. But how? She needed some answers before she really did start going crazy. But who could she ask?
Moon. The answer was so simple it flashed into her mind on the fragment of a memory. Her dear friend knew Dane’s name. The night of the massacre Lea had been talking to Moon on the phone when the bloodshed began. Flashbacks, blurred and hazy, unlike the clarity of her dreams, sat on the edges of her mind. She remembered a wolf snarling at her, its teeth and hot putrid breath close to her skin. She’d screamed and then a polar bear stood before her. “His name’s Dane.” Moons words echoed through the phone. Then the bear transformed into a man. The man she knew in her dreams to be Dane.
Excitement churned in her stomach. It was like long forgotten memories resurfaced to place the missing pieces of the puzzle together. Logically, none of the pieces made sense. But a basic instinct told her they were the truth. Now at least she had someone to call. Lea pulled out her mobile phone and flipped it open. Her hand hovered above the keypad.
Moon had been gone for over a month now. After Moon had left that message on Lea’s phone, she’d tried to call Moon’s mobile number. There had been no answer then or the other times she had tried. Lea’s heart sank. Perhaps her family would know how to contact her. She would go and see them after lunch.
The phone vibrated in her hand and her sister’s number came up on the caller ID.
“Hi, Melody,” she greeted her sister.
“Hi, Lea. I’m sorry but I’m going to have to cancel lunch. Luke is at home sick from school.”
“Poor guy, give him a hug for me. That’s okay about lunch. It’ll give me some time to do some errands.” Lea picked up her handbag from the bar and headed toward the door. “We can arrange for another time later in the week if you like.”
“Thanks. Are you okay, you sound tired?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I just haven’t been sleeping very well. Take care of Luke and I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay. Sorry for bailing on you, Sis. Bye.” Melody hung up the phone.
Lea stashed the phone back in her bag. As she turned a vaguely familiar face stood out in the crowded bar. A handsome Japanese man, immaculately dressed stood near the side exit to the bar. Lea furrowed her brow in concentration. She’d seen him recently, acknowledged him somehow, but she’d never actually spoken to him.
He bowed his head slightly in her direction and then slipped out the side door. Curious, Lea pushed her way out into the main street and hurried around the corner. He was nowhere in sight. Was he following her or was she being paranoid again? She didn’t know, but there was no feeling of cold dread when she saw him. No warning of foreboding danger she felt when the previous icy feelings of menace hit her.
A bird’s cry caught her attention, looking up a gigantic hawk, stunningly snowy white, circled overhead. Slowly it spiraled downward, gathering momentum as it descended. The lower it came, the larger it seemed. Its huge wingspan and beauty mesmerized Lea as she watched the bird swoop down. She felt the gust of air as the birds wings flapped above her. It screeched and Lea felt her heart give a jolt.
Lea could almost reach out a hand and touch the bird’s feathers it was so low. It cried again and flew around through the buildings on either side of the small street and out of her view. She heard a thump, a curse and turned back toward the main street. People were hurrying along the street, glancing backward in surprise, tinged with fear.
Lea went to step out onto the street to see what was happening when the warning of an ice cold wind settled over her. Nervous excitement filled her veins and she quickly glanced around for any sign that Dane was near.
The side street was empty and slightly
darkened by the tall buildings blocking out the hazy sunlight. She turned back toward the street, she needed to step out into the sunshine. The feeling of cold engulfed her, her skin shivered, the intensity of it was starting to scare her.
A man blocked her way, with dread, she looked up.
“Sebastian, get out of my way,” Lea said, hoping her voice sounded more confident that she felt.
“Why, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” Sebastian took a step forward, forcing Lea to step back into the shadows.
“Talk to me about what? We have nothing to talk about.”
“Of course we do.” He leaned in toward her. He closed his eyes for a moment and sniffed at her hair. “Well, well,” he said as he opened his eyes and pinned her with an intense stare. “We have a lot more to talk about than I originally thought.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lea went to sidestep him as every instinct in her body told her to run. To get away from him. He’d sniffed her in a very animal-like fashion and it scared her, sending ripples of repulsion down her spine.
Sebastian stepped in front of her again, his large frame blocking her way. Lea backed up until her shoulders hit the brick wall of the bar she’d just come out of. Sebastian smiled as he followed her, a hunger evident in his face.
“I’ve wanted to talk to you for a while about Moon. I know it was you who suggested she leave me.” His voice was slow and smooth, but it did nothing to calm her nerves.
“Moon wasn’t happy with you. She was a smart girl. She would have figured it out on her own. She only came to me for a bit of advice.” Lea gradually slid along the wall, her hands on the rough brickwork feeling for the side door to the bar. But she needed to keep Sebastian talking, distracted so he wouldn’t realize what she was doing. “Besides, that was months ago. Why are you worried about it now?”
“Because Moon’s family was my ticket out of here,” his voice had a feral edge to it, almost like a growl. “But since she left, I’ve had to claw my way back to the top and I have you to thank for it.”
Sebastian leaned in closer, his bright green eyes flashed red for an instant and Lea felt her reality mingle into the nightmares of the night at the club. She looked away and when she looked back, his eyes were normal again but still full of hate. He breathed in her scent and smiled maliciously.
“I would have come to see you sooner, but I’ve had a bit of trouble getting close to you. And now I know why the Venators show such an interest in you.”
Lea’s frowned at the unfamiliar word and hesitated for a split second before her hand found the cool smooth doorknob. She grasped it and readied herself to move.
“You have the scent of the polar bear all over you.”
Lea stopped. “What do you mean?”
“The bear.” Sebastian bent his head close to hers and took a long breath. “I can smell his scent mixed with yours. Like you two are lovers. I didn’t even know the bear was in town.”
“He’s not.”
“Good.” Sebastian leered and ran a hand across her cheek.
Lea pulled her head back at the contact, shock and surprise mingling with revulsion. She raised her free hand and pushed at his chest.
“Get your hands off me.”
His hand shot up and grabbed her wrist. Lea screamed and winced at the pain before fear and anger took over. She bent her head and sank her teeth into the flesh of his hand. He yelped like a dog, released her, and then he growled.
Lea twisted the door handle and pushed with all her might. She felt the void at her back and stepped into the club as Sebastian lunged at her. He half made it through the door and Lea put her weight behind it and tried to close it.
A loud growl made both of them pause. It was ferocious and angry. A large white silhouette flashed before her eyes for the second time today. Grateful for both the reprieve and the fact that she knew Dane was with her, Lea took her chance and heaved at the door. It clicked shut with Sebastian on the other side.
Lea turned and ran through the crowded bar, trying to hide in the throng of people. A pay phone sat on the wall near the bar. With a shaking hand, she picked up the receiver and pressed 911.
The phone rang and Lea spat out the taste of Sebastian’s blood. She stood with her back to the wall, so she could see if he came for her. Her eyes darted over the crowed room, but she couldn’t see him.
“This is 911, what is your emergency?”
“I’ve just been attacked,” she managed to get out.
“Do you need an ambulance?” the operator asked.
“No, I’m fine. But I’m not leaving here. He might still be outside waiting.” Lea scanned the bar again, watching for him at the doors.
“What’s your name, ma’am?”
“Lea Haines,” she answered.
“We have traced the number of the phone you’re on, Ms. Haines. Can you please confirm the name of the establishment you’re in?”
“Yes, it’s The Edge Bar,” Lea replied.
“Please stay in the bar and in sight of the bartender and we will have a police officer over there within ten minutes. Are you certain you’re not injured?”
“No. Just shaken.”
“Please stay where you are. The unit will be there shortly.
“Okay, I will.”
“Would you like me to stay on the line with you until they arrive?”
“No.” Lea hesitated, glancing toward the door and then at the bartender’s concerned face. “There are plenty of people around. Thank you.”
Lea hung up the phone and headed toward the bar. She placed her hands on the bar to try and steady the shaking through her body. Her heart still pounded adrenaline through her body and she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
Sebastian hadn’t entered the bar as far as she was aware. At least she was safe in here. As safe as she could be given the day’s strange events. Sebastian confronting her was unexpected and scary. But not as disturbing as having seen and heard Dane twice today. Both times she’d been in trouble and the feeling of icy cold had engulfed her as a warning. Then she’d felt Dane close by, she didn’t know how or why, but she knew it was real.
Lea sat down and put her head in her hands. She wasn’t going to move until the police arrived. The police were a tangible entity that she really needed right now. Especially when her dreams were becoming a reality. And her reality was becoming a nightmare.
Chapter Five
Rin had watched as Lea headed into the side street between the office buildings and moved silently toward her. It was his duty to protect her. He’d followed her since she’d left her home this morning. He clicked his tongue in agitation. It was foolish of her to walk alone across town so early in the day. She was obviously ignorant of her predicament.
The scent of the polar bear practically emanated from her. It acted like a beacon to all the other shape shifters in the vicinity. She’d unknowingly caused a lot of confusion. The polar bear was a superior alpha male amongst the shifters. His scent usually meant he was in town and was someone to watch out for. But Dane wasn’t in town and now others were starting to ask questions.
Rin slid into the small side street, backtracking his steps and coming up behind Lea. A loud screech pierced the air. His heart in his mouth, Rin looked up. A beautiful white hawk stood out against the blue sky. It felt like centuries since he heard that familiar cry. He swallowed and forced himself to refocus on his duty. He couldn’t fall apart every time he heard the cry of a bird. No matter how much it tore at his heart and soul. His past deeds would stay that way; in the past.
“Kuso,” he cursed, slipping back into his native tongue.
He quickened his step, making his way down the alleyway. He didn’t want to lose sight of Lea. She needed his protection whether she knew it or not but the squawk of the bird hit his ears again, agitating his nerves.
His hand automatically reached inside his full length coat and rested on his Samurai sword. Disbelief coursed through him. How could thi
s be?
The hawk swooped through the space between the buildings and into the alley. Its wing grazed the rough brick building and it cried out again. This time the cry went right through Rin’s heart.
On instincts of old, Rin stretched out his arm, welcoming the bird. The hawk flew straight to him and perched on his limb. Rin winced as talons stabbed through the too thin material of his coat. Blood oozed down his skin but he locked his muscles and held the bird in place.
“Avery,” Rin whispered, mesmerized by the familiar bright hazel eyes that blazed at him.
The bird cawed softly at him. A wave of magic hit him full force and Rin turned his head for an instant. When he turned back the bird was gone. A stunningly beautiful woman stood before him. It had been an eternity since he’d seen her, yet she still had the ability to take his breath away.
She was equal in height to him, and in skill. Her long white blonde hair and dark green eyes were a display of magic in an ancient Japanese woman. Today, they were just as beautiful as ever. Her long silk dress accentuated her lethal curves and somehow the leather motorcycle boots only added to his fascination.
“Rin. It’s been a long time.”
The lilt of her voice sent shivers across his skin and he felt his heart scream for her. But his hand was still placed firmly on his sword. He’d learned his lessons a long time ago. He steeled himself against her.
“What are you doing here, Avery?” he bit out.
“It’s time for payback, Sensei.”
The bitterness in her voice stung. The reminder that he was her teacher cracked the hard shell he’d worked centuries trying to erect. Avery pulled an ornate dagger from the side of her boot and came at him.
Instinct took over as Rin unsheathed his sword, blocked her attack and easily backed her against the wall. The point of the Samurai’s blade sat at the base of her throat.
“I am disappointed, Avery. I expected better things from you. Don’t make me do this,” he almost pleaded as she went to move at him again. The blade indented her smooth skin; all he needed to do was apply pressure.