by M F Adele
Druid Dreams
The Chronicles of Sloane King
M.F. Adele
Contents
Prologue
1. Sloane
2. Vaughn
3. Sloane
4. Sloane
5. Vaughn
6. Vaughn
7. Novak
8. Sloane
9. Palmer
10. Briggs
11. Sloane
12. Novak
13. York
14. Sloane
15. Sloane
16. Sloane
17. Stone
18. Sloane
19. Briggs
20. York
21. Palmer
22. Sloane
23. Stone
24. Sloane
25. York
26. Sloane
27. Sloane
28. Sloane
Epilogue
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Author’s Note
About the Author
Copyright © 2020 M.F. Adele
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, businesses, incidents, and events are either used in a fictitious manner or stem from the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real events or real people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Cover design by:
AT Cover Designs
ISBN: B085N7MW9D
To all the closet badasses out there...
Girl, I see you, and I fucking love it.
This is for you.
I hope you always have the courage
to be true to yourself.
No matter what day it is, what obstacles you face,
or how many of those pesky emotions you battle,
always be yourself.
Unapologetically and wholeheartedly.
York
Five Years Ago
I ambled down the path from the river after washing off, and I thought about how much I hated this place. I’ve been here for years. It was time to go... but they’d never just let me leave.
“It’s time for my disappearance.” I whispered to the trees. The branches swayed in answer, telling me they’d help however they could. They weren’t the same trees from my kingdom, but they knew a druid when they felt one standing among them. They sensed my power and my connection to nature.
I headed to my tent to load up my backpack. I wanted everything ready for when I made my escape tonight. I didn’t care about the clothes or other nonsense I’d collected — those things were replaceable — but I did care about a few precious items that I kept buried in the earth under my tent. Things I’d need when I found a companion. Things needed to reclaim my kingdom. Things that would prove my birthright.
I heard Kelvin roar my name in the distance. That meant he was heading this way. That also meant packing would have to wait a couple hours. That’s probably for the best. I don’t want them to catch on.
I snatched a ratty t-shirt from the pile in the corner of my tent and walked out to meet him. He was in charge. It would be best to keep him happy.
“We have a new prisoner. They just brought her in. I think she’s the one, York. This is the Hybrid bitch I’ve been looking for.” He was joyous with his latest catch. His mood had me despising him even more. I didn’t sign up for this shit, but I’d go along with it until I could get away. This is my last night here. I can make it through this.
“That’s awesome news, Kelvin,” I faked an exuberance that I definitely didn’t feel as I spoke with him. “What are we gonna do with her?”
“Toss her down in the dungeon with the Fae King, my boy. They can find company with each other until we kill him. We have no need for him anymore, Not after finding her. The power she holds in her bones is more than you can even imagine. She’s got a greater amount of power in her pinkie finger than that ungrateful fucking Fae had in his whole body. We’ll use the rest of him though, and then start draining her.” He was so giddy that I grew physically ill. My stomach rolled with sour distaste. My mind revolted against his plans, urging me to run.
I hustled off to grab her before one of the other guys came around and spotted an unconscious woman facedown in the dirt. When I rounded the corner I saw they were already scoping her out. Their comments sickened me more than Kelvin’s.
“Think Ol’ Kev will let us get a piece of the action, or keep her all to himself?”
“Nah man, I plan on fucking her either way.”
“She’s soft right now, but after a couple weeks here she’ll be too hard to get a reaction from. It won’t be as fun to knock her around.”
“What’s wrong, bitch? Don’t you want to play with us?”
When I got close enough to see her I noticed that her eyes were open. She had fury written all over her face. The moment her raging multi-colored irises locked on mine my steps faltered. Her eyes widened the tiniest bit giving nothing away to the men surrounding her. I knew she sensed it too. But surely not…
It can’t be. I’ve heard about this feeling, but druids do not have mates. My race procreates for power and status. There was no mistaking that feeling though. My heart raced, my vision tunneling until I could see nothing except her. I wanted to murder every one of those guys drooling over her while she was vulnerable, but I had to reel in my emotions so I didn’t give anything away.
I memorized all their faces for I knew I‘d kill them before I tried to leave this place. I wasn’t leaving without her though. I’d have to push my plans back. Just one more day. Then we were both getting out.
I pushed my way through the pigs and scooped her up gently. I didn’t want to aggravate any injuries she may have had, but I needed to get her away from them. Away. Space. Privacy. All I could think of was plotting their murder as I made my way to the dungeon. The steps went on and on. It seemed like it took forever before I finally had her shielded from prying eyes. I refused to stop, not until I managed to get her behind closed doors. There were only a few of us permitted to be down here, so she’d be safer in a cell than anywhere in the camp. I just had to find a way to keep Kelvin from coming near her.
I strided into the one room that was not a cell and sat her gently on the medical table within. She was seething mad. I could feel the heat of her anger. I knew if I removed those cuffs on her wrists I’d be dead before I pulled the key out. I can’t chance it. I needed to talk to her.
“Did you feel it?” I questioned, and it sounded so fucking stupid when I said it out loud. I should’ve thought of a better way to ask, but I couldn’t think straight so close to her. She nodded her head, and I waited for her to speak. “Are you going to talk?” I finally inquired after minutes of silence.
She eyeballed me like I was as stupid as I felt before arching a delicate brow and looking down with crossed eyes towards her mouth.
“Right.” Right, her mouth is taped. I needed to get a grip. I had to get us both out of this death sentence. I knew without really knowing her that I’d die before I let them harm her.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” I proclaimed. She rolled her gold and green eyes at me. Okay. “I’ll just snatch it off like a bandaid. Are you ready?” She nodded once in answer. I reached up to peel the corner back before snatching the tape as quickly as I could.
“Fuck.” She quietly snarled. “I’m going to kill those bastards. Make sure you stay the fuck out of my way.”
Wow. My eyebrows nearly hit my hairline. “I know you’re angry, Sweetheart, but we gotta play this smart. Okay?” I prodded around her pride as
gently as I could. She glared at me, never breaking eye contact as she breathed deep to calm herself.
“Put me in the cell. I’ll hang out for two days, then I’m gone. I have a few guys to kill on my way out, so if you have anyone you want to add to my list tell me now. Then stay the fuck away from me until you want to get out. I don’t have time to be coddled,” she warned. Oh, she’s feisty. This should be fun.
“Where are you hurt?” I changed the subject in hopes that it would calm her. I needed to know. I couldn’t leave her down here if she was hurt, and I knew she was. There was blood on the side of her head. It had soaked right through her shirt making the fabric stick to her skin. The blood wasn’t hard to see on the black cloth under the bright lights overhead. Her shirt shined giving the appearance that the surface was metallic.
“No.” Her response was clipped. She didn’t trust me but I could work with that.
When I extended my hand towards her she didn’t flinch. She stared uncaring at me. “York Briar, it’s nice to finally meet you...” I trailed off hoping for her name. As soon as I got her out of this place, and we were safe, she would be gone. I need to know how to find her after she disappears. I wanted to know her and make a life with her. It was a strange feeling for me.
She was gorgeous, even covered in blood and dirt and... was that skin? I don’t know if I want to know what it is. I just want to know her name.
“Sloane,” she replied, finally accepting my hand. She wasn't as fragile as she appeared. Her handshake was strong and almost professional. She didn’t add a last name, and I wouldn’t push her for one either. Not yet.
“Right this way then, Sweetheart,” I announced as I turned and made my way to the door. I didn’t feel threatened with her at my back. She won’t hurt me. I couldn’t say that about the rest of the guys in the camp though.
She hopped off the table and strolled leisurely behind me, like she was being escorted to a hotel room rather than a cell. She didn’t say a word as I opened the door and closed it after she exited. I led the way down the hall to the cells, and I opened the metal door for her, closing it softly when she spun around to face me. She nodded her head reassuringly at me but never uttered another sound.
“The Fae King is on his deathbed. You may want to plan your escape sooner than two days. The full moon will happen then and they’ll want to drain you both,” I whispered the warning to her. My words were so quiet I wasn’t sure she heard me until she bobbed her head the slightest bit. She was composed and eerily confident. I found it to be a little worrisome. If I’m being honest. Why isn’t she scared?
That’s my mate. I thought about Sloane one last time and shut down the raging river of questions I had about her. I built my mental shield tighter and went searching for Kelvin. I’d let him know she was in the cell but still unconscious. It should buy her a couple of hours before he came down to assess the King and interrogate her.
I want to keep her safe and I only know one way to do that.
As I walked across the hall to the Fae King’s cell I knew it was time to strike a deal. I couldn’t save his life, but I could give him something that would ensure he erased the last couple hours of her memory. And that he keeps it wiped clean until he dies. I'd let him call his son one last time before they came to drain what’s left of his power. It was all I could do for him in this situation. Even if it was risky, the benefits were worth it. Kelvin would try to invade her mind. He’d know that she knew I was her mate and he would use it against her. I can’t be her weakness, but I can give her this to strengthen her while she’s captive.
I will find her again. I won’t lose her. It felt like there was a thread in my chest that would lead me straight to her now that I’d found her. I planned to follow it, wherever it led. I’d follow her to the depths of hell. It seemed like an irrational thought, but I knew it to be true.
I must keep her safe.
Sloane
Thursday Night
“Cheers bitch!” The handsome male to my right slammed his beer bottle against the top of mine, making it foam and spill from the top. I watched as the cold liquid ran over my left hand. I’m not really in a celebratory mood, but Jack dragged me out of my house tonight to be his wing woman.
I would usually call Jack my best friend. Tonight, I hate him. He pulled me from my cluttered study to bring me to a grimy bar so that he could hit on some straight guys while his boyfriend was working. They have a thing. An agreement of sorts. It was what he did on his nights off. I don’t have time for nights off. I had shit to do, an inch thick contract to read through, and about a dozen new reports of missing supes.
The hole-in-the-wall bar wasn’t really my style either. The sticky floor made me want to toss my boots in the trash before I put my feet back in my car. The music was terrible. The bartender couldn't make a drink with more than two ingredients. The patrons were loud, angry, and obnoxious.
I sighed audibly as I thought about how badly I loathed this place. Jack directed his glare at me with so much ire I honestly thought he might tell me to go home. I have my fingers crossed. Literally.
“Lo,” he groaned. “If you didn’t want to come then you could’ve said no.”
“I did. You told me no wasn’t an option. Then, you slung me over your shoulder and tossed me in my own car.” I cut my eyes at him in a hard stare. He huffed before he snatched my hand, dragging me to the bathroom.
Oh gods. The bathroom. The place was a breeding ground for infections. Again, the sticky floor followed me all the way through the bar into the stall Jack had us crammed in. I’m pretty sure the toilets don’t work. It didn’t matter. We weren’t in here to use them. We were here so Jack could chew me out over my bad attitude.
Attitude adjustment in 3... 2....
“Sloane.” He snapped at me, gaining my attention as I tried real fucking hard not to touch a single thing in this 3 foot wide space. Gross. “Just one night. One fucking night. Stop thinking about work. Any of it! Drink a fucking beer with me and then go hustle some assholes over poker in the back room or something. Why don’t you flirt a little? Find a one night stand? Your dry spell is killing us both. You need to get laid, bitch. That’s why you’re so stressed all the time.”
I gawked at him for a solid minute. It hasn’t been that long since I’ve had sex. He was being ridiculous. I’d let him throw his little tantrum. Then I was going home in exactly one hour. For real, I’m going to time this shit.
“It has been that long,” he called me out incredulously. “You’ve had a few flings and one short relationship, if you can even call it that, since that asshole Druid left you. That was two fucking years ago!” His voice raised a little at the end. I knew he hated throwing that in my face, but it was his last resort. And... Well, it’s true. Godsdammit.
“Fine. I’ll stay for an hour. Then I’m going home to finish my work, Jack. I have a meeting in the morning and I need to be prepared.” I rolled my eyes at myself. I’ve become really lame, I know.
“Okay,” Jack conceded. “One hour then you can go home and be boring all by yourself. But drink with me while you’re here, at least,” he whined and tugged on my hand.
“Fine,” I rebuked as he led me back out of the bathroom. Thank the Devil. That stall was making me itch. He was right though. He happened to always be right when it came to me. I do need to loosen up a little and have some fun.
I decided to walk up to the bar and order four shots of chilled, top-shelf tequila with salt and limes. Dressed, I want dressed shots. Surely the bartender could handle that. Everything else I’d ordered since we’d been here had been way too sweet. Basically pure sugar poured over liquor, and it was fucking disgusting.
As I waited for my shots I gave the filthy bar a good look. There were a few pool tables spaced sporadically around the open area. The thought of hustling some alphas out of their money made me happy. Maybe the night wouldn’t be a total waste.
When I looked back to the bartop there were four shots of cool, yes c
ool, tequila sitting in front of me. Not chilled. He didn’t shake them. He just pulled the bottle from the cooler and poured them straight into the filmy shot glasses. I supposed a clean glass would be too much to ask for in the shit hole. Whatever.
I tossed them all back. Back to back. The bartender raised a bushy eyebrow at me and I smiled innocently as I ordered four more. I’ll share these with Jack.
When I got to our table and hoisted myself up on the high stool Jack looked at me with a mischievous grin on his face. Drunk Jack is fun but also the worst.
“See that hunky, tattooed, lumberjack guy over there,” he described almost every male in the bar to me with a tilt of his head, “I’m taking him home tonight. I bet he likes bottom.”
“Gods, Jack, don’t even try! He’s been hitting on that tiny she-wolf all night.” I had no idea who he was talking about, but call it a hunch.
“Biiiiitch,” he slurred, “That she-wolf has nothing on my big, horse d-“ I slapped my hand over his mouth. I did not want any more images swimming around my head and ruining the tipsy state that I’d spent so much money on tonight. I need like six more shots before I might be able to forget what he was about to say.
Jack and I weaved our way back to the bar, abandoning our table so we could really get the night going. I downed a couple more shots while searching for the bartender again. When he popped back in from his smoke break I requested tequila in a clean glass, with ice that was - hopefully - from a clean ice machine. Okay, let’s get real. It’s all dirty. I know it is. I’d just have to suck it up and take some antibiotics when I got home.