Night Shadows, page 5
part #3 of Night Series
“What kind of person abuses animals?”
Ian smiled. “People who don’t deserve to live. The point is, baby, you have a soft heart, and you don’t need to have the kind of dreams that scare you so much that you don’t want to go back to sleep. You’ve had enough ugliness in your life.”
Serena stomped her foot on the cushion and would have lost her balance if Ian hadn’t tightened his hands on her waist. “I need to see whatever I’m supposed to see. Maybe it would be better if I move out.”
Ian’s eyes narrowed. “I dare you to try.”
“Damn it, Ian!”
Ian gathered her close, turning and lowering them both to the sofa again, settling her on his lap. “I can’t stand to see you this way.”
“You piss me off.”
“Back atcha, baby. Don’t threaten to leave again.”
“It wasn’t a threat.”
Pulling her down to recline against him, Ian tugged her braid. “Careful.”
Alastair handed Serena her brandy and sat at her feet again, pulling them onto his lap. “Serena, neither Ian nor I can allow you to move out. We’d worry about you constantly. We can protect you here, and you know damned well you need us.”
“I’m sick and tired of needing you.” She took a large sip of brandy, coughing at the burn.
Alastair covered her with the soft throw she kept on their designer sofa, lifting a brow as he took her glass. “We need you, too.”
“I still think it might be better if I can get my own place. Maybe an apartment in the city.”
Ian pulled the throw higher and put his arms around her, lacing his fingers together and settling back. “Tying you to the bed is starting to sound better and better.”
The drowsiness in his voice tugged at her, and after several minutes of silence, she found herself struggling to keep her eyes open.
She must have closed her eyes at some point because, the next thing she knew, the light had been turned off, leaving only the waning light of the fireplace.
Rip had returned and lay on the floor close to her.
Listening to Ian’s heartbeat, she sighed, the feel of Alastair’s warm hands gently massaging her feet relaxing her more and more.
The low fire in the fireplace seemed bright, and she closed her eyes against it, promising herself that she would just rest a few minutes.
Alastair continued to rub her feet, easing into a more comfortable position and dropping his head back. He closed his eyes with the intention of catching a few hours of sleep and hoping that she would sleep peacefully for the rest of the night.
Go up to bed. I’ve got her.
Almost asleep, Alastair jerked awake at Ian’s voice, worried that he’d wake Serena.
Realizing that his brother’s voice had been in his head, he relaxed again. I’m fine.
You don’t trust me to take care of her?
Of course. Alastair knew that Ian would give his life to protect Serena but worried that the lack of trust between them could very well end up hurting both of them.
Then leave me alone with her.
Knowing how much Ian needed it, Alastair lifted his head. Fine. Call me if you need me.
We’ll be fine.
With Serena draped over him, Ian slept for over an hour before something woke him.
Remaining still, he slowly opened his eyes, just as King came into the room, whining and going directly to Serena.
When Serena whimpered in her sleep, he knew what had awakened him.
“Wake up, Serena.”
When she cried out and jerked, grabbing her arm, he knew what was happening.
“Serena, damn it. Wake up right now!”
Closing his hands on her waist, he pressed his lips to her hair, desperate to reach her. Closing his eyes, he focused on her, fighting to erect a barrier.
Instead, he found himself where the barrier should be and heard her screams.
“No. Get off of me!”
“Serena!”
He fought to get to her, battling what seemed like thick chains of cobwebs through a darkness so complete that he couldn’t even see his hand in front of his face.
Panicked at the surreal feeling of actually being in another place, he followed the sound of her cries.
“I’m here, baby.”
“It hurts so bad.”
His heart pounded furiously at the realization that he was somehow reaching her.
Inside her dream.
With a sense of unreality, he rushed forward, following the sound of her cries.
“Serena!”
“Here. Help me.”
Something clicked in his mind, and he suddenly found himself in the room with her—and the man attacking her.
The man Ian recognized from the sketch raised a hand to Serena, apparently unaware of Ian’s presence.
With a growl of rage, Ian wrapped an arm around her waist from behind to pull her away before the other man could connect.
Suddenly they were alone.
The darkness didn’t matter anymore because she was in his arms.
Cupping the back of her head, he held her close. “I’m here.”
“You’re here with me?”
“I am. You can’t go there again.”
“You came for me?”
“And I will again. Sleep now.”
“Don’t let go.”
Ian opened his eyes to find Alastair standing behind the sofa, his eyes wide. “I won’t, Serena. Go to sleep.”
Serena shifted in his arms and sighed, slumping trustingly against him.
Meeting his brother’s gaze, Ian smiled, his chest swelling. “I’ve got her.”
“Yeah. I saw.” Shaking his head, Alastair blew out a breath. “What the fuck just happened?”
Feeling enormously pleased with himself, Ian ran a hand over her hair, loving the silky feel of it beneath his palm. “I went in and got her out. Go back to bed. I’ve got her.”
For the first time feeling secure in his ability to handle her gift, Ian smiled and let sleep overtake him.
Chapter Five
Serena stretched as she woke up, smiling at the realization that she lay sprawled over Ian.
The heat from his body warmed her all the way through, and even in sleep, his large hands lay flat on her back, holding her to him.
Not wanting to wake him, she lifted her head and started to gingerly climb off of him, stilling when she found him watching her, apparently wide awake.
“Good morning.”
The memory of the previous night came rushing back.
Her dream.
Sketching.
Coming downstairs because she didn’t want to go to sleep again.
Her threat to find her own place.
Alastair rubbing her feet.
My other dream.
She’d dreamed of Ian bursting into her dream and pulling her out.
She could only imagine his reaction if she told him.
She started to push herself off of him, pausing with a moan when he slid a hand inside her robe and cupped her breast. “Good morning.”
The second dream came back clearly, playing in her mind like a movie.
Confused, she tried to focus on it, but the feel of his hands moving over her made it nearly impossible. “Ian.”
Sliding his hands inside her robe to her waist, he pulled her higher against him, sliding her up his body. “Yes, baby?”
The belt of the robe had come loose, allowing the edges of the robe to part, and Ian took full advantage.
“I think—”
“Don’t think.” Ian sat up, wrapping his arms around her and closing his hands on her bottom to pull her to him. “I want you.”
Leaning her back, he took a nipple into his mouth, sucking gently, one hand at her back and the other slipping between her thighs.
Threading her fingers into his hair, Serena threw her head back as the pleasure pushed all thoughts of her dream aside. “You’re too good at this.”
Lifting his head, he circled her pussy opening with a firm finger before slipping it into her. “It’s good because we belong together.”
Withdrawing his finger, he lowered her again, tightening his arm around her and leaning back, holding her to his chest. Lifting an arm over his head, he reached into the small wooden box on the end table, retrieving a condom.
Serena smiled and watched him rip it open with his teeth, sliding lower. “I can’t believe you’ve got them in every room in the house. You and Alastair must have taken women in every room of the house.”
Ian chuckled, reaching out to tug her nipple. “I’ve got news for you, baby. We did this when you moved in. We always want you, and I sure as hell don’t want to stop what I’m doing to run upstairs.”
Warmed by his words, she smiled and leaned forward to brush her lips over his jaw. “Such as situations like this. I like a man who’s prepared.”
She moved down slightly and reached for the fastening of his jeans, pressing her lips to his hard stomach as she unfastened them. “You seemed to be prepared already. Damn, you’re sexy.”
Ian lifted so she could lower his jeans, freeing his hard cock. “Back atcha, baby. Oh fuck.”
Serena smiled around the head of his cock, using her tongue to tease the sensitive underside in a way she knew would drive him wild.
She knew he wouldn’t give her this freedom for long, and she planned to enjoy it.
Closing her hand over his balls, she caressed them with her fingertips, thrilling at his moan. Working her mouth over his cock, she sucked in a breath when he sat up again and slid his hands over her breasts.
Enjoying yourself?
Immensely.
Serena stiffened when she realized she’d answered telepathically, despite her determination to avoid doing that with him, but Ian chose that moment to close his fingertips over one nipple while sliding the other over her bottom and once again thrusting into her pussy.
You’re soaking wet, baby.
Suddenly, speaking to him telepathically didn’t seem like such a big deal.
And you’re hard.
The hand at her breast slid away, cupping the back of her head.
“I’m always hard for you.” He withdrew his finger, his other hand fisting in her hair and lifting her head to stare down at her. “I always want you, and if you think you’re leaving to marry another man, you don’t know me very well.”
He rolled on the condom, his eyes never leaving hers. “You’re here, and you’re staying.”
Serena gripped his shoulder when he lifted her, holding her poised over the head of his cock, once again amazed at his strength. “Shut up and take me.”
She gasped when he abruptly lowered her, impaling her on his cock.
“With pleasure, baby.”
Lying back, he gripped her hips and moved, lifting and lowering her as he pumped his hips. “That’s it.”
Fisting her hands on his chest, Serena rode him, stunned by the desperation and forcefulness of his lovemaking.
And even more stunned that it spurred her own primitive hunger.
That’s it. Let it go. Give it to me.
Serena threw her head back, moaning in frustration when he slid his hands to her breasts, no longer guiding her movements. I need to come.
Ian’s eyes glittered. Then take what you need.
Serena moved on him, using her knees and hands for leverage. “I can’t.”
Shaking everywhere, she couldn’t get the rhythm or the angle she needed.
Yes, you can.
My clit’s burning. I need to come.
Lean back. Brace yourself on your hands.
Serena obeyed him, lifting her knees to press her heels into the sofa cushions on either side of his hips.
Look at you. A feast. All open to me.
He ran his hand down her body, tugging at each of her nipples before gripping her hips again, one thumb pressed against her clit. “Come for me.”
His grip on her hips firmed, moving her up and down on his cock, each thrust providing the friction of his thumb over her clit. Come, Serena.
“Oh! Ahh!” She went over in a rush, riding the strong wave of pleasure, her pussy clenching on his cock, which seemed to harden even more inside her.
“There it is.”
He moved suddenly, withdrawing and turning her, tossing her onto her belly and lifting her ass in the air before thrusting into her again.
“You’re going to come again for me.” His thrusts went deeper, his hands firming on her hips and lifting her higher until her knees no longer touched the sofa. “I want another one.”
Still caught in the throes of her first orgasm, she had no defense against the pleasure as he worked at a spot inside her that added fuel to the remnants of the fire still burning inside her.
Her second orgasm layered over the first, her entire body jolting with the force of it.
He pumped into her several more times, his hard thrusts dragging her orgasm out and leaving her breathless.
With a harsh groan, he thrust even deeper, holding her to him with an iron grip. “Hell, baby.”
Turning her head, Serena pressed her face against the cushion, struggling to get enough air. “Romantic as always.”
Wrapping an arm around her waist, Ian sat back, holding her on his lap, his cock still inside her. “Romance isn’t my strong suit.”
When she dropped her head back against his shoulder, he bent to nuzzle her neck. “I’m better at showing you how much I love you than telling you.”
“I know.” Reclining against him, Serena smiled, closing her eyes and enjoying the feel of his arms around her holding her securely while the last shimmers slowly receded.
Groaning when he lifted her slightly and withdrew, she turned to him, dropping her head back against the cushion. “You know, last night, after we came down here, I had another dream.”
When he raised a brow and said nothing, she got to her feet, wrapping her robe around herself and tying it, following the scent of coffee toward the kitchen. “It started the same as the other one, but I dreamed that you came in…”
She stopped abruptly, his knowing smile setting off all sorts of alarm bells. “Wait! You were really there?”
After removing the condom and knotting the end, he got to his feet and pulled up jeans, leaving the top button unfastened. “I was. I was trying to wake you up, and when I couldn’t, I reached out to you telepathically.” Walking past her, he patted her ass. “Next thing I knew, I was with you. Got you out of there and you went right back to sleep. You slept like a baby in my arms the rest of the night.”
Rushing after him, she watched him toss the condom in the trash before moving to the sink to wash his hands. “So, it was an accident?”
“Yes.” After drying his hands, he gripped her chin and dropped a hard kiss on her lips. “But now that I know that I can, we don’t have to worry about you having those dreams anymore.”
Serena gaped at him, replaying the dream in her mind. “You actually burst in on my dream?” Irritated that he’d turned away from her to retrieve a mug from the cabinet, she tugged at his arm. “Answer me!”
Ian turned from filling a coffee mug, and after adding the cream and sugar she liked, he handed it to her before reaching for another mug. “Yep. And pulled you out.”
Trying to come to grips with what he’d done, she took a sip of the strong brew.
He couldn’t have done it.
He couldn’t have actually intruded in her dream.
But he had.
She knew it with a certainty that made her stomach clench.
Swallowing her panic along with another sip of coffee, she realized that Ian waited expectantly for her to say something.
Fighting for calm, she set her cup aside with hands that shook. “I appreciate it, especially since I’d already had the dream, but you can’t do that again.”
He sipped his black coffee and raised a brow, smiling faintly. “Oh? Why not?”
“Because if I see something, there’s a reason. I need to see what I see. I wouldn’t have had the same dream again if I hadn’t missed something the first time. You and Alastair must have woken me up before I could see all that I was meant to. You have to let me see what I’m supposed to see.” She picked up her coffee again and took another sip, wishing Alastair would appear.
Ian took another sip of coffee, eyeing her steadily. “No.”
Serena blinked, lowering her cup. “What do you mean no?”
“I mean that I see no reason to sit back and watch you go through that kind of horror. So, when you have that kind of dream again, I’m going to do my best to go in and stop it.”
Chapter Six
Alastair walked into the house and strode straight toward the kitchen, expecting to find both Serena and Ian there.
Surprised to find his brother alone with King, playfully rubbing the German shepherd’s belly, Alastair set the box he carried on the counter, glancing around as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
“Where’s Serena?” He didn’t like the fact that he was jealous of Ian for what he’d been able to do and wanted to spend time with her.
Petting King one last time, Ian straightened, his lips twitching. “She went upstairs a little while ago.” He went to the sink to wash his hands, eyeing the pink box. “I’m giving her a little time to cool down before going up. You get bear claws?”
“Yes, and the chocolate scones Serena likes.” Alastair started water to make tea for her. Reaching into her tea tin, he eyed his brother. “You told her.”
Ian dried his hands and opened the box, pulling out a bear claw with a grin. “Of course, I told her.” Standing over the sink, he bit into it. “She started to tell me her dream, thinking it had been a regular dream instead of one of her premonitions.”
Chewing thoughtfully, he stared out the window. “I wonder how she knows the difference.”
Alastair dropped a tea bag into a cup, set it on a tray, and reached into the cabinet for a plate. “She said that the premonitions usually give her a tingling feeling.”
