Dreamscape Netherworld Book I

  Our eyes lock. The desire resting in the depths of his blue eyes sends a rush of heat to my belly. No one has ever looked at me like that, as if I’m the center of his universe. No, it’s as if I am his universe.

  My heartbeat thumps in my ears as he inches closer and cups my face. Just before his lips reach mine, I close my eyes, inhaling his spice. His lips feather over mine once, twice, sending chills down my legs. When he deepens our kiss, I mold myself to him, savoring the feel of his chest against mine. My mind becomes nothing as my body takes over. Dizziness swims through my head and my limbs lose their rigidity. He is my reality. He is my existence.

  Too soon he pulls away, and I am left in the void of his absence. I’m scared to open my eyes, afraid he will be gone, afraid he’ll still be there.

  My name comes out of him as a breath before his forehead rests against mine. “I’ve been waiting forever to do that.”

  I smile, glancing up at him. “You’ve kissed me before.”

  He shakes his head, and the sadness in his eyes pierces my heart. “Dreams cannot replace the physical world, no matter how many times I’ve wished they could.”

  He’s right, yet my internal skeptic wants to discount this moment as nothing more than a convenient ploy on his part. He wants something from me, and I haven’t forgotten. I also haven’t allowed myself to analyze my emotions, if such a thing is even possible.

  Not able to take the way his eyes are devouring me, I bury my face into the crook of his neck. “I’m not sure what to do now,” I tell him honestly.

  “What do you want to do, Amelia?”

  Thoughts race through my mind at lightning speed. I should keep my focus, but my desire for my freedom has taken a back seat to my desire to explore my feelings for this intense man.

  “I—I’m not sure.”

  “That’s not true. You’re afraid.”

  He totally knows me. I could continue to lie, but what’s the point. I sit back, folding my arms over my chest. “I told you I don’t do people very well.”

  With gentle fingers he steals one of my hands, rolling his thumb over my skin. “Just because you have little experience does not mean you are inept. You do yourself a disservice.”

  What am I supposed to say to that? I clear my throat, rubbing circles against the fabric covering my stomach. Fluttery anticipation has taken root in my core. If I tell him how he affects me, he’ll continue to pursue me. I could get hurt. I always get hurt. On the other hand, if I tell him I’m not interested I’ll be lying, and I will definitely be hurt. Even though I don’t want to admit it, I’ve come to trust Seth.

  “I want to try to make this work,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

  His smile lights the room, and I find myself smiling in return. Without warning his arms fly around me and he lifts me up high against him, whirling us around and around until I become so dizzy I think I might puke.

  When he finally lowers me to the floor, his hands linger at my hips as he presses me against his hard frame. His voice comes out thick. “Well, then, this has been a very productive day.”

  Amelia slaps my shoulder playfully. “Don’t think you’ve won me over just yet,” she says, attempting to pull away from me.

  I will not let her retreat from me in any way, but I have to be careful with her. She has had too much heartache in her short life already. I will not be the cause of more pain. I give her a swarthy smirk. “Merely having you in my arms is proof enough.” Her back visibly stiffens, as I expect. “What’s wrong with showing how we feel about each other?” I ask her, hoping for an honest answer.

  Her chin dips toward her chest, but I catch it with my fingers and bring her gaze to mine. For a moment I think she will not answer me, until she says, “I don’t know how to show emotions. They’ve never served much of a purpose for me.”

  I cup her cheek in my hand and whisper my fingers over her petal-soft skin. “You no longer live in that world, Amelia. I hope in time you find you may trust me completely. I desire only to please you, to help you, to cherish you. You need only ask for whatever you desire, and if it is in my power I will make sure you get it.”

  She won’t hold my gaze, but she allows me to continue to caress her. Her next words send a flood of empathy through me. “I’ve never thought about what I really want. I wouldn’t even know how to ask for something I’ve never had.”

  I slide the gold cuff down her arm and place it on the countertop for safe keeping. She watches me but doesn’t comment. Her erratic emotions boil over into me. I soak up the sensations as I lift her into my arms and carry her to her bed.

  Her eyes cloud with a wary veil, but I keep my expression open. She probably thinks I will take advantage of her weakness. Part of me desires nothing more than to consume all of her until I’ve learned every inch of her, yet the urge to protect her wins out.

  Keeping her close to me, I lower her onto the mattress. “Sleep, Amelia. I shall not disturb you further. When you awake we will have much to plan and discuss, but for now, know that I love you. I have loved you for as long as I’ve known you and nothing you do will ever change that.”

  Taking in the scent of her, I brush my lips against her forehead then turn to go. Her fingers clasp mine gently. When I look over my shoulder at her, her eyes are closed and she swallows hard. Moments pass, but she doesn’t say anything; she just lies there with her eyes shut tight, yet she will not release my hand.

  I sit on the bed next to her. “Would you like me to stay with you?”

  Her breathing becomes shallow as she nods. When she finally looks at me, fear and anxiety mix together in her troubled eyes.

  I stand and remove my jacket, then my shoes and socks. She watches me the entire time, which I find to be unexpectedly alluring. This, however, is not a moment for passion. This moment is for building trust between us. For her to trust me enough to yield to my will in the Dreamscape, she must know that her needs come before mine. Here, she may test me any time she likes, and a secret part of me hopes she will, but for her to question me in the Dreamscape could be fatal. She has only had a taste of the dangers that await her there. I am putting her in untoward danger necessarily, but I do not like taking such a risk.

  When I unbutton my cuffs, her eyes widen in alarm. A smile lifts the corners of my mouth and I move my fingers slowly to the row of buttons at my chest. One by one I set them free, before I shrug out of my shirt.

  No need to be uncomfortable if I am going to face the agony of holding her while she sleeps. She moves to rise, but I nudge her over and push her shoulders back to the mattress. Slipping in beside her, I count the seconds between each of my breaths to keep my mind from exploring what I’d like to do to her in this moment.

  Her heartbeat sings to me as I stare at her beautiful face. Without uttering a word, I pull her against my chest and stroke her hair.

  At first, she stiffens in my arms, but I continue to stroke her hair and then her back. Before long, she relaxes against me. It only takes a few minutes for her breathing to steady and soon she has drifted into a dreamless sleep.

  I keep her mind cocooned in a sea of darkness, letting her rest. Tomorrow will bring change. I hope she is ready for what I will require of her, but even if she isn’t, I will assist her along the way.

  I force myself to stay in this moment, for I have no idea when or if I will be able to hold her like this again. She will most likely erect another wall for me to traverse, but I’ll worry about that later. Right now I enjoy the feel of her against me.

  Right now, I cherish her.

  When I wake, my body floats on a blissful state of weightlessness. I reach out for Seth, but he’s gone. Disappointment floods through me, yet I can’t expect him to stick around when he has so much to take care of.

  In the brief time I was actually in the Dreamscape, I noticed a few things. First, people were a lot more aware than I thought they would be; second, I made them stare at us. My actions have a direct impact on what happens in that place.
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  Unlike actually dreaming, I remember every emotion, every word uttered by those around us. Most were curious, but some were disturbed.

  I need to talk to Seth about this because I don’t want him to be ambushed when he goes there again. There’s just so much I don’t understand about the place, and the last thing I want to do is put him in danger.

  It still seems rather odd to me that there would be a being, or several beings, that are assigned to deliver dreams to people. I always thought dreams were just the mind’s way of sorting through the crap of the day, but I’m beginning to understand there is much I don’t understand.

  My desire to learn has overshadowed any fear I might have of going in the Dreamscape again. It was so real. The sights and sounds and smells still linger in my memories, most of which star Seth. His presence has a way of blocking out all else. That probably isn’t such a good thing if he wants me to help him find that guy, or the rest of the key.

  Since I’m not sure what the plan is for today, I dress casual, more than happy to discard that sleazy dress I happened to wake up only half in. Heat rises up my neck at the thought of Seth seeing me unclothed. It’s not like it hasn’t happened before, but I was dreaming at the time, and he totally crashed my Blue Lagoon moment.

  He’s perfection in the flesh. I still can’t believe that a guy like him has to pretty much kidnap a girl to have any chance at a relationship. He’s not really creepy, now that I know him better. It must suck to be him. I’ve got so many questions to ask him with no way of knowing if I’ll offend him.

  He told me about that girl who betrayed him, and I want to know more. I need to find out what happened between them because I don’t want to end up hurting him, no matter how this ends up. He’s counting on me to help him, but the weird part is I kind of want to now.

  When I look in the bathroom, the cuff is gone. I never expected to be able to keep it, but I did want to compare it to the wardrobe and see if I am right about the images. I’ll ask Seth about it later. Wanting to get the day going, I twist my hair into a sloppy bun before I head into Seth’s room. Not surprisingly, he’s not here. The fire wall isn’t activated, so he can’t be in the Dreamscape, either.

  He’s probably with Baltek. Poor dog has suffered since I came along.

  It doesn’t take me long to find the solarium or whatever he called his enormous sunroom that would rival Central Park. The door is open and the air carries the scent of autumn leaves, even though everything in here is varying shades of vibrant green. The light overhead seems brighter today and reflects off the myriad panes of crystal overhead.

  When I don’t see either of them, I meander deeper into the space. “Seth?” I call, probably too quiet for him to really hear me, but for some reason, I can’t bring myself to yell in this place.

  After I get a big fat zero of a response, I stroll through the trees. It really is quite beautiful here, yet Seth’s right. Knowing the sunlight is merely an illusion kind of kills the moment. Even so, I allow myself to enjoy the breeze and the warmth.

  Pretty soon, I catch the soothing melody of gurgling water. I glance around the nearby area then listen more closely. Does he seriously have a river in here somewhere? It’s either that or a wicked loud generator.

  As I move further into the trees, the place loses the park feel and takes on rugged countryside qualities. I’ve been a city girl most of my life, so the trees and the silence close in on me.

  It’s relatively easy to find the river in question, which is good sized. In front of me is an ancient stone bridge that arcs high above the rumbling water. Across the bridge, what looks like a running trail shadows the river in both directions. Curiosity takes over, so I decide to explore the area.

  It’s strange how easily I connect with my surroundings. I’m beginning to think Seth’s holding out on me. I could get lost here, both figuratively and literally.

  After a while, I lower to a moss-covered rock and close my eyes. The soft breeze tickles my skin, and I allow myself the small pleasure. The woods remind me of Seattle in an odd way, but these woods emit an ancient vibe that Seattle could never compete with.

  My body slowly relaxes until I’m almost in a trance.

  I don’t even hear his approach, but Seth’s energy calls to me. I scan the area until I catch him in the act of studying me. Offering a complacent smile, I pat the rock beside me.

  Baltek doesn’t need an invitation and bounds over in four long strides. He nuzzles his wet nose under my chin and licks my neck. A giggle springs out of me so fast he startles away, but he’s back for more in an instant.

  “Seems you have a fan,” says Seth in a casual tone, striding up to us. When he sits beside me, our shoulders brush against each other, reminding me of how he held me all night.

  Delicious warmth spreads through me, but I’m more interested in figuring out what’s up with Seth’s secretive smile. I rub Balteck’s neck and smile. “He’s not so bad now that I’m pretty sure he’s not going to take my head off.”

  Seth quirks a brow, yet refrains from commenting. I smirk at him because I’m not going to fall for his trap. That dog loves me. The weird part is he’s growing on me too.

  Silence stretches between us, but this time it’s not that uncomfortable. I want to talk to him yet I have no idea where to start.

  I nod at the trees. “This place is full of surprises.”

  A strange look crosses his face before he says, “It’s not the place. It’s you.”

  I frown at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “This is a new addition to the conservatory. I have never traversed this part of the garden.”

  “What?” I ask, sitting up straighter, not sure I heard him right. “You mean it just showed up?”

  “Yes, Amelia.” His warm fingers brush my hand. “You called it here.”

  I stand up, not wanting his touch to distract me. Confusion courses through me. “I didn’t do anything.”

  “Ah, but you did.” His blue eyes study me for a moment before he speaks again. “Somewhere deep within you this land exists, and you brought it with you.”

  My mind rushes with excitement. Amelia is the one I have been looking for. In so little time she has changed my entire existence.

  I’m still having problems processing what just happened. There is no mistake now. Her desires affect my realm, as well as the Dreamscape. I gaze up at her vivid green eyes that might as well be a reflection of her impromptu creation. Give her a pair of sparkling wings and she’d make an entrancing wood sprite.

  She stares down at me in utter bewilderment, and I cannot help myself from laughing. Joy sprouts from the deepest parts of me. It has been so long since I have felt an actual breeze rush against my skin. The sky has changed too.

  No longer is the light contained within the air. It’s coalescing into one bright spot above us, mimicking actual sunlight, just like in her dream world.

  Temptation like I have never known bombards me. If I keep her here, she will remain mine. If I keep her from the Dreamscape, no one can take her from me. Spending an eternity cursed with her would be exquisite. No Erobos can enter my realm. We would be safe.

  Only a moment passes before utter darkness washes over me. If I take her only chance for freedom, she would hate me.

  Worse, I would hate myself.

  I love Amelia, but I have already taken all that I will from her. She is not fragile, but she is a woman that needs nourishment I cannot provide.

  They say if you love someone set them free. Am I strong enough to let Amelia go? The real question lies unanswered. If I let her go will she come back to me, or will she flee my cage, never to be seen again?

  I grasp a twig, pretending to study it while my thoughts rush ahead. It snaps easily under the slightest pressure, plucking me from my contemplation. She cares for me, yet how much pressure will it take for her to snap?

  Time is my enemy. I must pursue this course I have set; however, I am loath to traverse the path.
br />   A cool touch alights on my arm. “What’s wrong?” Amelia asks me.

  I offer her a flimsy grin. What should I tell her? That she holds my very survival in her hands? That she is meant to save me from this hell? I open my mouth, yet the words will not come.

  The only way for me to develop trust with her is to leap forward into the void of unknown.

  I glance at her beautiful, worried face and say, “Will you help me, Amelia?”

  She blinks in rapid succession, and I wonder if the movement is a mirror of her thoughts. “I wouldn’t even know where to start,” she says before her hands adjust her ponytail and cross over her chest.

  When she shifts on the rock again, I take her hand, relishing the feel of her skin against mine. “How about we train some more?”

  Her lips twitch into a smile. “I wouldn’t mind getting back into the Dreamscape… I just hope that someday it will be for real.”

  Her enthusiasm is what I’m counting on and dreading. If given too much leeway, she could fall out of my grasp. I give her a nod and stand beside her. If I’m putting myself out there I might as well go big. I pull her into my arms, hugging her to me.

  To my surprise, she relaxes against me. I breathe her in, memorizing the feel of her, the sweet taste in the air. “Thank you,” I say. My throat tightens until I cannot utter another word.

  She moves away, but taps my shoulder playfully. “I technically haven’t done anything yet. Who’s to say that I won’t totally end up ruining every plan you’ve ever made?”

  “I have faith in you,” I tell her, placing my arm around her shoulders to lead her out of this seemingly endless maze of trees and plush hills.

  “Well, I hope so!” she says in a falsetto that makes her sound like a southern belle. “You’re the one that brought me here. If you don’t know what you’re doing, we’re both in trouble.”

  “Oh, I know what I’m doing, and soon, so will you.” I lean heavier against her as we walk. “I have a feeling you’re going to be magnificent.”