Awakening (The Magic of the Black Forest Book 2) (9 page)

“Since the night of our wedding while she sleeps I…trance. It’s almost like I’m actually dreaming again. I can’t explain it. The first night I was so deep in thought I didn’t even realize she had got out of the bed.” He leaned down and tenderly caressed my cheeks with the back of his hand. “When I heard her scream, what little blood I have in my veins turned ice cold. Both panic and anxiety flooded my emotions when I realized she wasn’t next to me. I literally fell out of bed and even ran into a wall before I truly realized what was going on. If I could have, I would have had a heart attack that night.

“Since that night, when she scared the shit out of me, I go into a
light
trance afterwards…I can feel and hear all my surroundings especially when it comes to her. I can hear her heartbeat loud and clear.” He paused for a moment his expression thoughtful. “I’ve never experienced anything like it before.” He took my hand in his and smiled at me.

“I’m sorry, my love. I guess I did overreact a bit.” My cheeks warmed, revealing my embarrassment to both men.

Bradley ran his finger across the side of my face down to the base of my neck, “No need to apologize. It’s my job to protect you. You are my life.”

Seemingly confused, Dave asked, “Before your wedding night, you’ve never been in a trance before?”

Bradley narrowed his eyes, “No.”

“Have you?” Even though I have no clue as to what they’re talking about I had to ask. They both looked at me.

“Yes, several times,” he answered matter-of-a-fact like. He was about to continue until he looked at Bradley. For whatever reason, Bradley didn’t look happy about where this conversation was going. So to save my man I changed the subject.

He seemed to relax a bit after I asked them if Jesse and Colleen knew how to get to the mountain house. Also it’s been a while and I was getting a little nervous. That’s when Bradley’s phone rang. He said something then Dave quickly disappeared. When he returned, Jesse and Colleen were trailing behind him.

When Colleen and I first saw each other we screamed like two schoolgirls. Hugging and kissing each other, we repeated over and over again how much we missed each other. While Colleen and I had our moment the guys made plans for the night. They decided it was getting kind of late so we would stay. Plus Jesse confirmed that Andrew and Anthony weren’t due to enter the country for a few days. That would give us plenty of time to get home and prepare for their arrival.

We all went into the living room to catch up. I told Colleen about all the sights we’ve seen on our honeymoon. I mentioned everything except for our incredible sex, the upstairs, and how we were able to get to the top of the mountain from the second story. I wasn’t sure how much Bradley wanted them to know. This place has always been his sanctuary and I didn’t want to take that away from him. While I had been explaining the view from the top of the mountain, Dave cut in and mentioned that Bradley had gone into his first trance. He repeated word for word to Collean and Jesse. Bradley just rolled his eyes.

“She was so good that she put a vampire into a trance?” Jesse laughed. Immediately afterwards Colleen punched him.

“WATCH IT, JESS!” Bradley yelled. In an attempt to calm him I squeezed his hand. I’m not fond of Jesse’s teasing either, but he means no harm. To Jesse it’s all in fun.

“Calm down, Brad…” He shrugged his shoulders, “…it’s a compliment. Has any other woman made you so relaxed that you did the trance thing afterwards?”

“I’ve never been with a woman before, only vampires and shifters. She was my first. Now can we change the subject?” The sound of his voice and his words were controlled, but in his eyes raging anger lay beneath.

“Oh. Maybe it’s because you use so much strength to stay in control that you exhausted yourself. Hey Dave, have you ever been with a woman before?” Jesse ignorantly asked.

“Not as a vampire. It wouldn’t be the same anyway. I’m a vampire while Brad is both vampire and human. You know Jess you really don’t want to piss him off. You know how sensitive he is about Natty. My advice is to change the subject.” Dave could barely hold back his laughter though he knew his words were true.

Bradley was getting extremely angry. Before anyone could say another word he stood up and announced we were going to bed. He also said he didn’t want to hear another word on the subject, adding that it was none of their business. Gently, he pulled me up from the couch and led me to our room.

Like the idiot he is, Jesse hollered, “We won’t be listening, don’t worry.” Then we heard a SMACK and he yelled, “OUCH!”

When we were finally lying in bed, our bodies intertwined, Bradley said, “Sometimes Jesse really ticks me off. Natalia, I am truly sorry for the things he said tonight. You know if I knew it wouldn’t upset you I’d be more than happy to throw him around a bit.”

“It wouldn’t hurt my feelings any if you did,” I whispered the words in between pressing soft wet kisses to his neck.

“Maybe I should take him outside and teach him some manners.” He returned my kisses.

“You know, Mr. Jenkins, I know a way to make you forget all about Jesse. Are you interested?”

“I’m always interested. Especially when your naked body is pressed against mine, but I think I’ll need to wait until we get home.”

I was disappointed but wasn’t about to let him know that. He’s only thinking of protecting me. I kissed him goodnight, told him I loved him, and rolled over into my normal sleeping position. I fell asleep quicker on my belly. Typically, he followed and draped his body on mine but this time he didn’t. Confused, I rolled back over and asked if something was wrong, why he wasn’t holding me. I hadn’t realized that he had gotten out of the bed to turn on the radio.

He lay down beside me, and rolled me onto my back, kissing me passionately. His free hand explored my body, finding its way between my thighs and his lips suckled on my breasts, moving from one to the other. Quickly, I became lost in the moment. I whispered his name and he quietly shushed me.

“I said that I think that
I,
not you, should wait until we get home. It’s also my duty to keep my wife happy. There’s no reason why I can’t finish what I started earlier. Wouldn’t you agree?” His breath warmed my neck as he spoke the words between kisses.

Already breathless, I murmured, “Yes I would agree as long as you keep your earlier promise and start over when we get home.”

He chuckled softly as his tongue circled my erect nipple several times before nibbling on it softly. Using his finger in a circular motion, he massaged my clitoris. Wet from his ministrations, he gently pushed one finger deep inside me before rapidly pulling it in and out. He continued to rub his thumb on my clit, arousing me even more.

Wrapping his leg around mine, he pulled my legs farther apart and inserted a second finger deep inside. I grabbed his hair from the back and pulled his neck to me. Instinctively, I bit him and began sucking aggressively on his neck. My breathing got louder, my heart beat faster, and finally… My body stiffened and I climaxed. I was about to express my pleasure vocally, when Bradley pressed his lips firmly onto mine, which prevented me from doing so. He let me up for air once he was sure I had finished.

Breathlessly, I rolled my body onto his, kissing and licking his neck while telling him repeatedly that I loved him. Gently he pulled my lips from his neck and kissed me again.

“Go to sleep, my love. Tomorrow will be a busy day for us. We have a lot to do and plan for.”

I thought he was going to tell me not to bite him anymore but he didn’t, not this time anyway. As he requested, I rolled over to go to sleep.

Almost asleep, I heard him whisper, “Swallowing my blood isn’t good for you.”

Drowsy, I mumbled, “I like it, you can’t stop me.” Then I drifted off into dreamland.

Chapter 4

From the hallway I heard Dave and Bradley in the kitchen whispering again. Quietly, I crept closer to the kitchens entrance, eavesdropping on their conversation.

“Good morning, Natalia,” Dave greeted from the kitchen table.

Darn vampires! They hear every little thing! Caught red-handed, I walked into the kitchen before hearing anything that would explain why he insisted on interrupting our honeymoon.

Bradley was rubbing his neck and looked a little nervous. Quickly jumping up, he greeted me with a tender good morning kiss.

“I hope you slept well.” Eyes, full of devotion and love, gazed into mine. I truly hoped I never take that look for granted.

“Yes, my love.” Actually I didn’t, I woke a few hours ago. Alone, I was unable to fall back asleep. I knew they were out here talking and didn’t want to interrupt them. “How long before we leave?”

Bradley teasing, whispering softly in my ear, “You’re not a very good liar and I heard your thoughts. If I had heard them earlier I would have helped settle you. Next time come and get me, I’ll wait with you until you fall back to sleep.”

“Did I hurt you last night?”
Concerned that I may have bitten him too hard, I had to ask.

“No. I’m more of a vampire than a human. How about we save this conversation for later, when we’re alone in your home? We’ll be leaving shortly.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll go and get ready.” After a short, wet kiss, I spun around and headed towards the bathroom. Turning on the faucet to brush my teeth, I paused to stare at the woman looking back at me from the mirror. Tears blurred my vision momentarily before spilling over with the worry that he may put an end to my swallowing his blood. It was just a matter of time before he put a stop to my biting him. The flavor of his blood was mouthwatering, it tasted delicious. That fact… Baffled me. I can’t even stand the sight of blood, let alone the taste. And oh my gawd, for some reason when I climax I feel the need to bite him, to taste his blood. Intimate and erotic, I don’t want to ever stop.

Why did he say it wouldn’t be good if I swallowed his blood? I’ve been doing it for months now. If anything bad were going to happen, it surely would have happened by now. And, who cares? The worst thing that could happen would be that I become a vampire. To me, that wouldn’t be so bad. 

All kinds of thoughts were running through my mind while I brushed my teeth and cleaned myself up.

A knock at the door pulled me from my mindful ranting. Shoving my toothbrush back in my mouth I mumbled I’d be out shortly. Wiping the tears from my face, I decided I should talk to Bradley about it when we got home. If it hurts him then I have no other choice but to stop. The thought alone caused my anxiety to rise. Really, it’s addictive.

Bradley and I rode the quad while everyone else ran. Colleen and Jesse were enjoying themselves. They were doing flips and somersaults; Jesse almost flung himself into a tree. Dave just seemed to enjoy the wind on his face. Seager was in all his glory, stretching and working his muscles.

I decided to let Bradley in and show him what I just saw and thought. The side of his cheeks rose as the corner of his mouth turned upward into a grin. I squeezed my arms around him even tighter.

“What do you enjoy about running fast like them? Do you do flips and somersaults?”
I felt his laughter before he shook his head no.

“Do you like to feel the wind against your face?”
This time he nodded his head yes. I’m beginning to take pleasure in this. If I phrase my question right I could learn a lot here.

“Is there anything else?”
Again he nodded his head yes.

“Am I distracting you?
” His body expressed laughter as he shook his head no.

“Hmm, I think I know. You like running fast because it makes you feel like you’re flying…”
I teased knowing that he enjoyed that the most.

Every day our connection grows stronger and stronger. I don’t need to hear his thoughts to know what he’s thinking. I can feel it. It’s like our souls are becoming one. Since the first day I met him I haven’t been able to read or see his thoughts. With everyone else I can, but block it out. Well mostly. I try not to use my magic or intrude but sometimes it’s necessary.

Suddenly, the quad came to an abrupt stop, causing me to slam forward against his back. Jesse, Colleen, and Dave stopped roughly about eight yards ahead of us. Bradley spun me onto his lap.

He said four words before kissing me, “I like this game.” Then his lips were pressed firmly upon mine. Grinning wildly he proclaimed, “You may continue.” And we were off again.

I wondered how he was able to spin me around like that without dropping me. So quick, fast, but gentle. Now that he knew what I was doing, the game would be harder to play. Bradley’s laughter interrupted my thoughts and reminded me that he could hear them. My shield was down during our honeymoon so that he could hear my thoughts and know how I felt. With our honeymoon over, and us headed for home, I once again shielded my thoughts. Simultaneously, Bradley shook his head, and I knew that he was well aware that I had blocked him again. In an effort to comfort my dear husband I rubbed my hands up and down his chest.

We played the question game until we got back to the truck. With all the fun we were having, the journey home seemed shorter.

When we got home, I felt relieved, missing it a lot more than I thought. Now that Bradley and I were married I wanted to make the house “ours.”

We unpacked while Jesse made lunch. It’s unbelievable how much grizzlies consume in one sitting. Only three of the six of us eat yet Jesse was in the kitchen making a feast for ten.

Alone in our bedroom, I decided to take a moment to ask Bradley about the “trance” conversation he had with Dave.

“Why do you do it, the trance thing?” The simple question seemed to stun him for a moment before replying that he already explained ‘why.’ However, I still didn’t quite understand and asked for a better explanation.

“Natalia, humans call it sleeping but for vampires it’s a trance. Do you know what I mean?”

“No, I have no idea. Please explain.”

“It’s hard.”

“Then try harder.” I giggled.

For a few minutes neither of us spoke. Finally, I broke the silence. “I’m sorry. Did my laughing give you the wrong impression? I still want to know.”

“I’m still trying harder.” He grinned sarcastically.

“Okay, here goes nothing.” He sat on the bed next to me and held my hands, rubbing them with his thumbs. “Before we were married I thought that there was no way I could have loved you more. You were already everything to me. When I saw you step out from behind the misty curtain in all your beauty, I was so proud to be marrying you. When you said ‘I do,’ my love for you grew even more. From that moment forward my goal is to make sure you are happy. I still feel like I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

“That seems about right since I’m the luckiest woman in the world,” I interrupted.

“Are you going to let me finish?”

I gestured as if I was zipping my lips together then nodded my head.

He laughed. “Our wedding night was amazing, as has every night been since then.” He ran his index finger along my cheek. His eyes were gazing heavenly into mine while his smile expressed the total opposite. It was wickedly seductive. He leaned in to run his tongue along the edge of my lower lip, causing it to quiver. “I thought you would want me to hold you afterwards. Isn’t that the appropriate thing to do?” he teased.

I returned him a crooked flirty smirk. It is the human thing to do. Needing a moment to digest the information I got up and went to look out of our bedroom window. There were still unanswered questions. It’s as though he talked around the answers.

Without turning to face him I said, “So, I was the first mortal woman you were with?”

“As I’ve told you time and time again, yes.”

“So you have had sex with vampires and shifters, but never went into a trance afterwards? Our wedding night is the first time you did the trance thing?”

“Correct.”

“Why was Dave so stunned that you never did that before?”

“Dave’s interpretation of a trance is when a vampire has experienced the closest thing to heaven. His first experience was many years ago, after his first few times having sex with another vampire. He said it hasn’t happened since then and believes we can only do it when we give ourselves completely to our partner. Honestly, I don’t think he ever experienced it. I think his first sexual experience as a vampire with a vampire, overwhelmed him and he confused the emotions. I could be wrong though.”

I was even more confused than before.

“I can tell I’ve confused you even more, allow me to start over.” Staring out the window I could feel his eyes on me. “After we make love, I go into a state of altered consciousness where I replay every moment in my head. Making mental note of what you liked or didn’t like. I ask myself what are we going to try next or when is the next time…” He chuckled. “I laugh but it’s true. Having sex with you once or twice a night, it’s just not enough. If it were up to me we would have it all night long, every night. So while you sleep, I go into a trance to relive some of the greatest moments of my evening or evenings. It’s like I’m sleeping because I’m dreaming of you.”

“When you’re in a trance you’re
dreaming
about me?”

“Yes.” Worry and concern weighed heavy in his voice. Unbeknownst to him, I’m thrilled at hearing this.

After spinning around I lunged towards him, threw myself into him, and forced him backwards onto our bed. My sudden reaction surprised him.

Grinning from ear to ear, “That means you really enjoyed yourself as much as I did. Maybe we should do it once in the morning then once in the evening? Sort of spread it throughout the day. I wouldn’t mind.”

“Natalia, you are always surprising me with your reactions. Of course I enjoyed myself. Being intimate with you is heavenly, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my entire life.”

“Are you saying you agree with me? You know about exploring each other a couple times a day? If you do, we could do it right now.”

He let out a boisterous laugh, “We have company. It would be rude of us to stay in the bedroom for hours after our friends came all the way to our mountain house just to make sure we got home safely.”

Grinding myself on him playfully, I said, “It doesn’t have to take that long. They’ll never know we’re missing.” I thought I pinned him down but, without effort, he flipped us around and glared down at me, scowling.

“I won’t rush it, not with you. It is not merely sex. When I touch you it will always be with love. Please understand my darling wife. We will have our time later tonight and I will fulfill the promise I made to you before we left the mountain house, to start from the beginning.”

“Well when you put it that way… How can I resist?” I smiled adoringly at him. “Shall we join our guests?”

He pulled me up with him, “We shall.”

Right before we walked out of the bedroom I turned to face him. “Wait one second. I need to say something.” Wanting him to see and feel what I’m saying, I waited for him to look me in the eyes. Caressing his biceps, my hands rubbing up and down, I said, “Thank you for our beautiful honeymoon. I had a great time. I want you to know that my heart and soul belong to you completely. I love you, Bradley.”

Crowning my fingers around the nape his neck, I pulled his mouth down to mine, and gave him a kiss he won’t soon forget. Tracing and licking his bottom lip, I wasted no time and dove in. Deepening our kiss, my tongue battled his for dominance. Once he gave in and followed my dance I broke away. Slowly, he opened his unfocused and clearly dazzled eyes. Smiling adoringly, I took his hand in mine and led him to the living room.

“What were you guys doing?” Jesse would have to be the one to ruin the moment.

“None of your business, Jess. How about we discuss what we’re going to do about Anthony and my poor excuse for a father? Tell us what’s been going on while we’ve been away.” Bradley got down to business while I paced back and forth.

“Well I guess I can start,” Dave volunteered. “Not too long ago I came by to check on your house and both of them were here. They were just sitting on the porch as if they lived here.”

“Were they in our house?” Fearful I ran up the steps, taking two steps at a time, to check on things. When I was sure everything was as I left it, I came right back down.

“Is everything okay?”
Seager asked.

“Yes, everything is as I left it.” I responded out loud, knowing that Bradley would be thinking the same thing. I sat back down next to Bradley.

Rubbing my back, comforting me, he observed, “I didn’t pick up their scent but do you think they were in her house?”

Quickly I corrected him, “Our house.” We smiled at one another before turning our attention back to Dave.

“No. Jess and I heard they were in town so we set up a couple of traps. If they had gotten into the house we would have known. I should have I listened in on their conversation instead of kicking them off of the porch. All we know is what the rumors are and that is they were looking for the two of you and that there were consequences for you getting married.”