Dream Warriors 2: Ryder Read online

  He braced for impact, while continuing to feed the barrier. Their bodies collided. He stumbled back. Her arms and legs wrapped around him, and she sank her teeth into his shoulder. Pain stabbed deep into his chest, disrupting his heart’s rhythm. Shocked and infuriated, he grabbed her arms, pulling until his fingers ached. She drove her nails into his back, anchoring her arms.

  Strength drained from Ryder with terrifying speed. He sank to his knees, tugging on her hair. The energy field weakened in tandem with Ryder. The remaining creatures struggled free, collapsing charred and moaning on the floor at Chaos’s feet.

  A low creak drew Ryder’s attention to the door. He angled his body so he could watch the portal open without losing sight of Chaos and the fiends.

  The stench of burning flesh made Sheri gag. She shoved against the heavy wooden door. The portal inched inward, then gave way in a sudden rush. She took in the scene with one assessing glance. Ryder needed her!

  Hesitating only a moment, she took careful aim and snapped the whip against the woman’s back. Her thin dress split beneath the lash, and a narrow wound opened as the female screamed. Was this the succubus, or was Delilah one of the pitiful creatures lying at Chaos’s feet?

  Sheri struck again and again, until the woman released Ryder, shoving him over onto his back. She was clearly in charge. This had to be the succubus. Delilah turned around as she wiped Ryder’s blood from her mouth.

  “You will die slowly, mortal!”

  “You’re deluded, succubus.” Sheri had expected something more grotesque, more monstrous -- taller. A stiff breeze would blow this thing over.

  Delilah advanced, her blue eyes glowing demonically. Sheri snapped the whip, aiming for her face. The lash wrapped around Delilah’s neck. Close enough! Sheri tugged hard, forcing Delilah to her knees. Clawing at the whip hard enough to make her skin bleed, Delilah stared up at Sheri with disbelieving eyes.

  “What needs to be done?” Sheri didn’t take her eyes off the succubus.

  “I’ll dispose of ... whatever those things are and set Chaos free.” Ryder’s voice sounded strained, but steady. “He can bring Morpheus to us. How did you find me?”

  “You were right. I must have read your mind before. I have no idea why, but I heard every word you said and sensed what was going on.”

  Ryder walked toward the fallen creatures, and Delilah went wild. She kicked and writhed, screaming obscenities as well as her stifled voice would allow. Sheri turned her and shoved her face-first into the floor. Dragging both of Delilah’s arms to the small of her back, Sheri used her weight to immobilize the succubus.

  Finally daring to look up, Sheri watched Ryder stack the bodies in an untidy heap. With a bright pulse of energy, he incinerated them so completely, there was nothing left behind. Delilah whimpered, going limp beneath Sheri.

  “What were those things?” Sheri shuddered.

  “I don’t think she can reproduce, but she obviously felt a connection to them.”

  “Bastard!” Delilah sobbed. “You heartless murderer.”

  They ignored her as Ryder freed Chaos from his chains. As soon as the restraints released, Chaos crumpled to the floor. “Is he alive?”

  Delilah raised her head at Sheri’s question. Sheri shoved it back down.

  “He’s weak. Those creatures nearly drained him.”

  “Does he need blood or energy?”

  Ryder knelt beside Chaos, pressing one hand to the center of his chest, the other to his forehead. “If I transfuse him with energy, his body can replenish his blood.”

  “Can his body process the type of energy you possess?”

  Ryder chuckled. “His body is partial to conflict, but energy is energy.”

  It took several minutes for Chaos to rouse. He groaned, struggling to sit up when he spotted Delilah. “Why is she still alive?”

  “My mission was to apprehend her, not dispose of her.”

  “As if you could.” The succubus jeered.

  “I’ve constructed a holding cell,” Ryder told Chaos. “Send Morpheus to me there.”

  “Where? What are you talking about?”

  “Morpheus will know.”

  * * * * *

  “He’s not coming back,” Delilah said for the third time. “I know Chaos. He’s snug and safe in the Underworld, plotting his next attack.”

  Sheri smacked her hand against the bars and smiled as the succubus scrambled back. Getting her into the holding cell had been no easy feat. Delilah had fought them every inch of the way. Each time Ryder attempted to assist Sheri, it made the succubus stronger. He’d finally been left with no option but to watch Sheri wrestle with their belligerent prisoner alone.

  “If he doesn’t return soon, Ryder will summon Morpheus himself.” Ryder tried to capture Sheri’s gaze to communicate his disapproval, but she was busy glaring at Delilah. “Haven’t you figured it out yet? You’re powerless here. At my mercy, and I’m not feeling very merciful.”

  Moving to the middle of the cell, Delilah sat, draping her dress over her folded legs. Her gaze intensified, and her expression blanked.

  Sheri glanced at him over her shoulder. “What is she doing?”

  He moved up beside Sheri, his legs wobbly. Transfusing Chaos had depleted him. “I’m not sure. She could be trying to contact her brother.”

  “Can you stop her?”

  He looked into her eyes and projected his voice directly to her mind. Can you hear me?

  She nodded once, glancing at the succubus.

  My energy is almost gone.

  I know. You look like shit.

  He smiled despite his aching body, comforted by her honesty. With no warning, Sheri rocked forward, grasping her head between her hands. A strangled cry escaped as her knees buckled. He caught her, dragging her up against his chest. She shook and moaned, her eyelids fluttering.

  The succubus watched in bewilderment, obviously not responsible for Sheri’s pain. Morpheus flashed into view, his nimbus glowing crimson. “Generally when you call for help, you leave the door open for the cavalry.”

  “I forgot about the shield.”

  “Sorry to kick in your door, Ms. Vellmos, but Ryder left me no choice.” The Dream Master glided toward the holding cell, his gaze intensifying as he studied the succubus. “Where is her brother?”

  “We don’t know.” Ryder loosened his hold on Sheri as she shook away the pain.

  “No matter. He’ll come to her. He has no choice. She’ll starve without him.”

  Delilah hissed and moved farther back in the cage.

  Morpheus faced Sheri. “This was utterly brilliant. Why overpower her when you can defuse her?”

  “Thank you.”

  Sheri had no idea how infrequently Morpheus doled out praise. She should feel honored indeed. “What will you do with the succubus?”

  “I’ve arranged for a place to store her.”

  “You are not putting me back in the pit!”

  Morpheus waved his hand, and Delilah crumpled, writhing in agony. “You have much to answer for. Don’t presume to order me.” Another wave released her from the pain. She remained on her hands and knees.

  “She loosed some sort of creatures on Chaos. Do you know what they were?”

  “I saw them in Chaos’s mind. They were ancient soul leeches bred by the Gorgons. Our little succubus has been down to Tartarus.” He chuckled. “And she’s going there again.”

  “No!” The succubus struggled to her feet. “No one dreams in Tartarus. I’ll starve.”

  “You should have thought about that before you ran amuck and polluted the Dream Realm.”

  “Sir, there’s one last thing before you dispose of our unwanted guest.”

  “Yes?”

  “Sheri and I have established some sort of bond that allows us to communicate.”

  The Dream Master cocked his head to one side and folded his arms over his chest. “Is that a problem?”

  “No.” Ryder hesitated. Did Morpheus really need to know t
he rest?

  “He is also solid in the Waking Realm.” Sheri blurted before he could decide.

  “How can that be?”

  Ryder laughed. “We were hoping you could tell us.”

  “Are you bound by the laws of the physical world, or can you dematerialize at will?”

  “I haven’t had the opportunity to test the boundaries of my abilities.”

  “I have no explanation, but I’ll see what I can find out.”

  Morpheus passed through the bars of the holding cell and wrapped his arms around the succubus. Her shrill scream echoed in the room long after they had gone.

  Chapter Eight

  Sheri entered the word “tartarus” into the search engine and clicked Go.

  “What are you doing?” Ryder materialized behind her, and Sheri gasped, banging her knee on the underside of her desk.

  She pressed her hand over her pounding heart. “You scared me half to death!”

  “I’ll send a signal ahead next time. It was not my intention to frighten you.” Ryder slipped his hands beneath her hair and rubbed her shoulders. She sighed, relaxing back against his chest. He’d gone exploring the limits of his abilities about twenty minutes ago. After taking a quick shower, she’d decided to unravel some of what she’d heard in the Dream Realm.

  “I’m brushing up on mythology,” she murmured. His hands felt wonderful.

  “What would you like to know?” Leaning down, he pressed a kiss against her temple. “I’m more accurate than the internet.”

  She pushed away from her desk and turned around, dislodging his hands in the process. “Morpheus said those creatures were bred by the Gargans in a place called Tartarus?”

  “Gorgons.” He corrected with a gentle smile. “Have you heard of Medusa?”

  “The one with snakes for hair?”

  He nodded. “She was a Gorgon.”

  “No wonder they were so attractive. And what or where is Tartarus?”

  “When Zeus led the revolt against the ancient gods, he banished them to a district beneath the Underworld.”

  “The Under-Underworld?” She grinned. “And these ancient gods will be able to control Delilah, keep her out of the Dream Realm?”

  “Morpheus is still determined to learn her name. He can control her when he is with her, but he doesn’t want to spend the rest of eternity babysitting a petulant succubus.”

  “How does he intend to learn her name?”

  “As she said, no one dreams in Tartarus. If she gets hungry enough, she’ll agree to anything.”

  Sheri frowned. Starving her into submission seemed extreme, even for the succubus. A vivid image of Chaos chained and bleeding chased away her momentary pity. Meagan’s face appeared next, and Sheri cocked her head. “What about the incubus? Has he been located yet?”

  “He’s lost without the succubus. It’s only a matter of time.”

  “She probably warned him she’d been captured when she was in the holding cell,” she said. Ryder took her by the hands and pulled her to her feet. His warm gaze caressed her face, inciting flutters all through her abdomen. “When she’s about ready to break, Morpheus needs to make sure she tells a female her name.”

  “Why?” he asked.

  “Don’t you remember what Chaos said? Having complete control of the succubus is too great a temptation for any male.”

  Ryder nodded. “I’ll make sure Morpheus knows.”

  “So, what did you find out?” She moved into his arms. “Can you walk about like a mortal man? Can you disappear at will? Will you become Seattle’s superhero?”

  “I got half a block down the street and dematerialized. I’m linked to you and only you. To the rest of the Waking Realm, I’m still a ghost.”

  Pushing her fingers into his thick hair, she dragged his head down toward hers. “So, I have my own private superhero?” She caressed his lips with hers, teasing him with the feathery hint of a kiss. “I like the sound of that.”

  He tightened his arms around her, pressing her firmly against his chest, and took control of the kiss. Nibbling and licking, he encouraged her participation, easing his way past her parted lips. His tongue stroked against her, explored her mouth, traced her teeth.

  Sheri responded without hesitation, thrilled to have him in her realm, in the material world, touching her, tasting her. The illusions he created engaged all her senses, but her logical mind held on to the distinction. This was real. She was awake, and Ryder was solid.

  With a throaty chuckle, he guided her hand to the front of his pants. I’m more than solid, sweetheart. I’m hard as a rock.

  She enjoyed the distinct ridge against her palm, squeezing him through his jeans. What if this is only temporary? What if you go back to being a dream?

  He eased her away, looking deeply into her eyes. “If this is more than temporary, would you want me to stay with you?”

  His soft hair slid through her fingers as she moved her hand to his face. “I’ve never felt as alive as I do when I’m with you. My life has been routine and ordinary. You’ve made it -- magical.”

  He kissed her palm. “I have no magic in your world. The only ‘trick’ I’m able to perform is to disappear into the Dream Realm.”

  “Is that what you want?” She lowered her gaze, and her hand descended to his shoulder. “Your assignment is complete. Do you want to go home?”

  Raising her chin, he didn’t speak until she returned her gaze to his. “I’ve never felt as alive as I do when I’m with you. My existence has been filled with centuries of isolation. My assignments are important. I’m dedicated to my work, but I’ve always longed for companionship, someone to share my dreams.”

  “Then let’s take it a step at a time. Let’s enjoy each moment to the fullest for as long as we have together.” He responded with a kiss, communicating his agreement with the heat of his mouth and the soft caress of his lips. She touched her tongue to his, and he drew back. “What’s wrong?”

  “I just realized something. I’ve never done this before.”

  She laughed. “We’ve already done this several times before.”

  “Not in the Waking Realm.”

  “I promise I’ll be gentle.” Sheri smiled. “I’ve never been with a virgin before.”

  Anxious for the answer to her questions, she had thrown on a bathrobe after her shower and run a comb through her hair. She untied the belt and opened the robe, pausing a full second before slipping the garment from her shoulders.

  “Oh, gods, you’re beautiful.”

  Heat washed over her in slow, undulating waves. His words appealed to her vanity, but the emotions thickening his voice caressed her body, made her feel beautiful. She tugged the hem of his tee shirt out from his jeans. He raised his arms as she pulled the shirt off. Warm, satin-wrapped marble, his body fascinated her. She stroked his arms, squeezed his shoulders, explored his back, enjoying his body from every angle.

  He let her play, his thick-lashed lids drooping to half-mast as she continued her lazy orbit. By the time she returned to his front, the bulge in his jeans looked downright uncomfortable. She grinned. Unfastening the metal button, she slowly lowered the zipper. He let out a heavy sigh and she chuckled. “Getting a little tight in there?”

  “Just a little.”

  She pushed his jeans over his hips, down his legs, and he kicked them aside. Closing her fingers around his thick shaft, she sank to her knees. Everything about him thrilled her -- his shape, his size, his velvety texture. She moved her hand up and down, circled just his tip with her warm, wet tongue.

  Framing her face with his hands, he arched his neck and closed his eyes. She tightened her lips around him, cupping his behind with both hands. Slowly, inch by glorious inch, she sucked him into her mouth. Hot and incredibly thick, he slid against her tongue. His butt flexed beneath her palms. He released his breath in a ragged gasp.

  In and out, in and out, she claimed him with her mouth, swirling her tongue and sucking firmly until tension made him tremble
. With a strangled chuckle, he pushed her away, dragging himself out of her willing mouth. “This isn’t going to last long if you persist in tormenting me.”

  “Your body seemed to agree with my torment.”

  He helped her to her feet. “My body is greedy and selfish, but I have other plans for you. I want to watch your face as you find release, then feast upon your passion before I give my body what it wants.”

  Her nipples tingled and her core pulsed, anticipating the pleasure he described. “I thought you’d never done this before.” She flashed a teasing smile.

  “I’ve got a vivid imagination.”

  He cut off her laugh with a searing kiss. Scooping her up in his arms, he set her back in her office chair. Mischief sparkled in his dark gaze. He knelt on the floor and parted her legs, moving in close so he could kiss her. His hands wandered at will as he explored her mouth, licking and gently sucking on her tongue.

  A sudden shiver raced through Sheri. She caught his face between her hands. With or without powers, Ryder was magical. His touch communicated such caring; his kiss filled her with warmth. She never wanted to let him go. Just the thought made her being ache.

  You don’t have to leave me, sweetheart. Even if I can’t stay in your world, we can meet in mine.

  Clutching the promise to her heart, she tried to ignore her nagging discontent. She wanted more than just a dream. She wanted to wake up in his arms, and go dancing. She wanted to share her life with him. One step at a time, savor each moment. She focused on her own advice.

  He pulled away and looked into her eyes. “I don’t understand what happened to us. I’ve never experienced this connection before. If I can stay in your world I will, but if I can’t --”

  “I’ll spend a lot of time dreaming.” She reinforced her determination with a mental shake. He’d agreed to change for her. It was her turn to compromise. “I don’t understand it, either, but this much I know. I want you in my life, and I don’t care how we make it happen. If you can’t be part of my world, than I’ll be part of yours.”

  He kissed her again, his mouth more aggressive, filled with urgency. Tilting her head to one side, he rubbed the back of her neck, while his tongue delved deep. She wrapped her legs around his waist and tangled her fingers in his hair, returning the kiss with equal fervor, her heart thundering in her breast.