Dreamlike State (The Magic of Black Forest Book 1) (26 page)

Gently laughing so as not to shake the bed he teased, “Silly woman, there’s no way I’m letting you do anything but relax tomorrow.” He put his cold naked, body against my back, which seemed to cool my body temperature.

“Ah, thank you. That feels a lot better.”

“Natalia, my love…”

“Yes,” I said exhaustedly.

“Please don’t make me leave. I wouldn’t be able to live without you. I need you. We belong together… I’ve searched all my life for you.”

Though, extremely painful, I forced myself to roll over and face him. Gazing into his eyes, dazzled and smiling I admitted, “Though I thought I could, I could never. I love you, too. If I ever do tell you to leave then I’m lying. Don’t go, ever.” He quietly laughed again.

“Bradley, please remind me in the morning to tell Colleen I thought about it and she was right.”

“I will and you can explain it to me in the morning. Sleep now and have only sweet dreams my love.”

“Umm…” And I was once again off to dreamland.

A little over a week later I woke up. I was shocked to find out that I had faded in and out of consciousness for that long. I hardly remembered any of it. Colleen and I sat on the porch enjoying a cup of coffee. I listened as she told me what happened over the last week and how Bradley never left my side, well not until this morning.

“He was really thirsty and looked liked crap so I made Jesse take him hunting. He hardly came out of your room and when he did, he was cranky, complaining about everything. I had to promise him I wouldn’t leave your side and of course I had to agree to fulfill your every need, which, by the way, I’m not doing.” She chuckled at first then her smile vanished, she shook her head, frowned, and said, “I’m not.”

Seager recovered. Apparently, he heals fast too. There wasn’t even a scar from the wound Jess stitched closed. I was relieved when Seager wagged his tail happily and trotted up to play ball. Bradley had Jess pick up a few tennis balls so they could keep Seager busy by playing fetch.

It was chilly out, but with the sun up and a light jacket, I considered it to be a beautiful day. The fresh air felt good to my lungs. It felt good to be out of bed and outside.

Joking around I turned to Seager and said, “Hey, Seager, how about we take a walk and this time go to the east?” And I pointed to the west. I laughed so hard it caused a sharp pain to shoot from the back of my rib cage around to the front of my chest. Even Seager found it funny. Colleen however didn’t laugh at all. She started ranting about how I’d better not do that ever again and better not hurt myself because she didn’t want to hear Brad whining.

“He’ll be happy now that you’re up and out of bed.”

“Settle down, Colleen, I was just kidding.” Laughing hysterically again, I held onto my ribs hoping it would ease the pain. It didn’t but it was worth it.

While Colleen read her book, I decided to focus and think of a way to protect the ones I love, my book, and myself. I was so excited about moving here that I've neglected my studies. If I hadn’t, I may have been able to defend myself better. In addition, although I hid my book in a safe place, I didn’t secure it. I’m glad my aunt forced me to study the book for all those weeks. I remembered a spell that I could use. It would secure and shield off the entire upstairs from everyone but me, oh and Seager, of course.

After barely surviving a fight with a vampire and almost losing Bradley due to my selfish ways, I knew a few things had to change. First and foremost, I would put Bradley’s feelings before mine. I would do my best not to push Bradley into having any kind of sex with me and I will never let him hear me scream in pain again. This past week I only remembered waking up a few times. Some of those times Bradley stood beside me, his face full of pain and worry. I knew it tore him up inside to see me that way. If the roles had been reversed, I knew exactly how I would have felt. If he wasn’t sitting in the chair next to my bed, he was cooling me down with his body or soothing me due to a nightmare. I would do everything in my power to protect him from being hurt by me or anyone else.

Second, I would practice my natural magic techniques. Using the elements: earth, wind, fire and water, I would create a magic spell to protect Seager, Bradley and myself. To avoid upsetting Bradley, all of my alone time will be devoted to practicing my magic. If he figured out my plans, he would never leave my side. He didn’t like me doing anything that could cause me to get hurt. With me that was just about anything and everything. I’ve actually tripped over my own feet before while walking on a flat surface.

I had no doubts that I would be adding more to this list. In my free time, I planned to make the upstairs my sanctuary, a place where I can cleanse and train myself. Sort of like my own personal gym. I giggled at that thought.

“What are you laughing about?” Colleen asked pulling me from my reverie.

“Nothing really. Just happy to be out of bed.” I stood up to stretch my legs. I attempted to stretch my back but my ribs weren’t having it. I hunched over in pain, gasping for air. It was going to be hard for me to hide the fact that I’m still hurting from Bradley. I’d have to be careful around him. If he thought I was over doing it, he’d have someone watching over me twenty four/seven. He’s a little over protective and I loved him dearly for it. We hadn’t been together that long but it felt as though we’ve been together all our lives.

That’s when it hit me. This couldn’t have been my first
lifetime
that I’d spent with Bradley. We’d been together before. I could feel it. That’s why I have this need to be near him always, we’d been apart for too long. Bradley was over eighty years old, so that meant we hadn’t been together since before he was born. Wow, this was a lot to wrap my mind around.

No one could tell me differently -- Bradley and I are meant to be together for all of eternity. And, that meant that Seager knew Bradley. That’s why he was so happy to see him when they first met.

I whipped my head around and glared at Seager, “
Hey you… we need to talk. You’ve been hiding some information from me about Bradley and the fact that we’ve all been together in our past lives. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Yea, so? I knew you’d figure it out. I had a backup plan if you decided to push Brad away. Even if the backup plan failed, you two would have still ended up together. You always do. So please just go with the flow.

“Oh and now’s not the right time to tell Brad. It’s too soon. Give it a few weeks let him adjust to everything that just happened. He blames himself for what happened and actually believes he could have prevented it somehow. It was inevitable. She wasn’t going to give up easily and didn’t. Her need to win came with a high price. The cost was her own life...”
Seager just drifted off without finishing.

“What do you mean ‘the cost was her own life?’”
If I heard him correctly, he just told me that they killed Jessica.
“How did they kill her?”

“The guys are coming back. They’ll be walking around from the back on the garage side any minute now. Once Brad sees you’re up, he’ll be all over you. We can pick up this conversation later when you get your ‘alone time.’ Put your shield up, Nat.”
I quickly did what Seager said. Moments later, I heard Bradley say my name as he raced over to be by my side.

“You’re up. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you woke. How do you feel?” He knelt down in front of me looking up into my eyes. I could see his muscles relax as relief spread throughout his body. His eyes, more blue then green today, were beautiful. It felt as if I haven’t seen him in months. I gazed deeply into his eyes, cupping his cheek with my hand. He moaned softly when my skin touched his, electricity surged through our bodies. I’d almost forgotten how it felt to touch him. It’s going to be hard keeping my hands off him, sexually I mean. The moment we touched, I wanted us to go to my room.

Caressing his face, I finally answered his question, “I’m fine. I’ve missed you.” Smiling my favorite crooked smile, he took his hand and gently grazed the right side of my face, the side that Jessica punched. Thankfully, it didn’t hurt.

“Natalia my love, I am so sorry that she hurt you. Had I thought…?” I put my fingers over his lips. Instinctively, I started to trace the edge with my fingers, longing to kiss them.

“It’s not your fault. Please don’t blame yourself for something you had no control over. I’m fine now because you took such good care of me. Thank you. Once again you saved me and proved to be my knight in shining armor.” Attempting to lean forward to kiss him, Jesse rudely interrupted us.

“Aw, come on guys. You’re grossing us out.” Jess leaned over the railing of the porch acting as if he was vomiting. After a few short steps, he stood beside me. “On a more serious note, how are the ribs, Natty? I’m pretty sure that two of them were broke.” He pressed against my ribs and I winced in pain. I wasn’t prepared for him to do that. “I thought so. No matter what she says Brad she’s going to be sore for weeks. Try to keep your hands off of each other until then.” Just who does he think he is? I was about lash out at him but Bradley spoke before I did.

“Thanks, Jess. That’s good advice. Plus she had me fooled there for a minute.” Bradley’s eyes narrowed as they caught a hold of mine. He scowled at me. Disappointed by his response I tried to look away from him. He wasn’t having any of that, he grabbed my chin and said, “I almost forgot how easily you’re disappointed when you’ve been told that touching each other is off limits. It is only until your ribs heal. I won’t break my promise.” I couldn’t remember what promise he referred too. It didn’t matter. What he said next was what I wanted at that very moment. “We can still kiss, my love.” He kissed me tenderly but it ended before it started. Quietly laughing he whispered, “We can’t have you breathing too heavy now can we. We’ll save that part for later, too.” He kissed me on my forehead softly. When he saw me scowling, he let out a booming laugh that echoed through the forest. “I love you, Natalia, always.”

Chapter 17

For weeks while my ribs healed, Bradley kept his hands to himself. He no longer came to bed naked, and he always had pants on. If, while I slept, I made any attempts to arouse him he would get up out of bed and go into the other room or sit in the rocking chair by the bed. When awake, I did not make any attempts. It would only hurt him. It frustrated us both.

Rarely did Bradley leave, making it difficult for me to practice my magic techniques. When he did go out, he usually made arrangements for Jesse or Colleen to come over to sit with me. It was ridiculous. But not today, today Jesse and Colleen were busy. Dave needed Bradley’s help with the roof of the studio. They had a leak that would ruin the equipment if they didn’t take care of it immediately. Still having difficulty with leaving me alone, Bradley made several attempts to talk me into going with him. He still felt guilty about what happened all those weeks ago when Jessica attacked me. I reminded him that he would only be gone for a few hours and that I was more than capable of taking care of myself. Besides, I wanted to give Melissa and my aunt a call. Between the two of them, I’d be on the phone for hours. Against his better judgment, he left me alone promising to be back long before dinner. Therefore, that gave me a few hours. I could get a lot done in a few hours.

When he was no longer in sight, I grabbed my book and ran upstairs. There are two rooms on the second floor. The larger of the two needed to be emptied before I could move my things into it. Using magic, I moved everything from the big room into the smaller room. Next, I put my parents' antique desk into my room. I put all my tools for magic into it. This included everyday items:  a knife and scissors for cutting, herbs, thread and yarn, candles along with holders, stones, cloth, matches, pencil and paper, a small cauldron, and a few other things. Before learning I was a witch, I had no clue that these items could be used to conjure up a spell.

I also had this oddly shaped table, made of mahogany, which I had almost thrown away. It sort of looked like a lectern but it was round on top with a fireproof safe built into it. The mahogany wood, combined with the safe, made it very heavy. Using my magic, I securely bolted it to the floor. I had a few end tables, old lamps, and mirrors that I put in there too. Finally, I added a chase lounge that had been handed down two generations to my mother, now to me. It fit the décor perfectly.

Now that the room looked semi decent, I needed to secure it. I used Fire Power to cast a Spell of Protection that should prevent anyone from entering except for me. To test it, I asked Seager to try to walk through the doorway. I grew excited when he couldn’t. Next, I said a spell binding the book to this room. No one except me would be able to remove the book.

I searched the book and found a spell that would permit Seager access to the room. If needed, he’d be able to take the book too. We tested my spell and after a little tweaking, it seemed to work perfectly.

Before I shielded the entire upstairs I hid my book under the floor boards to keep it safe until I needed it again. Also, if anyone other than Seager or I tried to walk up the steps they would be kissing my invisible shield.

Even though I hardly did anything physical, I felt a little tired and my body, sore. If I would have had more time, I would have been able to work on a healing spell. However, Bradley was due to arrive soon and I had one more thing I needed to do.

I wanted advance notice, from the trees, when someone approached the house. I went outside and began creating an invisible line around my house. The spell required the leaves from several trees that surrounded the house and along the forest line. After thanking the trees for their sacrifice, I went to my porch and let the wind take the leaves as I chanted and used my power to protect my home. Roughly, three acres had been secured, with my house sitting in the center of the circle. If anyone came even remotely close, we should hear the beautiful sound of wind chimes.

I decided to sit on the porch and wait for Bradley to come home. It was a little chilly but I wanted to practice throwing things with my mind. I also wanted to hear firsthand how it would sound when Bradley crossed the line.

As promised, Bradley came home before dinner. The second he drove over my invisible line, I heard wind chimes. The sound was loud and clear. I got up and walked into the house. Amazingly, I could hear the chimes inside, as if I were outside. Once he crossed over the line, and parked, they stopped. Perfect.

Shivering from being outside too long I went into the kitchen to warm myself by the stove. I put on some soup and prepared Seager’s dinner. A chill rushed through me causing my body to shake uncontrollably for a few seconds. The trembling lasted long enough to aggravate my ribs. I winced and let out an audible frustrated groan. I bent over to place Seager’s dish on the floor when Bradley took it from my hand and fed Seager.

“It looks like someone may have over done it today.” Instead of the disappointed look I’d grown accustomed to, I saw his lips curled up at the ends as he tried to hide a smile. I laughed when I saw that the smile had reached his eyes.

“You’re right. I may have over done it today. I took a small walk and sat out on the porch for a while. It was chillier than I thought. Don’t worry I didn’t go far, I could see the house the entire time.”

He wrapped his arms securely around my waist and brushed his lips over mine. “What am I going to do with you?” Leaning his head back to gaze intimately into my eyes he reminded me, “The sooner you heal, the sooner we can try again. Don’t you want to try again?”

I do. Every day I think about it, but I believe it hurts him when we have any kind of sex so it isn’t going to happen. “I’m happy just being with you, Bradley. Having you in my life is good enough for me.”

“Hmm. Well that wasn’t the answer I was hoping for. Why don’t you sit down and eat your soup. I’m going to get some firewood and start a fire. Would you like that?” A fire did sound good but what I really wanted to figure out was what answer he had hoped for.

“Yes, a fire would be nice. Thank you.”

I was speechless when I walked into the living room. He had a fire going, the room was lit up by candlelight, and my bed mattress lay on the floor in front of the fire. He also put on a romantic comedy.

Shirtless, he was already lying on the bed. He patted my side and said, “Why don’t you join me?” His lips curled into his sexy, devilish grin, making it too hard for me to resist so I joined him instantly.

With my body lounging across him, my head resting on his chest I watched the movie. He slowly trailed up and down my spine with his fingers, leaving a blazing trail of fire. I tried to concentrate on the movie, but was failing miserably. My breathing became heavy from his touch. My heart rate accelerated at the thought of what we could be doing right now. It was impossible for me to think about anything else. When his fingers skimmed the side of my right breast, I fought the desire to moan aloud. I grabbed onto the sheet and gripped it tightly in my fist. All I wanted to do was put my hand on his groin and feel him between my thighs.

Lost deep in my own fantasies, I barely heard him ask, “Natalia, why are your hands balled up into fists?” Until he spoke, I hadn’t noticed that he was breathing just as heavy as I was. He took my hand in his, “Please try to relax, love.”

Then he did something I would have never expected, not in this lifetime anyway, especially after the last time. He put my hand on his groin. Through his jeans, I could feel his hard shaft. I looked up at him cautiously. His eyes were black like they were before except that he appeared to be in total control.

“If you’re not ready, we can wait. I just wanted to let you know that I’m ready whenever you are.” The desire for sexual contact filled his eyes. I had no doubt that he wanted this.

I couldn’t stop myself. I wanted to please him more than anything else at this very moment. Never taking my eyes from his, I began massaging him. When he looked away rolling his eyes upward, I unbuttoned and unzipped his pants then pulled his shaft out. Wrapping my hand around firmly, I stroked up and down. I kissed his chest then circled his nipples with my tongue. With every kiss, he moaned. I wanted to look into his eyes, but I feared it would provoke the vampire in him, and push him over the edge. His hands gripped the sheets tightly. His loud moaning encouraged me. With adrenaline running through me, I continued my ministrations and slowly rolled off him. I stroked him faster and faster. The second my body left his, he growled, reached down, and ripped off his pants. He threw himself on top, but didn’t put any of his weight on me.

Breathing uncontrollably he requested, “Natalia, please look at me.” My body trembled excitedly.

Slowly my eyes moved from his waist up his chest to his eyes. The second our eyes met, I wrapped my hand around his hard shaft again. He closed his eyes with pleasure. Reaching down he pulled my hand from him and rested his shaft gently between my legs. When he looked at me again, it was as if he was in a trance. His eyes were wild, smoldering black. The vampire was close.

He began to grind against me slowly. He pressed his open mouth against mine softly, seductively, tantalizing my tongue with his. I started to move my hips in motion with his and he stopped. I just stared at him. I knew not to move too fast, not when he was so close to the edge. His eyes changed from being wild with pleasure to being concerned. He was worried I’d hurt myself. And he was right. If he continued, I would join him and also lose control. Even though I wouldn’t feel it immediately, I would the next day and we’d be back to square one. When he attempted to roll away from me, I stopped him. I pulled his hips against mine.

Smiling, I looked into his eyes and promised, “I’ll keep still. Go ahead, my love.”

We picked up where we left off, Bradley using my body to pleasure his. This was more erotic to me, watching him lose control, snarling and growling with pleasure as he thrust his hard shaft against my body. I knew he was about to come so I grabbed him by the hair to pull him closer. Right before his lips touched mine, I yanked his head back exposing his neck. I bit him, again… hard. He groaned my name as he shot his seed all over me. I didn’t let go of his neck until we were done.

I had no clue why I bit him. This time I bit him so hard I broke the skin. I licked his open wound.

“Natalia, stop…” He rolled off, forcing me to let go of his hair.

I turned to face him, to gaze adoringly into his eyes. “Wow, Bradley, that was great.”

He rubbed his thumb against my lower lip. “Natalia, whose blood is this?”

“Yours, sorry. I guess I bit you harder than I thought. I got caught up in the moment.” I looked down at his neck and noticed it had already started to heal. There was only a red spot. I gasped in amazement.

“Natalia, did you swallow my blood?” he asked cautiously.

“No not that I know of. I was too busy coming,” I giggled. “I doubt it, why?”

Gazing at me adoringly he swooned, “That was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced Natalia. Never in all my eternity have I felt such intense sexual pleasure.” He wrapped his arms around me lovingly. “Did you hurt your ribs?”

Rubbing my hand up and down his luxurious chest, I giggled, “Not that I know of.”

“Maybe you’ll know more in the morning.” He laughed softly. “Go to sleep, my love. Your body needs rest to heal.”

Still breathless, he sang to me until I fell asleep. However, before that happened I made a mental list of what to ask Bradley tomorrow. The most important question is why would it matter if I did swallow his blood? I’m pretty sure that I did. I remember tasting it when I licked his wound. It tasted sweet and aroused me. I can’t wait to do it again. My second question is how is it that he bleeds? Does it have something to do with him being half-human?

Before I could even think of another question to put on my list, his sweet euphonic voice had me drifting off into dreamland.

The next day I didn’t get the chance to ask Bradley about the consequences of swallowing his blood. I did, however, ask him if all vampires bleed the way he does.

“Vampires don’t bleed nor do they have a heartbeat. Their hearts are frozen forever. I am only half vampire so I bleed and have a heartbeat. At times, I look like a vampire and my skin feels cold. There are times, like when we’re together, that my body is warm. I’ll never be warm like a normal man. Every year my skin gets paler and my touch colder. I would assume that it’s the vampire in me, taking over.” As he said those last words, regret filled his eyes.

“How long do human vampires live?” I asked rudely but couldn’t stop myself.

“I’m not really sure. The oldest one I’ve ever met was just over three centuries old. He’s the one that informed me of what to expect over the next few decades. He’s been right so far.”

Jesse, Colleen, and Dave arrived so Bradley had to table the conversation. We hadn’t seen Jesse or Colleen much over the last couple of weeks. They’d been busy planning their wedding.

Dave stopped by frequently helping Bradley fix things around the house. They wanted to take down a bunch of trees but I couldn’t allow it. At first, Bradley didn’t understand why I had been so dead set against it. Then I explained that they were an important part of my magical energy, that anything to do with the forest fed my magic.

Today the guys are building a bridge over the creek in my back yard so that I could cross it on my own. I had mentioned to Bradley that I was thinking about using my magic to conjure one up. This way I could take walks further back onto my property to see more wildlife. He agreed, and asked if he and Dave could do it. They were thinking about starting up their own construction business. They wanted to get out of the music business so they could settle down. I don’t think Dave was happy with the idea, but he agreed.