The World Of Dreamers

Peace and Love Everyone!

I hope all is well with you! As promised I’m reposting chapters 4 through 6 of ‘The World of Dreamers’.

I haven’t stated a warning in a while, but this section does contain sexual descriptions.

Enjoy!

Chapter 4

Daphne couldn’t help but look around the room. She didn’t believe that she had not physically visited his place since he started dreaming her. It was similar to hers in that it was a modern design and white seemed to surround them. But in Angelo’s apartment from what she could see, his home had color. The chair across from the bed, the sheets and covers were all brilliant colors of blues and deep purples. There was even a little red thrown in.  She like it. Daphne took a deep breath and laid back in the bed.

“I’m sorry for not reaching out sooner. I just didn’t want you to claim me. Still, it appears you have.”

“Yes, I have. I’ve stood before the council for you. It was the only way your mother would teach me.”

“Of course it was. Good old mom.”

“Daphne, she’s only looking out for you.”

“I know. It’s just…..I have one more person I need  to reach out to as a client. Their lawyer has backed them into a bad deal.”

“So you’re telling me you’re planning to continue going into the office after we’ve mated?”

“No and not full time. I’ll work from home.”

Both Daphne and Angelo were quiet for a while. Daphne couldn’t help but gaze up at Angelo. She could see how his childish features developed into a gorgeous man. His high cheekbones and full lips accented his dark eyes and straight nose. She wanted to gently caress each as she looked at him but didn’t want him to know she was staring. His chiseled arms held her close to his muscular chest. Her mom was right. Angelo was a dream.

“My Angelo.” she whispered. Daphne heard him chuckle as he kissed the top of her head.

Laying there in his arms made Daphne glad that he found her. She needed him now more then she was willing to admit. But how did she get here? Very few Dreamers can materialize to the place of their mates or dreams. Since she had not had enough energy to go to him, it made it even more difficult. It was exhausting. She pulled the blanket up and tried to get closer to Angelo’s warmth.

“You cannot sleep my love. We are not bound.”

“Just a nap. A short one, please. I will be no good to you without one.”

“Daph, I know you’re beyond tired, but if you dream and are not bound to me….”

“The Chaser can call me to him in my apartment.”

“So, please? I’ll even help you get more comfortable,” Angelo pleaded as he took the blanket from her. She shivered a bit. “You will have me for warmth, my love.”

Daphne hesitated as she lay on her back and gave Angelo the blanket. She shivered a little until his body covered her. As she smiled up at him she thought of the dancing emoji. He was there right in front of her eyes. No more screens or thousands of miles between them.

“I never stopped loving you Angelo. I just needed time.”

“I’ve always loved you, Daphne. But it’s been several years since the block fell away. Have you not thought of me?”

“Yes my love. I checked in on you almost everyday before you found me. I just never connected to you?

“Really?”

“Yes, and I hated seeing you with other women. Only three in the ten years though, not bad. You tried to control yourself. Which makes me assume men cannot go without a woman. Thank God you finally found me.”

Daphne reached up to kiss Angelo’s lips, then his chin and chest. He leaned more into her enjoying her attention. She knew that he had waited years to have her. She could feel his excitement. Then he kissed her longingly. As Angelo lowered his body she could feel the heat from him. His body would provide whatever she needed. Now she needed his warmth to help her body heal.

After kissing for a time Angelo began to kiss lower and lower. Her neck and the valley between her breasts. He kissed, licked and nibbled her skin before taking a nipple into his mouth. His hands caressing her body, pinching and kneading. When he reached the apex of her thighs he spread her legs with his knee and knelt before her. He played with her and watched her body’s reaction to each stroke and pinch of her clit. She could see that he was excited by her love being wet and full. Daphne breathed deeply as he caressed her. When his touch flicked and mouth sucked her flesh she tensed. He would insert his tongue and before his finger stroked her, sending her body into ecstasy with each touch, each lick and nibble. 

Daphne would no longer keep still. She felt her body throbbing from his attention.  She quivered beneath him as she held his head to her mound. When she let go and breathlessly whispered his name he looked up with a smile. After one more kiss of her clit he wiped his face on her thigh and gently bit her. Then he raised himself and knelt between her thighs rubbing his head at her entrance.

“Angelo, I, a Dreamer give myself to you, my mate freely and willingly.”

He winked at her before sliding into her. Daphne gasp. She was not ready for the feeling of his length inside of her or the wealth of emotions that came with it.

“I promise my Dreamer, that as her mate I will care for her needs and be there to love her, always.”

He brought his body to meet hers. Grabbing her hand, he looks soulfully into her eyes before kissing her lips. They were now one. Daphne finally stopped shivering and something felt as though it clicked inside her. Angelo paused and looked down at her as if he felt it too.

“The council knows. I’ve never understood that. Still, our bonding with begin soon.”

He kissed her cheek before repositioning himself behind her and turning her body. His length never left her and she didn’t utter a sound as he bent her leg and slid his hand around to caress her clit. Angelo’s motion never varied and he wasn’t rough with her. He manipulated her body to the way he wanted to feel her. His rhythm was steady and strong. 

With each stroke he began riding her harder and faster. One hand was laced into hers above her head while the other held her body to his as  though each stroke or thrust would send her rebounding away from him. Daphne moaned for him and called his name. When he came it felt like her body opened up to accept all that he offered before she climax. Right at that moment it would seem as though a searing light  encircled and blackened each of their wrists with such piercing pressure that Daphne almost screamed. Angelo shifted to the side so that he could hold her to him.  When the burning pressure stopped he let go of her hand, they looked at their wrists. Each wrist was now black. It was as though the burning light scorched identical bands around each of their wrists and ring finger.

“If you hadn’t taken so long, it wouldn’t be so painful.”

“Sorry my love. Should I wrap them?

“Your mom said that wouldn’t help them heal. She did give me a salve for it.”

“Without wrapping our wrist it would get everywhere.”

“Are you okay?” He asked breathing deeply. She could see the pain in his face.

“I will be. So much for me to take in less then twenty four hours.”

Angelo began to kiss her neck and shoulder, lightly biting her each time. “I’m not done with you. I’m still so hard.”

“Do you want a child with me?”

“Didn’t know there was a choice after we made love in the dreaming and now. I thought you were.”

“Dreaming love doesn’t impregnate. It must be followed with the physical act. Still, the body begins to prepare once a couple is intimate in their dreams.”

Angelo turned her head to kiss her lips. “How long after a baby can you get pregnant again?”

“Are you planning to have a lot of children with me?” Daphne giggled.

“Maybe. Just answer the question.”

“It depends on how strong the body is after the baby is born. It could be six months before I can conceive. Maybe a year, maybe several.”

“I was thinking three or four children.”

“Most mated couples have two. I only know of one couple with four kids and they’ve been mated since she was twenty. We’ll see.”

Angelo smiled at his mate and leaned down to kiss her. Pain slid across his face when his wrist began to bend before he could hide it. Although that did little to stop him. “I’ve waited so long for you. Once isn’t enough.” He rocked slowly back and forth. A few times Daphne saw his pain as he looked into her eyes. There was no way he could hide it from her. 

“Angelo, I can see the pain with almost every stroke. Let me help. You don’t have to bare it alone.”

“You feel so good to me, Daphne. Don’t worry. I don’t want you to feel any of the pain.”

“Then let me use the ointment and wrap our wrists.”

“I don’t want to un-sheath my myself.”

“Fine, then kneel between my legs” As he did, Angelo pushed into Daphne a little more. 

She inhaled between her teeth. “Mhmm. Behave Angelo.”

She opened the salve slowly, trying not to cause any more pain knowing that he would feel it all. She used her fingers to smooth it over the wrist he gave her. “The pattern is so beautiful.” When she had covered every inch of the bond she wrapped it and taped the end of the gauze to itself. She tried to reach for Angelo’s unwrapped hand but he wouldn’t let her.

“Let me wrap one of yours then you can finish.”

She smiled at him and gave him her hand. He began to cover her bond. His touch was so gentle as he covered every inch of the wide designed band that circled her wrist. Then he wrapped her wrist careful not to pull it too tight and put on the tape. Before she could take his hand, he pulled out a little from her canal and forcibly pushed into her. Daphne almost dropped the salve. He rocked back and forth the same way a few times. She watched him breathlessly as he took the salve and finished wrapping her wrist and ring finger. Only then would he allow her to finish wrapping his bond.

Angelo gladly had his way with his beloved mate a couple more times before she began to close her eyes.

“Hun, before I go to sleep, can you please check the wards? Also, make sure the windows are shut.”

“Yes my love,” he replied getting up from the bed. He did exactly as she asked. Then he lit a rose and lavender incense and made sure that the lavender pillow was against the threshold of the door.

“Angelo, I need you to connect to me again. You must guard me in this sleep. I so need the rest but I have no doubt that he will come for me in my sleep. I’m so tired. I’m not sure I can fight it.”

“I can go with you?”

“No, stay in  your own dream. When or if you feel me pull away you must wake me.”

“I’ve heard of this. It’s so strange.”

Daphne smiled. “We are bonded in love and that is how you protect me. We’ll dream together at first. I’m hoping that is where I stay. Should there be another portal, don’t follow. Just keep watch and make sure we stay as one.”

“Got it, sleep, watch over you and if need be, fuck you like our lives depended on it, cause it may. Got it.”

Daphne chucked but turned her back to Angelo and wriggled closer to him. He pulled her into his body and gave her a squeeze. “I love you.” He whispered as he entered her again. Keeping a slow gentle rhythm as his length hardened and filled her up. Then he relaxed, pinning her under him.  “God, I want you so bad.”

“And you shall have me in our dreaming.”

Chapter 5

It didn’t take long for Daphne to dream. In her dream as in reality Angelo was wrapped around her. She relaxed into him. She would have drifted further into the dreaming had he not begun to make love to her.

“Oh Angelo,” she exclaimed. “You couldn’t wait?”

“No, I have yet to be sated. I was abstinent for several  years, waiting for you.”

“I am sorry for making you wait for me. I should have come to you sooner.” She paused for a moment enjoying how her love felt. “I take it mom didn’t like the girls?”

“She said the binding was sacred and that I should not enter any other besides  you.”

Daphne smiled. He had honored her by not looking for release. Now she must let her lover have her as much as he desired. 

“Do you know if my guys have helped you create.”

“You mean am I pregnant yet?”

“Yes.”

“It could take up to seventy two hours before anything happens.”

“So is that a no?”

“The cells have begun their formation. I am with child.” She couldn’t help but smile to think he was so eager to have a child with her.”

Angelo kissed the back of her neck and thrust with earnest. Daphne pushed back. She leaned into her lover’s energy and closed her eyes. She reveled in his touch and embrace. Energy creating energy is a beautiful thing.

Their physical excistence bled through into their dreaming. It often amplified it. Making love was different here. It wasn’t just his long thick shaft inside her connecting them. In their minds’ dimension two souls joined each other. Bodies merge. More like balls of energy temporarily fusing to become one big ball of light between the two of them. She couldn’t determine where Angelo’s energy ended and hers began. Making love in the dreaming was definitely something to experience. She was glad that she had felt him in her dreams before they joined physically. It seemed to make her dreaming and reality with him  more intense

Daphne let herself enjoy their connection. At least until she noticed the aura in her dreaming change. She opened her eyes. Daphne extended her senses through the mental replica of Angelo’s room before turning to see the disturbance. It looked like ripples moving through the air. She had never noticed it before. It was a small tunnel forming from a pinprick. She stopped moving in sync with Angelo and pulled lightly at his arm. He kissed her neck and pulled away slightly from her. Just enough to reach down and pull up the sheet. He took a moment to feel his body. In reality he was still wrapped in his mate. His body held her tighter and pushed into her.

The two watched as the pin-hole became a marble size hole. Daphne tried to think of everything she was taught of dreaming. Nothing she had learned told her how to stop someone from infiltrating your dreaming. The opening became large enough for them to see part of a face. Daphne wasn’t happy that someone was infringing on her dreaming with Angelo.   If only she could see the chaser more clearly.

Daphne thought of making the hole larger so that she could get a clear look at the Chaser but that would give the Chaser an invitation to her dreams. Then he would always have a way in.

“I see you have bound yourself to him. With all the protesting and tears I thought for sure you would be mine a little longer. After all these years the two of you find a way to be together.”

Daphne knew that voice. She would’ve had trouble making out any other voice but his. Voices coming through dreams were often muffled. Like they had been thrown into a tunnel instead of just being spoken from one person or being to another. Due to the size of the hole, Daphne figured that Chance hadn’t been feeding from multiple Dreamers. He was strong but not stronger then she was. It was also possible that he was trying to fool her into making a mistake.

Daphne pulled herself back into her body a little to check Angelo’s home. She would sense or hear any changes. If there were any. She could still smell the incense burning, so she knew the wards were still up. Best not to give him enough time to find them.

“You’re not going to speak with me, Daphne? After all the years we’ve spent together. All the secrets. I knew you over a decade before I found out who you really were. It was an accident really. I never thought you would leave your wards out in the open. Ever wonder what happened to the rest?”

“Are you just going to talk and waste time?” She was pretty sure he was.

“You may be bound, but I can still recognize your energy enough to find you. I can’t control that really. I need you to survive. Now all I need…”

“Is to know where I am,” Daphne replied as she clapped and flattened the portal. She could still hear Chance laughing on the other side. She gave herself a jolt by sitting up, startling Angelo out of his sleep in the process. “We’re not safe here. I can’t sleep here without putting you in danger. Angelo, I must sleep.”

“I can work from anywhere and if you choose, so can you. I’ve been preparing a place for us for over a year now. Your mom and brother have been a great help. Anything in your apartment you must have?”

Daphne thought for a few minutes. “No. I can replace what I need. I don’t store any information on my home laptop and I wear my drive.”

“That’s what that is? I thought it was an odd pendant.” He began to examine the flash drive on the chain around Daphne’s neck.

“Well Angelo, no one is suppose to recognize it as a drive.” She chuckled again before she continue. “My money has always been in cash at my mom’s and she also has my card. But mom has moved several times and my childhood home has long been sold.”

“As I’ve said, your mom has been helping me. We just need to wait them out and make sure no one sees us leave. Wait, so if your mom has your bank card, how do you get money and buy things?”

“I mostly shop online and I use Apple pay a lot. That’s why I needed to erase my phone.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Angelo, I’m so weary.”

“I know, love. No sleeping though. Let’s get some food in you and a cup of tea.” Angelo got up and pulled on a pair of sweats before heading to the kitchen.

“Sure. Have any clothes I can wear?”

“There are a couple of maxi dresses and lingerie in the top left drawer of the armoire.”

“I don’t wear..”

Angelo cut her off. “Not like I knew that. But we’re home. For now anyway.” 

Daphne got out of bed and opened the chest. She went through the dresses finally picking the long cotton purple one. She slipped it on smoothing it over her before resting her hand on her round belly where her body emanated warmth. 

“Daphne.” 

She smiled. “Coming.”

“I think this should be fine for now. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get something after we leave.”

“Where are we going?”

“Our new home on Long Island. I know you’ll love it. Most important, we’ll be safe when we sleep. He won’t be able to steal your energy there.”

“Okay… Angelo, I need a secure network where I can erase my phone.”

“See what’s on Netflix, I’ll get my laptop.”

Daphne was happy to be with Angelo. Finally, they were together after more than a decade of separation. Still, she couldn’t help but think she put them in a bad position by waiting. On top of that she unknowingly sired a Dream Chaser.

“Focus on now beautiful,” reminded Angelo as he sat beside her and handed her the laptop.

Daphne smiled and gently kissed his cheek. “It’s a little hard to see anything else right now. We can’t sleep here and we’re both exhausted.”  They were quiet for a few minutes while Daphne worked to erase her phone.

“Has Chance ever met your mom or brother?”

“No, I always went home alone. When we came home to visit, mom always insisted we sleep in a windowless room. She always had a room designed just for revitalizing sleep. We rarely dreamed more than each other there. We discussed the latest decrees from the Dreamers council.”

“She took me to one. That’s where your mom got permission to teach me. I was told that they had to make sure I wasn’t a threat to you or them.”

“Sounds like the council. But I don’t blame them after the danger I brought to us.”

“We need to get moving. Your mom should have reached my car. Let me check the hall.”

“I know you’re not opening that door. And when did you message mom?”

“No, cameras. After you physically arrived.”

Daphne followed Angelo to the room. He pulled out a desk on wheels from the closet and switched through the cameras. He could check his car in the garage and the hallway on his floor.”

“How far up are we? Where are we?”

“We’re in midtown, ninth avenue. The penthouse. We can use the private elevator instead of the one in the hallway. No need to put ourselves at risk if we don’t have to.” He pointed to around the corner from the room. “We should be fine. The garage doesn’t stay open long enough for two cars to come in and you need a pass to use any door. People here don’t let anyone in they don’t personally know. Of course you can walk into the garage but there’s no way out without a key or code. So if they got into the building, they were let in.”

“If he didn’t find the building, he found the area. There wasn’t enough time to find the apartment or the building. Good thing this is the first time I’ve slept here. We just need to get to the car.”

“My love, the network of Chasers is much more sophisticated. They could have a doorman or custodial staff in many different buildings. They know the signs of a Dreamer’s presence. We’re not going to take any chances. We’ll use the elevator from the apartment.”

“How many Angelo’s live in this building?”

“I’m not listed under Angelo. Unless you know where a person lives, you have to ring every buzzer. There is no list of occupants except the main office. Which isn’t in this building.”

I had continued to watch for mom. Finally, she came out of the private elevator area and went to the car. She signaled five twice. “Mom just signaled five twice. I’m assuming she means ten minutes.”

“No, ten men walking around the building. They don’t have access to the parking lot yet.”

“She just got into the back seat.”

Angelo began to shut down the computers and screens. “We move now. They will figure out how to get in the garage.”

Angelo grabbed her hand and walked to the front door. He slid the heavy metal bar across the door and frame before securing both bolts. Then, pulling her he walked back through the kitchen. On the side of the pantry was the elevator. They got in and Angelo inserted and turned his key.

“No one can get in here unless they scale the building. Or break the door down.”

“So why are we leaving if it’s so secure?”

“No way to sleep without him tapping into your dreams.” He held Daphne close as the elevator glided down the twenty floors. 

The doors opened to the back of an empty parking garage. The two walked the back wall so that no one could see them from the two entrances without entering. They got into the car safely and locked the doors before they pulled off. As they waited for the garage door to open, five men walked into the garage. Daphne slid down into the chair as not to be seen.

“Daphne scoot further down.”

“Mom, I can’t go anymore unless I’m sitting on the floor.”

“Well, maybe.”

” I think we’re as good as we can be. My hair is covering what the baseball cap isn’t.

“We’ll see how far we get before I pull over for mom to drive.”

“Doesn’t really matter. Neither of you can fall asleep until we reach the room.”

“Mom did you get me any coffee?”

“I wasn’t ordering that long concoction drink for you.”

“But you want me to stay up. I need something.”

“Angelo, turn right at the next light and pick up Matt. He went to get your almond caramel frap whatever. And don’t go filling my grand with all the caffeine and junk.”

“I know it’s just….We bonded and barely got a wink before he intruded.”

“I’m so sorry baby. You’ll be safe soon. Although I must say Angelo you spent a lot to keep my girl safe. You never told me what you do.”

“My brother and I are investors. What we own isn’t in our given names. Mom didn’t want our given names to be in public record and we’ve never used them. You and your daughter are the only ones who know me as Angelo. Well, and Matt of course. All of my documents say Jesus Hernandez.”

Angelo pulled right in front of Matt who jumped into the front seat. Daphne had slid to the back with her mom at the traffic light trying not to be seen.

“I know it’s longer but I’m going to take the Queenboro Bridge.”

“I don’t blame you. You can switch with either of us when you’re ready.”

“Okay. Right now we got a tail. Matt, look in the glove compartment and hand me the glasses and the kango.” Angelo put on the glasses and slipped his ponytail under the hat.  Now just take out the orange box. Hold it while I open it.” Angelo reached in and pulled our some horrible looking teeth.

“I spare nothing in protecting my love.” He put in the buck teeth and Daphne and her mom just stared. He looked like a different person.

“Wow,” Daphne said.

“Seats don’t talk. Sit still on the floor and sip your drink.”

“Shut up, Matt.”

“I don’t see any cops tailing us, just a van and a blue Toyota..”

“Mom that’s Chance’s car.”

“The van is about to pass, everyone play it cool.”

The van sped up a little to pull up next to them. Daphne wanted to see but decided it was best for her not to move. She was anxious sipping her frap and trying not to go to sleep. After about thirty to a hundred agonizing seconds, Matt filled her in.

“So they pulled back a bit. We’ll see what happens once we’re off the bridge. Daphne, don’t move. I’m pretty sure you can take off the blanket.

Daphne had always hated cars that needed a lot of gas, like v8 engines because they were not good for the environment. This time she was glad Angelo had one. Sitting on the floor was tight but not as tight as it would have been in the smaller vehicle.

“Well the van has turned off to our right but the car is still there. I don’t think he believed him. Angelo, you okay to drive?”

“Not much longer, Matt. Even with the black coffee, you bought me. We’ll need to switch but I don’t want him to see that even with the disguise.”

“Let’s see how long he’ll follow. He’s got to be tired too. He’s been up longer then we have, searching for you all night.”

“Mom, I hope you’re right.” 

They drove a couple more miles before  Chance’s car pulled up alongside the Land Rover. He looked into the car twice, frowned and pulled a left right on the yellow light. As Matt gave Daphne the details, he said that Chance looked pist.

“I don’t want to stop so soon because he’s still watching, but I’m so exhausted.”

“Hang in their Angelo.”

“We’ve only got a few more miles before we hit the  BQE. There’s a gas station on your right. You can pull in their and stretch your legs. We’ll switch there. Still, keep your disguise.”

“Yes, mom.”

“Angelo, I’m starting to see the gauze from under your shirt sleeve. You can’t roll up your sleeve. The gauze might be a dead give away.”

“So true. Thanks for reminding me.”

“Let’s focus, we could have one more tail.”

Chapter 6

Daphne groaned. “Matt really?”

Since they weren’t sure and Angelo needed a break they pulled in to the gas station to switch positions. Matt got in to the drivers seat and waited until Angelo closed the door before saying anything.

“The guys by the door were looking us up and down. I saw them make a call before they got back into their car. If they don’t follow we’re good. I don’t believe they are sure enough to.”

Long Island wasn’t that far from NYC that it should have taken so long. What was worse is that it became such an emotional roller coaster for the new couple. Daphne could barely stand once they pulled into the garage. Angelo was only a little better. Both her mom and Matt helped them into the house and down the stairs. Once they went through the wards Daphne said she couldn’t walk much further. In spite of his fatigue, Angelo picked up his beloved and walked into the warded room. Matt had opened the door for them as well as sealed it behind them.

“Now that they are safe, where are we suppose to sleep?”

“Matt there are two small chambers behind you. Take the larger one for you and Patience. I’m going to lock up the house and come back. I also wanna check the cameras and turn up the A/C.”

Samantha, Daphne’s mom, walked the first floor. She put the manual lock on the garage before checking the windows and setting the alarm. Then she went to check the second floor. 

“Mom, is that you? I thought I heard the garage.”

“Yes Patience. We made it back. Matt is in the chamber. I’m sure he’d love to know your here.”

“He’ll dream me when he’s rested.”

“Patience, Matt has had a long day and so have I. You need to tend to your mate.”

Patience huffed and puffed as she got up to go downstairs. “Ain’t no tending ever got us a big house.”

Sam shook her head as she watched Patience go down the stairs. Then she made her rounds. She locked all the windows on the second floor. She wasn’t sure why the windows were open or why Patience was upstairs in the first place. Sam even closed the bathroom window and turned off the tv that was left on.

Before Sam returned downstairs she flashed through each room and area on the camera to see what they were showing. She wanted to make sure no one was walking around outside. Then she turned up the A/C and set the wards with a wave of her hand. Once again she walked the first floor and check doors and windows. As she hit the basement steps she set the upstairs motion detector and descended the stairs. She entered her chamber. A mattress lay on a platform frame covered with soft sheets and furs. Angelo would treat her daughter well she thought.

In Daphne’s chamber, she and Angelo were curled into each other fast asleep. They were already dreaming each other. As they slept they reached and clutch each other.

“Angelo, ”Daphne called in his head.

“My love. Are you okay?”

“It’s so peaceful after the day we had. I know it’s not over.”

“No, but you’re safe. We are safe.” He rested his hand over her abdomen. He could finally see a small glow over Daphne. “The baby is growing.”

She smiled. “Yes.” They both returned to their own consciousness and slept.

Early in the morning, Daphne dreamed Tina. She never had before and needed to know if she could really trust her.

“Tina,” Daphne’s voice echoed in Tina’s head. In Tina’s dream, they were on a beach watching the sunset.”

“Who are you? How did you get here? What are you?” Obviously, she had given Tina quite a start.

“Sorry.” Daphne took a moment to change her appearance. “Is this better?”

“Daphne?”

“In the spirit.”

“Oh my gosh. You’re dreaming me.”

“Yes. We need to speak and phone calls can be traced.”

“Oh dear, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Listen you’re about to take over my spot. Well mostly, anyway. You’ll need to find your own clients. I’m keeping mine. That’s the only way the firm will take you seriously.” Daphne paused to see if Tina was listening. “The few times I need help I’ll call and or courier over my paperwork for your assistant to take care of. So find an assistant that is better than you.”

“This is a lot.”

“When I’m not worried about my safety, I’ll call you and give you my new number. At this point, you can email me if you need something.”

“What do you mean worried about your safety? Whose trying to harm you?”

“Listen, Chance is not to be trusted. His contract with me expired today and I’m not renewing it. You’ll regret having him for a client and no one else at the firm will take him.”

“Okay, well he’s too much for me. But you guys seemed like good friends. What did he do?”

Daphne took a minute to figure out how to reply. She couldn’t tell Tina that Chance was a Chaser without having to explain a lot more.

“You can tell me Daphne.”

“He’s been stalking me. My doorman has been speaking with security when they came around last night. Apparently, they have video of him standing directly outside my window night after night.”

“Oh dear.”

“He will probably come to the office tomorrow. Don’t tell him I dreamed you. I have to call and speak to Mr. Michael so you can just tell him I called in and if need be I can talk to him. If I don’t call by the time he calls send me an urgent email.”

“Are you safe now?”

“Yes, I’m safe.”

“Mums the word on dreaming.”

“Yes, and if he starts talking about it act like you have no idea what he’s going on about.”

“Got it. I’ll miss you.”

“Same here Tina. But this isn’t goodbye forever.”

“Will you dream me again so we can talk?”

“Sure. Sweet dreams Tina.”

When Daphne opened her eyes, she felt so strange. Not strange, but light and well rested. Almost back to her old self. She hadn’t realized how she was affected by not being with Angelo. She looked around the room for the first time. The room was ordinary, plain. There was no furniture except the bed. It had a small closet and the walls were a lavender color with lots of dots. When she squinted to get a better look without getting up, she could swear that the dots looked like lavender buds.

“Lavender is in every bedroom, on every wall in this house. If not on the walls in caches throughout the room with rose petals of course. We mixed it into each pan when we painted to try and spread it throughout. Sandalwood is buried in each corner of the wall. There are also other herbs in each room. I woke up and burned sage when I realized you were working. How’s Tina?”

“She’s well. A bit scared of new possibilities. She doesn’t realize I’ve been training her this whole time.”

“You warned her about Chance?”

“Of course.” The two embraced and kissed for a moment. They were fondling and caressing each other when they heard yelling coming from outside.”

“Angelo, what’s going on?”

“Your brother and his mate aren’t exactly the happy couple.”

“Oh.”

“You know.”

“Well, they try. It’s probably because that’s not actually his mate. The two of them were a pairing.” Daphne kissed Angelo again before she got up and wrapped in the robe he laid out around her.

“Daphne, I don’t think….”

“I have to.” She tried to slide the door but it wouldn’t budge. “Angelo please.”

“I’ll show you later. Here.”

“Mom, Patience.”

“Let’s see what she thinks.”

“Patience what’s wrong?”

“Did you know that your brother has obliterated every baby cell that begins to form in my body? Elder isn’t sure a healing with help. Did you know?”

“Wait. Baby cell, elder, healing? I have no clue what’s going on. Mom, did you know?”

“Of course she does. Always protecting her precious son. Daphne ever wonder why most successful Dreamers are women with human partners?”

“Protect? Why would mom need to protect Matthew? It’s too early for all of this.” As Daphne turned to go back into her room, a thought came to her. “I’ve never really been to a council dreaming or festival so I wouldn’t really notice.”

“Patience please. She’s now coming into herself.”

“Daphne, you’re pregnant you should know what lies ahead.”

“Patience, calm down. We’ll listen,” stated Angelo.

“At least the human has sense.”

Daphne looked at Angelo and rolled her eyes before they grabbed a pillow and sat on the floor. They gestured for the two women to join them.

“Angelo, all Dreamers are encouraged to find their mates. If they are human the council keeps a dreaming eye on him or her. To make sure the two make it to maturity to mate. Should Dreamers marry each other it is encouraged to produced female offspring. You take a class on fostering female energy for your baby. The reason is that full blooded Dreamer males scum to madness in their thirties or forties. Of course, they are a little strange to begin with.”

“Matt and I are full Dreamers from a long line of full Dreamers.”

“Right. They used to banish male Dreamers. They would strip them of their gift and let them live in the human world without help or connection. Those males became Chasers.

“They would forever chase the feeling of dreaming. But Dreamers who are strong aren’t cast out. They are put to the Counciling. If they are deemed too dangerous to cast out or council they are killed or imprisoned permanently after they’ve been stripped.

“I have been putting up with the changes in your brother for four years now. I knew him as a child and a young man and he was a beautiful soul. But Toni’s death really changed him. I loved Mack, but I can survive. Your brother won’t let me go.”

“Mom!”

“Daphne who are Toni and Mack?”

“Toni, short for Antonia and Mack were full fledge Dreamers and siblings that my brother and Patience were engaged to. They met with an accident running from their father and we lost them. Their father was imprisoned and the council deemed a pairing for Matt and Patience. Pairings aren’t common practice, but the council hoped that it would steady Matt and give the Dreamers a girl child who would have Matt’s powers and gifts.”

“Patience as soon as I am out of danger I will absolve you from Matt. Mom will unbind you immediately.”

“No Daphne. Unbinding right now without me leaving could make him worse. Knowing that you believe me and will help is enough. If we remove the binding your brother, or what little is left of him, will not survive.”

“Mom what did you give Matt.”

“Something to calm him and give him enough peace not to dream. But I’ve been using it a while and have to give him enough to knock out a horse. It won’t work soon.”

“Council is in two days.”

“He’ll sleep through or up until then.”

“Now that that’s settled, I need to call the office.”

“Daph, there’s no reception down here. Let me check the perimeter first.”