Page 38 of Addicted in Blood
I complied, finding the blanket soft and comforting.When I glanced up, I was eye level to the flame of a pillar candle that had been set on the floor.It was made of black wax with a mixed scent of sage and citrus.Within the dim room, it was now the brightest object.
“A dreamwalker’s primary ability is to make a construct.A place many visit to remove themselves from stress or perhaps to visit a favorite place.But without the basic training, you don’t have the ability to create a construct of your own making.”
“That’s not entirely true.”
She frowned.“I was under the impression the constructs you visited were places you hadn’t been before.Prescient dreamwalking is a different topic.”
“There was one time where I created the dream with Devon.It was, uh, intimate.”My face heated at the admission.I was barely able to discuss intimate stuff with Ginger.
Colantha’s knowing grin made me fidget.“And you controlled the construct?”
“I was in his room when I began the construct, which was the library of the manor.During the dream, I took his hand, and we moved to his bedroom.”
She paced.“That makes sense.If this was your first time in control of the environment, you would automatically create something you were already familiar with.Were you wearing the necklace?”
“No.I told you I’ve only worn it once.”
“Ah.Yes.When another entity took control.”She held her hands behind her back, her head bent in thought.“If you think about it, up to that point of wearing the necklace, you didn’t completely believe what this vampire told you.Isn’t it easier to believe that once you accepted who you were, some modicum of control—or the appearance of it—was granted to you?And now that you’ve done it once, perhaps this next attempt will come more naturally.”
She turned and stopped at the door.“Empty your mind of everything except where you wish to meet Devon.Focus on creating the construct.Nothing more.I’ll return in an hour to check your progress.”
She was gone before I could think to ask anything.
Unsure if Devon was the best idea, I considered Lyra again.But when it came to thinking of a location, I’d been more places with Devon, so I pushed thoughts of Lyra away and considered the safest place for building a construct.
The first task was to clear my mind.That should be easy enough.But even with my well-practiced meditation routine and Simone’s enhanced techniques, it took longer than normal to center myself.I washed away concerns about the dead Council member, the dead Christopher, the future of the House Trelane without Devon, and the impact it all had on my life.I pushed Devon away until the only thing in my mind was the single candle flame.If this was a normal meditation session, I’d think of a clear lake as my mentor taught me, or a single image like Simone prefers.Instead, I pictured places where I’d been with Devon, but each time I tried, the image jumped to the alley where Devon’s beast had been trapped.And with it came his eyes—pain and fear in a pool of icy blue.
I fell back against the cool tile and rubbed my forehead.Irritated and feeling the pressure of time, I reorganized my thoughts and tried again.Each effort resulted in flashes of places we’d been: his office, the widow’s walk, the grotto, the solarium at the manor, the library, his bedroom at Oasis, and his bedroom at the manor.After several attempts, I determined that places we’d physically been together held a stronger pull than places from a previous construct.
For a reason I didn’t understand, it made sense.There would be more strength in using a place I was comfortable.One I’d physically touched rather than one only seen in a dreamworld.Yet, with each location I tried, the image lasted mere seconds only to be replaced by the alley.
I’d lost track of time.I was exhausted, disappointed, and my head hurt.Maybe a quick nap was all I needed, so I curled into a ball and closed my eyes.Five minutes of silence, and I’d start again.
It was twilight when I entered the alley.The only sound was the coastal breeze ruffling papers and other scraps of debris on the cracked asphalt.There was an occasional bang of something hitting the brick siding of an old warehouse whenever the wind increased, blowing hair into my face before settling down.I pushed my hands deeper into my pockets as I took each precarious step deeper into the dead-end lane.
Sergi and Lucas had positioned themselves at the front of the alley, one on each side of the entrance.They were to stay there until Decker called for them.They hadn’t liked the plan, but I refused to let them participate unless they followed Decker’s orders.I didn’t know why I trusted Decker over Sergi and Lucas in this matter, but this wasn’t the time to question it.
I walked past the spot where Decker had concealed himself, covered with the garbage of the alley to disguise his scent.I didn’t glance down at his hiding spot but noted through my peripheral vision the old cardboard box leaning against the building, still damp from the morning dew.
I heard Devon before I saw him.It wasn’t a growl but raspy breathing that carried a slight hitch as if he’d been running for hours.I crept a bit farther before I stopped.
“Devon?”I took another step.“It’s me.Cressa.”
When nothing happened, I did the exact thing Decker told me not to do.I continued on with slow, measured steps until I passed the marker of the safety nets, walking deeper into Devon’s space.
“I’m not scared of you, Devon.I’m here to help ease your burden.To give you want you need.”
I stopped when I was only ten yards from the end of the alley, turning in a slow circle, searching within the dark corners for any sign of him.Then I spotted him.More accurately, I caught the ice-blue glow of his vampire nature—of the beast.
I swallowed the lump, curious why I wasn’t shaking with fear.But his gaze drew me in, and I knew without a doubt this was our last chance before the Eliminators were sent.He’d positioned himself toward the back of a dumpster that was pushed against a chain-link fence.While he might choose to climb over the top, I’d bet three days of Simone’s advanced training there was a hole in the fence, which would explain how he kept disappearing so quickly.
I held up my hands then lifted my jacket so he could see I was unarmed.Another squabble I’d had with Sergi.A dagger, silver or otherwise, wasn’t going to protect me against the beast.I had to believe Devon wouldn’t hurt me, no matter how far his beast had risen.Sergi had said it himself days ago—Devon considered me his mate.
With each step I took, the beast whimpered, and the glow of his eyes faded as he lifted his chin and smelled the air.
I nodded.“See.It’s just me.I know you’ve been searching for me.Looking for nourishment.I’m here, Devon.Please let me help you.”
By the time I stood mere feet from the beast, his eyes had melted into the indigo blue of his passion.That was the most I could see beyond my blurred vision.I held out my arms.
