Breaking Free (4 page)

The test
stick was gripped firmly in her hand as she stared down at the result.

Pregnant.

Fallon took a slow breath as a hurricane of emotion swept through her. Brody was going to be overjoyed. She would be if she wasn’t such a wreck. A million questions spun through her head at a dizzying pace.

Do I have what it takes to be a good Mom?

Will my tattoos scare our little one?

Will he or she take after me? Or Brody?

What the hell am I going to do?

A
knock on the door nearly made her jump out of her skin. “Hold on,” she answered, praying she sounded steadier than she felt at the moment.

“Gah, don’t tell me the strongest woman I know is getting cold feet. I swear I will kick your
butt if you ditch Brody,” Amethyst warned. “He’s perfect for you, and I know you’re in love with him.”

Fallon let out a nervous giggle, something she rarely did. “No cold feet. Just need a minute.”

“Okay, fine.” Amethyst sighed heavily. “I still think it’s ridiculous you two are following tradition. Me staying the night with you, while Brody slept over at my place with Hayden. It would have been so much more fun if we had stayed with our men, instead of splitting up.”

“Wasn’t my choice. I always thought it was a stupid tradition, but Brody insisted.”

“Well, hurry up before Jess and Jamie get here. You know they’ll bash the door down.”

“Okay.
” Fallon managed to take a slow breath. She wrapped the test in a plastic bag and hid it under the sink where no one should be looking. She needed to find a way to surprise Brody.

When she opened the door, Amethyst had her arms crossed over her chest, her face pinched in concern as she stared up at her. “You
sure you aren’t getting cold feet? You’re awfully pale.”

Fallon shook her head.
“Only nervous. I can’t wait to see Brody. That’s all.”

* * * *

Should I be doing this?
Devlin asked himself that very question for the thousandth time since he’d left the motel. He was smart, only using cash for what he absolutely needed. He still had plenty, but it would run out eventually. As long as it got him far northeast after this, it would be enough.

Now Entering Edenton,
greeted the sign. His heart thundered in his chest. He needed to see his sister in the flesh. According to the blog she was doing well with her new job and mate.

Then there was
Jamie. Every ounce of his being craved to have her next to him. He needed to feel her body against his, hear her voice in his ear, and make love to her before he had to walk away. Leaving her was going to tear out another piece of his soul, but it was the only way to keep his little wolf safe.

Devlin
drove around, exploring, before going to Lake Victoria’s Bed and Breakfast. In case he had to flee at the last minute, he wanted to know the lay of the land.

Sarah was nothing if not persistent. He didn’t want to bring his sister
or Jamie trouble. Coming to Edenton was very likely a bad choice, but he couldn’t resist.

Maybe if he had pretended to be a figment of Jamie’s imagination, he could have saved her
the pain when he left. It was bad enough to willingly tear out his own heart without doing the same to her. Something about her called to him. He needed to see her, at least once.

* * * *

“Jamie’s off in her own world again,” Jess whispered. She was busy twisting strands of Fallon’s vibrant red hair up into a masterpiece.

“Am not,” Jamie huffed. She turned back to Jess and Fallon. “I can’t get this dream out of my head. I keep seeing
him.
”

Fallon grinned, her eyes finding Jamie’s in the mirror. “
Who is
he
?”

“Don’t know
.” Jamie answered without thinking, but then she realized she didn’t want to share his name in case it was all fantasy. She slumped onto the window seat. “He reminds me of someone though. I can’t put my finger on who.”

“It’s all in her head,” Jess muttered. “I haven’t seen a single thing to make me believe she’s about to find her mate
, which she believes he is.”

“He is
.” Jamie’s eyes narrowed. “I know he is. I feel it. It’s not random. He keeps finding me in my dreams.” And she’d been finding him.

Fallon’s brow scrunched as
she swatted Jess’ hands away from her hair. She turned to Jamie and Jess went right back to work.

“What do you mean, he keeps finding you in your dreams?”

“Just that. He’s there, he talks to me. He—”

Fallon interrupted, “Don’t you dare say he’s fucking you in your dreams.”

Shaking her head, Jamie rolled her eyes. “No. Not that. There’s been some kissing, but he says he doesn’t want to go there until he meets me in person.”

“So, your mystery man is a
Dreamwalker?” Fallon asked.

“They don’t exist,” Jess sing-songed.

“They do,” Fallon answered with a cutting glare. “My father was supposed to be one. I don’t remember him though.”

“What?” Jess dropped Fallon’s hair and stared at her. “You never mention your father.”

Fallon shrugged, completely unmoved. “Not much to mention. He died soon after I was born.”

Jamie frowned, and sat down on the bed. “Didn’t your mother talk about him?”

“Sure, but she made him sound like a fairytale.” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “He saved the day, swept her off her feet, and was the most romantic man she ever met.” Fallon looked away. “I don’t know that I believe a word of what she told me. Besides, it’s not like I can ask. She’s been gone for years.”

Jess grinned
. “Why couldn’t he have been a fairytale? You certainly found your own, complete with a knight in shining armor. You have to admit Brody is pretty damned perfect.”

“Except I don’t need saving.” Fallon grinned, then licked
her lips, a wicked smile taking hold. “He’s my big bad wolf.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask,” Jess teased. “Come on, let’s finish your hair.”

“Right,” Fallon muttered, turning back to face the mirror.

Jess raised a brow at Jamie. “You ready to help? Or are you back to daydreaming
about a guy who doesn’t exist.”

“He may,” Fallon answered. “I swear there are
Dreamwalkers.”

“How would you know? You don’t remember your father,” Jess countered.

“Don’t have to. There was a boy who used to check up on me when I was younger.” Fallon took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Mom told me he was a Dreamwalker.”

“You had a dream boyfriend?” Jamie asked with a laugh.

“No.” Fallon grabbed the shoe from the bed and tossed it at Jamie who caught it with a smirk. Fallon explained, “Just a friend. It was never like that.”

Laughing, Jamie asked,
“What happened to him?”

“Don’t know.
He disappeared around twenty years ago. Stopped visiting me. I still miss him.”

Jamie almost asked his name, but was afraid of the answer. Why, she couldn’t figure out.

* * * *

The sun filtered down through the colorful autumn leaves. Devlin hid among the branches of an oak overlooking the wedding arch. He wanted to fly, wanted to soar, but he stayed put
. Watching. Waiting.

It appeared the whole town was gathered in the seats below.
There were so many Others, and not only werewolves, but witches, mages, and an assortment of species he couldn’t even begin to guess at their roots.

He was anxious for the wedding to start. There were only two people he cared about seeing.
Two he came for, and one he couldn’t even speak to. Jamie, however, he made a promise to Jamie, one he wouldn’t break.

Dad’s voice came back to him.
Be careful when you dreamwalk. You always find what you need, but sometimes the cost is too great. Bringing more pain than you ever imagined.

So many questions left unanswered.
He hoped he would eventually find a way to set things right. In the meantime, he needed to survive.

He watched the groom walk out with a man
who had to be his father. A pang of guilt and regret ripped into Devlin’s chest. The man below was going to marry his sister, and he couldn’t even introduce himself. Their mother spent months making sure Fallon had no memory of Devlin or their father, in an effort to keep the headstrong girl from going after them.

His father’s voice came back for him. “Leaving is
for the best. You’re coming with me because I’m the only one who can help you with dreamwalking.” Dad crouched down to ruffle his hair. “Someday, I hope it can help set you free.”

“Free
from what, Daddy?”

“One day, you’ll understand. Right now, you focus on being young. Unfortunately, that will end all too fast for our little family.”

Devlin shuddered, pushing away the painful memories with perfect timing.

Jamie started down the aisle on the arm of a giant
fae. There was a lovely smile on her pretty face. Her hair was tied up with only a few pale curls escaping. Her big blue eyes caught on him, enthralling him instantly.

Does she know? Could she?

Her delicate pink lips lifted in a smile, a spark of delight in her gaze. He wanted to fly to her, to land on her shoulder and feel her warmth.

Jamie’s
twin, Jess, followed behind her with a werewolf who oozed well-controlled power without assaulting anyone with it. He knew from pictures, he was looking at the pack alpha, Slater. In fact, if he was correct, Jess held as much power as Slater, which was rare in mated couples. Usually one was more dominant. That didn’t appear to be the case.

Edenton certainly had an interesting dynamic.
He ignored a desire to linger and discover more, for Fallon and Jamie’s sake.

Fallon started down the aisle
, looking radiant, even as unconventional as she was. She wore a simple sleeveless white dress which flowed to her knees. Her feet were bare. White flowers adorned the intricate braid that rested over one shoulder and fell to her waist. Even the tattoos that covered her arms, back, and pieces on her legs, were beautiful on her.

Love shone in her sparkling emerald eyes.
It was all Devlin wanted for his sister. Fallon was happy, truly happy.

Before Sarah could find him, he needed to lead her far away from her
husband to prevent her from ruining everything for his sister. Redeemable or not, Sarah wasn’t the same woman Devlin met nearly four years before. The woman Brody knew was long since dead.

Fallon made her way to her groom. Brody Dean took her hands, the same unwavering love in his own expression.

If only I could experience that once in my life.

Devlin let out a tiny huff
, then promptly lost himself in Jamie’s gaze. She never once looked away, as if she knew he was watching over her.

The ceremony ended
. Brody pulled Fallon into his arms and dropped his mouth to her lips, taking a long, slow taste.

She pulled back with a groan. “I just want to run
away with you,” she whispered.

He nodded his agreement. “Soon, very soon. I can’t wait to have you all to myself. I wish we could stay away longer.”

“Me too,” she answered.

“It
’ll be nice to get away from everything and everyone. You, me, no one else.”

Her smile brightened and she nodded to where the rest of the wedding party was lined up. “We should finish up with all the formalities.”

He nodded, before pulling her along. When they came to a stop, he leaned in to whisper in her ear. “You look like a goddess today. My very own goddess.”

Fallon
rolled her dazzling eyes. “You’re crazy, but I love you.”

After an affectionate nip to
her bottom lip, “That would be you, Sugar. You have no idea what I see when I look at you, Mrs. Dean.”

Licking her lips, she smiled back. “I like the way that sounds, Mr. Dean.”

Gabriel was the first one in front of them. The scent of his concern was heavy in the air. Brody had to wonder what was up.

“Congratulations, Fallon
, Brody. You two were meant for one another.”

Her brow scrunched as she stared back at Gabriel. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Shrugging, Gabriel replied lightly, “I never thought I would see you so happy. It’s a good look on you, Fallon. Don’t let
anything
take that from you.”

Her head tilted, her brow arching. “All right.” Brody knew she’d revisit the conversation as soon as there was a free moment.
He had to wonder what had Gabriel uptight. The procession moved by quickly, their friends and family each taking a turn to wish them well. The whole time, a sense of dread crept into the pit of his stomach, threatening to tear away their happiness.

* * * *

Jamie couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. She felt admiration, lust, and hints of something more. It was nearly impossible to believe Devlin was there, her Dream-man.

“What’s that look for?” Preston asked from beside her.

She nearly jumped out of her skin. “Hmm?”

“You look like you’re afraid to hope.” A frown pulled at his lips. “Is it because I’m here?”

Shaking her head, she nudged him. “Nope. You’re still my buddy. I do miss hanging out with you. You’re easy to talk to, even if we aren’t together.”

He put an arm around her. “I’m sorry. I wish things we
re different.”

“Don’t be. You were never the one. And as much as you
believe you
love
me, you aren’t
in love
with me and you never were.”

“So what’s the look for?” Preston tried again.

She took a breath and let it out slowly. Her eyes wandered back up to the dove in the tree. “I keep having dreams that seem like more.”
It is more. I know it, and he’s here.
She shook head and let out a laugh. “It’s ridiculous really.”

“Why’s that?”

She glanced away and closed her eyes, wishing she had kept her mouth shut. It was too late now. Preston was in hound dog mode. “Ever have a dream that feels so real it has to be? Well, there’s this man I keep dreaming about. I can’t stop thinking about him. I’m drawn to him.”

Preston stilled and she looked up to find a concerned frown on his face. “A dream? Drawn to him? Who is it?”

She lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “It doesn’t matter. It’s only a dream.” She laughed softly. “You probably think I’m crazy, and maybe I am.”

“Oh no, I’m not letting you off that easily. It’s not
so simple, is it?” His eyes narrowed when she didn’t answer. “Jamie, you can’t do that to me. I know when you’re full of shit.” He sighed. “It’s why I hate that things didn’t work out.”

“We weren’t made for each other, Preston. Don’t beat yourself up.”

“I’ve been replaced by a man in your dreams? That hurts. You know that, right?” He half-laughed. “Who is he?”

The air shifted and something landed on her shoulder. A silly smile graced her lips and she looked over to be met
with unusual green eyes for a dove. She couldn’t remember ever seeing a bird with green eyes, save for Fallon when she shifted to a hawk. The cat in her dream had the same green eyes.

Devlin’s been here the whole wedding
.
At least she felt slightly less crazy for obsessing over the white dove.

Her head tipped to the side as the bird locked gazes with her.

“Strange bird,” Preston observed.

As if urging her to follow
, the dove dipped his head before flying into the trees. She stared after him.

Preston cleared his throat.

Shaking her head, she looked back at Preston.

“That wasn’t a bird, was it?” He started for the trees, and she grabbed his wrist, jerking him toward her. “It was just a dove.” She tapped her nose, giving him a big smile. “Didn’t smell any magic.”

“I sense his magic. He’s blocking like a motherfucker, but that was not a simple bird.”

“Maybe it’s one of Fallon’s friends come to visit, but not stay?”

He rolled his eyes. “You might have a point. Maybe another old fling.” He shrugged and walked toward the food. “You coming?”

“No, I want to stand under the sun a
bit longer.”

As soon as he was focused on food, she turned and walked directly into the trees where she found Devlin on a low branch. He flew further into the woods and she followed. Every time she caught up, he
would take flight until she was running to catch up.

He came to a small clearing and shifted to his
human form. Devlin wore white linen pants and shirt. His pale skin was like porcelain, his scarlet hair neatly styled. Emerald eyes dazzled her.

“Will the mage follow?”
he asked in his beautifully accented voice.

“I hope not. He wouldn’t understand.” A smile graced her lips as she took a step closer. “You came.”

“I can cast something to conceal us, if you trust me.”

“I do,” she answered without a single thought.

He stepped closer and placed a thick white gold chain around her neck. It was short, not falling below her collarbone, and couldn’t easily be pulled off. He whispered a spell and she felt a tingle travel through her.

Her hand landed on his chest, and she gently pushed him back. “What did you do?” she asked softly, rethinking how much she trusted the man before her. She kn
ew nothing but his first name. And he looked so damned familiar.

His brow creased as he studied her face. “I can remove it.”

She stepped away, her tone serious. “First, tell me what you did.”

His eyes closed as he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I enchanted the necklace with protection spells. It will keep you off their radar.”

“Whose?”

Devlin’s eyes locked on hers. “The ones coming for me. I told you, I can’t stay long. They’re already
hunting me. I won’t bring them to you.”

She moved closer, her fingers tracing over his cheek. “Who, Dev
lin? Who’s coming? I could help.”

He pulled her closer, dipping his head to brush his lips over hers. “Less you know, the better,
Precious. I can’t let them touch you.”

“Then why are you here?” she whispered.

“I promised. I couldn’t let you down.”

“You’ll let me down when you disappear. So
, I guess this is goodbye.” She turned and walked away. Her heart breaking, even as she forced the tears away. If he could really feel the strong emotions that were there, and then turn around and walk away, she didn’t want to go beyond the point of no return, which was exactly where they were headed.

“Please, don’t go,” he called.

“Why? So you can be the one to leave me?” Her tone was bitter, the laugh sad.

Jamie
walked through the woods, and right into Preston as she stepped into the meadow where the reception was taking place.

He caught her by the shoulders, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. “What happened?” Preston demanded.

Great, the last man I want to deal with.

“Nothing,” she answered and moved to walk around him, but he pulled her back, looking her directly in the eye.

“Jamie, you’re a shitty liar. What the fuck happened?”

Funny, my mate will let me walkaway, but Preston won’t.
She gave him a smile she didn’t feel. “Nothing, Preston. I want someone of my own. And don’t give me that look. You aren’t him.”

“I wanted to be,” he said softly.

“Damn it, Preston. Don’t. Please.”

“Why?” he whispered.

“What you feel for me isn’t true love, hon. You will find your one and only. So will I.” She was pretty sure she just walked away from hers, but she didn’t want to test those waters if she was destined to lose him.

He put an arm around her, pulling her close. “I hate seeing you without that beautiful smile of yours. You deserve to be happy.”

“So do you.” She took a breath and looked to the dance floor with a raised brow. “Want to dance?”

“If it will put a smile on your face,” he replied.

She grinned up at him. “Oh, it will. You still know how to move.”

Jamie
pulled Preston to the dance floor. She felt Devlin’s eyes fall on her. His overwhelming sadness threatened to bring her to her knees as one of Preston’s hands landed on the small of her back, his fingers threaded through hers as he pulled her close.

Good, maybe
Devlin will realize I’m someone he should fight for. Oh, who am I kidding? Dream or no dream, he doesn’t know me. Why would he bother?

Jamie banished all thoughts of
her Dream-man as she relaxed into Preston’s easy waltz. The man did know how to dance, classically and otherwise.

* * * *

Seeing her in another man’s arms felt like a thousand daggers tearing through his chest. There was nothing he could do until she went home.

If she goes home alone. Goddess, don’t let her leave with the mage.

One night, just one, but he had to have her. He had to know if what he felt was as real as he thought. Leaving her would be torture, he already knew it, but he would endure the lowest pits of hell to keep her out of DeMarco’s clutches.

There was no length Devlin wouldn’t go to in order to keep
his
little wolf safe. He wished he knew how to make her understand.

As the dove, he sat perched in a tree, watching as the mage waltz
ed her across the floor. Jealousy and doubt crept in, shredding his confidence. She looked as if she belonged in the man’s arms with the easy way they flowed together, smiling and laughing.

Did I imagine the agony in her eyes when I mentioned leaving?

Maybe it would be easier if it was all lies. If she felt nothing for him. She walked away from him with tears in her eyes, and not ten minutes later wore a smile as she enjoyed another man’s embrace.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his sister’s fiery red braid
as her husband, her mate, swept her across the dance floor.

She looked so happy
. Then after a moment’s focus, he sensed the presence growing inside her. She was going to be a mother.

Yet another reason to leave. Keeping the Dales from Edenton was his only goal
.

He was tempted to go to
Fallon in the dream realm. After so much time, he didn’t think visiting her would be safe. She was the fighter he never would be.

Still, h
e missed the dreams they used to share, even if she believed he was only in her imagination.