Dair eased himself onto the bed until he was stretched out beside Serenity. She was slumbering peacefully, and he didn’t want to wake her. But, at the same time, he missed her badly. He’d been so busy trying to figure out how to keep her safe that he hadn’t had any time to actually stop and spend time with her.

He reached out and ran a finger down her cheek. Her skin was so incredibly soft, and he couldn’t help but hope there would be a day that he would be able to marry her so he could explore more of her and show her just how much she meant to him. Words could only express so much. Even other actions of love, no matter how heartfelt, were limited in what they could convey. But physical touch, and the intimacy that came with such an action, was the complete language of love. He was learning that it took many ways to show her just how precious she was. He needed to tell her she was special, of course. But he also needed to do things for her that provided for her and eased her burdens. These were great, but he wanted to give her what no one else could, what no one else would have the right to. He wanted to make love to her.

His hand dropped to her thigh and then ran upward until he was gripping her waist. He pulled himself closer to her and leaned over her. Dair took a deep breath and loved the way her scent filled his insides.

“Serenity,” he whispered as he leaned close to her ear. “Wake up, my love.” She didn’t stir. He pressed his lips to hers and sucked on her bottom lip as she’d done to him, tugging just a bit. When he released it, he peppered her jaw with kisses until he was back at her ear.

“Baby, I need to see your eyes,” he said a little louder and then took her earlobe between his teeth and bit gently. She stirred, a breathy moan leaving her slightly parted lips. Dair’s stomach felt like it dropped to his feet at the sound.

He pressed another kiss against her lips and then eased himself over until his body covered hers. Dair lowered himself until he was pressed gently against her but not crushing her. This seemed to be enough to draw her from her sleep.

Serenity’s eyes fluttered, and she blinked until they finally opened. She stared up at him, and slowly, a smile formed on her sensual lips. “Hi,” she whispered.

“Hi back,” Dair said, his own grin spreading on his face. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

He brushed her hair away from her neck and then leaned down and kissed her, sucking at the spot until he heard her take in a sharp breath.

“Dair?” she asked, sounding a little confused.

“I need to be close to you. I… ” He wasn’t sure how to explain it or if he could even put it into words. “I just… ”

“I need you,” she interrupted.

He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers. “Yes.” He sighed. “That’s what I need. You, just you.”

Dair pressed his lips to hers, gentle at first. But it didn’t take long until his passion and need took over. Her lips separated, and her tongue darted out to meet his. He groaned at her boldness and returned the action, allowing his tongue to explore the warmth of her mouth.

Serenity arched her back up from the bed, pressing her body closer to his. She was nearly frantic in her need of him, and he felt the same need rising in himself. His hands moved up and down her body, memorizing her curves and reveling in the sounds his touch drew from her.

* * *

Serenity forced her eyes open as she gasped for breath. She pushed away the hair matted to her face by the sweat that coated her entire body. Her heart was pounding painfully in her chest, and she could feel the blood rushing through her head. Her ears felt clogged, and there was no other sound but her rapid breathing and surging blood. She pictured a roaring river filled with rapids, and that was what she felt in her veins.

When she’d fallen asleep, the room had still been lit by the sun, but it was dark now. The only light shown from the large full moon that stared down at her through her window. She used to find comfort in the moon, but tonight it felt as though it was mocking her, as if, even under its soft glow, she was unable to find sleep and solace.

Serenity stood as she took slow, deep breaths. Her palms were sweaty, and her hands shook as she wiped them on her yoga pants. Once she felt steady enough to walk, she made her way to her door and moved to the kitchen. Her mouth felt dry and itchy, as though she’d been screaming for an extended period of time. Directly in front of the cabinets, she reached up for a drinking glass. Despite thinking she had a firm grip on it, the glass slipped from her hand as soon as she tried to retrieve it. It hit the counter with a sharp clank and continued down to the hard floor where it shattered.

The sound reverberated against the walls in the quiet of the night. Serenity stared down at the glass shards all around her and felt a heavy wave of despair shiver down her spine. She felt that broken glass represented a prophecy of sorts, some future vision of what her life was going to look like—one broken thing after another—broken dreams, broken heart, broken friendships, broken everything. Serenity sighed. She was tired and thirsty, and she just wanted to get some water and go back to bed. Why was that too much to ask?

“Serenity.” Dair’s deep voice cut through the quiet, and she felt the shadows that had been sneaking up on her recede.

“Serenity, love, what happened?”

She turned her head to look at Dair and nearly moaned. He was so handsome. Nothing about him was out of place, nothing like the mess she’d become. Why would he ever want to be with her?

“I wanted some water,” she finally answered.

He took several steps toward her until he was close enough to sweep her up in his arms and carry her away from the glass. His breath was warm against her neck as he held her close to his body. Dair carried her back to her room and, though she wanted to object, she kept her mouth closed and laid her head on his shoulder.

He placed her on the bed, and she felt the urge to beg him to keep her in his lap. Serenity bit her tongue to keep from doing it. She did not want to be that clingy girlfriend. Dair sat next to her and pushed her hair behind her shoulder and then ran the back of his finger across her cheek.

“You look shaken,” he said. “What’s going on? Talk to me, Princess.”

Serenity’s eyes snapped up to his at the endearment. She could see the concern burning in his dark eyes and could practically feel his need to help her, to fix whatever it was that needed fixing. Why was she so hesitant to tell him about the nightmares? Why did she suddenly feel like a burden to him?

When he reached for her and pulled her into the shelter of his arms, she gave in. “I had another nightmare.”

Dair felt like a complete failure. He’d left her here, unprotected, and she had suffered the consequences of his actions. But he couldn’t be in several places at once. How did he help Raphael with Emma, take care of his assignments from the Creator, and keep Serenity safe all at the same time? He would never in a million years regret having found Serenity, but he couldn’t deny that the relationship made things more complicated. Relationships made choices harder because you weren’t just looking out for yourself any more. You always had to make sure you took the other person into consideration.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here,” he whispered against her hair.

“I can’t expect you to be with me all of the time,” she whispered against his chest where her face was pressed. “I’m not your responsibility, Dair. I’m eighteen. I should be able to take care of myself.”

Dair pulled back so he could look down at her face. “I don’t doubt your ability to take care of yourself, Serenity.” He knew he sounded gruff, but her words angered him. “And I beg to differ. You are my responsibility. You’re the woman I love. You’re the woman I pleaded for before the Creator, and it is my job to care for you, help you, and take care of you. Maybe that’s not what the world thinks a man should be, but it’s what I believe a man should be.”

“I’m not weaker just because I’m female,” she snapped.

Where was this coming from? Serenity was never short with him, nor was she ever so irrational. Dair tried to remind himself that she had just been through a terrible ordeal. Maybe the pain medication was altering her personality, or maybe lack of good rest was making her think unclearly.

“I would never think that,” he said, attempting to keep his tone even. “Men and women are different. The Creator made them so. Does that make one better than the other? No. That kind of thinking is simply ignorant. The Creator did not make men smarter than women or women smarter than men. They are equal, but different. You are my equal, beloved. But we are not the same, and I would not want us to be the same. Where I am weak, you are strong. Where you are weak, I am strong. That is the way it was designed since the beginning of time.” Dair pressed a kiss to her forehead and felt her relax against him.

“I’m so tired,” she admitted.

“I know, Princess. I know, and I’m sorry. I can help with that. I should have been here to help with that.” He stood with her in his lap and then laid her down and pulled the covers up around her. Sitting beside her, he pressed his hand gently to her forehead. “Close your eyes, Serenity. Let me weave you a dream.”

Dair closed his eyes and reached into her mind. He felt her weariness. When he probed deeper, he felt her confusion. He started to build images of a quiet field and a tranquil pond, with the smell of green grass and blooming flowers. He wove in the birds in the sky and the warmth of a spring day sun. When he looked around, he saw her sitting there on the other side of the pond. Dair smiled as he watched the wind blow through her hair and her skin glow. She was beautiful. He started to wave but dropped his hand when she looked up at him. Her eyes were as black as night. They held no whiteness at their edges. Her lips tilted up, but the smile was anything but friendly. Dair took a step back as he watched her tilt her head at him as though examining a particularly disgusting insect. When she took a step toward him, heedless of the pond in front of her, he held up his hand. “Stop, Serenity,” he yelled, and it was then that he noticed the wind had picked up and the sun was being shielded by dark clouds. This was no dream of his. The flowers he’d created wilted before his eyes, and the grass withered until it was brown and dead. The water of the pond was no longer a serene blue. It had begun to swirl, turning black and then glowing red and orange as if a fire raged just below the surface.

The smell of sulfur overwhelmed him, and he coughed as it became difficult to breathe. Evil was overwhelming his dream

“Brudair!” Serenity appeared to scream, but it wasn’t her voice that emerged from her lips. The voice that came from her mouth was low and raspy, as though the one wielding it had burned its vocal chords. Serenity was now walking across the swirling lake of fire, her steps sure and full of purpose.

“Who are you?” Dair asked.

“You are an ancient one,” the voice said. “You should know who I am.”

“Give me a name,” he snapped back, standing taller and drawing on the power imbued to him by the Creator.

“I am many names,” the voice said. It sounded like many voices now, all speaking in unison. “I am legion, I am destroyer, stealer, and death bringer. I am ruler of the earth. I am the wolf in sheep’s clothing. I am the one who will bring you and all you love to your knees.”

“I’m still waiting on a name.” Dair growled. This being had Brudair’s name, and that was a powerful thing to speak. Dair wanted to be on the level ground with the evil before him. “I command you by the power of the Creator. GIVE. ME. YOUR. NAME.”

The being in Serenity made her body cower back and bow its head. “You command nothing. I will give you my name, but only because I want you to know who will destroy the woman you love,” it rasped. “I am called _______________________. I am your opposite in every way. While you create light, I render darkness in its place. While you project the Creator’s will, I tear apart the truths and replace them with fear and doubt. You may be the dream maker, but I am the dream stealer. I will take their minds and warp them to the will of my lord.”

“And why do you think He would ever let you get away with this?” Dair challenged

The being, which Dair knew without a doubt to be a demon, laughed. “Let me?” It laughed. “That is so cute. You, Dream Weaver, are powerless against dark dreams. As long as the human lets me in, nothing can stop me. I can, however, kick you out.”

Dair felt the breath whoosh from his lungs as though he’d been kicked in the stomach, and when he opened his eyes, he was back in Serenity’s room. He stared down at her in shock as he watched her eyes move rapidly beneath closed lids. The Sandman was simply at a loss for words.

Why was a demon infiltrating Serenity’s dream? And to what end? He wanted to seek out answers, but he also didn’t want Serenity to wake up alone. He wanted to be there to comfort her when she awoke from the hell in which she’d been surrounded.

The sun was beginning to rise when she finally stirred and then slowly opened her eyes. She had dark circles around them as if she hadn’t slept in a long time. Her eyes were red and bloodshot and the lids swollen and puffy. Sweat had gathered on her body, causing her hair to stick to her forehead and neck.

She looked up at him, and her eyes immediately filled with tears. “What’s happening to me?” she whispered as she broke, and her weariness and fear pulled her apart.

“I don’t know, Sarah. But I promise I will find out, and I will fix it,” Dair vowed. “I need to go out in order to look into this. Can you stay awake?” She nodded as she pushed herself into a sitting position. “I want you to stay close to Darla and Wayne,” he said.

Serenity nodded.

As if she’d heard her name, Darla pushed the door open and stuck her head in. “Hey, you two, I’ve got breakfast made. Y’all want to come have some?”

Serenity looked as though food was the last thing she wanted to think about, but Dair stood and pulled her by her hand, forcing her out of bed.

“Serenity was just saying how hungry she was,” Dair said as Serenity glared at him.

“What about you, Dair? Should I set out a plate, or do you need to go?”

“I’ve got to be off, but I’ll be back later to check on everyone.”

Darla waved to him and then turned back toward the kitchen, already distracted by what she was going to do that day

Dair kissed Serenity’s forehead. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Says the man who is supposed to have power over dreams, yet couldn’t stop my nightmare,” she said dryly.

Dair flinched. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “It’s not your fault. I can’t expect you to be all powerful.”

“It would be nice if I had other powers though.”

She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling her body close to his. The warmth she exuded felt so good against his cooler form. Dair pressed his face into her neck and fought the urge to keep her with him. He knew he couldn’t drag her with him everywhere he went, but he hated leaving her.

When Serenity pulled back so she could look up at him, Dair sucked in a deep breath. Her eyes held such longing, and her lips were parted ever so slightly. She was breathtaking, and he needed no more invitation than that. He leaned his head down to hers and pressed his lips against her. He kissed her deeply, allowing his tongue to explore her warm mouth and giving her the same liberty with his. Dair’s hands skimmed up her hips to her waist and then around to her back. One stayed on her lower back, pulling her tightly against him while the other hand moved up until it was buried in her hair. She tasted so good, and she was an addiction he never wanted to be rid of.

Her small moan caused his own chest to growl, and he walked her backward until her back was pushed against the wall and his chest was pressed closely to hers.

“You are a temptation that is almost too much to deny,” he whispered against her mouth.

Serenity tried to pull him tighter against him, but he resisted. Dair’s hands moved from her body to the wall on either side of her head, boxing her in. He pressed his forehead to hers as he willed his heart to slow down.

“This lust and desire I have for you is much stronger than I ever thought it could be. I always wondered why humans were so drawn to physical pleasure. Now I know. There is nothing else that can compare to the intense pleasure that comes from kissing and touching you.”

Serenity shook her head against his. “It isn’t always like this.”

He pulled back just far enough that he could look her in the eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Sex is a very casual act in today’s world. People do it simply because it feels good,” she explained.

Dair frowned. “They do it with just anyone?”

“If you believe the television, then yes. If they are attracted to a person and that person reciprocates the attraction, it wouldn’t be taboo for them to sleep together.”

“So if you were attracted to another man, and he was attracted to you, it is possible you would have sex with him?” Dair felt sick at the idea of Serenity in the arms of another.

“No,” she answered quickly. “I’m in a relationship. Surprisingly, even in this culture, it is still frowned upon to cheat on your significant other.”

“And if you weren’t in a relationship?” he challenged.

Her brow rose as she looked up at him. He knew his eyes would be swirling black with strong emotion.

“If I wasn’t in a relationship, I wouldn’t be jumping into bed with every guy I was attracted to. I don’t do the whole casual dating, or friends with benefits,” Serenity said. “The idea of getting naked with a stranger is not appealing to me. Nor is it appealing to think he had possibly been touching a different woman the night before.” She paused and narrowed her eyes at him. “We’ve already had a similar conversation about this. Why are you bringing it up?”

He shrugged and took a step back. “I just like to make sure things are clear in our relationship. I never want to cross a line that you don’t want crossed. It’s important that we have a good understanding of our expectations, don’t you think?”

She folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head slightly to the right. “Or maybe you were trying to distract me from the dream and you leaving?”

“Tell yourself whatever you need to, Princess. I’m just trying to keep open communication between us.” He pulled one of her hands free and tugged her toward her door.

“Have you been reading up on relationships? You sound like a self-help book for couples.”

He laughed. “No, but I can start.”

“Please don’t,” she pleaded, but Dair heard the smile in her voice.

He pulled her along until they’d reached the kitchen and then turned to give her one last lingering kiss. “I won’t be gone long.”

“That’s what the guy in the movie always tells the girl right before he gets in a car crash and never comes back,” Serenity said.

“Then it’s a good thing I don’t travel by car.”

“What about a large bird? Could one of those hit you while you’re traveling from place to place?”

He laughed. “I don’t fly, Princess. The way I travel is completely safe, and I’m virtually untouchable.”

He stepped away from her and motioned for her to go in to the kitchen.

“Virtually untouchable isn’t completely untouchable.”

Dair could see the worry in her eyes. She sounded like she was teasing, but there was real fear behind the words. She was afraid he wouldn’t come back, that she would have to face her nightmares alone.

“Do you trust me?”

She nodded.

“Then go eat breakfast with your aunt and spend time with your family. I will be back before you even remember I’ve gone.” He bowed his head to her and pressed his hand to his heart. He hoped she realized what he was saying without words—you humble me, and I keep you close always.

Dair left her before she could say anything more that might make it impossible for him to leave.

Serenity stood staring at the spot where Dair had just vanished and willed herself to quit acting like a desperate girlfriend. That wasn’t who she was and not even the scariest of nightmares was going to turn her into one.

She turned and walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. A second later a plate of food was set before her. Her aunt Darla was the rarest kind of gem. Serenity smiled up at her. “Thank you.”

Darla waved her off. “Feeding people is what I do best.”

“And making people feel at home no matter where you are,” Serenity added.

“I just talk to people. With all the devices and computers these days, a person can go all day communicating and not ever speak to one person face to face. There was a time when perfect strangers waved when they drove by one another and when someone smiled at a person walking on the same sidewalk. I don’t do anything special, hon. I just treat people the way the good Lord expects us to all treat each other.”

“That makes you a diamond in the rough.” Before her aunt could give her a rebuttal, Serenity quickly asked, “So what are your plans for today? And where’s Uncle Wayne?”

“He’s making sure the truck’s going to start. It got mighty cold last night. Then we’re going to the county courthouse to see what we need to do about getting our Emma back.”

This made Serenity perk up. “Can I come?”

Darla placed her hands on her hips and tapped her foot while staring at her. “Do you really think you need to be getting out so soon? It’s only been a couple of days since you were in the hospital.”

“I need to get out of the house. I’m already going stir-crazy. I promise I’ll take it easy.”

“That means no lunging at the judge if he doesn’t say what you want him to,” Darla said, waving a finger at her.

“Deal.”

Darla shook her head as she walked out of the kitchen. “Why do I feel like I just made a deal with the devil?’