Only In My Dreams

Chapter Three

April

Oh my God. Sarah gaped at the sight of Gabriel Anderson standing in the Philadelphia Airport. He looked so tired it broke her heart. She took a step towards him, her heart hammering in joy and disbelief.

He’s home.

“Gabe!” A flash of red streaked past her. Gabe looked startled for a moment but smiled and held out his arms. Chloe jumped into them, wrapping her legs around the sheriff’s waist.

Gabe’s face was slowly turning red, but the affection pouring off him for the woman in his arms twisted through Sarah’s gut. “Um. Hello, vixen.”

Next to her Jim cleared his throat. “Sorry, kiddo. Looks like lover-boy has a girlfriend.”

Sarah opened up just enough to feel the hurt Jim was trying to hide, then slammed her shields back into place. She’d gotten good at building those shields in the last few months. She was tired of other people’s pity hammering into her recently. Even with Jim pity flavored his pain. “This is all your fault.”

“My fault? How is this my fault?”

She turned to him with a grin. “Because you never asked her out, Dr. Jurassic.”

He made a face. “Sure, blame everything on me.” He took hold of her arm and led her towards the gate.

“We’re sitting together, right?”

She heard Gabe calling her name but ignored him. “Sure are.”

“Because neither one of us wants to watch the two of them together.”

She grimaced. “Right. Hey, maybe they’ll be so busy saying hello they’ll forget to get on the plane!”

They headed down the ramp, arms entwined. “You always see the bright side. That’s what I love about you.”

She giggled. At the very least, Jim would keep her entertained, despite her heartbreak. She couldn’t even bring herself to look at Gabe.

He’d made his choice clear. And it wasn’t her.

“Is everything okay?”

Gabe looked down at Chloe. She was normally good company, but today Gabe just couldn’t get into a conversation with her. “Everything’s fine, little vixen.”

Liar, his Puma purred.

He had to admit his Puma was right. Things were far from fine. Some guy named Jim, Sarah’s fucking date for the wedding, had her giggling like a schoolgirl as he told her some outrageous tale of his travels.

Jim had been at the airport with her, smiling and obviously happy to be with her. He’d held her hand, kissing the back of it and smiling down at her seductively. He was delighted with her, commandeering her to sit next to him on the plane, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, even carrying her luggage. And when Sarah had tripped, Jim had caught her, saving her from a nasty fall. He’d even planted a soft kiss on Sarah’s forehead.

Gabe had wanted to break Jim’s pretty-boy face at the sight of the other man’s hands around her waist, his lips on her skin. His Puma was growling so loudly Gabe was surprised his chest wasn’t vibrating.

And Jim was pretty. Even as a guy Gabe could see that. He had that smarmy charm women seemed to fall all over themselves for.

Sarah certainly didn’t seem immune to it. Jim reached up and brushed some of that golden hair off his forehead and half the females on the plane sighed, including Sarah.

He stared at Sarah, torn. Why was she acting like this? He’d gotten straight off the plane, exhausted from making sure he was back in Philadelphia in time to go to the wedding of his Alpha and Curana, only to find his mate hanging all over another man. He couldn’t have imagined the shocked joy on her face when she’d first caught sight of him, but he’d been distracted by Chloe’s overenthusiastic greeting. Once he’d gotten himself disentangled from his friend, Sarah had latched onto Jimbo. She’d barely acknowledged he was there. A growl escaped his control when Jim stroked Sarah’s soft cheek. Oh, fucker. Get your hands off her or I’m gonna eat ‘em. He saw Jim’s gaze travel down to where Sarah’s little flowered sundress revealed the sweet swell of her breasts and wanted to rip the bastard’s eyes out of his head.

Gabe forcibly kept the snarl off his face but was helpless to stop his eyes from changing. She’d touched him. She’d dragged those delicate fingers of hers down Jim’s arm, her expression full of mischief and admiration.

Gabe didn’t like that. Not one damn bit. Jealousy churned in his gut. He wanted to pounce on the other man and rip his goddamn throat out for putting that soft look on his mate’s face.

But what startled him was the sound Chloe made as she watched the couple down the aisle having a wonderful time together. The moment Jim’s hand touched Sarah, an odd, high-pitched yip left her lips.

She clamped her mouth shut immediately, turning her face away from the couple to stare at the seat in front of her. Her cheeks turned bright red and she refused to look at anyone. She blew her bangs out of her face, a gesture that reminded him of Sarah. He glanced over at his mate to see her leaning her head against Jim’s shoulder.

“You shouldn’t have left.”

Gabe’s hands clenched in his lap. He would not get up and throw the fucker off the plane. He. Would.

Not. “You know why I had to. Hell, she knows why I had to.”

“Then why don’t you go over there and do something about it?”

Gabe gritted his teeth. He’d like nothing better than to get his hands on Sarah right now. He hadn’t spoken to her since March, and Chloe’s updates on his mate’s whereabouts had been less than encouraging. She seemed to spend an awful lot of time with the handsome veterinarian. Hell, he’d gotten so upset he’d cut his training short by a week just to be with her.

What the hell is she thinking? She had to know how he’d feel about her touching someone else, especially after being apart for so long. He’d meant to see to it that they were mated this week. Now that his training was finally over he was home to stay. But instead of being thrilled to see him she’d frowned and turned her fucking back on him.

He couldn’t remember anything that had hurt him more. Or pissed him off more. Her ass was going to be very sore by the time the week was over.

“While you sit there with your thumb up your stubborn kitty ass my mate is making goo-goo eyes at your mate.”

His head whipped around to study Chloe. “So why don’t you go over there and do something?”

She flushed. “He thinks I’m a kid. I overheard him telling someone at the office.”

The low, canine growl in her voice nearly matched the feline one lodged in his throat. “Well I hope you’re one of those people who have more than one mate, because I’m gonna kill me a vet if he doesn’t learn to keep his hands to himself.”

Chloe glared at him. “And what should I do about your sweet little pus—”

He slapped his hand over her mouth. “Don’t call her that. It’s not polite.”

She grumbled against his palm. He laughed, ignoring the looks the other passengers sent their way.

He also tried to ignore the niggling little voice telling him that maybe Chloe was right. That maybe he had made a mistake he was now paying for. It should have been his hands stroking Sarah’s satiny skin, not Jim’s. But what in hell was he supposed to do about it now? He sat back and stared out the plane’s window. He had no idea what to do, but he knew he had to stop watching Sarah and Jim. If he didn’t, there’d be an animal-related death at thirty thousand feet.

Sarah tried to ignore how happy Gabe and Chloe seemed as they left Orlando International Airport.

Their heads were close together, deep in conversation as they waited for their luggage.

Sarah was still in shock. She hadn’t known Gabe would be able to make the trip to Florida. It wasn’t like he bothered to call her and tell her his plans anymore. Sarah tried to hear what they were talking about, but the noisy Orlando airport was just too much. Jim stayed close by her side, trying his best to keep her spirits up in the face of Chloe and Gabe’s obvious involvement.

The affection she could feel pouring off Gabe every time he looked at Chloe was tearing her apart.

“Emma says I’m riding in the limo with you, but Chloe isn’t.”

Ouch. “Won’t she be offended?”

Jim grinned down at her, putting the last of their bags on the cart. “Do you really care?”

She didn’t even have to think about it. “Nope. Do you care?”

Jim laughed, gaining both Gabe’s and Chloe’s attention. They both glared at Jim, though why Chloe would be angry with the man Sarah had no clue. Jim, the big ham, leaned down and bussed her cheek.

“They’re watching us.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Jim surprised her, picking her up and twirling her away from the baggage return. She squealed, laughing when he put her down. “Having fun, sweetheart?”

She nodded up at him, grinning like a loon.

She tried to ignore it when Gabe helped Chloe get her rental car, joining them at the limo only once he was sure she was on her way. There was only so much distraction Jim could provide.

“Everyone ready?” Max gently ushered Emma inside the limo, his gaze lingering on his mate’s pert backside. He settled next to Emma and had her in his lap within seconds. Emma curled around him, sighing softly.

Sarah climbed in next, delighted when Jim sat next to her. She immediately snuggled closer to him, giving Adrian and Sheri, the Pride Marshall and his mate, room to get in. Dr. Adrian Giordano was Max’s business partner; his pale, legally blind mate was the latest addition to the Halle Pride.

Rick and Belle, the Poconos Pack Alphas, took the seat next to the door. The large Pack Alpha settled Belle in with unexpected gentleness, careful of the hip she’d injured saving Sheri from her insane ex-boyfriend. Her hip was better now, but thanks to a rival, Belle had been forced to have the pins removed too soon in order to shift and face a dominance challenge. She’d limp for the rest of her life because of it, but Rick didn’t seem to care. They’d both been asked to be in the wedding, an honor they’d accepted happily. Rick’s long red hair was pulled back in a tail, wisps flying up in the Florida breeze as he climbed in after his petite Luna.

“Damn, Rick. You need to wash your hair.” Simon, the Pride Beta and Max’s best man, climbed in, pretending to spit out bits of the Wolf’s hair. Becky, Emma’s Beta and matron of honor, climbed in after him, laughing and smacking Simon on the arm as Rick gave Simon the one-finger salute.

Gabe was the last party member in the limo. He stopped short when he saw Sarah sitting close to Jim, his gaze fixed on the hand Jim had resting on her thigh.

Sarah turned her face away from Gabe, looking up at Jim with affection. The entire plane ride Gabe had chatted and laughed with Chloe, showing no signs that Sarah’s sitting with Jim bothered him in the least.

So why is he growling?

She used her newfound powers to try and figure out how Gabe felt and was shocked. He was livid. Jim looked remarkably like a chew toy to the Second.

Jim leaned down, his gaze caressing her face as his fingers stroked her thigh. “So, how about dinner tonight?”

“Sorry, she’s busy.”

She blinked, anger stirring at Gabe’s smug expression. “Excuse me?” He hasn’t bothered to call me for a month and suddenly thinks he has the right to dictate my life?

I don’t think so.

“Gabe’s right, Sarah.” Emma shrugged, the traitor. “Tonight we’ve got reservations for the entire wedding party, plus Jim and Chloe, of course, at The Rainforest Café.”

“Oh.” She grinned up at Jim, delighted when Gabe’s expression turned fierce. Suck it up, big guy, just like I’ve had to every time Chloe throws your “friendship” in my face. She knew it wasn’t logical, but a tiny spurt of hope bloomed with that look. Maybe things weren’t as grim as she’d thought they were. “Looks like you’re taking me to dinner on Max’s dime.”

Everyone except Gabe chuckled.

“Tell you what. I’ll take you dancing on my dime after dinner.” Jim picked up her hand and kissed the palm, oblivious to the way Gabe’s sapphire blue eyes turned gold before they were quickly shielded by his ridiculously long lashes.

“Oh, dancing! That’s a great idea!” Emma giggled, her gaze darting back and forth between Gabe, Jim and Sarah.

Subtlety, thy name is not Emma. The Curana knew that Gabe and Sarah were meant to be mates and was obviously trying to play matchmaker.

Jim lifted his lips from her palm. “Does anyone hear a tearing sound?”

Sarah looked over at Gabe, not surprised to see his hands in his lap. Next to his right leg, four long furrows had been dug into the leather seat.

She tried to hide her glee at the sight. He’s actually jealous. Maybe this will work out! She snuggled next to Jim, a small smile on her face as she listened to her friends chatting and laughing together. Only Gabe remained silent, his face cold as he watched Jim play with her fingers.

Gabe settled into his hotel room with an angry growl.

Sarah was pulling away from him.

All during the flight from Philadelphia to Orlando, he’d watched her. Not once had she glanced over to see what he was up to.

And that chapped his ass more than he thought it would. Almost as much as the fact that the mate dreams had stopped seemed to bother his Puma. He hadn’t had a taste of his sweet Sarah for weeks. He had no idea what that meant, but his Puma had damn near gone into mourning.

Fuck.

He’d nearly lost it in the limo at the sight of another man’s hands all over his mate. The only thing stopping him from changing and killing the son of a bitch had been the presence of his Pride leaders, and the fact that the very human Jim didn’t stand a chance against him.

If Jim were a shifter, however, Gabe wouldn’t have been able to hold back. There’d be one less dickhead in the world sniffing after his Sarah, Chloe’s intended mate or not.

He lay down, intent on taking a short nap before his shower, hoping it would ease the growing headache that always seemed to be present these days. He was dreading what was going to happen at dinner. If Jim touched Sarah’s soft skin one more time, he was going head first into the mouth of an animatronic gorilla.

“Sarah.”

She shivered as that deep voice rolled over her. She didn’t dare look up, knowing that would earn her a spanking. Not normally a bad thing, but that wasn’t what she wanted just then. I wish I’d taken another one of those damn sleeping pills. She slept like the dead when she did, not dreaming at all, not even the silly little dreams she’d had before she’d met Gabe. Unfortunately she’d decided not to, not wanting to be light-headed through dinner. The sleeping pills always made her groggy when she woke up too soon. Besides, Gabe didn’t seem the type to take an afternoon nap.

Admit it. Part of you thought he’d be in Chloe’s room.

She gritted her teeth at the thought of him with the redhead. It made her even more determined than ever that he wouldn’t get what he wanted easily. Not this time.

“Look at me, Sarah.”

She peeked up at him through her lashes, allowing her defiance to shine through.

“That’s one, baby. Now look up at me.”

Fuck it. She would not submit. As far as she was concerned he’d betrayed her. He no longer had her obedience. He’d have to earn it back along with her trust.

“Put your hands behind your back, baby.”

Sarah stubbornly kept them where they were, in her lap.

He studied her, circling her, his stride sleek and commanding. “I said, put your hands behind your back.”

“No.”

He stopped, one brow rising arrogantly. “No?”

She turned her face from him, the first time she’d dared to do that in their dream.

He crouched down, one hand going to her chin, pulling her face around. She closed her eyes, refusing to look at him. “Sarah.”

She opened her eyes, hoping he would see the anger and the pain. She wanted him to know what he’d done to her. “You no longer have me.”

He reared back, his hand dropping from her face. Anguish flitted briefly across his face before anger washed over it. “Jim.”

“Chloe.” She glared at him. “Apparently she’s the one who should be here right now.”

“What?”

“Are you sleeping with her?”

For one second he looked stunned, confused, before determination settled in. He grabbed her upper arms, pulling her into his body. “I am not sleeping with Chloe!”

“Bullshit.”

His expression turned cold. “That’s two.”

“That’s none! How could you?”

She gasped as his eyes turned to gold. “I give you my word I have not slept with Chloe.”

She turned her face away. He’d been home over Christmas, given Chloe that pretty little bracelet. He’d had the time and probably the inclination. “Liar.”

Out of the corner of her eye she saw his jaw clench. “That’s three.”

Uh-oh. He had a hard and fast rule: three strikes, and she was out.

She fought him as he pulled her over his knee, but he was too strong for her.

“One: I have never, ever lied to you. Not even in dreams.”

SMACK. His palm landed, stinging her backside. She howled, trying to pull away from him, but he held her down firmly. The sting faded quickly, her arousal growing as she tried to squirm off his lap.

“Two. I have not slept with Chloe.”

Smack. This one was not as hard as the first. He caressed the mark his hand left behind. She licked her lips as her belly flipped. Normally, she loved it when he spanked her. The heat of his hand, the sting of his palm, would give way to an arousal so intense he didn’t need to do anything else to get her off.

Which was why she needed to get away. She wriggled harder, pinching his thigh, trying to get him to let her go. If that third smack landed…

SMACK!

She shuddered. Licking her lips, she looked up at him through her bangs and wondered what he would do if she just sank her fangs into his leg.

“If you so much as let Jim touch your little pinky, you won’t sit down for a week. Do you understand me?”

She blew a raspberry at him. He was so stunned she actually got free.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. “Oh, no you don’t.” Hard arms wrapped around her, holding her against him, back to front. “A little something to remind you to be a good girl, other than your sore ass.” He bit her neck, and she just knew he was sucking up a mark. If he’d let his fangs drop he’d have been marking her as his. One hand drifted down to her dripping pussy, pushing up against her clit, stroking her fast and furious until she was writhing in his embrace.

She screeched as she came, but it felt empty somehow.

With one final smack on her ass he set her free. “Now…”

Sarah woke, grateful the alarm clock had kept the dream from going any further. She just knew what he’d had in mind. Another quick, hard fuck followed by yet more rejection. With a sigh she stood and headed into the shower, stripping as she went. She was still tired. The nap had hardly been what she’d call restful . Damn him, anyway.

She washed quickly and toweled off, pulling her underwear out of the drawer. She didn’t have much time, thanks to Gabe’s little game. If she had her way the games would end one way or another before the end of this trip.

She wanted her hair and makeup to be perfect tonight, so she’d need to hurry. She had to do her damndest to outshine the perky female who had her mate’s undivided attention. Dinner was in under an hour and she still needed to catch the shuttle to Animal Kingdom.

She dressed quickly in the strappy little red sundress and matching sandals, plugged in her blow-dryer, and began taking care of her short bob, curling the ends under to frame her face. Just as she lifted her brush she noticed the bite mark on her neck. She turned the dryer off and leaned in closer to get a better look.

“Rat bastard.” It wasn’t the first time he’d marked her in a dream. Light hand prints had shown up more than once on her backside, hickeys on her shoulder blades and breasts, and now this. It was nice and dark too, and right where anyone could see it. The first time it had happened she’d been freaked out.

Now, she was just annoyed.

It took her a while, but she finally got it covered with makeup. How do I explain to people a dream hickey, anyway?

Shaking her head she started the dryer up again. If she didn’t hurry she’d be late, and it would all be Gabe’s fault.

It rained of course. What else could you expect in Florida in April? Hell, at least it had helped get rid of the unfulfilled hard-on he’d been sporting since his dream of Sarah had been interrupted. He didn’t even have the heart to be pissed about the aborted dream; seeing her there had been more than worth it. His Puma was actually growly again, something he hadn’t thought he’d miss until it was gone. He got to the restaurant before the worst of the rain hit, so he wasn’t too soaked. Still, the damp clothing and the cold air-conditioning was sending shivers down his spine and pulling up goose bumps on his arms.

He thought he was the first one there until he spied Emma shopping. The Rainforest Café was set up so that one entered the restaurant through the gift shop attached to it. He smiled as he caught Max’s wince, but Emma’s laughter pulled her mate to her like a magnet to iron.

He watched them, so happy together, and wondered if he and Sarah would ever be that happy. The dream this afternoon had disturbed him on more than one level. Sarah’s defiance had startled him, turned him on and hurt him, all at the same time. Her pain had struck him deep, made him question his decisions like never before, even more than seeing her with Jim had. The only thing he could come up with was that his Puma was bound and determined to have him finally claim her as his own.

Even in dreams she’d never argued with him like that before. He’d been telling dream-Sarah the truth.

He couldn’t bring himself to lie to her, even there. He hadn’t slept with Chloe. He hadn’t been with a real woman in a long time. Hell, even his dreams were faithful to her! How could she think for even a second that he would betray their bond that way? The pain in her eyes had been too much for him to bear, and when she’d told him he didn’t have her any longer, he’d nearly broken down and ended his torment, marking her for all to see as his, if only in his own mind.

He had to stop this. He had to remember that they were only dreams, or that pain he’d seen in her would drive him mad.

Why had his dream of her accused him of infidelity? That really bothered him. Was he secretly attracted to Chloe? He tried to picture kissing her and shuddered in revulsion.

Nope. That isn’t it. The thought of touching any female flesh but Sarah’s was revolting. So why did Dream Sarah accuse me of that? What was his subconscious trying to tell him? Could his closeness with Chloe be the root of his problems with Sarah? But why?

He shook his head and wondered what Sarah’s dreams were like. How did he act in them? Did he bring her flowers and candy? Did he make sweet, gentle love to her? Did they argue constantly? One thing was for sure. He very much doubted he spanked her until she came.

He stopped, stunned by a single, horrifying thought. What if she doesn’t dream of me at all?

He heard Sarah’s tinkling laughter and turned towards the entrance of the restaurant, compelled to catch a glimpse of her. She was shaking water out of her hair, giggling up at the walking dead man beside her.

She was soaked through, her short red sundress clinging to her curves in a way guaranteed to raise the blood pressure of any male who wasn’t gay, showing off legs Gabe had felt wrapped around his waist more than once. Gabe stepped forward, instinctively looking for a way to shield his mate from other men’s eyes.

Before he could reach her Jim led her right over to the towels and began gently drying her off. “Don’t worry about it, sweetheart, I’ll just buy it for you.”

“Thank you, Jim.” She gazed up at the soon-to-be corpse with affection. Affection that rightfully belonged to him. When Jim’s towel-covered hands drifted dangerously close to her cleavage Gabe snarled, unable to hold himself back a second longer.

That’s it. Dickhead’s gonna find out what that towel tastes like.

The towel lifted just enough to reveal the side of Sarah’s neck, halting Gabe in his tracks. His entire being was focused on the mark on her neck.

The mark he’d put there not two hours before.

He stared at it, wondering what the fuck was going on. How the hell was that possible? He hadn’t actually bitten her! It had been a fucking dream, for God’s sake!

She caught him staring at her. Her expression turned wary, and her hand moved up to cover the mark.

He caught her gaze with his own, trapping her, mentally demanding answers she couldn’t possibly give him.

When her eyes lowered submissively, he nearly cursed out loud. His cock twitched, his erection growing to painful proportions behind his jeans despite their cold dampness.

She’d somehow been there in his dreams, in his arms, writhing on his cock, every damn night for months

. And she’d done everything he’d asked of her .

She blushed, pulling back, away from him and closer to the man who was going to become cat chow.

Gabe felt the purr of his Puma, a feral sound, one that he’d become familiar with over the last few months. Oh, hell no, baby. You can try to run, but I will hunt you down. And when I do I’m going to have a few things to say about your relationship with Dr. Deadman.

You’re mine.