Kenyon, Sherrilyn - Dark Hunter 06 - Phantom Lover by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page A

angry bellow. "You must leave," he said, sweeping a quick kiss across her lips.
    "But-"
    He gave her no time to argue before he sent her back to her world and rolled over onto his back to appear nonchalant.
    She had barely vanished before M'Ordant appeared to stand over him. Dressed in the same black clothes, M'Ordant looked very similar to V'Aidan. Same black hair, same silvery-blue eyes. The only thing they differed in was height. V'Aidan stood a good four inches taller and he wore the look of a deadly predator.
     
     
     
     
     
    M'Ordant looked like a person the humans called a Boy Scout.
    "What are you doing?" M'Ordant asked.
    "I am lying in the sun," V'Aidan said, placing his hands behind his head. "You?"
    "Is that an attempt at humor?"
    V'Aidan shrugged as he looked up at his brother. M'Ordant was one of the oldest of the Oneroi and was one of Morpheus's most favored sons. "If it were an attempt, it would be wasted on you, now wouldn't it?"
    "More humor?"
    V'Aidan sighed. "Why are you here?"
    "I have heard distressing news about you."
    "And to think I thought all news about me was distressing."
    That was lost on his brother as well as M'Ordant stared down at him. "Did you learn nothing from your punishment?"
    Yes, he'd learned to be more careful seeking out Erin. To tell no one of the precious time they spent together.
    "You're boring me, M'Ordant. Go away."
    "You can't be bored."
    "And a good thing, too, since I'd no doubt perish from it while in your company."
    M'Ordant stared at him blankly. "I am merely here as a courtesy. As of this moment, the woman is tagged. Summon her again, and you will deal with me."
    "Well, it certainly wouldn't be the first time you and I have crossed."
    'True, but I have permission from Hypnos to make it the last time if you interfere with her again."
    ERIN went to sleep that night and waited for V'Aidan to show himself.
    He didn't.
    When she woke up in the morning, she trembled with loss and worry. Had something happened to him?
    He'd acted so strangely yesterday. And that shout...
     
               
    What could have happened? Could the Skoti have found him? Hurt him because he protected her?
    "V'Aidan," she whispered. "Where are you?"
    V'AIDAN ached as he heard the plea in Erin's voice. He stood at her side, so close all he had to do was shift slightly and he would touch her. "I'm here, Erin," he whispered. "I've been here all night."
    She didn't hear him.
    He'd stayed by her bed the entire time she slept, watching her. Making sure none of the Skoti found her. He was sure Krysti'Ana was behind M'Ordant's appearance.
    V'Aidan was all that stood between Erin and Krysti'Ana. So long as he visited her dreams and they were together, his sister would never be able to claim Erin.
    Erin's mind was ripe with happiness and creativity. Her dreams were vivid and warm and bubbling over with emotions. Any Skotos would be attracted to her.
    And now he could neither protect her nor...
    His thoughts scattered as she wept.
    Pain lacerated his chest at the sight of her grief. She sobbed as if her heart were broken.
    Why?
    But worse was the helplessness he felt. He hurt for her. "Please don't cry, akribos," he whispered, trying to gather her into his arms.
    It didn't work.
    He wasn't of her world. He could never be part of her world. Grinding his teeth, he cursed his formless existence.
    Erin wept until her eyes grew heavy. Until she was spent and so tired, she couldn't move.
    And as she slipped back into sleep, she thought for an instant that she caught a glimpse of V'Aidan in her room.
    The next thing she knew, she found herself high on a mountaintop, looking out on the ocean.
    The grass caressed her bare feet as the waves crashed on the surf far below. Wind whipped through her hair, plastering her white sundress to her body.
     
     
     
     
     
    She breathed in the crisp, clean air and listened to the gulls cawing. How peaceful.
    Just when she thought her dream couldn't improve, she felt two