Only in Her Dreams by Christina McKnight Read Free Book Online Page A

alive.
    “Good to see your head isn’t the worse for wear today. Not many people can take a bat to the head and get back up,” Lucessa said, hoping to gain the upper hand early in their conversation.
    “It was my luck that you hit like a girl. Plus, the bat only slightly grazed my shoulder.” The smirk was back as he continued, “But it was enough to knock me balance off. I think the fall hurt my pride more than my body.”
    That’s odd, Greg never admitted if I hurt his pride.
    Maxim settled in the large recliner across from the couch. It was Greg’s chair and in his memory she never used it. Would Greg be mad about another man sitting there? The aching in her heart returned, but she knew now wasn’t the time for tears or a pity party.
     

Chapter 7
     
    Darius entered the dump he’d called home for the last five years. The building was dilapidated, and the smell of filth kept most squatters away. His thoughts drifted back to the home he’d visited earlier. He didn’t need nor want that type of commitment, at least not here on Earth. Been there, she spurned my attention, done that, not going back.
    Several men lounged around the room, either sleeping, drinking or copulating with humans in different states of undress. His men, or the Melas Oneiroi, as his brothers were fond of calling them, were in desperate straits. They’d spent the last twenty odd years on the move, escaping notice or running from the law--all the while on the lookout for the girl.
    Their lot would improve soon.
    As soon as he convinced that bastard who called himself a Lucas, to hand over Erebos, things would change.
    “What a hellhole,” Darius mumbled. His men were an unmotivated lot, unconcerned with the necessities Darius had been accustomed to in Erebos. The Melas’ loyalty came at a price; Darius provided drugs, women, and alcohol and, in turn, his men were ready to assist him when he called on them.
    And the time was upon them.
    He was close to fulfilling his side of the agreement with his Lord. He would soon be the keeper of a population larger, and stronger, than the Oneiroi. He was born and raised to be a leader, and that he would be. His time in this hellhole was limited.
    With the help of his informant, he’d located his older brother’s long kept secret. He’d exploit it to gain what should be his.
    Guy had been busy during his time on Earth. He’d created his own little family unbeknownst to Darius and the rest of the Oneiroi; but the secret was out now. While the blood that ran through the girl’s veins couldn’t possibly be Guy’s, she called him father.
    As he walked across the room, he landed kick after solid kick into rib cages, heads, and the backs of his men. The time was now. He had a plan to carry out and it was time for his men to prove their worth.
    “Alexander!”
    His second in command walked in from the poor excuse for a kitchen. The house had no electricity or running water, therefore, the appliances that remained were useless. Alexander looked well-kept and groomed, as usual. How he kept himself thus was a mystery to Darius.
    Looking down at his own attire, Darius knew his own personal hygiene could be improved on. That would change once he became the Dark Leader.
    Darius returned his gaze to his man. Alexander stood, ready for his next assignment. His second in command looked forward to returning to Erebos, but that was not where they were headed. He recognized the hunger in Alexander’s eyes and the determination in his stance.
    “Tonight we embark on another mission,” he commanded Alexander. “Find the girl’s weakness--that which will bring her willingly to us.”
    “Allow me to deliver the girl to you, Master.”
    “No, that’s not the way it will go down. She must choose to come with us--and to go against Guy and Maxim.” That had been the catch--her willingness was imperative to his mission. Ultimately, she would be the one to convince them to hand over Erebos. But before that