Ravenswynd Dreams

By Sharon Ricklin

Let me tell you a little-known secret. Being turned into a vampire doesn’t necessarily guarantee freedom from fear or danger. All of that silly happy-ever-after gibberish about immortality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either. And furthermore, living forever in a state of bliss and contentedness is actually a blatant lie. I wish someone had told me.
Elizabeth Amarande Rose Bertrand’s first day as a vampire was definitely not what she’d expected, what with nearly losing her beloved twin sister. And after a short reprieve and a warm welcome to Ravenswynd, her new home in England, it gets even worse. Her immortal life takes on a whole new twist and she finds herself living in a perpetual state of fear. Faced with unsettling rumors and revelations, her dreams become real-life nightmares. Suddenly finding herself up to her neck in a mind-bending abduction, Elizabeth believes that death itself would be better than being bound to someone she despises - bound by ancient law - for all eternity.
The old saying is only too true: There actually are fates worse than death - even when you’re a vampire.
And once again...there will be blood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon Ricklin
• Release date: Jun 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301967032

Sharon Ricklin

Sharon Ricklin grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and always knew she wanted to be a writer. She's had many titles in her life, including: wife, mother, grandmother, medical assistant, ranch-hand, and teacher. While still home-schooling her youngest son - she finally started writing. However, after finishing her first romance novel, circumstances in life forced her to set the book aside for a few years...No longer working full time and having an empty nest, (and no more excuses) she decided to get to work on editing that novel. Little did she know, her muse had other ideas. A fantastically vivid dream forced her to set that book aside, yet again. This dream gave birth to the Ravenswynd Series, and the muse hasn't shut up since. (After finishing her paranormal Ravenswynd Series, she did finally get that first novel published and (Song of Memory) is available.Sharon is a member of Romance Writer's of America (RWA), Wisconsin Romance Writers, (WisRWA) the author of two blogs, and involved in several Writer's Groups.Now living in Racine, Wisconsin, Sharon is working on another time-travel novel, tentative title: Island of Time.Her other 3 time-travel (romance) novels, River of Time, Garden of Time, and Frozen in Time are stand-alone novels - NOT a series.

Book preview

RAVENSWYND DREAMS

Book Two

SHARON RICKLIN

Copyright © 2013 Sharon Ricklin

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

Other Titles by Sharon Ricklin

Ravenswynd Legends (Book 1)

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission from the author.

Cover Artwork: Amela M. B. at Madhoshi Arts

For my Mother – who taught me the love of reading -

Barbara Joan Wendorf Secklin

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author’s profound gratitude to…

My awesome editor: Barbara Secklin

My fantastic beta-readers: Laurel Johnson and Lisa McFerren

An enormous thanks to Amy – who, from the beginning, thought that Ravenswynd was more than just one book – it could be a whole series.

I will be forever thankful to my granddaughter Rachael for all her hard work in helping me create the book trailers for the Ravenswynd Series. Her artistic talents are amazing.

I love you all.

A special thanks to my wonderful artist, Amela M.B. at Madhoshi Arts

† †

Suddenly, and without any noise or warning, a brutal hand clamped over my mouth - yanking me back hard against the headrest, cranked my head to the side, and pressed a cold, metal object against my neck.

Don’t make a move, or I’ll slit your throat. The harsh, raspy demand snarled from the back seat. The abrasive hand over my mouth gripped painfully tighter; the icy metal on my neck pressed hazardously deeper. This knife is very sharp, he added. The razor-edge bit into my skin as a warning and seconds later a small, warm trickle of blood slithered all the way down between my breasts. I froze solid, unable to move, scream, or breathe; once again reminded of the glaring truth: becoming a vampire didn’t mean there was nothing to fear anymore.

† †

CHAPTER 1

NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN

When we first entered our suite, the scent of burning wood overwhelmed me. It was so powerful that I nearly choked in response, my senses still so heightened since my transition. But through the smoky aroma, I also detected something sweet, and when we walked toward the bedroom area I spotted a large basket of fresh fruit sitting on one of the tables. There were grapes, strawberries, cherries and mangoes, apples and bananas. Beside this basket another gift-basket sat, containing a bottle of champagne along with a variety of crackers, cheeses, sausages, and chocolates. To the right of the baskets were two beautiful champagne flutes - clear glass with pink roses etched along the sides. Everything looked so welcoming – and romantic. Soft music filled the air, and scented candles burned throughout the room leaving a flickering glow everywhere.

How lovely, I said, smiling, turning to my new husband. Emrys, did you plan all this?

Not completely; most of it was my sister’s idea. She said our wedding suite ought to include food and that we may find we need nourishment - later on. His smile was playful, and I hoped I’d have enough sense to thank Amrita the next time I saw her.

I shivered, feeling quite nervous, but considering what I had put myself through earlier that evening, it seemed ridiculous.

After all, I was now an eternal being, a new vampire, and a new member of the Raven society. But, none of these otherworldly things out-weighed the fact that minutes from now I would be consummating my marriage. My nerves were on edge, but I also found myself thrilled with a new excitement. Ever since our first kiss, I’d been awaiting this moment. And yet my sexual naïveté left me feeling shy and immobilized, so I just stood there waiting for Emrys to make the first move.

He casually went to the table, and looking at the champagne label, read it aloud: Perrier-Jouet. This, he said, showing me the bottle, is one of the best.

He opened the wine carefully, and when he handed me a glass I noticed the roses on the glasses matched those on the bottle. I had never seen anything like this before, and was quite impressed with such a novel idea.

Elizabeth, my sweet bride – a toast to our love, he said, holding up his glass. Let us drink to our eternal happiness. I am so very grateful that the Veinvedia has brought us together. Until I first saw you, I did not believe in love at first sight and had little faith in the Signatus. And then, when I realized how very much I loved you and wanted you in my life, I never ceased hoping that these things were real and that you would find me to be the one your heart would choose.

He gazed into my eyes just as he had on our first evening together, piercing my soul, and calling out to my heart to join him. My pulse accelerated immediately and my breath trembled.

Emrys, I whispered. I knew I wanted you the first time we met, even though I had no idea why. My heart chose you long before my brain knew what was happening. Here’s to our eternal happiness.

We tapped our glasses together and took a small sip. I didn’t know if it was due to my heightened sense of taste, but the champagne was wonderful; light and fruity, and I could even taste hints of berries.

And flowers?

Mmm, this is lovely! I said. And it’s so refreshing.

It was absolutely delicious, and I took another large sip.

Emrys came nearer, took my hand and led me to our bed. He set our glasses down on the side table and engulfed me in his warm arms. My heart began to hammer, half nerves, half excitement.

Elizabeth, he said, embracing me, I promise to never hurtyou emotionally or physically. Do you trust me?

I thought that was a strange question to ask.

Wasn’t it obvious that I trusted him?

I had given him my very life already. How could he not know my feelings?

I just want you to understand that if you need me to stop at any time, I will.

He held my face between his palms and brought his lips softly to mine. Tiny delicate sparks tickled my lips. I had all but forgotten about the electricity he usually shot through me. I must have been getting used to it, or maybe I gave off the same wattage now that I was turned. He pulled back grinning.

I told you the sensation would lessen in time, and you now have the same effect on others. I can feel you now - the way you felt me before you transitioned. It is quite pleasant.

I started to wonder what other feelings we might experience before this night was fully ended. Emrys smiled and kissed me more passionately, and I responded in ways previously unknown to me. All inhibitions aside, all fears of making a mistake, all reasons to wait were finally gone. Suddenly filled with unfamiliar excitement, without batting an eye, I started to unbuckle all the belts of Emrys’ shirtsleeve. And when he loosened his collar wide enough, he impatiently flipped it off over his head and tossed it aside. The sight of his bare chest ignited more desires in me – he was even more sexy than I had imagined! His long dark hair falling over his strong, wide shoulders stood out against his bare skin. Touching his chest, I shivered yet again.

He spun me around and slowly opened my three million tiny buttons - too slow for me now, each button more spine tingling than the last, and finally, stepping out of my ivory dress I flung it to the side. I turned around and we both slipped out of the rest of our clothing. Trembling with excitement, I clung to my new husband, arms wound around his neck. Mouth to mouth, skin to skin, we slowly tumbled into the bed.

Emrys stayed true to his promise. He took his time as we slowly explored every inch of each other, whispering over and over his unending love for me, asking me if I enjoyed this touch or that caress, making sure I was more than ready for him. I don’t recall feeling any real pain, other than a momentary pressure. His rhythm was at first gentle, checking my reactions for hints of distress. A tingling pleasure began to spread through me, replacing the initial discomfort. Within a few moments, a gradual heated urgency caused me to pull him deeper, gasping, digging my nails into the small of his back. He responded by increasing his tempo, no longer worried about hurting me, his surging need echoing mine. And then he groaned breathlessly into my ear, "Yes! You are mine - forever! Yes!"

For those few moments, our hearts beat as one and our souls merged into a soaring harmony. Timelessness surrounded us. Eternity was our symphony. My whole body throbbed with electrified excitement and pleasure. From head to toe, every cell, every nerve ending pulsed in a convulsive crescendo. I never experienced such immense gratification as I had that moment. It was a perfect finale of pure ecstasy.

Even afterwards, swimming in nothing but sweat and satin, Emrys continued to caress me, to whisper words of love to me, and with his touch alone, to bring me to the point of no return, yet again. I wanted to give him the same enjoyment he’d given me, and after a short time of coaxing, we came together again - to his surprised delight, quite evident by his excited and loud expressions of pleasure.

My Emrys: always extremely proper, eloquent, and self-controlled. I knew now I had the ability to bring out the very animal in him that I never knew existed. This thought alone gave me great satisfaction. After my newfound ability was exhausted, we collapsed in a heap, tangled together between a web of satin sheets, and finally, we slept.

* * *

Amrita was right. We both woke up a short time later absolutely starving. The snacks of cheese and crackers really hit the spot. The fruit was ripe and sweet, and went perfectly with the remaining bit of leftover blood in my goblet.

Essence of Emrys!

Smiling to myself, I started wondering how different donor blood will taste in comparison. Emrys just chuckled.

We drank more champagne and talked well into the night, though, to be honest, I had lost all track of time hours before that. As far as I could remember, we had our ceremony around midnight. It was quite awesome - this notion of time not mattering, no rush to go here or there, to worry about schedules. It was so unlike me. But that was the old me. The new me didn’t even care that I was just under a year from getting my degree. I’d have the rest of eternity to study everything and anything I ever desired to learn. And now, I had Emrys to stand beside me. I was sure that if I could see into a mirror, my face would be glowing.

I fed Emrys some red grapes afterwards; persuaded him to lay across the foot of the bed while I sat propped up on the pillows and tossed them one by one into his open mouth. I thought it was quite funny. He wasn’t all that amused, though he played along to see my smile.

After I missed for the tenth time, and grapes littered the floor, he finally sat up and grabbed the bowl out of my hands.

"That is quite enough. I would like to taste some of this food before we throw it all away. And later, when you feel the thirst, you will not think wasting food is all that funny," he said trying to sound firm. But I caught the twinkle in his eye as he placed the bowl on the table.

I held out my handful of leftovers to him, pretending to pout, but he lurched toward me. His sudden passionate kisses made me forget all about the game and I dropped my fistful of grapes onto the floor. I didn’t think it was possible, but I felt all the same electrified excitement again, and it soon became obvious that he did too.

Again? I whispered, noticing his arousal.

Why not? he asked, a glimmer of hope filling his eyes.

Before I could respond there was a knock at our door. I flung myself under the covers, and Emrys reluctantly went to the door to see who so rudely interrupted us. My eyes followed his every move as he walked away, wearing nothing but his medallion. His hair covered most of his back, but the muscles in his legs and his hindquarters were quite

visible as he strolled off.

What a magnificent view!

Several more erotic impressions about his sexiness went through my mind, and knowing he could hear my thoughts, made it all the funnier. I started to giggle as he arrived at the doorway; he turned his head giving me a sideways glance and an amused grin.

Yes? he called out through the closed door.

I couldn’t make out the voice or the words, but I knew something was wrong by the way Emrys turned in a flash, a pained look crossing his face.

We will be right there! I heard an alarming edge in his voice, one I had never heard before, and a sudden shudder of fear shot through me.

All my steamy musings disappeared in an instant as confusion gripped my mind. Emrys flew back toward the bed, opened a drawer and threw a pair of jeans and a t-shirt at me, and as he jumped into his own clothes, he ordered, Get these on; we must go to our sister!

As I scrambled into my clothes in a rush, I asked, Is it Amrita? What happened? Is she ok?

I could not, for the life of me, imagine what could have happened. After all, she couldn’t get sick. Nothing short of a very sharp object to the neck area would stop her, and then only if her head were completely severed. The actual thought sent another shudder through my body. I ran my fingers through my jumbled hair and slipped into the pair of shoes that Emrys tossed at my feet.

I am not sure what happened, he said. But we must hurry, Elizabeth! He didn’t make eye contact as he held the door open for me. He took my hand and we rushed into the elevator. Pulling me into his embrace and stroking my hair with his other hand, he whispered, She will be okay. We can fix this. You shall see.

I was even more confused and about to ask why he was so evasive. But before I could put my question into words he stopped me.

Putting a finger on my lips and looking earnestly into my eyes, he said, I promise you – she will be alright.

My heart dropped in panic when it hit me; perhaps when he’d said, ‘our sister’ he actually meant Melinda! The elevator lurched to a stop and I swallowed hard, trying not to vomit. When the doors opened, I saw that we were now a few floors below our suite. Flames from the candles along the walls still danced, but eerily this time. The familiar hallways loomed before me, turning the panic to sheer terror. This was the floor that housed all the doors with the padlocks on the outside.

Chapter 2

ALL I NEED IS A MIRACLE

Emrys rapped lightly on the door and when we entered, standing at the foot of the giant bed, was Emrys’ sister, Amrita and her husband, Larkin. My heart leapt within my chest, and my head whirled as the horrifying truth slammed into my mind.

Emrys stopped me before I could get past them, saying, "Remember what I said; she will be alright." I didn’t understand why he held me back. This was my sister, and I needed to see her! I yanked my hand free of his and ran to the bed.

Melinda was lying flat on her back, still wearing her red party dress. But it was wet, as was her hair. On the right side of her forehead was a large, purple, egg-shaped knob, the size of a small fist. Within the middle of this egg there was a gash that oozed blood, and her face was ashen and lifeless. Her eyes were closed, though a slight frown seemed set into her brows. She was motionless for the most part, but as I stared in disbelief, she started twitching as though she suffered from seizures.

Nearly hysterical, I cried out, What happened to her?

Emrys stood next to me as I sat on the edge of the bed and took Lindy’s cold hand in mine. Larkin spoke first saying, Gavin found her in the outdoor pond. Apparently she slipped and hit her head, although we are not sure if the injury is causing her to remain unconscious, or if it’s from being under the water too long.

How long was she in the water? I sobbed. I couldn’t lose her, not like this. Waiting for an answer, I felt like I couldn’t breathe; the dry, painful lump in my throat choked me.

Someone from behind spoke in a quiet but urgent whisper and said, I only left her for a moment.

I turned to see Gavin sitting at a chair in the semi-dark corner of the room.

We went for a walk outdoors, he continued. She became chilly so I went inside to get her a coat. She insisted on waiting for me. She had been enjoying the night air so... He paused briefly taking in a pained breath. She could not get over how bright and beautiful the stars were and she didn’t want to come in just yet. I think she may have been looking up and not watching her footing.

I looked down at her feet. She still wore her heels.

Was she breathing when you found her? Emrys asked.

No…I had to give her CPR, Gavin said. It took a while, but she... He paused again, obviously racked with guilt. I don’t know if it was long enough to cause any brain damage… but I don’t believe we have time to get her to a hospital. It’s just too far away to take that chance, and as it is, she stopped breathing twice already. I cannot be sure if she has a concussion, or ... His voice trailed off.

Panic swelling higher with every moment, I almost screamed, What’re you saying; she’s going to just die here? Twisting back to face Emrys, I cried out through my sobs, "You told me not to worry! I thought you said everything would be alright!"

Elizabeth, please listen, Emrys said, trying to calm me. Look closely at Gavin. He has, all this time, been preparing himself for her. Emrys took me by the shoulders and spun me toward Gavin’s dark corner. See, even now, he is about ready.

Searching into the darkness now, I could see that Gavin had a needle in his arm and was draining some of his blood into clear plastic bags.

"My sister doesn’t want to do this! How can you just take it upon yourselves to turn her without her permission?" Every nerve in my body screamed out and my hands clenched into tight fists.

Amrita came to me, put a soft hand on my shoulder and quietly said, Elizabeth, the choice is yours. We cannot do anything without your permission. Gavin took it upon himself to be prepared in the event you should say yes. That’s all. Amrita’s wet-looking hair shone against her pale skin as she reached down, taking my hand, trying to reassure me. We will do only as you instruct us.

What about kids? Melinda wants to have babies someday, I sobbed. Is it possible for a Raven to have children? I knew what Lindy wanted and recalled her firm warning the day we decided to attend the party. She was quite adamant when she realized that our best friend, Fiona had already decided to become a vampire. Assuming that childbearing was impossible for vampires, Melinda wanted no part of becoming one.

Glancing down at Amrita’s hand as she stroked mine softly, her scorpion tattoo wiggled slightly, half mesmerizing me.

I’m afraid not. Her words woke me out of my trance. All female Ravens are sterile; no one understands why it’s possible for the males to father children. We can’t exactly go to the doctor for any tests. I’m sure that science is not quite ready to explore the physical aspects of vampires. She gave me a thin smile. But there are other ways to have children, Elizabeth.

Emrys nodded his head. "Perhaps this discussion could continue another day. But right now, a decision must be made."

Confusion filled my mind, and so many questions; questions about children, permanent brain damage, and Gavin’s feelings about Lindy. After all, they had just met, and even though I could see their mutual attraction, I had no way of knowing how deep it went. My thoughts were garbled, and too many even for Emrys to decipher into anything coherent. I saw confusion on his face as he attempted to read my mind.

One question at a time, my sweet wife, one at a time. If there is any brain damage, Gavin’s blood shall heal her. Her heart will be like new. Her forehead shall be fine; there will not even be a scar. And the rest, only Gavin can answer.

Gavin, did you and Lindy talk about any of this at all? I asked, peering into the corner.

We did, but only from a theoretical standpoint. If she had asked me to turn her, I would have gladly done it in a moment. To be perfectly honest, it would have been wonderful if she had been my chosen one. I did not, however, receive any sign to make myself available for the Signatus before this gathering. We did talk about a lot of things, but her main concern was you, and her sadness at the prospect of separating from you. He sounded sincere.

What was the surprise she mentioned, do you know? I felt horrible, thinking of myself, but if nothing else it was a diversion for the moment. She had told me there was something she wanted to share with me later.

Yes, I do, he said in a somber tone.

Did she swear you to secrecy or something? I asked, anxious and hopeful.

No, she planned on telling you herself, but it does concern me, he said, glancing down at the full bag of blood. I watched him while he switched to the final bag. His white hair stood out against the darkness of the corner he sat in, and his eyes appeared pensive as he concentrated on the task at hand.

Since Melinda wasn’t ready to be turned yet and since we felt a mutual attraction, she decided to stay on with us as a donor, he said and then added, my personal donor.

His misty gray eyes softened. My hope was that, in time, we would become mated, I could give her the children she desired, and then she could decide about joining with us permanently.

You mean you would marry her?

Most definitely, yes; I was smitten with her the moment we met. He then became even more serious as he said, Elizabeth, I know this is your decision since she is your sister, but I must encourage you to make a wise choice. You see, even though I did not have the blessing of the Signatus, and Melinda was not chosen specifically for me, I truly believe we would make a compatible and loving couple...but if she dies here tonight...I don’t know what I will do.... his voice fractured and he closed his eyes, shaking his head.

I turned back and stared into Lindy’s pale face. Her breathing was shallow and irregular. I…just…don’t…know. The tears returned. No matter what choice I made, someone would suffer.

If we were selfish and gave Lindy eternal life, she would never have children; if we gave her over to whatever may happen; I took the chance of losing her forever. Amrita stepped aside and motioned to her brother.

Emrys came to me and held my head to his chest for a moment. I looked up at him as the hot tears rolled down my cheeks.

What should I do? I whispered. My heart ached and felt like it was ripped apart and shredded to pieces. I could not lose my twin.

He brushed the tears away with one finger, a soft gentle smile appeared on his face, and he said, You already know the answer, Elizabeth. Your sister will forgive you.

Then I remembered my very first vision and knew he was right. In my mind’s eye, I had seen Gavin biting Melinda. I had not noticed the purple bump on her head though, and the only explanation I could come up with was that my eyes were on Gavin just before the vision. Maybe this had more to do with him than Lindy. But right now, that didn’t matter. Gavin now stood next to the bed peering