Dream Warriors Collection: Dream Warriors, #5

By Cyndi Friberg

Morpheus and his army of Dream Warriors protect the human race by subtly—and not so subtly—infiltrating their dreams. An incubus is on the loose, distorting the fabric of time. The evil must be stopped before reality unravels forever.

Gareth has successfully completed every mission, creating illusions as tangible as conscious reality. But now he’s falling in love and that’s the one thing Dream Warriors aren’t allowed to do.

Scientist Sheri Vellmos thought her best friend was insane when she told her about the Dream Warriors. Then Ryder infiltrates her dreams and the only thing that’s insane is how much she wants him.

Kane, fiercest of all Dream Warriors, is thrilled when he is dispatched to rescue Dora from the Underworld. Chaos cost him the only woman he ever loved and payback is long overdue.

After two hundred years in the Underworld, Chaos returns to the land of mortals determined to claim the only woman he ever loved—Alexa. Can the lovers be reconciled before the secret of Alexa’s origin destroys them both?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary Books
• Release date: Mar 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386666448

Cyndi Friberg

Passionate Sci-Fi with a touch of danger and a whole lot of sass. Cyndi has written about rock stars, vampires, and cat shifters, but she’s currently focused on outer space. Her stories are fun, fast-paced, and seriously hot. Her books have made the USA Today Top 100, and frequently land on Amazon Best Seller lists. She is currently working on the Shadowborn Rebellion, a spin-off series set in the Outcasts universe.   She loves to hear from readers: [e-mail] https://facebook.com/fribergc https://twitter.com/Cyndi_Friberg

Book preview

Dream Warriors: Gareth

Cyndi Friberg

An incubus is on the loose. Ripples of distortion are disrupting the fabric of time. The evil must be stopped.

One of Morpheus’s best warriors, Gareth, has successfully completed his missions for a millennium, creating illusions as real as conscious reality, but now, he’s falling in love. And that’s the one thing he’s not allowed to do.

With his objectivity compromised by the powerful passion he shares with Meagan, the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.

Author's Note: This series was originally published in 2009 but has been updated and expanded for re-release.

Contents

Dream Warriors: Gareth

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Dream Warriors: Ryder

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Dream Warriors: Kane

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Epilogue

Dream Warriors: Chaos

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter One

Elysian Fields

Gareth pulled the supple body of the young woman into the bend of his own. Mortals responded to death in different ways. Some wept. Some screamed, bemoaning the injustice of all they had failed to accomplish. And some—like this woman—wanted one last taste of what they were leaving behind. He pushed her hair aside, fastening his mouth onto her neck, sucking firmly while he caressed her soft skin. They lay on their sides in the fragrant grass, sunlight warming their naked bodies. Spooning, he’d heard this called. Such a silly name for something so erotic.

And eroticism was Gareth’s life, his sustenance, his purpose for existence.

She squirmed restlessly, her nicely rounded bottom teasing his aching cock. He cupped her breast, enjoying the contour and firm resilience. Her nipple peaked as he rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. She arched into his caress, increasing the pressure against his palm and grinding her ass against him.

Please, you’re driving me crazy.

She panted out the words and Gareth smiled. Mission accomplished. Slipping his fingers beneath her knee, he raised her leg, pushing it up and toward her chest. His shaft had no trouble finding her entrance. Her hot, liquid response eased the way. He loved sinking into a woman slowly, allowing her to feel his thickness and length as he stretched the walls of her sheath. The woman in front of him trembled, moaning loudly once he impaled her completely.

He hooked her ankle over his thigh, keeping her open as he stroked the silken plane of her belly. Her feminine curls were damp, praise to his skill and caring. He explored her tender folds, amazed at how tightly she stretched to take him.

I want to feel your pleasure. Don’t move. Just let me touch you. He whispered the words into her ear and searched until his fingers found her swollen clit. Oh yes. How he loved this incredible little gift from Aphrodite. His job would be so much more difficult without it. He circled her gently, knowing she didn’t need much stimulation to lose control.

He rocked forward while increasing the pressure of his fingers. Her core rippled, squeezing him tight and she shook in his arms.

Very nice. Can you do it again?

I could do this forever. She laughed. You’re amazing.

He was still hard and throbbing within her, so he didn’t remind her that this was a one-time-only offer. As soon as Rhadamanthys officially admitted her to the Elysian Fields, her libido would dissipate. She’d be at peace, content, happy, but never...horny. Poor thing.

Gareth.

Someone spoke his name from behind him, but he ignored it. He started moving in the woman, reveling in the sweet friction of her clinging sheath.

Gareth. You have to come now.

I’m working on it, he snapped, thrusting faster.

We have an emergency. Morpheus sent me to find you.

I’m a little busy right now!

Just hurry up. The team is assembling.

Rolling the woman to her stomach, Gareth raised her hips and thrust in earnest. She clawed at the grass and bucked against him, but he was frustrated. He hated to be rushed and he hated to be watched—usually.

He triggered her orgasm with his mind and left her sprawled in the grass, sated. Gareth never left a woman unfulfilled. But he wanted to strangle the winged messenger who hovered just beyond his reach. Pulling his tunic on over his head, he glared at Hermes. This better be important. I was just getting into that.

So I noticed. Don’t worry, my friend. She won’t remember you in the morning.

That’s supposed to appease me?

You’re not a god. Hermes shot him a sardonic smile. I wasn’t trying to appease you.

So why the summons? Gareth raked both hands through his damp hair, offering it to the breeze. Morpheus has assembled the whole team? This can’t be good.

Hermes shrugged, the tiny wings on his hat flapping. I’m just the messenger.

The Grand Hall of Morpheus was the command center for the world of dreams. Dreams transcended time, place and imagination, but they influenced mortals far more than any human realized. Wars had been won and lost in the realm of dreams, brilliant inventions born and unspeakable horrors vanquished while mortals slumbered, unaware.

Morpheus moved effortlessly between substance and shadow, his form appeared and disappeared with the flick of a thought. Long, flowing robes shimmered around his tall, lithe body, creating a nimbus, a golden aura, making it impossible to see his features. Only his eyes, startling in their intensity, shone like obsidian in his shadowy face.

He looked up from the reflection pool as Gareth entered the hall. The others have come and gone, dispatched to their assignments. Where were you?

Gareth glanced behind him, but Hermes hadn’t followed him into the hall. Comforting a new arrival, as is my duty.

Morpheus laughed. "Comforting the new arrivals is a perk, not a duty. You’re a Dream Warrior. Try not to forget it."

I’ve not forgotten what I am, Gareth stressed. What do you require of me?

We’ve got an incubus on the loose. I thought the damn things were extinct, but this one’s nasty and agile. He’s easy enough to track. We just look for the victims he leaves behind. But we’ve got to anticipate his next move if we hope to stop him.

What’s my mission?

Not what, who.

Gareth clasped his hands behind his back, impatient and restless. It had been a long time since he’d been dispatched on such an important case. He was a little rusty, but he was looking forward to the fight. "Who is my assignment?"

Morpheus waved his hand across the surface of the reflecting pool, revealing a young woman. His latest victim.

What! I’m a warrior. I want to fight, not play nursemaid to some wounded mortal.

"We have yet to determine the full scope of the damage, but distortions are rippling out along this timeline, changing it even as we speak. The attacks could be random, but I doubt it. The distortion wouldn’t be this intense. The incubus terrorized this woman so badly she won’t leave her apartment and is about to lose her job. You are fighting the creature by playing nursemaid to the woman."

Gareth crossed his brawny arms over his chest and looked at the mortal. Huddled in a chair with a fuzzy blanket tucked around her legs, her wide, bloodshot eyes stared unseeingly at a television. He glowered at his boss. Why me?

Gee, I don’t know. Maybe because the nymphs sigh whenever you walk by and I heard that new arrival crying out her pleasure all the way in here. Morpheus waved his hand dismissively. You have exactly the skills I need for this particular assignment. Hermes knows the way.

Gareth turned to go, but Morpheus’ laughter brought him up short.

Oh and, Gareth, Morpheus said. Be gentle. She’s a virgin.

Chapter Two

Seattle, Washington

Sleep had become her enemy. Meagan Addison splashed cold water on her face, waiting for the shock to clear her mind. It didn’t help. As she patted her skin with a towel, her reflection stared back, daunted and afraid. Purple shadows circled her eyes. Whiskey eyes, her father had called them, after the beverage he loved more than life.

Three weeks. She’d slept in sporadic fragments for three weeks, terrified that each time she closed her eyes the creature would return. Her supervisor had called twice, the second time sounding more annoyed than concerned.

What was she going to do?

Call a shrink and explain that you’ve lost your mind? she asked her reflection. Would that make these...incidents any less real?

Flipping off the bathroom light, she wandered into her living room. Her apartment wasn’t large, but it had a fabulous view of Elliot Bay. And she could walk to work. If she still had a job when she vanquished this imaginary demon.

The television droned, but she didn’t bother looking at the picture. She hadn’t turned the channel in two days. How did you fight a nightmare? That’s all this was, a vivid nightmare. She shuddered. Even now she felt the clammy hands and smelled the fetid breath as the monster— Stop it! Thinking about it only made it worse, imprinted the images on her brain.

So tired she could hardly move, she sat on the sofa then lay on her side, pillowing her head on her hands. She had to stay awake! Blinking repeatedly, she fought to keep the room in focus. She couldn’t fall asleep no matter how exhausted she felt. She had to...

GARETH’S HEART TIGHTENED as he stared down at the mortal woman. She was tiny, almost childlike. The damage left behind by the incubus was obvious, not only in her fatigued body but her weary soul. The shimmering vitality and spark of ingenuity that should have glowed within her were all but extinguished by the demonic leech.

His orders were simple. Repair the damage. Restore her self-confidence and help her deal with the subconscious violation. Gareth must erode the memory of the incubus, combat terror with peace, pain with pleasure.

He sank into her mind, constructing the illusion with effortless skill. Something sweet and romantic for this tortured angel. A massive tester bed, damask hangings and the soft glow of candlelight. The faint smell of a crackling fire and fresh flowers in a vase on the nightstand.

Stretching out on the bed beside her, he commanded their clothing to disappear. His breath lodged in his throat. She was lovely, exquisitely feminine. This was no child, despite her diminutive form. High, firm breasts, crowned with deep rose nipples. Dramatically tapered at the waist, her torso gave way to rounded hips. Her legs definitely warranted further investigation.

How to begin.

As much as he enjoyed the play of candlelight across her naked flesh, he knew she couldn’t be nude when he drew her awareness into the illusion. A white linen gown with buttons down the front, perfect for a virgin. He smiled as he thought of Morpheus’ parting shot. Was it true? Was she truly chaste? Excitement gathered, heating his blood, speeding his respiration. In all his years of existence, the opportunities to partake of virgin energy had been few and far between. He preferred his partners warm and willing, eager for his touch.

He slipped his arm under her neck and covered her mouth with his. Her lips were warm and giving, but she didn’t respond to the light kiss. Meagan, my love, come to me.

Tilting her head, he slid his mouth across hers, nibbling gently on her lower lip.

She rolled toward him, her arm rising to circle his neck. Her fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him closer. Her lips parted, allowing his tongue entrance. He went slowly, caressing her, tracing her teeth and finally delving fully into the warm cavity of her mouth.

Moaning softly, she tore her lips from his and opened her eyes. Hazy and confused, her gaze searched his face, but she remained in his embrace. Thank the gods, she didn’t push him away.

Who are you? she murmured. Where am I?

I’m Gareth and you’re in my arms.

This is a dream...it has to be a dream, but you seem so real. Using his shoulders for leverage, she lifted up and looked around. That creature. Is it here? Is it—

You’re safe, Meagan. That’s why I’m here.

Her breath escaped in an audible whoosh and she relaxed against him. Then I didn’t imagine it? It was real? Suddenly, she sat and crawled as far away as the bed allowed. "What am I saying? You’re not real. Oh God, I’ve completely lost it."

The creature is called an incubus and you didn’t imagine it.

She laughed, a short, sharp burst of sound. I’m so comforted to know my delusions acknowledge each other. It makes being loony so much easier.

Meagan, the incubus left marks on your body. No delusion can bruise your flesh. It is a real entity, it’s just not corporeal.

Meagan stared at the naked man reclining in her imaginary bed and blessed her subconscious for the reprieve. The other dreams had been violent, terrifying—degrading. This was amazing by comparison. Gareth looked like he’d strolled right off a romance novel cover and into this bizarre dream.

Muscular shoulders and a rippling abdomen led her curious gaze to his lean hips. He’d haphazardly pulled the covers over his lower body, but her imagination had no trouble filling in the blanks. One well-defined arm supported his head, his elbow propped against the bed. Long and dark brown, like the finest mink, his hair hung nearly to the mattress.

Well, you’re a welcome change, she said softly. Especially if you keep that other thing away.

He smiled and flutters filled her belly. Boy, was he easy on the eyes.

Come here. He sat up, the covers slipping precariously low across his lap.

She hesitated. Talking to him was soothing. Why did he have to spoil it? Can’t we just talk?

Sorry. I’m here for a reason and I can’t accomplish my mission with you way over there.

Your mission? What’s your mission?

He caught her wrist and pulled her toward him. His light green gaze caressed her face. You can’t live in the shadow of the incubus. I’m going to help you move beyond what happened.

Tugging against his hold, panic tore through her. You don’t know what you’re saying. You don’t know what that thing did to me! I...please, I can’t...

His strong arms wrapped around her, pressing her against his naked chest. Shudders shook her, but no tears came. For three solid days after the first attack, she’d done nothing but cry. She simply had no tears left.

I won’t hurt you, Meagan. I would never hurt you. But you can’t live the rest of your life afraid of your own body.

I’m not afraid of my body, she objected.

Then let me touch you. Let me show you the pleasure you were meant to feel.

Why can’t I dream about flying? she cried. Put me in my underwear and let people laugh at me. I don’t want to have sex in my dreams!

Gently, his warm fingers stroked her cheek and the underside of her jaw. Do you have sex when you’re awake?

She pushed against him, but his hold remained secure. I want to wake up now. I’m not amused by this dream anymore.

Amusement isn’t the emotion I was hoping to elicit, so relax. I won’t hurt you.

Frustrated by her continued resistance, Gareth sent soothing pulses of warmth through her body until he felt her go lax in his arms. He laid her back across the bed. Her hair fanned out over the pillow, firelight intensifying the red in each dark strand. Uncertainty still clouded her gaze, but she wasn’t resisting.

Kiss me, Meagan, he coaxed. Kiss me as if you love me, as if you’d die without me.

Cupping the side of his face with one hand, she slanted her mouth against his. She had accepted his kiss before, but this was different. She participated—no, initiated this kiss. Her mouth moved, slid and rubbed. Her tongue ventured beyond his lips, seeking and finding his. Gareth groaned deep in his throat. Her hesitant response unleashed a firestorm of desire through his well-honed senses. His cock hardened and throbbed, demanding the attention of her hand or her mouth. He didn’t care which, but the sudden jolt of passion stole his breath and left him aching with need.

He tore his mouth from hers, panting harshly.

Are you all right?

No. By the gods, no. Feel what you do to me. He guided her hand down along his body. His erection jerked against her palm.

Oh boy, do I have a good imagination. There is no way men are like that in real life! She laughed.

He liked the sound. It made him want to capture the cadence inside his mouth along with her warm breath. Morpheus hadn’t been taunting him. You’ve never been with a man, have you? Who are you saving yourself for?

Shouldn’t you know all of this? Doesn’t my subconscious know what’s going on in my conscious world? She laughed again. He didn’t think she’d answer, but she said, "I’ve never found the right man. I graduated high school at fourteen and college when I was eighteen. Everyone has always treated me like a little sister. Then the foundation recruited me and all the other scientists resented me. I’m `The Wonder Kid’. Being precocious just isn’t amusing anymore."

Well, we need to find you a lover in reality. It will discourage the incubus from returning. A virgin’s sexual energy is pure and powerful.

So, if I were promiscuous that creature would have left me alone?

Gareth propped himself up again, pushing his fingers into her hair. You don’t need to worry about anything. I’m here to protect you.

Protect me how? What are you going to do?

Help you relax.

She squirmed away from him. Nothing you’ve done so far has been relaxing. I think I’ve frolicked through this fantasy long enough. I’m going to wake up now.

Chuckling, Gareth swept her beneath him, easily insinuating his hips between her thighs. Sure you are. He was careful not to force her, not to pin her down. She writhed and wiggled. He kept his weight balanced on his forearms and knees, settling his mouth over hers.

He kissed her slowly, patiently, waiting for her to accept his lips and the gentle penetration of his tongue. She tossed her head, attempting to avoid him, but her hands explored his back, his ribs and his chest. She wasn’t immune to him, just frightened.

Rocking back onto his knees, he freed his hands and unbuttoned her gown, parting the material before he released her mouth. Oh Meagan, you’re lovely. He had already seen her body, but she didn’t need to know that.

He cupped one breast, caressing the nipple with the pad of his thumb while he bent to suck the other. She gasped, trembled then tangled her fingers in his hair. He nibbled and licked her tender nipples until they pebbled, distended and tight. Catching one between his teeth, he slowly increased the pressure until she cried out, her entire body arching off the bed. Oh yes, sensitive and responsive.

Gareth, she whispered.

Yes, love.

I ache. You’re making me ache.

He sucked her for a moment longer before he responded. I know, sweetheart. But I won’t leave you aching. Never. I promise.

Moving his mouth farther down, he feathered kisses across her belly.

She grabbed his hair, panic clear in her light brown eyes. No, don’t do that.

Is that how the incubus took you? Did he put his mouth on you?

He...oh God. Just don’t.

Meagan, look at me. If this is how he hurt you, then this is how I must heal you. Pleasure for pain. I can’t cleanse your mind of his taint unless you trust me.

I don’t want you to! I don’t ever want to...leave me alone! Just leave me alone.

Damn it. The illusion wavered all around them. Gareth gathered energy and reinforced the dream, but she was slipping away. She curled up on her side, drawing her knees to her chest.

You’re not real. She sobbed. You’re not real. Wake up. Wake up!

Her hysteria polluted the air, distorting the illusion.

With a soft curse, Gareth let her go.

GARETH STOMPED INTO the Great Hall of Morpheus, spoiling for a fight. His sandals slapped against the marble floor, the staccato sound echoing off the walls of the massive room. When the Dream Warriors weren’t on assignment, they were welcome in the hall, encouraged to interact and learn from each other. But the hall appeared empty except for two lean youths lounging near the reflection pool. Their indolent smiles and unlined faces made it obvious they were trainees, yet to venture beyond Olympus.

Is anyone about? Gareth asked briskly.

Other than us? the towheaded boy replied cheerfully.

Have you seen Morpheus?

Both boys shook their heads.

Garth approached the reflection pool and swept his hand impatiently above the water’s surface, causing it to ripple. Show me Kane.

Yes?

The water remained a silvery mirror, but the sardonic voice came from directly behind him. Gareth turned to face his friend. Are you working on the incubus or does Morpheus have you hacking up demons in some king’s subconscious?

One corner of Kane’s grim mouth quirked. His ebony eyes flashed then narrowed. Do you need my assistance with the virgin?

Gareth laughed as he imagined Meagan’s reaction if Kane appeared in her dreams. Kane’s long black hair had been drawn back, accenting his lean features, features arranged without pity or gentleness. Ruthless mouth, proud nose, brutal cheekbones and those pitch-black eyes. In a word, dangerous.

I need information, nothing more.

Kane shrugged one bare shoulder, black leather pants and cross-gartered boots his only garments. I know what we were told in the briefing, which wasn’t much. Our objective is the incubus and Morpheus will apprise us of the details as they become available.

Who else is working the assignment?

Again he shrugged, his lazy stride taking him away from the reflection pool. Everyone not assigned elsewhere.

That’s not an answer!

Kane shot him a warning glare. Don’t snip at me like some fishwife.

Warm and verdant with the fragrant promise of spring, a brisk wind swept through the hall. Dried leaves danced across the marble floor, driven before the breeze like anxious sheep. Gareth bit back his sharp reply while his gaze surveyed the room. Though pleasant and soothing, the breeze was unseasonable, unnatural. Warnings thrummed through him, stimulating his senses, heightening his awareness.

Gareth heard the muted scrape of metal against leather as Kane drew his sword. They stepped into formation, back to back. Pulling his daggers from the belt at his waist, Gareth clasped one firmly in each hand. He glanced at the reflection pool. The trainees had fled, most likely to search for Morpheus.

Flowers. The cloying fragrance permeated the hall.

Leaves circled their feet. Heat caressed Gareth’s thighs, brushing ever higher under his tunic. He slapped at the unseen invader. A tinkling laugh drifted on the flower-scented breeze.

Show yourself, Kane snapped.

The fragrance intensified and shimmering light erupted, revealing the pattern of the breeze. It swirled and spun around them, between them and over them until Gareth felt dizzy from watching it.

What is this? Kane swung his sword. The blade passed harmlessly though the apparition.

Be gone, you she-devil! Tell your master we’re on to him! Morpheus shouted from the arched entrance to the hall.

The creature twirled madly, hissing and spitting, before it dissipated, leaving behind a sickeningly sweet perfume.

Well, now we know it’s true. Morpheus’ robes swayed as he strode across the hall.

We know what is true? Gareth returned his knives to the loops in his belt.

They travel in pairs, incubus and succubus.

That was a succubus? Kane sounded doubtful. What was it doing here? I thought such creatures only targeted humans.

She was spying for the incubus, no doubt. Sizing up the enemy.

Are we on to the incubus, or did you just say that to make her leave? Gareth followed Morpheus toward the reflection pool, Kane a step behind.

I know more than I did this morning, but not as much as you’re likely to want. Morpheus swept his pale hand over the water, summoning images to the surface of the pool. This is the research laboratory where our little virgin works.

Her name is Meagan, Gareth corrected.

Morpheus chuckled. "Don’t get too attached to her, Gareth, you know the rules. You must never interact on an emotional level. Challenge her intellect, stimulate her senses, but you must remain distanced. This is an assignment, like any other."

I don’t think he can handle it, Morph. Better let me have her.

Morpheus raised his hand, preventing Gareth from launching himself at Kane. He’s teasing you, Gareth. But your reaction makes me wonder if I shouldn’t do exactly that. I have no doubt Kane can seduce this mortal without compromising the mission. Can you assure me of the same?

I will not compromise the mission. You have no need for concern.

Gareth glared at Kane, who smirked in return. Their competition had been friendly for centuries. Why had Kane’s simple taunt enraged him? Why couldn’t Gareth banish the human’s haunted eyes from his mind? So tormented, so afraid. He wanted—no, needed to comfort her, protect her.

I spoke with the Fates. Morpheus interrupted Gareth’s troubled thoughts. Stingy bitches that they are, they gave me the thinnest slivers of information. Our little vir...Meagan is supposed to discover a benign, transmission virus. This virus can be programmed to seek out and attach itself to a specific sort of tissue.

For what purpose? Kane shifted restlessly, assessing the images in the pool from various angles.

Atropos wouldn’t explain in any detail, but apparently, the virus itself is harmless, but it can be used to transport biological or chemical treatments for a wide range of diseases.

So without this virus, the diseases can’t be treated? Gareth’s brows knitted together in confusion.

"Or can’t be treated as