Living the Dream

By Kimberly Mays

Torn between two realms and two men, AvaLynn chooses life-her life. She returns to her body in her realm where Luke and her friends were waiting. Leaving the Dream Realm couldn't have come at a worse time though, as AvaLynn, Dean and their extended family of werewolves enlist the help of witches, spirits and mediums to destroy Zavier.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Mays Realm Escapes LLC
• Release date: Oct 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735796840

Kimberly Mays

Kimberly Mays lives in Washington State with her husband Larry (who not only encourages her to chase her dreams but helps her fulfill them), along with their two dogs, three cats and two cockatoos. She enjoys spending time with her large family, which includes seven children, ten grandchildren and her awe-inspiring mother. In addition to being an author, Kimberly is a health care aid and a psychic medium. She also enjoys artistry and wood burning.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Luke

Seeing her eyes as they opened and looked into mine; it was all I could do to keep myself from wrapping my arms around her shoulders and pulling her to me. I knew better though and did what was right.

Hey there sleeping beauty. Lexi, call Keanne. AvaLynn opened her mouth to talk and must've changed her mind, because she slowly closed it. Shh, you're okay; I'm here, I assured her. She closed her eyelids and fear hit me, I didn't want her to leave me again.

AvaLynn, I want you to relax, but don't close your pretty golden eyes. They've been shut entirely too long.

Lexi, who'd walked out to call the doctor, came in to check on AvaLynn. Hi Ava, it's good to see your eyes open. I just want to check your vitals. Can you talk?

I can, I'm okay just really tired and thirsty. I couldn't believe she was here and awake.

Water, coffee, juice or Pepsi? I asked, unsure which I should get.

Orange juice would be nice.

You got it. Lexi, I'll be right back. I went to the kitchen to get her juice and found Jayden sitting at the table with a coffee cup in hand.

Is she awake? I heard the scream and stayed down here. I didn't want to get in the way. His voice was quiet.

You're not gonna get in the way. You should go on up and take a spot on the couch; I'll be there in a minute. He nodded and slowly went in that direction. I ran to the fridge and shook the juice before pouring a glassful.

Careful not to spill the precious orange liquid, I quickly went upstairs two at a time. When I returned, Cayden was sitting where I'd vacated and held AvaLynn's hand and Tannah was on the other side.

Cayden moved to let me back in my spot. Lexi was at the head of the bed checking Ava's pulse as I sat. I gazed into those honeycomb eyes at my not-quite-girlfriend, feeling only relief. She was here with me, coherent and alive; I almost couldn't believe it.

Without a shred of information, I realized something. I didn't care how or why she was back. I didn't know how bad the situation was, how difficult her time away or what had ensued. I just knew that right this minute she was safe and present. As all the stress rolled away from me, I was grateful. No matter what happened, she could have murdered someone and I wouldn't have cared; she was home.

I put an arm around her shoulders and helped her sit up. She was weak and really had nothing to give in the way of helping. If she just drank a little something that would be enough to make me feel better. She wasn't dressed and was still only covered by a sheet. My hand held the straw to her lips as she sucked in fluid and that pleased me.

Her vitals are all over the map. Low blood pressure, fast pulse, the thermometer reads one hundred and three, so at least it's come down a bit. Her pupils are dilated, and they weren't before. Nothing about her is textbook and I'm unsure how to help. I could get her dressed, put the electrodes back on and that's about it. Lexi looked dumbfounded and confused on how to take care of her patient.

Tannah stood up and leaned down to kiss Ava's forehead. We're going downstairs, so you can get dressed. I love you my friend, no matter what condition you're in. I'm ridiculously glad you're home. AvaLynn didn't say a word. Tannah looked towards Cayden and his brother on the couch and started to head for the door before she asked, You guys ready to make dinner? They looked at AvaLynn and then back to Tannah.

In unison, the brothers got up from the couch and walked to the patient. Ava, I'm glad you're back from your mini-vacation. Cayden said as he ducked his head.

We'll be back up in a little bit, my friend, Jayden threw her way and they were gone. Still no words fell from her lips, she looked pale and exhausted. I was worried to say the least. Once everyone had left the room except Lexi and me, I realized she needed us.

If you don't mind, I'm going to dress her. I nodded and so did the woman that I missed so bad it hurt. God, I was glad she was back. Lexi had some smooth moves as she put a long T-shirt on AvaLynn. There wasn't much movement from her patient, but she didn't seem to mind. With the catheter still in place she didn't bother with underclothes. I noticed something once the sheet came down, but didn't want to interfere with Lexi's process, so I waited.

When Lexi finished, I reached my hand to AvaLynn's chest where Evangeline's locket rested. She wasn't wearing it earlier, but she was now and the oval glowed on her skin. I didn't know what it was doing, but since she was awake, I figured it couldn't hurt. I released the locket and gently pulled my hand back. There was a knock at the bedroom door and Lexi walked briskly to answer it.

Hi Keanne, I'm glad you're here. She's coherent, not talking hardly at all and her vitals are erratic. Her baselines are useless today and her fever was down to one hundred and three. Lexi grabbed Keanne's arm and pulled him into the room.

I'm glad to hear she's awake; let me take a look. Why are her monitors off? Keanne asked.

She came back after her bath. There was a flash of white light that covered every inch of her body, head to toe and front to back. I checked her vitals, unable to get anything accurate, dressed her in a night shirt and then you arrived. Lexi looked happy to pass the reigns to my friend.

Keanne patted my back as he passed and walked to the other side of the bed. How's my patient? He asked her as he checked her pulse. She said nothing when he took her wrist. What was her pulse? he asked.

You won't believe me, but I counted two hundred and forty-two. It was higher than ever before and I must've counted wrong, Lexi assumed aloud.

Keanne set her wrist down, I don't believe you did, it's at one ninety-one now and she's at rest. Blood pressure had the same issue right, unbelievably high? Lexi nodded her head in agreement. Let's put the monitors on and keep a few extra eyes on her. Keanne reached for the electrodes and placed the stickers on her chest and legs with precision.

Has she had anything to drink? He asked.

I got her some juice and she drank about eight ounces. I wish I could give you more information, but I don't have any to offer. I gave him a half smile. Yes, she was present and here, but she was in bad shape and I knew that.

Lexi, let's get a fresh bag of fluids going and if you could turn on the monitors over there, I'd appreciate it. Once all the machines were on, they immediately sounded off erratically and I knew it was because everything ran high.

We can turn the sound off, these are set for humans, not werewolves in human form who aren't up to par. Once the room became quiet again, Keanne noticed the locket and reached for it. Should we take this off? Why is it glowing? he asked as he stared at the locket.

I would set it down and step back, I laughed, there's something magical about it. She wasn't wearing it until she laid back in bed but I can only presume that it's what helped her. What are your suggestions, doc? I asked casually. He pulled a thermometer from the shelf and ran it over her forehead.

Her temperature is holding at one hundred and three degrees, and when she's in her other form she's that high easily. She probably needs rest and food, other than that it's a wait and see game. There's nothing left to do. I could give her sleeping pills. AvaLynn didn't like that idea and it was evident by the way she shook her head and crossed her arms as she held onto her shoulders tightly. Those were the first physical movements I'd seen her do on her own. My hands reached out to hers and I tried unlocking her from this frozen position.

It wasn't easy but she didn't have much fight left in her, so once she loosened her hold, I pulled her into me. The need to feel her body was real and I hugged her close, more for myself than for her. To know that she was here with me and safe meant everything. After a moment I leaned her back against the pillows.

So, no on the sleeping pills, got it.

As Keanne said, this is a waiting game. I could only hope her wolf side kicks in and heals her by morning. I hope you know what you're doing with that locket. I've got to get home. If you need me, you have my number. Lexi, are you alright? Lexi looked afraid to be left alone with her. But she came up to AvaLynn anyhow.

I'm good, we're both good. Right, Ava? and Ava gave a quick nod of agreement.

It would make me feel better about going home if you could say something, Keanne pleaded gently, smiling at AvaLynn.

She turned her bright eyes to him and tried to form words as she reached for my friend's hand. Thank you, Keanne, she croaked as she dropped his hand and closed her eyes.

I reacted instantly out of fear, No, AvaLynn. Stay awake my sweet. Panic exuded from my voice.

No, no. You rest Ava; you've earned it. Keanne spoke quietly. Lexi, can you keep an eye on her while I talk to the gang? She nodded in our direction and took the seat I vacated.

Once we were in the kitchen with the gang, everyone sat at the table.

Keanne, how is she? Cayden asked, a bit impatiently to say the least.

She's tired, God only knows how long it's been since she's slept without dreams. Her vitals are all over the spectrum and she needs time to heal. I know, it's felt like she's been healing all this time but the truth is she's just been existing. She needs to rest guys. Keanne got up and grabbed some coffee.

Is there anything we can do? Jayden asked.

Yeah, everyone, go home and get some rest, too. You all have jobs to get to tomorrow, right? Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Nobody made a move to leave, though.

Should we go up and tell her goodnight and that we'll be back tomorrow? Cayden asked.

One person can stay tonight, but that's it. Lexi is here, too, don't forget that. She needs peace and quiet. Doctor's orders. He said on a light note, as if he were the one who made all the rules.

Do you guys care if I stay with her? I asked the crew.

Once everyone had agreed that would be best, Keanne had me trade spots with Lexi, so I could be with my sweet.

AvaLynn

My eyes were closed, but sleep wouldn't come when I heard Lexi leave. I attempted to sit up and failed, then Luke walked in. The look that he gave me was full of mixed emotions and I wished he could hear my thoughts.

Hey baby. I'm here and rumor has it that you need sleep. So, rest my dear and I'll be here when you wake, he suggested sweetly.

Form the words, just form some words, Can you read to me? It came out slow and crackly even to me, but I got the words out. Luke picked up the book on the nightstand and opened it to the bookmark. No, start over. Please. He didn't ask questions and didn't complain. His hand simply went to page one.

It was a freezing cold night as Jessica rode Garnet back to the barn. She couldn't stop the love she felt for the horse her dad had given her for her sweet sixteen. Other girls that age wanted a car. She was different; she had only wanted a friend. A horse meant that she could roam the fields and have someone to talk to for years to come. She was twenty-six now and Garnet was ten. They had a close relationship and went on rides four times a week still, ten years later.

As Luke began reading, his calm voice lulling me into a much-needed doze, another voice intercepted. Just rest, I'm here watching over you. Don't dream, don't worry, just rest. Dean's voice sounded scared.

Dean, what's wrong? I thought in no direction at all. I couldn't see him, so all I could do was think where I wanted my message to go.

I just want you to get better honey. Your body there is in a bad way right now and you need to recuperate. Don't forget that we heal quicker in wolf form.

Yes, I know that, but I don't have enough energy to do anything. Shifting I fear would destroy me. Goodnight Dean, sweet dreams.

Goodnight Ava, I wish you sleep minus the dreams. In my head I giggled and heard his chuckle in return. Then the connection ended.

As she rode up to the back of the property, she saw the flames lighting up the night. The barn was on fire, there were animals inside and she wasn't sure how long the fire had been burning. She used her heels and Garnet ran faster but when they got closer, he reared back. Garnet had a fear of fire and Jessie knew that. She coaxed him with soothing words and he trotted until the heat was blasting over him. Jessie jumped off and made a run for it. The barn doors were open and her dad stood just outside.

On Jackson's property it was dark out and there was a trail of red light that made its way to the back. Maybe my daggers were calling me, wanting me to pick them up and heal myself. Maybe it was Zavier, but Treya and Stephanie promised he was locked up so to speak. Unable to control my actions, I walked and followed the glow of the trail ahead.

It was like I was going through the movements and every action I made was without any thought or control of my own. When I reached the small building, I saw symbols that glowed all around it. When I got closer the symbols dimmed, not dark but definitely diminished.

My daggers wouldn't be in there. No, this was Zavier's new home and I shouldn't have come here. Jackson? Jackson, can you hear my thoughts? I waited for a reply received only silence in return.

Zavier

I couldn't take it anymore, being in here all alone. The wards and mojo bags were fading, but not enough for me to escape. All I wanted was to go back to the lake and see my sister. With us apart I had about fifty percent of my strength and powers. When she and I were together I'd been able to syphon her powers and use them for myself. The fact that Ava hadn't come to see me, disturbed me. She was my link to the lake, to her and to my sister Evangeline, who held my true power.

There had to be a way to get her to come in. What could I entice her with? She's asking for Jackson; I'll have to dig in her thoughts and find a way in.

Thoughts of Jackson. I ran through her mind and pulled her fears. There it is, I've found it.

I'm in here my cub, just open the door and I'm on the other side. I've locked myself in here. Help, my cub.

No, that's not you. That's Zavier. I could hear her, and I knew it would just be a matter of time until I pulled her in. As I invaded her mind, I found what Luke read to her before she fell asleep and I was grateful to somebody else for the first time in years.

AvaLynn

Fear swept through me, what if it really was my Alpha? Could I truly just leave him in there? The man I ran to when I was terrified of everything in the world. The man who told me the truth about things that go bump in the night, when nobody else would. If it was an Alpha's order and I disobeyed, what would happen? The voice sounded like Jackson in my head, but maybe that was because his voice was the one that I longed to hear.

Confusion ricocheted through my mind and soul. This desperate need I had to please him was insane. It's not Jackson. I know it's you Zavier. So, you can stop the mind tricks any time.

My cub, Zavier's in here with me and I'm not safe. There's nothing I can do to stop the red orbs from attacking me and burying themselves in my fur. How do I stop him?

Jackson, you're at the house, I cried as I willed it to be true.

He yelped. I heard him yelp, audibly, not mentally. That was it, that was enough. One way or another I had to stop Zavier. Red light peaked through the cracks of the shed and again I heard my Alpha yelp. The crimson that glowed was eerie and filled me with a dread that I couldn't contain. There were no daggers in my hands to deflect Zavier's painful orbs.

Part of me knew that I should go to Jackson's and see if he were there. If this were a nightmare, would he even be there? The thoughts flooded my mind and then I heard the yelp again. Jackson, I yelled aloud.

Ava, help me. Call the pack, do something. Don't just let me die in here, this isn't how I want to go. I want to die honorably, not by this evil. The orbs are catching the paper in here on fire and flames have started. There's nothing in here to put them out with. Help!

The smell of smoke crept into my nostrils and I couldn't take it anymore. The need to protect Jackson consumed me. I didn't even bother taking off the only scrap of clothing I was wearing before I felt my flesh and bones reshape to form the white wolf that could fight. My only weapons were my teeth and claws, there were no other weapons on me.

Then a thought hit me like a flashing neon sign; Evangeline's locket. As I scoured the ground, I found nothing with my canine vision. I turned to the right and saw a throbbing white light beneath a nearby bush. There it was and as I grabbed it with my teeth, I felt the power it held.

Slowly, I headed towards the shed, the symbols on the outside of it pulsing as I drew nearer.

Ava, don't. I ignored the voice I heard with my keen senses. It was Jackson's voice, but I knew that wasn't right. It was probably just Zavier trying to stop me from destroying him. Fed up, I was done with this motherfucker and only had one thing on my mind, his demise.

How dare he lay a single deformed claw on my Alpha; enough was enough I thought and stalked forward with the bright locket in my teeth. I was fully determined and committed to the mission at hand and as I approached, I heard Jackson's voice again.

Help Ava, I can't fight much longer. The flames are getting closer and is singeing my fur. It hurts, my cub. He sounded like he was in pain. I started scratching at the door and then remembered I had a mouth to turn the knob with. The heat radiating from the metal doorknob made everything real and I was shocked that the shed hadn't gone up in flames yet. Hesitance ran through me for the first time since I shifting, and I dropped my grandmother's locket to the earth below me.

AvaLynn, stand down. That's an order. I cowered down and a yelp escaped unbidden. Jackson now stood in front of me. It must've really been him, because when he commanded me, I could not refuse to obey. There was no thought process, no decision to be had, just my body that reacted instantly to