Dream Walker

By Mary Mauck

Dream Walker by Mary Mauck

__________________________________

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781636305073

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Dream Walker

Mary Mauck

ISBN 978-1-63630-506-6 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63630-507-3 (Digital)

Copyright © 2020 Mary Mauck

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

For Tara and Kathryn,

two of my biggest supporters and the best sisters this girl could ever ask for

Chapter 1

Life throws us curveballs. Some are hard and direct, rocketing through the air at one hundred miles per second. Others come at a more predictable rate. But some people are forced to dodge curveballs that spew flames, shoot bullets, and explode upon impact. Welcome to my life.

*****

Sighing, I rifled through the mountain of papers and notes strewn across my desk, nearly toppling off of my open textbook.

Today was my eighteenth birthday, the day I’d been looking forward to for two long years. Today I was old enough to legally date Clay—to experience the kind of evening out that I’d always dreamed of. Except that he was out of the country.

Paige? Milo interrupted my thoughts.

I glanced toward my bedroom doorway and grinned at the gray-haired man.

Still at it? He smiled, casually leaning on my doorframe.

Yeah. It seems my professors dumped all the homework, reading, and essays on me that they possibly could this week, I grumbled. They’re showing no mercy whatsoever.

Milo laughed, and the corners of my mouth turned up involuntarily. I could never be gloomy in this man’s presence when he was happy. He was the grandfather I’d never known and a friend for life.

I’d lived in his home for two years now, earning the remainder of my high school education through homeschooling. Milo himself had tutored me in world history, and the German and Italian languages. I was proud to be his granddaughter, and I always looked forward to our conversations…and debates.

I was now studying at a college level and found it both fascinating and challenging.

You shouldn’t have to do homework on your birthday, you know, especially not one as important as this one. You’re considered old now, he teased. I wadded up a used paper and chucked it at him. He caught it easily, chuckled, and tossed it back.

Jared and the boys should be here any minute, and we’d love to take you out for dinner, Milo suggested hopefully.

Glancing down at my colossal mound of homework, I grimaced.

Come on, Paige. You only turn eighteen once. I’ll speak with your professors if you’d like…, he pressed.

I stared at the textbook, the words blurring in front of my tired eyes. Although I could remember almost everything I saw, either in pictures or word for word, I couldn’t always remember everything that was said. And my professors said a lot of things that were not in textbooks, so I was always furiously scribbling down notes during my classes.

All right, I conceded. But if I fail, you’re paying for it. Literally.

Milo laughed.

I would do no less for my granddaughter, even though you are officially a millionaire now. He winked.

Slowly closing my book, I stood and stretched, sidling over to my bed. A millionaire. That sounded so foreign. Although I’d had a couple of years to ready myself for this day, I was not at all prepared. It felt no different than any other day. My professors still dished out boatloads of homework, and there was no way I would ever get it done on time, but if that was the case whether I went out to dinner or not, then I would go party. At least I could have a little fun on my birthday. Too bad Clay would not be there. He was on assignment for Interpol, and I hadn’t heard from him in nearly a week.

Take a few minutes to get dolled up if you’d like, Milo suggested when I sighed. He turned toward the hallway. We’re all getting dressed up for the evening.

I showered quickly, donned a beautiful floor-length light-blue chiffon dress Milo had gifted to me the day before, brushed out my shoulder-length brown hair, and grabbed my purse. Staring at my reflection for a second time, I added some blush, mascara, and lip gloss. I gave my homework-laden desk one last worried glance and then closed my bedroom door.

Happy birthday, Paige, Tim called out in his British accent as I passed his room. You look lovely.

Thanks. How are you? I asked, noting the usual hum of his electronics, computers, and other surveillance monitors that always allowed me to feel safer.

I’m doing well. How about yourself?

Too much homework, I stated.

Well, that’s what happens when you get into college and take twenty-one credits all at once. Only you would be that crazy, he pointed out. I made a face at him.

That may be the case, but if I can push my way through the next three years, I’ll have my bachelor’s degree by the time I’m twenty-one, I said, leaning in to peer at one of the monitors. A vehicle was entering the front gate.

That’s quicker than I got my degree finished. It took me four years.

You were working on the side, I reminded him.

True. How is your leg doing today? he asked, momentarily reminding me of the serious injury I’d received from being stabbed in my thigh two years previous. He always asked about my well-being, which was something I loved about the guy.

Since the last round of physical therapy, it hasn’t bothered me nearly as much. How’s the nasty scar?

I healed a lot faster than you did, he replied. Mine was just blood loss and a hole in my body. The surgeons sent me home three days later, whereas you ended up staying at the hospital for nearly two weeks.

Yeah, but a punctured body is still serious, I said with a frown. He always made light of his illnesses and injuries.

Thankfully for medicine these days, we have a better chance of pulling through things like that, yes? he asked, smiling. Neither of us would have survived fifty years ago.

I nodded distractedly, looking closely at one of the monitors.

Is that…? I began to ask and then grinned.

He covered the monitor half a second too late.

You knew! I accused.

You weren’t supposed to find out, Tim complained good-naturedly, but I was already sprinting down the stairs and out to the front circular driveway.

The car doors opened, and out filed Jared, Will, and Kris. I ignored the three of them and flew unladylike to the front passenger door.

The window rolled down, and Clay’s handsome face appeared, smiling mischievously.

Happy birthday, Paige.

*****

As dinner progressed in our private dining room, I observed each person sitting at the table. Milo, Will, Kris, Jared, and Clay. They laughed and bantered with one another, slapping each other on the back and trying to outdo the last with a joke or war story. I couldn’t help but grin knowingly at this crew that was my family.

Clay’s thumb stroked my hand softly, and I blushed, glancing over at the dark-brown eyes that probed my green ones.

What are you thinking about? he asked quietly.

My gaze slid around the table, studying these dapper-looking men dressed in their suits and ties.

My family, I murmured. They’re something special.

So are you, he replied, squeezing my hand.

I flushed crimson at the sincerity in his voice.

Okay, you two lovebirds, Jared piped up. Milo has a few words he’d like to say.

As you are all aware, today marks a special day for two reasons. First, Paige is eighteen. I’m sure she and Clay are more aware of that than anybody, Milo winked exaggeratedly.

Clay and I both laughed, but didn’t disagree.

The second reason is that Jared and Paige both received their inheritance from their parents. I put it all into separate bank accounts this morning.

I glanced down, feeling a little somber at this news. Sure, I was more than grateful for the money my parents had saved and passed on to my brother and me, but that they weren’t there to celebrate with us forced a melancholy lump to form in my throat.

Your parents are proud of you, Paige, and I know they can see you right now and are aware of you every moment of every day, Milo said gently. I nodded, still staring at my lap. My bottom lip quivered ever so slightly, and I willed the tears to remain at bay.

I know. Thank you, I said, straightening my back and glancing up at the older man.

They wouldn’t have wanted to miss your birthday for anything, were it in their power, Jared reminded me from across the table.

I know, I repeated. Now, I say we party!

*****

A cool ocean breeze filtered through my open window, and I breathed in the salty tang that lingered in the air. The sky was inky and cloudless, and stars blinked happily at me.

Tomorrow night, Clay would be gone again. He had to return to his assignment for Interpol from which he’d gotten special permission to take leave from for three days, including travel time. I had no idea where his assignment was or when it would be completed. It was easier for me if I just assumed he was in a generally safe place instead of out saving a world fraught with danger and death.

A knock sounded at the door, and I called out an invitation to enter. Clay’s head appeared. He’d still not changed out of his fancy clothes, and I was still in my dress, although I’d pulled my annoying hair up and out of the way.

Mind if I come in? he asked quietly. I motioned him in, my stomach already doing crazy somersaults.

He joined me, sitting on the window seat facing me. He smiled warmly, and my insides flipped again.

Did you have a good time at the party? he asked, casually taking my hand in his and holding it lightly.

Which one? Both were fun, I replied honestly.

I thought of the balloon-filled, streamer-laden library when we arrived back from the fine Italian restaurant we’d eaten dinner at. Milo had insisted on paying for the six of us. Tim and the two most recently acquired agents at the mansion, Lila and Jett, had decorated while we were out. It was an extravagant party, and I had felt more than loved by my family during it.

Lila really outdid herself on the cake. I don’t deserve it, I said. The image of the decadent chocolate cake topped with fondant adorned with beautiful flowers came to mind.

Clay squeezed my hand and smiled knowingly.

Of course you deserve it. You’re one of a kind, Paige, and Lila has been talking about this party for weeks on end now.

I raised my eyebrows skeptically.

Oh, yes. Clay laughed. You were always out of earshot when she decided to torture us with talk of how the cake would look, which layers would be this or that flavor, the type of icing and fondant…

Clay rolled his eyes, and I couldn’t help but snicker. Knowing how excited Lila became about food didn’t come as a surprise, but hearing about how she’d talked everyone’s ears off about my cake, did.

It was just a birthday, Clay. Everyone has them, I insisted after I’d stopped giggling.

It’s not just a birthday to me, Paige, Clay said gently, his eyes searching mine.

Blushing, I looked past him and out to the ocean beyond. The ebb and flow of the breaking waves was musical, and I sighed softly. I couldn’t imagine my life anywhere but here, and yet I knew that someday I would be out on my own in a big, frightening world. I hoped that Clay would want to be there at my side through all of it.

Where are you? Clay asked, bringing me back to the present.

Just wondering what the future holds.

"What do you want the future to hold?"

I took a moment to reply, studying the handsome features of the man before me. His strong cheekbones, his masculine chin, the long eyelashes and hair that I envied, and finally the eyes that never failed to draw me into their dark depths.

You are well aware of what I want the future to hold, Mr. Begay, I said softly.

Tell me what you want, he insisted.

I sucked in a deep breath.

I want to finish my education with flying colors. I want to date a certain man and become better acquainted with him before we marry. I want a home and children and a dog. I want closure and peace and faith that whatever happens will be for a reason and that I will not be left alone…again.

My breath wavered, and I glanced down at my fingers intertwined with Clay’s.

Paige, Clay began. Look at me.

When I shook my head, he lifted my chin with his free hand so I had to make eye contact with him.

You won’t be alone. No matter what happens, there will always be someone there for you. You have your brother and my family. You have Tim, Lila, Jett, and Milo. And most especially, you have me. I won’t leave you. Not ever.

I searched for sincerity in his eyes, and when I found it, I sucked in a breath.

You see it, right? You see that I won’t leave you? Clay asked, his eyes penetrating mine.

I nodded.

Clay stared at me for another few seconds before he broke the silence with a light chuckle.

I was going to give this to you earlier, but with everyone else around, I didn’t want to embarrass you any more than you already were. I could tell you didn’t like being the center of attention. You kept straightening things that didn’t need to be straightened. He laughed.

I shrugged sheepishly, knowing I had a nervous habit of organizing when I was nervous or put on the spot, and tonight was no exception.

Clay pulled out a small nicely wrapped gift and held it out to me. I hesitated just a moment, and Clay’s mouth quirked up.

It’s not an engagement ring, if that’s what you’re thinking. We haven’t even had our first date yet. He smiled and winked.

That’s not what I was— I began, but then looked away as I tried to keep a straight face.

Uh-huh. Just open it already, Clay begged.

The delicate bow quivered in my shaking hands as I untied it slowly.

You’re killing me, Paige. Clay laughed, reaching for the gift.

I snatched it away and grinned, opening one end of the present and peeking in. I could see something dark brown that looked like wood. I raised my eyebrow in question, and Clay pressed his mouth together in a thin line, reprimanding me for cheating.

Oh, for pity’s sake! he exclaimed. I laughed and gave in, tearing the paper off.

A small wooden box about the size of my palm fell out of the violet floral wrapping paper, and when I turned the box over, I gasped.

On top of it was a delicate carving of Clay and me.

Did you…? I asked.

He nodded.

It’s…it’s stunning! How long did it take you to make this? I asked, awestruck.

About three months. I had to do it either when you weren’t around or when I wasn’t on assignment, so that left me little time to work on it. All in all, it took me about thirty hours.

I can’t believe you made this for me, I whispered, narrowing my eyes to get a better look. The grains of the wood were amazingly intricate, swirling delicately around and through the carving.

Open it up, Clay encouraged.

I glanced up in surprise. I was so entranced with the box that I hadn’t noticed I could slide the top of it off. When I did, I gasped again.

Inside, lying on a piece of black velvet, was a stunning silver ring inlaid with turquoise.

Don’t tell me you made this as well, I said, squinting up at the grinning man. From his smile, I received my answer.

I had no idea you made things like this! How come you didn’t tell me? I complained.

It’s a hobby from ten years ago that I never really developed until the last year or so. For the last six months, I’ve been working on some projects for my mom and this ring for you, he said sheepishly.

I’m just…astounded, I stuttered.

Picking up the ring gently, I studied the rolling design of the silver. It appeared braided as though the metal had been transformed in capable and knowledgeable hands. Turning the ring so I could look at the turquoise, I noticed a tiny inscription on the underside of the silver.

CB loves PC.

I glanced up at Clay, who was smiling like a little schoolboy. Instinctively I reached up and laid my hand on his cheek.

Thank you, Clay. These are the most beautiful gifts I’ve ever received from anyone.

Even more beautiful than the backpack we gave you two years ago? he teased.

Definitely.

He turned my palm toward his lips and gently kissed it. I flushed vermillion and desperately tried to settle the crazy gymnasts in my stomach.

It’s real turquoise, by the way. When Will and I were in New Mexico last year, we had a free day, so we stopped by a turquoise mine. I found a stone I loved and chiseled it down to what you see.

Looking down at the stone, I realized it was in the shape of a heart. I smiled and glanced back up at the man I loved.

You really know how to treat a girl right, I whispered.

Clay just smiled and shrugged.

I’m a hopeless romantic, he replied simply.

I looked at him for a long moment, knowing he was going to kiss me for the first time.

Am I rushing things? he murmured, his mouth closing in on mine.

No.

My first kiss was everything I’d always dreamed of and more. Clay knew what he was doing, and although I didn’t, I just followed his lead.

A clearing of a throat interrupted us, and I jerked back, embarrassed to be caught as we were.

Jared laughed tensely from his vantage place at the door.

Am I interrupting anything? he asked comically.

What do you think? Clay grumbled. Your timing is horrible!

Jared and I laughed, though Jared’s face was tight. The humor didn’t quite reach his eyes; I wondered what he was thinking.

Mind if I have a moment with my sister?

Clay reached over and squeezed my hand before leaving Jared and me alone.

Jared opened his mouth to speak, but I was a step ahead.

Don’t reprimand me, please. I’m an adult now.

Paige, that’s not what I was going to say. I’m not here to lecture you. You’re a grown woman now, and you know what’s best for you.

I nodded my thanks.

He sighed softly and stared out my window.

What’s wrong? I asked, feeling the prickles of trepidation travel up my spine.

I hate to tell you this when you just had a wonderful day and you’re in the thick of things in school and all, he trailed off.

Just tell me please, I begged, wanting the bad news to be over with.

Jared took a deep, calming breath. The four words that came out of his mouth sent a jolt of terror throughout my entire body.

Demetri escaped from prison.

Chapter 2

I didn’t bother trying to sleep the remainder of the night; it was pointless. My runaway thoughts conjured up all sorts of scenarios and waking nightmares that could possibly happen with one of my mortal enemies at large.

Damien was dead, and for that I was at peace with…kind of, but I knew that Demetri wanted my head on a silver platter if for no other reason than putting him behind bars. He would not stop tormenting me until I was dead and he could see my cold form for himself. He knew me well enough to realize that his mere existence scared the tar out of me.

I half-heartedly moved my breakfast around my fully laden plate.

You all right? Clay asked as he walked into the kitchen. He kissed my cheek lightly and sat down next to me. His eyes flickered to my plate, and I noted the concern written on his face.

Not really, I admitted, laying my fork down. My pancake had more than enough stab wounds all over it.

I wanted to nestle against Clay’s chest and just hide away from the world. Instead, I put my forehead on the table and closed my eyes, only opening them when I heard footsteps approach the kitchen.

Paige, I think it would be wise for you to resume your training again, Jared stated as he entered the room, his hair wet and spiky from his recent shower. Milo and Will trailed him.

I second that, Clay agreed quickly near my ear, and I jumped. Yes, I definitely second that.

When I glanced at him, his eyes were full of worry, and I tried to be brave for his sake.

I’ll train again. It takes precedence over school, I murmured, saddened by the thought that my education would have to be put on hold yet again.

Paige, you don’t have to stop going to school. Your education is important to you. It’ll give you something to focus on while you are under duress, Jared said.

I nodded. I wanted to continue my education. As stressful as school was, it would be a nice reprieve from the constant anxiety I know I would feel with Demetri on the loose.

The only thing I ask is that someone is with you when you go to the university, Jared said.

I won’t argue with that, I answered readily.

I’ll go today, Clay piped up.

Milo, I forgot to say thanks for the dress. It fit me perfectly, and I felt like a princess last night. I smiled at the older man.

It’s understandable you forgot, what with that handsome devil around, he indicated with a tick of his head, smirking at Clay.

Well, at least I’m handsome, right? Clay joked.

I was being generous, Milo said, winking at me.

I laughed at Clay’s dour expression and kissed him on the cheek. His frown immediately transformed into a happy grin.

"At least someone likes me," he said, throwing a comical glare at Milo.

She’s the only one, he shot back with a snicker.

Oh, burn! Will chuckled.

All right, boys, I interrupted their banter. Let’s be nice now.

Paige is right. We don’t want to get on her bad side, Kris said, not looking at me but struggling to keep a straight face. We all know what that’s like. My memory isn’t so bad that I don’t remember the last time.

I can take you down, I threatened playfully. Better watch it, Kris.

I believe it, little bro, Clay said.

Stay on her good side, fellows, Will ordered with a laugh.

I stuck out my bottom lip in a pout and turned to Clay.

"At least you love me."

Clay brushed a lock of my hair off of my forehead.

You’d better believe it, he murmured, smiling at the ring I wore on my right ring finger.

Gag, Kris grouched. "I’ve lost my appetite now. Thanks a lot."

Clay kept me company in my room while I studied and worked on two essays due at the end of the week. I had to be in class in two hours, but knowing Clay would be there with me calmed my nerves, and I was able to study without a thought of Demetri. Almost.

On our way out the door, I grabbed an apple and a yogurt from the kitchen. Lila was there, and she hugged me tightly.

Sorry about the bad news, Paige, she said close to my ear.

I’m all right. I have a great family who will do their best to keep me safe, I replied, returning the hug.

I’ll do whatever I can to help. If you want to go shopping without the guys, I’m your girl. She winked.

Then we’ll definitely have to go shopping.

Lila was adorable. At thirty-one years old, the five-foot-nine-inch blonde from New Jersey was stunning. She’d formerly been an FBI agent before she’d come over to Interpol. She was a wonderful asset to our team, and having another female around the house was needed, for me. Too much testosterone got on my nerves at times.

You headed to class? she asked, handing me a sandwich.

Yeah. Clay’s coming with me today, I replied.

Good choice.

I think so too. He’s a hot guy.

I’m right here, Clay said wryly, making us girls burst into laughter.

Well, it’s true, I insisted.

Let’s get going, shall we? Clay grumbled good-naturedly, tugging at my sleeve.

See you later, guys! Lila called out.

*****

Once at school and in my math class, I actually felt at ease. Clay was on high alert, watching the other students file into the room and take their seats. There were approximately fifty people in the class, and Clay studied each one carefully. I knew he packed heat, and that also made me feel a bit more comfortable.

I pulled out my assignment and handed it to the professor as he passed. He wasn’t the friendliest fifty-year-old man I’d ever met, but he was a good teacher, so I kept his class in my schedule and studied hard.

Mr. Hogan raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Clay but kept on walking. No doubt he wondered who this new face was and why he seemed to be paying such close attention to the other students. I sighed inwardly. We’d have to talk to my professors about the situation and why I would have a constant companion with me on campus.

My first class of the day went well, and while I took notes, Clay kept watch. We’d purposely sat in the front row for a quick escape if needed. I was grateful there were two doors, one on each side of the room, in case we had to book it out of there.