Deathly Dreams

By C.C. Solomon

First there are the nightmares.
Then, there’s the violence.
Next, the loss of control.
Lastly, death.
Evan’s return after six months comes with a dark secret he won’t share, leaving a rift in his relationship with Jazmine. When his long-lost brother, who may present another hurdle for the pair, comes knocking, the couple’s reunion becomes even rockier.
However, he isn’t the only one withholding deadly information.
Jazmine kept a busy life during Evan’s departure, including joining a dangerous, fighting task force. However, her new job might cost her life when she and her teammates are afflicted with a dream curse.
When Jazmine’s affliction begins to show signs of progression, Evan and Jazmine must face secrets that could test their relationship. With the clock running, the two must race to find out who is behind the possible curse before time runs out.
When your dreams can literally kill you, where can you escape?

• Language: English
• Publisher: C.C. Solomon
• Release date: Feb 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215648308

C.C. Solomon

C.C. is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and has actively written fiction since the age of eleven. She’s an avid “chick lit” reader and urban fantasy fan. During her days, she works in Civil Rights for the federal government. In her free time, she sings karaoke, travels the globe and watches too much TV... when she’s not writing of course.For more information on C.C. Solomon, her books and her lifestyle and travel blog check out www. ccsolomon.com and subscribe to her newsletter so you don’t miss any swag, giveaways and free stories! https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dydrlqoqfr

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

JAZMINE

Jazmine shivered, pulling her peacoat closed as she looked around the darkened space. It smelled musty and stale, as if nothing had been moved or touched in years. She stood in front of a large, red couch. Thick dust covered it and the coffee table behind her. She turned to face a blackened fireplace, the dark gray wallpaper scorched near its gaping maw. A fire-damaged portrait hung askew above the mantle.

A cold breeze raised the hairs on the back of her neck, and she spun. Nothing, just more of the dark and dank living area. She needed to get out of there. She didn’t even recall how she’d wound up in such a dump. She exited the room, passing by a dining room and small walk-in kitchen, both equally dingy with cobwebs, dirt and stains. She heard something squeak from the kitchen and quickened her pace to the front door.

Only there was no front door.

She stared at the faded wallpaper where the door should have been. She looked toward the kitchen and stumbled back upon seeing a large rat scurry across the dusty tiled floor. Her shoulder hit the wall on the left, and she turned to see a narrow door that could have been a closet. However, there weren’t any other options. She quickly opened it to find tattered coats and shoes. She cursed and closed the door.

A floorboard creaked above her. She looked up to the ceiling, trailing the slow footsteps going back and forth, back and forth. She opened her mouth to call out but thought better of it. Something definitely felt off about this place, and she had a strong feeling that whoever was walking around above her was not a friend.

She walked to the back of the house, trying to recall if there was a patio. She moved with careful steps now, hoping that whoever was above had not heard her crash into the wall. But the pacing didn’t stop, so she was safe. Why were they up there? Had they tried to get out, too?

This wasn’t the time to ponder about the stranger. She had to get out of this creepy house. She passed the dining room and noticed a hole in the wall across from her she hadn’t seen before. It wasn’t just any hole. It was bigger than her, allowing the pitch blackness on the other side to stare back at her. She sucked in a breath as a heavy dread fell over her. It was as if it had some kind of hypnotic hold on her. She tore her eyes away and was shocked to see she had walked a few steps toward it. She hadn’t even felt herself move. What the hell?

She shook her head quickly and took several steps back, keeping her eyes away from the hole, although it continued to call to her. She ignored whatever strange magnetism it had and moved toward the living room.

The pacing steps above her stopped, and she paused, looking up. It was too quiet now, the house devoid of sound. Not her own steps and now not the steps above. She couldn’t even hear herself breathe.

And then there was a rush of movement. Fast-moving heavy footsteps, sounding very much like running. A sense of urgency coursed through her, and she took off toward the patio doors, the sound of loud steps thundering down the stairs.

She had just unlocked the sliding glass doors before she felt an icy grip on her right arm. She felt a chill, even through her coat, and the hold was crushing. She didn’t want to look back to see who had her. She just wanted out. She pushed forward, sliding the door open, but her assailant jerked her back.

The pressure on her arm intensified, cutting into her circulation. She reached for the glass door handle, trying in vain to shake the mysterious person away from her, but her attacker was too strong. She spun around, laying her eyes on a gigantic creature and screamed.

Jazmine St. Clair woke up with a startled shake. Her alarm blared in her ear, and she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the annoying buzzing sound. She had the unsettling belief that her alarm had saved her life. That dream—no—nightmare had freaked her out. It was just like the last one she’d had almost two weeks ago. A creepy house and a mysterious creature whose face she could never remember when she woke up. All she recalled was that it was monstrous.

Her right arm throbbed. She gently touched her arm, flinching as the sensitive area revolted. A large hand-shaped bruise bloomed in place. It wasn’t her own. She could play silly and be confused about its origin, but she knew better. The creature in her dream had grabbed her, and somehow, her body had manifested that injury.

This had happened the last time, too. That time, the creature had slashed her under the ribs. She‘d woken up bleeding in that same spot. She’d been disturbed the first time and had been obsessed with finding out what could have been the cause. So far, she only had suspicions. Jazmine had hoped that since nothing had happened in the past couple of weeks, she’d been out of the woods.

Clearly, she was not. She’d have to report this to leadership.

The smell of bacon and onions floated into her room. Maybe an omelet? But wait, there was more. Fresh bread?

Who was in her apartment cooking food? Should she be scared? Thankful? There were worse things an intruder could be doing. Then again, there were three people who had access to her key code and could get in.

Two of those people were unlikely to surprise cook for her outside of her being sick or on her birthday.

Her mouth began to water, and she dabbed at the corners. Her nightmare would have to be put on hold for a moment. She couldn’t stay in this bed and continue to be bombarded by this possible goodness. She tossed the covers off and swung her legs to the side of the bed.

Don’t get up! Don’t get up! She heard Evan Kitagawa shout from outside her bedroom.

She remained where she was at the edge of the bed and patiently waited, a slight smile creeping on her lips. She knew exactly who the intruder was, and she wasn’t mad about it at all.

Minutes later, Evan appeared in her bedroom doorway with what looked like her laptop tray holding a large plate of food in one hand and, in his other hand, a steaming mug of coffee.

She took a deep inhale and sighed. What is this?

Evan walked in with a wide grin on his full lips. His smile still made her heart twinge. I made you breakfast.

She scooted back on her bed and rested her back against the gray upholstered frame. You didn’t have to do all of this.

He placed the tray down on her lap and the coffee on her black nightstand. He then looked back at her with excited eyes. I know. But I wanted to. Does it make you happy?

She grabbed a slice of bacon and took a bite. The greasy goodness and crisp crunch sent her shoulders shaking in delight. She nodded in appreciation. Absolutely. She looked down at the rest of the plate. There was the omelet she smelled with a mix of cheese, onions, peppers, and spinach. The bread she’d smelled was actually an almond croissant. It all looked absolutely delicious.

She’d had no idea that Evan could even cook. He was an undead vampire and didn’t have the ability to eat, so him being a good cook didn’t add up. She looked up and narrowed her eyes at him. Did you really make this?

He twisted his lips to the side and ran his fingers through his silky, jet back hair. It was almost at the base of his neck now. It changed his look but not in a way that made her unhappy. He actually looked hotter, if that was even possible.

He looked down at her, a playful twinkle in his dark brown eyes. If by make, you mean heat up in the oven, then yes, I did make this. Also had the help of a diner from my town that makes a great breakfast, or so I’ve been told.

He’d gone all the out of town to get her food and come back. He was beyond sweet. He sat down beside her as he watched her eat. She smiled at him before offering him a forkful of omelet. For reasons they still could not understand, whenever Evan was near her, his undead status became that of a living vampire. His inability to eat, breathe, and be exposed to daylight were no longer hindrances around her.

He leaned forward and took a bite, closing his eyes as he tasted the savory morsel. A tantalizing groan of satisfaction escaped from his lips.

Jazmine sucked in a breath, feeling pleased by his always inappropriate enjoyment of food. It was both amusing and seductive.

She scooped up another bite and moved it toward his lips.

He leaned back, shaking his head. I got this for you, Jaz.

She looked down at the large plate of food. I typically don’t eat big breakfasts. We can share this.

He gave a playful roll of his eyes. Well, if you’re going to insist, he said before opening his mouth to be fed again.

She chuckled. You know, you can eat without me around. I heard about some pills or something that you can take to eat food again. Zombies and undead vampires are taking it with success. You can’t eat any time you want. There’s a limit, but that’s better than nothing.

He gave a playful crinkle of his nose. You’re my drug. Much healthier for me, too.

Her stomach clenched. There he went with the romance again. When he said things like that, it was hard to stay annoyed with him. She turned toward her bedroom window.

Sun rays peeked out through the blinds signifying the official arrival of morning. She gasped and looked back at Evan, who had broken a piece of bacon and offered it to her before popping the other half into his mouth. She took the bacon but didn’t eat. Did you come all this way in the daylight?

He shook his head as he chewed. Days are a lot shorter now, remember?

How could she ever forget their supernaturally long winters? Six months of cold. One of many gifts from the Event that had changed the world over ten years ago, giving many of its inhabitants supernatural gifts. In addition, it brought a combination of several environmental changes, supernatural attacks from creatures and wildlife that had not existed before, and a pandemic that had killed fifty percent of the world’s population.

She shook her head of the memory of that apocalyptic day and all the horrors that had come of it. All those she’d lost. How are you going to get to your town now? I have to go to class this morning, then work this afternoon. I won’t be able to hang out with you. And I don’t think I have enough time to drive you.

He scooted down and lay back at the foot of her bed, his arms behind his head. He closed his eyes and appeared very much unbothered. For the past week, since his return from his six-month leave, he’d seemed very relaxed and low stressed. This was the opposite of the quick-to-anger man she first met, although he was never that way with her. She was always the exception when it came to his temperament. I can sleep here until you’re free this evening. I’ve done it before.

She sighed and put her tray of food on the other side of the bed before moving down beside him.

His lips curled in a smile, and he tapped his chest, his eyes still closed, in invitation.

She lay her head on him, feeling the rise and fall of his broad chest and the pound of his heart. It still felt unreal that she was in any way responsible for his ability to breathe. You’ve barely been home since you’ve been back. I don’t need Jasper being even more annoyed with me. He already thinks I’m a distraction for you.

Jasper was Evan’s adoptive father and head of the nearby vampire city in Georgetown, Washington D.C. He had made it very clear to Jazmine upon their first meeting that he had big plans for Evan to govern their city, and it simply wouldn’t work if Evan was distracted by a non-vampire. She still didn’t understand why they insisted on only having vampires and consorts. In her mind, a diverse town brought strength.

Since The Event, order was being restored, but not in the way it had been before. Now, the United States was a mix of several separate communities that are governed individually. There were a host of government towns, like the one she lived in, run by governors that also served as congressmen, of sorts, who ruled together like an oligarchy they called the Federation. They had just begun campaigning for a new president, but with only a little more than half the country run under the Federation, it would be an uphill battle to unify again.

Jasper was no fan of the Federation, and the Federation was no fan of the vampire town. Although corruption was found in both circles, neither was willing to budge an inch and work together. She wondered how pissed Jasper would be once he realized how much time Evan was spending with her instead of his family.

Evan ran his hand down Jazmine’s back in a slow, comforting movement. Do you want me to leave?

She snuggled in tighter to him, relishing his touch. She absolutely did not want him to leave. He had been gone long enough. Truth be told, she was still kind of angry about it all. The moment she had opened herself up to another person, he had disappeared to find himself. She had tried to be understanding, but it had hurt. The loneliness had been palpable. She should have been used to it. For years, she’d lived in isolation, unable to touch a living thing, not even a plant. If she did, the human, animal, or plant died.

She had learned the heartbreaking way of what her touch could do the day of The Event. At just nine years old, she’d innocently touched her father when the world around them spun out of control and had instantly killed him. After that, she became a liability to anyone around her but her older sister, Paige, and her best friend, Theo.

Then came Evan. A misunderstanding had led to her punching him.

And he hadn’t died.

Yes, he was already an undead vampire, but her touch should have at least done something. Instead, it had jump-started his heart and brought him back to life, but only for as long as they were within a certain radius of each other.

She had not wanted to get attached, but somehow, her heart refused to listen to her brain, and before she knew it, she had fallen for the handsome vampire. When he’d left after the loss of a close mentor, she’d understood his pain but not why he’d had to leave.

She sighed. I don’t want you to go, but I know you have to at some point. Just come back, okay? She hated to sound weak and needy. Letting him know how much he affected her was still scary business, but she was trying to be stronger. She would be twenty soon, and as a human with supernatural abilities, she had a longer life span, but that didn’t mean she wanted to draw out growing up.

She felt Evan’s chest rise, taking in a deep breath. I’m not going to leave again, Jaz. I’m sorry. He moved up and kissed the top of her head, currently holding a pile of her curls in a messy bun.

She didn’t respond, not settled by his words. He’d apologized all week, and yet she couldn’t shake the nagging unease she felt. She still wasn’t used to having someone new in her life. I’m trying to understand, Evan. You needed to heal. I guess I didn’t expect it to be for that long.

The words came out more bitter than she meant them to. She had to be level-headed and smart. She believed people didn’t like to put up with other’s emotional outbursts or negativity. At least, that was what life had taught her. She didn’t want to be a bother anymore than she already was. She wasn’t sure Evan would understand that. He had been taken in by strangers who had seen potential in him. She’d been kicked out by family who feared her.

She felt him nod his head. I know. I know. What can I do to make it up to you?

She didn’t know that there was anything for him to do. Perhaps it was her issue to work out.

You won’t go back out to the woods and live like a mountain man again?

He chuckled, and that brought a smile to her lips.

Evan was never a jolly kind of guy. Dark and brooding was more his thing. So, when he did seem to be in a playful mood, she cherished it.

Don’t knock living in the woods. I’d still be there if Jasper hadn’t yanked me out.

Jazmine adjusted so that she could see his face. But you were living alone, and you didn’t have to, like I did.

Nothing wrong with living alone. He looked up at the ceiling, his deep brown eyes wistful. It’s peaceful. Relaxing. No drama. You can think. Meditate.

Well then, I would have been a distraction if I had gone.

He wrapped his muscular arms around her and moved her until she was lying on top of him. Never. He then gave her a quick peck on the lips.

His lips were so soft, and she wanted to kiss him again and feel the heat of his mouth, but she had more to say. Well, I guess it’s a good thing you did go back, or you’d never have found the letter.

He let out of breath of irritation. I can’t believe he came back all of these years later, and I wasn’t there for him. What kind of brother does that make me?

He’d already told her that he’d stayed a month, getting his head right and hoping his brother would show up again, but he never did. However, instead of returning, Evan decided to look for his brother in Philadelphia.

You aren’t a bad brother, Evan. He left your family, and you were alone. It sucked for me, but it was good that you went on to Philly to look for him. Can’t believe it took two months to find him, though.

Six months gone. He’d explained it, but still, something felt off. She couldn’t ignore the little irksome feeling in the pit of her stomach that told her there was more to his story. That he was only sharing what he thought would not upset her. She wasn’t even sure why he’d come back when he had. He’d just said it was time. She supposed that if he said it was because he missed her, that would have been worse. Had he not missed her before the six months? What exactly made him ready to leave?

Evan ran a hand over her arm. She sucked in a breath as his hand went over her bruised area. She really didn’t want to talk about the nightmares with him. He’d get paranoid, and more importantly, he’d let go of the conversation they were having.

Evan frowned, eyeing her movement. What’s wrong with your arm?

Too late, he was already changing the subject. Whenever she pried too much into his time away, he retreated from the conversation. Usually, to do something sweet for her. At first, she hadn’t noticed. She’d just thought he was still trying to make amends for leaving. However, a week into her pampering and she was no longer fooled. He had been hiding something. It could have been something very upsetting for him. Or he might have met someone while he’d been gone, and when things fizzled out, he’d returned to her. Jazmine had only been with Evan a short time. He’d been gone longer than the time they’d been together. They were not an official couple, and they made no promises of monogamy before he left.

She sat up, favoring her unbruised arm to help her get upright.

He rolled up the sleeve of her T-shirt, and his upper lip twitched at the sight of the bruise. How’d this happen? he growled.

Jazmine sighed and slowly pulled her arm back, but Evan refused to loosen his grip. It’s nothing, Evan. Don’t worry.

He made a pfft noise. Don’t worry? You didn’t have this bruise yesterday. What happened between the time you went to sleep and now? His face twisted in anger, his voice raising an octave. I’m gone for under an hour, and then this happens. I can’t leave now. Who did this? Are they dead? I didn’t see any bodies this morning.

She grimaced under his tight hold. She could practically see the steam rising from his ears. So much for his peaceful meditation in the woods. His quick temper was a work in progress. Evan, my arm hurts, and you grabbing it doesn’t help.

He winced and loosened his grip, placing her hand on his lap. Sorry. Let me help. He dropped his fangs and bit into his wrist.

She wordlessly watched blood pool to the surface of his skin and frowned. She hoped he didn’t think she was going to drink his blood. I know vampire blood is healing, but I’d rather not. My sister is just one floor away from me.

He glared at her as he rubbed his left hand over the blood on his wrist. He then carefully lifted her hand again before smearing the blood over her bruised arm. She scrunched her face in pain and disgust, but seconds later, she began to feel a soothing tingle spread over her arm, numbing the pain. How?

Evan continued to gently massage her arm, and she could already see the bruising subside beneath the blood. Just another use of vampire blood. Not as well-known, but my brother and his friends taught me a bunch of things. He’s part of a vampire brood.

Kind of feels like Tiger Balm.

He glanced at her, eyes dark. Yup, he was still very angry. So, any ideas on how this happened?

There was no way she was going to tell him the truth. Especially when she didn’t fully understand it herself. Evan sometimes overreacted, and when it came to her, he was definitely a worrier. Almost as bad as her sister. She would go crazy with the both of them monitoring her every movement. She’d have to come up with a lie and stick to it. At least for now, until she figured things out. A dream. I have violent dreams from time to time.

He gave her a look of disbelief, raising a brow. You didn’t do this to yourself.

No, she hadn’t, but if she said what she suspected was going on, she’d have to tell him everything she’d been doing while he was gone. There was way too much to cover, and he’d go into even more worried paranoia about it all. She’d have to ease him into all that he missed. For now, she just wanted to be happy with him.

Feeling healed, she withdrew her arm from his grasp and kissed him on the cheek. Thank you. Look, Evan, something is going on with me. Most likely stress. I’m looking into it. I don’t want you to worry.

He scrunched his face in confusion. Well, it’s not safe for you to sleep by yourself.

She glared at him. This is what she wanted to avoid. Him overreacting.

He raised a hand in self-defense. I’m not being pervy.

She knew that. They hadn’t had sex yet, and it wasn’t all on her.