My vision swam as I hit the sand, the dream beach dissolving around me. Gasping, I scrambled to my feet, searching frantically for the carefree Hamm Rhett who was just right in front of me. But in his place stood a woman. Not just any woman, though.
This woman seemed to hold the moon in her eyes, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight on water. Her white dress flowed around her like a celestial cloud, and an air of power emanated from her that made my breath hitch.
W- What the hell just happened?
I could have sworn Gamma Rhett was just here some minutes ago.
Shock plastered itself on my face. "What’s going on here? Where’s Gamma Rhett? Who are you?" I asked, swiveling my neck around in search of Gamma Rhett.
The woman smiled gently. Her smile was a sound like wind chimes dancing in the breeze. "Fear not, child," she said, her voice ringing a melodious chime that settled strangely well deep within me. "You are fortunate, I must say. Few can perceive me in my true form at such close proximity. It speaks to the special qualities that reside within you."
Special qualities?
My mind whirred in confusion. What was going on? Where was Gamma Rhett?
Who the hell was this freak and what the fuck was he talking about?
My voice finally found its way back to me. "What’s going on? Where did Gamma Rhett go?"
The woman offered a serene smile but her answer evaded my questions. "I knew I had made the right choice in you, Isleen. It saddens me, however, that you have become entangled in this conflict."
Argh!
Who in the world was this beautiful presence? Yet, so annoying too.
I squinted my eyes at her. "Entangled? What in the world are you talking about? Tell me where I am! Who are you?"
The woman spread her hands gracefully, her white gown flowing around her like a cloud. "This, Isleen, is the depths of your subconscious," she explained. "It’s a manifestation of your deepest desires. The beach, the dream- Rhett - they are all your creation."
Huh?
What in the world was this? Gamma Rhett was my greatest desire. Why was my wolf howling in affirmation?
That betrayer!
A scoff escaped my lips. "If that’s true, then you wouldn’t even be here. There’s no way you’re what I desire most."
She let out a musical giggle. "Oh, child. I am not one to be manifested in dreams or subconsciousness. I can be wherever I choose to be, whenever I choose to be."
Yeah, right.
"Ugh," I groaned, rolling my eyes. "I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m done. This nightmare needs to end."
"Of course, you can," she picked up a leaf on the ground and played with it. "As long as you heal properly."
Right. I was attacked, and hurt, and my wolf wasn’t helping. I wasn’t healing. Perhaps, this was some bridge between life and death.
Could the Moon Goddess just take a goddamn pity on me and allow me to heal?! I wanted nothing more than to escape this bizarre dreamscape. Just as I turned away, her voice stopped me.
The realization stole the breath from my lungs. Just as I was about to stammer out a reply, I saw a hint of amusement dancing in her silver eyes. She raised a hand, silencing me before I could speak.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Mated To My Boyfriend's Dad