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  Dark Awakening

  T. A. Grey

  WARNING: The content in this book contains explicit sexual content. This book is intended for mature audiences only. It contains sexually explicit scenes that may be offensive. Please keep your file in a safe area on your computer and away from minors.

  This book is not transferable. If it is sold, shared, or given away it is infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

  This book is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places, and scenarios are solely the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, though reference to actual events or locations may be real.

  Cover image by: Stryjek/www.Bigstockphoto.com

  Dark Awakening © T. A. Grey

  www.tagrey.com

  Copyright 2011

  All rights reserved

  Also available by T. A. Grey

  Breeding Cycle: The Kategan Alphas 1

  Capturing Jeron

  Ecstasy Overload

  Midnight Sex Shop

  One Last Chance

  Chapter 1

  Alison Bennson walked through the disaster in her living room with slow, heavy steps. The cushions from her microsuede couch lay in strips among the cottony pieces of filling on the floor. Her fists tightened and she fought a wave of hot tears that threatened to spill down her flushed cheeks. It took her eight months to save up the money to buy that couch and now it was nothing.

  The mess in her apartment made it look like she owned more than she did. Shards from her plates and glasses were the only things left of them. The sight of her expensive collection lying in sharp shambles almost brought her to tears. Her mother had bought her that for her birthday two years ago.

  With heavy step, she walked down the hall to her bedroom. The door was halfway open. The black shadows beyond the door waited like a nightmare wanting to suck her in. She closed her eyes, sucked in an uneven breath, then flicked on the light.

  What little courage she had crumbled like a stack of bricks. The glass cabinet with her most precious tokens, snow globes from her mom, gifts from friends over the years, and souvenirs from the trips she took were destroyed. Her hand trembled as she reached into the cabinet and picked up a picture of her with her best friend Sarina. The frame was cracked, the glass shattered into a web. At least the picture underneath was still intact.

  The first tear slid down her face and it felt cold against her heated cheeks. She surveyed the rest of her room, trying to keep a wall around her to protect her. She froze as her eyes tracked over the bed. At first, she just thought the bedsheets had been messed up, but now she realized the pattern was specific not random. Besides, she’d made her bed that morning.

  Her red down comforter was pulled back as if someone was about to go to sleep. She squinted at the strange color on her bed sheet. She stopped short of her bed, her heart slamming to a stop in her chest at the sight of the white matter on her sheets.

  "Conlin." Her hoarse whisper was like a shout in the quiet room. Her heart resumed beating with hard, driving slams in her chest. She dropped to her knees and cried.

  * * *

  It took her longer than she would have liked to regain her composure. She walked on wooden legs to the phone and called Sarina. Only she would understand, would even care. Her family had stopped speaking to her after the incident with Conlin.

  Sarina answered on the second ring. "Hello?" Sarina’s perky voice didn't make her smile as it usually did.

  "Sarina, I'm in trouble." She hated the tremble in her voice, but couldn't help it. "H-he was here. He was in my house."

  "What do you mean? Who was in your house? Tell me what happened." Gone was the soft excited voice, replaced instead with alarm.

  "Conlin was here. Please, I need your help. I'm scared." Tears slid down her face in wet streaks.

  "Vane and I are coming right now. Just hold on we’ll be right there, honey." Alison didn’t say goodbye, just hung up like a robot going through the motions.

  When Sarina and her truemate Vane came through the door, Alison had managed to straighten up most of her living room. She swept shards of glass, wood, and torn cushions into a corner and righted the knocked over side table and coffee table.

  Sarina rushed to her, giving her a hard hug. "Tell me everything. Oh my God, I can't believe he came into your house."

  "I'm going to check out the rest of the house." Sarina nodded at her husband and made Alison sit with her on two of the unbroken kitchen chairs.

  Alison couldn't meet her friend's gaze. "It was like this when I came home. He must have done it while I was at work. He was in my home. And that's not the worst of it." Her voice was hard with anger.

  Vane came into the room, gave his mate a speaking glance, and nodded at her to come with him. "I'll be right back, okay honey? Just stay right here."

  "What is it?"

  Vane waited until they were in Alison's bedroom to speak. "That," he said pointing at the bedspread. Sarina couldn't hide the disgusted gasp that left her.

  "That son of a bitch. Is that...did he jerk off on her bed?"

  "Looks like it. Help her to pack a few of her belongings. I think it's best if she comes and stays with us for a while."

  “Oh thank you, Vane." Her mate caught her in a bear hug and kissed her gently.

  "Hurry up now."

  Alison packed enough clothes to last her a few days and left everything else. Any items that meant something to her were ruined. At the last minute, she snatched the picture of her and Sarina out of the cabinet.

  The car ride to Vane and Sarina's was mostly silent. She thanked Vane for carrying her bag into the house. Sarina and Vane's wedding was the last time she'd been in there. The cabin felt different now, warmer. Sarina must have used her creative touch to brighten up the room since there were now colorful rugs, budding plants, and pictures on the walls.

  "How about some tea or coffee?" Sarina wrung her hands together, biting her lips.

  "Tea, please." Sarina looked relieved to be doing something as she left for the kitchen.

  "Have a seat. I'm going to make a few phone calls," Vane announced and went into the study, closing the door partway.

  Alone again.

  Alison took a few deep breaths and tried to comprehend what happened today. She didn't want to think about it, she wanted to shrink back into a dark corner and never look up again. But then that would mean the bastard won, and her hatred for him far outweighed her cowardice. She heard the teakettle whistle and Vane hang up the phone, and suddenly didn't want to see either of them.

  She ran to the bathroom, collapsing against the wall trying to catch her breaths. The walls were closing in on her. There wasn’t enough air in the room, she gasped then doubled over as a hard pain jerked in her stomach.

  She collapsed before the toilet and gagged roughly, her stomach coiling, rolling. She gagged repeatedly, but nothing ever came up, just empty chunks of jagged air.

  Oh God, he's going to kill me, she thought. She wanted to burst into tears, but held back the urge. She wouldn't breakdown in front of her friend. Didn’t want her to know just how scared she was of him. Just a little longer and then she could curl up and cry. A brisk knock at the door, had her blinking back tears.

  "Just a second." She flushed the empty toilet out of habit and washed her hands, splashing some of the cold water on her heated face. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

  For the second time that day, she felt like the air was ripped from her lungs, except this was for an entirely different reason. A reason that made her heart flutter in her chest and her mouth go dry.

  "Rome."

  His grin was masculine and absolutely sinful. He leaned nonchalantly against
the doorjamb as if this was always his usual hangout spot.

  "Ms. Alison Bennson, it's a pleasure to see you again." His eyes were bright, the color a mixture of blue and gray. They perused over her body in open admiration. "I'm sorry that we had to meet again under these serious circumstances, I would have much preferred something more intimate." The way he said the last word was as if he was picturing doing something intimate with her in that moment.

  "Rome, it's nice to see you too. Excuse me." Ducking her head to hide her blush red-gazed eyes, she dashed back to the living room. He followed her, his low laughter trailing after her.

  She took a seat and thanked Sarina for the tea. The smell was strong, the color black. She was about to sip her tea when a large body took the open seat beside her. She didn't need to look to know it was him. She could have smelled him anywhere. He smelled like earth and sex. She flinched at the thought and looked away. He probably did just finish having sex.

  She went to take a sip of her tea again and was startled when a strong hand touched her shoulder. She jumped, nearly spilling her cup. She turned to glare at him. She ignored his full lips, devastating smile, and dancing eyes.

  "Sorry about that," he said, looking anything but. Sarina glared at him like he a petulant child.

  Vane took a seat beside his wife and said, "I've alerted the sentries about Conlin. No trespassers will dare cross Kategan land. You'll be safe while you're here. Tomorrow we'll contact the Justicars."

  Alison set the tea down and crossed her arms. "I don't think that's a good idea." Everyone turned to look at her with shocked expressions. She cleared her throat and looked away. "It's just that he's very powerful, and if I make him angry then..." She shook her head, unable to finish the words.

  Rome leaned forward and grabbed her hand. The touch sent warmth and pleasure pulsing through her. And she was so very cold. His hand was big and warm, slightly callused and so much darker than hers was. Worse of all her stomach did a cartwheel. Why did she have to act like a fluttery schoolgirl around him?

  "We will protect you. I’ll make sure of it, Alison," Rome said. She tried to pull her hand back, but he held it tighter.

  “But we still need to notify the Justicars,” Vane said.

  "We can do that later. Let’s give her some time to recover from today." Sarina smiled encouragingly at her friend. “Besides you have some evidence at the apartment that he was there.”

  Alison tensed and flushed. Rome didn’t miss the movement. "What is it? Did something else happen?"

  She shook her head no, but the movement was too quick.

  "Something else did happen. Oh, Alison, tell us. That son of a bitch will pay, I promise." Sarina knelt in front of her friend looking like a knight ready to take a quest to save the fair maiden from a tower. Alison almost laughed, would of if her throat didn't feel like it was closing in on her.

  "I've received letters ever since the wedding and I get strange calls every now and then." A ferocious, low growl permeated in the room like a live animal. All of them turned to Rome whose cold eyes looked ready to kill.

  "Control it," Vane ordered and gradually the coldness receded from Rome's eyes, until they were warm and soft again.

  Sarina grabbed her hand in her warm one. "What did the letters say?"

  Alison cringed. Her past with Conlin was not something she wanted to discuss and those letters tread on her pain with him with big boots. "I don’t want to talk about it."

  "Then at least let us read them. We’ll show the letters to the Justicars to prove that Conlin is harassing you. It will prove you’re in danger."

  Alison shook her head. "I burned them. I burned every last one the bastard sent me. Besides, it's not like he signed them."

  "How can you be certain they were from him then," Vane asked. He looked curiously at her.

  She had to swallow over the lump in her throat. "Because it was about when we were together. Only he knows about...that."

  Alison didn’t see the sharp glint of anger flash in Rome's eyes.

  "All right, that's enough for tonight. Either you can stay here with us for now, or we have a house you can shack up in. It's safe, and you'll have an extra neighbor to keep you safe." Sarina nodded at Rome who flashed a mischievous grin.

  "I don't want to intrude on you here. If you're sure about the extra place then I'll use it, but only for a little while. Only until we can get my apartment cleaned up, then I'll go back."

  "Like hell. Cleaning up your apartment isn't going to stop Conlin from coming back and doing worse, and maybe next time you'll actually be home for it. What then, Alison?" Rome sat back in his seat, but he was anything but relaxed. His eyes narrowed dangerously and mouth pressed into a thin line.

  Then Conlin will find me, and after he is through with me, I’ll with I was dead. "Fine, I'll stay. But only until I get things settled with Conlin."

  Rome smiled then but the iciness wasn't gone from his face. He stood and picked up her duffel bag, slinging it over one very large shoulder. "Shall we go?"

  She said her goodbyes and was thankful for the chill in the air; it helped to control her raging emotions.

  "I don't live far from here," she heard him say and got into his black pickup truck. He held the door open for her. She didn’t want to be pleased that he did, but she was. It not be a good thing to start liking Rome Kategan, she thought.

  She was a little surprised to see him driving a truck; she could just as easily see him in a sleek car bulleting down a highway. Yet he started the truck and pulled away with smooth familiarity. "You know, if you're scared to sleep alone, I'd be willing to share my bed with you." He said it so easily, like he was telling her the time.

  She shook her head and didn't dignify him with an answer. Besides, his commented had surprised the hell out of her and she didn’t know what to say. Yes, please? No, thank you?

  Out of the corner of her eye she saw him smile and had to look away to keep from mirroring him. Alison thanked God when they pulled into a driveway some fifteen minutes later. The cabin was a two-story with stairs leading to the front door and a small front porch, which was barren. She could easily picture a swing or a couple of chairs there to fill up the space. Oh hell, now she was trying to decorate his house. Not a good sign.

  "This is my place. You'll be staying next door," he said pointing to a smaller, neighboring cabin. Alison wrapped her arms around her middle, she was a little closer to Rome's house than she would have liked. Hell, the first floor window on the side of his house matched with hers and she didn't have the luxury of two floors. "Want to see it now or would rather come inside with me?" His voice dropped low and seductive, sending a thrilling shiver through her belly. That was exactly the opposite reaction she should have to a man like him. She couldn't afford to get soft around him, especially him.

  "No thank you. I just want to go to sleep."

  "With me?" He smiled, crossing his arms lazily and leaning back against the truck. He looked like a sexy cowboy with his jeans, boots, and lazy smile. All he needed was a Stetson to finish the picture.

  "Never with you." The words were harsher than she’d intended. She flushed and marched to the small cabin. She heard him following, but stared straight ahead. He didn't say anything, for which she was glad. Really, she was.

  Chapter 2

  Rome showed her around the single floor cabin. It was simple, quaint, but homey and warm. A brick landing went down to the living room where a loveseat and recliner faced a brick-layered fireplace. The bathroom was clean with a shower and tub, and the bedroom had the same queen style she had back at home.

  Looking down at the bed, Alison had a brief flash of the white stain awaiting her on her sheets at home. Her stomach tightened and bile rose in her throat.

  "You all right?"

  Rome came into the room, his eyes serious. Her breath stalled in her lungs just looking at him. She always wanted to be mated, have a few babies, and spend her life cooking and running her little cafe. But since Conl
in, none of that was possible.

  It was strange how one mistake could change a person's life so drastically. Once upon a time, she would have flirted with a man like Rome, but now she knew better than to be swayed by a pretty face. One never could tell what lies beneath the polished surface.

  "Fine, thanks,” she finally answered.

  Suddenly she realized she was in a small bedroom with a very virile male, a male who was looking at her as if she was a delicious dessert he wouldn't mind spending the next few hours licking. Slowly.

  A warm blush filled her cheeks and she could do nothing to stop it. "That will be all thank you," she said crisply and squeezed past him to open the front door. She stood next to it, waiting as he strolled slowly towards her. She held her breath when he stopped close to her. Keep going, keep going, she chanted.

  Instead, he faced her and lifted her chin with a long finger. The corner of his mouth was curved upwards taunting and full. "If you need anything at all beautiful, just let me know. I’m sorry it took something awful to bring you here. But I’m glad you’re here. If you need anything, I'm your man." She shivered at his words. He leaned down close, his lips scant inches from hers.

  Oh God, don't kiss me she begged, slamming her eyes shut. Hot breath teased her lips and they parted, the traitors. And then she felt it, the press of his lips against hers. His lips were smooth and matched perfectly against hers. A hot pulse throbbed directly in her sex and her breasts suddenly ached to be touched. Then he lifted his head. It was over too fast, or not fast enough. Definitely not fast enough.

  Her eyes fluttered open to see a darkness in his hazel eyes that wasn't there before a dark, intriguing color that could only mean one thing.

  "Please go," she said quickly.

  He grinned at her taking in everything, her flush, her wet lips, her chest moving a little too fast, and then he nodded as if he'd done a good job.