The Awakening (Wake Up #1)

by Sarah Brocious

She sighed giving him a sad smile. "Because you barely let me."

  His mouth opened for a moment, shock registered in his face. "Well, this definitely is a different way to look at things."

  "It’s the only way.”

  "There are complications is all...we'll sort them out," he said softly.

  "We will?"

  "Yes...the way I see it, there will have to be several meetings on that case, but a resolution will be found."

  "Several?"

  "Yes...all-nighters if need be."

  Raina gasped. "Are you trying to tempt me?"

  "You know I didn't mean it that way," he chuckled.

  "Come talk to me," she whispered. "Here, home...I don't care...just don't let them touch you!"

  "So we agree then? Good! I will follow your orders to a tea!"

  "Orders?" Her blue eyes glinted, and she felt empowered.

  "You're the boss!" He grinned, running his fingers through his hair to the back of his neck, where he kneaded the muscles.

  "Why do you do that?" She lifted her brow.

  "What?"

  "With your fingers, your neck...you always do that!"

  "Nerves," he answered. "But I'm sure that too will be resolved in time." He rubbed his neck again.

  "Lucky neck," she pouted, and then hung up.

  He laughed.

  She smiled at him and shook her head. She liked the freedom of the phone. It sure beat awkward conversations about dreams, or lack thereof, of "plans" and scary green eyed demons. It also had taken her mind off of that "green eyed demon". But now she felt them...those eyes.

  She glanced toward the grill, where he stood obediently holding the plate for his boss. His green eyes glinted, he lifted an eyebrow...no doubt he had caught on to what the two had been doing. He didn't look happy...not one bit! She rolled her eyes at him, and then recalled that he had captured and returned one of her most prized possessions. He'd even run to her aid at the restaurant, when he thought she was in trouble. He had an edge, and she saw the warning...heeded Nolan’s words, but she couldn't believe he was completely evil.

  She grimaced, searched through her phone and found that number. Reluctantly she typed in her message. Thank you again for returning my ring

  She watched him almost drop the plate of burgers. She was sure it was from the buzz of the message he had just got.

  She peaked at Nolan, who frowned. He continued with his conversation with the mindless adorers. Raina was surprised Thanatos didn't have a group of his own...he made up for it with the onlookers...no, he was not being ignored.

  He balanced the plate in one hand and reached into his pocket for his phone. He grinned when he read it. He expertly replied with one hand. Thanks for the view...YOU STILL OWE ME!

  Raina sighed. That doesn't mean i owe you!

  She nearly dropped the phone when it began ringing right as she hit send. Her fingers shook as she answered. "Hello?"

  "Deal breaker."

  She heard him through the phone, and live. She started, glancing over at him. He was angry. The girls around fairly swooned at his authority.

  "What?" Raina whispered.

  "You have an agreement with me; he cannot do dealings with you. Understood?"

  Raina bit her lip and smiled. "Jealous much?"

  "Very...NO...just...I want to protect...my err, assets."

  She laughed. "Yes or no?"

  "Are you questioning me?"

  "Are you telling me who to talk to?"

  He frowned, and then looked sad. "I know we haven't known each other long..." he turned his back on those girls, and her, so she could no longer read his reaction. “I have no right to ask you to....Hell, deal with whoever you like, please, just keep me up to date!"

  "I will," she whispered. She trusted Nolan. "If you are so upset by it all...hang up the phone, and come speak to me face to face."

  "I can't,” he barked.

  "It’s simple...you say excuse me, and you walk right past them all...doe eyes, droolers and the like. They will forgive you."

  "And what appearance does that make?"

  "That you actually would rather be with me. Until you can do that...you can't get mad at me for texting another!"

  She ended the call, and ran to find Emily. She was all sorts of confused and she needed her friend.

  Instead, she found herself sidetracked when a gentleman stepped into her path.

  Inwardly she groaned. He introduced himself...got a little too close, and Raina stepped back. As he spoke, he used his hands and sloshed his ice tea around. He also breathed funny...his nose actually gave a whistle when he'd laugh at something. Raina tried to grin and bear it. She smiled politely, and endured the conversation. She felt her phone vibrate and glanced down.

  What’s with Captain Nose hair?

  Raina giggled, stopping what’s his name, oh yes, Chad, midsentence. She smiled, waving off the text. She hated that he had made her laugh...green eyed demon. She was finally able to get herself away, feigning thirst.

  She turned and Glared at Thanatos. He was grinning.

  Emily was straight ahead and Raina made her way confidentially to her, only to be thwarted again.

  "Raina, wow you look great!"

  She gave him a smile of recognition.

  The man named Chris smiled. “How are you...you need to talk? I'm available."

  Raina tried to hide her discomfort. "I...I'm really truly doing well thank you."

  Chris tilted his head. "Really?"

  Raina’s phone buzzed. She looked down.

  Mr. Shoulder to cry on likes you

  Raina again gave a smile to Mr. Shoulder...eh, Chris. She quickly texted.... Bite me!

  "I really am a good listener...it’s been a couple years now huh? You seeing anyone?"

  Raina bit her lip and looked at him oddly. "No, not really..."

  I like biting

  Raina felt a shiver at that response. Not interested

  "You know we could always, meet somewhere...my treat."

  "Really Chris, I'm not into the whole dating thing right now." She swallowed.

  "I know a restaurant...next Saturday would be fun, just friends getting a bite to eat!"

  "I don't know..."

  "Listen, you're a single girl, I'm a single guy...."

  She tuned him out, looked down on her phone a typed a plea. Save me!

  "I really appreciate the offer, but I can't. Not...not Saturday...not...I'm just..."

  Chris looked crest fallen. "Why not? How about Friday night?"

  "No, that won't work..."

  "Why?"

  "She has plans."

  Raina smiled up into silver eyes. "Hey."

  "Hey," he grinned back.

  Chris took one look at Nolan and sighed. He knew defeat when he saw it. "It was great to see you Raina...keep in touch." He wandered away, shoulders drooped.

  "Thank you," she sighed. "I didn't know how I was going to get out of that one!"

  Nolan smiled. "I got your text and looked for my partner, to see what trouble he was getting you into. How sad is that?"

  She giggled..."oh he was finding it hilarious!" She held up her phone to show the texts.

  "Thank you for not giving into his offer...I see from the conversation thread you still "owe" him?" Nolan looked angry at this. “Good thing you didn't give him more ammo by allowing him to rescue you."

  She grinned up at him. "I've only really needed saving one other time...that I know of in my life...and he was the one I was being rescued from. I knew who to call."

  Nolan nodded. "Good choice."

  She looked up at him again and was floored by the stark contrast he had with every other man she had ever met. She blinked. And there it was...the memory of the dreams....or nonexistent dreams. The power that radiated from him... he was different...so very different. She felt a chill up her spine, but it wasn't of fear. It was a thrill of excitement. He was mysterious, and something altogether unworldly...and so was Thanatos. She knew nothin
g about them, except that everything about them was other worldly.

  "Should we get something to eat?" she offered. "Sit down? I think you coming and claiming me has stirred the waters." She smiled up at him, her blue eyes twinkling.

  They made it to the table without spilling the heaping plates of food. Raina didn't feel much like eating, it was for show.

  Nolan glanced over her and gave her the once over. He grinned in appreciation. "That color is lovely on you."

  She blushed.

  "I like it."

  "I knew you would," she whispered softly.

  Nolan looked startled. He drew in a breath.

  Raina blushed. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I suppose you think I'm just a big flirt?" She drew in a breath. "I'm just, nervous." She turned her eyes to Thanatos. He was still watching her, carefully. She was surprised to see no one else noticed this. He was so blatant.

  "You think I'm foolish, don't you?"

  He shook his head.

  She stirred her pasta salad, not wanting to look directly at him. "I'm usually not so forward. It’s just very easy with you. Then there’s the whole mystery thing that draws me... it surrounds the both of you. It scares me how intrigued I am."

  He studied her down turned face and sighed with resignation. "About that...Raina, we have to talk. I don't want you thinking I'm...that I'm expecting anything of you. I don't want you expecting the same from me! I've been foolish teasing...flirting, and loving every minute of it. But it has distracted me from my real reason for being around you. I can't let that happen Aelan...do you know what I'm saying?"

  Raina felt her stomach plummet. She nodded. "I know where you are going with this." She gave a shrug. "You just want to be friends?"

  Nolan looked down on his food. "I wouldn't say it’s what I want per say," he allowed her that much of her pride. “But I do think its best."

  She blushed. "I have made such a fool out of myself," she whispered.

  "No, I have... it’s just getting too far..."

  "I’ve gone too far," she sighed. She felt foolish.

  Nolan shook his head. "You're getting this wrong Raina.”

  She looked up with sad blue eyes. "Because it wasn't part of the plan?"

  He nodded. "And so much more. This isn't the setting to reveal that though...we will really talk...have those meetings."

  "All-nighters?"

  His eyes darkened, liking the sound of that from her lips. He calmed himself and met her gaze. He saw the teasing glint in her eye and chuckled. "Don't tempt me!"

  She was so good at setting him at ease...too good. He wanted to tease her further, but bit his tongue.

  "It's been fun though...our little trysts," she whispered.

  He nodded, biting into his burger. How did he accomplish to make that look good? He even looked hot with the ketchup on the side of his mouth.

  She giggled.

  He raised his brows, still chewing.

  "Enjoying that burger?" She giggled again, as he unsuccessfully wiped at his mouth. He even blushed.

  Raina took up her napkin, grasped his jaw and wiped the corner of his mouth. "You're allowed to, I was only teasing you." She held her breath...holding his face like this gave him no chance to turn away, and his full attention was on her.

  Nolan swallowed and looked at her with smoky eyes. "Thanks," he whispered...it came out all throaty.

  She bumped her shoulder against his. His was much more substantial. She laughed when he didn't even seem to feel the impact.

  "I like the sound of that Aelan, I want to hear more of it," he whispered

  She blushed. "I haven't felt like this in a long while." She bit her lip. "Not since...David," she tripped over the name.

  Nolan leaned close to her ear. "That’s why we have to be friends," he whispered.

  "David?" Her blue eyes were full of questions.

  He smiled sadly. "We will talk...for now, just try to relax...have fun. Soon Raina."

  She knew she had to accept that. She frowned and turned her attention to her food. Her phone indicated another text, she glanced, and yes he did illicit another chuckle from her, the green eyed devil. He had upgraded from demon to devil.

  Buzz kill...isn't he?

  She gave a slight shrug of her shoulder. She got a grin from Thantos and a frown from ever alert Nolan.

  "Deal breaker," he whispered. "Turn the phone off for tonight."

  "What if I need saved again tonight?" she teased.

  He growled. "I won't be leaving your side, so no worries."

  She felt warmth all the way to her toes. "Strike, buzz kill," she laughed.

  He chuckled too, a nice throaty chuckle.

  "I like the sound of that," she said softly. "I want to hear more of it!"

  They shared a long glance and then he sighed. He literally tore his eyes from her. "Maybe I should make myself a little less available...might make everything easier."

  She shook her head. "But I like this," she indicated the space between them. "I like your friendship...I like your...time."

  "And I you...but sometimes you sacrifice for what is right. I don't want to be distracted...don't want to distract you. That’s when you allow danger."

  Raina took a bite of the pasta salad and rolled her eyes.

  "Raina," he said softly.

  "Just promise you won't up and disappear on me," she mumbled.

  "I won't. But I might have to distance..." he raised his eyebrows as she vehemently shook her head. "Raina."

  "Fine," she sighed.

  "It’s your time to start making new friends...meeting...men...” he hesitated saying that. “I...I can't be in the way."

  "Men? Oh like Captain Nose hair or Mr. Shoulder to cry on?"

  Nolan squinted in bewilderment.

  Raina glanced toward Thanatos. She couldn't help her smile...the green eyes danced with humor. How did he know what she was talking about?

  "Private joke?" Nolan’s voice was like gravel.

  She bit her lip.

  He rolled his shoulders as though shrugging off tension, or trying to shake off physical anger. He glared at Thantos. They lapsed into silence as they finished their meal.

  The warm afternoon turned into a cooler evening. A lot of the group had left, but a few stragglers remained. Bradley decided a bonfire would be a good idea.

  Raina settled by her best friend, who had a chilled bottle of wine, and one in a bucket of ice not far away.

  Emily poured a glass of wine for herself and Raina and then planted the bottle in between them. They toasted each other in the light of the fire.

  "So," Emily whispered. "What’s going on? It was all lovey in the beginning of this party....now you're on opposite sides of the fire?"

  Raina blushed. "It was all going to fast Em. I just meet him..."

  "He’s a good guy Rain...Bradley just loves him. You trust Bradley, don't you?"

  Raina smiled. "Yes, I do...but I’ve barely made my come back...I still need time." She rubbed her arms against the chill that not even the fire could help. She sipped her wine and suffered a glance toward Nolan. He sat between two very pretty girls who giggled and cooed over him.

  She rolled her eyes. She wondered if he asked them to be friends as well. She rubbed her bare arms again...hating that she was in this beautiful sundress, freezing...and she had worn it for him.

  She pulled her gaze away, and looked to Thanatos...he too had female company, but it didn't bother her...much. He was evil...he was not to be trusted, and he was beautiful in the firelight. "Stupid gorgeous green eyed devil," she mumbled into her wine glass. She almost choked when he grinned at her and he seemed to know exactly what she'd said.

  He reached into his coat, pulled out his cell and waived it subtly.

  She frowned at him, and was about to ignore his request. Nolan had said to turn hers off. He had also promised to stay by her side tonight. She slid her hand in her pocket and pulled it out and laid it in her lap as it powered up. She hugged herself an
d turned to Emily.

  Emily smiled back. She saw the little interchange.

  Bradley appeared behind his wife, grasping her shoulders. He leaned over and kissed her. “Great party," he complimented.

  Emily tugged him down to sit on the arm rest of her chair. She leaned into his warmth. "Why don't you just stay put,” she whispered.

  He grinned. "Wine tonight Mrs. McRay?"

  Emily blushed.

  Raina turned her eyes away and shivered. As she did, her phone buzzed. She glanced down at the text. Did he give up on you?

  Raina frowned. What? She glanced over and shrugged.

  He just looks really comfy

  Raina glanced away from the text because the words stung. She knew he was trying to get her riled up. And it was working....kinda She bit her lip, purposely not looking at either gentleman. You look comfy yourself, she texted back.

  Not bad...better if you were here

  She shook her head at him. Not on your life

  He put out his lip in a pout, and it made her laugh. Her teeth chattered too, and she inched closer to the fire.

  So that’s a no?

  Again, she laughed. That’s a heck no Mr. Clay!

  She rubbed her arm with her free hand, and downed the remaining of her wine. She felt a little better. She also felt silver and green eyes on her, and she didn't care...she downed another sip.

  Careful...you're causing buzz kill to make his frowny face

  Raina fairly snorted at the text. I don't give a damn!

  Thantos chuckled, she heard it. She wouldn't look away from the fire.

  A cold hand on her shoulder startled her. She looked up at one of Nolan’s bimbettes. She blinked in surprise.

  The girl smiled nervously. "He asked me to bring this to you." She tilted her chin in Nolan’s direction.

  Raina’s mouth opened, but no thanks came out. She grasped the leather jacket with one hand, the wine with the other. The girl didn't wait long for one...she wanted to get back to her spot.

  Bradley was chuckling, seeing the altercation. He reached over and grabbed the glass of wine, so she could slip into the coats warmth.

  "Nolan’s such a sweetie." Emily sighed.

  Raina zipped the leather coat and smiled. It smelled divine inside Nolan’s coat, and it was warm still from his body. She snuggled in, and took back her wine. She lifted her eyes to his, and yes, he was watching her. Her phone buzzed in her lap.