Free A Dream Forbidden (Lillith Mercury ) by Tracey H. Kitts

Mathias said, "So, I see the vampire's love is returned."
    During our last conversation he had informed me that I was not in any danger from Dracula because he was in love with me.
    "Yes," I answered.
    "And does he know you love him?"
    "I haven't said, but he knows I'm willing to die to protect him."
    "Well," he sighed. "If you would face death, then my suggestion may not sound so bad."
    "What do you suggest?" I asked.
    "Let me warn you, my child, that what I am about to share with you does not come without a price."
    "What's the price?"
    "First, let me tell you the solution. Then you can decide if it is worthy of the cost."
    I knew before he spoke that I would do whatever was required, but still I listened quietly.
    "You recall the method used to heal the werewolf?" he asked.
    Mathias was referring to when I had healed Bade last summer. I had used my abilities to channel his desire. I literally pulled Bade's desire from him and used it to heal his body.
    "Yes, I remember."
    "This will require more than desire. Lust is all well and good, but what you are attempting to correct is permanent. Whatever heals it must be equally as final."
    "Final?"
    "You must use your love," he said softly.
    "My love? I don't understand."
    "If you chose to do this, you will find a way. You must use all of your passion, and his as well. Everything that you feel for him, everything that you have ever felt must be put into your touch. You must give all and take nothing for yourself."
    I was quiet for several minutes before asking, "But what about Marco? I love him."
    "That is the price. You must decide if it is something you are willing to pay."
    "And his life?" I asked about Dracula.
    "His life is quite literally in your hands, my dear. If it is something you cherish, keep it safe."
    "Why must there always be a price?" I cried as I broke contact.
    Mathias had asked the one thing I wasn't sure I could give up. When I swung my feet over the bed I knocked his journal to the floor. There is a hidden compartment on the back and it fell open, spilling its contents. I replaced the lock of Mathias's vibrant red hair and picked up the necklace. The necklace had a large pink stone encased in silver. The stone was rose quartz, and I had never found out its use. As I went to replace it I looked at the last page.
    "Use the necklace," it said.
    More words continued to appear as if written with an invisible hand.
    "Wear it when you make love to him, and it will aid in the healing."
    I was afraid that was going to be part of the price and Mathias' words had confirmed my fears. Sex with Dracula was wonderful, but Marco would never forgive me. And I would never cheat on him. I replaced the necklace and cried myself to sleep.
    * * * *
    Early the next morning I felt Marco's arms around me.
    "Red," he whispered. "Are you alright?"
    When I started to cry he asked, "Baby, what's wrong? Whatever it is you can tell me."
    After I calmed down a little I told him what Mathias had said. I love Marco, and I had promised myself a long time ago that I wouldn't lie to him. I didn't leave anything out. When I was finished Marco was very quiet. I was afraid of what he was going to say or do, but he spoke very softly, "Mathias said his life was in your hands. What did he mean?"
    "I don't know." I sniffed again, wiping tears. "But I'm not going to cheat on you. I can't do that to you."
    "But you can't leave him like that," he said reasonably.
    His voice was very soft, and the compassion he showed was killing me. I expected jealousy, rage, or even violence. But this heartfelt concern was doing me in.
    "What if you don't do it, and he dies?" he whispered.
    I hadn't thought of that. Just the suggestion made my heart stop. For a moment I felt so alone and I knew that losing Dracula would feel even worse than I could imagine. I leapt from the bed and was sick as soon as I reached the bathroom. My nerves always got the better of my stomach.
    ?
     
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     
    Marco handed me a