The Monhagan Chronicles: Prelude

Chapter 9

Dean

I couldn’t have been asleep for more than an hour when I was awoken by screaming. I jumped out of bed. The only thought in my mind was making sure she was okay. I raced down the hall and slammed open her door just as the screaming stopped. Her head snapped to me and immediately blush colored her face.

“Oh my god.” she squealed, throwing her blankets over her head.

It was her reaction that made me look down. Son of a b***h. I forgot that I went to sleep naked. I quickly reached down to cover myself.

“I heard screaming. I wanted to make sure you were alright.” I said uncomfortably.

“I’m fine.” She squeaked from under the blankets. “You can go, um, put things on.” She said in a hurry.

“Right, sorry.” I cleared my throat. “I’ll uh, go make some breakfast.”

I gently shut her door and hurried back to my room. That is not the way I wanted her to see me naked for the first time.

Wait. What was I thinking? I shouldn’t want her to see me naked at all. Grumbling to myself I dressed quickly in jeans and a tee shirt. After this embarrassment I wasn’t sure she would feel comfortable being seen in public with me. Not that anyone in public would know what happened between us, but we would. And for that to happen after what I did alone in my shower. Not to mention the elicit dream I had afterwards. And then her screaming from orgasm in my dream to waking up with the same scream echoing through my home… I wonder what she had dreamed that caused such a reaction.

I grunted as another splash of bacon grease hopped out of the pan and onto my arm. The pain brought me back to the here and now, away from the memory of my dream. I was hard again. I sighed in defeat. I was either going to have to give in to my desire or find a way to keep her at arms length. The thought of passing her off to someone else grated on my nerves. There was no way I would let that happen.

I was just placing the plates on the table when Audrey shyly walked into the kitchen. As soon as our eyes met she blushed. s**t. Before I could apologize I felt the tingle at the nape of my neck and smelled ozone. Double s**t.

Audrey

I spent a good amount of time pacing in my room trying to build up the courage to face Dean. I was so embarrassed. I didn’t think the blush had left my face since I saw him standing in my door in all his naked glory. I shook my head trying to remove the image. But it was stuck there. I would never forget the sight of his body. I didn’t know whether to be grateful or not. On the one hand holy s**t was that a nice view, on the other it was almost torture to know what he was hiding underneath his clothes and not be able to sample it.

I had finally worked up the nerve to go downstairs, the blush finally gone from my cheeks. I stepped into the kitchen to see Dean placing two plates piled with eggs, bacon, and toast on the table. When our eyes met I felt the blush return to my face, I couldn’t help but imagine him naked in front of me again.

Before I could get my tongue tied self to say anything I got the weirdest feeling. It was like an electric jolt across the back of my neck, almost a tingle, causing the hairs all over my body to stand straight up. The smell of ozone washed over me. Two men appeared beside me from thin air. I am not proud of my reaction. I screamed, my fist striking out and connecting with the taller man's chest, and I ran to Dean. I ducked behind him then stuck my head out enough to stare around him at the interlopers.

The one I had punched looked at me incredulously. “Ow. What was that for?”

“You surprised me, I’m sorry.” I squeaked from my hiding place.

Dean sighed. “Why are you here? I didn’t call you.”

The taller of the two smiled. “Oh, I know, but we were in the neighborhood…”

“So you thought you’d drop by.” Dean finished with a sigh. “If you want food you’ll have to make your own. Or go annoy someone else, Bain.”

“Oh, she’s not ready for us to annoy her yet. And Joshua is in a mood. Really everyone else is busy. Plus today seems like a good day to hang with you sweet cheeks.” Bain said with a smile. He walked over and sat at the table picking up a piece of bacon from my plate as the other guy walked to the fridge and began pulling out food. That jerk stole my food.

“Hey, that’s mine.” I said as I walked around Dean.

Dean grabbed my shoulders and pulled me back to him. As soon as my back hit his chest I sensed the tension in his body. I guess he wasn’t that friendly with these two. Dean’s arm slipped around my waist holding me in place. The move made me think of my dream last night and heat pooled within me. Dean’s grip tightened as Bain and the other guy stiffened. Ah crap. Now I’m going to be forever wondering if they could sense my arousal.

“Well that escalated quickly.” The blond said from the stove.

Ban busted out laughing. “Mime aren’t those jokes my thing?”

Mime? Really? Whatever.

Mime tossed a smug smile over his shoulder then went back to cooking as if nothing was going on. I was mortified. Guess I didn’t have to wonder anymore. Dean didn’t say anything but slowly removed his hand and guided me to my usual chair. He did however switch our plates. Bain noticed and smiled in amusement.

“Afraid I’ll give your girl Cooties?”

“I’m not taking any chances where you are concerned.” Dean said flatly.

There was a sigh from the stove, but Mime didn’t comment. I slowly picked up my fork and began to push the eggs around my plate. I wasn’t sure if I was hungry anymore.

“Eat little bird. We’re not going to hurt you.” Bain said without emotion. He was seriously giving me the major creeps.

“Audrey, you really should eat. It will help. I promise you are completely safe.” Mime said without turning from the stove. And I don’t know why but I believed him.

I scooped up a forkful of eggs and popped them in my mouth. They were buttery and delicious tasting of whatever spice it is that Dean uses. I moaned at the taste and noticed Dean shifting in his seat uncomfortably. Bain let out another round of laughter.

“Oh, you guys are just too funny.” He wiped a finger under his eye as if to remove a tear. “But in all seriousness aren’t you going to be late for your appointment Dean?”

Dean c****d his head toward Bain then inhaled sharply. “Ah, s**t. That’s today?” He pulled out his phone and checked the screen.

“You can’t cancel, they need you.” Mime stated from the stove.

“Christ. Um, Audrey, I am so sorry. I have an important appointment today. I’ll explain when I get back.” Dean paused then looked between me, Bain, and Mime. A look of desperation crossed his face for a second.

“Go, we’ll protect your little bird while you’re away.” Bain said dismissively.

“She will still be here when you return.” Mime chimed in. He was now walking to the table with two more plates of bacon and eggs.

Dean took a deep breath and let it out in a huff. “I’ll be back in about an hour and a half.” He looked me in the eyes. “Be safe.” Then he turned and left.

“Gods I thought he’d never leave. Such a stick in the mud.” Bain said.

“Well you do provoke him.”

“It’s just so easy. I can’t help myself.” Bain smiled. Mime gave him a chastising look. “Whatever. So little bird what you wanna do for the next 90ish minutes?”

I startled and looked at the two strange men sitting next to me. “Um, what?”

“We could play Monopoly.” Bain said with a smile.

“That takes longer than 90 minutes, plus you are a sore loser.” Mime intoned.

“Princess Bride?” Bain asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, technically that is 98 minutes but I’ll allow it.” Mime smiled at me.

“Alright little bird, bring your plate.” Bain said, picking up his plate and walking to the door.

I grabbed my plate and coffee then followed the weirdos. What else was I going to do? Bain led me down the stairs to the basement taking the door across from the gym. My jaw dropped. Dean had a home theater too? Where did all his money come from? Mime sat his plate down on one of the recliners then walked back to the wall by the door. Within seconds one of my all time favorite movies began to play.

It had barely gotten past the part with the eels when Bain leaned over to me.

“So little bird, how are you handling your new life?”

“Why are you calling me that?” I asked instead of answering him.

“Seemed fitting.” He shrugged. “Why aren’t you answering my question?”

“I don’t know you.” I hissed.

He smiled and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Bain. Sagittarius, I like long walks on the beach and cheesy rom-coms.” He waited for me to shake his hand.

I really wished I hadn’t. As soon as his hand enveloped mine everything around me disappeared. I was floating in a sea of black. I thrashed and spun looking for anything. And there it was. In a sea of darkness I saw a pin point of pure light. I swam to the light, clawing my way through the nothingness. I knew if I could just reach that beautiful light I would be safe. For the nothingness was shadows, dark and cold, carrying the weight of sins and that light was forgiveness.

My eyes were closed. But at least I could hear again.

“Well now we know for sure don’t we.” Bain said angrily. “Tell whoever the f**k we need to tell and lets motivate on. I hate Missouri. This whole state gives me the eebie-jeebies and that’s saying something.”

“You know why I won’t do that. Mckiel will be here in another day. We can wait that long.” Mime said soothingly. I heard the sound of a body hitting the recliner beside me. “At least pick her up before you get comfortable.”

“Gods, do I have to do everything.”

“Don’t be so petulant. I make you do these things for your own good. For the good of your soul.” Mime’s quiet voice was so sincere. It was so soft and warm. “Besides she can hear you.”

That startled me. I tried to open my eyes but my lids felt so heavy. Like they were weighed down by an invisible force.

“Don’t worry little bird. They’ll open soon.” Bain said as he lifted me back into my recliner.

What the hell had I gotten myself into now.