GRAVE DESIRES: FATED MATES

Nightmares

"Storm's coming in fast," Walker said, "You're not afraid of them, are you?"

Roxie was wrapped up in the robe he'd given her and decided it was best to just tell him the truth.

"I like them, but I don't like being in the dark."

"Huh?"

"Like if the lights go out."

"You're afraid of the dark?"

Roxie lowered her gaze.

"A vampire who's afraid of the dark?"

"Don't make fun of me."

"I'm not."

"That's a first."

"Don't get used to it, mouse," Walker teased as he crawled into the bed, leaving the little lamp on, "Come on in."

Roxie crawled into bed with him as they snuggled underneath the covers.

"I want to find out who ruined my dress," Roxie said.

"I do, too," Walker told her, "I can't tell you who would do that, to be honest."

"Maybe..maybe it was Felicity."

"I don't think so. As much as I don't care for her right now, I think she was being genuine."

Thunder rolled in the distance as Roxie inched a bit closer to Walker.

"This is so weird," she said, "I never thought I'd be sharing a bed with you."

"Sharing a bed? We just fucked and you're thinking about the bed?" Walker laughed, "You're mate is going to be either very confused, amused, or you'll make him very happy with your simplicity."

"What if he hurts me?"

Walker frowned, "Mates are not supposed to ever hurt each other."

"I don't get that lucky, Walker," she yawned, her eyes closing as the rain started to come down.

"Go to sleep, mouse," Walker whispered as he pulled her closer.

"What are you doing?"

"Keeping you safe from the dark."

"You sure you won't toss me out into the rain...?" Her voice trailed off as Roxie placed her head on Walker's chest and he could hear her breath deepen before he too closed his eyes and slumbered.

"WALKER! WALKER! HELP!"

"Roxie! Where are you? I can't find you! You have to share your scent with me, mouse!"

"I—I can't...."

"Roxie!!! No!!!!"

Walker awoke with a start—the light was off and Roxie was still asleep in his arms, the thunder and lightening growling outside.

He glanced over the room and then drifted back into sleep.

"ROXIE! DON'T LEAVE ME!"

"I have to go. I can't be here."

"WHY?! WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!"

"We're not meant to be...I can't be here...I can't be here...I can't be here..."

Roxie's eyes flew open as the darkness encompassed her. She was still in Walker's arms—who seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Her heart was racing so fast, but now she couldn't recall the dream she had.

"Are you alright?" She heard Walker mumble.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"I think the lights went out, but if you get cold, I can light a fire."