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Chapter 106: Alone in the Wilderness
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Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 107: That Familiar Nightmare
Chapter 107: That Familiar NightmareShasta awoke with a start, gasping, her eyes tearing madly around the room. Mid-afternoon sunlight was streaming in through a crack in the curtains. She was in the little cabin in the woods.Shit. I hoped it was a nightmare. It hadn't been, though. The nightmare that had actually awakened her was familiar enough now. It was always the same nearly every night."I'm serious, Jeremy. Two blue lines. See for yourself."He shakes his head, exhaling heavily. "Wow, babe, that's some kind of news." He doesn't meet her eyes. "You know, Shasta, it's not that I'm not up for parenthood. It's just bad timing, that's all.""Bad timing?""You know… What with my divorce and everything, it would just give Lisa more ammunition. Plus," he adds as the voice of reason, "you're starting that action movie next month. You can't be running and jumping and shit with a baby bump." He hugs her reassuringly. "We don't need to tell Eddie or anybody else. This i
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 108: A Man Who Likes to Be in Control
Chapter 108: A Man Who Likes to Be in ControlThe drive to the city was a long one, and after dropping his sister, niece, and nephew at the airport, Blake made a couple of stops to pick up a few needed supplies before heading back to Lake Miranda. He arrived back at the lodge in the late afternoon.Rather than going to his place, he let himself into the main lodge and reheated some left-over spaghetti. He carried that and a cup of coffee out to the back deck overlooking the dock and the lake. He sank onto a lounge chair and ate his spaghetti, watching across the water.There was still no sign of life on the island. He wondered what she was doing. Shaking his head, he went back inside to wash his dishes. He watched a little television on the satellite but grew restless, wandering back out onto the deck. It was fully dark now and there were still no lights on the island.Do you suppose she's okay? Surely she didn't do anything stupid. She was pretty mad yesterday. Could she hav
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 109: He's Not Biting
Chapter 109: He's Not BitingWhen Shasta finally woke up the following morning, she felt worlds better. And she was famished. Donning a pair of jeans, a Joan Jett t-shirt, and a hot pink hoodie, she made her way once again to the kitchen cabinets. She moved around a few boxes and jars as she looked through the provisions, finding a thin rectangular blue box. Macaroni and cheese. A slow smile spread across her face.Many years ago, she'd done a commercial for the stuff. Of course, when you make a commercial, you can't actually eat the product. After every take, she'd been required to spit it into a bucket. But it had tasted good, and when she'd told her grandfather about it, he'd made her a box of her very own. She remembered it being one of the best things she'd ever tasted.Shasta wasn't a cook. She couldn't remember ever cooking anything for herself beyond warming up left-over pizza. Turning over the box, she quickly read the instructions. "How hard can this be?"Followin
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 110: Too Quiet
Chapter 110: Too QuietShasta awoke on the dock about an hour after she'd gotten out of the water. Retrieving her clothes, she hiked back up to the cabin. While a swim would do in lieu of a shower for now, her hair needed immediate attention. Gathering her shampoo and conditioner, she hunched over the kitchen sink, having worked out a system of pumping enough water to wet her hair a little at a time, adding shampoo, rinsing, conditioning and rinsing again, until her hair was clean.In the growing shadows of early evening, she felt chilled with her head wrapped in a towel, so she went to the woodpile behind the cabin and brought in a few logs to build a fire in the fireplace. At first, she had no luck lighting the logs, but she found a box of fire starter sticks and added one to her stack of birch pieces. Soon, a cozy fire crackled and popped, bathing the interior of the cabin in a warm glow. She took the remainder of the macaroni and cheese from the fridge and ate it cold in fro
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 111: Alone Again
Chapter 111: Alone AgainAfter her brief conversation with Blake, Shasta sobbed until her head hurt. Finally, she pushed herself up from the desk and crossed over to the sink, pumping a few strokes to bring enough water to wash her face. She threw the remaining logs onto the fire and turned off the overhead lights, the dim firelight matching her mood. She'd had all the rejection she could stand for one day. Grabbing the quilt from the bed, she padded back to the sitting area and curled up on the sofa, staring into the firelight until she fell asleep."Oh, great, you made a little girl cry! You are a real dick, you know that?" Blake shook his head in disgust. "Son of a bitch."From his vantage point on the mainland, Blake noticed that she'd turned out the lights, but he could see the glow of a fire in the fireplace. He felt like a shit. Yes, she'd been intolerable the day she'd arrived, and yes, she'd tried to play him. But tonight, she'd had no idea he could see her in the ca
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 112: Happy to Go Anywhere
Chapter 112: Happy to Go AnywhereSlightly taken aback, Blake shoved his hands into his pockets. "I don't know…""Please! I promise, I won't be in the way. Maybe I can even help."His eyes narrowed. "That cabin is even more remote than this one, only accessible by float plane. There's not a road for miles, just acres and acres of wilderness. There's no place for you to go."Shasta shook her head. "No, I'm not trying to leave, I just… I'm so tired of being alone." There was raw hope in her eyes. "Please let me go with you."The "no" was on his lips as he drew in a deep breath and debated with himself. The vision of her the previous night, alone and sobbing in the cabin, filled his mind, and he still felt like a shit for making her cry. He'd come damn close to it just now, without even meaning to. "Okay, you can come."She jumped up and squealed, gripping his hand tightly. "Thank you, thank you so much! I'll help, I promise."Blake waited as she retrieved her pink hoodie a
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 113: Helping
Chapter 113: HelpingBlake had loaded several boxes filled with nonperishable food and other supplies onto an oversized wagon constructed of yellow wire mesh. The rubber tires were large and knobby, giving the contraption an all-terrain appearance.Together, Blake and Shasta loaded the remaining cartons and bags onto the wagon. Shasta ended up carrying two of the lighter ones in her arms as Blake pulled the wagon down the pine straw-covered trail to the dock. They took everything to the end of the dock, where the floatplane was tied up. Shasta set down the boxes she'd been carrying and looked to Blake."I'll get in the plane. If you can pass me the boxes and things one at a time, I'll fit them into the tail section and we'll be on our way." He opened the back door of the plane and climbed up, leaning down to take the first of the boxes from Shasta."What do you want next?" she called to him.He reappeared in the doorway. "How about that big one over there?" He watched as Shasta
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 114: Bush Plane
Chapter 114: Bush PlaneWith her eyes squeezed shut, Shasta gripped her seat with both hands as the plane began skipping along the top of the water. "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit…"As they reached top speed, Blake eased the stick back and they lifted off the lake, soaring up over the trees on the eastern shoreline. Cautiously, Shasta eased one eye open. They were high above the trees now.Blake grinned at her. "You can probably let go of the seat now."She looked down at her white knuckles. Letting go was easier said than done, and she rubbed her fingers to restore circulation."Was that so bad?" he asked her."It wasn't bad, just a little scary." Leaning forward, Shasta looked out over the landscape below. Tree-covered hills gave way to rocky outcroppings and to more lakes. "The water's so clear," she commented. "I noticed that when I went swimming yesterday. It's way deeper than it looks.""I saw you swimming yesterday," he said, satisfied when he saw her blush. "And yes, the
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Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 328: Epilogue
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 326: Dream Versus Reality
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 325: Warrior Princess
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 324: From Bad to Worse
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 323: Who's Missing?
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the Lodge
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 321: Blizzard Warning
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 320: Winter Session
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg
