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Chapter 81: Acts of God
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Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 82: Bella's Missing
Chapter 82: Bella's MissingLuke shook his head. Now it all made sense. She'd mentioned feeling queasy even while T-Nathan was still with them. At the time she'd blamed it on something she'd eaten. Then there was the rush out to the pharmacy for 'girl stuff'. He'd just assumed…On the flight to Sardinia, she'd seemed anxious, unable to relax. She skipped wine with dinner last night, and later she'd waited on her knees for him. His baby girl, topping from the bottom, craving the quiet intimacy knee-time provided.She'd suspected. But she'd had to wait until morning to do the test. Then she'd done what she always did. He had to smile. Bella, when she tried to be in control. She was probably worried about his reaction.What was his reaction? He sighed. A baby. This is an unexpected development, he thought, then chuckled to himself. Who am I, Spock from Star Trek? What did he think? Or feel? He was stunned, he realized. They'd always been so careful. Well, usually they
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 83: Beneath the Rubble
Chapter 83: Beneath the Rubble"Bella? Talk to me, Bella. Are you alright?"Bella slowly became aware of someone calling out to her, the far-off sound reminiscent of the tin cans-and-string telephones she'd made as a child. Someone was patting her arm. She tried to open her eyes and found that she couldn't, that no matter what she did, everything was black."Tanya?" she croaked, her throat dry, dust-filled. She coughed, relieving a little of the discomfort. She noticed that their voices were oddly muffled. "I can't see," Bella said."Bella, thank God!" Tanya exclaimed. "It's pitch dark. We're under the building," she explained. "You were out for a few minutes. How are you? Are you hurt anywhere?""I don't know. My head," Bella began, reaching up to touch her forehead. It felt wet and sticky. I'm bleeding, she thought."I'm afraid you might have a concussion. We've got to keep you awake," Tanya was saying."What about you?" Bella asked. "Are you hurt?""I'm fine," Tanya
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 84: Back in the States
Chapter 84: Back in the StatesCharlie had been sitting at the bar and was on his third Scotch when his phone rang. Luke had called to tell him about the earthquake. At Charlie's request, the bartender changed the television to a twenty-four-hour news channel and the live pictures were streaming in. Of course, it was early morning in Sardinia. People had been getting started for the day. Here in New York, it was just after midnight.He slugged back the rest of his drink, settled his tab, and headed out the door into the frigid early December night. He walked back across the street to the network offices, flashed his credentials at security, and headed up to the news division on the eighth floor.All the large screens mounted on the studio walls were tuned to footage of the Sardinia earthquake. The overnight news director, Russell James, was on the phone in the middle of the newsroom. Seeing Charlie, he covered the receiver and shouted, "Hey, Charlie, don't you have people on th
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 85: Nevin's Cavalry Takes Command
Chapter 85: Nevin's Cavalry Takes CommandLuke reluctantly poured himself a glass of orange juice although God knew he craved something stronger. He searched the screen at the end of the room as though somehow magically she'd simply appear, smiling and waving to him.Frustrated, he tore his gaze away from the endless visual stream and stalked across the room to where one of Nevin's men was checking the contents of a large duffel bag. The bag appeared to contain first aid supplies–gauze, bandages, tape, bags of IV solution, various medications. The man paused for a moment to look up at Luke before continuing his inventory."Ian is a first-rate medic," Nevin commented from across the room. He'd been watching with a concerned expression. Precious few people in the world knew Luke McGillicutty as well as he did. He saw that Luke was close to losing it. Luke took a deep breath and returned to where Nevin stood.The others were were focused on the footage playing on the screen. Nevin
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 86: Into the Disaster Zone
Chapter 86: Into the Disaster ZoneNevin's little band made their way away from their base of operations at the hotel toward the historic district of the city. Ian, the group medic, carried his duffel of supplies. Jack carried his hard-sided case presumably filled with electronic equipment. And Ed wore a backpack filled with tools, including the portable lighting they'd need when the sun went down in a few hours. Luke viewed the scene on the flip-up screen of his video camera, recognizing in himself the need to be comforted by a sense of being removed from the situation. They passed groups of people, first responders mixed with survivors, moving in the opposite direction, heading out of the immediate area of damage toward the promise of safety. Luke mused absently to himself that you could tell the difference between the two sorts of people based on the amount of dirt and plaster in their hair and clothing.The closer they got to the marina district, the more noticeable the devas
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 87: Holding Out Hope
Chapter 87: Holding Out HopeWhat time is it? Bella wondered. How long have we been down here? She and Tanya had run out of things to talk about. Her throat was dry, anyway. They needed water. They needed to get out of there. The idea of trying to dig out crossed her mind again."Tanya? I want to try to move some of the junk on my side. We were close to the front wall, right? In all the shaking, we may have gotten shifted toward the middle of the cafe. I think our way out is toward the front wall," Bella suggested.Tanya started to reply when a noise stopped her words in her mouth. It sounded like three distant taps. "Did you hear that?" Tanya gasped. "Someone is doing that.""Do you suppose there's someone else trapped in here?" Bella wondered aloud."Possibly. Or it might be someone searching for survivors," Tanya said.They both strained to listen, barely breathing, willing the tapping to repeat. And it did. Once again, there were three distinct taps. Bella grasped
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 88: Explanations
Chapter 88: Explanations"You are so difficult," Luke commented, pulling her to him again and kissing her on the head. "I was so worried, baby girl. I thought I'd lost you. If it weren't for Nevin…""How did he get here? And who are those men?" she asked.Luke shook his head. "I called and told him you were missing and that I needed him. He showed up with a whole team."Ian approached them with his duffel bag. "Hello, I'm Ian, team medic," he said to Bella. "Can I look you over a bit?"Bella glanced uncertainly at Luke, who nodded encouragingly. "Um…alright. I'm okay, really. It's just my head."Ian had Bella sit on the curb. The medic checked the wound on her head. It was a fairly deep scalp laceration over her left eye. "That'll need a stitch or three," he commented. "Were you unconscious at all?""Tanya said that I was, for a little while," Bella answered. Luke looked at her, concerned."I'll just check your eyes," Ian said, using a penlight to check her pupils. "Lo
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 89: Engaged
Chapter 89: Engaged"So…that's it then," Bella said breathlessly as she stepped back from his embrace. "We're getting married.""And we're having a baby," Luke reminded her.She gazed up at him, eyes wide. "You aren't mad?""Oh, baby girl. How could I be mad?" He gently placed his hand on her belly. "Just think–our love created a whole new person."She wiped away a tear and laughed. "Yeah, it's pretty amazing." She reached up and kissed him tenderly."What's all this then?" Nevin bellowed as he and Ian carried Tanya to where Luke and Bella were standing. Ed and Jack followed closely, carrying the rest of their gear.Luke stood and faced the group. "Lady and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce my fiancee, Miss Bella Grant, soon to be Mrs. Luke McGillicutty," he said proudly."Ha ha!" cheered Nevin. "I told you that you had it bad. Months ago, I knew this one wouldn't get away from you. Congratulations, my friends!""Tanya!" Bella exclaimed. "Are you alright?""I will be, I bel
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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
