4. Frost
Chapter four
Frost
I wake up with a gasp, sitting up in my bed once the dream has completely faded. I already miss the sensation of the wind against my fur and the smell of a sweet omega in my nose. My entire body aches in the most delicious way. I haven’t felt need like this maybe ever. I have to know who that omega is. I have to figure out whose dream I stumbled into.
As a dreamwalker, I have the ability to walk into anyone’s dreams. It was an ability I learned about when I was still a young boy. I stumbled into my mother’s dream and she woke up frightened. She told me it was important that people didn’t find out about this ability because our pack wouldn’t be okay with it. It turns out, she was right.
As soon as the pack alpha learned that I was a dreamwalker, he was furious. He believed that magic like this was a bad omen. My parents agreed with him and instead of protecting me, they gave me a bank account they regularly put money into and told me to be on my way. So long as I stay gone, they’ll keep putting money into it.
At the time, I was devastated. I felt betrayed and alone, forsaken by the people who’re supposed to love and protect me. Now, I’ve learned to enjoy the lifestyle they fund. Things could be worse.
I take a steadying breath. The scent from the dream is already fading as the smell of my room hits me instead. Was it mint? Apple with cinnamon? Maybe something more woodsy? Fuck, I’m already forgetting.
If I smell it in real life, I’m sure I’ll be able to recognize it but I can’t go around sniffing everyone’s cabin!
As much as I want to sit in bed and relive the dream, I know I shouldn’t. The sun is starting to rise and the owners of this place expect me to be ready to work. I’d rather not start things off on the wrong foot by being late.
But first, coffee.
After getting myself out of bed, I quickly get dressed for the day, make sure my hair isn’t a total disaster, and reapply some eyeliner before heading out of my cabin. The air is crisp and I can see my breath. It’s invigorating, feeling the cool air hitting my lungs first thing in the morning.
My inner wolf raises his head happily. This morning is a reflection of the dream we stumbled into the night before. He wants to turn away from the cabins and head straight into the forest. He wants to get on all fours and run until we find the omega from the dream.
That’ll have to wait. Step one is coffee. Step two is getting to work so we can keep staying at this cabin. Step three is maybe finding that omega.
There’s a chance he’s miles away, but in my experience, it’s easier for me to slip into dreams of the people closest to me. Chances are high that he’s staying at this lodge.
The smell of bacon and fresh coffee hit me as I walk into the main building of the lodge. I pass the desk and enter the dining hall, finding the breakfast buffet already open and full of food. My mouth waters and my stomach growls. One of my favorite things about staying at hotels is the coffee and the free waffles so I don’t hesitate to make my way over and start making myself a plate.
I stack it full of bacon as my waffle is cooking in the waffle iron. Once it’s done, I toss it onto my plate and set everything down at a table by a window. Then I go back in order to get myself a cup of coffee.
I’m so focused on getting my caffeine that I don’t notice the person next to me until our hands touch while reaching for the same coffee mug.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” I start to say as I look over. My words come to a halt and my breath stutters in my chest as my eyes meet the prettiest gray eyes I’ve ever seen. Below those eyes are round, rosy cheeks, dusted with an embarrassed blush. The man smiles shyly at me.
“No, no. It’s my fault,” the guy says, letting out an awkward chuckle that I find more endearing than I probably should.
“I wasn’t paying attention,” I admit with a grin. “Too focused on getting coffee into my system.”
“I’m the same way. I’m practically the living dead until I get my first cup of coffee.”
“We wouldn’t want that,” I tell him, sliding the mug over to him. “I’ve seen enough zombie shows to know we don’t want that spreading.”
There’s a pretty blush on his cheeks as he takes the mug, our fingers touching for a moment as I pass it over. Sparks race through my arm and I just barely keep myself from gasping at the sensation. I take a steadying breath and realize with a start, that I know that scent! That’s what the wolf from the dream smelled like!
Something close to warm peach cobbler yet undeniably omega . It’s delicious and my mouth waters without my permission.
His hair is almost the same shade as his wolf’s coat, so blond it’s almost white. His eyes are bright, his smile soft. He’s shorter than me with delicious curves. I want to grab his sides and bury my face against the softness of his stomach.
Fuck me. This guy checks each and every button I have.
“Thank you,” he says shyly, looking up at me through his lashes.
I open my mouth to properly introduce myself but a big hand comes down on my shoulder, startling me. I look over at Theo.
“Perfect timing,” Theo says with a smile. “Come have breakfast with Elias and I. We can discuss the list we’ve come up with.”
When I look forward again, the omega is already gone. Disappointment hits me square in the chest but I do my best to shake it off. There’s no way this is the last I’ll be seeing of him. If everything goes well, I have the whole week to meet him.
“Let me grab a cup of coffee and then I’ll join you.”
Theo hums before grabbing a plate of his own and heading over to the table where Elias is waiting. I join them with my food and coffee, ready to hear about all the things they have for me to work on. Even as they speak and make me a list, I do my best to stay focused but time and time again, I find my mind drifting to the gorgeous man I just met.
My pack alpha used to talk about the phenomenon of finding a true mate. I tossed that into the same fucked up pot as his belief about dreamwalkers, but maybe he was onto something. Maybe there really is someone out there designed just for me.
Or maybe I’m just really, really horny and letting my dick do all the thinking.
Either way, I plan to find this omega again and properly meet him, even if it has to be in his dream again.