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“But he’s dead. I watched him die.”
That one stumped Eric. He knew the man had talked to him in Sorrel’s dream. He was positive the man held secrets they needed to know. “I think it’s important that we talk to him.”
“I’m too awake now.”
Eric nuzzled Sorrel’s ear. “I can help with that.”
Sorrel’s body shivered in delight against him. “And you accused me of drugging people.”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t be drugging you. Only persuading.”
“Persuading, huh? What other powers of persuasion do you have?”
His hand ran the length of her body. “If only I could show you. But”—he pressed his fingers into her hip—“I won’t endanger you for my own selfish desires.”
She wrapped her leg around his. “You’re the least selfish person I know.”
“Sorrel,” he groaned, “you don’t know me that well.”
“I do know you.” She kissed his chest.
Her warm lips against his skin was more than he could handle at the moment. “You need to go to sleep before we do something dangerous.”
“In my dreams could we . . . make love?”
He could feel her cheeks burn against his skin before he let out a heavy sigh. “Yes, but we won’t.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you.”
“That makes no sense.”
“Sorrel,”—he gazed down into her eyes—“I’ll admit, when I first met you, I hoped you would allow me to have you in your dreams. That was before I saw the impact of how my actions, even those in your dreams, affected you. It was before you taught me what it means to truly love someone. I will not let you settle for an imitation of the one thing that should be more real and lasting than anything you experience.”
She ran a finger down his cheek. “Thank you, Eric.”
“For what?”
“Showing me what love is. Please,” she pleaded, “don’t make me give you up.”
“Sorrel, I don’t think we have a choice. Let’s see what your father has to say.”
“Okay,” she squeaked.
Before she could change her mind, Eric called up the energy inside of him that always hummed low, just waiting. Once he activated it, he filled it with his desire. He lowered his lips onto Sorrel’s and took a moment to breathe her in before whispering, “Sleep.”
Her head fell against his chest, and her breaths became deep and even. He held her tight, enjoying the feel of her, the way she trusted him. He closed his own eyes and almost instantly saw her open door, as if she eagerly awaited him. Eric anxiously entered, and sure enough, there she was with her father walking in the vineyard. He let father and daughter have a moment before he walked toward them. Sorrel turned into her father, and while David held her, he caught Eric’s eye. David smiled and beckoned him to come closer.
Eric walked toward them in the blistering heat, taking note of the vines bursting with red grapes. When he was within a foot or two, David leaned away from his daughter. “Would you mind introducing us, my sweet girl?”
Sorrel wiped her eyes and looked between the two men. “Dad, this is Eric. Eric, this is my father, David.”
Eric longed to reach for Sorrel to comfort her, but her father kept her hand in his. David reached out with his other hand to shake Eric’s.
Eric gripped David’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine. I’ve been waiting for the day we would meet.”
Eric tilted his head. “How do you know about me?”
A Cheshire grin appeared on David’s face. “I know a lot about many things. However, that’s not important right now.”
Eric made to disagree, but Sorrel interrupted him. “Dad, who are you?”
David gently swiped his daughter’s brow. “I’m your father.” He said it as if he couldn’t be prouder to hold the title.
“I know that, but do you . . . I mean, are you mortal?”
He pressed his lips together. “Once you find the book, all your questions will be answered.”
“Why can’t you just tell me?” Sorrel was as tenacious as ever.
He smiled. “Patience, daughter. It’s important you take this journey. For both your sakes.”
“Do you know where the book of the sun is?” Eric cut to the chase.
David nodded.
“Where?” Sorrel asked.
Her father didn’t answer her; instead he led her down a row filled with overgrown vines. Eric followed.
“Sorrel.” David pointed at the vines that were in need of a good pruning. “Vines need to be pruned—sometimes painfully—so that they can produce better fruit, the best fruit. Do you understand?”
Sorrel shook her head.
David placed his hand on her cheek. “You will. But first you must find the book and break the curse.”
“How?” Sorrel begged to know.
“Follow the vines,” he instructed.
Sorrel squinted. “What vines?”
David ignored her question. He placed a firm hand on Eric’s arm. “You must fulfill your destiny and protect my daughter.”
“No,” Sorrel cried. “He will not die for me.”
Both men faced her. David squeezed her hand. “You promised me you would be brave.”
