In Her Dreams by Bolryder, Terry (the reader ebook .txt) 📕

Joey in Mark’s reach. At least until you know for sure their relationship.”

My heart does ache slightly for what might have been if things had been different.

But then I wouldn’t have met Reve while single.

I guess I like my life just how it is, and I’ve made good choices, so as long as I make more decisions from a good place emotionally, I can at least trust myself.

And when I close my eyes and listen to my heart, I trust Reve.

“All right,” I say. “You’re right.”

“Besides,” Sandra says. “Queens rule in the dream realm. If Reve does step out of line, not that I can imagine it, he’d be in so much trouble.”

I laugh. “I can’t picture him doing anything either. But you’re right. I’d have control of my world. I don’t know what I was fretting over.”

“You’ve been through a lot, and it’s okay that it gives you pause. But when Reve came back here upset and told Jerrek everything, I really felt that I couldn’t truly call myself your friend if I didn’t tell you I thought you were being silly. I didn’t want you to lose Reve, because I honestly think you two are so amazing together it’d be a crime if you got split up.”

I grin, thinking of all my adventures with Reve. “It would be. You’re right. Thanks so much, Sandra.” I exhale. “I hope to be as helpful during your mate pursuit.”

“Who knows how that will work?” Sandra says. “The past few weeks have been crazy. But I’m sure about this. Reve is good for you and loves you and Joey. That’s all that matters now, I think.”

“Yes.” I straighten, glad that Joey is busy gaming right now. “I know what I need to do now. Thanks, Sandra.”

“Should I try and send Reve over?” Sandra asks. “He isn’t here with Jerrek anymore.”

“No,” I say. “I hurt him, and he probably needs some space. Plus, I need to take care of some things first. Talk to Joey.”

“All good,” Sandra says. “I’ll be here if you need anything. Good luck. Love you, girl.”

“Love you too,” I say warmly. “And yeah, I’ll need it.”

21

Jen

I’m nervous as I dial Adam, but I’m set on what I want.

He doesn’t pick up, so I simply leave a voicemail, telling him I’m sorry, and I really appreciate him, but I don’t think it’s best for Joey to have a relationship with Mark’s family at this time.

I don’t say forever, though I know that’s what I mean.

No need to be cruel, though.

I slip my phone back in my pocket and walk to Joey’s room, knocking on the door softly.

“Yeah, Mom?” Joey calls from inside.

“Can I come in?”

“Yes.”

I open the door to see him cross-legged on the carpet, playing a game with some friends online.

“Hey, bud, can we talk for a second?”

“Sure.” He closes the game and sets down the controller, knowing that’s the rule when I need him for something else. “What is it?”

“Joey, I know things have been… complicated. But what do you think about Reve?”

“I think he should be my new dad,” Joey says without even pausing to blink.

“What?”

“He makes you smile,” Joey says. “He made you forget about your diet. He cooks. He loves you. He teaches me cool things. He said he cares about me too. So yeah, I really like him. If he was my dad, that would be awesome.” His freckled face lights up with a smile. “Plus, Jerrek would be like my uncle or something.”

Joey tends to call Sandra and Tess aunts, so I guess it makes sense to call Jerrek an uncle.

I grin because sometimes I really do envy how simple things are for children.

“Plus, I’d feel better with Reve around,” Joey says. “Then I’d know my real dad could never hurt you again.”

I kneel by Joey and pull him into a hug. “I wouldn’t let him hurt us again anyway.”

Joey looks up at me. “But you didn’t whip him either. You know, Mom, you’re going to need to learn your whip even if that’s a warrior thing.”

I purse my lips. “Hm. I think I’ll stick to queen stuff.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know yet,” I say with a laugh. “Joey, if I marry Reve, we might have to move.”

“Good,” Joey says. “I want to train to be like Reve and Jerrek. I hate the guys at my school. They’re jerks.” He cocks his head. “But will you miss your job, Mom?”

I shake my head, thinking of all the yelling, cursing, spitting, and shitting I won’t have to deal with anymore. Not to mention the tired feet and back pain. “I’m sure we’ll be okay.”

Though everything will be different.

“Great,” Joey says. “Can I tell my friends I’m moving?”

“No,” I say. “Not yet. I had a fight with Reve. I, uh, still need to talk to him.”

“Okay,” Joey says. I stand, and he hugs me again. “I’m super excited. I need to practice more with my whip! Can I go in the backyard?”

“Not right now,” I say, shaking my head at him in amusement. “Play your games. I’ll go sort things out.”

But I really do feel lighter, like this is the right direction.

Everything is going to be okay, and I know Reve’s face will shine with relief.

At least I hope so. I hope he doesn’t hate me for my moment of weakness. It’s like my brain just needed time to catch up with my heart.

I walk to the kitchen and pull out my phone, trying to think of what to say to Reve other than I was wrong.

But then there’s a knock on the front door.

I narrow my eyes and go over to it and am shocked when I see Adam there.

“Sorry,” I say. “But I left you a voicemail. Joey and I aren’t interested in contact with you at this time. You need to go. I’m sorry.”

Adam’s face falls, and I feel terrible for a moment, but then his expression goes flat. Hard. And even through the peephole, I can feel his displeasure.

The sweet, kind