Melinda

'Melinda,'

Someone whispering my name rouses me from my sleep. I look around the darkened room, my eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness. I don't see anyone other than Jai asleep next to me.

I smile because I can't help myself. My mate loves me; regardless of where I came from and who my father is, Jai loves me. The Goddess above knows that I love him too.

'Melinda.'

There's that voice again.

Am I going crazy?

'You're not crazy, and I mean you no harm.'

'Who are you? What do you want?' I speak through my mind because that's how whoever this woman is is talking to me.

How can this woman speak with me and hear me as if we have a mind link?

'Who I am will become clear soon enough. Meet me at the edge of the forest.'

'Why on Earth would I do that?'

'Because I have the answer to all your problems, including your father. Meet me, and all will be well.'

Perhaps I'm asleep?

Yeah, that's what this is; I'm asleep and dreaming.

But what would it hurt to meet this woman if that's the case?

I gent