Claiming the East Wind Read Online Free

clapping filled the room. “Bravo.”
    Skye’s voice cut off and Soren pushed to his feet, setting her aside. A man stood just outside the doors to the terrace, partly hidden by the shadows of the dying day. He leaned against the wall, watching them.
    He was tall, with wide shoulders, a shaved head and golden eyes. He was smiling but it didn’t show in those burnished eyes.
    “A pretty little songbird you have, Venti. I hope you’ll share.”
    Skye made a tight noise in her throat. Soren saw fear etched on her face.
    He looked back at the man. “Who are you?”
    The man’s smile sharpened. “Oh, you must be very, very far gone to have forgotten everything. You’re so close to joining me in the embracing the greed.”
    “Who are you?” Soren repeated.
    “Apeliotus,” Skye said. “He’s one of the Venti Tempesta .”
    Soren kept watch on the intruder.
    “He’s the keeper of Southeast Wind and its vice of greed.” Her gaze alighted on Soren. “He wants you to join him.”
    Apeliotus moved away from the wall and stepped inside. “Together we’d be unstoppable. We could have everything we wanted.”
    Soren felt his gut tighten. A quickening.
    “We can amass a fortune, take every little thing we wanted. No one could stop us.”
    The Tempest Wind’s voice was compelling. He promised everything the deep, dark desires crouching within Soren wanted.
    “You wouldn’t need a woman like her. You could have a harem of willing women far more clever and beautiful.”
    Soren frowned. Skye was beautiful. And clever.
    “Buxom brunettes, svelte redheads, leggy blondes. Whatever you wanted, WindKeeper, we’d find them and take them.”
    Soren liked blonde hair. Hair that looked like champagne. “I want you gone. Now.”
    Apeliotus frowned. “Riches. Women. Power. Isn’t that what you want?”
    Si. No. Soren looked at Skye, her eyes were wide and her cheeks pale. He hated that she was afraid.
    “What I want is for you to get out of my house.” Soren lifted his hands.
    The East Wind rushed into the room in a chaotic, humid swirl. It pushed at the Tempest Wind, knocking him back several steps.
    “It’s her,” Apeliotus hissed. “She clouds you, drowns your vice.” He shot her a venomous look. “Meddling Aurae.”
    He raised his own hands and the Southeast Wind rose up, tangling with Soren’s power.
    The Tempest Wind charged forward. But before Soren could react, Apeliotus grabbed Skye’s arms and yanked her to him. He turned to the French doors and Skye screamed.
    Soren raced forward but Apeliotus was running, Skye struggling in his arms.
    “No!”
    The Tempest Wind launched into the air, pushed up by his wind. Skye’s screams grew louder.
    Soren sprinted across the terrace, desperate to reach her.
    Apeliotus flew up above the gray, churning lake. Then, in a sharp change in direction, he sped downward, diving into the cold waters.
    Taking Skye with him.

Chapter Four
    Skye flailed her arms. Cold water closed in around her, filling her mouth and nose.
    Apeliotus arrowed downward, pulling her farther into the dark, cold depths. She fought against his hold, but he was too strong. Her hair floated in the water across her face.
    Her chest burned. Her mouth opened in a silent scream, bubbles rising in front of her face. Water flowed into her mouth. Choking, she continued to fight.
    Lethargy crept in, making her movements slower, uncoordinated. A strange clarity clicked into place and she stared into the dark waters of the lake, wondering what lay ahead.
    She thought of her sister. Oh, Rayne . Her sister would blame herself for this.
    Then Skye remembered the vivid taste of Soren, the feel of that kiss. Her hand clenched in the water. For the first time in her life, she’d touched a man without the horrors of her past rising up. All she’d thought about was him and how she’d felt, the desire, the heat deep inside.
    She wanted more. More of Soren.
    Apeliotus released her and was gone. She was left hanging in the