Evermine: Daughters of Askara, Book 2 Read Online Free Page B

thunder. “Did you guys decide on movie night after all?” I toed off my shoes, then grabbed a dish towel to dry my arms and face. Tired of squishing when I walked, I hopped on one foot and peeled off a damp sock. “Maddie?”
    “Sorry to disappoint.” The rumbled male voice swayed me off balance. “No Maddies here.”
    I jolted upright, leaving one sock hanging while I scanned the darkness. “Harper?”
    He blew out the candles with a sigh, mood, or whatever he’d meant them for, ruined. “I should have called first. I haven’t been here long.”
    Dual clicks filled my ears and light flooded both rooms. Blinded, I blinked white spots.
    I heard his footsteps rush seconds before his hard hands trapped my hips.
    “Steady there,” he said. I guess I’d listed. “Let me get that.”
    He hooked an arm around my waist so his cheek brushed my navel when he bent down and slid the soggy sock from my foot. His skin warmed me through my soaked shirt.
    “Thanks.”
    “No problem.” He knew where the dirty clothes went and took them there. So domestic.
    “Did you need something?” I called to his broad back. “It’s a hell of a night for a visit.”
    “I found your candles and matches.” He came out wearing a lopsided grin…and no glamour. I licked my lips, swore I already tasted him there. “I thought we could watch a movie.” He shrugged dark muscles, adjusting his wings. “I’m sure we can find something to do after.”
    I’m sure he thought so. He chuckled as I stared, captivated by the flush of scarlet through his carmine wings. Glamour made him human, handsome with his blond hair and blue-gray eyes. Without it, words failed me. His burnished ebony skin fed into thick, leather wings. Fathomless eyes returned my gaze, rimming silver around his irises. His midnight hair was darkly tousled.
    I wanted to run my hands through the shaggy length, twine my fingers, tug his scalp and bend him to my lips. He would taste of dates and cardamom, exotic and potent as the hunger sparking silver in his eyes. Crushing the desire swirling white hot through my limbs, I smiled.
    “Yeah.” I played along. “You did promise we’d talk. No time like the present.”
    I sat at the kitchen table and indicated the seat opposite me.
    He hesitated. His gaze actually tagged the door as if debating whether to brave the storm or converse. “Okay.” He sank very slowly into his chair. “What would you like to talk about?”
    I leaned forward until the aged oak bit into my chest. “How about what happened today?”
    He appraised me for a minute. “I’m assuming Maddie filled you in on our summons?”
    I nodded that yes, she had.
    “We arrived at the vernal castle, as requested.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Feriana’s streets were packed. The entire city was crowded. Vendors weren’t hawking wares in the market, and no one was buying anyway. They were all just…there. They waited outside the lower gate, watching the castle and holding their breaths.” He frowned. “It was damn eerie.”
    Absorbed by his tale, I almost failed to notice his hesitation. “Then what happened?”
    “Nesvia’s guards met us at the gate and ushered us into the great hall. First Court was in session, and the hall was filled with Askaran merchants, slave traders, breeders, other assorted scum.” His jaw flexed for a moment before he continued. “We were seated to Nesvia’s right.”
    “A place of honor. I’m guessing the nobility didn’t take that well.”
    “Better than you’d expect.” He shrugged. “I think they anticipated Eliya-esque entertainment.” His fingers drummed against his arms. “Guards at our backs, slitting our throats from behind while First Court cheered, or some other type of amusement. When that didn’t happen, then they got antsy. And after Nesvia made her speech, the whole court fell silent.”
    “They didn’t know it was coming?” I imagined shock on all those noble faces, expecting trickery, an