Forever and Beyond Read Online Free Page A

them.
    “Unfortunately, yes.” I curled my lips into a friendly smile in the hope she got the hint that I wanted to be her friend.
    “Interesting.” She turned her head to Aidan, ignoring me and Kieran. “These are the guest quarters. I hope everything’s to your liking. If you need anything, you’ll find me next door.” She pointed to her right. I followed her line of vision and noticed the door obscured by a thin curtain—probably separate quarters reserved for members of staff. For some reason the way she talked to Aidan, emphasizing the word ‘you’ bothered me a little. Or maybe it was the way she regarded him too intently. Even though Aidan was my bonded mate, I couldn’t help the pang of jealousy creeping up on me. I guess being a vampire didn’t protect me from having the usual human feelings and insecurities.
    “Thank you,” Aidan said, oblivious to her behavior. “We can handle everything from here.”
    “I’ll be back at eight a.m. unless—” She hesitated.
    “That’s perfect,” Aidan said.
    Maya nodded and disappeared into the darkness.
    “She’s creepy,” Kieran whispered.
    “What makes you say that? The weird voice? Or the way she kept staring at me?” I peered around me at the beautiful low-relief embossments and the expensive Turkish rugs covering the marble floor. The crystal candelabra above our heads held countless lit candles that threw a soft glow on the cherry wood furniture. A broad marble staircase led to a balustrade with a few doors I suspected were bedrooms. What impressed me the most, however, were the beautiful sculptural relief carved out of marble, from the railing to the ceiling and the borders adorning the furniture and doors. I inched closer and trailed a finger over what looked like tiny intricate flowers made of rose quartz adorning an incense holder carved from dark wood. They looked so fragile and yet so rich in detail, I wondered how any human being could possibly create something like this with their bare hands.
    “It’s Oriental,” Aidan explained. “The Witches of Morganefaire are known for their craftsmanship in creating the most exquisite embellishments. They sell their brands for thousands of dollars. You wouldn’t believe the waiting list for this stuff.”
    “It’s not just merchandise they sell,” Kieran whispered behind me.
    I spun around and met his gaze. I had to admit I was very interested in what he had to say, but he clammed up when Aidan shot him his usual ‘shut up’ look.
    “Let’s get some rest. We’ll have a long day ahead of us.” Aidan touched my arm softly and kissed my neck. Even though I didn’t appreciate his decisive tone, I let him guide me to the first bedroom, vowing to ask Kieran what he meant later. I didn’t feel tired but I dropped on the thick brocade covers nonetheless, inhaling the softest whiff of crushed lavender as I figured I might as well close my eyes for a minute or two. When I woke up again, the sun was spilling through the high bay windows. I rubbed my temple to get rid of the heavy sensation inside my temples and brushed my hand over the covers to the empty spot next to me. Aidan’s imprint was still there, but the space had cooled down, signaling he must’ve woken hours ago.
    Sitting up, I looked around me. In broad daylight, the room looked spectacular with tall, white walls covered in embossed flowers and leaves that seemed to have a soft sparkle to them. The thick rugs I noticed upon our arrival felt as soft as melted butter under my naked feet. I took a moment to enjoy the tingly sensation, then slipped into clean clothes and headed out in search of Aidan.
    I found him in the hall downstairs, engrossed in conversation with his brother, which ended the moment he saw me. I couldn’t shake off the feeling they were hiding something.
    “Good morning,” Kieran said.
    “Good morning. Am I interrupting?”
    “No,” Kieran answered. “You’re like a glorious vision in that beautiful white