Storm On The Horizon, a paranormal Regency romance novella (Vallen) Read Online Free Page A

was receiving so much attention. No, it couldn’t be right. She hadn’t acted as if she was already engaged. She had been hurt at being cut by the gentlemen surrounding her sister. A woman who was secure in the affections of another wouldn’t have behaved that way, Kit was certain of it.
    But then that still left the question—why would her parents allow one daughter to make her come-out and not the other? Perhaps he could find out this afternoon.
    “You certainly found out a lot about these two girls in a very short time, sir.”
    Lord Durrington frowned harder. “I needed to, since you are making absolutely no effort on your own behalf. I’ve gone from being an up-and-coming Member of Parliament to matchmaker.”
    Kit stifled his laughter. “No need to be so, sir. Truly, I am more than happy to…”
    “You are more than happy to waste your time chasing after ineligible… Ah, wait now. Are you… could you possibly be that intelligent?” There was clearly something odd going through his father’s mind, as he leaned back in his chair and put his hand to his chin.
    “Sir?”
    “You wouldn’t be deliberately becoming close to the younger so that you would stand a stronger chance at the elder, now, would you? No.” His father dropped his hand and sighed heavily. “No. You aren’t nearly that smart.”
    Kit frowned. “I am not that devious.”
    A smile lit up his father’s face at the thought. “But I am.” He waved his hand at Kit. “Go on then. Off to your assignation with young Miss Whatsername. But when it comes down to it, Kit, it’s the elder you are going to offer for.”
    Kit just stood and watched his father chuckle at his own cleverness. But he wasn’t going to get caught up in his father’s scheme—it was just not right.
    On the other hand, if this made it so that his father didn’t mind him spending time with Tatiana, he would hold on to it—for now. He gave a quick nod of his head and left his father’s study.

    M iss Tatiana, how lovely you look today,” Kit said, dismounting from his horse and handing the reins over to his groom. He hadn’t known whether Tatiana would be walking or riding, so he’d come prepared to do both. Now that it was clear that he wouldn’t need his horse, he signaled to the groom to take him home.
    “Thank you, Mr. Vallentyn. You don’t mind walking, do you?” she asked, watching the animal being led away.
    “Not at all. It is a fine day for a walk.” He could say that because he wore a thick wool coat with his leather breeches and riding boots. He just hoped that Tatiana would be as warm in her little spencer. The military-red short-waisted jacket didn’t look like it could keep very much of her warm, if at all. It was extremely becoming, though, showing off her fine figure.
    “… If a bit chilly.” She laughed and nodded. “I’ll tell you a little secret.” She stepped closer to him so that only he could hear. Still, he had to bend down a touch to catch her words. “I’ve called upon a pocket of warm air to stay close so that I don’t feel the cold so severely.”
    Kit chuckled. She was clearly very comfortable with her magic. He liked that. She wasn’t using her power to harm anyone, only to ensure her own comfort. There could be nothing wrong with that. He admired her pluck—she used her magic, but discreetly enough so no one would notice.
    The other night, of course, had been a different situation. He’d had to stop her from using her magic against ordinary men. She’d clearly been furious, and rightly so, at getting snubbed. He was sure, however, that she wouldn’t use her magic against others for her own gain.
    “And what about your sister?” he asked, noticing Ekaterina Ashurst standing not too far away, surrounded by a handful of gentlemen.
    Tatiana glanced behind her. She turned back with a charmingly mischievous smile on her face. “She can feel no cold, not with all those men around her.”
    Kit laughed and had to agree