A Kiss of Ashen Twilight (Ashen Twilight Series #1)

by Lori, Rae

  Ariya opened her mouth to scream when she felt a sharp pain on her scalp. The girl must have appeared behind her while she was distracted by the male. Her assumption was confirmed when the pain intensified from the woman’s hand fisted in her thick, curly hair. A thin, bony finger moved into Ariya’s vision, the fingernail grew two more inches into an extended claw.

  “Shelly! No!”

  “What? Who is this girl anyway?”

  “She is not your concern!”

  Ariya grunted and tried to force her mind from the pain as her head was pulled backward.

  If she concentrates enough, she could try to use her powers to distract them both and get out of here.

  “Hey. You brought me here to be with you tonight, Jace. I didn’t know you had someone else already stashed away in your little hideout. Do you ever think about anyone but yourself? This night was supposed to be just us and here I find out you have some little—.” Shelly leaned in to sniff Ariya’s skin. “What the crap is she anyway?”

  Ariya felt her warm breath on her neck. Her body prickled with fear and embarrassment at being scrutinized like an animal. Who were these people and why won’t they let her leave? She closed her eyes tightly, hoping to catch the oncoming tears of pain from falling. The last thing she wanted to do was give them the satisfaction of showing her fear.

  “She’s not even human or one of us. What in the—”

  Jace moved and appeared behind them and Ariya was freed once she felt Shelly’s grip release her. She dashed to the other side of the room and raised her hands to protect herself. Remain calm, she coached herself.

  Jace whipped Shelly around to face him and he held her gaze. His jaw flexed and his eyes focused on her in a silent warning. Slowly, the two black and red orbs changed to a hypnotizing deep blue shade like that of the sky.

  “Just go home, Shelly,” he said with a growl. “I can handle this. I’m sure Vex is lonely for some company about now.”

  Shelly yanked her arm away from him. Flames would shoot straight from her eyes with the look of death she gave him. She grabbed her jacket and shirt from the couch before exiting the room, slamming the door behind her. Ariya remained frozen against the wall, her breathing quickened.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, quickly zipping up his jeans with a slight hint of remorse. “You shouldn’t have seen that.”

  “W-What creature are you?” Ariya said in a demanding tone that surprised even her. She hoped this was all a dream although that could prove more dangerous if she let her subconscious open too freely.

  A dream.

  Could this be the man she had dreamed about before the attack? He shared the same features only with shorter hair and modern clothes. It couldn’t be. This man had to be no more than thirty years of age.

  Then something else caught her attention. His voice held a slight tinge of an accent. Yes, he was the one who saved her back in the alleyway.

  “You remember then.” He smiled. “Oh, and some would call it a bit of a brogue. I figured I lost it over the years but it tends to creep up now and then. Ah, I see your arms have healed nicely. I was hoping.”

  Ariya noticed the softness in his voice. Why did he care so much that she was okay? Looking at him, she found herself drawn to him. He was cold, seductive and wholly preternatural. Definitely something more than just human. Could he be a ghost? No, he felt real. He had to be another creature more dangerous, yet striking.

  He stepped toward her and she backed up with each step.

  “Don’t be afraid,” he said holding up his hands. “I won’t hurt you. You can lower your hands now.”

  As her mind raced she sensed his words were genuine. Slowly she lowered her arms and allowed him to approach her. He promptly took a bow.

  “My name is Jacinus Aurelius Archane, but you can call me Jace. Welcome to my home.”

  “Thank you.”

  He raised his eyebrow and waited. “And you are?”

  “My name is Ariya.” She looked around the open living room brightly lit by candlelight. “Am I still in the city?”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “Where exactly?”

  “Phoenix, Arizona.”

  She nodded, averting her eyes to the ground as she whispered softly to herself, “Desert landscape. United States southwest region.”

  “I had to bring you here after you were attacked—”

  “By wolves.” She turned to him, her eyes wide with wonder. “But those wolves changed to men.”

  “Correct, they were renegade Shifters. Werewolves. Somewhat renegades of the Lycan House.”

  “Werewolves,” she said softly to grasp the word. “Are you one of them?”

  Jace laughed with amusement. “Actually, far from it. May I get you a drink?”

  “Please.” She took a seat on the couch as she felt her head spin. Werewolves— Blood drinking during acts of pleasure—

  When she came to the city, she expected more humans like the ones she communicated with in Dahomey. Now she came in contact with wolves that turned into men and a race of human magicians that shared each other’s flesh and blood. Her body shuddered as she looked up at him.

  “You drink blood—”

  Jace nodded as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “Yes.”

  She heard the refrigerator door close behind her. With a blink of an eye, Jace was by her side handing her an empty glass and a bottle of spring water.

  Realization hit her hard. He matched the description of the creatures her parents warned her about. The very same that was told in stories from the frightened people of her lands. Before she could stop herself she smacked the glass out of his hand and it fell into a crash below her feet. She didn’t move or flinch from the water that splashed onto her bare leg. Nothing would tear her gaze away from this creature—this Asiman— that stood before her. No wonder this landscape was bare of any crops to decorate the scenery. Sand and dust covered almost every inch of this city and it had to be them who caused it. The Asiman creatures of her home were blood drinking entities known to suck the life from the land, weaken crops and enter the body of animals to attack humans. Maybe it had entered one of those Werewolf things and had attacked her.

  Ariya’s heart quickened. Nothing would soothe the incensed rage she felt as she realized this creature’s possible connection to the deaths of her family. Images returned of her sister’s corpses found in the fields outside their palace. Both of their powers and blood were absent as if sucked dry.

  Ariya lunged toward him but Jace was just as quick. He grabbed her wrists and pushed her body backward into the cushion of the couch. Their bodies collided together as he pinned her down. Her chest heaved up and down as she glared at him. She hoped the look in her eyes was enough make him spontaneously combust.

  “Hold on now. I don’t know anything about the deaths of your family.”

  Did he know what she was thinking? “The creature that sucked the blood out of them—was it commanded by you or any other Asimans?”

  Jace’s handsome visage twisted in confusion. “Asi-what? Listen lady, I don’t know who or what did anything to you, but it surely wasn’t me. I’ve been here all night. And the day—well, let’s just say I’m not particularly fond of the sun.” He was glad she couldn’t appear to read his mind, else she find out about the mortality rate of those he fed upon. A sting in his chest was made visible from the guilt on his face. He quickly straightened his expression and reminded himself that deep down it didn’t matter. He came to grips with his little flaw—this defect in feeding—a long time ago. It served as a viable weapon and was useful in keeping anyone from getting too close to him.

  Ariya noticed the change in his expression as she sensed his emotions and thoughts. A comforting calmness washed over her as she felt her breathing slow down. Guilt. She felt the feeling of guilt and longing in his heart as if he were reaching out for something he had lost long ago. She rose her chin and met his gaze, looking at the man who seemed to change temp
erament right before her eyes. A blinding attraction swelled her heart as she studied the hard lines of his face. Soft and youthful, a pale complexion in contrast to her smooth, dark skin. His bright eyes illuminated a deep mesmerizing shade of blue that focused on her, awakening feelings within her body she had been unaware of until now.

  He laughed, deep and husky. “Why thank you, I am not but a day over 600.”

  It was then she realized the close proximity of their bodies. His grip had loosened on her yet she still sensed his rise of blood temperature. The hard contours of his chest rose and fell against her soft breasts and she couldn’t help noticing—heartbeat. He had no heartbeat.

  How could this be?

  “I’m not human,” he confessed. “Not anymore, at least. I’m also not this Asiman creature you speak of.” Again speaking as if he could read her thoughts.

  Ariya stifled a laugh. Surely he didn’t have the same power of sense that she carried. Just then his enticing lips curled in a smile and she couldn’t help feeling a rush of pleasure float throughout her body. Why was she allowing herself to be distracted by this creature who could have murdered her family?

  “Immortal,” she said. “Like me. Wait a minute, but how—” He couldn’t be apart of the elemental creature. That creature looked as if it was made purely from the wind, the elements of nature itself! He couldn’t have been an Asiman either because he said he was once human. Unless, he was the spirit inhabiting a human’s body. Or he was lying. The usual signs in body temperature changes and slight twitches were absent in the man who stood before her.

  “No, no. Within these fleshy walls I have always found home,” he said softly. “Back when I was alive and—now.” He angled his head closer to her. His soft breath caressed her skin, rousing her senses. Those eyes, what hold did he have on her that enticed her to get lost in those deep pools? Gently he brushed his knuckles against her cheek as if to calm her. He smiled and she caught sight of the prominent pair of sharp fangs in his opening mouth. Just the reminder needed to bring her back to her senses.

  With a flick of her hand, she sent a blast of energy that sent his body crashing into the wall on the other side of the room.

  “What are you?” Ariya screamed. If only I could reach inside again, I would know what he was. Yet I can’t risk my life because it would sense me just like it sensed my sisters. There’s something even bigger than him out there.

  “Who? Who’s out there?” He said struggling to regain his composure. “And even more importantly, how did you do that?”

  “How can you read my thoughts?” she said ignoring him.

  Jace staggered to his feet and stepped to the side. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of her. “One of the talents of being a walker of the night. Do you have the same ability?”

  “I’m not a demon.”

  “Neither am I.” His voice was low and breathy. Her body tingled as he drew closer. At the same time, she was drawn toward him like a magnet undeterred by the strength of gravity.

  “What are you doing to me?” she said breathlessly. His arms opened to welcome her in his warm hold. All conscious thought slowly began to slip away from her like a dreamy mist near dawn. Her heartbeat slowed to fall in sync with his breathing. She drifted toward him, ready and waiting to be fully taken and consumed by her desires to have him right then and there.

  Ariya suddenly realized she was reacting to him yet again. With this thought in mind she raised the energy within her, moving it in a tangible force to her hands, regardless of her fear of the creature hunting her. With a flash of light, Jace was thrown across the room again, his body slammed against the wall leaving a slight dent behind him.

  “What were you doing to me?” Ariya forced herself to breathe and recover from the spell he held over her.

  “How—how did you do that?” Jace cautiously moved to his feet. She sensed him keeping still for fear of cracking another wall with his back. Two was enough for one night, he must have figured. Still it didn’t deter him from holding his ground. “Don’t make me ask again,” he said with a challenging tone.

  “I have powers too, and I’ll defend myself if I have to.” Even if I never killed, she thought nervously. She planted her feet on the ground and tried to ignore her trembling hands.

  “No, you won’t,” he said slowly approached her. “You’re not a murderer, you never have been.”

  “Get out of my head!”

  “Please.” Jace held up his hands in defense. “I said I don’t want to hurt you, I mean it. Just tell me who and what you are.”

  Ariya held his gaze. She studied the look in his eyes. Sincere, yet still it could be a trick all the same. “You give your word you won’t hurt me?”

  Slowly he nodded, carefully taking slow steps to close the distance between them. “I give my word as a gentleman, and as an Archane man of honor.”

  Ariya stepped back quickly, unsure she should trust him. Then again what choice did she have at this moment? “Well, just in case you don’t—”

  “I won’t. Look.” He took a few steps away, and straightened his posture with his hands folded behind his back. “See?”

  Fair enough. Ariya lowered her hands and took a deep breath. She was taking leave of her common senses. That had to be the only logical reason why she was mad enough to trust a man such as this one. With slight hesitance, she slipped the short sleeves of her gossamer dress over her shoulders and allowed it to cascade to the hardwood floor, baring her curvy body.

  * * * *

  Shelly held her jacket at her side as she strode down the street. The night was calm and unusually cool for the Arizona desert evening. It wasn’t enough to calm the storm inside her mind. Who was that girl that Jace felt so compelled to protect? She couldn’t have been from any of the houses. Where did she come from? If Jace had allowed it, she could’ve torn the girl to pieces and they would have finished their night together. Perhaps this was a matter she should take to the others of the house. It was still early enough in the night that they would be hanging outside the Torch club. She hoped Vex didn’t notice her and Jace talking together earlier. The questions he would propose to her about her whereabouts already filled her mind and she prepared the answers.

  She’d be ready for him. Besides, it’s not like they were completely exclusive yet. Just how close could a Lycan and a Nightwalker get anyhow? Jace was the one who understood her needs and hit all the right spots. Granted, she was growing to love Vex with all her heart, although she still had doubts about their relationship together. She was always attracted to Jace Archane since she first met him long ago. He was a man who took what he wanted and right now she wanted that to be her. She couldn’t quite give herself over to Vex just yet. Not until she explored other options.

  Things would have worked out just perfect between her and Jace. If only—

  Just as she came to the “who were you with” question yet again, a crunching sound made her freeze. Shelly looked over her shoulder, there was no one around in the darkness of the street. Shaking it off, she continued toward the end of the street using the light of the moon to guide her way. The sound of footsteps crunching on tiny pebbles along the sidewalk invaded her keen hearing sense. She quickened her steps and reached the bright yellow streetlight ahead in seconds.

  Keep it together, girl. Nothing can touch you.

  Her body involuntarily shivered despite the mantra she repeated to calm herself.

  The footsteps quickened behind her again and she broke out into a run. Once she reached the next streetlight, she whipped around hissing with her sharp fangs bared and her elongated fingernails ready at her side.

  Nothing.

  Part of her was thankful for no mortals in the area or else she’d have to make a call to Angel Polidori for a new pickup. That girl must work around the clock for such a thankless job. She chuckled to herself and continued walking toward the club.

  Suddenly Shelly felt her body whisked into the air by an invisible wind. The darkness
enveloped her like a snake coiling around her limbs. She opened her mouth to scream but the creature bound her throat, cutting off her breathing and oxygen supply as something wrapped around her and seeped into the pores of her skin. Below her, the city grew smaller and smaller as she was pulled higher into the sky. Then the creature freed her and she fell through the air like a rock against in the wind.

  The pavement raced toward her below as she fell. Invisible blades cut into her shirt and jeans, eventually ripping into her flesh like the metal claws of a shredder. Her tired body crashed against the ground with a loud smack, knocking the air out of her. She forced herself to breathe and cough out the blood building within her lungs.

  Shelly coached herself to stand and walk toward the club which was only a block away. She needed to find help fast before it was too late.

  * * * *

  Jace forced himself to breathe. His mind tried to make sense of the beautiful naked, glowing creature standing before him. In a blink of an eye he watched as bright, thin translucent wings unwrapped from behind her back and fluttered outward to their full reach.

  It couldn’t be.

  Jace felt his body freeze in place while his mind raced to the past. Visions of this very creature would pop up into his mind from the stories his grandmother shared of beautiful Fey creatures. Her thin wide wings and ethereal glow revealed before him was a tangible representation of those stories he thought only as fiction, but such creatures don’t exist.

  Or do they?

  * * * *

  Sounds of Shelly’s heavy footsteps broke through the air. Her breathing was heavy and jagged. Each step felt as if her legs were tied to heavy weights dragging along the ground. She tried to focus on the parking lot of the Torch club just ahead where her boyfriend Vex, Jace’s best friend Rich, Gael, and her friends hung out. She tried to call out to them despite the pain of fire enveloping her body from the bleeding jagged cuts across her body. She was losing blood—so much blood. The cool wind dried the thick sweet substance of her own blood staining her face and body. She tried to scream despite feeling the thick liquid cloud her throat.