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

by Lori, Rae

  Jace rounded the side of the couch and was at her side in less than a second. He wrapped his arms around her, anchoring her body to sit up. “Easy now.” His body stayed close, his face dangerously near to hers.

  “Jace, do not make the mistake of thinking this thing can’t get into your world. If anything, I believe that is where we went wrong. We thought no one knew about us and we tried to keep it hidden away. Now look what happened. My sisters died and I almost died because we lived in a bubble thinking that we were immune and hidden away from the outside world. We’re not anymore. And it took heavy deaths and losses to find that out. You can stop this before your people suffer as mine now do.”

  Jace lowered his gaze, deep in thought. She was right. He had been running all of his life ever since his father died. Two battles waged within him and as he looked at Ariya, he knew she was right. He gently caressed her cheek and smiled. He reached into his jacket pocket, took out his cellphone and punched in the numbers. With a gentle pat on Ariya’s leg, he pushed off the couch and paced the room, waiting for the other end to pick it. When it went straight to voicemail, he sighed.

  “Uncle Julian. It’s Jace. I don’t know if you’ll get this tonight, but I’ll be downtown at the corner of Sweetwater and 8th near the open construction site with Ariya. We’re going to destroy this thing ourselves. If you get this message tomorrow, well I apologize—and I hope to see you yet again.”

  The voicemail beeped softly on the other end.

  Jace tapped the end button and slid the phone into his pocket. He wandered by the cordless phone still sitting in pieces near his front door. He promised himself he would get to it tomorrow, if they were still alive.

  “Are you afraid to die, Jace?” Ariya’s voice filtered into the room, breaking into his thoughts.

  “It’s funny. When you live so long eluding death, you come to make peace with it.”

  “And you have?”

  He shrugged. “I thought so,” he said, rejoining her on the couch.

  She shifted her position to lean against his chest as he wrapped an arm around her. Her wings softly fluttered on her back before resting as they folded down.

  “I think I know what you’re going to do.” Ariya lifted her gaze toward him. “And I’m ready.”

  “I’m not going to let it hurt you,” he said softly.

  She chuckled. “Careful Jace, you sound like you actually care.”

  As she sat up, her smile slowly disappeared as she read his expression. “You’re serious.”

  “Julian is ready to sacrifice anything and anyone on the outside to keep us all safe. I just can’t.”

  “Even though it’s just me? The member of a race that most mortals and you didn’t even know existed?”

  “I know you exist. And despite turning things upside down here, I’ve gotten kinda used to you being around.”

  Ariya smiled. “Is that so?”

  “Yeah. Besides it puts a nail in my coffin having a girl hanging around when I bring my lady guests up. I mean, how’s that going to look?”

  She playfully punched him in the gut.

  “Ow!” Jace yelped with a smile. He pulled her close until their faces were a mere inches apart. His body warmed with the nearness of hers. From the smell of her, he could already tell her blood was sweet like nectar. Her heart beat quickened and he sensed the rapid nature of her pulse beneath her beautiful cocoa skin. He ached to taste her just once. For now, he would gladly settle for a sweet kiss from her full lips.

  Jace leaned in to claim Ariya’s lips with his own. He felt her breath quicken and then halt with anticipation for his lips upon hers.

  A knock at the door froze their movement just as their lips brushed one another’s. Jace was tempted to remain there with her in his arms, tucked away from the rest of the world. As the rapid knocking grew, he knew that the intruder wouldn’t give them the chance so easily.

  “Jace! Open up! It’s Rich!” the voice said on the other line.

  Jace sighed and lowered his head. Peeking up at Ariya, he could tell from the giggle she tried to stifle that she shared his wish for their stolen alone time.

  “Look at it this way,” she said patting his chest. “Maybe he’s come to make peace with you.”

  “Either that or the moon was swallowed whole and the pack is having an identity crisis.”

  With a kiss on her forehead, Jace forced himself toward the door. He opened it to find Rich standing with a humble, boyish smile on his strong face.

  “Well, well. Look what the doggies dragged in,” Jace sneered. “Or is it kicked out?”

  “You gonna make me sit outside here all night? Your neighbors already think we’re weird.”

  Jace followed Rich’s gaze to the older lady across the hall sneaking nosy glances their way. With a smirk, he backed up to let Rich inside, smacking Rich’s rear loudly before he leaned against the door facing the older woman. Jace raised his eyebrows flirtatiously, puckered his lips and blew the woman a kiss. The older lady’s mouth dropped open and she scoffed before slipping back into her apartment.

  “With mortal age comes the immense need for childish charms,” Jace smiled, closing the door. “Like a fine wine, sweetens with maturity.”

  “You’re twisted, man, you know that?” Rich sneered. “I should deck you for that little move.”

  Jace walked by, smiling as he patted Rich’s cheek. “Don’t even think about it or you’ll have to answer to my neighbor.”

  Ariya folded her arms, shaking her head. “Rich, I thought you were angry with Jace.”

  Rich stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I was and that’s the reason I came. I wanted to apologize. Especially for the way I treated you earlier. I had to put on an appearance for them. There have been some things on my mind stressing me out and I also kind of took them out on you.”

  “Oh?” Jace pursed his lips as he settled back on the couch arm and folded his arms. “I thought you were just being a pissy pack leader and all.”

  “Come on, Jace! I’m being serious here.”

  Jace burst out laughing and tried to nod through his fit. “All right, all right. Seriously then, what’s going on? Besides pack business since that’s always off limits, it appears.”

  “That’s just it. It is pack biz. But I promise soon I’ll be able to tell you.”

  Jace cleared his throat, growing serious before he continued. “Well, I’m glad you did swing by because we’re going to need your help getting rid of this elemental thing.”

  Rich’s eyes widened in surprise. “You and me?”

  “Well,” Ariya stood up, fluttering her wings. “And one eager Fairy.”

  “I should probably call Vex and tell him to cancel Monday Night Football then.”

  Jace tried to stifle a snicker. “I take it he doesn’t know you’re here?”

  “Are you kidding? I’d seriously be kicked out the pack if he did. On the other hand, I know the severity of this situation and I want to help. I just heard on the news they’re closing down the hospitals. The infection doubled since last night. Do you have any idea how to get rid of this thing?”

  Jace turned to Ariya. “I may have an idea. It may be able to feed off all of our energies, namely Ariya’s since she’s its target and shares a psychic connection with it.”

  “You guys sure about that?” Rich’s gaze volleyed between looking at Jace and Ariya. “You sure this can work?”

  “Only one way to find out.” Jace grabbed his jacket from the couch and headed for the door.

  Ariya remembered herself under Rich’s gaze and quickly folded her wings behind her back.

  “Hey.” As she walked by, Rich gently grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. His posture relaxed a little while his eyes focused everywhere but on her as he tried to find his words. Ariya fought hard not to chuckle although she found his awkwardness endearing. “I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry for the way I treated you when we first met. I was out of line.”

  Ariya nodded
. “To say the least.” She softened her words with a giggle. “But I do appreciate the apology.”

  “Say, um,” he moved closer to her and lowered his voice to a whisper. “You really care about him, don’t you?”

  “Who? Him?” Ariya sneered as she pointed at Jace.

  “Hey guys I can still hear you, you know!”

  Rich fell in step behind Ariya, both heading for the door trying to hide their smiles.

  * * * *

  Ariya sat silently deep within her thoughts as Jace drove them to the site. She was lost in the rhythmic vibrations of the sleek black BMW Volga Roadster. Much different than the slower, softer limousine they had taken. She peered through the tinted windows and watched the streets pass by. She had to wonder at all this new technology and architecture that had taken the place of natural landscapes. Were the inhabitants of this time more content with easier travel? Did they enjoy the aesthetics of boxed constructions lined against the landscape instead of green hills and valleys?

  Then it dawned on her. If this experiment of Jace’s worked, she would have no reason to stay here anymore. This wasn’t her world so much as it was there’s. A strange ache in her heart clouded her thoughts as she leaned against the seat and folded her arms.

  Internally, Ariya goaded herself to take a step back. These past few days had been comfortable, almost like home in Jace’s presence. She had to remind herself, this wasn’t her world. Her realm was waiting for her to get back home in one piece. If they succeeded in destroying it, she needed to return back to her home and forget what happened here. It was best she focus on the task at hand.

  She turned to Jace but he remained silent as the shadows. Spotlights danced across his handsome features. Maybe she had successfully cloaked her mind this time. Or maybe his thoughts were as crowded as hers that he was distracted from listening in on hers.

  Then as she thought this, he lifted his head to look at the rear view mirror where Rich followed behind them in his Kawasaki motorcycle. How he balanced himself on such a device with two wheels, she would never know.

  “You okay over there?” Jace’s voice pulled her out of her concentration.

  Ariya nodded quickly. “Just want to get this over with as quickly as possible.”

  “We should be there in no time. Just a few blocks to go.”

  The few blocks felt like a lifetime before they finally came to the site. Jace turned into the construction clearing and parked on an empty side of the road with Rich in tow. Ariya’s heart was beating so fast, she feared it would jump straight out of her chest and onto the ground below. She climbed out of the car and turned when she heard another vehicle roar by and ease into a stop near Jace and Rich. She noted the silver horse on the fender of a Roush Mustang. Her thoughts were confirmed when a dark, striking handsome well built man stepped out from the car, tying the buttons on his dark charcoal jacket suit over a black satin shirt. A smile crossed his handsome face as he met the other three.

  “Did I miss the party?” He said holding his hands out.

  Ariya stood to the side and watched with interest as Jace, Rich and Gael took turns greeting each other. It was a ritual she hadn’t quite seen before, but it reminded her of a dance between brothers. Shake hands, pull each other into a half hug, lock arms and pat each other’s backs. Fascinating.

  “Ariya, looks like Rich help spread the word for us. I’m pleased to introduce Gael Almadovar. Shifter Elf and the third end of our musketeer trio.”

  Ariya held out her hand to shake his and was surprised when he turned it over and brought it up to his lips in a gentle kiss.

  “Charmed, I’m sure.” His smooth accent, a sultry mix of cultures, sent a tingle throughout her body.

  Ariya couldn’t help smiling widely and she knew her dark cocoa cheeks tinted with a shade of red in that moment.

  “Well now,” Jace said grinning as he moved in between them. “I suppose we should get to work.”

  “Any idea how we’re going to take this thing out?” Gael leaned back against his car.

  Ariya stepped forward in front of the three. “Jace was thinking maybe we can call it.”

  “Call it?” Rich shifted his weight on his other foot. “How would we do that?”

  “By our energies.” Ariya looked up at the clear blackened night absent of the twinkling stars that always spellbound her. The streets were eerily silent on this fair Arizona night. A freeway loomed nearby though it was far enough away not to be heard. Spots of light hung around the open desert, yet not enough to shine on their area and draw attention. She was thankful for the peace, although she still felt nervous about how to seek help if they needed it. Thankfully the boys had those traveling phones to call for help. If anyone would come for them, that is. Ariya wasn’t sure if Julian got the message Jace left earlier. She only had sheer hope to cling to if things got out of hand. The elements of nature remained still, as if in anticipation for the oncoming moments.

  Ariya took a breath and knew her time had come. She slowly walked out to the middle of the open road and waited. She wasn’t quite sure what to do or how to get things started. Feeling their time slipping away each moment, she turned back to Jace, Gael and Rich standing against their sports cars.

  “I’m not sure how to start this,” Ariya said over her shoulder.

  Jace pushed off the car and walked to her, the sound of gravel and stone crunched under his thick, shiny shoes. Without a word, he immediately wrapped his arm around her torso. With his free hand, he caressed her face as he tried to calm her down with the soft look in his eyes.

  I’m afraid.

  Don’t be. Just trust me now. I’m here for you.

  Gently he pulled her close into a soft kiss. Ariya’s body trembled as she finally felt the impact of his lips upon hers. It was the sweetest kiss she had ever received. Her hands snaked around his neck, holding him close. She felt his arms around her side, pulling her toward the hardness of his body. The soft silky strands of his wavy hair covered her fingertips while her other hand dipped down to the hard ridges of his torso. She could stay here forever, surrendering to his hungry mouth and tongue that caressed her eager lips. She couldn’t help giggling faintly once the kiss broke.

  “Are you confessing personal feelings or just trying to put on a show for the entity?”

  * * * *

  Jace didn’t crack a smile. One strong arm held her close while the other caressed her warm cheek with the back of his hand. He had teetered on the edge before, of both death and of falling in love, but never had he wanted to fight so hard to stay alive, and at the same time be so willing to give himself to save Ariya. She was the first woman to ever travel near his heart. Most women he would have for a night and move on, content with the idea of not getting close to anyone. Yet he felt things changing since Ariya arrived. Even though he tried to fight it, he felt close to her and even more protective as the time for the battle for her survival grew near.

  “You don’t have to do this, you know,” she said softly.

  Jace caressed her cheek, cradling it as he peered into her dark eyes. “Yeah, I do,” he nodded slowly. “It’s something I should have done some time ago when I had the chance. I didn’t because I wanted to protect you and maybe protect myself.” His thumb tenderly caressed her cheek. “Ariya I—” What did he want to say? How he felt? He couldn’t even get a handle on that himself. Before he could open his mouth to answer, he felt movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to follow it as he held Ariya tighter in his arms.

  * * * *

  A swirl of light raced across the sky in the distance. Ariya felt the movement but she wanted to hold on to Jace’s gaze, his comforting touch spreading from his body to hers for as long as possible. She needed the strength to get through this and then maybe she could leave it all behind once she went back. She tried to seal Jace’s visage in her mind, the way his pale complexion contrasted against the dark night sky. His wavy brown locks framing his handsome strong features as he leaned down towa
rd her. Then she could leave it all behind and let him return to his life while she returned to hers. It was a promise she hoped her mind, and her heart, would keep.

  A few feet away, Rich tilted his head up toward the light and nudged Gael next to him. The dark desert area around them illuminated in a shadowy misty white light.

  “Uh, guys?” Rich said, catching Ariya and Jace’s attention. “I think your little plan is working. Looks like it’s circling the area.”

  Jace turned back to Ariya. “Tell me how you feel.”

  Ariya’s mouth hovered open with the anticipation of the words that lingered on her tongue. She couldn’t decipher her own feelings much less voice them. Besides, what if she were to become another one of his disposal women? She couldn’t bear the idea of being treated in such a way. Despite the rapid beating of her heart and her mind rushing a thousand miles a minute, she tried to think of an answer.

  “Jace—I—”

  Ariya felt the energy rising within her, illuminating a bright glow of light straight from her body. She felt alive and energized like never before.

  As she looked down, her eyes widened with the realization that something was wrapping itself around her like a snake enfolding its prey.

  “Jace!” her words were stifled as she was hauled off the ground and into the air.

  Rich took no time as his human form melted away into a large wolf-like bipedal Lycan, growling and ready to fight. Not a breath passed before Gael transformed into a large eagle and, with a beam of light, he broke from his falling clothes and headed straight for Ariya.

  Jace was ready with his claws sharpened and elongated, his fangs protruding proudly with a warning. He leaped off the ground and into the air toward Ariya. Gael clipped his beak on Jace’s collar and hauled him into the air toward Ariya. As they got closer, Jace spotted a form within the mass of energy holding her. Angry sharp claws amidst a demonic face of jagged fire and red horns were prominent and yet still indecipherable if seen as a whole image. Within the blur was pain, suffering and death, spreading across lands. An omen. Another face appeared. A man with sleek, dark hair and a strong square jaw with a timeless European visage. Tiny indentations in the skin cornered his face and right away he could imagine him during his time in 15th century when they lived among the vast green lands in Inverness. Did he know this man? Why now did the image of this particular face, time and space pop into the cloud?