A Kiss of Ashen Twilight (Ashen Twilight Series #1) Read Online Free PDF

automatically. He stepped inside and absent-mindedly ran his hands over his wavy shoulder length hair. A small gathering of the houses took place out in the foyer. He immediately recognized Brenden, the tall, bald, dark vampire in black sunglasses serving as head of security. Next to him Gael Almadovar spoke in small gestures. Gael took his office as regent to the House of Shifter Elves seriously. Although one wouldn’t know it from his calm demeanor. Gael’s milk chocolate complexion, piercing green eyes and strong Moorish features made him an easy weakness for the ladies.
    “Not at the Torch tonight, Gael? I thought we were meeting there with Rich.”
    “We are,” a hint of the Spanish accent lingered on his tongue. “I had to see Daoine before going in. There’s a big meeting going on tonight. I’d proceed cautiously, if I were you.”
    Jace saluted with a grin. “They usually are in a meeting. See you in a few hours.”
    Gael laughed, showing off his dimpled cheeks and shook his head.
    The soft muffle of voices stretched all the way into the East wing of the hall. To any mortal it would be a low hum, slightly indecipherable. Jace heard the voices yet still couldn’t make out what they were talking about as he stepped onto the floor and headed for the door. Usually he tried not to interfere on the conversation, but there was no way he could willingly cut down on his keen hearing ability. Not that he’d want to, anyway.
    “Here we go,” he said with a sigh.
    The three patriarchs turned in his direction. Jace straightened his posture and held his head high.
    “My dear Uncle,” he said, holding his arms out with a smile. “I came as soon as you called.”
    His Uncle Julian stood around six feet with the looks of a smooth handsome man in his late thirties. Baby blue eyes complemented a mane of wavy brown hair tied back in a short ponytail. Jace could easily pass as his son and since losing his father so long ago, Jace did consider him a close father figure. After all, he was the next in line for the patriarch as heir to the House of Blood.
    The older vampire stepped out from behind his desk to join Michael and Daoine in the middle of the room. He kept his gaze on Jace as he placed his hands on his friends’ shoulders and spoke.
    “Gentleman, I do believe this meeting is adjourned.” Julian’s voice was tight, completing the tense gaze he threw Jace.
    “Did I miss something?” Jace said with a smirk as he peered at each of the patriarchs.
    “Elder business, we were just finishing up.” Julian’s voice remained unabashedly polite.
    This was heavy. That was all right, though. Jace knew how to handle his Uncle after so many years. Just another kink in the land of cogs working on the bigger machinery. Nothing he couldn’t handle.
    “Until next time, Julian,” Michael’s gruff voice was deep, spreading throughout the room. His strong gaze and intimidating disposition would send signals off in any mortal unaware of his true nature. A sly smile crossed the Lycan’s lips and his head gently dipped in a slight nod.
    “Jace,” Michael said in a hoarse, farewell tone.
    Daoine was another story. Tall, lithe and mystical, he was enchanting and stunned any human in his vicinity with his beauty alone. No one knew his true age, but the eternal magnificence of youth forever imprinted itself in his face and body. His thin, angular face and slightly sunken cheeks accented his regal look.
    The Shifter Elf’s lips pressed together as he nodded on his way toward the door.
    “Jace,” Daoine said in a voice reminiscent of soft choir bells.
    “Gentleman.” The soft footsteps descended down the hall. Jace flung his arm forward, slamming the door close. Finally Jace turned to his Uncle with a wide smile on his face. He liked being in the company of such great leaders. At times it did feel daunting and frankly tiring. Of course he wouldn’t vocalize this nor think it in his Uncle’s presence, but sometimes a good