Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited Read Online Free PDF Page A

his. She responded wholeheartedly to him, and indulged herself in the savory kiss he offered her.
    When he ended their ardent kiss with a soft kiss to Reece’s nose, she was somewhat disorientated. She sat up, glanced out of the side window, and observed that the carriage was traveling down a tree-covered road. Dazzling blossoms in a variety of colors cascaded from their branches in the unique forest that surrounded them.
    Reece gazed at Levi quizzically. “Where are we going? I haven’t seen any of this before.”
    “You’ll see.” He straightened himself and gave a quick tug to his waistcoat. “Now, in order for you to fully appreciate your next gift, I must ask that you close your eyes.”
    Reece happily acceded to his request. After a few moments, she sensed that the carriage was slowing, and heard the clattering of the horses’ hooves silence soon thereafter.
    She listened as the door opened, and heard Levi step out of the carriage. He helped to guide her out of the carriage, and swept her into his arms.
    “Can I open my eyes yet?” she asked enthusiastically.
    Levi placed her feet on the ground, and enclosed his arms around her waist. “Yes,” he answered softly.
    When Reece’s eyes opened, she was speechless.
    Levi pressed his cheek against hers. “Welcome to our new home,” he whispered.
    The enormous white house was a magnificent sight to behold. It was three-story home; complete with a large balcony, porch, and Greek-style columns that ran the entire façade, and continued on to wrap around the house. The broad steps that led up to the elaborate entryway doors gave this stately home an overwhelming sense of grandeur.
    “Our home?” Reece’s voice cracked as she fought back tears of overwhelming gratitude.
    Levi stepped around her and took her hands into his. “Yes; this is where you and I will live when we are married. Do you approve?” He looked down at her, and brushed away a tear that slipped down her cheek.
    She smiled at his beaming expression. “Approve? I love it!”
    Reece took in the massive, park-like setting that surrounded them. The grand house sat impressively at the end of a circular, cobblestone driveway. To the left of the house was neatly trimmed, vivid-green grass with large trees scattered throughout, offering an abundance of shade. The lush grass grew all the way to the shoreline of a small, shimmering blue lake. Across the small body of water were more trees, and a tall mountain range that spanned the horizon behind the estate.
    She looked back at Levi, who was watching her with amusement. “All of this is breathtaking, and it’s more than I would have ever asked for.”
    He kissed her forehead. “I am thrilled that it agrees with you. I have been drawn to this house for as long as I can remember. I have ridden by it many times with the hope that someday I would share it with my wife and children. To have your approval means more to me than you will ever know.”
    “It’s absolutely perfect.”
    Levi offered his arm. “Shall I escort you inside?”
    Reece took his arm. “Why, Mr. Oxley, I thought you’d never ask.”
    As they entered through the impressive double doors at the front of the house, a massive atrium with a sweeping staircase greeted them. The house was empty, with no furniture to speak of, and still, it was a breathtaking sight.
    A luxurious blue velvet carpet covered the center area of white marble steps that led up to the second level of their home. She gazed in wonder at the variety of circular patterns that had been intricately carved into the high, alabaster ceilings. An enormous chandelier hung over the entryway and dazzled in a rainbow of colors, reflecting the light peering in from the windows as a prism would.
    Reece held tightly to Levi’s hand as they toured the main floor of their home. The detail and craftsmanship that was brought into the structure was so elaborate that Reece remained silent, clearly overwhelmed by the rich atmosphere of