Talon (Ashes & Embers Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

recognize sitting with Kat's boyfriend and the team. But my side isn't empty like I thought it would be. Like it should be.
    And the right side, his side, is packed with smiling faces.
    It takes me a minute to realize what's so odd about what I'm seeing around me.
    Most of the male guests have really long hair. And piercings. And tattoos.
    Holy shit, did I walk into a rock concert? What the heck is going on?
    As we approach the altar, my eyes land on Kat first, who gives me an overly excited thumbs-up, which seems really inappropriate to me at a time like this. I mean, this is a wedding. I think?
    Asher disengages his arm from mine, kisses my cheek, then turns to his brother and gives him a quick hug before retreating to his own seat behind us.
    "May I introduce you?" the female officiant asks, her voice cheery. "Asia Jenson, meet Talon Valentine. I'd like you to join hands."
    I don't recall moving my hands, but soon they are engulfed in large, warm ones with callused fingertips.
    The officiant's voice sounds a million miles away as I slowly look up to meet my future husband's eyes—which are the same deep, rich brown as his brother's, only with a mischievous, sexy glint.
    Oh, God.
    This is not my dream man.
    This is like rock star hippie Tarzan.
    His dirty-blond hair is long, almost as long as mine, flowing down over his shoulders to his chest. He's not wearing a tie, and the dress shirt under his tux is unbuttoned at the top, exposing tattoos on his chest.
    This isn't what I described in my application.
    His lips are moving, but I can't hear him over the screams in my head. Soon a ring slides onto my trembling finger.
    Did I say I do?
    The officiant asks me to repeat the vows and I do, my voice robotic.
    What am I doing?
    Kat hands me the platinum band and I slide it onto his finger, noticing the tattoo design on the top of his hand as I do so, a sugar skull with dark roses around it. No way does this guy work in a corporate office, as I always pictured my husband to be doing.
    "…you may kiss the bride!"
    Wait. What?
    He leans toward me, and at the last second, I freak out and turn my face and his lips land on my cheek. The guests all start to laugh and cheer.
    Rewind. Please rewind. Go back to months ago when I agreed to this mess and undo this.
    "She's really shy at first," Kat jokes to the guests, her hand on my back. "Kiss him!" she whispers in my ear.
    I can't.
    He takes my hand and leads me away from the altar, down the aisle past all the guests who are cheering and patting him on the back and smiling at us.
    I need to get out of here.
    Kimberly meets us at the door. "Come with me," she whispers and leads us back to the small parlor room where I got ready earlier.
    This must be the part where she tells us there's been a horrible mistake. Thank God.
    "Okay, so I know you two are excited and nervous and all sorts of other scary feelings, but rest assured, that is all completely normal." She smiles at us. "The rest of the guests are going to move to the reception room for drinks and appetizers. You two will have about half an hour alone in here to get to know each other a little, and then the photographer will come here to get you. He'll take some pictures and then you'll join everyone in the reception hall for dinner." She clasps her hands together. "You guys make the best couple. I'm so excited for you! I'm a huge fan, Talon!"
    Fan?
    "Thanks, babe," he replies casually.
    Babe? Did he just call her babe?
    "Can you bring Kat in here?" I ask, fidgeting with the ring on my hand. "I really need to talk to her."
    Kimberly shakes her head. "No, I'm so sorry, Asia. Dr. Hollister insists the bride and groom be alone for this time. You'll be able to talk to her soon, though. I'll go out and tell her that you want to see her as soon as you're able."
    What the hell? I want my best friend. Now.
    Kimberly leaves and I stare at the door like it's a portal.
    "I need a fuckin' drink," Talon says, heading to the small bar in the