Twilight Dreams Read Online Free PDF

cloth over flesh as she changed her clothes, the quick tattoo of her bare feet on the tile floor as she hurried to open the door.
    â€œCome in,” she invited, flashing a tentative smile.
    Micah felt a rush of preternatural power as he crossed the threshold. Most mortals had no idea that thresholds held the power to repel his kind.
    â€œNice place,” he said, glancing around. The walls were off-white, the furniture eclectic. Several family photos were scattered on the mantel; a couple of expensive-looking paintings adorned the walls. An arched doorway led to a small kitchen; two other doors were closed.
    â€œThank you. It was my grandmother’s house,” Holly said. “She passed away a few months ago.” She gestured at the sofa. “Please, sit down.”
    Micah settled himself on the couch.
    Holly sat at the other end, her legs curled beneath her. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Soda? I don’t keep anything stronger in the house. Oh! Unless you’d like a glass of wine? I found a bottle of Merlot in the cupboard.”
    â€œWine sounds good. Thanks.”
    Micah blew out a breath as he watched her leave the room. He never should have come here. It was one thing to spend time with her at that country bar or in a movie theater surrounded by people. Another thing entirely to be alone with her in a small space. There were no distractions here—just Holly, the fragrance of her hair, her skin.
    The steady beat of her heart.
    The enticing scent of her life’s blood.
    She returned a few minutes later carrying two crystal goblets. “I don’t know how good this is,” she said, offering him one of the glasses. “I’m not much of a connoisseur.”
    Micah took a sip. He had never cared much for wine until he’d learned it was the only thing other than blood he could keep down. “It’s good.”
    â€œSo,” Holly said, resuming her seat, “how was your day?”
    â€œQuiet.” He hated the dreamless sleep of his kind, the helpless vulnerability. “How was yours?”
    â€œI spent most of it catching up on my chores and getting ready for work.”
    Micah nodded. He missed working, missed feeling useful. He had been on the verge of getting his first film role when Lilith turned him. Since Shirley had passed away, he had been at loose ends. Without her, his nights had been long and empty, his future bleak. He had no purpose, no real companionship, no driving force in his life other than his need for blood. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Where’s your family?”
    â€œThey live in Sacramento. My dad’s a high-powered investment broker.”
    â€œWasn’t he upset when you went to work for the competition?”
    â€œA little, but I wanted to succeed or fail on my own merits, you know? I didn’t want any special treatment because my dad owned the firm.”
    Micah nodded. “Was your mother a stay-at-home mom?”
    â€œNo, she’s my dad’s secretary.”
    Micah grinned. “No kidding?”
    Holly laughed. “Mom’s always talking about retiring, but I think she’s worried that he’ll hire some cute young thing to take her place, even though he’s forever telling her no one could ever replace her. My dad’s a workaholic, but Mom finally talked him into taking a long-overdue vacation.”
    â€œWhere’d they go?”
    â€œAustralia, New Zealand, Fiji.”
    Micah draped one arm along the back of the sofa and stretched his legs out in front of him. “They sound happy together.”
    â€œSometimes I envy them. I know that’s terrible, but I can’t help it. They complete each other, if you know what I mean.”
    Thinking of Saintcrow and Kadie, Micah nodded. He couldn’t imagine one of them without the other. He had loved Shirley, but there had always been an invisible gulf between them, one that she had refused to cross.
    Holly