Tallusian Nights [Xihirian Shifters 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) (28 page)

“Stop, you.” She slapped at his arm. “You’re so bad.” She shook her head. “You enjoy making me blush.”

“I do. Yes, I’m bad.” His eyes twinkled. Zalora decided to ignore him.

“I’ve been having a dream of her for a while. She’s very pretty with long, wavy black hair. For a long time, at least a year, she has been trying to tell me something, just today I understood what she was saying to me.”

“Oh, I like pretty women. But all the prettiest women I know are related to me.” He looked down at her then around the room. “Am I to understand this woman and this dream have something to do with me?”

“Yes, in the dream she gave me a message for you.” He looked at her as if she were insane. “I’m not crazy. She really did.”

“No, of course you’re not crazy.” Kade shook his head. “You’re Val’s mate.” He put his hand to his mouth as to wipe it, hiding a huge a grin. “And my favorite sister-niece.”

“So stop laughing. This is an important message. You need to be serious.”

“Okay, little niece. Tell me what the message is?”

“She told me to tell you to trust her. You must, no matter what things seem, trust her.” Zalora looked down at her hands. “That’s all I know. I trust her. She’s like me.”

“Like you? You mean she’s Tallusian? Does she have your powers?” He watched her.

“Yes, I can feel her power.”

“She wants me to tell you no matter what, you have to trust her.”

“Yes, I got that. Does she say why or when?” He gazed down at her.

“No.” Zalora shrugged. “I just felt it was urgent for me to tell you this.”

“Okay, you think she’s a real woman?” His eyes danced with amusement. “This is more than a dream?”

“Yes, please don’t take this lightly.” He put his hands up in surrender.

“I’m not.”

“I know this is very important. Perhaps your life depends on it.”

“You got this all from your dream.” He looked skeptical as he crossed his arms, studying her.

“Yes.” Zalora stopped to stand in the middle of the dance floor looking up at Kade. Taking her hand, he walked her over to Val then kissed her cheek.

“My dear Zalora, I’ll take what you say seriously. I will for sure watch out for the Zennites.” He kissed the back of her hand. “You’re a remarkable woman. My brother-nephew is very lucky. I leave tomorrow.” He nodded to Val.

“Be careful.” Zalora touched his arm as he went to move away.

“I plan to. You take care of my best friend.” He nodded toward Val.

“I will.” Kara dashed up to them to drag Kade off to dance. The music had gotten louder. Zalora’s ears were hurting. Val’s parents and grandparents had already retired. Kael’s father had been a rascal, teasing Saleeya until he swept her off her feet then took her off from the party to their own party.

“Are you tired?” Val whispered.

“Yes.” He kissed the back of her neck as he gently moved her hair away.

“Let’s go. We can continue this party in our suite. That’s the best party.” Hand in hand, they strolled down the corridor, her body tingling with the rising passion she knew lay beneath her mate’s cool exterior. They passed the massive verandas opening to the outside. This palace allowed the outside in. She glanced out as they passed. A shudder of unease rolled down her spine as she stared at the flashing lightning. The heart of the storm was getting closer. She jumped at the boom of thunder, her gaze darting through the shadows. Val tucked her under his arm to comfort her. Inhaling, she could smell the coming rain. It intensified her uncertainty. Through her lashes she glanced at her mate. He seemed unmoved by the approaching storm. For some reason she felt a pang in her heart.

“Val, thank you for saving me.” She looked up at him. “Thank you for sharing your world with me, your family. You’ve made me very happy.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw.

“I love you, too, mate. I never knew true happiness until you came into my life.” Val stopped, sweeping her up into his arms he carried her to their bed. Before their bedroom door swung shut, she turned to stare out into the darkened corridor. A whisper called to her. The image of purple eyes full of pain, of terror, swam before her eyes a moment before then the door slammed shut. Something was out there—and not even her lover’s embrace could protect them from the evil hidden within the shadows.

THE END

WWW.CIARALAKEROMANCEBOOKS.COM

Reading and writing is a wonderful diversion from an often-difficult world. I love to create my own stories. It's exciting to create brand new worlds and characters.

In sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stories, I can invent wonderful places and people. Anything is possible in these genres, it's limitless. I'm able to create an escape into a special world filled with unique and fantastic things.

A high school teacher inspired me to write. However, instead of initially pursuing my writing career I became a lawyer. I work in divorce court, so erotic romance is a great escape. There can be true love and happy-endings, at least on my pages.

My two children and I have two good-humored dogs we share our home with. I have traveled and lived all over the world, and these experiences have given me great creative ideas. I look forward to creating many more adventures in romance.

For all titles by Ciara Lake, please visit

www.bookstrand.com/ciara-lake

Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com