Read Online Twin Flames by Elizabeth Winters - Free Book Online Page A

was like alabaster. It glistened in the moonlight like ivory, allowing the darkness of their gaze to glint menacingly.
    Raven touched her face. Her skin had always had that same luster, her gaze that same darkness. Could it be true? Was she one of them?
    An arm snaked around her waist, pulling her down. “What the hell are you doing? Trying to get us all killed?” Devlin closed the portal with his other hand, never losing his grip on her.
    When they hit the ground, she pushed him away. “Tell me how to open the portal to Earth.”
    He shook his head with a grimace. “I imagined that’s where you went, but had hoped you weren’t so stupid.”
    Indignation flared. “Stupid? I’d be stupid to stay here while you marry someone else and your people ship me away or worse, kill me.”
    “Where did you hear that?”
    She ignored him and began walking back to the castle. She would try again tomorrow.
    His hand grabbed her arm and jerked her around. “I asked you a question.”
    “Is it true?” She gazed into his eyes, reading his regret.
    “You weren’t supposed to find out this way. I would have told you.”
    “When? After you were married and I was dead?”
    “They are not going to kill you.”
    She cocked a brow.
    “I won’t let them. Chalice and I will protect you.”
    She shook her head. “And I’m just supposed to go along with this?”
    “There’s no other choice.”
    “There’s always a choice.”

Chapter Seven
    Raven woke to a soft kiss. She breathed into it, wanting to absorb the soft sensation. Then she remembered the events of the past day.
    “Get off.” She pushed Devlin aside and rose to sit.
    He moved away, jerking on his clothes. “The women will be waiting in the solar to welcome you. They will instruct you as to our customs. You are expected to make every effort to blend.”
    “Are these the same women you’re going to be fucking until you find your ‘mate’?”
    He cast her a sympathetic look that made her want to slug him. “It is the way of my people.”
    “I don’t give a damn about the way of your people. I have no desire to spend time with these women.”
    “You have no choice.” He rose from the bed, fully dressed. “My personal guard is outside the door. He will escort you. If you do not appear in ten minutes, he has orders to help you ready yourself.”
    She stared at him in shock as he slammed out the door. How had she fallen in love with a bastard?
    The guard smiled as she stepped into the hall. He obviously didn’t know he was supposed to treat her with disdain. Maybe she should tell him, she didn’t want him to get in trouble with Devlin.
    He held out an arm encased in a blue velvet robe.
    “I am to escort you to the ladies solar.”
    “Anyone I should watch out for?” She sensed his reluctance to answer.
    “It is said Isabella has her eye on the throne. You may want to steer clear of that one.” He flushed and stared down at the floor. “Excuse me if I’m speaking out of turn.”
    She squeezed his arm. “Not at all. I’m glad you told me. The more help the better. This is going to be hard enough.”
    The solar was a cave carved in crystal. The floor was covered by only a golden rug that held several large throw pillows. At least twenty women lay on the oversized pillows scattered around the room. Raven instantly recognized Isabella. A groan slipped past her lips. She wasn’t up to another catfight.
    The other woman rose from the golden pillow, her black hair billowing behind her. “I see you were allowed to join us. How interesting.” She motioned for Raven to join her. “You must sit with us. We have so much to tell you.” The women who surrounded Isabella giggled and whispered behind their hands.
    “Ignore them. We are not all so insanely jealous.” A soft, smooth voice flowed over Raven and she found herself relaxing. She turned to find a tall, golden-haired woman behind her. She was quite possibly the most beautiful being Raven had ever