Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book Read Free Page A

small lush green island I find myself moving toward it, drawn in by a mystical force that I can’t deny. The sun is rising and the sky is layered with a multitude of color and the air is shimmering with what? Oh, my… the air is shimmering and twinkling with sprites as the sun reflects off their skin and wings, it’s quite literally the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
    “Jasmine? Are you here?” I manage to ask in a quiet reverent voice.
    “Yes, my lady.” I hear from a quiet voice to my right.
    "Why do you call me that Jasmine? My name is Ashlinn and I’m no one’s lady.” I say in a hushed voice. “Have you been able to get a message to Alaric?’ I ask as I continue to walk towards the magnificent tree. She calls to something deep inside of me.
    “Yes, my lady.” Jasmine responds.
    “Can you please just call me Ashlinn? You’re making me uncomfortable.” I huff. “Where’s Alaric?”
    “He camps beneath the tree. You’ll find him there.” She says as she looks me over. “You looked washed out not like you did the other day, you must get to Alaric as soon as possible!”
    I look around and find that there are not only sprites but other mystical creatures all looking upon me as if I were something special, someone important. How odd. I continue on my path to the tree, it is truly magnificent. I have never seen anything like it but all is not as it seems. As I grow closer I sense that the tree is failing, the changes are minute but they are there and it alarms me. “Alaric? Are you there? I need to speak to you.” I call out.
    A man immerges from beneath the tree’s canopy. Wow, I’m struck speechless. He takes my breath away. He’s quite possibly the most breath taking male I have ever laid eyes on. A gentle breeze moves through the billowing branches of the willow tree. Moving them around him in a weaving motion that caress his upper body in a manner that I’m suddenly jealous of, if only I were the branches of that majical tree, lightly dancing across his broad shoulders I think wistfully. This is Alaric and I know him. He’s mine.
    “Ashlinn? What are you doing here? It’s not time yet, you shouldn’t experience your awakening for another few months. How is it you even know about your awakening?” He looks at me quizzically.
    I stop midway to the tree. I look down to see that stepping stones have appeared as I take measured steps toward Alaric, “I really have not the faintest clue as to what’s happening to me,’ I say in a strangled breathe, “I… I’m lost… Can you help me?” Tears streak down my face and I’m abashed at how vulnerable I sound. I hang my head in shame. “Everything has changed so suddenly! I think that I died in the accident but somehow they were able to bring me back. Now I can’t wake up! I’m stuck and I know that I’m fading. I don’t know how to explain it. Please?” I beg breathlessly. “Can you help me?”
    “What accident Ashlinn? What are you talking about?” his concern is evident in his voice.
    I look up thru my lashes to peer upon his handsome face. His eyes are a brilliant, piercing blue. His jawline is strong and chiseled to perfection, with the slightest hint of a five o’clock shadow. His skin is lightly tanned, and his chestnut colored hair is unruly in the gentle breeze as his somewhat wavy locks are tasseled in the breeze. He definitely knows a thing or two about working out, his biceps are impressive and his pecs strain against the sleeveless leather vest he wears. Ever so slowly, his mouth begins to quirk into a smile as he looks at me and a dimple emerges, then I notice his ears and oh good gravy, his ears are pointed and at that moment I realize the man of my dreams is not a man at all but an elf. I gasp as I realize what I should have known all along but in that moment I understand that I don’t care if he’s an elf, he’s simply the most alluring male I have ever seen as my eyes meet his.
    Well snap, I’ve just been