Born of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon Read Free Book Online

tried to rest, she was plagued by thoughts of someone coming after her
    with a knife, and that, someone inevitably turned into Nykyrian.

    With a weary sigh, she went to stare at her reflection, checking her costume for any tell-
    tale flaws. The tight, red sequined bodysuit clung to her figure, making her regret the
    large amount of sweets she had eaten that afternoon.

    Well, at least her bruises were almost gone. She was a bit surprised the media hadn't
    questioned her about her battered face. Shrugging her shoulders, she attributed it to the
    heavy amount of red and gold makeup her costume required. They probably hadn't even
    noticed.

    Kiara made a face at herself and returned to her pacing.

    Loneliness filled her as she surveyed the tiny, empty room. Her father thought his
    absence comforted her. Everyone seemed to think she preferred solitude before a
    performance, but the truth was very different. She needed company most in the minutes
    prior to a dance. Just the sound of another voice would alleviate some of the nervousness
    tearing at her.

    She thought of Nykyrian. Would he leave her alone?

    Kiara shook her head, wondering what her thoughts were up to. Why did her dreams torment her with him as her stalker and why did her conscious mind see him as her
    savior?

    No answer came.

    Nervously, she continued to pace the room. As she neared the door, she heard the muffled
    voices of her father's guards.

    "I tell you, I didn't enlist for this kind of mission. Hell, I almost wish someone would try to kill her just to get rid of the boredom!"

    The other guard laughed. "I can think of a better way to end my boredom."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Imagine having night duty at her place. I envy Yanas and Briqs."

    "Yeah, I'd like to show the little dumpling my night stick!"

    Aghast at their bantering, Kiara crossed the room and rifled through her bag on the table.
    Pulling out the small blaster, she made sure it contained a full charge.

    At the moment, she didn't know whom she trusted less, the Probekeins or her father's
    soldiers. She wasn't taking any more chances with her safety.

    After she replaced the weapon, she heard a sharp snap outside her door. Kiara turned
    about to investigate the noise.

    A tall shadow fell across her as she neared the door. She laughed nervously.

    It couldn't be. She was just imagining the fact that the shadow looked like a giant man.
    She didn't want to turn around, but she did anyway, then wished she had listened to
    herself.

    If she had thought her last two assassins were ugly, they were nothing compared to this
    one. Cold, black eyes stared at her from a scarred, human face. A maniacal smile twisted
    his lips.

    Fear paralyzed her. Sweat formed on her body as she waited for him to do something
    other than stare at her like a rabid lorina.

    She looked to her bag on the table he leaned against. Could she get to her blaster?

    As if he could read her thoughts, he glanced to the bag. With a swipe of his arm, he knocked it to the floor. Kiara took a step, then froze as her blaster landed at his feet with
    a heavy, soul-wrenching thud.

    He laughed cruelly and retrieved it in his large paw of a hand.

    "Help!" she screamed, knowing the guards outside would come to her rescue.

    Clucking his tongue, the assassin shook his head. "They can't hear you. They're dead."

    All thoughts left Kiara's mind in a wake of helpless terror. He moved toward her.

    Her breathing became labored and rapid. Kiara wished herself out of the room, but her
    legs wouldn't cooperate. She was dead, she knew it.

    Suddenly, her mind and body began working as one. The door! She had to get out and
    find help. She tossed a chair at the assassin and ran.

    Her hand touched the icy knob. She grasped it like a lifeline, but before she could twist it
    open, a blow struck her across the back, knocking her away.

    Dazed, she hit the floor.

    Desperately, she wanted to scream again, but her lungs were incapable of anything