Just One Golden Kiss by M. A. Thomas Read Free Book Online Page A

kingdoms. She had memorized each one.
    A screeching sound interrupted her thoughts.
    “Keep quiet,” Eldrich said, coming to his feet.
    “What do you think made that sound?” she whispered, ignoring him.
    “Don’t move,” he said, sniffing the air.
    She had never seen him do that.
    “Let’s go,” she said.
    “It’s too late. Whoever is out there knows we’re here.”
    “Is it another vampire?”
    “I’d already know it.”
    “What then?”
    “I’m not picking up its scent. Stay behind me.”
    “I’m scared,” she said.
    “I won’t let anyone harm you.”
    She buried her face in his back.
    “Make yourself known!” he said.
    A man and a woman holding torches walked toward them.
    “Apologies,” the woman said. “I tend to get carried away when...” She giggled.
    She had long golden hair that came down to her ankles.
    “Yes, please accept our apologies,” the man said, extending a hand to Eldrich.
    It was the flying man. Feeling instant heat on her cheeks, Lela lowered her stare.
    Eldrich said, “We didn’t know anyone else was around here. It is we who should apologize to you.” Then he placed his hand in Lela’s and said, “We should go.”
    “Oh, no, please stay,” the woman said. “We never have visitors and well, as much as we do entertain ourselves,” she winked at the flying man, “we’d love it if you joined us for dinner. I have a stew cooking.”
    Lela was tempted to shout a fast, yes, we’d love to! She couldn’t decline a stew, for goodness sake. Her mouth salivated.
    Eldrich sensed her eagerness and answered, “We kindly accept.”
    “Hooray!” the woman yelled. “Come, follow us.”
    She removed her cloak and offered it to Lela.
    Blessed Gods, she had forgotten she was naked and so was Eldrich and what’s more they hadn’t brought any clothes with them. My goodness, she felt utterly foolish.
    “Thank you,” Lela said, wrapping the cloak around her body. “I’m quite humiliated.”
    “Don’t be, you’re pretty. Now, if you were an ugly distorted hag, well, by all means you’d be right to be embarrassed,” the woman said.
    The man unbuttoned his long cape, leaving him wearing nothing but the same trousers he had on when he intruded on Lela earlier in the day. He then handed the cape to Eldrich.
    “Many thanks,” Eldrich said.
    “Well, let’s be on our way,” the woman said and began walking ahead of Lela and Eldrich.
    The man stayed at Lela’s side. Lela hoped he wouldn’t mention their earlier meeting.
    “I’m Lela and this is Eldrich,” she said.
    Eldrich gave the man a nod.
    “My name is Xavier,” the man said.
    The woman turned her head and said, “I’m called Zel. And what Xavier didn’t mention because he’s being shy is that he’s the prince of our kingdom.”
    “Forgive our intrusion into your kingdom,” Lela said, her cheeks flushed.
    “May we know your kingdom’s name?” Eldrich asked, squeezing Lela’s hand, a sign she took to mean he didn’t entirely trust these strangers.
    Zel came to a stop and turned to face them. “Why this is the Kingdom of the Lost,” she bowed, “welcome, we’re thrilled you’re here.”
    Lela quickly ran the names of all the kingdoms through her mind and no, she had never heard of the Kingdom of the Lost.
    “Stop being dramatic,” Xavier said, blowing her a kiss. “She tends to get carried away, sometimes.”
    “A trait you adore,” she said, winking.
    He took her hand and resumed walking.
    Lela and Eldrich let them walk ahead a few steps before pacing forward.
    Eldrich leaned into Lela’s ear, “I don’t trust them. Something is off about them. Once you’ve eaten, we’ll take our leave.”
    “We can go, now,” she whispered.
    “No, love, you need to eat and besides we have already accepted their invitation.”
    “Once you get to know us, you’ll like us,” Zel said.
    “Don’t worry, she can’t hear your whispers or read your thoughts,” Xavier said. “Aside from being