Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Ciara Lake Read Free Book Online

within moments, he had stepped off onto the secure platform. Saleeya and the others were only steps behind him. Vitalion and the Admoncor nodded to each other in the acceptable Xihirian greeting. As if on cue, the other Xihirian males turned to nod to Vitalion and Jarvin.
    “Admoncor Braeden, may I introduce you to my Executive Assistant, Mr. Jarvin Manntree, our Communication Specialist, Miss Stayvel, and her assistant, Miss Tiller.” Saleeya walked up to stand closer to the Minister. Admoncor Braeden turned to stand in front of her. His narrowed eyes assessed her with blatant interest, a heat within their glowing depths that she could feel right through her. Heart pounding, Saleeya shifted, her fingers closing into a fist to hide the sweat on her palms. Her chest tightened. Her lungs burned with the need for air—even as she inhaled the rich, wild scent of the male before her. Saleeya had never had such a reaction.
    “Miss Stayvel, Miss Tiller, it’s a pleasure to greet you.” Admoncor Braeden took her hand, his calloused fingers wrapping hers in a warm, steely grip. Kael lifted her hand, touched his lips to her knuckles, and inhaled. “Your scent’s enchanting, Miss Stayvel.” He met Saleeya’s eyes, and the corner of his mouth lifted, making him look even more devastatingly handsome.
    “Thank you, Admoncor Braeden.” Saleeya nearly whispered her response. To her surprise, her voice hardly would work. She licked her lips as he intently watched her. Without letting her hand go, the Admoncor directed his attention to those gathered. “Minister Vitalion, please have your party follow me. I’ve been ordered to escort you and your party to the Royal Palace. My father has arranged quarters for all of you. We hope you’ll be most comfortable here on Xihirah. Let’s go to the transport vehicles parked outside the terminal’s entrance.” The Admoncor glanced past Saleeya to offer a quick, dismissive nod to Mia. He turned his attention back to Saleeya. “Miss Stayvel, would you walk with me?” The unexpected, direct request startled Saleeya. Looking briefly to Vitalion for approval, Saleeya moved to stand next to the Admoncor. “Minister Vitalion, do you have any objection to Miss Stayvel walking with me?” Kael glared at Vitalion while tightening his grip on her hand.
    “No, not at all, Admoncor, please go right ahead. Miss Stayvel is lovely company,” Vitalion stuttered and waved his hand in a casually dismissive manner. “Lead the way.”
    They passed twelve docked vessels of varying sizes on the long walk to the terminal’s exit. Passengers and crewmembers were walking down ramps to meet others at the platform. Kael continued to grip Saleeya’s hand as they swiftly moved through the crowds. The crowd naturally parted for him. Possessively gripping her hand, they walked in silence. Saleeya’s feet began to ache. She would be immensely happy when she finally reached the exit door.

Chapter Four

    As they maneuvered at a swift, steady pace through the large terminal and its crowds, Kael was deep in thought. Amazingly, he had been surprised, and that seldom happened to him. He had never imagined encountering such a beautiful and lovely-scented female among Vitalion’s party. She was dazzling, and her scent made him think of things he shouldn’t be thinking of while on duty. Realizing that he was holding the hand of the very female that occupied his thoughts, he suddenly stopped and looked down with a somewhat distressed expression. “Did I walk too fast for you, Miss Stayvel? If I did, my apologies. My stride’s long and I was momentarily preoccupied. I’m very sorry, Miss Stayvel.”
    “I’m fine, Admoncor Braeden,” Saleeya reassured him.
    “Very good, I’m glad.” He gave her a somewhat crooked smile and lightly squeezed her hand in a comforting manner. “If at any time you’re uncomfortable, please let me know.” Uncharacteristically, Kael winked at her. He looked back over her head to