Survive the Dawn by Kate Sweeney Read Free Book Online Page A

grinned and Alex peered around Sebastian and looked at his mouth. “Yep, another one.”
    “Sebastian, it’s been a long time. Does Mr. Prescott know you’ve returned?” he asked and stepped back.
    Sebastian and Alex walked into the dark foyer. “He may have an idea after William’s visit. Please let him know I’m here.”
    The young man glanced at Alex. “Oh, I apologize,” Sebastian said. “This is Dr. Alex Taylor.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Alex said.
    Nigel merely nodded and gave Sebastian a wary glance. He walked down the corridor and out of sight.
    “Okay, this place gives me the creeps, as well,” Alex said with a shiver.
    Sebastian put her arm around Alex’s shaking shoulders. “Gay likes to live in the dreary dark.” She leaned in and whispered, “He’s a drama queen.”
    “I heard that!” a voice happily called out of the darkened hall.
    Alex blinked as a tall, willowy figure seemed to float toward them. When she saw there were several inches between the floor and him, she nearly fainted.
    Sebastian strengthened her embrace. “See what I mean?”
    He hovered for another moment, then landed. Alex was still trying to wrap her mind around how she and Sebastian arrived at this vampire’s house. She now found herself gaping at this figure before her.
    Gaylen was as tall as Sebastian and shared her lean body type, though not as muscular. His hair was golden and fell in soft waves around the nape of his neck. His eyes were blue, almost silver, his skin milky white. He wore clothes that Alex assumed were from the late eighteenth century: skin-tight black slacks, knee-high leather boots, and a billowy black silk shirt nearly open to the waist. He raised a hand and absently brushed a wayward golden lock off his forehead in bored fashion. He was beautiful…
    Sebastian narrowed her eyes at her old friend. “Is that my shirt?”
    Gaylen laughed. “You know I always coveted your wardrobe, Sebastian. You were a handsome woman back then.” He gazed up and down the length of Sebastian and gave an appreciative nod. “You still are, although you’ve cut your hair. Hmm, I like it. It enhances that brooding look I see you still have. You’re as handsome as I am...” He stopped and waved his hand. “Stunning!”
    Sebastian raised an eyebrow and warned, “Gay—”
    “That’s what they tell me.”
    Alex stood there rooted to the spot.
    Gaylen looked down at her. “And who is this bewildered-looking creature?” He put his hand to his heart. “A mortal?”
    Sebastian groaned and rubbed her temple while Gaylen sported a wicked grin. “I am as exasperating as ever, I know.”
    “This is Dr. Alex Taylor.”
    “No!” He gasped and grinned widely. He took Alex’s limp hand and shook it vigorously. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
    Alex was speechless as this flamboyant vampire smiled sarcastically. “Word gets around fast in the vampire community.” He let go of her hand, then turned to Sebastian.
    “Come, I’ll have Nigel prepare supper. Then you can tell me what you’ve been doing across the ocean with our cousins in America.”

    Two candelabras illuminated the long dining room table. The only other light was from the fire, which crackled and roared in the huge fireplace. Sebastian sat at one end of the table, Gaylen Prescott at the other. Alex was stuck in the middle. She was gazing into the fire when she wasn’t gazing at Gaylen Prescott’s beguiling face.
    Nigel walked in carrying a silver tray with two gold goblets and one crystal goblet filled with red wine. Sebastian saw the smirk on Gay’s face as she took one gold goblet. He then walked around to Alex. When she reached for the other gold goblet, both vampires leaned forward.
    “Not that one!” they said simultaneously.
    Alex stopped abruptly and took the crystal goblet. Sebastian sighed with relief.
    “Yours is a special vintage, Dr. Taylor,” Gaylen said with a grin. “I hope you enjoy it.” He looked down at Sebastian with