The Taste of Magic by Gina Rosavin Read Free Book Online Page A

his corner of the limousine. She shook her head, in an effort to steady herself, then reached out to him. He drew away. She settled back in the seat, and lifted a trembling hand to her mussed hair, stung by his rejection. Finally, her heart slowed to a normal pace, and her stomach stopped jumping. But the recollection of his kiss kept the heat in her face. The dark now seemed a haven.
     
    The limousine pulled up before her flat. She glanced questioningly at him, but didn't hesitate when the door opened. The tension in him frightened her, and what would happen if he suddenly couldn't contain it anymore? He would be lethal. Her legs trembled as he walked her to the door. Silence hung around them as she used her keys. He bent over her hand and gave it a lingering kiss, then stepped back to the limousine. Once inside the foyer, she climbed the steps to her flat, and heard the car pull away. Heaving a sigh, she went into her home and locked the door behind her. The small flat was stuffy and she crossed the room to open the window. Feeling as though she were being watched, she looked down to see Adrian still standing below. Why had he sent his driver away? She was about to ask when a raven cried out. She ducked at the flutter of wings near her head, then straightened and looked down at the street once more.
     
    Adrian was gone, not a sign he had ever been there at all. Her fingers shaking, she closed the window.
     
     
     
    * * *
     
     
     
    Olga Romanov chanted the spell three times over the flames in the sacred bowl. Beside her a tall, dark man watched with glittering black eyes. Olga finally made a few symbols in the air with an incense stick, and sprinkled powder into the flames. The yellow flared green, then blue, settling to red.
     
    Olga turned to her companion. "At least she will be safe. Until the time is right."
     
    "You are sure she knows nothing?"
     
    Olga nodded. "Positive. The fates are coming together as expected. Katerina's destiny lies with du Lac."
     
    "Yes, but if she falls in love with him, she will not be able to complete the spell."
     
    "How could she fall in love with him? She is only trying to repay him for her education. She knows what he is. She could never love him."
     
    The man said nothing, but his gaze reflected his worry.
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
     
    As Adrian's driver sped up the mountain, Katerina sat in the back of the limo, staring at the slender black velvet box which had awaited her. She hadn't opened it yet. Anticipation mingled with anxiety as she pondered what could possibly be inside. There was no note, but she didn't need one. What did du Lac intend, offering this? Whatever it was, she was sure it was incredibly beautiful, but its significance frightened her. She couldn't lie to herself, she had missed him these last days.
     
    After the date at the opera, he disappeared. He hadn't truly vanished, but he hadn't contacted her for three torturous days. She refused to contact him. He would not get the satisfaction. Surely, this was a game to him. If he hadn't called today, she didn't know how much longer she would have been able to hold out. She'd been desperate to hear his voice, see his smile. Straightening, she reminded herself once again what he truly was.
     
    She silently chanted the spell her mother created. Seeing the box had only confirmed how vital such protection was. Strong of mind and body, she would need all of the spell's power. Adrian would not be able to intimidate her so easily.
     
    What about the destiny her mother had spoken of? What secrets did Olga keep? She spoke of Katerina being powerful, but Kat wasn't sure she believed her mother. Her parents had not passed on their skills to her, she was sure. Yet, Olga seemed to think she would one day be very strong. The idea seemed absurd.
     
    Even as she thought it, she wanted to laugh. Absurd? She was on her way to a date with a vampire! The thought sobered her. Dread renewed itself, her throat