Read Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited for Free Online

“These views are breathtaking.” She rested her head back against his shoulder. “I love everything about it this place.”
    A low rumble in the distance announced the heavy, dark clouds that had appeared from behind the thick forest. Levi released his hold on her. “I believe my plans for an outdoor picnic must be changed,” he said humorously. He glanced out at the threatening sky that was quickly darkening due to the incoming storm. “I’ll be back in a moment. I need to retrieve some things from the carriage before the driver and footman seek shelter.”
    Reece remained on the balcony, absorbing the tranquility of the cool, brisk breeze that appeared from out of nowhere. The nearly black skies flickered, followed by another rumble of thunder. A curtain of rain shimmered like glitter falling to the ground out in the distance as the storm rapidly approached their location. So beautiful! Reece thought, as the last of the sun’s rays disappeared behind the ominous clouds.
    Reece was distracted by the sound of the horses rapidly bringing the carriage to shelter in the carriage house. A gust of ice-cold wind nearly blew her over, dropping the temperature in that moment drastically. As Reece turned to walk back into the house, a bright flash of light nearly blinded her, followed by an extremely loud crack of thunder. Reece was startled, and jumped backward. Luckily, Levi had just returned, and caught her before she stumbled to the ground.
    “That was close,” Reece said in a shaky voice.
    Levi put an arm around her, guiding her back into the house. “Are you okay?” he asked with humor in his voice, attempting to lighten the tension of the moment.
    Reece rubbed her arms, trying to warm up. “That came out of nowhere. I can’t believe how cold it got all of a sudden.”
    “Springtime storms in Pemdas are relatively unpredictable and unexpected. After the storm passes, the temperature will warm again.” He glanced at the glass doors where the rain was now pouring down. “This storm may be here for a while. Let us go downstairs; I have an area prepared in one of the sitting rooms, and will start a fire to help keep you warm.”
    Levi escorted her down to the first floor, where he had spread out a blanket in the living area with four plush pillows and a basket of food. “There are muffins and a variety of fruit in the basket, if you desire. Give me a moment to retrieve some wood from the shed outside.”
    Before Reece could say anything, he was out of the room. She strolled over and lowered herself onto the blanket amongst the pillows. Even though she was cold, she was completely relaxed as she watched the heavy rain pour down onto the front lawn. She curled her legs underneath herself, and crossed her arms in an effort to keep warm until Levi returned. The winds were howling and forcing the rain sideways, and the thunder was so loud that it practically shook the entire house.
    As soon as she started to become concerned about Levi’s whereabouts, he walked into the room carrying an armful of wood. His dark hair was soaking wet, and so were his clothes. Reece admired him with satisfaction at how devastatingly handsome he looked.
    “Is there anything I can do to help?” She sat up as Levi strode briskly across the room.
    He dumped the wood in the fireplace and knelt down. “No, just try to stay warm; I’ll have your fire started in a moment,” he answered her as he arranged the logs in the fireplace.
    Reece reclined against the pillows again and watched as Levi brought a silver rod to the pile of wood, instantly sparking a flame. Within seconds, a healthy fire was crackling in the fireplace, and illuminating the previously darkened room with a warm, amber glow.
    Levi poked and moved the logs around in the fireplace, allowing the flames to begin consuming the wood. When finished, he placed the poker to the side, stood up, and began to unravel the wet cravat around his neck. After it was removed, he laid it out