Read Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) for Free Online Page B

good-looking. I just never expected that a man could be as big as Admoncor Braeden.”
    His bright amber eyes seemed to look right back at Saleeya as if he could see her through the one-way window. His intense eyes were set in a masculine, tanned face. Black, silky hair hung slightly down on his forehead. Saleeya watched him push it back out of his face. The movement indicated restlessness. The hairstyle he wore wasn’t the traditional short haircut of most military officers. It hung somewhat longer. His hard, striking face was impassive. Saleeya could see how people could easily fear this man. Now she clearly understood the Minister’s apprehension. The Admoncor personified a beautiful, deadly predator. Saleeya moaned, turned to face Mia. “Well, so much for easing the Minister into this. The Xihirian Sovereign has sent his second, his most intimidating son to greet Vitalion. After seeing him for myself, I can certainly appreciate Vitalion’s anxiety.” Saleeya brushed her hair back out of her face, mimicking the Admoncor’s motions. “Sending him would be the most appropriate thing for their King to do.”
    “He’s the head of their Elite Military Force,” Mia replied.
    “He’s something else.” Saleeya smiled widely. “Look at the size of his legs and arms. One of his thighs is bigger around than my waist. How tall do you think he is? He’s much taller than anyone I’ve ever seen.
    “He’s impressive.” Mia nodded. “Just don’t dwell on it and it’ll be just fine.”
    “I feel like he keeps looking right at me through this one-way window. It’s the oddest thing.”
    “Trust me, it’s your imagination. I’m sure they can’t see us or hear us in here. They’re talented but not that talented. Saleeya, you still look flushed. Are you feeling okay?” Mia asked in a concerned voice.
    “I’m good. I only wish it was cooler in here.” Saleeya fanned herself nervously.
    “It’s cool in here, Saleeya. In fact, it’s cold to me.”
    “I’ve arrived,” Vitalion loudly announced from behind them. “Now that I’m here, we can leave and meet the Xihirians.” Vitalion’s expression was arrogant. He glided over to the exit door. “Crewmember, prepare to open the ship’s access. Are both of you women ready?”
    “Yes, Minister Vitalion,” Saleeya answered for the both of them.
    Vitalion glanced out the access window before the crewmember was able to comply with his order. “Oh dear, is that Admoncor Braeden waiting for us?” Vitalion’s face drained of all color.
    “Yes,” both women answered in unison.
    “Well, he looks as bestial and menacing as ever,” Vitalion squeaked.
    The crewmember pressed in a numeric code and the ship’s large access door opened. It opened so silently that Saleeya didn’t even realize it had opened until the warmer air touched her already hot face. A huge ramp was attached to the ship at the entrance and led down to the Space Station’s platform. The ramp gleamed silver like the ship, and it looked daunting. There were slight railings on both sides of the ramp. It stretched high above the Space Station platform by at least sixty feet. It slanted down at a slight angle to where they would step off onto the permanent platform. The silver bridge covered the gap between the ship and the platform, and there was a drop of a great and undetermined amount below. Saleeya did not know what was more frightening, walking across the bridge-ramp or the five men waiting at the bottom. The five huge Xihirian males casually moved closer to the edge of the ramp to wait. “Let’s disembark,” Vitalion ordered. Surprisingly, he started bravely toward the Xihirians at a swift pace. Saleeya forced her feet to move. She followed close behind Vitalion’s assistant. When Vitalion reached the midsection of the ramp, he suddenly stopped. Saleeya nearly panicked at the thought of stopping in the middle of the terrifyingly high ramp. Unexpectedly, Vitalion started up again, and