Twilight Dreams (27 page)

Read on for a preview of Amanda Ashley's next thrilling vampire romance,

A Fire in the Blood
,

coming next summer!

Tessa shook her head. “Lisa, I am so
not
going in there. You know I don't believe in all that nonsense.”

“It's just for fun,” Lisa said, tugging on her hand. “Come on!”

Tessa stared at the black-and-gold striped tent. It sat a ways off from the rides and food booths. A tripod beside the entrance held a large, hand-lettered sign that read:

Every time the carnival came to town, Tessa's cousin Lisa nagged her to get her fortune told. Even though she was only thirteen, Lisa was really big on the paranormal. She read all the young-adult books about vampires and werewolves, witches and zombies, watched all the movies, but she was too chicken to get her own fortune told. So every time the carnival came to town, she begged Tessa to do it.

She blew out a sigh, knowing Lisa would keep nagging her until she gave in. Might as well just get it over with.

“All right,” Tessa said, “but just remember—you owe me big-time for this.”

Grinning, Lisa pulled her toward the tent.

A small silver bell chimed when they stepped inside. The interior of the tent was appropriately dim. A small round table covered with a fringed, garish yellow cloth stood in the center of the floor. A pair of nondescript wooden chairs flanked the table.

Tessa stared at the crystal ball in the center of the table. Why had she let Lisa talk her into this?

A dark-skinned woman stepped out from behind a curtain. A bright red, purple, and blue scarf covered her long black hair. She wore a white peasant blouse over a colorful skirt. Tiny bells affixed to the hem jingled softly when she moved.

“How may I help you?” Her voice was deep, husky.

Lisa gave Tessa a little push. “My cousin's curious about where she'll find true love.”

“You seem very young to be concerned about such a thing,” the gypsy woman remarked dryly. “How old are you?”

“Fifteen. But if I'm too young . . .”

“Be seated.”

Tessa sat on the edge of one of the wobbly wooden chairs, her hands tightly folded in her lap. Suddenly, this didn't seem like such a good idea.

“Your hand.”

Tessa placed her left hand in the gypsy's, flinched when the woman's fingers curled around her own.

The woman bowed her head and closed her eyes.

A minute passed.

Two.

Tessa glanced over her shoulder at Lisa.

Lisa shrugged.

“I cannot see much of your future,” the gypsy said, her voice sounding distant. “But I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you.” The gypsy's hand gripped Tessa's tighter. “He will bring you death,” she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. “And life.”

An icy chill ran down Tessa's spine. Jumping to her feet, she grabbed Lisa by the hand and ran out of the tent.

She didn't stop running until she was safely home with the door locked and bolted behind her.

Amanda Ashley
is one of those rare birds—a California native. She's lived in Southern California her whole life and, except for the earthquakes, she loves it. She shares a home with her husband, as well as an adorable Pomeranian named Lady, and a tortoise who remains nameless. Amanda and her alter ego, Madeline, have written over 70 books. Not bad for someone who started writing just for the fun of it. Her books have made the
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestseller lists. You can get a sneak peek at her next book on her website
www.AmandaAshley.com
.