8 Hearts Beat As One: A Romance Anthology by Gray Elena; Lee Taylor; Gould Jonathan; McCracken Kelli; McCray Carolyn; Scott Amber; Charles Ann

Author:Gray, Elena; Lee, Taylor; Gould, Jonathan; McCracken, Kelli; McCray, Carolyn; Scott, Amber; Charles, Ann [Gray, Elena; Lee, Taylor; Gould, Jonathan; McCracken, Kelli; McCray, Carolyn; Scott, Amber; Charles, Ann]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Indie Book Collective
Published: 2012-01-30T15:00:00+00:00

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That evening, Wei sat across from his father and accepted the cigar Feng pushed across the desk. Wei basked in the approval he saw in his father’s hooded eyes. Feng Sun was the most powerful Tong leader in California. Strong men quaked in his presence. Few dared to look him in the eye. While Wei had never been afraid of his father, he respected him, knowing that the tales of his infamous temper and deadly skill with weapons were not exaggerated. But tonight there was nothing but pride on the older man’s solemn face as he gazed at his son.

“It is time that you came home, Wei. I am well pleased with you. You know it is my intent that you will be the leader of the Ong León. The reports from your teachers in China are replete with your skills as a warrior. I am proud of you, son, and eager to present you to my followers and to San Francisco’s powerful Chinese leaders. It is auspicious that we will celebrate your homecoming on the Chinese New Year.”

“It will be a great celebration, Father. I met with Wong Li and Bo today. They agreed to stage the Five Animal Tribute in honor of the occasion.” He smiled a cocky grin. “It only took me ten minutes to wrestle Bo to the ground to win the role of the dragon. I think even Wong Li was impressed with the expertise I gained in China.”

His father smiled in approval. “You and Bo always were competitive, but being the son of Wong Li gave him an edge. It is good for this old warrior to know that you are now the strongest and most expert of the kung fu fighters.”

Wei forced a diffident tone, as though what he was saying was of little import. “I understand that you have given protection to Daiyu, Bo’s sister.”

“Yes. Daiyu was always a pretty child, but she is a startlingly beautiful young woman, no doubt the result of her mixed heritage.” Feng Sun frowned. “Her beauty added to her obvious disdain for the men wooing her is tantamount to waving a red flag in front of angry bulls.”

Struggling to quell the unexpected sensations roiling in his gut, Wei puffed on his cigar, affecting nonchalance. “Is she … Is Daiyu here, by any chance?”

Feng Sun scowled. “No. Along with your sisters, Daiyu is at your aunt’s home preparing for your homecoming celebration. I do not envy her. Your sisters, and most especially, your cousin, are exceedingly demanding.”

He threw his son a quizzical glance. “Tell me, Wei. Is the gossip I hear from your sisters true? They say that you will use the occasion of your homecoming celebration—which falls on Valentine’s Day—to announce your betrothal to your cousin, Ting Lyn.’

Wei snorted in surprise. “You jest, Father. I haven’t seen Ting Lyn for a decade. Good God, even as a boy I found her insufferable, her affectations intolerable.”

Feng Sun nodded in mute agreement, then added, “Well, Son,