Page 61 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Nimbus!” I wrapped my arms around him.

He rooed for quite some time, obviously having a lot to say, and it sounded a great deal like scolding.

I just laughed. Then I looked around and sobered. We were still in the study. Katsuro glowered at me from across the room. Jaz still kneeled at my side, and Oliver joined us.

“Oliver!”

He smiled. “Hannah, so glad to see you conscious again.”

“Do we still need to escape?” My gaze strayed toward Katsuro. His expression softened, and he inclined his head slightly.

“Yes, sunshine, we still need to escape. And while I appreciate you waking me, please never risk yourself like that again.” The same scolding tone that Nimbus had managed colored the vampire’s voice.

“No promises.” I gently shoved Nimbus off me so I could stand.

He stayed right against my leg, but at least let me get to my feet.

“So, what’s the plan?” I was so grateful I wasn’t on my own anymore. I went over to Oliver and folded myself into his arms. The shade clutched me tightly.

“They are using guns, which complicates things,” Oliver replied. “We can’t just blast out of here, despite having the more powerful vampires.”

I glanced at Jaz and tilted my head.

“Saving you completely blew my cover, as it were.” She shrugged. “I’m not sorry.”

“Thank you,” I replied, hoping that she was indeed on our side, as everyone kept saying. I just didn’t know enough to completely trust her.

“Davin and his wolves, along with Clare and Bridger, are on the perimeter. They are harassing Vito’s creatures. Oliver slipped through, but we may have to deal with Drake as well as a few lesser vampires.”

“Vito?”

“The vampire who captured us,” Katsuro clarified.

“Ahh, he wouldn’t tell me his name.” I shook my head. Vito, huh?

“Typical,” Oliver said. He eased his grip on me, and I stepped away.

“So they know we’re here and they’re not busting in because they’re afraid of Katsuro?” I risked a glance at him. His return look was wary.

“Essentially,” the vampire agreed.

“Okay, so I have some powers. Nimbus has some powers. Can we create a shield for the bullets while we run out of here?” I glanced at the cloud puppy.

He wagged his tail. I hoped that was an agreement on his part.

“The main danger is to you and Nimbus,” Oliver said. “Bullets are not much of an issue for me, and the vampires can dodge. It is more difficult when we have to protect you.”

“What about it, buddy?” I glanced at the fluff ball.

He nodded.

“I think it should be okay, then. Also, Nimbus, can’t you just teleport out?”

He wagged his tail again.

“So I’m the weak link and I’ll do my best to shield, but above all else, make sure they don’t get their hands on Nimbus again.” I put my hands on my hips and glared at the others. After a moment, they all nodded.

While Oliver, Jaz, and Katsuro conferred on our route, I attempted to make a shield. The power was there. I could even hold it. I simply had no idea how to make something that would repel bullets.

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