Page 46 of Only Human in Strangeville

He was the last person I would have expected that from, but I accepted the affection and rested my cheek against his chest.

“All will be well,” he murmured.

Nimbus pressed up against my leg and rooed softly as if in agreement.

***

We found Clare and Bridger in the kitchen a while later. I’d stayed in Katsuro’s arms far longer than I’d expected, and he had held me patiently, kindly, and with great compassion, not letting go until I’d finally stepped back.

Clare’s enormous eyes widened, and she smiled. “Well, dear, how do you feel?”

I took a breath and shrugged. “I don’t know if I feel different or not.”

“That is perfectly fine. It takes time for the unfolding. Now, let’s eat something.” She glanced pointedly at Bridger.

The hunter obediently got up and went to the pantry.

It didn’t take long for him to procure drinks for everyone and a quick meal of stew from a can for those who wanted something to eat. Though it was canned, it tasted like a feast. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until the first bite of food passed my lips.

Bridger’s phone beeped as I was polishing off my stew. He frowned as he stared at the screen.

“We’re going to have company soon.” He massaged his forehead as if easing a headache before sighing. “This place is secure against the supernatural, but apparently they’re adapting to modern times, finally. They brought assault vehicles. The walls will take a lot of damage, but they’ll get through after the wards are broken. Katsuro, there’s a tunnel that hits an old mineshaft. In the mineshaft there’s an ATV that you can take. Get Hannah out of here. Clare and I will distract them by running in your car. If they don’t capture us, we can meet up in Redmont. You should be able to make it before sunup. If you get there, go to the Redmont Inn and tell them you’re friends of mine. As long as the owner doesn’t figure out you’re a vampire, he’ll believe you and hide you away until I show up. If Clare and I don’t show up, wait a few days and make another plan.”

“Bridger, we’ll make it to Redmont,” Clare assured him with a pat on his arm. “I brought plenty of dust.”

I assumed she referred to the substance she’d used on the shade back at her bookshop.

“The three of you might take longer than one night to make it, however. Your unfolding makes the visions less reliable. Take your time. We will wait.”

Not completely comforted by Clare’s words, I still let Bridger lead us to the hidden door that let us into the escape tunnel. It was well hidden and even Katsuro thought it would remain secure unless it took physical damage.

On impulse, I gave Bridger a quick hug, but he put his finger over my lips when I tried to apologize.

“This is an excellent test of my defenses. If any of them fail, it gives me a chance to make them better in the future. I do admit, I hadn’t planned for assault vehicles, but I should have. I was thinking of supernatural attacks.”

“Well, okay then. Clare, be careful.” I gave the psychic a quick hug, and then Katsuro, Nimbus, and I descended into darkness.

Total darkness, as far as my human eyes were concerned, anyway. I froze as soon as the thick door shut behind us. My breathing was harsh in my ears, and it was quiet enough that I could hear my heartbeat. Nimbus pressed against my leg before I could panic, and a soft whisper of cloth, then a gentle touch on my arm, let me know Katsuro was there.

“I can see, Hannah,” he said.

I jumped as his quiet voice seemed to shatter the surrounding stillness. I desperately wanted to be able to see instead of relying on the vampire to guide me.

“We’re going down steps. They are even. You shouldn’t have any issues.”

I squinted in the darkness, but let the vampire lead me.

“Why are you interested in me?” I blurted out. I couldn’t figure out why any of the men were interested. I wasn’t unattractive, but I certainly wasn’t the sort of eye candy that caught men’s attention as quickly as I had these powerful beings.

“There is something about you that calls to me.” He hesitated, then continued. “Calls to all four of us, I guess I should say. Even the human hunter feels it. A resonance, if you will. Not to mention, you are intelligent, interesting, compassionate, and your scent reminds me of apple spice.”

“Apple spice?”

“Yes. Very compelling.” He squeezed my hand, and I couldn’t tell if he was joking or not.

“Do you feel a draw to any of us?” He continued.

“I assume you mean Oliver, Davin, you, and Bridger, right?”

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