Page 20 of Frost and Fate
A deep growl thrummed through Darren’s chest. “The Collectors.”
Nova could feel the agitation and strain as Darren’s wolf fought to come forward. “No, I don’t think it was them.”
Darren drew his brows in confusion. “Why do you say that?”
Good question.“I could feel it. My magic could feel it.” He raised an eyebrow but allowed Nova to continue uninterrupted. “When the Collectors teleport, the air sort of crackles and stings.” She thought about the shimmering before he appeared. “This time it was a softer energy. It’s like I could feel someone watching me and then he just appeared.” What confused Nova was the surprised look in his eyes, and the fact that he disappeared so quickly.
“We need to tell the others.” Darren reached in his pocket for his cell. “You should get changed, they’ll want to meet now.”
Nova did as he said. After discarding the torn leggings and putting on a fresh pair, they headed to Gideon’s. This emergency meeting was much smaller than the last. It consisted of Gideon, Leah, Lance, Aria, and the two men Nova had met earlier, Aaron and Lucas. They all sat around Gideon’s dining room table, with Darren on Nova’s left, and Aria on her right.
“I’ve informed Laurie as well. She already left for the coven meetings,” Gideon said, his brilliant blue eyes shining. “Now, tell us exactly what happened.” All eyes turned to Nova.
“Well…it’s uh…”
“I escorted Nova back to her apartment. She then saw a figure appear in the room,” Darren answered for her.
“Didyousee the figure, Darren?” Leah asked.
“No. I was not facing that direction at the time.”
Aria stifled a laugh, and Gideon shot her a glare.
“Okay, Nova, tell us what happened. What were you doing when he appeared?” Gideon asked again.
“Well, we got back to the apartment and then Darren and I were—”
“Boning.” Aria coughed into her fist.
Nova flushed. “We were not!”
Aria rolled her eyes. “Oh please, we could smell y’all from a mile away.” She pointed to her nose. “Lycan.”
Nova felt the sudden, overwhelming desire to crawl under the table. Lance interrupted her humiliation.
“Regardless, let’s focus on the figure. Aria, please get your head out of the gutter.”
“Yes, sir!” Aria mocked as she sent a wink in Lance’s direction. Gideon cleared his throat and the room again went quiet.
“Please continue, Nova.”
“I felt like someone was watching me, and then the air got all shimmery. He popped into the room, looked surprised, and then vanished.”
“Yeah I’ll bet he was surprised,” Aria remarked. “He probably wasn’t expecting to find you boning when he came to kidnap you.”
“Aria!” several voices shouted at once. Aria only smiled. Gideon frowned.
“This reaffirms our need to seal the wards around the complex. Nova will need to have eyes on her at all times from now on.” He looked to Darren. “I trust you’ll be facing the appropriate direction from now on.” Energy pushed forward from Gideon and Darren lowered his head.
“Of course, Ulric.”God, this is so embarrassing.Nova glanced over toward Aaron and Lucas. The two were both leaning back in their chairs and grinning at her. She groaned inwardly. This couldn’t get worse.
“Leah,” Gideon addressed the tan-skinned lycan. “I want you and Darren to take shifts watching Nova. She is to be accompanied by one of you two at all times.”
She nodded, her long dark hair falling over one shoulder. “Yes, Ulric.”
He turned to the group. “Aaron, I want those new recruits training double time. Lucas, I need a plan of action on my desk tomorrow. The rest of you are excused.”
They all filed out of the room, except for Lance. The Beta stayed behind to speak with Gideon. Nova could feel the gazes on her as she walked toward the elevators. Darren once again accompanied her to the apartment, but maintained his distance.
