Page 22 of Frost and Fate
Nova furrowed her brows. “So the other night…when you appeared.”
Romani chuckled and looked down. “Forgive me for intruding. It appears your light is so bright it shielded me from seeing your companion’s glow.” His gaze shifted toward Darren again. The two men stared each other down. Nova rolled her eyes.
“Okay, moving on,” she said, shifting uncomfortably in her chair.
Romani’s hazel eyes glided over her. “What are you, beautiful one?”
“That’s none of your business,” Darren barked out. His eyes began to glow again.
“Ridgewell,” Gideon warned. “Get yourself and your wolf under control.” The air became thick with energy as the Alpha commanded his pack. “If your personal feelings continue to cloud your judgment you will be asked to leave this meeting.” With a final push of power he added, “I will not repeat myself.”
Nova noticed the rest of the pack visibly sinking back in their chairs, their wolves obviously affected by Gideon’s Alpha energy.
Darren bowed his head in subservience. “Forgive me, Ulric.” Appeased, Gideon returned to his seat. An uneasy silence followed until Lance spoke up.
“She’s a Celestial. The first in nearly fifty years.”
Romani’s eyes lit up. “A Celestial? I have heard stories of your abilities. My nana speaks of unimaginable feats and powers that can only be believed when seen.” He studied Nova a moment longer, then, “The Celestials are thought to no longer exist.”
“Her existence will remain a secret,” Lance added, his toffee eyes menacing. “She is under our protection and we will not hesitate to take down a stranger who threatens her safety.”
Romani seemed to feel the weight of Lance’s words, as he took it all in. He shook his head in wonder. “A Celestial among a pack of lycans. How unusual. Though it would not be the most unusual creature among this pack.” His gaze arced toward Leah who glared at him, hard. This was the second time Nova had noticed an unusual interaction between the two.
Darren at last spoke, his demeanor cool and collected. “Perhaps you can give some insight into our current plight. What do you know of the Collectors?”
Romani’s eyes darkened. “I know them well. An unfortunate side effect of traveling in the Shadow World.” He took a deep breath and continued. “The Collectors are an abomination. Their magic feeds off of life itself. The more they use their abilities, the more their corporeal form fails them.” Nova thought back to the rotted chunks of flesh and bone that seemed to cover each Collector. “Eventually they all fall to the Veil. They remain trapped there, suffering in endless agony as they rot for all eternity but never die.”
Nova’s mouth dropped open. “They’re trapped there?”
Romani nodded, his expression grim. “It is a gruesome fate, even for those of evil origins. To be locked in the Shadow World is to remain in limbo. In one age it was even used as a punishment. Eternal suffering for unforgivable worldly crimes committed.” His gaze again shifted to Leah. The beautiful woman remained stoic. Nova was beginning to wonder about the tan-skinned woman and her unusual wolf. She shook off such thoughts. Leah had only ever tried to protect Nova.
An idea suddenly occurred to her. “So you’re able to communicate with them there? In the Veil? Maybe we could get information, find out where the Collectors are hiding out.”
Romani scoffed. “I risk my own damnation each time I enter the Veil. Those creatures are like a virus, spreading death and decay. One ill encounter and I too could be trapped in there forever. I have seen it happen.” The pained expression on the Traveler’s face made her heart ache. Nova sighed.So much for that plan.
Another idea formed in her mind. “You must want them dead too.” She had his attention now. “We want them gone. Our plan is to find and destroy them. You could help us.” She stared at him, wide-eyed. “You can do something none of us can. You could be a valuable ally.” The rest of the table all wore surprised and impressed expressions at Nova’s sudden assertiveness.
Gideon spoke up. “Someone with your set of skills would be very valuable to us. We could offer you a certain amount of protection under the pack, as well as a place to stay.”
Romani looked taken aback. “I do not want to be under anyone’s thumb. I am a Traveler—freedom is my lifestyle.”
Gideon did not back down. “The Collectors are more active than they’ve ever been. They’re recruiting more and more to their cause. How long before the Veil becomes overrun with the lost and rotting? How much freedom will there be for you then?”
Romani studied the Alpha carefully. “I hear you.” The Traveler looked around the table. His gaze met Nova’s. “I will try this out. But no promises,” he said, and Nova released the breath she’d been holding. “And I don’t want any of your wolves keeping tabs on me. I wish to come and go as I please,” he added, plainly.
“I’ll keep my security teams away from you,” Darren agreed, “if you promise not to shimmer your ass into Nova’s apartment unannounced anymore.”
Romani approved. “This seems fair.”
* * *
Nova was returned to her apartment by Leah. Darren apparently had to take care of some things for the Alpha. A few minutes later, she heard a knock at the door. Her heart beat wildly as she pulled it open. Instead of Darren, a squealing Aria came running inside. “What an exciting day!” She grabbed Nova by the hands and walked her over to the couch. “So tell me about this Traveler. He’s a gypsy right? Is he cute? Can he teleport anywhere? Maybe he’ll teleport me out of here so I can finally get some…” Aria was speaking so quickly, Nova didn’t even have time to respond. “Speaking of which.” Aria’s eyes glittered, “So you and Darren, huh?” She stared at Nova eagerly.
“Please, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Aria tilted her head, those deep blue eyes burning straight into Nova’s guilty soul.
“Okay, fine!” Nova relented. “Some stuff happened.”
