Page 24 of Frost and Fate
“Geez!” Nova startled, her heart beating a million miles a second. Adrenaline jumpstarted Nova’s body and mind. “What are you doing here?”
Aria only smiled one of those gorgeous pearly-teeth smiles. “I stayed the night, silly! You slept in, so I went and got us donuts!” Nova sighed and let out a grumbled string of curses while also including the words Aria, sake, and no more girls’ nights. Aria only laughed. “It’s so easy to forget you’re not a lycan! My metabolism basically burns off the alcohol almost as soon as it hits. That’s why lycans always drink so much.” Nova glared at the gorgeous brunette. “But that sake was incredible so you’re welcome,” she added.
Nova felt like her stomach was rolling in her body. She must have looked visibly ill because Aria quickly crossed the room and guided her to a bar stool around the island. She placed a cup in one hand.
“Coffee,” she said, as if convincing something to a child. In the other hand she placed a warm chocolate-frosted donut. “Donut. Yummy, good for hangovers,” she added with a twinkle in her sapphire eyes.
Nova took a sip of the hot black coffee. The intensity of the headache immediately began to ease. After a few bites of the warm chocolatey donut, she began to feel some semblance of normalcy return to her body and thoughts. With a sigh and a smile she thanked Aria. Nova looked the other woman up and down. Honestly the whole Aria situation was totally unfair. It wasn’t even nine a.m. and the petite brunette already looked like a supermodel. She wore a fitted designer sweatsuit, soft-pink platform sneakers, a pair of gold hoops, and just the right amount of natural-looking makeup.Lycans and their good looks.She shouldn’t hold it against the fun-loving woman, but damn was she gorgeous.
“Anyways!” Aria clapped her hands. “Gideon called and asked me to bring you to the conference room around lunch. Apparently Laurie is coming back with the new witches! Plus, I have yet to meet this new Traveler boy. New witches, Traveler boys, hungover Celestials…who knew today would be so exciting?!”
Nova smiled at the sheer joy in Aria’s face. The beautiful lycan grabbed her coffee cup and took a big swig.
“Christ on a cracker!” she shouted. “That shit is hotter than Satan’s armpit!”
Nova laughed out loud. Only Aria could use Christ and Satan one after the other and think nothing of it. Aria’s lack of filter was one of her most endearing attributes.
“Nova, do you mind?” She smiled sheepishly as she slid the cup toward her. Nova placed a hand to the cup.
“No promises.” She wrapped her fingers around the coffee. “I may cool it off. I may turn it into an ice cube.”
“I’m cool with a Frappuccino!” Aria’s eyes lit up as Nova called up her powers. She was able to rim the cup in ice, while keeping the center nice and toasty. Aria took a sip and sighed. “Being a Celestial definitely has its advantages.”
“Yeah when people aren’t trying to kill you,” Nova mused. Aria shrugged and continued to sip her drink, lost in its euphoria. “I’m going to take a shower and get ready,” Nova said before heading to the bathroom.
Aria called after her, “You better wear something cute! I have a good feeling about today!”
* * *
Hours later, Nova found herself arm in arm with Aria, heading to their meeting with Gideon and the newcomers. Aria talked incessantly about her plans as soon as they got out of lockdown, and the fact that she needed to find a man. Nova mostly nodded and listened.
As they approached the hallway that led to the conference room, Aria squealed. “Laurie! You’re back!” She sprinted in the direction of the lovely blonde, leaving Nova alone.
Nova continued forward, and was suddenly pulled into a dark nook leading to one of the extra training rooms. An intoxicating masculine scent filled her senses. She didn’t need to see him to know it was Darren standing in front of her. He pushed in close until she could feel the heat of his body through her clothes. His honey-fire eyes glowed in the shadows. He leaned forward, letting his lips rest just beneath her ear.
“Keeping Aria in your room won’t keep me out forever.” He planted a trail of slow, seductive kisses down toward her collarbone. Nova shuddered as her body responded to him. When he finally brought his head up, Nova boldly stood on her toes and planted her mouth on his. She snaked her tongue between his lips, causing a low growl to escape his chest. Darren’s warm mouth enveloped hers. They kissed, fire burning between them, until the sound of people approaching pulled them out of their passionate embrace. Darren stepped back, leading Nova out of their dark hiding place.
Aria stood in the hallway, hands on her hips. “Seriously, I leave you alone for two seconds and you fall all over his dick. Darren, try to be professional. We both know my brother won’t be happy if he finds you two boning before the meeting.”
Darren’s eyes narrowed. “Sleep well, Aria?”
Aria smiled. “Oooh are you calling me a cock block?” The air of confidence enveloping Aria Ulric was enviable.
Darren gave her a tight smile back. “I’m sure your own apartment will be comfortable tonight.”
Aria swiped a dramatic hand in his direction. “I get it! I’m gone!” With one last eyeroll she headed into the room. Nova couldn’t help but grin. Aria and Darren were both so stubborn. She loved spending time with the bubbly Alpha’s sister, but the idea of Darren staying over was by far the more appealing thought. She felt warm just thinking about his hands on her again.
He glanced down at her and a new smile, one meant just for her, played at the corners of his lips. She had no doubt he knew exactly what she was daydreaming about. Darren led Nova by the hand, but released her as soon as they entered the conference room. She couldn’t help but feel a tight squeeze in her chest when their hands lost contact. Obviously he wanted her, but didn’t want anyone to know. That realization set Nova’s teeth on edge.
She took a seat next to Aria, her mind a jumble of lust, confusion, and frustration after the fiery hallway encounter. Gideon sat at the head of the table, dressed in one of his impeccable suits. His sapphire eyes shined so similarly to Aria’s. Their resemblance was truly striking. When he spoke, his voice seemed to tower over all others in the room.
“Thank you all for coming.” His strong, smooth voice always had such a commanding presence. “I am especially grateful to our new visitors.”
It was then that Nova noticed the two women next to Laurie. One was an elderly woman, her skin wrinkled and drawn. Long grey hair trailed down her back. A variety of glittering rings covered her arthritic fingers. Though the body had aged, her bright mossy eyes gleamed with vitality. Next to her was a younger woman, probably near Nova’s age. She had soft-looking red hair that fell past her shoulders, and striking turquoise eyes. The fiery-red hair and brilliant eyes shone brightly against her pale, freckled skin. She was one of the most unique-looking people Nova had ever seen.
“Please give a warm welcome to Matlena and Brona. They have come to help us strengthen the complex and protect those within it.”
The older woman’s gaze moved to Nova. She studied her carefully. Nova did not feel the need to look away. A maternal energy radiated from the woman they called Matlena. She spoke with strength behind her aging face. “We are glad to be here and happy to help in this matter. It is an honor to meet a Celestial. I did not think I would live to see one in person.” She gave a gap-toothed smile in Nova’s direction. Nova returned the kind smile with a nod of thanks.
