Page 27 of Tamed By Air (The Nature Hunters Academy 4)

“I guess we’re going this way,” Elias said.

Aston knew his friends would keep up with him. He hoped they’d be watching for any trouble because his attention was focused solely on finding Rory.

They reached a stop sign, and Aston glanced both directions again. The pull remained steady in one direction, so he crossed the street and kept on jogging. They passed intersection after intersection until, finally, something changed. The feeling intensified when he looked left.

“This way.” He motioned and then turned to cross the street.

“I don’t think there’s a single thing about these houses that is different,” Liam said. “Even the paint colors are the same. I bet even the grass is all the same length.”

“It seems unnatural.” Tara’s voice was filled with trepidation.

“That’s because it probably is,” Gabby said.

Aston stopped. “What do you mean?” he asked.

“I mean, there’s nothing about this neighborhood that’s natural. Can’t you all feel it?” Gabby leveled her gaze on him.

Aston looked around and noticed the others doing the same thing. Every time his eyes landed on something, he felt the need to look away, as if something was compelling himnotto take notice. “We aren’t welcome here,” he said after several minutes.

“Winner-winner, chicken dinner,” Gabby cheered. “This is a neighborhood that is controlled by the dark elementals.”

“How do youknowthis kind of stuff?” Liam asked.

“Sometimes I forget that you guys aren’t in your third year of academy,” she said. “I’m old and wise, therefore, I know things. And I know there is strength in numbers. The dark royals set up these types of places for their acolytes. Here, they can gather and amplify their power. I learned about these communities inThe History of Dark Elementals, which you guys are still a year away from taking.”

Liam purred. “I like a knowledgeable woman. Teach me everything you know. You’re my sexy teacher, and I’m your naughty pupil. Aww, Mrs. Nash, do I have to stay after school?”

Tara made a gagging noise. “Dude, you’ve got to tone that crap down.”

“Can’t help it,” Liam said. “She’s my catnip.”

Elias groaned. “And just when I think you can’t get any weirder, you go and say something like that.”

“So, while we’re on the topic,” Tara said, “and we’re just following Aston’s bloodhound bond, I’ve got a few questions. How are you a third year, Gabby, when Elias, Liam, and Ra are only second years? Yet they’re twenty years old?”

“Haven't they gone over any of this since classes resumed?” Gabby replied.

“Nope,” Tara said. “We’ve been learning more about the soul bonded, practicing using our magic together, and getting in a ton of practical magic use. But no rules and regs.”

“That makes sense, considering all we’ve learned in the past couple of months,” Gabby agreed. “Elias, you want to fill her in? I’d ask why you haven’t already, but I imagine it has something to do with the fact that when you two are alone, there probably isn’t much talking going on.”

Liam made a low whistle. “Damn, babe. You aren’t pulling your punches today.”

“I’m feeling a little fiery,” Gabby said.

“The school doesn’t measure your progress in years so much as it does in credits,” Elias spoke up. “It’s more like how a university would work. You can be three years into college and still only be a sophomore, not a junior, based on how many credits you have.”

“So you progress at your own pace?” Tara asked.

“Exactly,” Elias said. “Myself, Liam, Ra, and Aston asked to be allowed to work together. That has taken time away from our regular schedules because we don’t earn any credits for working together. Though now that things have changed, with the schools all working together and training to use their powers in tandem, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Academies altered that rule as well.”

“And here I thought you four got held back for being delinquents.” Tara said.

“We should go with that answer next time,” Liam said. “Sounds way more badass.”

“Because that’s what’s important.” Tara sounded both annoyed and humored.

They continued to banter back and forth, but Aston tuned them out and continued down the sidewalk. He got the distinct feeling they were being watched, and now he knew by what—the dark elementalists that inhabited the neighborhood. In fact, if he were a betting man, he’d wager there were eyes in every house, and they wereallon them. Creepy was an understatement.

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