Page 7 of Undead & Unfed

Selena smiled. “She’s on a tour but she’ll be back at some point.”

“Okay. What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Lottie, actually.” Selena shot an exaggerated smile to Nova. “She has the best of intentions. You just have to get to know her better.”

“I think I’ve made a terrible mistake.”

“Oh yeah?” Lottie walked into the library.

“I’m going to go. Lots, call me later. Nova, always a pleasure.” Selena pushed through the doors and disappeared.

“I’m the mistake?” Lottie grinned at Nova.

“Not technically or, like, literally. I feel like I’ve sent you mixed signals.” Nova stopped talking as Lottie’s eyebrows raised.

“What are you telling me, Nova?”

“I have a boyfriend and I’m sober.”

Lottie took a few steps back as if she’d been slapped. “Wow. That’s not what I was expecting.”

“Which part?”

“All of it. I have so many questions.”

“Like what?”

“Well, for starters, I thought you were queer. Secondly, what do you mean by sober? Is that why you freaked out at the club last night?”

Nova laughed and rubbed a hand down her face. “How did all of this get so out of control? I’m not a lesbian. I’ve been with my boyfriend for years. His name is Cain and he’ll be enrolling here next week. Did you not catch my last name? Or do you genuinely not know who I am?”

“I genuinely don’t know who you are. I spent last night trying to find anything about you on all of the social media platforms and there’s absolutely nothing. Are you in witness protection? Running from the law? Just tell me! The anticipation is too much!”

“My father is Beau Bryant.”

“Holy moly. Are you kidding me right now. Your father istheBeau Bryant?”

“Yes.”

“Well then,” Lottie bowed. “I’m in the company of royalty.”

“Don’t embarrass me more than you already have.”

Lottie could feel her face flush. “I’m sincerely sorry if I did anything to embarrass you.”

“Let’s let bygones be bygones.”

“Agreed. “Lottie reached out for a hug, but Nova took a step back.

“Still straight and I shouldn’t even be seen talking to you.”

“I’m not some crazy lesbian who is going to attack you.”

“Seriously? It has nothing to do with that. I’m sober and I always have been. All of my family is, and all of our coven is. I’ve been taught that we’re superior my entire existence. I’ve never even had friends outside of our coven. You all are so open and out here, about everything. It’s...bizarre.”

“Maybe you’re just too sheltered.” Lottie crossed her arms over her chest. “You’ve never experienced anything else except your coven? You don’t thinkthat’sbizarre?”

“Look, I don’t have to deal with this. I don’t know who you think you are, but don’t you dare judge me. You literally feed off other people. You glamor them and use them. It’s disgusting.” Nova glared at Lottie for another second then walked out of the library.

---