Fated Connection (Book 1)

Chapter 5

The dream left my thoughts in a jumbled mess, bouncing around so erratically I couldn't seem to get a grip on what I was actually thinking. Images and sensations flooding my mind and washing over my body almost as if part of me was still there. How could one man, one vampire, effect me in such a way, so strongly that it interrupted even my sleeping mind? I couldn't wrap my head around it.

"I'm not sure what that donut did to you but I'm glad I wasn't involved," Nova said, breaking into my thoughts.

I looked up at him quickly and saw his face lit with amusement. He glanced down and back to my face causing me to look down as well. Sure enough, the donut I had gotten for breakfast lay in tiny little pieces all over my plate. My fingers paused in the middle of ripping apart another section.

Great, just great. He's even invaded my ability to eat! What's next? My showers? Oh, gods, why did I even think about that?!

"Nevada, what's going on with you?" Nova asked, his voice laced with curiosity. "I've never seen you like this, so scatterbrained."

I took my time wiping my hands, my fingers coated with the sticky glaze from the massacred donut and pushed my plate away. Leaning back in my chair, I chewed on my lip, contemplating on whether or not to mention it to Nova. I didn't think this had anything to do with the threat looming over us. On the contrary, I felt oddly safe when I thought about August Maines or when I had been near him. The two times I had been near him, he had projected feelings of calm and security, nothing even remotely sinister.

I shook my head, deciding not to say anything to Nova for the time being. There wasn't much to tell. I literally bumped into the guy twice and I had no intentions of telling Nova about the dream. Some things just weren't up for public discussion. I glanced around the diner, scanning the faces and feelings around us.

"Nothing, just trying to get used to my job and not being paranoid about every old lady that comes near me," I finally said, still not looking at Nova. He would know I wasn't being completely honest if I met his eyes.

"Are you sure? You seem... I don't know.  Flustered, maybe... " he replied thoughtfully, causing me to give in and look at him. His indigo eyes roamed my face searchingly before he shrugged. "As long as you're okay."

It was obvious that he wasn't entirely convinced and I wasn't surprised. Nova knew me better than anyone which made it nearly impossible for me to lie to him. Normally I wouldn't lie to him about anything but something held me back from telling him about August, at least for now.

"Anyway, anything interesting happen at the music store lately?" I asked, changing the subject.

Nova immediately rolled his eyes.

"There'll be a new store manager coming in tonight. It's about time too because I'm sick of them continuously calling me when they have problems," he replied, the annoyance clear in his voice.

"Why don't they just give the position to you? You've been there for years and are already practically a manager."

"I don't want it. They've asked me numerous times but I've always turned it down," he answered shrugging one shoulder. "I don't want that kind of responsibility for a place I don't want to be at for the rest of my life."

I nodded in understanding. Nova was never one to take on something he didn't plan to stay committed to, except for relationships. Those, he didn't do because he said he liked having options and nothing ever got stale and boring.

"Come on, let's go do some grocery shopping before I drop you off at work. I want to get there early and see my new boss," he said with a smirk as he stood, his eyes glittering mischievously.