Fated Connection (Book 1)

Chapter 23

NEVADA

I must have fallen asleep at some point after my talk with Nova. My eyes were gritty and sore from crying as I slowly peeled them open, the light in the guestroom dim and only lit by a small lamp on the bedside table. The image of Nova and I laughing while surrounded by the dead flashed in my mind, sending a shiver up my spine.

I needed to know where that vision had come from, how I had gotten it and why? What did it mean? There were so many questions to so many things and I had no one to ask. Nova didn't seem to know anymore than I did and I didn't know Michael very well, not to mention even though I tried to I couldn't bring myself to fully trust him. Nova obviously cared for him to some degree and they seemed close, but he was still a stranger to me.

Going to the bathroom and splashing water on my face, I thought about how I hadn't known August very long or very well but had still trusted him. I had let him do things to me after only knowing him a few weeks, let him in within a short amount of time and had been willing to give him everything. I wanted to regret it after he had brought my biological parents in without warning, pushing me even farther away, but I couldn't and didn't regret it.

Even if I never went back, August had opened my eyes to so many new and exciting possibilities. He had shown me how good I could feel, how exciting everything could be. I wouldn't want to forget those things no matter how much it hurt to remember.

I took one last look in the mirror, noting the dark circles beneath my eyes and my paler than usual skin. I looked like I had been dragged through hell, the green of my irises dull and haunted. With heavy limbs and a defeated sigh, I left my reflection behind and ventured out into the hallway.

Notes of music and quiet laughter drifted towards me from the direction of the living room, drawing my attention. My sock clad feet made no sound on the thick cream colored carpet as I slowly made my way towards the gentle noise. The house was dark except for the soft glow of light emanating from the living room, leaving me to believe I had slept the day away.

I stopped in the doorway leading into the living room, silently taking in the sight that greeted me. Michael was lounging in one corner of the couch that rested against the far wall with one arm wrapped Nova's shoulders as he leaned against Michael's chest. The two of them appeared to be relaxed and at ease as they watched a woman, that I didn't know, sensually dance by herself in the middle of the room. 

The woman was several inches taller than me, her long hair a deep auburn falling over one shoulder as her lithe body dipped and swayed, her back facing me. Although I couldn't see her face from where I stood, I knew she must be beautiful as her movements were confident and full of grace.

Michael tilted his head down towards Nova's ear and murmured something I couldn't hear but it made Nova smile. Feeling suddenly nervous and out of place, I shifted awkwardly on my feet and crossed my arms as I wondered if I should leave the three of them alone and go back to the guest room. However, Nova saw me before I was able to make my getaway.

"Hey, you're finally awake," Nova said, concern lacing his words as he looked me over from his place on the couch. "How are you feeling?"

The woman stopped dancing when she heard Nova speak to me, her head turning toward me for the first time. To say she was pretty wouldn't be enough, this woman was stunning. She looked like she could be a model with her prominent cheekbones and perfectly plump lips. Her legs seemed to go on for miles, accentuated by a pair of black stilettos and a tiny pink dress that rode high on her thighs. 

The woman smiled at me as her sea green eyes took in my haggard appearance, but it seemed to be genuine and not judgmental like I had expected. Momentarily caught off guard by her, I drug my attention away from her and looked back at Nova as he waited for my response.