Fated Connection (Book 1)

Chapter 33

NEVADA

"Lurkers? Like zombies?" Nova asked with a serious look on his face. "Was it a horde or something? Surely a vampire isn't afraid of the living dead, I mean, talk about self hate."

It had been August that had spoken but it was clear that Nova's words were directed at Hatter. Dominic snorted and I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. I knew this was a serious issue, but after the intense heart to heart with Dominic just moments ago, a lighter mood wasn't a bad thing. August's eyes flicked from Dominic, to Nova, and then finally to me as he raised a brow in question. I offered a subtle smile in answer but said nothing as the scene continued to unfold.

Hatter turned his furious glare on Nova, the muscle in his jaw ticking. "Do you really wanna go there, little Tink? I don't think it's wise to test my patience right now."

A wave of power burst from Nova, fizzing against my skin like carbonated water as Hatter was pushed back into the wall behind him. Nova's face was calm as he stepped closer to Hatter but remained a few feet away. I held my breath, unsure of what to do or if I should just stay out of it altogether.

"Do you know what humans do when their dogs become rabid?" Nova asked, his tone conversational.

"Nova!" Ashira scolded firmly, her pale eyes hard as they bore into the side of Nova's head.

"Relax, Miss Ashira, I'm not going to kill him."

The boredom in Nova's voice matched the look on his face and was solidified when he rolled his eyes. Just like that, the energy level in the room dropped to an almost imperceptible level and Hatter sagged in place against the wall. His fists were clenched as he watched Nova flop down onto the couch but surprisingly he didn't say a word.

"Back to the issue at hand, if you would," Ashira said to August in a no nonsense way.

"Hatter and I were in the east side of the woods that border the property," August began to explain, nothing but business now. "There was a fire about a 100 yards out from it, voices conversing like campers."

"Could you tell who they were?" Alana asked, her thin brows drawn together thoughtfully.

"I could make out the scent of humans but just as the rain began, I detected a hint of shifter as well."

"What kind of shifter?" This was from Dominic who had lost all traces of humor and stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Wolf," August replied almost reluctantly with a quick glance at Hatter as he spoke.

Dominic must have caught the look as well because his focus instantly switched to Hatter who had yet to enter the conversation. "Wolves and humans, huh? Anyone familiar?"

"No," was the only response Hatter gave, his jaw tight and his words clipped.

"Should we be concerned?" I cut in before the anger that was sparking in Dominic's eyes could turn into a raging blaze.

"The barrier is strong," Ashira assured me. "It would take great power or the appropriate knowledge to get through that. And very few in the world possess either of those things."

I let out a sigh of relief and looked back at August who was already watching me from across the room. My cheeks grew warm under his gaze and I had to force myself to look away before everyone else noticed I had become a complete tomato.

"You boys are dripping on my floor. Go on and clean up before I throw you both back out." Ashira admonished with a look of disgust at the floor beneath Hatter's feet. "The rest of you, it's time for dinner. Come on, let's go."