“At least we got a good story out of it,” Nova replied in a light tone. “Gianna would love it. Oh wait, is it okay to tell her?”
Gianna. A light bulb flashed in my head. Nova’s friend had been near three of the demons and might recognize something that we’d overlooked. If we ever had a reason to return, she’d be key to have on our side.
That was unlikely, though, considering we didn’t find anything indicating dark magic or demons tonight. I’d like to ensure we hadn’t missed anything, though.
As I pulled up to her house, something came to me. I’d overlooked a key resource who had been shaking his assets literally in my face. “Damn.” I banged on the steering wheel.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Why didn’t I think of that earlier?”
“What?”
“I should have talked to Lucas instead of pushing him away.”
“About?”
“Whether he noticed anything unusual.” I ran my hands through my hair. “I was so taken off guard by that performance that I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Itwasrather distracting,” she agreed in a dry tone.
I peered at the purple house with the black door and turret, scanning for signs of movement in the windows. All the curtains were drawn, though, and likely were since they had a vampire residing there. “Do you think Lucas is home?”
She glanced at the house. “No idea. Want me to text him?”
“Sure.”
She did so. After a minute or so, she said, “No answer yet. Maybe he’s still out.”
Too bad. Nova had an in with Lucas. It would be better to start with him rather than the owner, who might or might not be cooperative. People could be unpredictable when asked about anything off that might have occurred in their business.
“Nova, will you see if Lucas will talk to me?”
“I can do that.” She nodded and opened the car door. “See you tomorrow.”
As I drove away from their house, I smiled. I’d seen some crazy supernatural shenanigans during my time at the Network, but never anything as surprising as what I’d faced tonight. Two half-naked men pretty much shook their salami right in my face. That was a first—and hopefully a last.
Lucas
After I woke up, I groaned and placed my hand on my forehead. That spectacle last night with Zoe replayed in my mind like a bad B movie. How amateurish to crash-land like that. I blamed my dragon. All that nonsense about her being my mate screwed with me, making me act ridiculous. Smooth moves were part of my repertoire, jealousy and possessiveness were not.
I threw on a pair of jeans and a ClashLondon CallingT-shirt. Glancing in the full-length mirror, I finger-combed my hair. Then I headed downstairs to put last night behind me. That started with a lot of coffee.
Nova texted me.Are you up?
Yeah, making coffee.
I need to talk to you about something.
About her unexpected presence at the club last night, most likely.Come right over.
A minute later, she walked into the shared kitchen. She wore pink and white plaid lounge pants that dragged on the kitchen floor. Her auburn hair was pulled into a ponytail. “Hey, Lucas.”
“Nova,” I greeted her and raised my coffee mug. “Want some coffee?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.”
“That was weird seeing you last night.” I pinned her with an amused stare.
