Page 20

I frown, putting my hands into my pockets. “Meaning to tell me what?”

Nico wrinkles his nose guiltily. “Rev and I are working with the Bureau. They asked for my help to track down the demons that got out when the split opened.”

I open my mouth to speak but then close it again. Nico working for the SDB? A dry laugh shakes my chest. Wow. I really am the only one with nothing to offer.

As if he can tell I’m feeling inadequate, Nico says, “I wish I wasn’t someone who could help them. But apparently, I can sense demonic energy the way others can’t. And I can get closer to them, too. The demons.”

“So that’s where you’ve been?”

Nico nods.

“You’ve been beyond the shield?”

“Most of the demons escaped before the shield was erected. So, yeah. I’ve been… around.” Before I can say anything else, he fixes me with an intense stare. “Listen, Sam. We got wind of a new rumor, one that has us worried. Word is the AMA’s planning something big. Gathering resources, recruiting new members, acquiring weapons. We’re not sure exactly what they’re up to, but if they’re gearing up like this, it can’t be good.” His jaw twitches. “Our theory is that all the noise they’re making outside of town is just a distraction.”

My chest tightens with anxiety. “Okay. Do you need our help?”

Nico shakes his head quickly. “No, we’ve got it covered. I just wanted you to know so you can look out for Nova. I know she’s able to take care of herself these days but…”

“Actually, we were just talking about getting Nova out of here for a while.”

“Out of Phoenix Falls?”

“Out of the country.” I lower myself to the ground and lean against a thick tree trunk. When Nico sits beside me, clearly trying hard not to let his gaze keep returning to the carcass nearby, I draw my knees up to my chest and sigh.

I fill him in on Snow and Mack, then tell him about the vampire professor in Cambridge.

I expect him to tell me it’s ridiculous for us to go that far when we don’t know if the guy can actually help. But instead he nods slowly, brow furrowed. “Good idea,” he says. “Getting Nova out of here.. it’s a good idea.”

“You think so?”

Nico nods firmly. He fixes me again with that intense stare. “But is there…” He hesitates. “Any chance you could stick around while she’s gone?”

“You want me to stay behind?”

My stomach twists uncomfortably.

“I could really use eyes and ears on the ground here in town while Nova’s away. And that wolf nose of yours could come in handy sniffing out trouble.”

I hesitate, conflicted. The thought of Nova leaving the country without me sends an ache through my heart.

“Let me think about it,” I hedge, buying myself time. Nico clasps my shoulder, expression grim but understanding.

“Take your time,” he says, glancing up to assess the position of the sun in the sky. A smile plays on his lips, and he rubs his upper arms. “I’ll be at home with my super-hot girlfriend if you need me.”

I roll my eyes but chuckle. It’s nice to see him so happy.

“I’ve been away from her for far too long.”

As Nico disappears into the trees, a sigh shakes my chest. “I know the feeling.”

* * *

When I get back to the cabin, the others are gathered around an old book laid out on the table. Snow stands apart from them, glowering at them all with distrust. As I enter, Nova looks up, her face brightening when she sees me.

“There you are! We think we figured out how to get Snow to England without attracting too much attention.” She grins excitedly and flips the book around to show me a page of words I can’t read. “We just have to tweak this reduction spell a bit. Not sure it’s ever been used on a polar bear before.”

Snow lets out a disgruntled huff, his lips curling back to show sharp teeth. Mack reaches out to pat his back reassuringly. “I know, I know. But it won’t be for long, just until we get you across the ocean safely. And it means we can stay together.”