Chapter Fifteen
They were leaving Luna Lodge for their new home.
Well, the hybrids were leaving, and the military wouldn’t be far behind. The general consensus of the government was keeping an eye on the hybrids was more trouble than it was worth.
Military monitoring had only resulted in the government looking like it was allied with shady organizations and dangerous, corrupt mercenaries. The final move was great news for the hybrids, not so great news for Nikon.
Things had been going so well for Leah and him, he’d held off even talking about what they would do once the hybrids left Luna Lodge. Several times he tried to convince her to quit the teaching job, and each time she would ask what she was going to do otherwise.
He hated the situation, but he didn’t know what to do.
More than anything, Nikon wanted her to come with him but worried that he was being selfish. Away from the hybrids, she was free to live the life she wanted. What could he offer her with him?
Even if they wouldn’t have the government breathing down their neck anymore, they still would have to be careful. The Horatius Group and the Phoenix Corps were still out there, waiting for their chance.
Nikon ran a hand through his hair as he waited for Leah. Tonight was the night of the spring formal at her school, and despite everything else, he’d promised to go.
It was surprising. Despite the warning from Tycho, everything had been fine over the past few weeks. No suspicious men had snooped around or gone after Leah. Maybe the mobilization of the military and hybrids had scared them off. It was hard to say.
Leah stepped out into the front room. He stood motionless as he stared at her.
The dark strapless hunter green velvet dress looked amazing on her. She’d gathered her hair on the top of her head. Little red ringlets bounced as she moved.
“You look great,” Nikon said, and made his way to her.
Leah blushed and did a little twirl. He smiled.
“You don’t think it’s too much, right? These kids have so much money, and I don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb.”
Nikon placed a soft kiss against her cheek and trailed down to her neck. “You look beautiful, and if anyone looks like a sore thumb, it’s going to be me.”
Another blush spread across her face, and the hybrid let out a little growl. He didn’t want to share her with that damned school.
“We could stay home,” he said, and pulled her forward until she could feel the erection already pulsing between them. “And have a little fun instead.”
Her eyes went wide as she stared up at him. “Are you always horny?”
Nikon snorted. “I am when you’re around,” he whispered.
She grinned up at him. “Give me a couple dances, and you might just get lucky later.”
Leah gently pushed away from him and straightened his bowtie and jacket.
Nikon hated these sorts of getups. He’d been forced to wear one from time to time, and never liked how restricted they felt. How did old-school men fight in something like this? It seemed totally impractical.
“You look pretty handsome as well,” Leah said softly. She traced her hands down his chest, and a low rumble ripped from him.
“Keep that up, and I’ll have no choice but to flip you over the couch and take what I want.”
She nibbled her lip as if she were actually considering the offer. His growl grew a little louder.
Leah jumped away from him and picked up her black shawl to drape over her shoulders.
“Let’s get going so we can get back,” she said, and grinned.
* * *
The ride in the car was pleasant enough. There were so many times he thought about telling her about the move but decided that he would wait until the night was over. No reason to ruin the mood with stress.
Tonight Leah would decide just where she belonged, and he would honor whatever she chose.
They pulled into the school parking lot. There were so many fancy cars parked there, and he wondered just how many outside people were going to be at this school dance.
“That’s weird,” Leah said more to herself than anything.
Nikon turned to look at her after they had parked the car. “What?”
She nodded to a car just across from them. “That car,” she said. “It looks just like the one that I thought was following me.”
His jaw and shoulders tensed. He stared hard at the car before looking back over to her.
“Wait,” Nikon said. “A car followed you? Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
Leah shrugged. “This was several weeks ago, and well, it didn’t really follow me. I thought it was, but it turned off, and it didn’t follow home. There are likely millions of cars like that, right? I’m sorry I brought it up. I didn’t mean to freak you out.”
Nikon grunted his reply but glanced back over to the car. His eyes narrowed.
There might be millions of black cars, but he doubted many of them used armored tires, something Leah wouldn’t even notice. This car was ready for battle, and although these kids might be rich, he doubted they traveled around in anything that needed that level of security.
Maybe, just maybe, if Tycho hadn’t said anything, he wouldn’t have worried, but the coincidence was too great.
Nikon stepped out of the car and made his way round to Leah’s side. He opened the door and helped her step outside.
She brushed down the dress quickly. He took her hand to his mouth and kissed her cold fingers.
“It’s going to be fine,” Nikon said. It didn’t matter who was there. As long as he was with her, she’d be safe.
Leah nodded, and they made their way toward the door. An older balding man waited there, greeting the guests as they came inside.
“Leah,” the short, fat man said. “I didn’t realize you’d be bringing a guest.”
Nikon watched the man who nervously watched him. Something he’d gotten used to from living in the city. Apparently people were somewhat disturbed by his size at times, and the man was short even for a normal human.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Nikon said, reaching out a hand. “Name’s Nick.”
Leah glanced over at him. They hadn’t talked about him using a fake name, but it came naturally.
The man shook his hand with a weak and clammy grip. “I’m Headmaster Williams,” he said, and nodded inside. “Step right in.”
The made their way up a few stairs but stopped when the headmaster called out to Leah. “I look forward to your answer later about our offer.”
Leah glanced over at Nikon before nodding. A knot formed in his stomach. So, they did want her fulltime at the school.
They made their way inside, and Nikon watched the people in the room. About half smelled of new money, acting like everything they touched turned to gold while the other half were busy turning their noses up at the new money.
It was going to be an interesting party. He was fairly certain several of the teens were already drunk.
“Why are there so many adults at this thing?” Nikon asked. “I thought dances were a teen thing.”
Leah shrugged. “When I was talking with Matt about it, he said it’s a chance for these teens to mingle with new adults. To make connections and all that.”
Nikon frowned.
Matt.
He’d heard her mention the other teacher on more than one occasion, and each time it pissed him off. Who the hell was this guy?
Somehow Nikon had managed to pick her up every day after school and come to two games without ever running into the illustrious Matt. He was starting to wonder if the guy just didn’t want to meet the boyfriend of Leah. Chickenshit.
Nikon stilled.
Boyfriend. That was the first time he’d thought of himself that way. It was a dangerous thought. Something he could more than get used to, especially since she was now his Vestal, even if she was meant for his twin originally.
“Let’s dance,” Nikon said gruffly.
Leah glanced over to the table with punch. “It’s almost my time to take over,” she said, and worried her bottom lip. She turned toward Nikon and blushed. “But one dance couldn’t hurt.”
The music was soft and slow, which was his luck considering he really didn’t know what the hell he was doing on the dance floor. Nikon didn’t really know what had come over him. All he knew was that he wanted her in his arms, pressed against his body.
“This is nice,” she sighed.
Nikon grunted. “What if it didn’t have to end?”
Shit. This was not the right place. He knew it, but the words came out anyway.
Leah leaned back and stared up at him. “What do you mean?”
Nikon sighed. “I’ve been looking for a way to tell you, but we’re leaving. My... family that is.”
“I already know that.”
“You don’t understand. They’re packing up this weekend, and we’re heading out.”
Her eyes widened. “When were you going to tell me?”
Nikon shook his head and pulled her close to his body again. “I’m not leaving,” he said softly. “They are. For good. They’re keeping things locked down. If I’m not going to join them, then I’m not going to be told where they are going.”
She looked up at him again and frowned. “You won’t know where they are if you don’t go?”
Nikon shrugged. “It’s to keep everyone safe.”
Leah stopped dancing. “You have to go,” she said quickly.
Nikon pulled her back against him. “My place is wherever you are.”
“Ms. Perkins,” the headmaster called. “I believe it’s your turn at the refreshments.”
Leah nodded and glanced up to Nikon. “You can mingle.”
Nikon nodded to the table. “I’ve got a quick call to make,” he said with a wink. “Then I’ll help you with your thirsty people.”
Leah smiled at him as he made his way outside the door and into the hall. Nikon glanced around before ducking down a dark hall and into a classroom. He pulled out his phone and dialed.
He’d not wanted to worry Leah, but the armored car had never totally left his thoughts. It was time to do his job and protect his woman.
“Cato,” he said into the line. “I need you to run a plate for me.”