Under Currents Nora Roberts 소설 & 이야기

And for a second, my mind refuses to process it—refuses to understand how that just happened—until I look up. Nora stands there, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. Her chest rises and falls sharply, her eyes darker than I’ve ever seen them, almost black, with something feral flickering beneath the surface. For the briefest moment, the air around her seems to shift. Strange dark veins spread beneath her skin, disappearing almost as quickly as they appear, while shadows coil around her fingers like living things before she clenches her hands into fists and forces them away.

Nora said, ignoring Roger’s face. “Do you all see what she is doing to this pack?” Roger growled standing in front of the stage. “She’s changing and ruining everything!” Roger yelled. Jace growled, not able to fight it back; the growl was echoed by Asher and Matt stepping forward. Roger’s eyes flickered up to the stage. Nora was standing silent letting him have his say. She wasn’t fazed in the slightest by his ranting. The only thing that reflected anything was her eyes. Her eyes were glowing softly reminding the room that her wolf was just under the surface if she needed her.

I held the fang, my finger tracing the runes carved into it. It was heavy as it carried a lot of history, promises… And now, a deceptive eternity. "Your Highness." A charming voice greeted Daniel respectfully, and we turned to find an Omega standing under the shade of the doorway, holding a map. "Here are the charts of the Rogue movements near the northern border. The generals are already waiting in the antechamber." If I recalled correctly, the Omega's name was Anna—Lulu had told me about her. Daniel frowned ever so slightly, but that reaction was gone in a flash.

The underground bunker, hidden from satellites and maps alike. “This is it,” he said as he shut off the engine. “From here, we shift.” They moved with practiced ease. Thick winter coats were exchanged for lighter base layers better suited for shifting. Bags were re-packed, fastened tight so they could be carried by their wolves. Celeste stood at the edge of the vehicle, her breath visible in the icy air. The snow was coming down harder now, thick and fast, sticking to lashes and hair within seconds. The cold crept through her clothes, but the anticipation warmed her blood.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you—” “Shut up before I change my mind,” she snapped, already regretting it. And now she was stuck in some shitty frat house while her brother and his boyfriend played Romeo and Romeo somewhere romantic. Beck, her giant, terrifying babysitter, motioned for her to lift her legs off the coffee table as he swept the vacuum in front of the couch. Nora glared and craned her neck to see the subtitles on the TV. She’d deliberately chosen the girliest, most brain-melting reality show she could find, The Real Housewives of Crestwick, hoping the sheer amount of dramatic screaming and fake tans would scare everyone away.

Two little canines flashed in a silly, sweet grin—adorable as hell. I narrowed my eyes at her and whispered, "What are you doing in there? Get out!" But instead of listening, she only pushed further. Her soft little hand slipped inside. A wave of unbearable tingling shot through me. I curled my toes hard into the floor, every muscle tensed against the deep, bone-tickling itch. I fought to keep my body from giving anything away—there were too many people watching. "Max, what's with this lump here? Let me rub it for you," she said, her face the picture of innocence.

Jake It was early morning, and the mansion was enveloped in an almost reverent silence. I looked at Nancy, who was sleeping peacefully next to me, her serene face illuminated by the soft moonlight streaming through the window. She looked so beautiful and vulnerable, and I felt an impulse of affection come over me. I calmed down for a moment, listening to his gentle breathing, but then anger and determination began to shift in my chest, reminding me of what I needed to do.

Settling on making a quick omelet, I gathered eggs, cheese, and some leftover vegetables. As I whisked the eggs, my mind wandered back to the past couple of days. I wondered if Grace was asleep right now, or sitting up feeling scared and lonely. Tomorrow, I would prepare a meal for her, I decided. And maybe bring her a few of those books I had purchased. “Midnight snack, Kayla?” I jumped at the sound of the voice, nearly dropping the bowl. Turning, I saw Nora leaning casually against the doorway, her arms crossed and a smug smile playing on her lips. She was dressed impeccably, as always, in a silk robe that accentuated her slim figure.

“But I thought you deserved the courtesy of a farewell.” I pulled my knees closer to my chest and pressed my back into the wall. Every instinct screamed for Ruby, but the silence inside me was absolute. I’d never felt more alone in my life. Nora crouched slightly, just enough to meet my eye through the bars. “Did you really think no one would notice?” she asked. “That you could sneak your way to the throne like a rat?” “I didn’t—” My voice cracked, barely above a whisper. “Oh, you did,” she said, almost gently. “But I can’t blame you. It was a clever plan. Come in looking soft and fragile. Capture his attention. Hide your little affair until it’s too late.”