Shiver (Night Roamers) Read Free

order. I’ll have The Special,” he said, looking into his menu, “with my eggs over easy, please.”
    I nodded. “Sounds good, Sonny.”
    He looked at me. “You know, I’ m surprised I haven’t seen you around the marina lately.”
    I shrugged. “ I know. Now that school’s started and I’ve been working here at the diner, I haven’t had time to do much of anything else.”
    “Well, pity. I think Duncan was beginning to really like you.”
    I stared out the window, noticing in dismay that Duncan was standing in the parking lot talking to Celeste. She was sitting in her truck, wearing thick, dark sunglasses and a pouty expression. She must have sensed I was watching, because she turned towards me and smiled.
    It gave me the chills.
    “Nikki?”
    I looked at Sonny. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
    He chuckled. “Nothing, don’t worry about it.”
    “Nikki, one of your orders is up,” said Rosie, passing by the table. “Hey, Sonny.”
    “Hi , Rosie.”
    I left Sonny’s table and finished up my shift , thinking about Duncan and Celeste.
    What in the hell did she really want with him?
    Whatever it was, it made me nervous . I decided it was about time to hash everything out with Duncan, whether he liked it or not.

Chapter Two
     
     
     
     
     
     
    “Where’s mom?” I asked, walking through the door. It was after ten o’clock and my arches were killing me. I took off my shoes and began rubbing the soles of my feet.
    Nathan was sitting on th e couch eating a large bowl of cookie dough ice cream. “I think she’s at Caleb’s again,” he said between bites. “How’s the car running?”
    I shrugged. “It’s running, okay. It kind of hesitated when I started it tonight, though.”
    “Hmm… I’ll take a look at it tomorrow. It might just need an oil change.”
    My mom had graciously loaned me the money for a used Camaro she’d spotted in town last month, when I’d turned eighteen. It had needed some work but thankfully, Nathan knew enough about engines to make it drivable. With the rust and scratches, it wasn’t the most attractive vehicle, but it got me where I needed to go.
    “Thanks,” I said.
    “You going out tonight?” he asked, standing up.
    I shook my head. “No, I’m too tired.”
    Plus, it wasn’t like I’d had made a lot of friends in school as of yet. There were a couple of girls I sat with at lunch, but after what happened last summer and the things going on with my mom, I still had a hard time getting close to anyone.
    “Okay, well I’m going out with Duncan and Celeste later. If you need anything, you have my cell phone.”
    My jaw dropped. “You’re actually hanging out with Celeste, too?”
    He nodded. “Yeah, she’s a nice girl. Plus, she has some really hot girlfriends.”
    I looked at him incredulously. “She’s a freakin’ vampire, Nathan! I can’t believe you don’t remember anything that happened last summer with Ethan. Celeste was involved with all of that, you know.”
    His face darkened. “ Ethan was just a loser who wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. You know, you’re starting to really scare me with all of this vampire talk, Nikki. Jesus, don’t you know how ridiculous you sound?”
    “Listen to me, Nathan! Celeste is dangerous and so are her friends. I wish you’d believe me.”
    He snorted. “The only thing dangerous about Celeste is her choice in clothes, which,” he said with a devilish grin, “is dangerously sexy.”
    “You’re so naïve,” I mumbled.
    He laughed. “For the love of God, Nikki! Celeste is Caleb’s daughter. You know, the sheriff; mom’s boyfriend? Jesus, we’re practically family now.”
    I scowled. “Don’t even go there. We are not family and never will be. Caleb and Celeste are both vampires, and the sooner you realize that, the safer we’ll all be.”
    He waved his hand in exasperation and started walking up the steps towards his bedroom. “I don’t have time for this. You obviously need