44
JAX
Pajama-clad children peek through windows, pointing their tiny fingers in my direction. Their eyes are alight with merriment. One jumps back from the windowsill, returning a few moments later with their mother, gesturing with grins across their face. I love kids. Their joy is infectious and they are usually the most appreciative of my work.
I spin, whipping up wind and zipping around the dimly lit Dorset cul-de-sac. White flecks erupt from my palms, spraying into the sky in all directions before they dance and scatter toward the ground.
“Jax. I need you.”
Tempest.
She doesn’t need to summon twice.
I throw more bushels of snow, giving an invisible bow to my audience, then I shoot up to the cloud line, releasing a flurry from my fingertips.
Waving over to Aneira, she gives me a quick salute, already knowing where I’m heading.
It’s been a little over a month since I came out of hibernation and returned to my mate. Together, we’ve celebrated my firstholidays since being mortal. I’ve burned my tongue on hot cocoa, built a snow family, danced under the moonlight with Jolie. When she’s not busy at rehearsal, we are always together, cramming in as many memories as possible. It’s a strange sort of normal I wish we could get used to.
But we can’t.
I press my hand to the mate mark, going to her, and finding myself inside a large, brightly lit building. People walk past and through me, but I don’t see her. Something pitches in my stomach. Just then, I spot Delilah. I draw closer until the crowd parts and there she is.
My mate.
“What do you need?” I ask her, only Lark noticing outside of the two of us.
Her tone had been urgent, but here she is with a big smile on her face.
“I’m so pumped. Thanks for the tickets, Jojo!” Delilah’s loud voice carries over the crowd. She throws her hands up in the air. “Redhots are gonna dominate tonight!”
I freeze in place.
That’s when I notice it. Everyone around us is dressed in red-and-white jerseys, beanies, and hoodies. Colors of the Richmond Redhots. A few are wearing a blue-and-green combo, representing whatever team they’re playing tonight. Jolie gives me a half-apologetic smile.
“Of course! You spoiled us in Australia, figured it’s the least I could do,” she says to Delilah with a shrug.
Lark looks between the two of us, then puts an arm around Delilah. “Why don’t we grab some drinks?”
“Sure thing.”
“Want anything?” Delilah asks Jolie.
She shakes her head. “I’m good.”
The pair stroll toward concessions, leaving Jolie and I standing there in silence. I barely feel the people passing through my body, too focused on her and why she brought me here.
I know the reason, but I need to hear her say it. “Tempest…”
“Hear me out.” She puts her hands up, not even using our connection. No one notices her talking to seemingly empty air. They’re too busy shuffling into the arena to catch the game. A gamemy brotheris playing in. He’s somewhere in this building. Within reach.
“We’re just going to watch. I know how long it took for me to come around to the idea of believing in you. If you decide you want to try that later, I’ll help. But let’s go in and watch.” She waves me over. “Come on.”
“Fine.” I’m shocked, but I can’t deny her. She’s at least made it clear she’s not going to force me to do anything. I sigh, resigned, and loop my arm around her as we move inside with the crowd.
I follow Jolie to her seats, waiting with her until Lark and Delilah show up with their treats.
“These seats are awesome!” Delilah cheers, and I’m fully prepared to enjoy her hoots and hollers during the game.
