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“I’m the lead singer in a rock band, the Black Wings. But I’m kind of in hiding here in Silver Springs and trying to keep a low profile,” Quil admits, raising his hand slightly like he’s in school.
I gape at him. I’m a massive Black Wings fan. I’ve been debating getting tickets to their next gig where they’re the supporting act for Not A Vampire. I would love to see both bands play live, but I really hate crowds. I shift awkwardly, trying not to freak out and fan girl all over him while also wondering why I didn’t recognize him.
“We had some help making my face forgettable,” Quilo says, reading my mind easily and shrugging. “It’s all tied to the town’s wards and it allows me to stay incognito.”
I shake my head. I had no idea that could be done.
“My parents want me to return home to Alaska to marry and settle down with a nice polar sow,” Yas adds.
“Whoa.” Any more bombs they want to drop? My mind is reeling.
We’re definitely doomed. We should put the brakes on this before it even begins, right? Better for everyone that way. My head is in agreement, but my heart—and other parts of me—are not. In fact, they’re screaming their protest at me, begging my head to listen.
My heart does not want brakes. My heart wants full speed ahead. Which is crazy.
I don’t even know where to start with all that information and my instinct is to run. But I’m boxed in on all sides by the three guys who are claiming I’m theirs, but also that I’m not. I can’t be. They’re all running from something, which is hardly a good foundation for a relationship.
Hello pot, did you meet the black kettle?
“Look, don’t freak out,” Yas says in a calm voice that makes me anything but calm. I want to punch his arm, and I’m not a violent person. Usually.
“Does that ever work?” I snap. Then I instantly feel bad. Taking a deep breath, I channel calm and apologize. “What happens now? I mean, if you’re all unavailable and here temporarily? What does that mean for this...bond between us? Will it just...die out with time?” And space? I mentally add, fully prepared to really run from this if needs be.
“We’re not unavailable. We’re all yours. You’re our fated mate for sure, and that trumps everything else, including obligations.”
“Even obligations to a kingdom?” I scoff.
“Even to a whole universe of kingdoms,” Whit confirms, leaning across the tabletop to take my hand in his. My skin sings at his touch and I gasp as his gorgeous violet eyes stare into mine. Okay, so that was kind of romantic. I smile while my insides do this squiggly twisty girly thing that isn’t like me at all.
“I’m an elemental shifter,” I say, feeling brave. “I guess it makes me part witch, part shifter, and I have control of...one out of the four elements.”
Holy crap. Why did I lie? Why didn’t I just say two and be done with it?
Three pairs of wide, astonished eyes blink back at me. Really? Is that more shocking than being told your mate is betrothed to someone else? Give me a break.
“I control air, and can shift into any animal or creature or being that’s linked to that element.”
“So you could be like...an eagle or something?” Quilo asks, the first to recover.
“Eagle, bat, peregrine falcon, ladybug...you name it. I don’t use it often.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, but I know my species is pretty rare. Hence why I try to keep my magic under wraps. If Ade’s father is still looking for me, I would stand out like a sore thumb if I splashed my magic around carelessly. Especially with two elements under my control. Which I think I have been doing way too much of since coming to the damn rink. I knew I should’ve stayed away.
Yeah, but then you wouldn’t have met these hotties.
“So the ice cracking yesterday definitely wasn’t down to you, because your magic wouldn’t do that?” Whit says thoughtfully.
“I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me, but I don’t know what else could have caused it.”
The second the words are out of my mouth, something twists in my gut. A memory of a small avalanche in Val-d’isère that thankfully only killed some livestock on a small farm flashes to mind. We were never able to prove it, but my parents were convinced that it was caused by my powers awakening.
“I have to go,” I say suddenly, trying to push my way out of the booth seat. Yas slides over to let me out.
“Lumi, please don’t run—” he begins.
“I’m not! I have to check on Ade!” I cry in panic.
“Why don’t you call or message Sacha to check on her?” Yas suggests calmly, bringing me back to the present moment. I take a deep breath, forcing my panic back down, and the tightness in my chest lessens a little.
It’s stupid and irrational and I know that even if Ade’s magic was responsible for cracking the ice, that she’s fine now, but I can’t shake the overwhelming need to see her with my own eyes.
