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A few minutes in, I’m able to skate longer distances without needing his support. An unrestrained laugh escapes me as I push forward, zooming rapidly away from Cole.
The wind roars in my ears and makes my scarf flutter wildly, reminding me of the thrill of ice skating.
“Where’d you think you’re going?” Cole is beside me in an instant, his lips curving into an excited grin. His arm wraps around my waist as he propels me further along.
Despite the chilly weather, I feel utterly warm and cozy inside.
Out in the ring, no one’s staring at him or me. People of every age gather around us but they’re all busy having their own fun. Suddenly, it feels like we’re both part of the magic.
“Do you trust me?” Cole says after a while.
“Sure,” I say.
Without warning, Cole grabs me by the waist and lifts me off my feet.
“Oh my God!” I gasp as I hang in the air while he pushes forward. A shriek of pure exhilaration escapes me as the cold wind hits my face. Laughter and wild cries sound all around me, drowning my excited shouts.
I’m a breathless mess by the time he puts me back on my feet.
“That was something,” I gasp breathlessly.
Cole’s eyes shine with pure joy. Despite his scars, he looks utterly beautiful to me. Moving closer, I put my arms around him.
“Thanks,” he whispers in my ear.
“For what?”
“For being you.”
Raising my head, I look up at him.
The sincerity in his eyes sends my heart throbbing in my chest.I love him, I think to myself as an ache flares deep inside me.
Leaning in, he kisses me.
Heat rushes through my veins, driving away all my worries. I kiss him back with the same fervor, trying to make him understand my emotions. I don’t know what’ll happen tomorrow but tonight, I’ll let myself believe in the magic of Christmas.
12
Jacob
I stare at the blown-up photograph on my computer screen. It’s one of the photos Kai snapped when Cole and Winter were skating in the ice ring at Reagan Square.
Cole’s unrestrained smile sends a pang through me. I haven’t seen such an exuberant expression on my younger brother in a long, long time. Shunned by almost everyone he meets because of the hideous scars on his face, he’s put up a wall around his heart.
Back in high school, Cole was among the most popular jocks. He was an amazing basketball player and his smile attracted every girl’s attention. Everyone wanted to be his friend and supporter back then.
As his eldest brother, I hate that I couldn’t protect him during the rescue mission that ruined his life. We were able to escape with him barely alive but he’d lost too much that day.
That familiar brooding expression on his face has been his armor against the looks of disgust, shock, and fear he receives from others. He’s worn it over the past years, nearly erasing the cheerful person I’ve known all my life.
My gaze focuses back on the photograph before me.
Winter is the reason behind Cole’s smile. Hanging onto his neck, her mouth is open in a wild shriek as he swirls them around at blinding speed. She’s the only woman who can make my brother happy.
It’s not just Cole who’s been affected by her. Both Kai and I want her too. We’d do anything to keep her by our side and make her a part of our pack.
And yet, we have no idea where she’s from or what she’s been running from.
