“I’m sorry, Belle.” For her, the loss of her mate had to be incredibly painful.
“I’ve waited almost two years.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to toss it aside, but I’ve no longer got a choice. Sorrell asked me out. I said yes.”
“Sorrell?” Faith gripped her hand. “The protector who leads the mountain team? But he’s a bear of a man and so aggressive. You two would hardly suit.”
“His emotions actually run at an even level, and that’s easier for me to process than the huge fluctuations I get around others.”
“But Sorrell? He cares for no one. Are you sure?”
“He needs to be shown love to feel it.”
“You sound as if you pity him.”
She fidgeted with the hem of her pink t-shirt. “Sorrell needs a tender touch, and I can offer him that. My decision is made.”
No, the man would stifle Belle’s emotions. He was the last person she needed.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Faith muttered in my head.
I didn’t doubt I was. I projected my thoughts for her to read, then said, “We’ll work on her next, but one problem at a time.” Sheesh, this day was just getting worse. Problems abounding everywhere.
“Hey, watch your emotions, Silvie.” Belle jerked back. “I’m feeling a touch hot. Maybe I shouldn’t have told you about Sorrell, not when you’re dealing with enough issues of your own.”
“I’m good, Belle. What I can’t deal with is the fact Guy aligned our hearts.” My blood heated and pulsed at the mere thought of what he’d done this morning. “He’s too controlling, and he doesn’t listen to a word I say.”
“Okay.” Belle shuffled back farther. “We really need to change the subject, now. Think cold stuff.”
“What I’ve gotta do is deal with how I’m feeling, and not keep bottling it up.”
“No, you need to cool down. We’re at school, and there’re other students about.” Belle pointed to the half-eaten donut in my hand. The icing melted and dribbled. It splattered with a hiss and a spit onto my fingers. “That’s more than just a little bottling.”
“I had good control over my flare-up last night. I’ve got this.” Only my fingertips blazed red, not yet alight, but looking ready to go. “Oooh, that is so pretty. Maybe I should just go with the flow and consume and burn. That would be so hot.”
“No, it wouldn’t,” Faith growled. “Don’t make me ’path Guy to come and get you out of here. You’re dangerously close to losing it.”
“Am not.” I held up my hands. The red glowed brighter. Oh yeah, perfect. Consume and burn. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? Look how—”
“Right, ’pathing him now.”
“I’m just teasing.”
“I’m not.”
Belle’s cheeks bloomed bright red. “Cold thoughts are your first tactical response to lowering your heat. I know you’re enjoying this, but remember what the book said.”
“Then let me enjoy it a little—”
“I’m here.” Guy stepped out from behind the trunk and jogged toward us. Water sloshed from a pail in his hands. “Faith called.”
“Don’t you dare even think it!” He was not throwing that at me. I scrambled to my feet, but too late. He dumped the contents over me and steam shot from my hands. “No. They weren’t even alight. I had it under control.”
He dropped the pail and cupped my cheeks. “What control? Faith said you needed me. Emergency 101.”
“101 means it’s a non-emergency.” I shook my head and icy water flew. “You need to learn your numbers.”
Faith chuckled and crossed to me. “Oops, I may have sounded more urgent than I meant. You want me to take you home to change?” She tucked my soggy hair behind my ears.
“No, I have a change of clothes in my locker. You. Come.” I seized Faith’s hand and dragged her after me.
Belle’s giggles traveled on the breeze, and Guy’s laughter joined hers.
Oh boy, I was so gonna get him back.
Big time.
“There’s Zayn.” Faith pointed to where he stood leaning against a tree after the final school bell had rung.
“We’re going to train together. Do you wanna come?”
“Nah, homework beckons. Just remember what I said about not spending too much time with him.”
“Hey, girls. How was your day?” Zayn pushed off the tree.
“Sunny, except for an odd burst of rain.” Faith winked at me, stepped behind the tree and ’ported.
“You want to explain?” he asked.
“Nope.” I grabbed his hand. “You need to zap us to that secluded beach spot before my annoying mate turns up. I’m surprised he’s not here already.”
“I’m onto it. You don’t need to tell me twice.” He grinned as he ’ported us.
Through the dark we traveled, and then we arrived in the most glorious place on Earth. I twirled with my arms up high. Ahh, the sun blazed down, its heat soaking into my skin and replenishing me. “Fab-u-lous.”