my rapidly cooling fingers. It was colder than the shady side of an iceberg out here, and all I wanted to do was get back inside. However, my need to track down my mate trumped my physical discomfort, and I set off toward Rini’s cabin.
I hadn’t made it very far when I felt the distinct buzz of Nix’s magic tangling with my own. It was just a tickle along the edge, but it was enough. Changing course, I stomped through the deep snow until I found the melted trail Nix must have created. I shook the white piles off my all-weather Toms, happy to see they seemed to be working as advertised. I’d learned quickly that suede boots and winter weather did not mesh, and while I was still mourning those fashionable shoes, I was happy I’d been able to finagle a few boxes of clothing onto the latest supply run the rebellion did. There hadn’t been time to thoroughly pack in our rush to flee the Council’s grasp, so I was grateful for the ability to replace what I’d had to leave behind. Besides, a little retail therapy was good relaxation for me, though the guys liked to tease me about my preferences for designer clothing and the niceties in life. Then again, I rarely heard grumbles when I provided them with wardrobe extras. Just as Damien supplied the group with delicious meals, I contributed undeniable style.
My feet moved quickly yet carefully down the path, the melted snow freezing into an icy sheen in the wake of Nix’s heat. The sound of the rushing river filled my ears, the frozen mist hanging in the air as I neared the bank to see Nix sitting on a boulder. Her knees were drawn up to her chest, one arm hugging them closer while the other was outstretched with fire weaving between her fingers in an intricate little dance.
I grinned softly, pausing for a minute to soak up her beautiful profile. Long hair cascaded down her back all the way to the curve of her luscious ass. In the dark of night, her normal inky locks were pure obsidian, but her chocolate eyes were lit with the faint light of the shifting aurora above us. I’d been so lost in my own thoughts I’d barely noticed it. Living in Alaska did that to you, much like living at the beach or in the mountains. The beauty of your environment became commonplace and overlooked. But Nix always noticed, and getting to relive the awe of such phenomena through her eyes made me feel more alive.
Her lips tipped in a smile, and I knew I’d been noticed.
“Are you just going to stare, or would you like to join me?” Nix teased, calling out just loud enough for me to catch it with my enhanced shifter hearing.
“I was taking in the gorgeous view,” I replied, taking one last moment to soak up her beauty before starting in her direction once more.
“It is a beautiful night out, isn’t it?” She sighed, and there were a million emotions buried in that one small sound.
“It is,” I agreed, but my focus hadn’t moved, and when Nix glanced my way, she found my full attention zeroed in on her. I lived for the rosy blush that worked over her cheeks, the slight illumination from her fire letting me make out the attractive color infusing her golden skin.
With a small grunt, I climbed atop the boulder and settled next to her, shivering involuntarily as her heat instantly enveloped me and took away the chill my jacket couldn’t block out. The temperatures had plummeted so drastically here in the mountains, it was nearly impossible to spend any time outdoors unless you were Nix or another mythological with the ability to warm yourself.
“What are you doing out here?” I questioned, my shoulder brushing against hers as I greedily took the warmth her Phoenix offered. My Ceraptor let out a grateful huff, finally settling now that I was with Nix.
“Just… taking some time.” Nix’s fire flickered a little brighter as she wiggled her fingers, playing with the flames.
“Time from us?” Somehow, I doubted that line of questioning was something I truly needed to worry about, but I couldn’t refrain from asking just to be sure she wasn’t feeling smothered or hiding out from one of us due to a misstep we’d made.
“No,” Nix answered in a rush. “Nothing like that. It’s just that Rini didn’t want to see me, which means whatever happened