The Ice Twins - Nikki Jefford Page 0,14

doubted I could use my ice magic anytime soon. My body felt like a torch flaming from the kiss of a beautiful elf. Oh, sweet mango. Zelie knew how to ignite a male on contact. I could have easily combusted on the spot. Luckily, I had my own handy inner on-demand air conditioning to keep myself in check.

I walked across the next lane, going out of my way to jump over a fallen tree. I passed beneath branches. When I saw a thick, sturdy one, I leapt for it and grabbed hold, swinging by my arms for a fleeting moment before letting go to land back on the ground. I sprang forward, my boots pushing off the ground, propelling me toward home.

I felt tempted to wander the lanes all night, replaying the kiss, but Reed might get the wrong idea. Also, I couldn’t wait to tell him about my success. He wasn’t only my twin brother; he was my best friend.

I stayed the course, humming to myself. Fireflies winked in and out above the meadow surrounding our cottage. I saw the warm glow of lights within the kitchen windows and jogged the remainder of the way to the front door.

I opened and closed the door behind me softly, mindful of our sleeping parents. Directly ahead, Miss Night Owl Melody sat on the love seat painting her nails and wearing pink light-up headphones plugged into an iPod from the human world. My sister’s iPod rested on the cushion beside her. She had at least five of the things. Anytime she portaled into the mortal realm, she took them all with her and charged them up. Her eyes flicked up, taking me in before she returned to coating her nails in pink polish. I wrinkled my nose at the smell.

Reed stood with his arms folded, back resting against the kitchen counter, glaring at me. “I hate you so much right now.”

I grinned. “You should be thanking me.”

“Thanking?” Reed’s wretched scowl brought laughter to my lips.

Poor guy. I’d be moody, too, if my brother had gotten his lips on Zelie first. It was difficult not to boast, but I was nicer than that. I was the sweet twin. Mango sweet. I smiled happily.

“Stop it,” Reed snapped.

“Hey, can’t blame me for being in a good mood.”

“You suck.”

Melody pulled her headphones down to her neck. “Why does Ronin suck?”

Reed looked past me to the living room and huffed. “I knew you weren’t really listening to music.”

“I was between songs,” Melody informed him.

“Liar,” Reed mouthed.

I looked from him to our little sister, who was now glaring in our direction. She left the headphones around her neck and began shaking a small bottle of light gold shimmer nail polish.

“Do you mind?” Reed said belligerently. “We’re having a private conversation.”

“Go ahead. I won’t tell anyone.” Melody lifted her brows. I could see the hope in her eyes as she watched us despite her attempt to act indifferent. She didn’t have friends in Pinemist, and it couldn’t be easy watching Reed and me pal around all the time while she was left to entertain herself.

“This is between Ronin and me,” Reed said.

“I was here first.”

“Fine. We’ll go outside.”

“I was just about to go outside.”

“What the shit, Melody? No, you weren’t. Stop being a brat.”

Melody stood and snatched up her iPod. “Fine, don’t tell me. But the next time I have a secret, I’m not telling you either.”

Reed rolled his eyes. “I don’t need to know the secret to having the perfect hair or spring wardrobe or whatever.”

Melody blinked several times, a wounded expression filling her face.

Reed must have realized he’d gone too far. He took a step toward the living room. “Sorry, Melody. I didn’t mean it.”

“Yes, you did!” Melody yelled. She shot him a glare before storming off. The door of her room slammed closed shortly thereafter.

“Good one, ace,” I said, turning to shake my head at Reed.

“She’s so sensitive.”

“She’s a preteen female.”

“What does that even mean?” Reed asked.

“Beats me.” I shrugged. “It’s what Mom says.”

We both waited in silence for a full minute to see if one of our parents would come out to see what the latest outburst was all about.

“Probably have their earplugs in,” Reed muttered. His jaw relaxed for a moment . . . until he saw the smile stretching over my cheeks. Like I could help it!

“I won fair and square.”

“I get to sleep with her first.”

I growled, my good mood going up in smoke. “You can’t just call dibs.”

“I just did.” Reed