The Ice Twins - Nikki Jefford Page 0,51

Sky. She’d practically bitten my head off for asking such an outrageous question. Elves over ogres. Got it. Sorry for saying anything.

Fraya’s father, Jhaeros, stepped in, all business as he addressed the twins. “Remember everything we’ve practiced over the years, and always remain alert. These creatures may appear large and bumbling, but they’re able to cover a lot of ground faster than you’d think and, trust me, you don’t want them catching up to you.”

The twins nodded their understanding, looking up at the tall elf in his tailored slacks and jacket. Jhaeros had an old-fashioned air about him. He was the oldest elf in our group and sometimes came across as gruff. Fraya had lamented to me about him in recent years. She’d gone from daddy’s darling to the rebel daughter who married an Elmray traitor. It drove Fraya nuts that Jhaeros still couldn’t accept the male Alok had become.

“He merely tolerates him,” she’d grumbled on more than one occasion.

I figured we’d start our own support group very soon. I hadn’t had any response from my father since writing to him of my engagement to the Elmray twins. His silence said it all.

“When in battle, always keep your sword in the ready position,” Jhaeros continued.

“Go for their ankles,” Melarue threw in. “Get behind them first, then strike.”

“But remember to avoid stabbing motions,” Jhaeros said.

“Right. Bring your blade forward first and step into the attack.” Melarue raised her voice as though she was competing with Jhaeros to be heard.

“Yep. Yep. We got it.” Ronin chuckled.

Sunlight nudged at the shadows, the temperature rising, time running out. The heat of the coming day threatened to burn up my soul.

Tears brimmed my eyes. At this point, I just wanted the twins to leave so that I could return home and release the maelstrom of anguish I’d had to hold in for the past few days.

We’d said our private goodbyes first thing in the morning, but when Reed and Ronin walked up to me for the final time before departing, the rest of their family moved away, talking amongst themselves while I hugged each male.

“We’re going to miss you every second we’re away, day and night,” Reed murmured.

Ronin’s brows furrowed. “Maybe we shouldn’t go. I hate leaving Zelie.”

“I’ll be fine.” I smiled and waved off his concern with a flick of my hand. “Go vanquish the enemy. Show my parents what you’re made of.”

“Testosterone and ice.” Reed smirked.

I laughed my first real laugh since they’d made their decision to leave.

Ronin wrapped his arms around me, leaning his sword hip away, and kissed my temple. “We’ll write to you every day. Will you do the same?”

“I won’t have any exciting news to share, not like you,” I said.

“We still want to hear from you,” Reed said.

Ronin leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “You’ll let us know if you’re pregnant. We’ll return home right away if you are.”

A flutter of anticipation took flight inside my stomach.

I could get through this. The twins were worth the wait. Maybe I’d be summoning them back in a few weeks to celebrate becoming fathers. Even my mom would have to concede that family duty came before a town of strangers who chose to live in the shadow of ogres.

I kissed Ronin, then left the warmth of his arms to kiss Reed. Reed pulled me in before I could step back and fused his mouth with mine, kissing me breathless. When we came up for air, I swayed, unsteady on my legs. Ronin stepped behind me and spun me around to face him. “I can’t let my brother have the last kiss when he goes planting a scorcher like that over your lips.”

Ronin tilted his head and executed his passionate assault. Our tongues tangled, pulling at invisible strings connected to every nerve ending throughout my body.

“Now I need to kiss Zelie again.” Reed pulled me gasping from his brother and turned me around for a repeat performance of tongue-swirling action.

“Ahem, boys.” Ryo’s throaty chuckle broke through the kissing contest. Ryo flashed me an apologetic smile. “Don’t want to ride in after dark.”

Reed gave my hand a final squeeze. I walked alongside him and Ronin toward the horses. Their family moved in, expressions turning somber. Peridot and Kaylin brought out water canteens and handed them to the twins.

“Be safe,” Peridot said.

“Look out for each other,” Kaylin commanded.

The nannies in them were coming out. I hadn’t stopped to consider that this was an emotional day for the Elmrays’ full-time Fae helpers. Peridot and