by Rachel Jonas
“Can I touch it?”
I didn’t see any reason she shouldn’t, so I nodded again. Her finger traced the outline of my mark and I stayed silent while they observed. Even Tristan pushed off from the wall to take a look.
“It’s so weird,” Manny commented.
“If it wasn’t so scary that it just showed up out of nowhere, it’d actually be kind of cool,” Marcela added.
“It is weird,” I agreed, “but not so much that I have a mark, but because mine is different.”
I breathed rapidly as all four of my friends’ brows quirked in unison.
“Different from whose?” Marcela spoke up, likely asking the question on all their minds.
I glanced to my right, where Ori was still standing guard by the window—always seemingly on duty. He’d never struck me as the sensitive type, but I sensed so much warmth from him now, as that hard look he always wore softened just a little.
“Different from theirs,” I confessed, turning back toward Toni and the others. “Different from my guardians, my … mates.”
I was only weirded out saying it because I knew my friends would be weirded out. We did things quite differently on the mainland, so I didn’t expect them to understand. Heck, I’d only accepted it myself a couple days ago—first kissing Kai, and then Paulo, Rayen, and Ori.
After that, I knew. I was undeniably theirs.
Manny tilted his head to the side, confusion creasing his forehead. “Uh, run that back, please. Did you say mates? As in, plural. And mates as in, like … ‘bedfellows’?”
“Wow,” one of the Omegas groaned behind me.
“Bedfellows?” Toni giggled. “Is that even a thing?”
Marcela slowly turned to face her brother, her expression becoming more disgusted by the second.
“I should slap you right now, in front of everyone,” she warned. “Why on earth would you use such a stupid, stupid word, Manny?”
Unsure why his twin was so offended, Manny shrugged. “Well, what should I have said? The word ‘mate’ implies a lot of things!”
“You shouldn’t have said anything, but definitely not that.” Marcela, clearly giving up, rolled her eyes.
“Hold on a sec,” Tristan scoffed, tossing an incredulous smirk toward the Omegas before his gaze returned to me. “All of them?”
My stomach did that weird sinking thing when the question was fired at me like a bullet.
“Why would I joke about that?” I answered reluctantly. That feeling of there being no judgment faded quickly, thanks to that look on Tristan’s face.
He full-on laughed this time. “Noelle, be serious! Who the heck is filling your head with this crap?”
I went from feeling embarrassed by his reaction to offended.
‘Know what would shut this kid up? A boot to the throat.’ The voice inside my head was undoubtedly Rayen’s.
‘Stand down,’ Ori said sternly. ‘She can handle him.’
His confidence in me nearly made me smile.
“One girl and four dudes? Who does that?” Tristan asked next, confirming that the judgment I sensed was officially alive and well. “So, you came here to learn, to get your foot in the door with The Guard, now you’re giving that all up for them?”
“Wait, who said anything about giving up?” I asked, hearing the shrill tone of my voice as I frowned. “I haven’t lost sight of anything. I’m still focused on school, but who says school has to be all I focus on? I can’t have a life, too?” I asked.
Without realizing it, Tristan was speaking to an unspoken concern I held. That I would have to choose between fulfilling my purpose and the Omegas.
Tristan’s only response was to shake his head as his gaze slipped from mine. Apparently, I was hard to look at now.
“Listen, I don’t expect you guys to understand it, but this is how things are. I thought I was only coming here to learn. It wasn’t until I got settled that I realized my mission might be bigger than that.”
“Says who?” Tristan cut in. “You’re barely twenty, Noelle, with your whole life ahead of you, and you’re gonna just let these four piss on you and call you theirs? Laying claim to you for a lifetime? Nah, I call B.S.”
The bed creaked behind me, and suddenly a massive shadow blocked out the trace of sunlight that remained. It meant the Omegas were all on their feet, and losing their cool.
Very quickly, I might add.
“Soooo… let’s focus on what’s important,” Toni interjected, eyeing my guys as she positioned herself between us and Tristan. I guessed this was her attempt at keeping the peace. “Noelle is alive and she’s safe. The other details aren’t important, but no matter what, we should have her back,” she added. “Because that’s what friends do.”
When she smiled at me, some of the tension melted away. “Thanks.”
“Of course.”
Tristan’s expression hadn’t changed. “Whatever,” he sighed, beginning to grab the few things he’d left here overnight. “Noelle, glad you’re okay. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I just … I have to get out of here,” he announced, slamming the door as he exited.
Toni stared after him for a moment, and so did I.
‘Kid’s a pussy,” Rayen grumbled, speaking to the others in secret.
Well, kind of.
‘Chill. We knew he had feelings for her. Give him a chance to process that she’s off-limits.’
Hearing Ori speak on Tristan’s behalf came as a shock, but it shouldn’t have. He was always levelheaded, logical.
Toni turned to me again, tossing her braids back over her shoulder. “You know what? Forget that boy. He’ll come to his senses once he’s done pouting,” she insisted with a forced smile. “Just know that the rest of us have your back. Regardless what Tristan, or anyone else has to say about it.”
Having lost enough friends already, I hoped she was right about that. It meant a lot to return and find that she, Marcela, and Manny didn’t share the popular opinion of my peers. Even after my freak out, even after news about my role within the Omega Hive, they were still with me when the dust settled.
These three were an example of true loyalty, and I wouldn’t soon forget it.
Chapter Six
Noelle
One week in Ori’s room and it already felt like mine. He made space for my things by clearing out a few drawers. I’d even been given my own blanket I was told to take with me when I left. It was one Rayen’s mother made him when he was a kid, but by them all being so big, even before being called by Spirit, it was a perfect fit for me.
The guys made sure I knew nothing here was off limits, and they’d been keeping the house extra clean. No way that was the norm, so I appreciated their effort. They’d been so accommodating. If they weren’t careful, this would start to feel like my home, too.
The place was quiet as three of the four prepared for patrol. Soon, it’d just be Rayen and I. We had plans to pass the time—snacks and a rousing game of Go-Fish. That was something my brother, sister, and I used to do when I got suckered into it. Now, I kind of missed those days.
I towel dried my hair, before slipping into a tank top and cotton pajama shorts. It was too hot and sticky for more clothing than that. Even with it nearing ten P.M.
I tossed my towel into the hamper and opened the door. The moment I did, three figures stopped in the dark hallway. They had a tendency to patrol wearing only their shorts. Apparently, “patrol” was less of a leisurely walk near the border, and more of the Firekeepers running at an unfathomable speed, stoking a continuously burning fire that marked a distinct line between the hemispheres. Although there were still occasional breaches, if it weren’t for the work the Firekeepers did to keep Sanluuk safe, I imagined things would go bad quickly.
Knowing how dedicated they were to their duty only made them more irresistible as I gawked at each of the three—shirtless, brave, beautiful.
“We’re headed out,” Ori announced in a low voice. “If anything happens, Rayen will alert us and
we can be back here in five minutes. Not a second longer.”
I smiled up at him, although his features were merely shadows with little more than an array of candles lighting the entire bungalow.
“Relax,” I laughed, pushing a hand through my hair. “Things have been quiet. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
A few seconds passed and the length of his stare could be felt before he finally nodded. “Sure.”
He’d been through so much, which left him with no idea how to loosen up. The ice between us had yet to be broken, but I was committed to helping it thaw. Placing my hand on his arm made him do a double take just before walking away.
“Be safe, okay?” I smiled, hoping this gentleness between us would eventually feel less like work, becoming more natural.
“Promise,” he answered with a nod, and then I released the light hold I had on his bicep, allowing him to continue toward the door.
Somewhere deep down, he had a chill side. If given the chance, I’d do my best to help him find it.
Kai moved in closer and I peered up at him. “Stay up until we’re done?” His request made me suddenly grateful he couldn’t see that I most definitely started blushing.
“Um … okay.”
His bright smile could be seen even in the dim light. “Good. We should be back in a few hours.”
I felt giddy and anxious when I sank my teeth into my lip, nodding. He and Ori made their way out onto the porch, headed toward the dock, and my eyes followed them every step of the way.
Paulo still hadn’t left, instead coming to stand before me. The feel of his hand slipping across my waist made the next breath I took seep from my lungs slowly. At first, I thought he only intended to speak before heading out. However, the next second, I was proven wrong.
With the difference in our height being so great, he craned his neck to reach my lips. Warm and soft, his pressed to mine, enticing my body to arch toward his. I breathed him in deep. In an instant, I was reminded of the experience we shared on the roof of my dorm. The power that ignited between us was unexpected and intense.
Then and now.
It wasn’t lost on me that Paulo had made one bold move after another. The way he stood up for me at the dorm, and now, going against the strict guidelines set by his alpha. Eavesdropping on the hives inner-conversation, I knew Ori had warned the other three to keep their distance. It was important to him that I didn’t feel pressured to get physical just because we were a unit. But, if anything … I was the one starting to burn up.
Paulo’s hands rested at either side of my neck when he pulled away. There was a lingering sense of that one kiss not having been enough. For either of us. However, if there was one thing I knew about the Omegas, their responsibility to this island was second to none.
And I loved that about them.
“Guess you should get going,” I breathed, fighting how my body rejected those words. The last thing I wanted them to do was leave.
“Yeah … I should,” he acknowledged, but when his eyes met mine, I was certain he felt it too.
The heat.
The tension.
If I lasted here another week without exploding, it would be a miracle.
“Be good while we’re gone.” A smirk followed the playful warning, and I nodded before watching him walk away.
What stole my attention was a slight noise coming from the kitchen. The sound meant Rayen was likely preparing the snacks he promised to deliver, so I moved away from Ori’s door and into the living room where I dropped down onto the couch.
Playing cards were set out on the coffee table—our mode of entertainment for the evening. The space was cast in soft, yellow light. Candles were everywhere—one in each window, one beside the cards we’d use, another on top of a small bookcase near the door. Somewhere, a radio played softly, filling the room with gentle music.
It was … perfect.
“I hope you like chocolate.” Rayen’s voice commanded my attention. “Probably should’ve asked that before I got started.”
He came closer, carrying a tray lined with store-bought cookies and brownies. Beneath his arm, a bag of chips, a two-liter of soda, and cups.
I watched him place it all on the table before me. “Show me a girl who doesn’t like chocolate.”
One corner of his mouth quirked with a smile. “My sister, Leilani, hates it. So much so, she managed to convince herself she was allergic as a kid.”
With everything set out, Rayen came to join me on the couch, causing it to dip with his weight.
“Paulo mentioned you all having sisters the other day, when we were at the dorm. Do you come from a big family?” I asked.
“Three sisters and two brothers,” he shared. “I’m the oldest.”
“Like me,” I said with a smile, thinking of Lea and Evan, who were probably at home getting on each other’s nerves at that very moment.
“It’s a job, isn’t it?” he chuckled.
“Oh, yeah. There’s always a fight to break up, a mess to clean up—”
“A mistake to cover up before they get caught.”
“That too,” I smiled. “Like last year, when my brother was on this kick, trying to prove he wasn’t just some sheltered kid who never colored outside the lines. He was stupid enough to convince some other idiot to buy him booze, so he could throw a party at the local reservoir. Mind you, he was fourteen at the time, and most of his guests were my age.”
“Nice. I’m sure that went great,” Rayen added sarcastically.
“Well, lucky for him, I found out about it before our parents. Which meant I got to be the un-fun sister who stormed down to the falls, busting up the party.”
“Been there,” Rayen said with a grin, reaching to pour us both a cup of soda.
“Of course, he didn’t see the bigger picture—that I was trying to keep him safe, trying to save his skin before our dad found out. All he saw was his big sister ruining his life.”
Rayen handed me a cup. “You talk about your dad a lot. You guys are close?” After asking, he took a sip.
It was hard to imagine I hadn’t seen my parents in so many months.
“We are,” I shared. “He’s awesome.”
My gaze lowered when I got caught in the grip of emotion. I missed them all, but there was something about knowing my dad was close by. There was never anything I could do or say that pushed him away. No matter what, he was always there, ready to protect me at the drop of a hat, accept me no matter what I’d done, and love me when I wasn’t sure I deserved it.
“I’m sure he misses you, too.”
It wasn’t until Rayen said those words that a tear actually fell, and as soon as it did, he brushed it from my cheek with his thumb.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
I peered up at him through my blurred, watery vision. “It’s not your fault. I just didn’t think it’d be this hard being away from home.”
“I can’t even imagine what that’s like,” he commented. “Which, I guess makes you the brave one between the two of us.”
His smile drew one out of me, too.
“Yeah, right.” I replied, dabbing my eyes with two fingers to dry them. “I can only imagine the things you’ve seen and done as a Firekeeper. I’m pretty sure others couldn’t handle half of what you guys have been through.”
He lowered his gaze with a smile, but neither confirmed nor denied.
“You’ve seriously never left the island?”
Rayen shook his head. “Never had any reason to. My family is here, my hive is here, and now that I have a job to do, I guess I can’t leave.”
He didn’t seem sad about kind of being stuck here now.
All this talk about being with the ones we cared about caused my thoughts to take an unexpected turn. Now, I was thinking about them, the Omegas, and what the future held for us. Especially once I left to join The Guard.
But I didn’t want to think about that yet. That opportunity was still months away and I preferre
d to live in the now. An idea came to mind and I reached for the cookies. When I handed Rayen one, I turned to get more comfortable.
“I know we made plans already, but … what if we do something different,” I announced, facing him completely.
His brow quirked with the suggestion. “Like?”
“Like, something fun … something you’re probably gonna think is a bad idea.”
Chapter Seven
Noelle
“You want me to teach you to fly,” he guessed.
I grinned cheekily. “Well, you basically told me you would. Last week in the Jeep,” I reminded him.
That sexy half-smile of his returned, but he didn’t answer right away. I didn’t miss how his eyes slipped over me. Nor did I miss how much I liked having his full, undivided attention.
“Come on,” I begged. “Please? Wouldn’t you prefer that I learn with one of you, instead of an instructor next term?”
He was quiet again, but this time I had hope I’d get my way.
Pushing off from the couch, Rayen caved. “Let’s go.”
I was giddy and practically squealed with excitement when he reached for my hand. He led the way out onto the porch, and then down onto the dock. It was pitch black out, but only for a moment. With the hand not holding mine, Rayen ignited a concentrated flame at the tip of his finger. He used it to lite the torches we passed, brightening our path toward the shore.
Beneath the slats, gently rushing water moved under our feet, and the roar of the waterfall cascading down the cliff wall added to the ambiance.
My gaze was set on Rayen. Observing him, it was hard not to gawk as his broad shoulders rolled with every step he took. Even his walk was a turn-on—casual, confident, mannish. Then there was the sheer size of him, and how the sleeveless shirt he wore left powerful arms exposed to my greedy eyes.
First, he stepped down, and then me, feeling soft sand squish between my toes.
“This is a good spot.”
I looked around after he spoke, and then smiled. “Why? Because we’re far from the bungalow and the trees? Because you think I might screw up?”
“All of the above,” he quipped. The quick response turned my smile into a laugh. Dude didn’t even worry that I might take offense.