Page 71 of Frosted Torment

CHAPTER 26

“How are you?” Ena examined me, her eyes brimming with genuine concern.

“I’m not sure,” I whispered, trying to push aside the whirlwind of emotions churning inside me.

A cluster of people gathered around Baz as the brisk mountain air nipped at my cheeks. I rubbed my hands together for warmth, waiting for him to weave through the crowd.

“I’m relieved you made it out of there last night,” she said softly.

I slapped a hand against my forehead in frustration. “I’m sorry, Ena. I’m a twit for not thanking you for saving my ass.”

She chuckled, biting her bottom lip while sneaking glances at Baz. “You have bigger fish to fry. Besides, uprooting trees and summoning gale-force winds is another Tuesday for me.”

“Right.” I raised an eyebrow and fixed my gaze on Baz. “What’s the story behind those tattoos?”

“They’re etched during the ceremony I perform,” she replied matter-of-factly.

“That’s mind-boggling! How does that work?” I leaned closer, lowering my voice so we wouldn’t be overheard.

Ena squinted against the rising sun. “When I utter the incantations during the ceremony, Lex’s essence ignites something within me. Tattoos materialize on the angel before he transforms into a wolf.” She inhaled a deep breath, then exhaled gradually. “They connect him to both his wolf form and his celestial nature. But I can’t believe he’s standing here as a human.”

“Stop drooling,” I nudged her playfully with my shoulder.

She beamed and giggled. “Do you blame me? He’s mesmerizing, Noa.”

“But don’t you have your own angel?” I teased, nodding toward Lex.

“Maybe,” she sang with a wide grin and tossed her long black hair over her shoulder.

“What do you know about the signati bond?” I asked.

“He’s tethered to you in every conceivable way now,” she explained, emphasizing its importance.

“Wait.” I raised a hand to halt her words, as my brows shot up. “Not every way, right?” I asked, terrified with raised brows. Even if Baz had a level of gorgeousness that hurt my eyes, we were linked for life, and that would be strange.

Ena shook her head in amusement. “Not at all. You can have a relationship; he won’t.”

“That’s unfortunate,” I sighed as I watched him embrace his family, then my shoulders sagged in concern. “Oh no, please tell me he isn’t a eunuch.”

Ena erupted into laughter so hard she doubled over. I turnedmy head to avoid drawing attention to us, but it was too late—Lex shot us a disappointed glare, resembling a parent disapproving of children interrupting a serious meeting. We both turned away, keeping our backs to them.

“Look,” Ena said between gasps of laughter, “guardian angels don’t crave romantic connections. You are his world and his sacred duty to protect,” she added with a hint of envy lacing her voice.

“Wonderful,” I muttered, and wrinkled my face.

“Are you honestly going to hate having that delicious piece attached to you?” She fanned her face and laughed.

“You’re killing me, Ena! Focus, please.”

I looked over my shoulder and Baz’s eyes flickered with concern. He and Lex broke off from the group and walked toward us, both with questions dancing in their eyes. I tapped Ena’s arm with the back of my hand before we turned to face them together.

“Everyone okay over there?” I asked, rocking back on my heels.

Baz reached his hands out to guide me up the path. “Everyone knows what to do when the time comes.”

“What are you doing?” I protested, trying to pull my hand away from his firm grasp as he continued to lead me forward.

“Protect and guard—remember?” He looked down at me with an endearing softness I’d never seen before as I stood still, refusing to budge.

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