Page 45 of Jilted By Jack Frost

“Fair point.” She watches Jack create ice barriers around the exterior walls. “He is hot, though. You know, for being literally made of ice.”

I feel my cheeks heat. “He’s just here because he needs my help with something.”

“Uh-huh. That’s why he’s looking at you like you hung the moon?”

“He’s not—” But when I glance over, Jack’s intense gaze is fixed on me, softening when our eyes meet.

No. Don’t read into it. He just needs me to deal with Gabriel and his realm. He called me his mate before and still pushed me away.

The lights go out completely, plunging us into darkness. Before panic can spread, Jack waves his hand and dozens of floating ice crystals appear, casting a soft blue glow throughout the room.

“That’s better,” Alana says. “Very romantic lighting.”

I elbow her in the ribs. “Not helping.”

“What? I’m just saying, if a guy turned into a giant blue ice god and created magical barriers to save my workplace, I’d at least consider giving him a chance.”

“It’s complicated.”

“When isn’t it?” She squeezes my arm. “But complicated doesn’t always mean wrong.”

The building trembles beneath my feet, and Jack’s protective dome groans like it might crack. His muscles bunch as he adds another coating of ice to strengthen it.

“We must go back to my realm for now. I thought I could just leave, but Gabriel wields too much power on Earth. I can tell he’s trying to hurt me, but he’s struggling to handle the magic surging through him. Having you near me makes me strong enough to go back and deal with that bastard.”

“What about all the sick people?” I ask, glancing at the hallway that leads to the patient rooms.

“The barrier will last a few hours, at least.” Jack steps toward me, his huge body blocking out some of the crystal-lit glow. “I also think they are safer without us here. Gabriel’s storm will be following me, following us and feeding off my magic.” He lowers his voice. “The longer we stay, the more danger they’re in.”

He’s right, but leaving all those sick people behind makes my stomach twist with guilt.

“Last time I tried to travel between realms, it felt like my soul was being ripped apart.”

“I know. I was foolish then, trying to force you away.” His blue hand reaches for mine, and that familiar warmth spreads through my chest. “But I understand now. Our bond—it’s not just magic. I think it’s a bridge between our worlds.”

Alana appears at my elbow. “The emergency response team is ten minutes out. We’ve got everyone stable.”

“You’ll handle things here?”

She nods, then pulls me into a fierce hug. “Don’t disappear on me again without saying goodbye.”

“I won’t.”I hope.

Jack’s hand settles on my shoulder, and I feel power thrumming through him. “Are you ready?”

“No, but when has that ever fucking stopped me?”

He pulls me against his chest, and the world dissolves into swirling snow. But this time, instead of that horrible tearing sensation, I feel wrapped in warmth. Protected. Connected.

Oh. This is what it’s supposed to feel like.

The hospital cafeteria fades away, and I catch one last glimpse of Alana’s shocked face before everything goes white.

Chapter twenty

Violet

The familiar chill of Jack’s realm wraps around me as we materialize in his throne room. My stomach lurches, but nothing like the soul-ripping agony of before.

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