Page 21 of Scrooged for the Holidays
“This isn’t how we speak to each other,” I say softly.
There’s a pause, and the two Nephilim lock eyes, daggers flashing between them. I continue the flow of my calming energy, and to my surprise, it’s Sam who breaks first. His shoulders ease, and he brings his large hand up to grasp the side of Kai’s neck, his thumb on Kai’s bearded chin.
“I’m sorry, Malachi.” His eyes find mine, and he places his other hand over mine on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Remiel. I don’t know what came over me.”
Kai covers Sam’s fingers with his hand. “It’s her,” he says. “Greer’s aura—her energy. It’s potent in more ways than one.”
I dip my chin. “I think Kai’s right. Everything about her is potent.”
Sam grips Kai’s throat and my hand a bit harder. “I know how you both feel. I understand the hunger, the restlessness, the bite of anger.” He runs his tongue over his teeth. “But that’s why I believe it’s important we stick to the plan. Three nights. Three dreams. Greer needs us, and we can’t let our desire overtake us.”
Kai keeps his eyes on Sam, but I hear the ghost of his voice in my mind. The words are only said to me.He said “our” desire.
I don’t react to his private communication; instead, I squeeze both of their shoulders. I put on a small smile, pumping more hope and good energy around us until Kai is smiling, too. I feel his calming blue aura pulsate out as well, adding his owncomfort to the mix. He may not be able to see and study auras as well as I can, but he uses their energy just the same with his focus.
I have many questions I’d love to ask Sam. I want to know more about Greer’s future, but he won’t tell me. He wants things to play out how he thinks they’re meant to with no interference beyond our usual guidance. I do as well, but I also know that Greer’s future and her choices depend on her. That means that things can change.
Moreover, he’s ignoring that he can’t see our futures—he’s simply going off the fact that we’ve bound ourselves to Elysian Pines. But what if our futures can change, too? I’ve never thought about it because I didn’t have to. I’ve always accepted what is, not what was or will be.
The restless, voracious energy swirls in my lower abdomen, and my decision about this situation becomes clearer. There’s a reason we all feel differently when it comes to Greer, why the three of us are butting heads, and it’s not just because of Greer’s gray aura. I simply don’t know what that reason is yet.
“Are you ready for tonight, Kai?” I ask, pushing my thoughts away for now.
He nods. “I’ve already begun to sift through her memories. I think I know what’s best to show her, what she needs to see.”
“Brilliant. Now, strip.” Kai’s eyebrows shoot damn near his forehead, and when I look at Sam, his gaze is dark and simmering.
“Now? I thought I had a job to do.” He smirks.
“She’s not asleep yet; we’ll know when she is. I think we all need to take the edge off.” I begin to unbutton my shirt, and the energy in the room shifts to something carnal. “What do you think, Sam?”
He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing in the column of his throat. “I think that’s the best thought you’ve had all night, Remi.”
Chapter eight
Greer
Thisinnischarming.And much like what I’ve seen of Elysian Pines so far, it’s also quaint. Did I mention the inside is covered in Christmas decor, a lot of it angel themed, like the rest of this town? There’s a flipping Christmas tree in every room.
I stare at the offensive thing in the right corner of my room, its multicolored lights casting a glow across the floor. There are even what looks to be handmade ornaments on it and an angel on top. I’ve stepped into a freaking Hallmark movie.
And it’s not only because of the decorations—the woman who checked me in was a total chatterbox. Even after I snapped at her for the bad cell reception, she still tried to make nice, asking me where I was from, if I liked scones and tea or coffee because they serve a continental breakfast every morning.
I essentially slammed the door in her face once she gave me a brief tour of the inn and showed me to my room. It’s nothing five-star—just a king-sized bed with a fluffy white comforter and fuzzy blanket, a gas fireplace that’s roaring with life, a bathroom with a shower and clawfoot tub, and a desk with a chair near the window—but I guess it’s better than a Roads Motel, even with the kitschy decor.
I look around the room from my seat on the bed. I’m propped up by a mountain of pillows, and the space is warmfrom the fire and the heat pumping through the vents. I should be grateful that I’m safe and not stuck on the road or in a parking lot somewhere, but I feel on edge.
My stomach growls, and I think of the food I left behind. I should have taken it to go, but I wanted to get out of that bar and away from Kai. His rejection still stings in my chest. The feeling annoys me, even more so because I don’t let men get to me. Ever since my ex broke up with me three years ago, I haven’t dated. I simply take pleasure and leave. If a man doesn’t want me, that’s their loss. But for some reason, Kai pulling away makes me angry.
I rub my chest and climb off the bed, opening the travel bag I put on the desk. I pull out the black pajama set I brought with me, the soft material like butter against my fingers, then I strip off my suit and hang it in the closet. It’s stuffed full of more hangers than I’ll ever use and a complimentary red-and-green flannel robe that looks freshly pressed. That, I will definitely never wear. So tacky.
Once I’m changed into my pajamas, I grab my phone and computer, settling in my bed. I attempt to connect to their guest Wi-Fi on my laptop, but they weren’t lying. It’s not working. I pick up my phone and see I still have no bars. I tried to get reception outside in the snow, but that didn’t work, either. That means no new messages or emails, just the ones I snagged during the minute I connected to The Drift’s Wi-Fi.
My chest stings when I think of how Avery didn’t text to see if I was okay, simply sent the things I asked for and went home to hang out with our families.
I knew without her saying it that she still sees my family. Why would she stop? It’s not as if they called her an Ice Queen and embarrassed her. It’s not as if she was broken up with, either—she’s still happily together with her college boyfriend, Josh.
I rub my hand over my chest, my eyes drifting to the fireplace. The flames flicker in random patterns, the blue flame at thebottom expanding to their bright orange and yellow waves. My eyes sting, and when I feel the bridge of my nose prickle, I snap out of it, swallowing hard and blinking.
