Page 87 of Jay's Silence
I’m doing it different this time. I’m not starting the cycle.
I closed my eyes and cracked my neck before banishing the thoughts. Og and Lux needed time together, and I needed to focus on reclaiming my memories.
“I’ll double-check with Cikku to confirm he can house us,” I said instead, not meeting any of their eyes. “You guys rest. We need two dragons, not Tenzin obviously, watching Caoimhe in the evenings once we settle on locations.”
“And what will you be doing?” Og asked, still standing in my path.
I put a hand on his bicep and gently pushed him closer to Lux. “Malta has four temples dedicated to fertility. As we justlearned, it’s not just your island struggling with fertility but the supernatural world. I’ll see if any of the temples have records.”
“What about not being seen?” Rehan asked.
“The sites are like Newgrange in Ireland. Tourist attractions.” I met his gaze. “No one will notice another magicless tourist wandering ruins on her own.”
“That’s how this is going to work?” Og stood scarily still. “No discussion, not even a thought to what we want?”
“Exactly.” I flicked my gaze between Lux and Ogden. “You need to find happiness without me getting in the way.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
LUX
The morning sun beat down on my bare chest and shoulders as I ran behind Jay and Rehan. Like our Island, Malta was hot. Unlike our island, it was also dry and flat, with short trees and scrubby shrubs. Although we passed a few houses in various states of repair, we didn’t see another person until we arrived back at Cikku’s Vineyard.
Unlike the pristine visitors' center on the far side, the courtyard of Cikku’s villa was large, undecorated, and full of wine-making equipment and old cars. We came to a stop, and I gasped for air, my chest heaving. A sheen of sweat covered Jay and Rehan, but otherwise, they could have been out for a light stroll. They were fitness beasts. I didn’t want to, but I envied Rehan for the commonality. I knew Jay and I both liked board games, but you actually had to have one to play one, and they weren’t high on my packing list.
“Later,” Jay said.
Rehan reached out and grabbed her forearm. “Stay, train with us.”
Jay frowned. “We already talked about this. I can’t.”
“You won’t.” Rehan challenged.
Jay looked at him flatly. “Cikku’s dropping you in town to do some shopping, and he’s only got space for four in his car.
“Excuses,” Rehan stated.
Jay kissed him on the cheek before stepping to me. “You okay training with Rehan?”
“If I say no, do I spend the day with you?” I asked, feeling like one of my school kids. A memory of me standing up to Jay and warning her about this exact situation flashed across my mind. Only, I didn’t know how to follow through with my threat.
Jay grinned. “Nice try. It’s dusty neolithic sights for me this morning. Super boring.” She kissed me on the cheek as well before hesitating. “Og will be on the shopping trip.” She winked and waltzed to the front door.
I watched her butt sway as several little interactions we’d had recently clicked into place. Jay knew something had happened between Og and me, and she was trying to encourage it further. My mate was trying to hook me up with one of her other mates.
I stood there blinking as the door shut behind her.
I needed to talk to Og. This awkward dance needed to end.
Rehan clenched his fists and punched the nearest object. The rusty shell of a car groaned and dented under the assault.
“I’m trying so hard just to be her friend.” Rehan stepped to my side. “Where Og pushes, I’m waiting with open, supportive arms even if I disagree. But it’s not bringing me any closer.”
“Jay’s trying to set me up with Og,” I blurted before my brain caught up.
Rehan grunted. “She needs to try harder. All it’s doing is making the two of you avoid each other.”
Although we were both standing and facing the house, I slid in front of Rehan. “It doesn’t bother you?” I remembered his simple acceptance of my missing limbs. “Og sucked my dick.”