Page 89 of Fractured Memories

“Ask me again after a few drinks.”

It’s not unusual for him to want a drink after—or during—a social interaction, but he seems to have forgotten how well I know him.

“Rohan,” I push. “What’s wrong?”

His eyes cut toward me. “I’m not soft like you’ve become, Kieran. I have no interest in sharing.”

I don’t let his sneer deter me. “I don’t give a fuck. Quit being a prick, and tell me what’s going on or you’ll ruin the evening.”

He huffs, knowing I’m right. We’re almost to the patio, so he has limited options. “We drove past the site of one of the fires. It just reminded me how our control is slipping.”

I know how difficult that is for him. He is a man who loves control. I’m not too different, though I care less when it doesn’t really affect me.

“We’ll sort it all out.” I spot Eden through the glass doors, head thrown back as she laughs with Mika. “But there are more important things in life than control, Ro.”

He snorts but doesn’t answer. I let him drop it for now, choosing to push open the doors instead.

Despite the snow clinging to the mountain’s peaks, the patio is completely clear thanks to my heated floors. The wall heaters keep the bite out of the cold air, though there’s only so much they can do now that we are entering the winter season.

Eden turns as we step outside, eyes lighting up. Her olive skin has reddened from the cold, but she’s wearing her leather gear and gloves to keep warm.

I cross to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and stealing a kiss. I know Jude will be here any second, but I can’t stop myself. “Did you have fun?”

She nods, grinning. “I’ve never really cared about Wintervale before.”

“But I’m changing that!” Mika calls from where she is setting out drinks.

Mika and Jude love Wintervale—though I’m sure Jude only does because of his wife. Lochlan is a fan, too, considering the festivities are all his favorite things. On the longest night of the year, friends and family gather to feast at sunset. Then, everyone—even those of us up here at the compound—drinks and parties until sunrise. At first light, gifts are exchanged to celebrate the changing seasons since it is the mark of the days getting longer again.

I’ve never felt strongly about the holiday, though I’ve always let Mika force us to join her and Jude. Knowing that Jude’s birthday is only two days before gives us a reason to stretch the holiday out a bit.

A tradition Eden is now learning about.

“What are you doing?” Jude snaps behind me, and I chuckle, turning to see Lochlan covering his eyes. Jude is trying to shove him off—he could do it easily, but he’s letting Lochlan have his fun.

“Waiting for the signal!” Lochlan looks over at Mika, who is giggling as she watches them.

Her long, dark hair is down for once, snow sticking to the strands as she crosses to the two of them. She replaces Lochlan’s hands with her own, and Jude grips her hips, pulling her in. He already knows it’s her.

While I did want to get Eden’s ring, my trip down the mountain had a second reason. I needed to keep Jude distracted and away from the compound for Mika. I think I might have even succeeded in keeping him from getting suspicious.

“Trouble.” His voice is low as he dips down to kiss her neck, the nickname nearly inaudible to the rest of us. “What did you do?”

“Surprise!” She drops her hands, tucking into his side so Jude can take in the patio.

The girls transformed it, having wrapped greenery around the railing and chairs. Two small trees are in either corner, decorated with twinkling lights, and candles dot the surfaces. Warm spiced drinks are set on the table along with winter treats. Flannel blankets are laid out across the chairs, and a fire is roaring in front of the seating area.

It is rather festive, and a perfect start to Wintervale.

He looks down at his wife with such adoration that I almost forget this is the same Jude that terrifies most people in the city. “You did this for me?”

Mika’s smile is so bright as she leans up on her toes to kiss him. “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you.” He cups her face, capturing her mouth again. Except his kiss is deeper, claiming.

So much so that Rohan clears his throat. “Yes, thank you, Mika.” And then he grabs one of the drinks and downs nearly the entire thing.

Eden presses her face to my chest to hide her laughter, and Jude finally lets Mika go. She’s flushed, eyes a little glazed over. But then she realizes everyone is staring at her, and her cheeks darken. “Let’s eat!”