A Video Call
Sienna
My heart is pounding as I close the door to Jayce’s room and take a deep, steady breath.
I did it, even if my instincts were telling me to seduce him into accepting me. I’m mortified that I would even consider trying to manipulate him!
Gods, I’d better get to video calling the girls; they are probably waiting for me, although it’s way past the promised time.
Taking out my phone, I quickly send them a text.
SIENNA: Hey, sorry for the delay. Something came up, but I’ll be calling in ten minutes, if that works?
ALLIE: Of course it works; I’ve waited long enough.
HEAVEN: See you in ten, Xx
I slip my phone into my pocket and head downstairs where Uncle Liam is standing in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in one hand, the other in his pocket as he leans against the counter, his eyes fixed on the window, staring out at the glowing moon.
“Sorry for intruding,” I say softly, not wanting to startle him. He hadn’t noticed me until I spoke. He looks up and smiles, a smile he’s still able to wear despite the pain I know he’s in.
“Not at all; it’s quite late. Not heading to bed?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Not yet, I wanted to make something…” I hesitate. I wanted to ask Grandma Red, but she’s already gone to bed; maybe Uncle Liam can help with some insight.
“Do you want something to eat? I can make you something.” He turns, as if ready to take out some food and put something together for me.
I shake my head. “No, not to eat – not for me, anyway. I wanted to make something for the warriors after training tomorrow morning. Earlier this morning, I saw the training sessions going on. There were a lot of warriors.”
I had kept myself hidden, but I was impressed by the number.
“Ah, yes, we do require everyone to train,” he explains, taking a gulp of his coffee.
I nod. “So, if it’s ok, I wanted to make some protein balls and shakes? Would that be ok?” I ask. “Maybe with a touch of healing acceleration and an energy boost?”
His eyes soften, some of the tiredness fading from them, and he nods. “That would be nice, but there are a lot of people. Would you like my help? I can follow instructions well.”
I smile. “I heard you’re an incredible cook, too; your Victoria sponge cake is well known.”
He looks down, chuckling softly. “Yeah, I haven’t baked in a while, though…”
I walk over to him, placing my hand on his forearm in silent comfort. “Maybe someday you will; I’d love to try it.”
He looks at me and nods. “Of course.”
I smile and look around the kitchen. “Am I ok to begin on the protein balls? I’ll cast a spell so I don’t disturb anyone with the noise.
I’m going to need to freeze them. And I thought I’d get the base for the shakes prepped, so I’ll just need to add milk in the morning.
That’s something I will need more of. Would we be able to get it? ”
“Of course, I’ll let the packhouse know to deliver it. You really want to do this, don’t you?”
I nod, and he smiles.
“Yes, I do. I want to make some brownies, too, but I’ll make those in the morning.”
“Alright. Then do whatever you want; this is your house, too. Just let me know what else you might need, and I’ll get it for you, plus if you need anything in a larger quantity, I can get it from the pantry.”
I’m about to tell him I’ll be ok, but he could do with the distraction, even if it’s a short one.
“Thank you, I’d appreciate that. Let me make a list.”
He opens the top pull-out drawer and hands me a pen and a notepad.
“Thanks.” I write everything I need down, and he takes it. In that time, I quickly get the food processor set up and cast a privacy spell a meter around myself and then set up my phone on the counter before I video call the girls.
They answer instantly, clearly waiting for me. They’re both in bed, Allie in all black, and Heaven in pale pink and red, printed satin pyjamas.
“Hey! How are you?” Heaven asks, leaning forward.
“I’m good. How are you two?” I ask.
Allie raises her hand. “Alive. I cast a privacy spell, all by myself.”
“Nice, you’re doing awesome with those spells. And you, Heaven?”
She nods. “Doing perfectly well.”
As composed as ever, but we all know behind that there’s so much more. She misses Theo. But not once has she said she wishes he were here, respecting the choice he made; even if she yearns for him to be here, she won’t voice it.
“You’re staring into my soul, or attempting to,” she remarks with a flick of her hair.
I smile. “Maybe… So I have some news-”
“Before that, why are you in the kitchen?” Allie asks, raising an eyebrow. “I hope you aren’t working hard to win Jayce over?”
“And if I am? Is it so bad if I were?” I ask, amused. “But no, this isn’t for Jayce. I wanted to make some protein snacks for the warriors for training tomorrow,” I explain just as Uncle Liam returns, carrying several boxes and jars.
“I found everything,” he says with a smile as he walks over to me and places them down, smiling at the screen. “Hi, girls.”
“Hi,” Heaven says with a small smile as Allie’s face remains deadpan.
“Hi, Uncle.”
“Well, do you need anything else from me?” he asks me.
I shake my head. “Thank you for all of this. Nothing else, thank you.”
He smiles and nods. “You’re welcome. I will be in the lounge if you do need anything; just give me a shout. I’ll give you ladies some privacy.” He gives the girls a little wave.
“I will,” I say, really meaning it. He walks off, and I turn back to the screen where Allie is folding her arms, and Heaven has that look on her face.
“Bonding with your father-in-law?” Allie asks, and I blush and shake my head.
“Not planned, but maybe?”
Heaven smiles. “Good, I’m happy that you are. So what news did you have?” she asks, her eyes inquisitive.
I smile and tap my neck. “I marked him; we… fixed my heat and his hallucinations.”
Heaven’s eyes widen before a triumphant smile crosses her lips.
“You mean you fucked him,” Allie corrects, wrinkling her nose. “To think sex can fix shit.”
“Of course, you’d find it weird,” I declare as I begin measuring out the protein powder. I’m going to have to make a few batches.
“Actually, I find it weird because it involves my cousin. You both had to go for them. But, Sienna, I’m glad you guys did what you had to. Your heat wasn’t easy.”
I nod. “I’m relieved,” I admit honestly, pulling on some latex gloves.
“So, does this mean you two are together, or he’s still being a stubborn asshole?”
“We aren’t, but I’m working on it.” I smile, but my words are full of confidence. “I know what the issue is, so I just need to show him that he’s wrong.”
“Want to share that reason?” Heaven asks as I begin deseeding the dates.
Whatever I tell these two stays with them; I know that. Our promise to one another was no secrets, and I’ll uphold that.
I glance at the screen, my smile fading slightly as I drop the dates into the food processor, the sticky pieces clinging to my gloved fingers before I wipe them off. “Because he sees it as his failure that he couldn’t protect me, but he has to realise I don’t expect him to protect me.”
Heaven nods straight away. “Exactly. It’s about being recognised as strong enough to stand beside them. I mean, I like the whole protector thing, but we’re not weak.”
“Exactly,” I say as I scoop out two cups of peanuts and toss them in after the dates. “Like, I’m pretty sure we’d also want to protect them if it came down to it. It’s not a man’s job.”
“Speak for yourself,” Allie says flatly, not even blinking as she looks at us through the screen. “If I were in your situation, I’d let him struggle for a bit and see if he figures his shit out on his own. There’s something very satisfying about watching a man suffer.”
Both Heaven and I just stare at her.
“So, wait…” I say slowly, reaching for the oats and pouring them in, my eyes narrowing slightly as I look back at the screen. “Does this mean Allie – our Allie – is thinking about having a man?”
Heaven laughs lightly. “I was thinking the same thing,” she replies with a small smirk.
Allie’s eyes narrow at both of us. “You’re both annoying.”
I laugh as I measure the final cup of oats. “Nope, we’re just questioning what you said. I think our Allie here is finally realising what having a man around might actually be like. What’s next? Are you planning on kissing, too?”
She gives me one of her deadpan stares. “Really, Si. Don’t make me consider ways to torture your man.”
I smile, not torture me, but Jayce, for my words.
“She’s not wrong, though,” Heaven adds, leaning forward a little. “Is there someone?”
Allie scoffs. “No. And there never will be. Now, can we get back to you and your arrogant alpha, because last I checked, you were in Russia and now you’re here.”
I sigh, reaching for the peanut butter, scooping it out and dropping it into the processor, the sound oddly loud in the quiet kitchen.
“A lot is going on,” I admit, adding a few spoons of maple syrup and vanilla.
“And as much as I want to tell you everything, I can’t over a call.
I was actually hoping you’d both get permission for leave.
I need you both here. But it needs to be kept secret from everyone. No one at the Academy can know.”
“Consider it done,” Heaven says without hesitation.
I smile a little at that.
She will get it done.
I add a bit of salt before closing the lid.
“Have you… been to see your mum?” I ask hesitantly, glancing back at Allie.
She looks down for a second, and it’s small, but I see it – that flicker in her expression.
“I did,” she says after a moment. “Dad still doesn’t know. He should. He needs to come back and be with her. She’s probably falling apart inside but pretending she’s fine. I’m sure she isn’t.”
I nod slowly, pressing the button so the processor kicks to life, the noise filling the space for a second before I stop it again.
“They said they’ll recall him, so hopefully soon.”
“The sooner the better,” Heaven agrees as she runs a brush through her blond locks.
I scrape down the sides, mixing it again, giving us all a moment to ponder the situation. I can’t wait to tell them about the primordial.
“So, you won’t need to go back there, right?” Allie asks. “The barrier didn’t work, did it?”
“It’s complicated,” I say, glancing at the mixture as I scoop it all out into a bowl and then begin working on the next batch of mixture.
“I feel like I’m not done there yet. Once we get the answers we need, I’ll go back.
Ahren’s here right now and we’ve found out some things, but we’ll talk properly when you’re here, okay? ”
Even if the call is secure, I’m not risking it.
“Understood,” Heaven nods. “We’ll be there as soon as possible.”
“So,” Heaven says, her tone shifting slightly, “How are you planning on melting Jayce’s heart?”
“By being myself,” I say. “I’m not going to worry about how he reacts or if I upset him. I’m done walking on eggshells. I’m not playing games either; I’ll just… be me. He loves me, and I love him, and that’s all that matters.”
There’s a pause.
Then Heaven’s smile softens, something warmer settling into her expression. “That’s all you need, Si. He’s already yours anyway.”
Allie tilts her head, watching me carefully. “I do agree; you don’t need to win him over,” she agrees. “As Heaven said, he’s yours. That’s for sure. Slightly nauseating, but I’ll support you… from a distance.”
I smile softly. “Of course you will.”
“Preferably while wearing a hazmat suit,” she adds, making both Heaven and me laugh.
I glance up at the screen, my chest tightening slightly, as I remember what we once were. “I know, sometimes it’s hard to be confident, but I will be. I just need to break down that wall of his.”
“One he’s erected because he’s hurt,” Heaven says. “Not because he doesn’t love you.”
“And you being yourself?” Allie continues. “That’s exactly what’s going to undo him.”
I let out a small breath, looking down at the large box of peanuts as I measure a cup.
He does love me.
Even now.
I know that.
Heaven leans forward slightly, a teasing smile returning. “Also… let’s not pretend you’re starting from nothing here.” She smirks.
I glance up, my eyes widening. “What do you mean? The love?”
She shakes her head. “I meant you got back into his bed.”
My cheeks flush. “That wasn’t-”
“And you marked him,” Allie cuts me off.
I pause, smiling softly.
I think about the way he looks at me.
The way he still pulls me closer without thinking.
The way his anger never quite hides everything else underneath.
“He’s trying to fight it,” I murmur truthfully.
“Of course he is,” Heaven says. “Doesn’t mean you will stop; you have a plan now, and I like it.”
“And he’s being stubborn, but he’s definitely not winning this thing,” Allie adds.
A small smile tugs at my lips despite myself. My thoughts drift back to this morning, and I smile.
“Yeah,” I agree softly. “This time we both win.”
Heaven smiles. “Exactly.”
Allie smiles faintly as she nods with that ever-so-slight smile of hers.
Their support means the world.
“Well, I’ll let you guys get some rest. I’m just going to blend all this and get the protein balls finished for tomorrow.”
“Alright, see you soon then. Night.” Allie yawns.
“Goodnight, Si. Goodnight, Allie,” Heaven says as she finishes braiding her hair.
We wave at one another before the call ends.
Putting on some music, I get back to mixing everything before adding each round to the large bowl.
Once two bowls are full of the mixture, I step back and go over the recipe. Peanut butter, dates, oats, peanuts, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt… I tick each item off in my head when suddenly I get the feeling I’m being watched.
And it isn’t the kind of sensation when Jayce watches me; this makes the hair at the back of my neck rise. The kitchen window is to my back, and I’m sure whoever is watching me is out there.
I turn sharply towards the window, scanning the darkness outside, but the feeling is gone.
I shiver, feeling a little uneasy. I walk over to the window and pull the blinds shut before returning to what I was doing. After a moment, I can’t help but glance over my shoulder at the window. Maybe I imagined it? But somehow, I can’t shake the feeling off.
I reach out with my powers, but sense no one.
Strange.