Kiss of Frost (The Dragon Stone Saga Book 1)(19)

"It's not a tattoo. It's a mating mark. Beck says it represents our journey as mates." I poke at the design, shrugging, some part of me still unwilling to share it with anyone just yet.

"Looks like you guys have a long and exciting journey ahead of you." She smiles at me. "I'm happy for you, Ivy. You deserve true love and happiness."

"Thank you." I hug Jem, praying to the gods and goddesses that she gets her one true mate one day too. I'd never thought that I'd find my own mate. I'd started life with a neglectful mother, a nonexistent father figure, and one hell of a chip on my shoulder. I'll forever be grateful for Jem standing up for me one day in the school yard, shoving some spoiled little rich girl and taking me home with her to Ann like some sort of lost puppy.

We wander back into the kitchen and I'm drawn instantly to Beck as he lounges against the wall. He's got his feet crossed at the ankles and his arms folded across his chest. The muscles bunch and I flash back to the look of them flexing as he thrust into me last night. He looks more than comfortable in a room full of women. I sidle up to him, tucking myself into his side. He kisses the top of my head and contentment balms my soul.

"You know; you look way too comfortable being the only guy in the room."

Beck laughs. "I'm used to being outnumbered by females." His expression falls. "Or, well, I was when my family was together."

I rub at his chest, trying to offer him as much reassurance as I can without words. "We'll get them back, Beck. I promise."

He glances down at me, his mouth in a grim line, and my heart hurts for my mate. "I hope so, little witch. I hope so."

We all settle in to eat and I notice how quiet Zoey is, barely saying more than a few words, while Emma and Kay chatter back and forth with Ann and Jem. She keeps darting glances at Beck before hiding behind her curtain of pin-straight hair. After breakfast, Ann breaks off with Emma and Jem, pointedly glancing at the girls. I nod. I'll entertain her and Kay or something.

"Hey, Zoey, Kay, you want to change into some new clothes? I'm pretty sure I've got some stuff in my closet that will fit you."

She perks up in her chair, looking to Kay. Kay smiles at her. "You can say yes." Zoey nods, a smile splitting her face in two.

I keep my frown to myself, wondering why Zoey didn't verbally answer me. She seems shy but there's got to be something else going on here. "All right, come on you two. Kay, you're a bit taller than me but that just means we'll have to raid Jem's closet." I wink.

"Sweet!" They follow me up the stairs, Beck leading the way. He plops down on one of the couches in my sitting area and closes his eyes.

"I'm going to catch a quick nap. Shout if you need me."

"We're trying on clothes, Beck. I think we're okay."

He grunts a reply before draping his forearm over his eyes. The girls and I giggle before heading into my giant closet. Part of the benefit of working for Ann when I was younger meant money to spend on clothes, and since we were always shopping for vintage stuff, I've got a closet to die for over here.

I rub my hands together, "Okay, who's first?" Both girls stare slack-jawed at my giant walk-in closet. It could be another bedroom. Half of it is used for stuff I want for my own house one day, but still, it's epic. "Go look around, grab what you want. Nothing is off bounds."

Kay nudges Zoey forward and she goes, her head turning in every which direction as she tries to decide where to start. I grab Kay's elbow, pulling her aside for a second. "Hey, is Zoey okay? I think I've only heard her speak three words. Should we get her to a doctor or something?"

Kay shakes her head. "She's okay. She's painfully shy and she has a bit of a stutter. So she doesn't talk much around new people. She gets bullied a lot. She'll warm up."

"Okay, let us know if there is anything we can do to help."

"Just keep trying. She'll see that you're a safe space. My mom's been trying to figure out how to homeschool her so she doesn't have to deal with all the jerks at school, but she's got to work too." Kay shrugs.

"Well, you've got us as a support now. Maybe Ann can help or Jem and I. You guys are going to have to adjust a bit, too, with learning magic. We want you protected."

"I don't know how Zoey is going to take it… She hates being different already."

"I get it. It's tough being a teenager, but it gets better. Trust me." I tussle her hair before pushing her farther into the closet. "Now go see if any of my clothes will fit you."

About two hours later, a full-on fashion show that involves dragging Beck into the sitting area of the closet and modeling outrageous outfits for him and more laughter than I remember having in such a short span takes place. Both of the girls are laden down with clothes, and happiness radiates off of them.

We run into Emma and Ann in the living room, Emma's dazed expression dulling the girls' excitement.

"Mom, are you okay?" Kay asks, eyeing her closely.

Emma perks up, a forced smile on her face. "Of course, honey. Let's see what we've got here!" The girls show Emma their spoils and I walk over to Ann, who seems relatively unworried about everything happening all at once.

"How did she take it?"

"She's unsure despite the fact that Jem gave her one hell of a show. But I think she's just struggling to process everything happening so quickly."