Page 65 of Between Imminent Fates

“Of course.” Jax scrutinized her from head to toe as his mouth tightened. “You look tired, Key.”

“I am,” she sighed ruefully, “but it’s almost over, now.”

“Come on, I’ll feed you.”

The warmth of his fingers linked with hers, tugging her along toward the kitchen. Electricity sparked up her arm, causing a pleasant shiver.

Red dish towels complemented the red coffeepot, and newly-washed dishes sat on a drying rack near the sink. The domesticity of it made Key smile as Jax sat her at a small table.

He crouched to grab a pan out of a large drawer. “I don’t really have anything in my fridge; I was planning on stopping at the store tomorrow. What are you in the mood for?”

“Oh, I’d eat just about anything.”

Grimacing as he looked in the fridge and then the cupboards, he pulled out a can with a red and white label. “SpaghettiOs are about the only thing I have left.”

“I’ve never had the pleasure.”

For some reason, her response caused him to laugh out loud. “I’m not sure anyone could call it a delicacy, but it’ll do.”

“I’m not picky. Do you like them?”

“The greatest thing since sliced bread!” Grinning, he opened the can and poured it into the pan. “And there’s meatballs!”

Key adored his enthusiasm. “I’ve never had the appetite for sliced bread; I much prefer pasta.”

“Good news: SpaghettiOs are pasta.”

“My hero.”

She was pleasantly surprised. In five minutes, she’d cleaned the bowl, and Jax, as a dutiful host, had offered to make her a couple of fried eggs to top her up.

Four fried eggs and three slices of toast later, she was happily sprawled out on his couch with her head in his lap. Gently, his magic fingers massaged her scalp while she let out mewling sighs of contentment.

“Key?”

“Hmm?”

“How is the plan going? Is there anything I can help with?”

Even though his ministrations continued, her peace had suddenly vanished. An involuntary shudder tightened her shoulders, and Jax’s face twisted with concern for her.

“Forget I said anything, Key. We don’t have to talk about it.”

His thumb gently tracked across her cheekbone. When she’d asked him to compromise his life for her, he’d done it. The least she could do was tell him the truth. Sitting up, she struggled to find the words.

“Everything has fallen into place so far.”

“But?

She hesitated. “But so much could still go wrong.”

A hint of a chuckle. “Key, you’ve been plotting our victory for centuries. You’ve woven fate like thread, and you have the brightest immortals on the planet on your side. Of course we’ll win.”

Jax’s naivety endeared him to her, and she smiled sadly at the man she’d fallen fast for. “I wish it were that simple.”

“Have faith in yourself. I do.”

She let her mind wander as their Hallmark movie marathon kicked off once more. Though she’d given Aidan Jax’s contact details, he hadn’t reached out to the other wolf yet. Seeing as their battle was nearing, Key could understand the need to hold off.

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