HELLLO CHARMER Fans! Here's a quick life update for you. The BLOCK PARTY POST, if you didn't read it, you'll want to check out the interview with the boys (and Sage). Here's the link: https://www.wattpad.com/535889530-wattpad-block-party-winter-edition-iv-the3dreamers (I'll post an inline comment with the link too.) 

Other updates...I have three short stories hitting Amazon in the next couple months. So yeah, I've been a tad busy. I have my website now up and going too. So feel free to check out the fun at: www.amberdboyd.com.

NOW, I'm back to writing this in full force. Expect regular updates on Sunday's again! 

Thanks for reading! HUGS all, Amber

I wrapped my arms around my knees and stared off into the campfire. "You're right, he did..." I squeezed my eyes shut and let out a long breath. "Knowing doesn't make you feel any better, does it?"

He made a fist, then extended his fingers stretching them out.

"I can't help that you both pop into my head whenever the hell you please."

He thumped his fist against his knee, and his lips drew into a thin line. "Actually, you can. But closing that door costs dearly."

The watery ring rolled against my skin reminding me of Kellan and what I'd put him through.

"Yeah..." I laid my chin on top of my knees, remembering the agony of every moment I'd shut him out. "It does."

"Just because I'm off to help you save the one guy I hate, doesn't mean I'm happy about it. Jaxon waved his hand, and the flames rose higher, warming my toes. "I know you'd call the whole thing off if you could." He glanced down at his fingers. "I'm not that naive—I know you're in love with him."

My mouth went dry, and my heart ached for him. I wanted to scoop him up in my arms and tell him everything would be okay. "I don't know what you want me to say."

"That I'm wrong, and you're in love with me, or that I'm a jealous idiot. I don't know—take your pick." He threaded his hand through his hair. "I want you to kiss me like you kissed him when I lost you at your Grandmother's place." His voice cracked, and his eyes glowed a bright green. "Watching you kiss him practically ripped my heart out."

The firewood crackled, and a few sparks ignited, drifting on the breeze.

"I..."

He faced me and put a finger to my lips. "You don't understand. I want to be with you so badly it hurts. Every cell in my body screams you're my match and all you do is hold me at arm's length."

"No—I don't."

"Then tell me you're not disappointed that Amaress has taken over our tent." His golden eyes burned bright, demanding the truth.

I opened my mouth, then shut it. The silence filled the space between us. "I'm not going to lie to you. I owe you more than that." I rubbed my hands against my pants.

He clenched his fist until his fingers blanched white.

I place my hand over his. "But my reason doesn't have anything to do with Kellan."

He lifted his glassy gaze to meet mine and furrowed his brow. "Then why?"

My cheeks felt unbearably warm. "I can't believe I'm talking to you about this." I let out a sigh. "Gran always encouraged me to wait till I was married." I glanced away and picked at an invisible thread on my pant hem. "And we're not married yet... I have no idea what you expected of me in that tent." I buried my head in my knees. "Then Amaress just took over and..."

Jaxon let out a chuckle.

"Are you laughing at me?"

"No." He tilted his head and gave me a lopsided smile. "Well, maybe a little."

A roar of laughter broke out in the tent. It sounded like Sage was up to her usual entertaining antics.

"Wren! You're missing Sage's impressions. She just did one of your aunt you have to see," Vega hollered. "It's like having Astra right here."

Jaxon's shoulders slumped. "You should go."

I rested my head on his shoulder and snuggled in. "No, I shouldn't."

"You're not afraid to be out here alone with me?" He leaned his head against mine.

"Should I be?"

"Of course not." He wrapped an arm around me. "Wren?"

"Yeah..." I glanced up at him.

"With your friends protecting you we haven't had any alone time together. You know, without everyone watching. That's all I wanted." He kissed the top of my head. "No pressure—got it?" He brushed the side of my cheek with his fingers, and the flames within me stirred. "You and I have all the time in the world to get to know each other." He hugged me close, and I rested my head against his chest.

"Jax?" I looked up at him, and his lips hovered only an inch above mine.

He wasn't even trying to coax the flames in me, and I could feel them burn inside me demanding I kiss him. I bit my lip, trying to ignore their call.

"Hmm?" His eyes flickered open, and he smiled.

"Would you mind if I stay with you next to the fire tonight?"

He pulled me closer, and I gasped. "Would you mind if I kissed you?"

His sight rested on my lips, but he didn't move a muscle. His intoxicating spicy scent enveloped me, making my thoughts swirl. He is really hot.

I tipped my head up and kissed his lips in what might be the briefest kiss ever.

"Not exactly what I hoped for from the girl I love." He led my chin toward him and lowered his mouth to mine. His tongue caressed my lips, teasing me until I couldn't stand it anymore. I crushed my lips to him, demanding every sensual lick of pleasure he offered. His tongue caressed mine, and I groaned, grabbing hold of his shirt, dragging him closer like he was the air I needed to breathe.

"Wren..." he mumbled. "Whoa..." He panted out of breath, pulling back. "We need to stop, or I might risk my life and throw Amaress out of our tent to continue this."

What is wrong with me? I held my cold hands to my cheeks trying to cool off.

"We're matched." He pointed to my ankle. "And the closer it gets to your birthday..."

"The stronger the connection bond is," I said finishing his sentence.

He nodded. "It's been driving me nuts to be around you and not even hold your hand." He took off his jacket and laid it over the log. "Since you're only half Acklmarian, maybe the effect isn't as strong on you?"

"Maybe I should go in with the girls." I stood, still fanning myself, trying to cool off.

"No, please." He grabbed my fingers. "I promise, I'll be on my best behavior. Nothing will happen—promise."

I raised a brow in doubt.

"I'm the one who stopped us." He pulled me closer. "Just stay, please?" His eyes pleaded for me to snuggle up to him.

"Promise?

He crossed his chest with his finger. "Absolutely."

I plunked down next to him. He tipped forward, grabbed another log and laid it on the fire. Jax held out an arm for me to cuddle in closer, then draped his jacket over me. He rubbed my arm, and I faded off, enveloped in his warmth.

"Ah... Don't they look sweet?" a woman said from only a few feet away. "Which picture do you like? This one or this one with his hand on her—"

"Give me that," a guy said. "Knock it off Jessica, that's not why I agreed to bring you here."

I stretched an arm over my head. Jaxon's bicep pinned my other arm, and when I glanced down, I realized his hand cupped my breast. Please say she didn't get a pic of that.

I gave him a shove. "Jax, wake up."

"Hey, good morning, sweetness." He smiled, then glanced over at Jessica and Travis standing next to us. "If it's not my dearest cousin, Jess."

"Hey, Travis." I waved and pushed my hair from my face.

He nodded. Then when Jessica faced us again, he fanned her backside, mouthing the word hot.

I let out a laugh, and Jessica turned and glared at Travis before addressing Jax again.

"Were you going to leave me at the Traveler's Guild?" Jessica stood with her hands on her hips.

"I would only be so lucky that they'd take you," Jax replied. "You've been driving me crazy for years."

Jessica scoffed. "Wait till my father hears that."

"He's in no position to argue with me. Besides, it's the truth, so cut the drama and tell me what you want, will you?"

"Maybe you'll think differently when I show this to the council tomorrow." She shoved her phone in Jaxon's face. "Not a very flattering photo of our future leaders."

He pushed her arm back so we could see the picture. Awesome. Not only did she get the picture of him grabbing me, but I also had terrible bedhead.

"How do you even have battery left on your phone anyway? As if anyone is going to care, they're more likely to throw a party that our union will finally happen." Jaxon rubbed his eyes. "The only thing that picture is going to do is help Kellan's case."

"Exactly." A wicked smile grew on Jessica's face. "And I'll be the one with the picture's to prove Wren's love for you."

She held her phone high in the air and clicked it off. "I better save power, I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to share it."

Dear God, I hate this girl.

THANKS for reading! Hit that star and make a writer happy. (It comes back to you in Karma.)