Jax noticed Nova down all three tonics Elias gave her without any question. One gulp each tonic. Like she was a pro. That was new.
She had on the silk robe Elle put her in and slippers.
Fin had on pants and was sipping a tonic, clearly not happy with it. Elias was putting ointment on his back.
"How did you drink this in one gulp?" He asked Nova. She giggled.
"Line of shots next time we go out. Nova versus Elle versus Marra." Cael said, to which Elle rolled her eyes and playfully pushed him.
Color started to come back into her face. She laughed at that. But then she remembered Jax and the first time they went to a speakeasy together. How much she cared for him. The kiss they shared and he didn't care who saw. A wave of grief washed over her. But she kept her face neutral.
Jax observed this and also felt sad. Feeling it from her and from his own memories. His longing for her. It's been one week and so much has changed.
Fin looked at Nova concerned and she felt a surge of comfort and love come from him which pushed away the grief. She looked at him with grateful eyes and he kissed her hand staring at her.
Jax felt her grief lighten and he knew Fin pushed his emotions into her to calm her. Jax didn't know that was even possible until just now. He knew his emotions affected her a little. But it was his presence, words, actions, and physical touch that worked the best. He had never flooded her with relief like that. If he'd have known that, he'd have tried to do it.
Part of him felt happy that she had that in Fin. But a deeper ache formed, sad it couldn't be him that did that for her.
Talon: You can still do that now. Less effective with her mark but still possible.
Jax: The problem is I'm broken and grieving and struggling to accept reality. I don't know how much help I'd be.
Elle asks Nova casually, "did you hear the whispers again?" Nova's heart fluttered and she swallowed.
"Yes." She said after a second.
"Did they say why they burned Marra?" She asked.
Nova mindlinked to her. Not realizing everyone outside of Aeron and Elias could hear.
Nova: Later
"I think they were just confused. They understood the second t-time." She said convincingly.
Cael busted out laughing and shook his head. Fin took a pillow from the couch and threw it at him.
Jax put his face in his hands trying to hide his laughs. Nova and Elle hadn't figured this out and none of them were going to tell them.
Elle: I need to talk to you Nova. It's really important. Can you meet me later tonight when Fin and Cael are asleep… they aren't going to like this.
Nova: Yes I can.
Nova answered, and then swallowed and looked down at the floor, her face blushing.
Jax saw and shook his head, resting his mouth on his hand trying to not laugh while standing. She was so bad at lying it was adorable.
Fin threw a pillow at Jax. Jax caught it and busted out laughing. The girls were oblivious.
Elle: Cael said they have a meeting in a few minutes and they'll worry if they come back and we're both gone so let's wait until after. Cael usually can fall asleep pretty quick.
Nova: I understand.
Elle: Bring a training suit and you can change in my room if it'll wake him.
Nova: Can I tell Fin so he's not worried? I'm sure he'll let me go with whatever it is.
Elle: No.
Nova: What if Cael wakes up in the middle of the night and can't find you?
Elle: I want to tell him… but I can't. I'll explain later.
Nova was not thrilled at this. She had literally just puked blood but if Elle was asking like this, it was clearly important.
Elle: Also, you better tell me everything that happens in this meeting. I know you're leading it and I know you heard whispers. I expect a full detailed report.
Nova: Will I be shifting tonight? I don't feel the greatest.
The thought of that right now made her cringe. She felt weak. There was no denying it.
Elle: I know…I'm sorry. This is really important. It is my mate's life and I am not messing around. I wouldn't ask if…
Elle started to say, before Nova cut her off.
Nova: Say no more. I'll be there.
"I'm tired, I'm going to head out. Bye love." She hugged Nova.
Cael looked bewildered. Concern etched on his face.
Why would his mate feel the need to hide something and what did she mean by his life? He felt her emotions lately, feeling conflicted and confused but he wasn't sure what it was until now. Was that what's been bothering her? What about his life?
Elle kissed him and left. Normally they'd go down together. He was half tempted to go after her and get to the bottom of this but he knew this meeting was important.
Elias felt Nova's head and said, "I'm not going to bother saying it. You know."
Nova gave him a sad smile and nodded. If he only knew what she was about to do starting tonight.
"Let's go into the study with the table." Nova said. No point in delaying what was happening. They'd all find out soon enough.