Chapter 11

Piper’s plan centered around using Heaven Leigh as bait to draw out Ivy so we could then ambush her, and that was a plan I could fully support. Hell, I’d support anything that didn’t involve putting Piper in harm’s way.

After spending a solid hour hashing out some of the details, Chloe prepared the top bunk in Piper’s room for Heaven Leigh. Then, everyone either left or scattered to their various bedrooms. I’d claimed the couch for myself, even though I could have stayed in Sean’s room. But the couch gave me a much better vantage point should anything else happen.

I toed off my shoes, then flopped down on the couch. The house had fallen silent, but my thoughts were screaming at me. Fighting Ivy was bad enough, but did we really have to work with Heaven Leigh to make that happen? I yawned and stretched out.

Piper walked into the living room, then stopped abruptly when she saw me. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize you were sleeping out here.”

“I’m not.” I sat up. “I mean, I am, but I’m not asleep yet. Not sure I will at all tonight.” I rubbed my hands over my face. “Everything all right?”

She nodded and shifted on her feet. “Yeah, I was just going to get a glass of water.”

“Things okay with your new roommate?”

Piper smiled faintly. “She’s asleep. And yes, everything’s fine.”

“Word of advice. Sleep with one eye open.”

With a heavy sigh, she crossed the room and sat delicately on the edge of the couch, not too close but not so far away that I couldn’t reach out and touch her if I wanted.

“Your lack of faith in me and my power is getting tiresome. I can handle Heaven Leigh if she gets out of line.” She sliced a look at me. “I can handle Ivy, too, when the time comes.”

I raised a brow but didn’t say anything.

“Just like I can handle you.” She gently nudged my shoulder with hers.

“That so?” The corner of my mouth lifted in a playful smirk.

“Mm-hmm.” She gave me a sassy little grin and wink.

I was struck with the sudden realization that she was my soulmate. Not that I wasn’t aware of that before this moment, but the magnitude of that hadn’t hit me until right now. Piper was perfect for me. Gorgeous. Sarcastic. Confident. Not afraid to call me on my shit. She was everything I ever could’ve asked for. And I was too much of a coward to tell her how I felt, to ask her how she felt in return.

“Wanna watch a movie or something?” I settled back against the couch cushions and kicked my feet up on the coffee table.

“Only if there’s popcorn in this house.”

I laughed. “Of course there is. I’m pretty sure Chloe has a hidden stash of candy somewhere, too.” I stood, retrieved the remote from the end table, and handed it to Piper. “You pick. I’ll get snacks.”

Tossing a bag of popcorn in the microwave, I glanced over my shoulder to find Piper lounging in the corner of the sectional as she flipped through the channels. My heart swelled with love and longing. This could be my life if I’d just man up and talk to her.

“Still want water? There’s soda in the fridge, and I think there might be some iced tea, too.” I opened the fridge door and peered inside.

“Water, please.”

I filled two glasses with ice water, carried them into the living room, and set them on the coffee table. The microwave beeped. By the time I warmed extra butter and poured it over the popcorn—and raided Chloe’s secret chocolate stash—Piper had chosen a movie. Sitting beside her, I propped the bowl of popcorn between us.

“What movie did you pick?” I tossed a handful of popcorn into my mouth.

“Only the best movie ever made.” She giggled and reached for some popcorn. Her eyes sparkled with glee, and damn, what I wouldn’t give to see that look every day for the rest of my very long existence.

The opening credits for Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story played across the TV screen. I groaned. “You’re kidding me. Who decreed this the best movie ever made?”

“I did. Duh.”

I laughed. I’d seen the movie before, and it was funny, but no way was this anywhere close to being the best movie ever made. “Is this supposed to be some sort of metaphor for our current situation? All of us are the losers going up against the stronger opponent?”

“You might be a loser, but I’m certainly not.” Gaze trained on the TV, she didn’t so much as glance at me or in any way acknowledge that she’d just called me a loser—except for the smile that she fought to keep hidden.

“Sometimes, losers come out on top.” I ate another handful of popcorn.

“Too bad for you you’re not a loser.” She side-eyed me with a wicked grin.

I shook my head. “You just can’t let me win, can you?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” She reached for one of the candy bars I’d piled on the coffee table and tore into it.

I’d have to be sure to replace whatever we ate. Wouldn’t want Chloe to go on a rampage because she was out of chocolate.

“And really, what’s not to love about this movie? It’s grown adults hurling balls at each other. That’s funny, right?” She glanced at me with wide, innocent eyes.

My chest constricted with everything I wanted to say and do. “Guess I gotta give you that. Watching people get hit with balls is funny.”

She laughed. “Exactly. And every time I watch this, I think about all the people I’d love to hit in the face with a ball.”

“Let me guess… I’m on that list?” I snatched another handful of popcorn.

“No,” she said with a dainty shrug. “I wouldn’t want to ruin that pretty face of yours.” She tossed a piece of the candy bar into her mouth.

“I knew you liked me.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw her roll hers, but her grin was firmly in place as she gave a small shake of her head. We were silent for a while, and I was perfectly content to sit here with her.

Finishing the chocolate, she set the wrapper on the coffee table, then tucked her feet beneath her. “Do you think this plan will work?” she asked.

“Yes.” And that wasn’t a lie. As far as plans went, it was the best one we had, and the fact that no one would have to sacrifice themselves made it even better.

“You sound so sure.”

“Because I am.” I shrugged. “Ivy is arrogant, and she thinks she’s unstoppable. She’ll come to us if for no other reason than to prove she’s not afraid, that she’s superior to us. And then we’ll show her just how wrong she is.”

Piper nodded, seemingly lost in thought. “I’ll call my sisters tomorrow and fill them in on what’s happening.”

“You’re sure they’ll help?”

“Yes.” Now Piper was the one who sounded absolutely certain. “We’ve waited a long time to put Ivy in her place. My sisters won’t miss this opportunity. Besides, they’d never leave me alone to face something like this.” Her smile was all warmth and compassion. “Your family reminds me a lot of me and my sisters. The four of us are in it together. Always.”

I cringed at how she said “your family” as if she wasn’t a part of it, too. While that might technically be true, as far as I was concerned, she was now family. Anyone who would jump into the middle of a fight that was as dangerous as it was deadly deserved to be welcomed as more than a friend or ally.

“What’re your plans when this is all over?” I set the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. We’d all but forgotten about the movie.

She shifted so she was facing me. Elbow propped on the back of the couch, she rested her cheek against her palm. “I’ll probably go home with my sisters.”

“Right. Of course.” I nodded, though there was a massive lump in my throat.

If I didn’t say something to her before all of this went down with Ivy, Piper would leave. And then what? Did I chase after her? Beg her to stay here with me? Or worse, did I let her go? Ultimately, if that’s what she wanted, I’d have no choice but to let her go. I couldn’t do anything that would interfere with her happiness, even if doing so meant I’d be miserable.

“What will you do?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. Probably hang out here. Annoy the crap out of my brother. Tease Chloe. Watch my nieces grow up. Make sure Isach doesn’t get himself into trouble again.” I forced a strained laugh.

“He definitely needs a babysitter.” She patted my shoulder. “And you seem to be the go-to guy for that sort of thing.”

Groaning, I let my head fall back against the couch. “That’s me. Babysitter extraordinaire. I should start charging for my services.”

“What do they call those?” She pursed her lips in thought. “Male nannies… Mannies!” She snapped her fingers. “You’re Manny Jax.”

“Don’t ever call me that again.” My teasing tone belied my utter distaste for that nickname. I wasn’t a male nanny.

She laughed, the sound light and airy. “At least that’s more creative that Pippy the Perky Witch.” She nudged my leg with her foot.

“Well, you are annoyingly perky.” I nudged her back.

“I prefer optimistic.”

“God knows we can certainly use more of that around here,” I muttered mostly to myself.

Piper covered her mouth with her hand and yawned loudly.

“You should get some sleep. It’s been a long day,” I said.

She nodded, but she didn’t make an effort to move. Instead, she rested her head on the back of the couch and gazed at me through sleepy, half-lidded eyes. I adjusted so I could see her face better, then I gently brushed strands of hair away from her cheek. Her eyelids fluttered.

“In case I forget to say it later, thank you for what you’re doing for all of us,” I whispered and dropped my hand away from her face.

Her smile was dreamy. “Thanks for not killing me before I had the chance to prove I was one of the good guys.”

I chuckled softly. “Yeah, well, things could change come tomorrow. I mean, you are incredibly annoying.”

“Isn’t it exhausting being so cranky all the time?” She yawned again, and her eyes closed.

I took a moment to admire her in such a rare display of peace. “Piper?”

“Hmm?”

“Go to bed, sweetheart.” My tone was soothing if not a little demanding. But for her sake—and mine—she needed to put some distance between us before I did something we both might regret when the sun rose in a few hours.

***

Trent, Colt, Wyatt, and I emerged from the woods behind Trent’s house after a morning hunt. While I’d desperately needed to feed, I’d been so distracted by thoughts of Piper and our impending fight with Ivy that I’d almost been mauled to death by a very angry black bear. Not my best moment, but thankfully no one asked what was up with me, probably because they were all worried, too.

As we crossed the backyard, the sound of Piper’s laughter filtered toward me on the warm breeze. A smile broke out on my face, and I pick up my pace—until I remembered my brothers were with me. I slowed and acted as nonchalant as possible.

Abby, Isach, and Piper were lounging around the edge of the pool, their bare feet dangling in the water. When I approached, Piper caught my gaze and grinned, her smile somewhat shy and seductive, like we shared a special secret.

“Where’s Chloe?” Trent asked.

“Her and Whitney are inside getting the girls dressed,” Abby said.

“I’m going to see if she needs any help.” Trent headed inside.

“We’ll catch you guys later.” Colt waved.

“Wait. Where are you two going?” I asked.

“Dad’s been quietly digging into Ivy’s recent actions, and we’re helping him. Figure the more information we have, the better.” Colt shrugged. “I’ll report back as soon as I know anything.” He and Wyatt left in a blur.

“Join us?” Piper asked. She scooted over and patted the spot beside her.

I didn’t hesitate to sit next to her, though I kept my feet out of the water. Isach had his arm around Abby’s shoulder, and she leaned against him. Her aura radiated happiness, and I couldn’t help but smile. She deserved to be happy, and I was glad things had worked out for her and Isach.

No one spoke, and tension hung thick in the air. I glanced around, noting the squirrels racing up and down tree trunks, birds flitting from branch to branch, their songs a chorus of calm.

Piper inched closer to me, her hand brushing over mine. My heart jackhammered in my chest. Was she attempting to hold my hand? I sliced a look at her, but she stared straight ahead at the clear pool water, lost in her thoughts.

“Okay, Abby and I are headed out.” Isach stood and pulled Abby to her feet.

“Headed out where?” I asked. “You’re supposed to be in hiding.”

“I’ve been hiding far too long.” Isach frowned. “Abby and I need to be alone for a little while, try to regain some sense of normalcy.”

I raised a brow. “And that can’t wait until after we deal with Ivy?”

“It’s perfectly safe, Jax,” Piper said. “I have him and Abby heavily cloaked. No one will find him.”

“If you say so.” I shook my head. “Have fun, I guess.” I waved as they walked away, arm in arm, heads bent together as if sharing pillow talk. And now I was alone with Piper, so I couldn’t be too upset. “Where’s Heaven Leigh?”

“In our room, reading. She doesn’t exactly feel welcome here.”

“Because she’s not.”

Piper glared at me. “You really should be nicer to her.”

I laughed incredulously. “Be nice to her? You’re kidding, right? You do remember what she did to me, don’t you?”

“People make mistakes, Jax, but they can also change. I truly believe Heaven Leigh regrets what she did. Give her the chance to prove she’s one of the good guys now.” Piper turned to me with a faint smile. “For me?”

And that was the nail in my coffin—I couldn’t deny her anything. I sighed. “Fine, I’ll hold any further judgment against her until after I see how she handles Ivy.”

“Thank you.” She rested her head on my shoulder for a brief moment, then straightened.

I nodded, suddenly too emotional to speak. Piper’s compassion and depth of understanding astounded me. She really was so incredible, and despite being a witch, I was thrilled she was my soulmate.

“Did you call your sisters?” I asked.

“Yeah, they’ll be here in a couple of days.”

My chest constricted, knowing as soon as they arrived, we’d have to face Ivy, and these stolen moments with Piper would come to an end. Heavy sadness weighed me down. I was running out of time to tell her how I felt.