Preparing for the Kick-off
All weekend long Hue and I hustled working side by side with Helen, Justin and the rest of the North Pole team. One week from Saturday (November 1st) would kick off the beginning of the season Hue and I are supposed to be the Harbingers for. I found myself picturing Elsa from Frozen tossing snowflakes and ice into the air while she glided around slippery terrain in a sequin evening gown and heels. I couldn’t help but think my see-through white cape and strapless translucent gown were somehow inspired by Disney’s most recent princess.
You’ll look amazing. Hue’s voice caressed my thoughts, causing me to pause my paper sorting and look up at him across the desk where he sat.
This may come as a surprise but I’m not exactly a look-at-me sort of girl.
He grinned like the Cheshire Cat. You don’t have to be. Your natural uniqueness shines through no matter how much you try and hide it. I just wish you saw yourself the way I see you. The way Ian sees you.
I huffed a deep sigh and went back to my paperwork. We had one hundred and sixteen appearances to make between November 1st and January 1st. If this was Hollywood, I would feel like I was an A List celebrity.
“We sort of are,” Hue commented without looking up from his own paperwork. His voice was a little rough, showing the strain caused by the most recent conversation with Cariss.
When I reached out to his mind I felt all of his stress, pain and anger. Despite what he said or did, I knew part of that anger was directed at me. If I tried to send supportive thoughts he would push me out of his mind, and the feeling of separation was almost painful. It made me feel isolated, cold and alone. Finally I snapped. “I’m really sorry for all the trouble I’m causing.”
It was his turn to sigh heavily. He sat back in his chair and studied my face carefully. “I know your actions came from a good place and that you were trying to help someone you love. I can’t fault you for that. I wish you would have trusted me enough to let me help you with something like this.” Reaching across the desk he covered my hand with his own and squeezed it affectionately. “Our connection runs deep, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
“I know,” I whispered. “I was so angry and hurt. The last thing I wanted to do was put you in a position that would hurt you too. I know how you feel about me.”
“When you hurt, so do I,” he answered simply.
I nodded my head understanding what he said. “I know. It’s just… new. Is there anything I can do to help with the mess involving Cariss?”
“Yes – stay out of it. Let Ian and I handle it. The last thing either of us want to see is you ending up the chew toy for a ticked-off Werewolf Chieftain.”
I started to argue but Hue just shook his head. “Seriously Kat.” I froze at the sound of him using my Human name. It sounded so intimate when he said it. “If you want to help, just stay out of it. Ian and I want this resolved as quickly and quietly as possible.”
Finally I gave up with a shrug. “Okay, whatever you think is best.”
He seemed surprised. “That’s it? No argument?”
“Nope, if you want me to trust you to handle it… then I will.”
He released my hand. For a moment I felt his emotions flit through my mind. They were a mixture of awe and pride. “Are you ready for next week?” he said, quickly changing the subject.
“No, not at all.” When he laughed I felt my anger flare.
Holding up his hands in surrender he smiled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. I forget you still aren’t used to this much attention. It gets easier. Just the fact you are a Dragon/Elf combo means people are going to notice you. When you add in you’re a Tempest… I’m afraid it means you may never know the same type of peace again.”
“But is the parade and red carpet event really necessary? Don’t you think it just feeds into the commercialism?” I asked.
“It might, but it is also a lot of fun for everyone involved. You’re talking about and entire culture of people that do nothing but dedicate their lives to the season. You get to be a rockstar for the next two months.” He grinned. “If you want me to, I know ways to distract you” he waggled his eyebrows at me.
“I’m sure you do.” I did my best to ignore the images and feelings he shared with me. I felt my cheeks grow red as I blushed at a particularly vivid image. “Enough. Until things are sorted out with Ian, I don’t want to entertain the idea of any of those thoughts.”
“Alright, just know I’m willing to take one for the team and help with your nerves.”
Clearing my throat I tried to sound as calm as possible. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
