"Andyou," he said, "didn't ask. He did. All I'm saying is that I'm not going to make some move to get you in bed while you're still figuring things out with Aspen. That's about the shittiest thing a friend could do. And so you know, we are friends. I'm notjustyour friend because I'm waiting for my chance. I'm your friend because I like you, I like that bird of your - "
"Jack!" he crowed out from the trees, making it clear he was sticking close.
Keir rolled his eyes. "And I like your girlfriend," he continued as ifnothing had happened. "Have I kept my hands to myself? No. Have I been respectful of Aspen? Yes. Does your age play a factor?" He rocked his head from side to side. "A bit. Enough of one for me to remember that my head is up here." And he pointed at his own face.
"I'm not a virgin or anything," I said.
Hawke ducked his head and struggled to keep from laughing.
"Doesn't change anything," Keir said. "See, I'm working very hard to build a relationship with both of you. Different types of relationships, but the thing between you and Aspen is new."
"It's been months!" I countered.
"I think she's telling you to make a move," Wilder told Keir.
"Worry about your own partner," he shot back. Then he looked at me again. "I'm not easier to get with just because I'm a guy. I'm not the default, Rain. Yeah, I like you. I also like having Aspen as a friend, and one I respect a lot. I'd really like to keep her safe, protect all of my friends, and not get shit for kissing on you. You know, kinda like how things have been lately."
I glanced away, feeling my cheeks warming up. "Ok, that was a good line," I admitted. "And a true one, I know, but it kinda makes me..." My words trailed off as my eyes landed on the horizon.
The skies were perfectly blue above us. Before we'd come out, I'd checked the forecast, and the weather said it was going to be clear skies, a high in the low fifties, and a light breeze. But there, peeking over the treetops on the far side of the property, was a line of dark and angry-looking clouds.
"Guys?" I breathed. "Can someone check the weather?"
Hawke and Wilder both pulled out their phones. Keir did as well, but his thumbs were moving in a way that made me think he was typing. My eyes hung on those clouds for a little too long before I had the same idea.
Snatching my phone from my pocket, I pulled up the group chat with my dads and sent one single line.
Rain:
I don't like the clouds on the horizon.
Then I yelled, "Jack!"
"Jack-Rain!" he replied, swooping out of a tree to my right.
Another crow followed. This one was smaller. Granted, most were smaller than Jack. It also circled above us before cawing loudly. The sound made two others take flight from another tree, but they headedhigher.
"Rain," Jack said, landing on my arm as soon as I held it up. "Jack-Morrigan." Then he mouthed the edge of my coat.
"Anything, guys?" I asked.
"I'm letting Poppy know the weather is off," Keir said. "She's supposed to have people on the grounds today as well."
"I've got nothing on the radar," Hawke told me. "No precipitation at all."
"But wind speeds are up at the county line," Wilder said. "It's almost like..." He turned. "Rain, where were we when you noticed that?"
"Uh..." I glanced behind me. "Maybe by those trees?"
"Jack, can you see magic?" Wilder demanded.
Jack twisted his head. It was neither a yes or a no.
"If a Hunt sign activates, would you know?!" Wilder pressed. "You're a wildling. Can you detect the spell?"
"Jack!" he agreed, nodding to make the point.
"Then I need your help," Wilder said, jogging back towards the trees. "Jack, look for magic!"
