Rewrite: Kind but Scary

Chapter 16: The Journey Back and Hidden Gifts

Chapter 16: The Journey Back and Hidden Gifts

On the private transport back to the airport, the atmosphere was a strange mix of relief and lingering tension. While Bella, Alice, and Jasmine sat in a quiet corner talking, Demetri, Felix, Jane, and Alec stood near the front, their crimson and amber eyes locked onto Edward in a continuous, icy glare that made the Cullen boy sit as far away as physically possible.

Jasmine could feel the steady weight of eyes on her from the other side of the cabin, but she quietly dismissed it, content to let her mind rest.

"It'll get better, I promise," Alice said softly, squeezing Jasmine's hand. Bella did the same, offering a warm, reassuring smile.

Jasmine looked into both of their eyes and nodded. They both leaned in, pressing gentle, sisterly kisses to her temples, causing Jasmine to let out a bright, bubbly giggle.

But before the laughter could fade, Jasmine found herself suddenly but gently yanked backward, flying out of her seat and landing perfectly in a pair of strong, cold arms. She blinked, finding herself sitting directly on Theo's lap.

Thea sat nearby, looking thoroughly smug, while Bella and Alice let out playful, disappointed whines. Jasper merely chuckled from his seat, wrapping his arms around his wife and sister to keep them from starting a war on the plane.

"Well, hello there," Jasmine said softly, looking up into Theo's striking features. "How may I be of service to you four?"

Caius, Athenodora, Theo, and Thea all turned their undivided attention to her.

"Nothing," Theo murmured, his voice low and possessive as he tightened his grip around her waist. "Just stay here with us for the rest of the ride. Understood?"

"Yes, King Theo," Jasmine answered softly.

"Theo," he corrected immediately, his eyes darkening with affection.

"Huh?" Jasmine asked, tilting her head.

"My name is Theo. Use it and say it. No 'King Theo' or 'sir' or anything of the sort. Just Theo to you... and to our mates," Theo told her, his voice carrying a deep, ancient warmth.

Jasmine's heart skipped a beat at the word mates, the golden thread of their bond thrumming beautifully in her chest. "Theo," she whispered, testing the weight of it.

Theo let out a sudden, involuntary shudder against her, his cold skin tingling at the sound of his name on her lips.

"Now," Theo instructed softly, "I want you to say my sister's name, along with our mates' names."

Jasmine looked toward Thea, Athenodora, and Caius, seeking their silent permission. "May I?"

The three of them nodded warmly.

"Thea, Athenodora, and Caius," Jasmine said, her voice clear and sweet. She paused, looking down at her hands. "I want to say 'my new sister, my Queen, and my Kings' to them... but I can't."

The moment the words left her mouth, she froze. Seeing the deep, joyous amusement spreading across their pale faces, Jasmine gasped, realized she had spoken her inner thoughts out loud, and instantly slammed both hands over her face in sheer embarrassment.

Caius let out a rare, low chuckle that sent a delightful shiver down her spine. "Come now, cara," he murmured, gently pulling her hands away from her blushing face. "There is no need to be shy with us."

Hoping to change the subject, Thea leaned forward. "So, what are your favorite things to do, Jasmine?"

"Well," Jasmine smiled, her blush slowly fading. "I love to cook, bake, clean, draw, and sing. I love taking care of those I love. And since I'm a witch, I love practicing spells, brewing potions, reading, and working with magical plants. I even love to swim and help out in the hospital."