Jessie X James Novels & Stories

She didn’t argue. The alley smelled like damp brick and cigarette smoke. The cassette was cold in my hand, as if it had been left in the freezer. This one was labeled J-0. Zero. I brought it inside. Beverly didn’t ask to hold it. She just stared at it like it might bite. “You want to listen?” I asked. She didn’t answer. “I think we have to,” I added. “Why else would it show up? It’s for me.” “No,” she whispered. “It’s for them.”

Jess tried to get her hands free, but his hands had a grip death on hers. “Alpha.” Jess said. But Xavier gave no recognition that he heard her. “Alpha Xavier.” Jess said again, but again he gave no acknowledgement to what she said. Jess took a big breath and dare to do something she never though she would. “Xavier. You’re hurting me.” Jess said softly, sounding very unsure of herself. Surprisingly though Xavier did react this time. He shut his eyes tightly and when he reopened them, they were back to their originally soft blue eyes.

And the resiliency of her spirit. Ksenia pointed to Jessa. Jessa sighed. "I'm Jessa. Wickedly good with a scalpel and sewing people back up. Pregnant, I get to sit at home and help with information inter- and extrapolation. I'm a good critical thinker-when I'm not overrun with baby hormones. And I'm always good for a joke."

A photograph of Jessica Jane. Smiling.

Then, with a small awkward bow: “I’m Jessa.” Her voice was light, almost musical despite the starkness of the hall. She was about my age - maybe a year older - nineteen. She had soft brown hair tied back with a fraying ribbon, clothes worn but clean, and sturdy work shoes that looked like they’d survived years of labour. There was something tired in her eyes… …but something hopeful, too. “I’m supposed to help you today,” she continued, shifting the basket in her hands. “Show you the quarters, the hall, and… um… anything else you need.”

Jessica gave her a small fake smile. "I'm aware of this already, Grandma. Don't worry. I'm gonna work for the dangerous red bull Aka Mr. Arrogant Monkey. So it's obvious that my day will be tough." Jessica said, rolling her eyes. "By the way, I'm Jessie. I'm not afraid of anyone. I'm capable of handling this type of matter." Jessica said with style flipping her high ponytail that was on her shoulder. "It's not new to me. I'm used to this situation. Because my life was never easy." Jessica said and Grandma smiled at her.

"Look at you. You're young, you're handsome and athletic. What was I thinking?" "Jessi, you're only five years older than me. That's it. And it's never made any difference." She covered her face with her hands. "All the things I've done. Surfing, diving," she looked to him, "Key West. Oh, for God's sake, I can't believe I did that!" He took a step toward her. "What are you saying, Jessi?" "I'm saying," she hissed, "that I forgot who I was. I'm not some young bimbo, running all over and acting like a fool. I'm Jessi Crenshaw, respectable wife and mother. Successful business owner. Not some…"

I need to talk to Jessy as soon as possible. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Xavier muttered, sitting on the arm of the loveseat and sliding his arm on its backrest. I pursed my lips. As I breathed slowly, I reminded myself that Deborah was right, but something inside me was eating me alive. Jealousy? Anger? I didn’t know. Xavier had a point; Jessamine looked like a seventeen-year-old teenager but foxy in her hourglass body. It was like karma was hitting me hard here in Carterville with Jessamine. “If she’s going with a child, she can wear that,” I murmured, irked as I glanced at Brent.

Jessamine's voice was hoarse, and her throat felt dry. Xander heard Jessamine and opened his eyes. "Jessie, how are you feeling? Do you feel any discomfort?"