The next morning I wake up with a groan, because they really did torture us yesterday. It was an endurance competition that lasted pretty much all day. We had to stand on a balance beam with a pail of water, of all things, on our heads and a staff stretched across our shoulders. At regular intervals
I smile as I go, though, because it looks kind of cool and spooky – like running through a cloud. I start to look forward to breakfast now as I crest the final hill, wondering if Jesse is going to fall face-down into his eggs like he used to do when we were preteens and he was going through a grow
Jackson raises his left arm, bending it and pressing his forearm tight against my neck. The moment our bodies touch – he only had his hand fisted in my uniform before – it happens again. My eyes fly open as the pulse pounds through the air, almost audible this time. Jackson’s eyes go wide as he
I’m sobbing now too, shaking my head at him, guilt filling every pocket of my being. “I’m sorry,” I cry, shaking my head. “Fuck, Ariel,” Rafe gasps, and then he pulls me to him, his arms around me tight. “I love you so much – I’ve always loved you, even when you’re so fucking annoying I want to th
I stare wide-eyed at my brother, waiting for him to react. But Rafe just…stares at me, his face ghostly-white, until I start to get seriously worried. “Rafe,” I murmur, leaning forward a little, starting to reach out a hand to touch him. “What the fuck Ariel,” Rafe whispers, so fast that the w
“Fine, Rafe,” I sigh, scowling and pulling away from him, knowing it’s logical but hating the way he pulls his big brother card and bosses me around. “Can we get to breakfast? Jesse’s going to start to freak out.” “Fine,” Rafe growls, grabbing my jacket and tugging me close to his side. “Let me
Jesse and I quietly pack our rucksacks over the next half hour while Rafe pitches a fit with the Lieutenants, insisting that he be allowed to transfer to my team or me to his. Jesse grimaces at me, shaking his head to let me know that he doesn’t think that it’s going to work. I just sigh and roll
I blink in surprise and a little bit of wonder, my mouth falling open a bit. What the – what the hell is this? Luca, to his credit, responds much more ably, dropping his arm from my shoulder and putting his hands on his waist, grinning at the three other guys with the easy confidence of a man who