I’m gasping for breath by the time I get to the sand pit through which I have to army crawl under a heavy cargo net. This obstacle marks the final third of the course, which means that I’m almost done – but it’s also the part that always slows me down the most. I dive in without hesitation, trying
And that…that I have one shot to take advantage of this gift Jackson has laid at my feet – And I don’t know why he did it – maybe as an apology for trying to choke me? Maybe as a thanks for the simple act of inviting him to breakfast? But for whatever reason he did it – Jackson has opened a door
We’re all pretty spread out on the wide lawn at the base of the cliff on which the Academy castle is built, the entrance just a black door built into the wall of rock directly ahead of us. I curse my short stature again as I try to see between shoulders and torsos, but luckily we’re far enough apart
I’m shaking as the Captain places the list on the podium in front of him, all thoughts leaving my mind as he studies the names. Because as much as I’m desperate to figure out what happened, all I can do is listen and wait. “The cadet in the number 1 position,” the Captain says, his voice completel
“Ari Clark.” My head whips up and I gasp. Because – That’s – That’s my name – I mean, it’s not my name, but – A hysterical little laugh bursts from me as I stumble forward. I can feel eyes on me as a small, half-hearted cheer goes up – nothing like the cheering at the beginning, but most
I gape a little as we walk down the long, dark tunnel towards… I mean, I don’t even know what we’re walking towards. “Where are we going?” I ask Rafe, a little breathless with intrigue and excitement. “Into the Academy,” he hisses back, like it’s a secret, but I know he’s kidding even before I
But suddenly my eyes lock on a figure across the room and I go very still in shock before I suddenly burst out laughing, realizing that I’m looking at myself in the mirror on the far wall. “What?” Jesse asks, coming to my side. “Seriously?” I say, grinning at myself as I turn a little, observing
My breathe freezes in my lungs as the young tailor and I stare at each other, neither of us blinking. I mean, I am not someone who can claim anything close to the dangerous curves of a temptress, but I am decidedly a girl. Like my mom, I have smaller breasts, but my waist is small and my hips are
Ariel bursts out laughing and gestures out to the rest of the roof. “Of all the interference to our plans, you’re going to point out this tiny, adorable, sleeping infant pup as the problem!?” Both boys look down at the little dark-haired baby, whose amber eyes flicker open to betray her mother’s w
Jesse sighs, glancing at his watch and then looking to the door, an undrunk glass of champagne in his hand. “Where the hell is your damn sister?” “Your damn cousin,” Rafe murmurs, draining his glass and then pouring himself another. “You’d better stop that,” Jesse says, turning his head to Rafe
She goes still for a moment and then laces her fingers with his, squeezes his hand. “We’re not dating or anything,” she snaps. “Just…because you got all rejected and stuff. I didn’t come running up here just because you’re single – I thought you were going to die –“ “Sure, you didn’t,” Jesse says,
“I love you, Jesse,” Midnight whispers, watching him, her little mouth trembling, her entire body feeling weak. “I love you too, Mids,” he replies. “Always.” She nods once. And then disappears. Midnight fights hard against her emotions as she flits through the castle, moving back and forth bet
“I’m saying,” Midnight says, freely crying now, cupping Jesse’s face in her tiny hands. “That I – I don’t want to have your pups, Jesse. Ever. Ever. I don’t want them.” She shakes her head, vehement. “I think I’d be a bad mom. I’d leave them at the grocery store and forget they were there. I – I jus
She has to admit though…the stars are a pleasant addition. Midnight’s wolf gives a little worried howl, sprawled out in her soul, her little legs too weak to carry her much or far these days. But Midnight smiles a little and strokes a mental hand over her wolf’s fur, pleased to see her free and cl
“What,” Jackson asks, frowning down at the little rectangular stone in his hands. “Is it like, special?” “Jackson!” Midnight hisses, standing on her toes to smack him on the chest. “They’re invaluable! This is only the second I’ve ever seen in the world! And I only know of one besides that other o
I laugh, pointing at the big plate of apple pie on the table. “Well, I’m glad to see that you’re feeling cheerful,” I say, grinning at her. “I am!” she says, happily plopping down next to Jesse and reaching for the pie, pulling it all onto her lap and digging in with a fork. “I don’t think that an
Jesse’s eyes open first, and then Midnight’s, slow and sleepy. “How do you feel?” I ask quietly, leaning towards her, able to see her better now in the dawn light that streams through the windows. “What happened?” Jackson asks. I turn to see him standing at the door and I smile, reaching out a h