The next thirty minutes are…the most indulgent of my life. I think I groan in pleasure at least sixty times as I soak my body in the steaming hot water, as I soap every inch of my skin, as I finally – finally – wash my hair with real shampoo and conditioner instead of that horrible stuff we were s
“I’m two fights down and do like it,” he says, giving me a warm smile. “I mean, it’s nothing like this…” he gestures around at our rather expansive room. “Really?” I ask, genuinely curious. “What’s different?” “Well, it’s just me,” he says, shrugging. “I think that’s pretty normal though – after
Rafe looks at me with a little grimace, slowly taking the envelope out of the box and moving to tuck it into his back pocket for later, not wanting to make me watch. “No, read it!” I say, flapping my hands at him and working hard to tuck my disappointment low in my stomach. Because, I mean, I know
Jesse groans, covering his face with his hands and falling back in his chair, but Rafe just leans forward, his tone still dangerous even if Jesse and I have given it up. “Who the fuck have you told, Ben?” Ben is silent for a second, the picture of shock. But then he leans forward, staring into R
I continue glaring at Jesse, but Rafe moves on with his interrogation of Ben. “What makes you think Luca hasn’t figured out that Ariel’s a girl?” Rafe says as he leans forward, eager for Ben’s answer and apparently deciding to trust him. “I don’t think Luca knows because he hasn’t tried to hit o
I cock my head to the side, wondering what it could be, but then the smell hits my nostrils and I groan, reaching immediately for the covered tray which I now realize holds some delicious dinner, but Rafe just laughs and swats my hand away. “That’s too heavy for you,” he says, smiling at me cheerful
“What, you’re not going to show me!?” Luca presses, laughing and reaching again for my schedule. “No way!” I shout, turning so that my back is to the arm of the couchand I’ve got my feet between us, ready to kick him away if I need to. I grew up with brothers and cousins, after all – I know how to
And a Princess, I think to myself, opening the flue to the chimney with a little smirk on my mouth. But, at least some secrets have to be kept tonight, right? Ben and Luca stay late, but not too late – walking a fine line between knowing that they’re not going to be able to sleep tonight for the s
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