“I wasn’t out with another girl,” Jackson protests, frowning at Jesse but still clearly not getting it. “Is that…bad? Is…” he frowns, clearly thinking back on it. “I just thought she was being friendly. Plus, free drinks…” I just scowl at Jesse and wrap my arm possessively around Jackson’s, not li
“Yes, just what everyone wants when they’re searching for the perfect home,” dad murmurs, sending her a smirking glance. Mom nods eagerly, like that’s obviously true. Jackson and I keep quiet, standing close together. Feeling my anxiety, he sends a warm pulse of reassurance down our bond and brush
To one one’s surprise, Neumann again glances at his watch. “I already told Cadet Sinclair that I’d be disappointed if she didn’t return. I’ve put quite a bit of preparation into her continued enrollment this semester.” He glances at Alvez and the Captain on either side of him. “If either of you have
“Ariel will merely continue to keep her secret,” Neumann says, gesturing towards me. “Her brother and cousin will continue scent marking her to hide her scent. The realities of her sex and gender will be kept strictly secret amongst those who already know, which…” he pauses and gives Jackson a quick
When my professors have gone and it’s just the five of us left in the room, my father tuns and gives us all a sharp nod. “Good,” he says, looking between us Cadets. “That went better than I thought it would. It seems almost as if…at least Neumann was already aware.” I give a little shrug, admittin
“Yes, younger and smaller,” he says, giving me a warm smile as he takes my hand in both of his, shaking it. “It’s a pleasure to see you all grown up, Ariel – and I’m glad to hear that you’re holding up your family’s tradition of keeping things interesting.” I blush a little at this but laugh, know
I sigh sharply out of my nose and take my seat next to Jackson, giving my mom and dad a final glare for good measure. My mom nods to me, a small smile gracing her lips, letting me know that she isn’t fully happy about it either. But, she wouldn’t have let it happen this way if it wasn’t necessary.
My eyes flash at this because…what? “They’re citizens, aren’t they?” I ask, sitting up straighter and looking between Jackson and my father. “Of Moon Valley?” “They are,” dad says, nodding to me. “The lands the Community lives on are within the borders of Moon Valley – everyone born there has th