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
“Please,” Jackson says, snapping his eyes to me before looking around at everyone else in the room, all of whom sit in shocked silence. “Let me explain.” My father narrows his eyes and nods once to my mate as I continue to gape at him, appalled. “My entire life,” Jackson begins, “I have been rai
“I’ll take that,” dad says quietly, holding Jackson’s gaze. “Your offer to fight for Ariel, if you’re not yet ready to call yourself a patriot of Moon Valley, as it does amount to the same thing. But I hope that in time you will come to love this nation as she does. As I do.” “Oh, I think I’m well
Jackson hugs me tight against his chest and falls back against the wall outside the interview room, sighing deeply as he does. I tuck my head against his shoulder, letting him hold me, going almost completely limp against him. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “That was intense. And they shouldn’t have sprung
“What is it?” Sinclair asks, his smile fading. “I trust Jackson,” Hank murmurs, still lost in his thoughts. “But I…do not think that the Community is done with him.” He blinks and looks at his sovereigns, shaking his head with worry. “A boy like that – an incredible physical specimen? They will be
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