The woman raises her chin at me and jerks it towards the door, placing her hands solidly on her hips. “Let’s go, kiddo.” “Excuse me,” Rafe says, his shoulders lowered in aggression as he slowly gets to his feet. “Would you like to explain who the hell you are?” “Oh,” the woman says, giving a slo
“It’s legit,” I say to my brother, turning so that I address the rest of the table too. “It’s his signature and handwriting – I recognize it from his book and all the damning things he writes on my tests and essays.” Rafe’s shoulders slump a little as he turns back to the woman, as the focus of al
I scowl, stumbling into the tiny private gym. “I’m not weaker than a kitten,” I mutter, putting my hands on my hips. “I can…do stuff.” “As eloquent as you are sturdy,” Faiza says, raising a cheerful eyebrow at me. “Hey, I –“ “Look, kid,” the woman says, taking a step towards me, her voice beco
“But –“ “No but’s,” he says, holding up a hand as he interrupts me. “This is your course of study. If you do not accept it, you can leave the school.” I scowl, looking over at Faiza, who shrugs, clearly inviting me to make whatever choice I want. “But when will I study for my other courses?”
“You must work very hard, little bird,” Blaze says, smiling at me. “And even then, it will take time to master.” “I will,” I say, nodding again. “I’ll work very hard!” “Tonight, then,” he says, bobbing his head. “Here, after your Chemistry class. We will begin.” I express my thanks eagerly as
“So, you’ve got secrets then,” she says, closing one eye as if doing so will help her see me better. But then she laughs, leaning forward. “I actually like that you’re kind of cagey – I think it will make you a better spy. Damn,” she says, shaking her head at me. “I’m really glad dad got me here. I’
I sit back in my chair, staring at her, suddenly seeing the logic of this. My entire life, I’ve been the perfect princess. And I never, ever considered that what I was doing could be use as a smoke screen for a second identity underneath – one that’s been secretly growing since the moment I entere
“It’s not like that,” I say, dropping my head a little, wondering at myself. “My mates – Jackson, especially – are…a benefit to me. Not a weakness. I don’t need to run from them to do my job; and if I need to be separated from them for an assignment…” I shrug. “I’ll make them understand.” “All rig
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