Luca glances up at me. “Nothing,” he murmurs, blushing a little bit as he gathers his book back up. As he does I realize that his actions were not performative or attention-seeking at all, but instead the very real result of very real frustrations.In a flash, I wonder how and why I didn’t feel that
“Well, I stand by it,” Rafe says, settling back into his chair and pretending to turn his attention back to his own homework. “If you want help, Jackson is your man.”The room rings silent for a moment and I keep my eyes on my brother. When Rafe’s own eyes flick back up a moment and he glances betwe
We all give up pretending to study as Jackson comes back from the nook with some paper, some markers, and some tape, and – bizarrely – two different kinds of candy that my mom sent back to school with me, knowing they’re my favorite. Quietly, we all watch as Jacks hastily tapes four pieces of paper
“Well, that’s shit,” Luca murmurs, narrowing his eyes at the map. “A battle schematic where there’s just no chance at winning? I…I hate that.”“Yeah, but that’s war,” Jackson murmurs, nudging the candies back into place with his fingertip. “Sometimes you get to the point where it’s not about winning
Even as everyone returns to their homework, though, my eyes keep darting back to the little pile of chocolate on the side of the map.Delicately, working hard to use my espionage skills, I casually lean forward and slip my hand out –Only for Luca to swat it away. I gasp in shock, mock appalled.“Ha
Ben looks around with interest at Daphne’s room as I plop onto the bed, swinging my legs and grinning, pleased to be alone with the two friends with whom I spend the least amount of time. Ben nods appreciatively. “Nice place you’ve got here, Daph,” he says, putting his hands on his hips as he spies
“What’s going on, Daph?” I ask, frowning, genuinely concerned for her. After all, I want my friend to be happy, especially when we discuss her relationship with Rafe.“To begin,” Daphne says, straightening her shoulders and looking right at me. “Can we pretend, for a little bit, that we’re not talki
My heart sinks a bit for my friend, because I never want her to be embarrassed about something like that. How much money she grew up with – it’s never mattered to me – to any of us.“Yeah, I get that,” I say quietly, turning back to Ben’s point and looking between them. “The fear that…you’d get left
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