A few hours later, Daphne’s face cracks into a wide yawn and Jesse, sitting next to her on the couch, reaches out and pats her knee.“Come on, lady detective,” he says, getting to his feet and offering a hand. “Let’s get you to bed.”“The party’s not done though,” she protests, yawning again as she
Jesse lets go of his leash on the shadows a bit, letting them pool, and then dropping his hands and tipping two perfect little shadow kittens out on the cushion between them.“Oh my…oh my god,” Daphne whispers, delighted, leaning down and peering at the little half-substantial kittens before her, th
I groan, snorting awake when Jackson lays me down in my own bed.“What’s happening,” I murmur, looking around, completely confused.“You fell asleep,” he replies, smirking at me as he climbs in next to me and reaches out to un-hook the curtain, letting it shush shut. “I figured you’d rather continue
“And one of the children of the God of Darkness,” I murmur, frowning, likewise staring into space. “Ole Darkie.”Jackson laughs at the Goddess’s nickname for her ex. “And he’s got enough of those to choose from,” he murmurs. “So we’ll maybe never know.”“Wait, what?” I say, sitting up a bit to peer
Slowly, Jackson nods. “I think the God of Death and Goddess of Life would be the most powerful, the most…capable of giving gifts like ours.” Jackson murmurs with a shrug. “I mean, think about it - do you think you could give someone a gift right now? Or your mom?”I shake my head, considering it and
Jackson groans a little, turning towards me, pulling me tight against his chest so that our stomachs line up, so that I can hook one leg over his in the way I like to, so I can press my cheek to his chest.We don’t say anything for a long time and I can feel Jackson trying to figure out how he feels
“Really, improvements to Clark’s training program,” the Captain says, narrowing his eyes at Jackson. “And what qualifies you to decide how Cadet Clark’s training should progress?”I scowl a little, hating that they’re talking about me like I’m not here and wishing they’d both just call me Ariel. It’
“Thank you, sir,” I say, beaming up to him, proud and pleased myself.“Don’t thank me yet,” he says, looking back towards the Castle. “I moved your target out to 1,800 meters. Good luck with that.”I gape at the Captain as he walks away, smirking, because…that is such crap! 1,800 meters is – it’s go
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