“Jess –“ Rafe holds out a hand towards his cousin, deeply aware that he’s crossed a bridge he never, ever wanted to cross. That he’s said the words his cousin has maybe been waiting for, and fearing, his entire life.“No,” Jesse says, shaking his head, his eyes filling with tears. “You said it. Now
“Sure is, whole pot since we beat Jesse here,” Ben murmurs, beginning to pour. Jackson puts a warm hand on my knee as I open my eyes and force a smile to my lips, watching the pretty brown liquid splash into my cup.I send a warm pulse of affection to Jacks and chat with Ben as I sip slowly at my co
“Hi! Hi cuties!” Mom’s voice rings out the moment the five of us troop into the room. The Captain enters too, going to stand out of sight in the corner. “It’s so good to see you, I – oh!”I frown when I see her go a bit still on the video screen, seated there next to Cora with dad and Roger standing
My four Alphas turn to me as I steadily hold the Captain’s gaze. “We’re ready,” I say, soft and sure, and my wolf howls proud in my heart. Because even if there’s still pain, and even if I am still finding my feet amongst all this grief, my nation needs me now.And god damn it, but I’m going to show
“Jess!” Rafe barks out as Jesse leaves, flipping Rafe the middle finger as he goes.Then Rafe, growling, storms back to his own sleeping area and begins furiously pulling his dresser drawers open, not seeming to get much done but needing the distraction of having something rather violent to do.“Wha
“No, I think you are, I just…” she shrugs, looking down, smoothing and hand down over the fabric covering his chest. “I just love you a lot and you keep talking about marriage and rings – but that’s all very…human, you know? And I’m a wolf.”He smiles a little, honestly relieved.“Do you want my mar
Jackson and Rafe stand up straight, their Alpha hearing picking up Daphne’s sobbing shouts before I do. But the moment I hear her I go very still, my eyes going wide as they snap for the door. Rafe’s already moving towards it, yanking it open just as Daphne reaches it, stumbling into the room with o
I just can’t figure it out.Jesse, I get – I understand why Atalaxia would take one of our magical warriors on the day of battle.But…Junie!? Why the hell would the enemy want her!?Was it even Atalaxia? Do they have that kind of power, to just come into our world and…snatch us up? And if it wasn’t
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