Chapter 1008

Marigold laughs a little but just nods.

"Are we doing this?" Jesse says, glancing up at the clock that looms large over the entire station. "We don't have a ton of time."

Jackson looks at me and arches a brow. I laugh and nod, grinning at our little party. "Let's go!"

The next morning I wake up blissfully happy to be back in my nook. My mouth opens in a little yawn and I nuzzle closer to my mate's naked chest, all warm and cozy. I sigh, content, and reach out a hand that I brush over Marigold's soft head. She's curled up at Jackson's side, likewise nuzzled close, breathing deeply as she continues to sleep.

I bite my lip against a little squeal as I look at her as, half asleep, Jackson lifts a hand to my back, softly stroking up and down against my nightshirt.

I turn my head, pressing a kiss to his chest before I sit up a little, peering through the open curtain at Jesse and Rafe's beds, a form curled up in each, though Midnight's tiny body is barely visible amongst all of Rafe's bedding.

Last night was exhausting but completely worth it as the five of us stowed away in a box car like we did before and traveled the long distance to the Academy. Marigold slept most of the time but opened her little eyes to look up in awe at the castle up on the cliff, staring at it with true wonder. Midnight had been all determined enthusiasm too, asking me endless questions about chemistry that I answered as best I could.

But the moment when we settled down in the nook, ready for some much-needed sleep, was definitely the best part. It's a tight fit, after all, with three of us in my tiny little bed now. But despite my guilt at the fact that Jackson's feet still hang off the end of the bed as they always do, I have to admit that there's no place I'd rather be than here with my little family, all cuddled close.

I take a moment to check in my new bonds with the babies and laugh a little when I find Jackson's wolf already there alongside my wolf, both of them sniffing at the bonds and giving them a happy little lick to say good morning. The bonds don't respond - of course they don't, the babies are surely too small - but still, they look...bigger this morning? More vibrant?

I grin, incredibly excited to see them grow. God, I never thought much about what

it would be like to be pregnant, but I have to admit...I'm kind of loving it.noveldrama

At least, until the morning sickness starts. Then I'm sure I'll despise it all.

A yawn breaks from Jesse's bed and I grin when I see my cousin sit up, his eyes still shut, rubbing at his brown hair. A little noise next to me makes me look down and I smile to see that Marigold's pretty blue eyes are open, looking up at me.

"Good morning, Goldie," I whisper, running my fingers through her hair. "How did you sleep?"

"Good," she whispers, shutting her eyes again and blearily rubbing her face against Jackson's side. "Breakfast?"

I laugh, thinking that she's certainly her father's daughter, and Jackson gives a little hum of agreement that I can feel resonating through his chest.

"Jesse's in charge of breakfast," I whisper to Goldie, giving her a little nudge. "Go bother him and he'll get you some."

My little girl grins and rolls over in the bed, swinging her legs off the edge and hopping down, rushing for Jesse.

"No!" Jesse moans, throwing his blankets up over his head and

cuddling back into his pillows & net

didn't agree to childcare! I refuse feeding responsibilities!"

"Breakfast!" Marigold calls out, laughing as she jumps on his bed and starts rifling

through the blankets, looking for him. "Breakfast, Jesse!"

He snarls, mock threatening, making

her laugh harder. My little heart

soars as I watch them play and Ч

Jackson wraps his arms around me,

holding me tight, joy likewise thrumming through him.

"Come on, Goldie," Midnight says with a yawn, sitting up in bed, her wild back curts all rumpled and standing up at odd angles. I grin, thinking she looks quite pretty as she holds out a hand towards my daughter. "Childcare is my responsibility. I will show you the magical food door in the wall - we will put a note in it and when the bell rings, there will be food!"

Marigold squeaks with excitement and jumps down from Jesse's bed, running for

her.

"This is amazing," Jackson murmurs, laughing a little himself.

"I know," I say on a happy sigh, turning my face to him. "Do you think -"

But before I can get any further, an angry knock comes at the door.