Chapter 626

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, and what is right, and where he fits in it all.

But through all of it, I can also feel that he's exhausted.

"Come on, baby," I whisper, reaching up and stroking a hand over his hair. "Let's go to sleep. Go for a little cliff run as our wolves. We're not getting anything sorted worrying about it, and we need the rest."

After a moment, Jackson sighs and dips his head, pressing a kiss to the part of my hair. "You're right," he murmurs, giving me a last squeeze. “I shouldn't have kept you up this long anyway."

"Oh, you can keep me up anytime," I murmur against him, lifting my head to press a kiss to his chest before I let my eyes fall shut. "I love you, and I like your mind, and I like hearing about your ideas."

"You're very sweet, princess goddess Sinclair," Jackson sighs, making me smile.

I can feel it as he falls asleep, glad that he's found his rest. And even if I'm incredibly eager to join him in that state, to go for the run that I promised him - I have to admit that I'm disturbed by Jackson's predictions for the future. Is it really so stark as all that?

Are all the pieces falling into place for something much, much larger than us?

And if change is coming...how long do I have left to enjoy this life, which I love so much?noveldrama

When Jackson wakes me up the next morning bright and early for my sniping practice, I pretend to moan and complain as I always do, even though I'm thrilled to be up. I flop around in the bed, making him pull me up into his arms and set me on my feet before he passes me my little jolt of morning energy.

"Thanks," I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing a kiss to his mouth.

"Out!" Rafe calls from his bed, rolling over and pulling his pillow over his head. "None of that!" "Sorry!" I call out to my brother, keeping my voice low as I grimace, hating to have woken him. "Banished forever," Jesse mumbles from his own bed, pointing a stern finger at the door.

I just smirk at Jesse, because I know

he wandered in late and probably got less sleep than all of us, before quickly and quietly getting cleaned up and ready for my day. When

that's all done, Jackson takes my hand in his and we both head for the door, ready for sniping practice.

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Jackson and ktalk quietly in the morning light again going over what happened in the Game yesterday, me giving him the details of all the shots that I took and discussing different ways I could have done it, perhaps improved my performance.

I'm so lost in the discussion that I don't even notice someone standing at the bottom of my blind until they clear their throat, making my whip my head up in surprise to stare at the Captain, standing there with his arms crossed.

“Cadet Clark,” he says, raising an eyebrow at Jackson and looking him up and down. “I was unaware that you were bringing...guests along to your morning practice."

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"For her safety, sir," Jackson says, standing up straight and giving him a little salute. The Captain looks at Jacksondike he doubts that my safety is the main priority here, but he doesn't say anything. "And Jackson says, glancing down at me, "have some ideas on how Clark's training can be improved."

My eyes go wide as I look up at Jacks because.....what? He didn't say anything about that!