Chapter 888

"Plus," Jackson says, putting his hands on his hips and looking down at the ATV with an odd, almost fond expression. "The machine needs to charge. Clever little device, this is doesn't need any power source to regenerate, just time."noveldrama

My wolf grumbles a little, jealous, because quite frankly we want to be the only clever little thing that Jackson looks at that approvingly. I laugh at myself even as I slowly climb off the machine, knowing that I'm being ridiculous. "Is it safe?" I ask. "To stop here?

I look over my shoulder at the expanse of Atalaxia that we've crossed, though of course I can't see far. The grass stretches for miles in quietly rolling hills. Earlier today we crossed desert wasteland too, but these grassy bits with occasional streams shallow enough for us to ride right through - I like them more.

"Should be safe, Atalaxia is big and they'd have to send out a hell of a lot of troops to find us," Jackson says, helping to steady me and then brushing my hair back over my shoulders when I stand straight and adjust the pack strapped to my back. “Besides, with the Atalaxian King dead and his heir being rather

predisposed to like you...I don't think that there's going to be a big search party on our tail."

I laugh a little and grin up at my mate. "And even if they did, my clever Jackson was way too careful in covering our tracks, right?"

He barks out a little laughs and slips his arms around my shoulders. "I prioritized speed, Princess. We should hit the borders of Moon Valley tomorrow and then we can get home."

"So...we're spending the night here?" I ask, looking eagerly around. I mean, for all of Atalaxia's faults, this bright field is...pretty gorgeous, with the wind blowing softly through the grasses and all that expanse of sky overhead.

Jackson hums a confirmation and beings walking us towards the little stream. "Do you mind?" he asks, glancing down at me. "I know it's more rugged than you're used to."

"No, I love camping!" I say, genuinely enthused. "And honestly Atalaxia has ruined me a bit for luxury for a while. If I never see gold leaf again, it will be too soon."

Jackson smirks, nods, and kneels down by the stream, reaching up and giving me a little mental nudge that clearly requests the backpack. I hand it over, sitting down as Jackson pulls off his boots and then takes a little bar of soap and a bottle of water out of the bag, handing the latter to me.

I sip quietly at the water as Jackson pulls off his shirt and moves closer to the very shallow stream, putting his feet in and then dipping low to splash water up over his face, washing a great deal of King's blood off his face and chest.

My wolf and I sit very quietly as we watch Jackson's makeshift little bath, my shoulders and spine straight. Because...heavens.

My fierce warrior mate, King's blood and fresh water running long down his body, rippling over his stomach The blood of a King that my mate killed because he threatened me; a King whose death likely signals the end of a very long war.

Jackson cups his hands in the stream and closes his eyes, lifting the cool water up and over his head. He does this a few times, letting it run through his hair, which plasters thick and dark to his skull and neck. He exhales in relief at the sensation and my eyes move to the water that dribbles down over his full lips.

When he gives a wolfish shake of his head, sending water scattering in all directions, my mouth falls open slightly and my wolf shifts anxiously from paw to paw, a low whine sounding in her throat.

Slowly, Jackson opens his eyes and smirks at me. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, I am fine," I say, leaning back on one hand and giving him an obvious, appreciative glance up and down that makes him laugh. "I am just...enjoying the show."

Jackson smirks as he drops his eyes. "You're exaggerating," he murmurs, running his fingers through his mussed hair and tucking it back behind his ears.

"I'm like, really not, Jacks," I say, grinning at him. "Honestly, if I had a video camera right now, I suspect I could sell this footage for a great deal of money -"

He barks out a laugh and grins at me, reaching for my arm. "Come on, tiny," he says, beckoning. “Let's get you cleaned and wrapped up so your mother doesn't scold me when I bring you home all wounded."

"Oh, as if Queen Ella could ever be mad at you," say on a happy sigh, scooting closer and lifting my wrist as Jackson reaches into the pack and pulls out some basic antibiotics and gauze. "Her perfect orphan baby who has now saved me twice? You won't be able to do any wrong in her eyes."

Jackson takes my arm and dips a little piece of gauze into the clear stream water, beginning to dab quietly at Gabriel's mark, cleaning it up. "Think this is enough to take Rafe's spot as favorite?"