Chapter 961

"This has nothing to do with whether or not we're grateful for what Jackson did for this family and this nation," my father says, staring at me, cold.

"With all the resources this family has," I snarl, "with everything that we have imagined for our people - vastly different futures, equality between wolves and humans, and end to the kind of Atalaxian government that reduces women to chattel. But, somehow, we can't imagine a single way to let a young man continue his education just because he has a child!?"

"Ariel," Jackson sighs, reaching for my hand. "You're going too far -"noveldrama

"No, I'm not," I snarl, whipping my hand out of his grasp. "And if you won't stand up for what you deserve, Jackson, I will!" I turn my face back to my father and my uncle, a desperate frown on my lips. "You raised me to believe in better values that you're enacting right now. And I'm ashamed of you."

I whip my head down to my mate, letting him know mind to mind that I can't be in this room any longer, asking if he wants to come with me.

But he just sighs and slumps back against the couch, not knowing what to do, not knowing where he stands. Not wanting to anger my father and my uncle, who have been so good to him. Not...not knowing what his next move should be, or can be.

"Fine," I growl, storming for the door alone.

"I, for one, agree with her," Jesse says, following behind me. "Ariel's ethics are right on this and, whether or not you see it yet, she's revolutionizing the way things are done in this world. Anyone who catches themselves on the opposing side from Ariel should...seriously reconsider their shit.” His footsteps echo behind me as I storm out into the hall.

"I agree too," Cora's voice sounds, light and easy, though I can barely hear it now as I march away. "Though I am too relaxed to dramatically storm out, you should all imagine me doing so. For solidarity."

My feet carry me forward, rage overtaking my mind and not letting me think anything but thoughts that replay my anger, and my arguments, and my conviction that this can't it can't just be impossible for Jackson to return to school -

She's just a little girl - she's very small and portable - how is this derailing our entire education!?

My steps pound up and up a staircase and only come back to myself when my hand slams against a door, shoving it open, and cool afternoon air rushes over me. I stop

dead in my tracks, my breath met

panting a little, and just stare

forward at the yurt as Jesse comes to stand next to me, barely breathing hard.

Which is infuriating. As usual. God damn athletic Alphas.

"Shit," I say, looking up at him. "Is it...is it okay? To come here? When I'm all pissed off?"

"Everyone seeks comfort in the yurt!"

Jesse says, sweeping a dramatic hand out towards it before looking. down at me with a small smile. “It's fine, Ari Mids would love to talk you through your drama. She's a

shockingly good listener, as long as you don't mind hearing the deadpan truth of her opinions when you're finished spilling your guts."

I narrow my eyes at him. "Can I drink demon juice as I talk?"

“Oh, it's encouraged,” he says, raising his eyebrows at me.

"What's going on?" Midnight calls, pushing back the flap from her yurt and frowning at us, the bright orange glow from her tent warm and inviting. I can't help but smile a little when I see that she's wearing a hoodie over what I can only describe as a ballgown skirt.

"Jackson got a pup and Ariel is confused," Jesse says, quite succinct, pointing at

me.

"We're drinking demon juice and venting our woes, Mids!" I call, striding for the ever-full wine fridge in the outdoor kitchen.

"Sounds good!" she calls, ducking back in. "Come inside!"

As I sit on a pillow, sipping my wine and looking around, I consider hat the yurt has gotten...shockingly cozy since I've last been in it. Somehow Midnight procured a little space

heater that looks like a firace ne

and

it kicks off a great deal of heat. Beyond that, there are dozens of blankets and books and little shelves filled with snacks.

"You've done good for yourself, Mids," I murmur, kind of thinking that maybe I'll just set up a yurt outside Alpha Academy to live in with Jacks and Marigold. I mean, the way Midnight makes it look, it's a very cozy life.