Chapter 77

When I wake up the next morning. I am in an absolute daze of joy.

Rafe just smiles at me as he passes my nook on the way to the bathroom, happy to see me happy, but Jesse immediately knows what’s up as I stretch my arms over my head, unable to keep the smile off of my face.

“Ugh, it’s so unfair,” he moans, flopping back into his own pillow pile as the bathroom door closes behind Rafe.

“What, do you want to swap with me?” I ask him, teasing. “Make out with Luca in the dream state instead?”

“No, I don’t want to swap,” Jesse mutters, bitter, lifting his head to glare at me. “It’s just very unfair, Ariel, that you get to wake up in a sex haze while the rest of us are all pent up-

“No one is stopping you from making out with the other cadets, Jesse,” I say with a happy sigh, climbing out of my bed and starting to set out my clothes for the day.

“Well, considering they hold very few charms for me, it’s not precisely an appealing option,” he replies, deeply sarcastic. “And considering that you actively are cockblocking me from making out with the one person I do want to get naked with with in this castle.”

“Again, I am willing to share Luca,” I joke, sending him a little grin over my shoulder.

Jesse just rolls his eyes at me. “Please,” he says, sitting up and pressing his hands together in prayer, “please release me from my promise not to hit on Daphne. Even just let me flirt

with her!”

“Jesse!” I sigh, turning to him. “Do you actually like her? Or are you just hitting on her because she’s the only girl around.”

He sits up straight for a second, turning his head like he hadn’t considered it.

“I will invite her over,” I say, pointing a finger at his face and speaking slowly so he hears how seriously I am. “And you can pursue her if you actually like her. But don’t mess her around, okay?”

Chapter 77

“I promise,” he says, almost reverent.

likes another boy instead of you,” I say, turning my head to the side

eyes at

I flick

“I can handle that. Everyone likes

likes Rafe you have to let her like Rafe!” I

fine,” he says, though I can already see his little

I sigh, feeling very generous and happy. “I’ll send her a

and darting across the room to wrap me in an enthusiastic hug, rocking me back and forth.

be sterner than I am and unable to

meal. The only dark point is when Jackson walks by and gives us a little nod of acknowledgement

we?” I whisper, remembering our intent to have a little chat

did,” Luca says, narrowing his eyes a

eyes, taking in the stern set to

Chapter 77

ask quietly mind–to–mind, and

mine beneath the table. I’m not mad at you I just don’t

We’re fine.

then, pleased to hear it.

tuck the anxiety away, because I

to tell him, she says to me, nudging my soul with her nose. Not fair – he thinks he’s your only mate. He needs to know.

like howling alongside her as I realize

my eyes to the table, but look up again when Luca squeezes my hand. He raises an eyebrow at me and

turning towards

you going to be late?” he asks,

I ask,

like I’m a bit of an

a bit. “Oh my god,” I glance up

to

to my feet, and Luca stands

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255