“Maybe we’re not supposed to understand,” Jane replied. Sophie noticed her voice a little loopy, a little slurred. She could tell the blonde was doing everything in her power to keep herself conscious. “You might not understand, but he did. Your life, to him, is valuable. For an unknown reason to you, Michael thought you should live, even if that meant he had to die. He made that decision. There’s really nothing else you can do.”
“Do you think it’s that simple?” Sophie asked. She noticed the golf cart come into view, along with Ethan, who was currently on his cell phone.
“Sure.” She shrugged. “Why not?”
“As much as I think it’s important the two of you spend quality time together, I must insist on carrying Jane,” Daryl said, interrupting the two friends. “It was amusing to watch you both pretend she’s fine, but I like to think I know her well enough to know that is simply not the case.”
“Busted,” Jane muttered under her breath. She giggled once Daryl swept her up in his arms, bridal-style, taking a seat in the back of the golf cart.
Will, still unreasonably silent, took the driver’s seat. Sophie kept standing, unsure where she should sit.
“I’m glad to see you all unharmed,” Ethan said, coming over to their group. “I’ve just got word from Brielle that Jared is currently airborne with Arbuckle in tow. He doesn’t seem like he remembers anything, which is good news for everyone.”
“What happens when someone asks him about his press conference?” Will asked, keeping his gaze solely on Ethan. His eyes didn’t even flicker to Sophie. She wasn’t sure how to take that, but she bit her lip and hoped the hurt she felt wasn’t obvious.
“He’ll have no idea what they’re talking about,” Ethan explained. “Which will cause the public to lose their faith in him and the government, which will cause the relationship between the public and the government to revert back to normal. It might arise suspicions, but when they find he won’t—can’t, really—answer questions, it’ll all die down. Things will go back to normal for everyone.”
The ride from there was silent. Everyone involved got checked out by Kessler to make sure there weren’t any overlooked injuries and everything was taken care of. By the time they were released to do what needed to be done, the sun was going down. Sophie’s stomach rumbled painfully, and it was then that she realized she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. She needed food.
“Hey, kid.” Will surprised her on the way out of the Ack Building. He wore a motorcycle jacket now. She didn’t know when he had time to grab it, but it was cold, so she understood. “Wanna go get fish and chips? It’s on me.”
Sophie felt herself smile. “What, like a date?” she asked.
“Something like that.”
Sophie nodded her head and took the hand he offered to her. He continued to hold onto her as they walked out of the school together. Once they were off the campus grounds, Sophie felt comfortable enough to let her head fall on Will’s shoulder. They had yet to make up after their argument from last night.
Had it only been last night? It felt like forever ago.
He led her down a slope and to the downtown district of Catalina. She almost wished they were running, just based on how cold it was. She tried to mask it, but her lips clattered together and she gripped Will’s hand too tightly.
The food stand was located a few feet from the beach in the heart of the tourist center. It didn’t get as much traffic as it did during the summer, but the couple had to wait in line for a few moments before Will placed the order and their food was handed to them.
Sophie had never had fish and chips before, but she was so hungry it didn’t matter. The hot food melted in her mouth, and Sophie had to remind herself to slow down so she could actually taste the food.
“We should talk,” Will said when he was halfway through his fish, his mouth filled with food.
“What do you want to talk about?” Sophie asked. She knew what the subject was, she just didn’t know what he was going to say. She thought it would be best to play dumb than assume and be dumb.
Will swallowed his food, opened his mouth to speak, and stopped. Paused. Finally, “I want to apologize. I should trust you. I know that. And it came out like I didn’t.”
“Will, I—”
“No, let me finish.” He paused, shifted his jaw. He was thinking. “I do trust you, kid.” His eyes locked with her. “I trust you with my life. I need you to know that. When I found out that you left, it scared the shit out of me. And then, it turns out that not only did you leave, but you went to his place. I was pissed, Soph. Furious. You’re mine. You can’t just leave me in the middle of the night, even if your intentions were good. I hope I’m not coming off sexist, because I’m not. You know I’m not. But if we’re going to do this, you need to understand that you can’t do that. I know my reaction was out of line. I’m not innocent. I made mistakes. But you—”
“I know.” Sophie needed to cut Will off because he was working himself up, and there was no need for that. “I get it. Maybe at the time, I didn’t, but after our time away, after the whole Arbuckle thing … I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again. And suddenly, the whole fight seemed so insignificant and such a waste. I know we’re not always going to have those moments of clarity, which is a good thing. But it really forced me to see things from your perspective, which I needed to do. I can’t promise I’m going to be perfect. I’m still going to make mistakes. You and I have tempers; it’s just who we are. But I’m willing to work through it. Even if I don’t think you’re right.”
Will chuckled. “I think we’re going to butt heads more often than actually agree,” he said, grabbing her waist and pulling her to him.
Sophie nodded. “Yeah,” she said. “But as long as we work it out, I think we’ll be good,” she said.
“We’re going to work it out,” Will said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. “There’s no doubt about that. What I want to make sure is noted is the fact that once we’re over our shit, we make up.”
“Like you buy me chocolates and flowers?” Sophie asked, tilting her head up so her lips were centimeters away from his.
“Ummm …” He let his voice trail off. “Actually, that’s not what I had in mind. But here. We have time, we’re alone, we’re not needed in the near-future. I’d be more than happy to clarify what I mean.”
He pulled her into a deep kiss, and Sophie kissed him right back.
38
“Jane.”
Jane picked her head up from her plate of breakfast to see Ethan staring down at her with a thick envelope in his hand. Her eyes latched onto the University of California Irvine logo in the top left corner and saw her name written in the navy blue script. She had recently been eating more and more in an attempt to get her appetite back; it was working. The more she ate, the fuller her face became, and she was gaining weight in appropriate places. This also meant that if she wanted to keep her healthy shape she would need to start exercising soon. Probably tomorrow.
Yes. Tomorrow sounded like a plan.
Especially now that Ethan had a very important letter addressed to her from the only university she applied for.
Rejection letters aren’t that big, are they? I don’t know and can’t remember either way. Not that I have anything to remember. I have never applied to college before. Now she was babbling in her mind. If that wasn’t the start of insanity, she didn’t know what was.
“Jane.” He said her name again, this time with more amusement. His eyes twinkled, and like usual, it was as though he could read her thoughts, see right through her. “This is for you.”
Jane swallowed, though her mouth wasn’t full. She wiped her hands on her pleated skirt before taking the offered letter with her hand.
“Thank you,” she told him. She wasn’t sure if he heard her, but she could feel her mouth form the words so she knew she had spoken them.
Ethan placed his hand on Jane’s shoulder and squeezed. “There’s nothing t
o be afraid of, Miss Cabot,” he said. “UCI would be lucky to have a brilliant young woman like you.”
The minute Ethan left, Sophie scooted closer to her friend and looked at what Ethan gave Jane.
“You applied for college?” she asked in a hushed voice.
Jane felt herself nod but didn’t remember giving her body the command.
“Jane, that’s great!” the red head said, and Jane could feel her enthusiasm brimming from her person and spilling over to Jane. “Well, are you going to open it? Come on, Jane! You heard Ethan. You have nothing to be afraid of. Do you want me to do it?”
As much as Jane appreciated the sentiment, she knew she had to do this on her own. This was one of the most important actions she would take in her entire life, opening a letter from a college she had applied to. Her heart beat the way a hummingbird’s did. Her hands shook.
“I’ve got it, thanks.” She swallowed again. “But don’t go anywhere. I might need you to read it to me.”
Jane intended to open it the same way one was supposed to rip off a band aid: fast and hard. It would sting for a few moments, but it would be over with. Instead, she took the long way: slow, with more purpose. She wasn’t sure why it happened that way, but it was as though she didn’t have a choice.
Dear Ms. Jane Cabot,
We are pleased to inform you …
Jane’s smile was big and relieved. She could breathe again. She was going to college. Holy crap, she was going to college!
Her eyes flickered up and immediately sought Daryl’s. Daryl had been watching her, his black gaze intense, waiting. When he saw the smile, he smiled, too. Not because she was smiling, but because he knew that she had gotten in and was happy for her. It caused those butterflies to start tumbling in her stomach, and she felt her cheeks turn pink.
“Tell me again why you chose UCI,” Daryl said, wrapping his arms from behind her so his hands pressed flat on her stomach. He tucked his chin on her shoulder so his whiskers tickled her bare skin.
Jane was in love with moments like these. The times they were alone and could let their guard down and be themselves. Since the academy resumed, it was more difficult finding time alone. Since there was no threat against her, there was no reason for her to live with him in his flat. And even though she was a consenting adult, he was still her professor and she was still his student. And if parents found out about their relationship … Well, it wouldn’t be good.
But today was different. Today, she found out that one of her dreams came true. And she wanted to share it with Daryl.
Luckily, she had friends. Sophie and Elle had her back at the Ignis Dorm, and Brielle had her back at the Aqua Dorm. They planned to celebrate at Ultra that weekend, just the girls, but tonight was for Daryl, and only Daryl.
“Because it’s close,” she replied. “I can still see my grandfather. The campus is beautiful. They have a good medical program.”
“Medical program?” he asked with an arched brow. “I’m not sure if I would have expected that from you.”
Jane craned her neck so she could give him a look. “I’m not sure if I should be offended or not,” she replied.
He kissed her neck. “What about you and me?” he asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re a young college girl, off to learn about medicine,” Daryl said. “I’m certain you’ll be invited to many parties and have many offers to go out and—”
“Stop.” She wiggled around in his arms so she was now facing him. “I’m yours, okay? Between you and me, I also picked UCI because I can come visit you on the weekends.”
“Really?” He arched a brow, teasing her.
“I don’t mean to be forward or anything,” Jane said, “but I figure I could live with my grandfather during the week. Once I get out of class on Thursdays, I’ll catch a late ferry out to see you and stay until Sunday night. What do you think?”
“Do I actually get a say?” Daryl asked.
“Oh, shut up and kiss me,” Jane muttered, and before he could respond, she reached up and kissed him herself.
Jane loved waking up in Daryl’s arms. Whether it was the middle of the night, early morning, or even in the afternoon after a catnap, she felt safe and warm and content. In fact, she never had a better sleep than when she was with him.
“Are you going to miss me?” she asked lazily, not even certain if Daryl was awake or not.
“You’re lying right next to me,” he mumbled back, his eyes still closed. “Why would I miss you?”
Jane started laughing in surprise and slapped his shoulder playfully. Daryl chuckled and tightened his grip on her.
“Of course I’ll miss you,” he told her, pressing his lips against her skin. “But we have our dreams.”
Jane smiled. “Yes,” she agreed. “So is it true that peculiars of the same species can do the same thing we can? From what Sophie said about Michael, it was like he just knew she was in danger. He came to rescue her, sacrificing himself for her.”
Daryl snorted. “As romantic as that seems, I have not found that to be the case,” he told her. “Michael is resourceful. He has had his hands in as many pockets as possible in order to get whatever it was he wanted. It would not surprise me in the slightest if he had paid off one of Arbuckle’s men to get intel on where Sophie was and what was going to happen to her.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Jane said. “Why would Michael be able to pay off a couple of soldiers when Marvin went to Arbuckle and got him to double the price Michael was giving him?”
“It all boils down to value. Michael paid Marvin what he believed Marvin’s information was worth. Arbuckle saw Marvin’s information as more valuable and paid him accordingly. But that does not mean Arbuckle sees his men as being valuable. He probably assumes he has their loyalty, not realizing they, along with anyone else, can be bought.”
“I’m just glad it’s all over, I guess,” Jane murmured, turning so her body was pressed into Daryl’s.
“You must promise me something, lubimaya,” he said, opening his eyes once again to emphasize the seriousness of his words. “I want you to enjoy your life. I feel honored that I get to be part of it in an intimate way. But please don’t think that just because we’ve resolved one threat that it doesn’t mean there aren’t more. Protect yourself. And if you ever need me, I’m always here for you. Do you understand?”
She smiled at him, nodded, and then buried her face in his shoulder. God, she loved this man. Her heart swelled just thinking about him. She couldn’t believe they were together, like this. Before she found out about being a quis, she was never able to picture Daryl Depogare in love. On top of that, she would never, in a million years, have thought Daryl would fall in love with her. A student. An Ignis. His complete polar opposite.
“How are your parents?” he asked, completely throwing her off. “I know it’s been a few months since they decided to separate.”
Jane shrugged. “Last I heard, they’re going to counseling,” she said. “I think my mom wants to make it work, but I’m not sure if my dad does. But he’s going, and that’s what counts. They’re living together at home, but I think my dad moved stuff into a different room, which was what the counselor suggested.” She rolled her eyes, then stopped. “You know, I appreciate the effort for what they’re trying to do, but I seriously hope they’re doing it for them and not me.”
Daryl pressed his brows gently together. “Why not?” he asked. “What a wonderful sacrifice parents can make for their child.”
“No,” Jane said, shaking her head. “They need to be selfish and think of themselves first. Every person on this planet has issues, you know, regardless of the parenting. But I want, more than anything, for my parents to be happy together. I’m glad that they’re fighting for each other, because that’s important. I wasn’t sure my dad was going to do the whole counseling thing because it’s hard for him to admit that he needs help, and I think he was worried the counselor would immediately side wi
th my mom. But he’s there. He’s trying.” Her eyes flashed over to him. “That’s how I want us to be. I want us to make a promise, right here, right now, that we’re going to fight for each other. We’re going to do everything it takes to fight for our relationship until we can’t anymore. And, God forbid, we ever reach that point, I want us to go our separate ways, with grace and dignity and respect.”
Daryl’s lips curled up. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this, haven’t you?” he asked.
Jane nodded once. “Of course,” she said. “How can I not? I respect you too much to not give our relationship a fair chance. If peculiars are supposed to live for an extraordinary amount of time, and we’re committing that amount of time to each other, you and I need to be on the same page. I love you. I know relationships and feelings fluctuate, but if we have a base of solidarity we can always return to, I think you and I …”
“Will be extraordinary together,” Daryl finished.
Jane nodded. She loved his words, his diction. He always knew exactly what to say to make a moment perfect.
“Exactly,” she told him.
He began to lead her back to the bedroom, his hands still pressed flat on her stomach. “You know,” he said against her neck. “You’ll be gone for the majority of the summer. Which means I’ll be completely alone until you get back.”
“You’ll have Will,” Jane teased.
She didn’t have to see Daryl to know exactly what look was on his face. “Perhaps we can make up for the lost time,” he suggested, as though she hadn’t spoken.
“I like where your head is, Professor,” she said, and when they reached the bedroom, Daryl swooped her up and tossed her on the bed.
Jane laughed out loud, a strong, genuine laugh, and pulled Daryl down on top of her. She would save this moment and keep it with her forever.
39
Sophie’s fingers were interlocked in her lap. Her back was straight, erect in one of Ethan’s comfortable office chairs, sitting directly across from the Academy of Peculiar’s dean. He was leaning back in his own chair, looking at her over the clutter on his desk. The guy was the most intelligent person Sophie knew, and somehow, he seemed to lack the ability to clean and organize his desk. The fact made her grin; it was something quirky she could appreciate now, now that things had, for the most part, returned to normal.
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