Chapter 112
Chapter One Hundred-Twelve
Shayne
It’s been a long ass day for me, and for Falcon, but it’s been worth it to see our lead Alpha so damn happy. He’s been so consumed with the idea of finding the one thing he’s supposed to be doing with his life that he never stopped to think about where destiny’s been leading him.
None of us knew this was coming, that’s for sure, but Falcon’s the only one who’s been worried about our futures. I guess that comes with being in charge of our pack, but it’s also been his default mode.
I’m glad that’s changed.
I can’t say I’m thrilled to be living at the academy, at least, not yet.
Living and working here feels a like a lot.
That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
Of course it is.
We’re here to be with Robin.
She loves it here, and I’d do anything to make that woman happy.
There’s just this part of me that can’t help wondering how this can possibly work out long term. The apartment wasn’t exactly a home, and this doesn’t feel like one, either.
We’re finally a complete pack.
We should have a real home together.
At some point. Once Robin’s ready to leave.
Sighing, I open my eyes and sit up properly.
I don’t want to pass out while I’m waiting for Falcon to come back through with sheets.
“Talk to me,” I ask Jay, needing something to keep me awake after all that fresh air and exercise.
He looks up from his phone. “I thought you fell asleep.”
“Almost,” I admit. “Not yet.”
I rub my eyes, feeling close to dozing off.
A yawn escapes me, and I know I’m not going to make it much longer.
“You seriously need to sleep,” he tells me. “Falcon knows how to function on a couple of hours. You’re going to be walking around like a zombie in the morning.”
“Don’t make me think about the morning. That’s later.”
He laughs. “You want to switch places with me?”
The thought perks me up a little.
Of course I’d rather stay here all day with Harper and Robin!
Unfortunately, I know I can’t say yes and mean it.
“I’ve already been pre-taught stuff. Falcon won’t be happy if he needs to teach someone else.”
“Too bad,” Jay says. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after our mates while you’re out working your ass off.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, shaking my head.
“You’re more than welcome.”
He’s having fun with this.
I’m glad someone is.
Falcon comes back into the room when I’m trying to stifle another yawn.
He dumps a pile of sheets and pillows on the corner of the couch, and then he closes the bedroom door gently.
“Okay, move off,” he tells Jay. “We’ve got beds to make.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Jay gets to his feet and slips his phone into his pocket.
He sorts out the sheets and pillows on that side of the couch, before he nods at me to move.
I get up and back off. Two seconds later, he has my bed ready for me, too.
“Thanks,” I murmur, as he winks at me.
“Get some sleep. I’ll hit the lights.”
I get between my sheets and lay down.
Falcon does the same at his side.
I glance over, and I can’t help thinking about high school sleepovers.
This is what it feels like, though I can’t say Falcon was ever at one of those.
It’s not our first time sharing a couch, though.
That was the night I realized we were true mates.
I’d found out he was staying at the high school, and we finally talked to each other.
We met in secret for a while, pretending we were just dating, until high school was over, and I was about to have my life planned out for me by my elitist parents.
“Remind you of anything?” I ask, as Jay turns out the lights.
Falcon reaches out for my hand, and I touch my fingers to his.
“A little,” he admits. “You were a lot closer that night.”
“I was,” I agree, remembering how good it had felt to fall asleep in his arms.
The morning was a bit less romantic, which was when we discovered neither of us was used to sleeping in such a tight position all night.
“It was nice, but I don’t want to wake up on the floor tomorrow.”
He laughs lightly. “I wasn’t asking you to move over here.”
“You sure?” I ask, waiting to find out how tired he really is.
“Get a room, or at least invite me over,” Jay remarks, making us both laugh.
“Goodnight, Shayne,” Falcon says, making the decision for us all.
“Night, Falcon. Night, Jay.”
“I’m waking you up in four hours, right?” Jay asks.
“Five,” Falcon corrects him.
“Oh, thank God,” I murmur, as if that extra hour is really going to do anything.
Being woken before six in the morning to do manual labor is a form of torture if you ask me, but Falcon wants me out there with him, and I know it’ll make everything better for all of us when we’re all allowed to spend time on the academy’s grounds, so I close my eyes and cross my fingers that five hours will feel more like eight.