Chapter 0686

However, my intentions are thwarted when Rafe goes rigid and looks towards the head of the room.

All of our heads turn then, the hall going even more quiet. Beneath the table, Jackson slips a hand onto my thigh, anxious and wanting my touch as much as he wants to give me comfort.

“Cadets,” the Captain says, coming to the front of the room. “Please give me your attention.”

We all just sit perfectly still, silence reigning in the room, paying rapt attention to the man at the front.

“It gives me no pleasure to inform you,” he continues, standing straight and putting his hands behind his back, “that you are being called up to active duty.”

Several gasps sound throughout the room but everyone at my table just stills.