Jack slept poorly that night. His dreams were plagued with images of Alex. He chased her, but could never catch her. She smiled and giggled like it was a game, but the more he ran the more frantic he became. He woke drenched in sweat. After a shower, he joined Lexi downstairs in the kitchen.One look at Lexi told him she was in a bad mood. It was something in the eyes. He was too exhausted to pry so he sat down next to her. The chef deposited food in front of him. He nibbled at it without enthusiasm."Dad?"His eyes flickered up.Lexi's face softened. "What's wrong?""We had a fight."The corners of her mouth twitched with a smile, but she straightened. "That's too bad. Are you going to break up?""Probably.""Are you sad about it?""I don't feel great."Lexi leaned forward. "What I mean is, will you regret it?""When did you get so grown up?"She plopped her elbows down on the table and lay her chin on top of it. "Not grown-up enough.""What do you mean?"She sighed. "Ne

Jack felt energized for the rest of the day and sped through the bill he was reading. He didn't get much done though. His mind swirled around Alex and their child. His child. How could that be? His heart raced and his mind zipped. He had to figure out how to get her alone. This day had turned out better than it started. Instead of being sad for breaking up with Dyna he was exhilarated for the thrill of Alex. He could finally be with her, and what was more, she wanted him. Or at least he hoped she did. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come to see him, right? Maybe it was just because of the mission. Panic strangled him and he fought it. He needed to stay rational, no sense in freaking out about nothing. He had done so much assuming in the past. That was what got him in this mess. He ran his hand through his hair. He would ask her straight up. No more games, no more worrying about hurt feelings, no more running away. He would be direct this time.The clocked ticked seventeen and he stood

When Jack finally returned home, he found Lexi and Alex asleep on the media room sofa. He lay his jacket and tie across the back of the couch then came around the front. This scene filled him with so much joy that he could feel the heat and warmth fill in at the center of his core. Henry's human bombshell still worried him, but this moment outshone those worries completely.He pulled a blanket over Lexi then knelt down in front of Alex. Her delicate features looked strained in her sleep. He imagined all those secrets held behind that tension. And to leave their child? How hard must that have been? He was finding it hard to not run back to the Sanctuary this very moment.He trailed a finger over her forehead, trapping a bit of stray hair. He pulled it back from her face. Her reactions were lightning quick as she snatched up his hand. Her eyes focused and she smiled when she realized it was him. She didn't release his hand though, instead, she slid her fingers across his skin.That fa

Alex slipped away from Jack before the light of pseudo-dawn. She pressed a single kiss to his lips while he slept. She dressed quietly then left in her pod. She didn't want to go. She could sleep like that with him forever, but she had to finish this mission. It would fix everything. She focused on that and worked on pushing her desire to be with him to the back of her mind.When she arrived home, the guards gave her a nod as she entered the house from the lower garage. Henry's pod was home. She hoped he was too drunk to notice her arrival. She passed through the kitchen and walked by his room. She pressed her ear to his door and listened. It took some time to work out but eventually she heard two heartbeats. A breath of relief escaped her lips. She turned and walked down the hall towards her room.Footsteps ahead of her drew her eyes. Henry walked around the corner.His emerald eyes found hers. "You're just getting back now?"She nodded."Did you do what we discussed?"She nodde

A few more days passed. Jack pushed open the tall black doors to Henry's office."You asked to see me?" Jack said, standing in the doorway of Henry's office.Henry was flicking wildly at his screen. Zeven sat to the side of him reviewing them."Yes, James. Please. We're dealing with another crisis. I really can't miss another board meeting. Can you go to the Truex Combouya and meet with them on my behalf?""Sir, are you sure you want me to do that? Maybe someone else is more qualified."Henry shook his head and tore his eyes away from the screen. "No, you are the only one I trust right now to handle this. Please hurry. It has to be in-person to instill confidence in them."Jack nodded and hurried out of the room. He hopped in his pod and rushed to the combouya. After a brisk walk, he burst through the door, drawing the secretary's eyes."The meeting is already in session," she said.Jack nodded. He walked up to the door and swiped his hand in front of it. It opened. All eyes tu