The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 14

Unfortunately, my determination to take a little space from my mate and concentrate on raising my rank is immediately foiled when Luca comes sauntering over to our table with a tray full of food.

“Hey,” he says, grinning at Rafe and Jesse with the trademark stunning smile that flares his dimples. “I come with a peace offering.”

Rafe raises his eyebrow as Luca takes a plate off his tray, sliding it onto the table. I take a sharp breath as I focus on the pair of little raspberry pastries Luca brought us – the tray was completely empty by the time Jesse and I got through in line and it broke my heart –

But Luca? Luca got two.

“What for?” Rafe asks, smacking my hand when I immediately reach for one. I hiss, more in surprise than pain, and pull my hand back.

“I didn’t mean anything when I took Shrimp over to my bunk last night for a chat,” Luca says, his face more serious now as he gives a little shrug. “I didn’t realize it would piss you off. I was just trying to offer my support – I know he’s low on the rankings, and I’ve soft spot for the underdogs.”

got a

I narrow my eyes at Luca now, because he’s blatantly lying – but he’s also protecting my secret. Luca’s eyes flash to mine and the corner of his mouth quirks up in a grin.

“Ari is ours to protect,” Rafe says, looking Luca over from head to foot before picking up the plate and holding it out to him. Luca blinks in surprise and turns his eyes back to Rafe. I don’t think he’s used to rejection – not with that face and his fame.

“Ari,” I break in, rankling a little at the possession in Rafe’s voice, “is a full person who can make friends with whoever he wants,” I say, rolling my eyes at my brother and snatching the plate of pastries out of his hand. “This was nice, Luca – thanks. No harm done.”

Rafe grumbles a little next to me but I elbow him, trying to remind him silently that I still have to fit in here. It won’t do us any good to make an enemy of Luca Grant by offending him.

Plus, I want pastries. And for my mate to stay close at my side for a few more moments – damn but his scent is amazing, almost better than these flaky little Danishes –

–

“Want to sit?” Jesse asks, smiling at Luca and gesturing to the seat next to him. I pale a little

– because, I mean, accepting a peace offering is one thing –

But Luca, having breakfast with us? That’s starting to cross a dangerous line.

Unfortunately, before I can think of a reason to protest, Luca cheerfully takes the seat and raises his eyes to mine, smiling at me a little deviously.

Shit. This was his plan. He still has questions for me, and he knows that he has to get on Rafe and Jesse’s good side if he wants to ask them.

Clever boy.

I scowl at him and take a big bite of the pastry. Unfortunately for me it’s delicious, which makes it very hard to be mad and wary of my st*pid mate, who’s sitting across the table from me, smirking at his victory.

and Luca chat idly, introducing themselves even though they probably already know who each other are. Jesse ropes Rafe into the conversation too, though my brother only

a while, until he ropes me into the conversation

what’s your plan?” Luca asks.

snaps up. “Why?” I ask, my nose scrunching a little as I

Shrimp,” Luca says, grinning at me. “I think you’re

the truth, but I look away, not wanting Jesse to get suspicious about the connection between us. Frankly, I’m shocked Jesse hasn’t figured it out already – Luca’s making

low and derisive, clearly suggesting that

know,” Luca says, shaking his head a little bit and crossing his arms, studying me like I’m a lost cause. “It’s a shame he came in so

a last minute addition to the roster,” Jesse

and looking between them. “Wait, what’s today? What am

Rafe says, glancing over at me. “It affects the rankings. One–on–one, though, not bracket style

this shit,” I breathe, shaking

Jesse says, rolling his eyes at me. “They told

says, shrugging and finishing up a bowl of oatmeal. “There are all kinds of forums online where previous cadets spill the school’s secrets, if you know where to find them. Anyone who did any kind of prep at all to be here knows the schedule

implying that I failed to do that essential research, but duh – of course I didn’t. I was busy planning

I gonna get through this?” I ask, looking a little frantically between

Ari,” Rafe says, taking a calm drink of his coffee. “They pit lowest against the highest for this one. So, you’ll be

anxiety. “How does that help me?

you

GMS

turning to glare at me a little. “You just have to pretend to. I’m going to take

breathe, shocked.

eyes wide as he stares at Rafe. “You’re going to give up the number one

just shrugs and turns back to his tray, finishing

says, glancing up at the clock. “Shit, we’ve got to

26

I say, putting my hand on his shoulder. “You can’t do that – we have to figure something

clock as well and starting to stand up. “It’s not like it will knock me off the board – it will just drop me down a few spots

It’s

protest, standing up with him

away from Rafe. “You have to let him do this, Ari. It’s the only way.”

signaling the end of breakfast and the start of training. But inwardly, my mind whirs – because there has to be something that I can do that doesn’t put

into the gym together and are run through the horrible obstacle course twice as some kind of warm–up. The entire time I run it, I push my mind to come up with something – anything –

what the the results of that would be – would they just kick me out immediately? Or…is there any way I could

hell would agree to that, even if it were

ways at the end of the second run of the obstacle course, which just…really feels like a kick in the face. My time improves, but I’m still dead last. When we’re finished the run, we’re lined up in our ranking order and lead into a sparring gym next door, which has mats already laid out ready for our bouts. We’re spread out at even distances and each handed a

idea what’s going on, and I’m anxious

all standing quietly, “that the wooden staff is not a particularly high–tech or effective weapon in today’s battle climate. That’s why we chose it for this test. Our understanding is that very few people are proficient in staff