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.

who each other are. Jesse ropes Rafe into the conversation too, though my brother

ropes me into the conversation

plan?” Luca asks. “For getting

nose scrunching a little as I glare at him.

grinning at me. “I think you’re funny. It’s good for morale to keep

not wanting Jesse to get suspicious about the connection between us. Frankly, I’m shocked Jesse hasn’t

propose to help?” Rafe asks, his voice low and derisive, clearly suggesting that it’s impossible, “on a

little bit and crossing his arms, studying me like I’m a lost cause. “It’s a shame

to the

up straighter and looking between them. “Wait, what’s today?

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

I breathe, shaking my head as I

school, Ari,” Jesse says, rolling his eyes at me. “They told us. Nepotism for the

spill the school’s secrets, if you know where to find them. Anyone who did any kind of prep at all to

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

through this?” I ask, looking a little

a calm drink of his coffee. “They pit lowest

I ask, my voice squeaky with anxiety. “How does that help me? I can’t beat you’re a

you

GMS

me a little. “You just have to pretend

I breathe, shocked.

at Rafe. “You’re going to

shrugs and turns back to his tray,

don’t like any of my cousins that much,” Luca says, glancing up at the

26

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

will knock me off the board – it will just

way. It’s

up with him and gathering my

from Rafe. “You have to let him do this, Ari.

fighting him on it as the four of us bus our trays and head for the door just as a bell sounds, signaling the end of breakfast and the start of training. But inwardly, my mind

don’t come up with anything. We all troop 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

sick and make Rafe go up against someone else? But I don’t know what the the results of that would be – would they just kick me out immediately? Or…is there any way I could subtly swap spots

And who the hell would agree to that, even

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 long wooden staff before we’re taught a

no idea what’s going on, and I’m anxious as well

out when we’re 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 work anymore. Today’s examination tests not only your physical prowess, but your ability to learn an unfamiliar fighting technique quickly. Though your sparring partner will for many