The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 27

I hurry my own pace, darting for an empty shower stall now, willing to take whichever is free- however filthy-

“Ari!” Jesse hisses behind me. “Are you – are you kidding me-

is he your

I squeak a little in dismay. “Don’t know what you’re talking about. Jesse!” I hiss, darting into the stall and yanking the curtain closed behind me.

“Ari!” Jesse shricks, and then he lowers his voice. “Are you with him?”

– are you f**king using the dream state

“I can’t hear you!” I shout, desperate, flipping on the water even though I’m still dressed. Jesse starts

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to tug at the curtain but I snap it shut. “You can’t come in here!” I protest. “I’m n*ked!”

“ARI!” Jesse shouts, completely freaked out.

But suddenly he goes silent, and I

go still.

“What the hell is going on here?” Rafe’s voice asks, just outside the stall.

My eyes dart around as I pray pray that Jesse holds his tongue

“Nothing.” Jesse says, laughing and playing it off. “Ari just…played a prank on me. Lunchmeat…in my bed.”

“That’s not a prank,” Rafe says, confused. “That’s just…gross.”

“Yeah well.” Jesse murmurs. “He needs to….work on his practical jokes. I guess.”

“Whatever,” Rafe says, sighing, his voice tired as he moves away, heading back to the bunks. “You guys got this? I’ll see you in a few?”

Jesse calls confirmation over his shoulder before turning back to my curtain. “This conversation is not finished, Ari,” he says, spitting my name out like it’s a dirty word.

I don’t say anything, but when I hear his angry mutters move away, I exhale a deep breath and begin to strip down, using the entire length of my very long, very hot shower to decide what the hell I’m going to say to my cousin.

When I finally step out of my stall, damp but dressed and tugging my hat down over my head, I have a plan.

mean, it’s a very basic, stupid

as I step out, his arms crossed over the chest of his clean uniform, glaring at me beneath his freshly–washed hair. “You need to tell

Chapter 27

I sigh, looking up at him and giving him my best baby–cousin look. “Just can you scent mark me first? 1 don’t want to.

but reaches out his wrist, rubbing it across my neck and my own wrists, perhaps a little more roughly than normal. “All right, with Ari, out with

bolt–dropping my towel and running as fast as I can for the bunk room and the safety of

did its job, as well as his week of training me to run

hell is going on?” Rafe asks, jumping a little as I dart behind

and panting a little. “Just a race! I win!”

Jesse shouts again, skidding to a stop between our bunks and glaring at me, his eyes flicking to Rafe. And I look over Rafe’s shoulder at my cousin, my eyes pleading – because

right now, at

rat,” Jesse growls, reaching behind Rafe

my plan, continues to wail on me half- heartedly until, laughing, I cry mercy and Rafe

at both of

me a little kick as he settles against Rafe’s pillow.

with me,” I say, peeking out from behind Rafe and grinning at him, trying to

but he smiles, and I

on

edge of the bed and telling us the story about how they couldn’t catch any fish and almost came up the time limit, but then he suddenly remembered that dandelions are edible and found a few

last–minute pass. Ben looks down, though, even if he smiles. Because, technically, his team didn’t fully pass – they didn’t make the ten–mile hike home. Anxiety is tight in my chest as I consider what

Chapter 27

cusp of failure.

all hungry and ready for dinner–and the rankings that are going to come along with

his best, keeping his head high and laughing along with Jesse’s jokes as we move along the food line, filing our tray with a selection of food

yet- tonight must be some kind of celebration because there is tender steak, and gravy, and baked potatoes, and flounder so flaky and buttery it falls apart when you lift it

don’t even notice who sits down next to

whip my head up to look at Luca, his eyes are already on me. “Hungry tonight?” he asks,

my smile.

–

other for a long moment –

– someone across from me clears their throat. I turn my head to

looks down at his food, digging in, while I purse my lips and

conversation. Luca and I do the same after a moment, and honestly the dinner is a good time. We all have full bellies and high spirits by the time

room.

your candidacy and your final examination. Your semifinal rankings will be posted in just a moment. This is your last opportunity to know your spot before you go

time.”

– the obstacle course which I still can’t get

“I sugge

Captain continues, a little bored. “You’ll have a chance to clean up tomorrow before final rankings, which will be announced in person, in order, and those who make the cut will be invited