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 plan. But it’s

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 me. Now.”

Chapter 27

looking up at him and giving him my best baby–cousin look. “Just can you scent mark me first?

it across my neck and my own wrists, perhaps a little more

my towel and running as fast as I can for the

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

is going on?” Rafe asks, jumping a little as

and panting a little.

flicking to Rafe. And I look over Rafe’s shoulder at my cousin, my eyes pleading

now, at

Jesse growls, reaching

as I shriek and Jesse, figuring out my plan, continues to wail on me half- heartedly until, laughing, I cry mercy and Rafe pulls me safely to his other side, protecting me

at both of us. “We’re supposed to stick

rat cousin,” Jesse grumbles, giving me a

not, you’re stuck with me,” I say, peeking out from behind Rafe and grinning at

but he smiles,

on

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

didn’t make the ten–mile hike home. Anxiety is tight in my chest as I consider what this is going to do

Chapter 27

cusp of failure.

up, all hungry and ready

they’re going to be admitted as candidates. Ben does his best, keeping his head high and laughing along with Jesse’s jokes as we move along the food line, filing our

the best yet- tonight must be some kind of celebration because there is tender steak, and gravy, and baked potatoes, and flounder so flaky and buttery

who sits down

look at Luca, his eyes are already on

my smile. “Starving.”

–

at each other for a long moment

me clears their throat. I turn my head to see Jesse looking at both of

his food, digging in, while I purse my lips and give Jesse what I hope is

just narrows his eyes at me before rolling them and turning back to the group, seamlessly. slipping into the 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

room.

semifinal rankings will be posted in just a moment. This is your last opportunity to know your spot

time.”

reminds me of what’s coming tomorrow – the obstacle course which I still can’t get through, not completely. That stupid

“I sugge

clean up tomorrow before final rankings, which will be announced in person, in order, and those who make the cut will be