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.

very basic, stupid plan. But it’s a

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

Chapter 27

him my best baby–cousin look.

my neck and my own wrists, perhaps a little more roughly than normal.

and then I bolt–dropping my towel and running as fast as

training me to run faster, and by the time he reaches me? I’m already

jumping a

panting a

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 he did promise he’d keep my secrets, and even if I am desperately avoiding this conversation,

right now, at

little rat,” Jesse growls, reaching

to wail on me half- heartedly until, laughing, I cry mercy and Rafe pulls me safely to his

sighs, though he smiles at both

sticking with that rat cousin,” Jesse grumbles, giving me a little kick as he

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

shakes his head at me a little, but he smiles, and I

on

comes over too, sitting on the 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 sad little plants growing by their edge

team didn’t fully pass – they didn’t make the ten–mile hike home. Anxiety is tight in my chest

Chapter 27

cusp of failure.

to the dining hall open, and we stand up, all hungry and ready for dinner–and the rankings

relatively sure that 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 tray

and gravy, and baked potatoes, and flounder so flaky

don’t even notice who sits down next to me until his arm

to look at Luca, his eyes are already on me. “Hungry tonight?”

can’t help my smile.

–

stare at each other for a long

– someone across from me clears their throat. I turn my head to see Jesse looking at both of us with

looks down at his food, digging in, while I purse my lips and give Jesse what I hope is a very subtle, very

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 spirits by the time the Captain stands at

room.

right,” he says, clapping his hands twice for silence. “Tomorrow is the last day of your candidacy and your final examination. Your semifinal rankings will be posted in just a moment. This is your last opportunity to know

time.”

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

“I sugge

clean up tomorrow before final rankings, which will be announced in person, in order, and those who make the cut will be invited immediately into the Academy. Those who don’t will