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.

it’s a very basic, stupid

outside the stall as I step out, his arms crossed over the chest

Chapter 27

my best baby–cousin look. “Just can you scent mark me

reaches out his wrist, rubbing it across my neck and my own wrists, perhaps a little more roughly

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

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

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

laughing and panting a little. “Just

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, I do trust that he’s

right now, at

rat,” Jesse growls, reaching behind

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

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

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

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

a little, but he smiles, and

on

against my brother’s side. Ben 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

grin, congratulating him on his 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 this is going to do

Chapter 27

cusp of failure.

the doors to the dining hall open, and we stand up, all hungry and ready for

they’re going to be admitted as candidates. Ben does his best, keeping his head high

gravy, and baked potatoes, and flounder so flaky and buttery it falls apart

don’t even notice who sits down next to me until his arm brushes against mine and that familiar tingle runs through me.

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

my smile.

–

other for a long

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

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

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

room.

candidacy and your final examination. Your semifinal rankings will be posted in just a moment. This is your last

time.”

stomach sinks as he reminds me of what’s coming tomorrow – the obstacle course which

“I sugge

rankings, which will be announced in person, in order, and those who make the