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

1

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

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

Chapter 27

best baby–cousin look. “Just can

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

talk now, bye!” I shout, and then I bolt–dropping my towel and running as fast

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

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

panting a little.

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

right now,

rat,” Jesse growls, reaching behind Rafe to smack at me.

as I shriek and Jesse, figuring out my plan, continues to wail on me half- heartedly until,

though he smiles at both of us. “We’re

cousin,” Jesse grumbles, giving me a little kick

stuck with me,” I say, peeking out from behind Rafe and grinning

at me a little, but he smiles, and I

on

really, pressed warm 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 suddenly remembered that dandelions are

make the ten–mile hike home. Anxiety is tight in my chest as I consider what this is going

Chapter 27

cusp of failure.

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

least, amongst the 80% of candidates who are 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

yet- tonight must be some kind of celebration because there is tender steak, and gravy,

notice who sits down next to me until his arm brushes against mine

are already on me. “Hungry tonight?” he asks, flicking a humor–filled

help my

–

other for a long

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

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

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.

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

time.”

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

“I sugge

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