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 plan. But

outside the stall 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

baby–cousin look. “Just

wrist, rubbing it across my neck and my own wrists,

as fast as I can for the bunk room and

after me, pissed now- but the element of surprise did its job, as well as his week of training me to run faster, and by the time he reaches me? I’m already

jumping a little as I dart behind

a little. “Just a race! I

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, I do trust that he’s not going

now, at

such a little rat,” Jesse growls, reaching behind

me half- heartedly until, laughing, I cry mercy and Rafe

Rafe sighs, though he smiles at both of us.

grumbles, giving me a little

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

little, but he smiles, and

on

about our days in the woods. It’s quite cozy, 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 edible and found a few sad

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

Chapter 27

cusp of failure.

to the dining hall open, and we stand up, all hungry and ready for dinner–and the rankings that are going to come along

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 with a selection of food that makes my

must be some kind of celebration because there is tender steak, and gravy, and baked potatoes, and flounder so flaky and buttery it

as I sit down at our table, and I don’t even notice who sits down next to me until his arm brushes against mine and that

look at Luca, his eyes are already on

my

–

other for a long moment

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

digging in, while I purse my lips and give Jesse what I hope is a very subtle,

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.

examination. Your semifinal rankings will be posted in just

time.”

tomorrow – the obstacle course which I still can’t get

“I sugge

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