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.

stupid plan. But it’s a plan.

crossed over the chest of his

Chapter 27

best baby–cousin look. “Just can

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

shout, and then I bolt–dropping my towel and running as fast as I can

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

Rafe asks, jumping a little as

laughing and panting a little. “Just a race! I

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

now,

reaching

heartedly until, laughing, I cry mercy and Rafe pulls me safely to his other

at both of us. “We’re supposed

that rat cousin,” Jesse grumbles, giving me a little kick as he settles against Rafe’s

peeking out from

a little, but he smiles, and I know we’re

on

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

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

Chapter 27

cusp of failure.

hall open, and we stand up, all hungry and ready for dinner–and

that evening at 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 as we move along the food line, filing our tray with a selection of

kind of celebration because there is tender steak, and gravy, and baked potatoes, and flounder so

stomach absolutely rumbles as I sit down at our table, and I don’t even notice who sits down next to me until

on me.

help my

–

each other for

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

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

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

room.

final examination. Your semifinal rankings will be posted in just a moment. This is your last opportunity to know your spot before you go

time.”

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

“I sugge

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