The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 28

Our group sticks together as we head into the barracks for our final night, which pleases me because even though Jesse sticks close to my side clearly wanting a word with me there’s not opportunity for it with everyone around.

The five of us hang out for another hour or so around the Sinclair bunks, which pleases me, because honestly I think I’m starting to get an idea of what it would be like to all be together in the Academy. It feels like it would be really fun, honestly a lot of friendship alongside the incredible amount of work that we’re expected to perform. As I lean back against Rafe’s pillow, smiling around at my family and my friends, I think that…well, it kind of sounds great.

My mind wanders, dreaming a bit about what it will be like inside. Will there be like, gathering spaces for us to hang out like this? Or will our rooms be like little stone cells… I mean, it is an ancient castle retrofitted into a school. Where the hell do they put

at everyone?

Are fresh candidates relegated to the dungeons?

The lights flash once, letting us know that it’s very near time for lights–out, and Rafe curses as he sits up on the other side of the bed. “I need to brush my teeth,” he murmurs and we all agree, getting to our feet and gathering our wash–up supplies for one last trip to the bathroom before sleep.

Apparently, every other candidate in the barrack was likewise distracted, because it’s kind of a mad rush in there. Rafe, standing stoically by my side, finishes brushing his teeth first and glances anxiously at the urinals.

“Just go,” I mumble, waving him off with my mouth still full of toothbrush and toothpaste. “I’ll be ten feet away

“Fine.” he growls, glancing at me. “Stay right here, Ari,” and then he dashes off.

I sigh and continue brushing my teeth, my eyebrows going up when my gaze catches on Alan Wright, of all people, standing in the middle of the room, glaring at me. When our eyes meet, he frowns and draws a finger across his throat, a clear threat.

My face crinkles in distaste as I turn away from him, wondering what the hell his problem is. I mean, he’s still top ten with my brother and cousin –

But then my mind flashes back to the ranking list, and I remember seeing Perry Gibson and Graham Wright listed below me

Shit.

I bend over, spitting my toothpaste out, trying to move past the not–so–veiled threat at Alan Wright is making against me

Honestly, I’m just not used to people not liking me – as a Princess it was kind of my job to be well- liked, and whether or not people faked it they were generally pretty nice to me –

Chapter 25

Mar

I sigh as I straighten up, feeling Rafe’s large form coming back to my side.

“Rafe.” I sigh. “I’ve got to tell you about Alan Wright –”

But as I turn, and his pine–and–ember scent hits me, and I tilt my head back to look up up and

up….

not Rafe

forms

and

my mouth forms into a little o as I stare up into the gloomy

mate.

with you?” Jackson asks, his voice rumbling in

at him, and then I gasp a little, shocked that I would say that say anything to make him mad-

–

towards the door, when suddenly

arm.

through the air- and my

me, stepping closer as I pull back,

starting to shake a little as I tug against his hand. I mean, Alan Wright draws a finger across his neck,

–

words faltering as he looks

in his hand. “Then let go of me,” I say, a little bit between my

“Please don’t run,” he murmurs.

by…complying. Instead of bolting, I peer up at him, confused as hell but curious. “What the hell is going on, Jackson?” I hiss. “Yesterday you try to kill me and now you’re asking me not to

he says, frowning down at me like I’m a little stupid. “If

as I look up at

bunk-” to avoid your next attempt, I’m going to go

angry but putting a hand out

– god, they must be like saucers now –

Sun, 10

Chapter 28

what?” I

I’m sorry!” he says, all in an angry rush. “And I’m not

bad for not making it easy, Jackson,” I growl at him,

his head at me. “I am sorry,” he says through clenched. teeth, pushing forward even though…well, yeah, I am

to this,” he continues, frustrated, “and I’m not good at talking to people, and… and I was

softens as I look up at Jackson, watching his confused face, the way he looks down at the floor instead of at me, like he’s a little kid

–

am…sorry. For hurting you and scaring you. I shouldn’t have done that I lost my temper, and I’m…” he sighs deeply, and shrugs helplessly, shaking his head like he

head, looking down at his

a flash and, in its wake, my heart breaks.

pity. Because Jackson – he is always alone. He eats every single

I always thought that was a choice…