The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 30

I stare curiously at my cousin, waiting for my explanation.

“I mean he’s going to be possessive,” Jesse says, shrugging. “The same way Rafe would be if he found his mate, and me too, to an extent. He just won’t want anyone else’s hands on you, will want you all to himself. And, considering that you’re taking a very independent and somewhat dangerous path in your life…”

“Oh,” I say, thinking it through. Luca – his instincts are going to be to keep me out of danger. And if here I am, running off to war…

Jesse shrugs again, twisting his mouth to the side. “Maybe that’s another reason why our dads decided, at least initially, not to let girls into the school. Wolf affections – especially with our mates – they’re more complicated and aggressive than humans.”

“Well, I certainly don’t want Luca to like…hold me back.”

“Or push you into things you’re not ready for,” Jesse says, raising an eyebrow at me, and I immediately know he’s talking about s*x even if he’s not saying it.

“How do you know what I’m ready for?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him even as my red.

cheeks grow

“Because, Ari,” Jesse replies, leaning forward and grinning at me, “you blush even at the inuendo. Which kinda suggests you’re not ready.”

I scowl and kick him a little, but Jesse just laughs at me and looks back to the barracks. “We should probably go in,” he murmurs, “get some sleep.”

“Well now I’m all awake,” I sigh, leaning back on my palms. “So, thanks for that. It’ll be your fault when I’m a mess at the course tomorrow.”

“Nah, that’s on you, Shrimp,” Jesse says, pushing himself to his feet and offering me a hand up, which I accept. As we turn back to the barracks, he slips that arm around my shoulder. “I really am happy for

you, Ari,” he says quietly, smiling at me in the dark..

“Thanks, cousin,” I say, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Since you like him so much, it’ll be your job to protect him when I finally have to introduce him to dad.”

Jesse laughs at this and agrees, but even as I smile at the joke….

Something picks at the back of my mind. Because even if everyone likes Luca and will be willing to convince my dad to let him have a chance…

Who would stand up for Jackson?

And…will I ever have the chance to introduce him to my dad as well? Do I even want that?

Chapter 30

even as I pick at my pancakes. Even though they have chocolate chips in them today my favorite

chowing down across the table from me and Ben, who likewise picks. at his food. I glance to my right at Ben

before I can add on to Ben’s joke, Laica slaps his tray down on my other side, making me almost leap out of my skin. I

and leaning close to me so that only I can hear his words, “didn’t get much sleep after sneaking out in

favorite cousin?”

gasp a little and then shove Luca on the shoulder with the tips of my fingertips, which tingle as usual from the touch. “Creep,” I say, narrowing his eyes at him. “What, are you watching

aisle in the middle of the night!” he counters, grinning at me as he takes his first

I object, my jaw falling open.

suddenly narrowing in

I turn to Rafe, him grinning, me searching my mind frantically

distraction, actually, his full tray

I honestly didn’t think he’d take me up on my invitation to come to

kind of forgot that I

sit here?” he asks, his voice quiet but tense

my face breaking into a hesitant smile at the same

not!”

Rafe, who is already

though, frowning, and then turn back to Jackson. “Of course you can sit, Jackson,”

a hand. “No way,” he says, shaking his head. “You can

Chapter 30

interrupts, staring at my brother, his expression shocked and

Jesse ignores him and turns a warm smile Jackson. “Please,” he says, nodding

up to

his tray down and sits, introducing himself and shaking Jesse’s hand. Jesse goes through a bit of a farce now, introducing Jackson around to the table even though we’re

I just shrug at my brother, who has clearly figured out that I’m behind this but hasn’t yet figured out why. I know I owe him an explanation, but…well, there’s really no time for

there?

voice that brings my attention away

that clearly communicates his distaste. “We haven’t really had the opportunity to interact since that first night, have we? Can’t really

go very idea.

I remember yet another reason why this breakfast might not have been the best

they’re searching for the

is

make them potential friends, does it?