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

at breakfast, and I stifle a yawn even as I pick at my pancakes. Even though they have chocolate chips in them today my favorite – I can’t

likewise picks. at his food. I glance to my right at Ben and he rolls his eyes towards the Alphas across from us,

add on to Ben’s joke, Laica slaps his tray down on my other side, making me almost leap out of my skin. I scowl as I look up at him. “Do you mind?”

jumpy today?” he asks, grinning at me and leaning close to me so that only I can hear his words, “didn’t get much sleep after sneaking out in the middle of

favorite cousin?”

tips of my fingertips, which tingle as usual from

your way down the aisle in the middle of the night!” he counters, grinning at me as he

boots!” I

narrowing in on

Rafe, him grinning, me searching my mind frantically for an excuse -But, both fortunately and unfortunately, a

of a distraction, actually, his full tray balanced between his two gigantic

mouth falls open because I honestly didn’t think he’d take me up on

of forgot that I issued it.

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

smile

not!”

Rafe, who is already glaring

my brother though, frowning, and then turn back to Jackson. “Of course you can sit, Jackson,” I say, waving a hand to the last chair next to

it, but Rafe throws out a hand. “No way,” he says, shaking his head. “You can

Chapter 30

staring at my brother, his expression shocked and a little appalled, “Aunt Ella

surprise and shame, but Jesse ignores him and turns a warm smile Jackson. “Please,” he says, nodding to the empty

up to

introducing Jackson around to the table even though we’re all well aware

hasn’t yet figured out why. I know

there?

cold voice that brings my attention away from

his distaste. “We haven’t really had the opportunity to

go very

this breakfast might not have been the best

Luca – they’re searching for

actually, is me.

make them potential friends,