The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 63

“Wait,” I say at breakfast, half a piece of bacon already on its way to my mouth, “what do you mean we don’t have class tomorrow?”

“It’s Friday, shrimp cousin,” Jesse says, smirking at me. “Are you aware of these things they call weekends?”

“Don’t be cute, Jesse,” I snap, glaring at him, which only deepens his smirk. “I just didn’t know the Academy acknowledged them. I mean, it didn’t when we were candidates out in the barracks.”

“Probably to prevent brawls,” Rafe says, pouring himself another cup of coffee as Ben, between us, nods in agreement. “Can you imagine those barracks if they didn’t keep us busy every day?”

“I think we should have a party tonight,” Luca says, raising an eyebrow and looking around at us. “Get our hands on some contraband liquor? Really let loose?”

“Get ourselves kicked out, you mean?” Rafe says, immediately putting the dampener on Luca’s idea. “I will go shot for shot with you during winter break, Grant, but I am staying sober here. Too much at risk.”

“Does this mean I’m invited to the palace for the holidays?” Luca says, his brows raising in interest.

“Of course you are,” Jesse answers, instant. “You too, Ben. Bring your families, if you like, there are a thousand rooms in the palace.”

“Nice of you to invite them to our house,” Rafe says, glowering at our cousin, but then he turns his attention back to Luca and Ben. “But yes, of course you’re invited. We’ll show you a good time, and our parents would love to meet you.”

“Okay, so, sake bombs at Midwinter,” Luca says, “but nothing tonight?”

Rafe solemnly shakes his head, decided.

“Boring,” Luca says with a sigh.

“I’ll drink with you,” Ben says, shrugging and looking over at Luca. “Your room, if the Sinclairs are too straight–laced to participate?”

I burst into a grin, looking between Ben and Luca. Ben he’s always a surprise, isn’t he?

“Seriously?” Luca says, smiling at him. “Sweet, I’ll set it

1. up. See you tonight.”

“This is not a good idea,” Rafe says, sitting up to his full height and looking between them, worried.

back in his chair. “I’m jealous, but I’m with Rafe on

says, cocking an eyebrow at

forward, eager, wondering really how much of a risk

says, darting an arm out even over Ben and pushing me again against my

I say, mostly to be contrary. I mean, I don’t have any real intent to go drinking in Luca’s room, even if

rolls his eyes at me.

I can torture him with this, I’m interrupted when a waiter comes over

me. I murmur my thanks and take the note, peering down at my name neatly written on the front as all the boys at the table lean. forward eagerly. I look up

the note to my chest. “Away, you jackals,” I say, scowling at them all. “My

it, but I swat at his hand and Ben takes my side, shoving Rafe playfully back as I quickly unfold the paper before Rafe can grab

when I see that it’s from Daphne, inviting

boys,” I say, standing up with a happy sigh and stretching my arms languidly above

grab for my pocket. I just laugh and grab my book satchel, making a mad

to myself as I streak across the room, hearing Rafe jump to his feet behind me. There’s no way he’s going to let me wander off into the palace tonight all by myself. But I sure as hell am going to enjoy torturing him with the information for as

as I get through the doors of the Hall, but my laughter is cut short

chest as my butt hits the floor, my hand going instantly to my nose. I gasp, my eyes

god,” a voice says, “what the hell are

up because obviously, obviously it’s not a

my damn

crouches in front of me, his eyes frantically scanning my

blood on my hand, but I can’t really

forth, studying

in the doorway,” I

–

the “Rafe’s voice booms behind me, instantly livid. “What the hell did you do

stands up in a flash, putting his hands up in front of him. “Clark did this to himself,” he insists. “I am not

to my feet and nodding to my brother. “I

sputters, gesturing to my mate, who is as big as my brother, if not even half an inch taller.

kind of a baby about it because I know Rafe will let me off the hook. “My face hurts, be nice to me.” I

but letting him know

turning his attention to me again. “I was

look up at