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.

they’ll be fine,” Jesse says, sighing and sitting back in his chair. “I’m

an eyebrow

wondering really how much of a risk it would be –

arm out even over Ben and pushing me again against my seatback, “is staying in, and

decisions,” I say, mostly to be contrary. I

his eyes

at my brother, wondering how long I can torture him with this, I’m interrupted when a waiter comes

to 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 and around at them, well aware that nothing

you jackals,” I say, scowling

Ben takes my side, shoving Rafe playfully back as I quickly unfold the

of the note and grinning when I see that it’s from Daphne, inviting me to come down to her room tonight to hang out for an hour or two.

with a happy sigh and stretching my arms languidly above my head. “Looks like my entire evening just got booked up anyway. I won’t be available

is going on and making a mad grab for my pocket. I just laugh and grab my book satchel, making a mad dash for the doors to the Hall, loving that for

him, of course, I think 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

of the Hall, but my laughter is cut short as I slam into a big piece of granite

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

voice says, “what the hell

it’s not a piece of granite in the

my damn

his eyes frantically scanning my face.

I mean, there’s no blood on my hand, but I can’t really feel anything but rampant pain in my face right

his thumb and his. finger to turn my face back and forth, studying it. “You’re an

if you weren’t just lurking in the doorway,”

–

livid. “What the hell did

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

brother. “I ran into him I wasn’t looking where I

sputters, gesturing to my mate, who is as big as

know,” I moan, being kind of a baby about it because I know Rafe will let me off the hook.

and rolling his eyes but letting him know that he’s off the hook.

says, turning his attention to me again. “I was looking for

I look up at Jackson