The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 64

I’m absolutely buzzing with energy as Jackson and I emerge through the castle door and out into the sunshine. I keep stealing glances up at him, which he either doesn’t notice or pretends not to, his defined features set in their usual harsh lines. I, however, cannot keep the smile from my face.

We walk in silence for a little bit, me struggling to keep up with Jackson’s long stride. I laugh, after a moment, when he starts to outstrip me.

“What?” he asks, glancing down and a little backwards towards me. “What’s funny?”

“Would you slow down a little?” I ask, grinning up at him. “You’ve got longer legs than I do.”

He does slow then, allowing me to catch up as he glances down at his legs as if needing to see them for proof of their length. He frowns at me as we continue along the path. “Aren’t you used to it, though? Your cousins are as big as me they must walk as fast as I do.”

–

I turn my head to the side, considering this. “I guess they…walk slower when they’re with me,” I say, folding my hands behind my back as I contemplate it. Because I’ve never, ever had to ask them to slow down, even though Jackson is right. A little rush of warmth runs. through me as I realize that they must do it naturally, always using a pace that I can keep up with when they’re around me. They’ve probably been doing it since we were kids.

Rafe and Jesse they really are the best.

–

Jackson just nods, continuing to walk forward.

“So,” I say, breaking our companionable silence. “Where do you want to go do some magic

stuff?”

“Oh, I don’t care,” he says, waving a dismissive hand. “Wherever you want.”

“Really?” I ask, looking up at him again staring freely, if I’m admitting it to myself. “Then…why did you want to come outside?”

He just shrugs. “I guess I just like it out here,” he says quietly. “Not used to being all cooped up indoors all the time.”

Chapter 64

raised in the woods, then? Spent your nights

that,” he murmurs. He holds my gaze for a long moment – so long that

towards a big black oak

roots, patting the ground next to me. Jackson hesitates for a second and then lowers himself to the ground, curling his legs up beneath him, a little awkward. I grin, realizing that this big warrior–type probably doesn’t spend

don’t either not very Princess–y, is it? But still,

hold my hand out to

a smile playing at my lips. “What do you want to try

broad palm warm against my small one. A shiver passes through me

“You don’t care?”

looking down at me. “Do whatever you want.”

you called me out here just so that I can practice magic?” I ask, a little baffled. “Don’t you

I know what I can do. You can experiment. though, especially if my…” he holds up the hands between us, apparently at a bit of a loss. for how

my own head now. And then I

ask.

the question in my eyes and telling me to

to tell anyone what you can do,

sighs, even more serious than he was before. “Because it’s not anyone’s business but mine,” he replies, his

it can be…useful? To the nation, or whatever? I mean, isn’t that

why

second, really wondering if I am. But then… “Well,” I say, looking off into the distance

sits quietly,

incredibly privileged, of course, but I hope that we use our privileges to help people as much as we can. I am here at the Academy for me, but I do hope that in the end what I do and learn here really can help our nation.

letting me know he understands. But otherwise,

the same for you?” I ask, really wanting

“If I’m being honest, I

stare at him, trying to figure him out. “Is that are they not

“Smaller group,” Jackson

distant as he thinks

nation,