The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 87

I study Ben for a long moment, really paying attention to him for the first time in a long time. At my side, I can feel Daphne do the same. And as I watch I notice…

the

Well, I notice the way that he looks at Rafe. The way that he tilts his head back to look up at my brother, the way he laughs at Rafe’s joke – which is not very funny, to be honest way his eyes don’t leave him even as Luca begins to talk.

And my spine stiffens just a little bit as I realize…

But I glance at Daphne, wondering if she sees what I see, but not wanting to bring it up because, I mean, Ben’s never brought it up. And who am I to speculate on something that he might very well want to keep to himself?

But as I glance Daphne, I realize that she’s actually not looking at Ben at all. Instead, her eyes are fixed on Jackson, of all people, as he stands with his hands in his pockets, listening intently but not adding to the conversation.

My little wolf jumps to her feet inside me, her teeth bared. But I brush a hand over her fur, even though I, too, am jealous. Because Daphne – she doesn’t know about my claim on Jackson, does she?

And even if she did who the hell am I to say anything at all about her liking him? After all, I’m basically in a relationship with Luca, who is standing two feet from the man I’m getting all jealous over.

Who the hell am I to scold anyone for looking with interest at someone else?

“So,” I say, leaning closer to bump my shoulder against Daphne’s. “You like ‘em big, hmm?”

She starts a little and glances at me, but then she bursts into laughter as she realizes that she’s been caught staring at Jackson. “Yeah, Ari,” she says, stretching her arms over her head as she grimaces a little in embarrassment. “I guess between Rafe Sinclair and that other one over there, you’ve figured out my type. I like a big boy.”

I grin. “I mean, they’re all big,” I say, shrugging.

Chapter 87

“I know, we’re just spoiled,” she sighs, propping her chin in her hand and gazing over at all of the eye candy. Even Ben, the smallest of the group, is well–muscled and over six feet tall. Rafe and Jackson…they’re just something else.

Jesse, maybe overhearing us, suddenly separates himself from the group and comes to flop down on Daphne’s other side. “Did I hear you two talking about me?” he asks, too casual, trying to keep the smirk from his face. “Something about dreamboats? Celebrity crushes? Undying love?”

“Sorry, Jess,” I say, laughing at him and standing up, wanting to give him a minute alone with Daphne to shoot his shot. “As much as I love you, cousins are not my type.”

“I knew you were wise, Ari,” he says, grinning at me as I step away. Then, he turns his attention back to Daphne. “So,” he says, smiling gently at her. “Let me down easy, Daph. Which one of them has stolen you away from me?”

She grins, shaking her head at him, but she doesn’t say a word.

Jesse groans, tilting his head back. “Oh no,” he murmurs, devastation in every line of his face.

“What!?” Daphne laughs.

Jesse says, his eyes shut, shaking his head. “Which

Rafe.”

“It’s always Rafe. Do you know how many loves of my life I’ve lost to that man? If he

your Grace, but don’t bother killing your cousin thinking that would

the group

and Jesse groans again. “Cruel woman,” he mutters, dragging

down his face.

always be a dear friend, Jesse Sinclair, Daphine sighs,

it.” He offers his hand to her, ready to shake on it. “I’ll even put in a good

looking at Jesse askance with some suspicion in her eyes. “This isn’t just a ploy to trick me into falling in love with you, is it?” she asks. “Oldest trick in the book, you know – pretending to be a girl’s friend, get her laughing, console her when she cries,

and giving her a significant look that makes Daphne laugh again. “No, I

her eyes a little as she slips her hand into his, accepting his offer. “Honestly, Jesse Sinclair, I think

that.”

raises her hand to his mouth, “if you ever really want me to stop being your friend and try Instead?…just say the word.” And then he presses a

Jesse now, a little intrigued despite

that I know he can be. I’m

watches him go and meets my eyes, clenching his jaw and looking not very pleased. But I smile at him and he nods before turning back to my brother and Ben, continuing whatever it is they were chatting about.

at Jackson and giving him my full attention for the first time since others started arriving. “It’s not so bad,

not,” Jackson says, hesitating as he runs a hand through his hair and looks around. “Although, honestly, it’s a little exhausting you guys

–

him, unable to take my eyes away.

like he doesn’t like the idea

how are you handling the girl,” I say, turning a little to tilt my head towards Daphne, who is talking pretty intently with Jesse

scowls a little. “How’d you know I was nervous

look like a deer ready to bolt from the road when it faces down a sixteen–wheeler,” I say, giving a casual shrug. Jackson smirks, glancing

don’t know a lot of girls,” he murmurs, his voice so low I can barely hear

“Did you go to

any girls in your family?

you

me for a second, studying my face like I’ve said something a little ridiculous. And then he just laughs a little. “No,

what?” I ask, confused suddenly. “No cousins?

of it,” he says with a sigh. “I never went to school. I don’t have

of appalled. I stare at him, my mouth open. I’m shocked first that he was homeschooled, which is so rare these days, and second that