The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0226

“Mom,” I say, catching her arm and stopping her before she heads to the door. “Are you… are you mad at me?” My voice breaks a little on my question, my eyes smarting with tears as I look at her, worried.

“Oh, baby,” she murmurs, shock and concern suddenly on her face. “Why would you think that?”

“Because,” I say, heaving a little shrug. “We we lied to you for months. And I did

something really dangerous. And I almost died, and showed up all bloody with two mates and it must be so weird –”

Mom laughs a little, taking my face between her hands and shaking her head at me. “Oh, sweetheart,” she murmurs, and then she nods. “If I’m being honest, I could have done without the blood and the near–death. But I’m not mad at you – sweetie, I’m proud of you.”

My mouth twists in sudden surprise, and my eyes fill with unexpected tears. “You’re – you’re what?”

“Baby,” she wraps me in a hug as she speaks, “you are doing something difficult that nobody has done before. And it’s kind of kicking your ass!” I laugh, tears slipping down my cheeks as I nod and hug her back.

“Yeah,” I reply, my voice shaking. “It kind of is.”

You’re kicking its ass too! You are finding your way, doing something you’re passionate about, and you’re succeeding. Ariel, my love,” her own eyes fill with tears now,

mu taare away

before we head off to breakfast. Before we go, I tuck the little notes left on my bed into

unfrilled affair – just the four of us gathered around for coffee, and some toast and fruit, at a little folding table in the back hall. Cora isn’t here, unfortunately she headed home after

I realize that my mom has probably been up all night – that after I

were injured in the Examination. I see the signs of it now that I look for them the slight circles under her eyes, the yawn she hides with her

just smile, and don’t call her out – because even though mom is full of jokes and would just brush it off,

again – for the thousandth time to try

which I grab perhaps too eagerly, loading up my plate with a serving size that is more like Rafe’s usual breakfast than mine. “We’re going to strike a deal.”

spilling from my mouth

and I give him a little glare before I

our dad.

what you all think,” dad says, looking evenly around the table at us, “I do listen to you, and I am reasonable. I am not pleased with the fact that we were lied to, and that

he continues, and I go very still, hope beginning to swell in me. Dad folds his hands, continuing to look at