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.”

your way, doing something you’re passionate about, and you’re succeeding. Ariel, my love,” her own eyes fill with tears now, “I’m so proud of you. I’d scream it from the rooftops for everyone to hear if it wouldn’t get you

mu taare away

laugh, and hug my mom again, and then we take a few moments to wipe before we head off to breakfast. Before we go, I tuck the little notes left on my bed into

It’s a short, 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

been up all night – that after I fell asleep she probably spent every minute rushing around from room to room, healing all

I look

of jokes and would just brush it off, I know that she has the biggest heart of anyone

resolve, again – for the thousandth time to try to be more like

grab perhaps too eagerly, loading up

from my mouth as I speak with my mouth full.

just smirks at me, and I give him a little glare

our dad.

us, “I do listen to you, and I am reasonable. I am not pleased with the fact that we were lied to, and that Ariel was put into an unnecessarily risky situation.” He levels his gaze at me now,

folds his hands, continuing to look at me evenly. “I am aware that