The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"Well, that's enough of that," my mother says with perfect calm, standing and catching Jackson's eye. He freezes for a moment and then steps back, standing up straight again.

Mom, ever-charming, turns a smile on the professor and thanks him for the news, ensuring him that Sinclair and McClintock will follow in a few minutes to be transported back. When the professor leaves, mom turns back to Jacks with an eyebrow raised.

"You're going to have to get better at that," she says quietly, gesturing towards the door. "If Ari is going to return to the Academy, you're going to have to keep her secret, which means not acing all mate-y whenever someone comes to deliver perfectly normal news -"

"She's not going back," my dad says, stepping towards my mom with a glare.

Mom's mouth pops open in surprise but then they begin to fight, the way they always do - with a great deal of heat and talking over each other. But Rafe and I just look away from them and towards each other, used to it, because it all turns out right in the end.

Aunt Cora says, stepping away from the bed and coming over to us. "Why don't I walk the

Jackson says, frowning at Cora and reaching a possessive hand for me. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh

she says, grinning up at him and reaching a hand out to pat him fondly on the cheek, an action which I think shocks Jackson to the core. He stands stock-still, staring

being bossed by a woman as he is at having someone call him sweetheart and baby. I step close, reaching for him, and Jacks quickly lowers

be fine I'll see you tomorrow,"

I'm going to die or

and assurance I can down our bond. "We have

Cora tugs his hand again and he goes along with

of him," I say to Rafe, catching at his hand

his assurance to me, but as Jackson and Cora slip through the door dad calls out his name. "Where do you think