The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 226

"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."

look at you," she says, pulling back and beaming into my face. "Look at you, baby! 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

we take a few moments to wipe my tears away before we head off to breakfast. Before we go,

toast and fruit, at a little folding table in the back hall. Cora isn't here, unfortunately - she headed home after

to room, healing all the cadets who were injured in the Examination. I see the signs of it now that I look for them

don't call her out - because even though mom is full of jokes and would just brush it off, I know that she has the

- for the thousandth time - to try

perhaps too eagerly, loading up my plate with a serving size that is more like Rafe's

ask, crumbs spilling from my mouth as

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

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