The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"Um," I say, feeling utterly awkward as I look between Ben's slack jaw and Jesse's appalled expression. I am suddenly very, very aware of Jackson's forearm tucked neatly below my ass, holding me up against him, and the way that my leg intuitively curled itself over his hip, like it belongs there.

Ben's mouth drops open further as he realizes that this is not a mistake - that I'm not fighting Jackson, demanding that he put me down.

"Get off of her!" Jesse shouts, starting forward, livid, raising his fist like he's going to beat the shit out of Jacks.

Jackson snarls, taking a step away, holding me possessively to him as Rafe stands and jumps between my mate and my cousin.

"Whoa, whoa, Jess!" Rafe shouts, putting out a hand to stop our cousin in his tracks. "You don't have all the information here!" Jesse obligingly skitters to a stop, looking between Rafe and me with his mouth open.

"What are you talking about!?" Jesse shouts, staring at Rafe in shock. "You're just - you're okay with this!? What the hell happened out there -"

"You didn't tell them?" Jackson murmurs, turning his face to me with a little frown of confusion.

"Tell us what?" Ben asks, eager, sitting forward and resting his chin in his palm. His expression has turned from one of shock to delight at the drama unfolding before him.

"Um," I reply, going still with awkward fear, having absolutely no idea what to say.

Rafe sighs, turning back to Jesse. "Though she should have

"Because, Rafe, I actually think you're the one missing some

in my panic and wriggling in Jackson's arms, desperate to get down.

do you...Ari!" he shouts, stepping towards me now as Jackson hesitantly lowers me to my feet, but doesn't let me out

as Rafe sighs, shrugging at me. "It's time, Ari. You should just let everyone know now - no reason to keep it a secret

my mouth, not knowing what to say, feeling that Jackson is

then, just at the absolute worst moment possible...a little knock comes at the

did dinner

completely silent as we turn to look at Luca, who cheerfully steps into the room and presses the door

here?" he asks, looking

arm still wrapped around me. Luca's face falls slack, probably matching mine for shock

Shit shit shit.

am I not better prepared

faster than mine, instantly moving

forward into the room, his canines lengthening as he levels a murderous glare at Jackson, "off of my