The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

I lift my eyebrows in surprise as Luca turns to stares at Jesse, appalled at the accusation. Jesse continues, either pretending not to notice or not caring.

"I mean," Jesse says, turning his palm up as he talks it through, "unless I'm mistaken, you've never told her that you loved her before, right? At least not before last night. And now you're throwing that word around a lot in a situation where you're actively asking her for something. It might not be bullying, but it is a little manipulative." Jesse grimaces and gives a shrug, and I can tell that he's genuinely not happy to have to deliver the message.

But my jaw drops a little when I realize that...that Jesse's kind of right on that one. Luca is pulling out the I-word at the same moment when he's asking me for something really big.

"I can't believe you're accusing me of not loving her, of saying that just because I want something -"

"We're not accusing you of that," Rafe says, his voice gentler now. "We're just asking you to play fair, Luca. And to let her make her own decisions about what's right for her. Even if that's not what's right for you."

I can handle her life as a

at my mate, my heart sinking because I know he feels

But I watch as his face softens, as he forces himself to be

Ariel's side, Luc. I'm...I'm sorry if that's not what you want to hear, but

and my heart swells with love at

frankly," Rafe continues, his face a little grim. "As her mate? I'd prefer it

before looking down at me. I bite my lip, heartbroken and awkward, my fingers twisted together in my lap. We stare at each other for a long time, and down our bond I feel him questioning, apparently

both of you, Luca," I say quietly, hoping to hell he hears me on this. "Rafe and Jesse and I - we talked about it last night. And I think

have my big Alpha brother and cousin here to support me - because if it was just me and Luca? I'm not sure I

slow, taking a step closer to look down