The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"Come on," Luca murmurs, smiling down at me, and when I open my eyes I can't help but smile back. "Let's get inside - they're probably eating Daphne alive in there."

"Oh, no they're not," I say, dismissive of the idea and unwilling to go inside just yet, relishing this moment alone with my mate. I leaning closer against him for a warm moment, enjoying the hard muscle of his chest against my cheek, knowing that Ben and Rafe and Jesse are being perfect gentlemen inside. Or, at least, Ben and Rafe are, which should be enough.

But Luca gives me a nudge, and when I look up at him, he wrinkles his nose at me. "Come on, gorgeous, let's get you some of that champagne."

"You trying to get me drunk, mate?" I murmur, smiling.

"Oh, absolutely," he growls, dipping his face closer to mine for a quick kiss. And I laugh, but look over my shoulder, newly eager to get inside and see what my parents have set up for us. "Come on," I say, grabbing Luca's hand and turning to tug him inside, wanting him to see it. Because the train car - it really is something special.

on the little luggage rack next to the door, I do my best to tuck my anxieties about the missing Jackson away, not wanting Luca to feel any of it. Because I am excited to be here with him, and with the rest of my family and friends, and

I have to admit - it's very difficult. Because where is he? Did he seriously choose two weeks of

in the gorgeous woodwork, the red leather and velvet seating all around. But even as I smile at Luca, my eyes catch on Rafe, who stands by the window with his

Jackson's absence, as he has, and he's asking me silently if I'm okay. I give my brother a short nod and a shrug when Luca's back is turned because what am I supposed to do about it now? Go to pieces, and ruin everyone's good mood? Rafe holds my gaze for a long moment and then nods once, steady. And in that, I know that he's telling me that he hears me,

anew for his secret, steady empathy, for his

my mind to Jackson when I can. Because there's already enough here drawing on my attention. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ

onto a plush velvet seat by the window, leaning his arm against the adjoining table and staring over at the bar at the far side of the room where - of course - Jesse is already pouring drinks, Daphne at his side being

refrigerators and cabinets that display an insane amount of delicious food - far too much for the six of us to eat and drink on the journey to the Capital. But mom's hand is all over it, and I can see that it's her gift to us, her hearty congratulations. She's stocked all of our favorites, after all - all the sandwiches we like,