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.

feel any of it. Because I am excited to be here with him, and with the rest of my

I have to admit - it's very difficult. Because where is he? Did he seriously choose two weeks of solitude over winter break with me, just

he turns around, taking in the gorgeous woodwork, the red leather and velvet seating all around.

have a mind-link, obviously, but I can read the question all over his face. He's intuiting that I have definitely noticed 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

him, loving my brother anew for his secret, steady empathy, for his willingness to already be

my attention back to the room, taking a further step in and deciding to dedicate myself to this moment, and to turn my mind to Jackson when I can. Because there's

over the countryside, the rich warmth of the wood- paneled walls. A little overwhelmed, he sinks 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

glass-lined 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, all the treats, all the