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.

door and I place my backpack 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 none of them deserve to have their excitement spoiled by me worrying about

he seriously choose two weeks of solitude over winter break with me, just

into the beautiful train car, enjoying the way that his mouth hangs open as he turns around, taking 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

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

his secret, steady empathy, for his

dedicate myself to this moment, and to turn my mind to Jackson when I can. Because

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

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