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.

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

- it's very difficult. Because where is he? Did he seriously choose two

enjoying the way that his mouth hangs open as he turns around, taking in the gorgeous woodwork, the

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, and he understands, and that whatever he needs me to do - he'll do

anew for his secret, steady

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

eyes wide as he finishes looking around at the long row of windows on both sides of the car that allow us to look out 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

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 things we