The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"I think so," I say, giving a little shrug. "That's what she called it when mom and Cora talked to her, after all. A 'gift.' She said all of her grandchildren would be likewise gifted. Do you know where yours comes

from?"

Slowly he shakes his head. "No idea."

"Well, maybe it's also a gift," I say, considering it as I stare up into his blue eyes, his dark head framed against the night sky. "After all, she clearly knows about you, if she picked you out as my mate." "That's so weird," he whispers, his eyes going a little distant, "to think that the Goddess...knows about me. I've always felt so...anonymous and inconsequential my whole life. I never in a million years would have thought the Goddess had an eye on me."

"Of course she does," I say, lifting a hand to idly stroke his chest. "You're like...really good looking, Jacks. And she's a woman after all."

"Don't be creepy," he murmurs, his eyes focusing on me as he smirks. "That's your grandmother."

"I don't like you thinking of yourself as inconsequential, Jacks," I say with a

says, lifting his head to peer around, though we can't see the city around us from this part of the roof. "Though...being around these trees helps." I nod, understanding. Mom was very careful in selecting the placement of our little roof garden - it feels very secluded up here - like our own

to the side, wondering if I'd subconsciously considered that when I decided to bring him up here tonight. There's a whole Palace's worth of rooms to hang out in, after all. And I picked the roof. "Do you hate it? The city?" I ask quietly, genuinely wanting to know. Because, I mean, for better or for worse the city is my home, and if I'm going to be a part of this royal family at least part of my time will be spent here. If Jackson hates it...well, that will make

first," he murmurs, thoughtful. "It's

him. "It was worse for like...the fifteen minutes you waited for me to get off the train? What was so bad

he says, shaking his head and laughing a little. "It

starting back a little and then smacking him on

he surprised me and made me squeak. He likes doing that, I know - I can feel it down the bond. "Did you think I went straight from my

now and dying

knew that. I would have been so shocked at the way people act and talk, so...out of the loop of the culture. They sent me

flat on my sweetheart's chest. "I hate to break it to you, Jacks," I say softly, "but you...still kind of