The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0336

Dad's frown deepens, so I double down.

"Mom said I look pretty," I say, quickly shifting my hand so I point at her now. Mom gasps a little in protest at my betrayal, but dad ignores it all.

"You do look pretty, Ariel," he says, his words even and slow. I drop my hand with a grin, realizing that I'm not actually in trouble and he's not going to send me home to get changed. "I just hope you've thought quite deeply about this wardrobe choice. It is... bold. And it makes a big statement about how you are not a little girl anymore. Are you ready for that?"

I straighten my shoulders, raising my chin a bit. "I can handle it."

Dad holds my gaze for a second and then nods, the matter ended. I grin, pleased in his faith in me. Dad drops his head for a second, loosing a breath and taking a sip of his whiskey, and my heart goes out to him in this moment. Because he's had to handle a great deal of me growing up in a very short amount of time, hasn't he?

he's been so

an arm around my dad's waist and leaning into him. My mom smiles, and moves a step aside, letting me wedge myself between them as dad wraps an arm around me, accepting my gesture of warm thanks for being such a good

the four of us. He glances over at Markie

says, dropping his voice low so as not to be overheard. I perk up a little, interested in this

this point?" mom asks, her voice likewise low. "What's special about

dad says, his voice full of dread as he confesses something which is certainly not public knowledge. My eyes move to Rafe, and by the way he stands up a little straighter, his mouth tightening, I can see that this is news

got the upper hand. So," he glances now to the set of stadium seating which is still clearly empty, which has been set aside for them. "I'd appreciate it if you kept your eyes on them tonight. I know we'll be distracted - and especially you, Ariel," he nods to me in particular here, "but...we're

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voice rumbling a little. Mom, of course,