The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0379

"I thought you said a shower wasn't going to change the way I smell now?" I say, frowning at Rafe.

"It's going to help," he says, turning back to me and raising his eyebrows. "Seriously, Ariel, you...you smell like you took a bath in eau d'Jackson. It's not a bad thing but it is...a statement cologne."

I laugh a little and he nods to me, stepping out the door, clearly letting me know he'll give me a minute. Rafe pulls the door after him, but doesn't let it completely shut.

Quietly, I cross the room to Jackson, who holds my gaze as I do.

"Hi," I say quietly - the same thing I said last night when I showed up at his door. But this time I say it with...a little less verve.

Jackson just smirks at me, reaching to cup my cheek in his palm.

"I'm really sorry, Jacks," I whisper. "It shouldn't have happened like that."

fault,"

I say, my voice low. "You're the one who had

worse for you," he

help it. I step a little closer and look up into his

tucking my hair back behind my ear in that way he likes. But something in his terseness - I mean, Jackson doesn't usually say a

tell he doesn't

say yes, let me talk him through this, fix it all. I raise myself up on my toes, bringing my face just an inch or two closer

head. "I think I need a minute, Ariel," he says gently, with absolutely no

till my feet are flat, suddenly worried. Is he mad at me? Is

he feels through the bond, slipping a hand around my waist and tugging me close against him. "Don't get all mixed up about it," he says, shaking his head at me. "We're fine, Ariel. I just...

laughter. "Seriously!? Ella?" He grins

deepens. "Yup," he says, nodding down at me. "She's on

She's going

my forehead, murmuring that it sounds like a fair deal