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."

your fault,"

low. "You're the one who had to

lot worse for you," he says,

help it. I step a little closer and look up into his face. "Are we

my ear in that way he likes. But something in his terseness - I mean, Jackson doesn't usually

can tell he doesn't feel quite

hoping that he'll 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 to

and shakes his head. "I think I need a

lower myself till my feet are flat, suddenly worried. Is he mad at me? Is this...is this way worse than I think

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... Ella said...she said that I am allowed to

gaping, before I burst into laughter. "Seriously!? Ella?" He grins at me. "Ella

at me. "She's on my side now. I stole your

can take her for now. She's going to want someone to do all the

murmuring that it sounds like