The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0496

"I delt with it," I say, straightening my shoulders, frowning at my brother and my cousin. They both look up at me. "As best as I could, I delt with it. I did what I had to do to stay in the school, keep my secret, and keep myself protected." They both stare at me for a long moment before Rafe nods, tacitly acknowledging that there wasn't much else I could do that my route, as much as he doesn't like it, was probably the most effective one. Jackson tightens his arms around me slightly, lending me his warmth and support.

"Okay, fine," Jesse sighs, raising a hand and brushing it once, roughly, over his sleepy eyes. "No sense in making any of us feel guilty for what's passed. What do we do now?"

"We tell mom and dad," Rafe says immediately. "Get him fired."

"Don't you think that's hasty?" Jacks asks.

"No," Rafe replies, snapping his head up to glare at him. "Are you seriously telling me that -"

at my brother. "You're jumping to conclusions

wolf dances a little inwardly, some part of me a little pleased to see my big tough brother put in his place. I mean, I love Rafe, but he

think Ariel should have to put up with his shit anymore. But I want to know what's going on with him and his ability to - I don't know, distract everyone? Or at least, some

for support, asking silently if I feel the same. I nod, agreeing, and turn my attention to Rafe and Jesse. "I would also like to know before he's gone," I say, firm. "Besides, guys, he's such a crap professor - honestly, there has to be someone who can better help you figure out your magic a little

Jesse, "I think it's fair to say that none of us ever liked him, but I'm amenable to the idea of figuring out what's going on with this...distraction thing, if that's what we're calling it. But what do you think it is? Is he like, intentionally blocking some of us, and letting others

let Tony see?" I ask, frowning

his head to the side. But then he frowns at Jacks, clearly wondering why Jackson could see, as Jesse still doesn't know about Jackson's access to his

arms as he leans back against the couch, cleverly finding another way to end this supposition

taking the point, and then four of us are quiet for a moment together, sitting in the dark in our pajamas in our Castle tower, thinking over our options. And even as I know that this is serious and upsetting, a little spark of happiness dances in my soul because...I really like my life. And I like that Jackson is here,

I'm just...really, really lucky.

we should set a trap," Rafe says suddenly, drawing my attention