The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0497

"With weapons," Jesse growls, his eyes lighting a bit devilishly.

"No weapons," Jacks snaps and Jesse's face drops into a scowl. "We don't need them, and we're not giving him any reason to disintegrate us on the spot. Alvez is powerful - don't forget that. We don't want him to feel so threatened that he acts out." "Fine, just a couple of weapons," Jesse says, spreading out his hands like it's a great concession. "Small ones."

"After that," Rafe says, looking at me evenly and ignoring Jesse's antics. "He's gone. Okay?"

"Okay," I say, nodding and breathing out a sharp breath, pressing my hands together on top of my knees. "That will be...good. And then for magic class..."

"The school can figure that out," Jackson murmurs, placing a hand on my back and rubbing it up and down comfortingly. "That's not our problem."

"True," I sigh, and then I smile a little as I look around at everyone. "Thanks, guys," I whisper. "For having my back."

says, beaming

and stretching his arms above his head. "Though if

feet and wrapping my arms tight around Rafe's waist while he's otherwise distracted. Rafe laughs,

his arms and carries me away towards the nook. Jesse likewise gives us a sleepy little wave, heading for his own bed. "Come on, tiny," Jacks murmurs, sitting down hard

say, sighing happily and letting my eyes drift shut as Jackson strokes his hand softly over my hair and down my back, again and again. "See

""Can't wait."

it's not because he's eager to exercise for the joy of it. Nope, it's very clear to everyone that Rafe's trying to outrun his emotions. Jackson keeps up with him, going stride for stride, his steady face giving no indication of flagging.

but when Jesse waves a hand and slows down, indicating that he'll keep pace with her, Jackson turns

go further than they have before - out into the wilds around the Academy, so far that the Castle disappears from sight behind them. It's only when Rafe's own footsteps begin to slow as they crest a hill that Jackson's do too. The pair slacken, and then slow, and then come to a stop at the top

Rafe says in between big breaths, looking up at Jackson a little. "Are you so fucking fit? I can outrun everyone - literally everyone - I've ever met except for you. And I'm beat