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

a yawn and stretching his arms above his head. "Though if you could arrange for me to have your back at a more reasonable hour next time,

jumping to my feet and wrapping my arms tight around Rafe's waist while he's otherwise distracted. Rafe laughs, looking down at me and dropping his arms to

who scoops me up in his arms and carries me away towards the nook. Jesse likewise gives us a sleepy

his hand softly over my hair and

""Can't wait."

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 Ariel has

and slows down, indicating

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 of the hill, Rafe bending over a little with his hands on his

at Jackson a little. "Are you so fucking fit? I can outrun everyone - literally everyone - I've ever met except for you.