The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0498

Jacks just stands and looks back at Rafe, a little awkward, waiting for him to react to the secret he just told.

"That's really cool," Rafe whispers.

"So, you probably are fitter than me," Jacks says with a shrug. "Just...not magically powered. Why the hell did we run so far today?"

"I don't know," Rafe says, sighing and turning away from Jackson a little, looking out over the distance. "I just...wanted to run. And then I was pissed at you for keeping up with me, so I tried to wear you out. Which...obviously backfired."

Jacks smirks a little, standing close at Rafe's side and likewise looking out over the countryside. The two are quiet for a minute before Jackson, uncharacteristically, breaks the silence. "Jesse said," he murmurs, "that...when your friends are upset you just...be there for them. Just stay by their side, even if they don't want to talk. That's what I was trying to do. I'm sorry if it pissed you off even more - if I'd have known, I'd have let you beat me."

Rafe sighs, glancing over at his friend, kind of cursing the fact that he's such a great guy. Because it would be a hell of a lot easier to be pissed at him, and the rest of the world, if he wasn't. And right now, Rafe's feeling like he's not yet finished being angry. "How'd you know I was pissed?" he asks, crossing his arms and sighing, guessing that he probably has to give it up sometime.

"You're all...quiet and moody," Jackson sighs, still looking out over the landscape. "I mean, you're sometimes quiet, but you're never moody. You're the most even-tempered guy I've ever met."

you were," Rafe murmurs, turning to

"I mean, I know you guys think I grew up in a box or something, Rafe, but I did have friends

head, sighing, surprised again by the

looking away, not wanting to make

hums noncommittally, not pushing, letting Rafe

was just...very obvious

that. Like she doesn't want to go deeper with me...to let me in." He sighs again, shaking his head, allowing himself to feel all of his frustration. "I just...really like her, Jacks. I'm ready to make

she knows she's not your mate,"

to frown at him. "How the hell do you

head and giving Rafe

across

back towards the