The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0586

"It's so beautiful," I gasp, on my knees in front of the newly-opened case that holds my paintball sniper rifle, which is matte black and obviously brand spanking new. The helicopters have just pulled away and we're in a secluded, thick patch of trees that's growing on a plateau halfway down the cliff edge of a ravine.

"Could you try to be a little less of a girl?" Rafe murmurs at my side, looking around with a grimace to see whether any of our teammates have noticed me pressing my fingertips delicately to my lips in awe. "For like, one day?"

"I can try," I sigh, dropping my hands but otherwise ignoring him as I reach out for the gun, picking it up and inspecting all of the details, kind of impressed by the quality of the scope. "Where are the bullets?"

Rafe reaches for another box, pulling out a pair of binoculars and then a couple of magazine cartridges attached to a belt. He hands them all over to me.

"Accessories!" I gasp, putting the gun down and slinging the binoculars over my neck before reaching for the belt, grabbing it and starting to work it around my waist.

Rafe laughs and stops me, helping me rearrange it so that the belt drapes neatly over one shoulder and down to my other hip. "So you don't have to lay on it," he murmurs. "Thanks," I say, beaming up at him. "Um, can I practice with this?" I pick up and hold out the rifle, which is satisfyingly light.

"As much as you want," Rafe says, rather passively, standing up and gesturing for me to come with him. "But we need to get everyone in place first. So, patience, all right, trouble?"

"Yes sir yes sir," I mutter, standing and taking the gun with me, trying to hide my disappointment. Rafe smirks at me and then together we walk through the little patch of forest over to the rest of the team, who are being briefed by Jackson. When we wander over, several cadets raise their eyebrows at the huge gun in my hands, but I just grin at them, knowing that they're jealous.

"All clear?" Jackson asks, looking around at the group.

As one, they all chant "yes sir!" and break into two smaller groups with Jesse and another Cadet standing to the side.

happening?" I whisper

the two groups of Cadets. "One advance and one reserve. And then Jesse," he says, pointing to our cousin, who is crouching by the supplies and strapping on his own set

I ask, looking up at Rafe.

scout - that's

eyes turn towards the last Cadet standing

"Our singular ambassador," Rafe

sounding a little guilty

other teams are going to negotiate more, but Jacks and I...he hesitates, glancing at me, "well we

laugh a little, staring

team -

you?" I ask, readjusting the rifle slung over my shoulder. "And Jackson?

brown shack that I didn't

over his right ear and holding one out to Rafe and to me. "Come on, Clark. Time to get you

look wide-eyed at Rafe and then back at Jacks as I slip my earpiece on. "Seriously?"

need to get

me on the

shack with the reserve group as Jesse and the other

thinking."