The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Jackson just stares at me, shocked and unblinking - and for a split second I realize how rare it actually is for people to look him in the eye and defy him.

But his surprise is not long lived, replaced immediately by anger.

"Ariel, you will fall in line -"

"No way!" I throw back, baring my teeth at him. "Jackson, you're being overprotective! I've got a big gun, I'm up here all alone, I've got radio to contact you and binoculars so I'll know miles away if anyone is coming —"

"I am not leaving you alone in a battle trail again, Ariel," Jackson snarls, leaning even closer and wrapping his hand around my arm. "Never again."

My mouth goes a bit dry as I stare at Jackson, realizing what all of this is about.

"Jacks," I whisper, reaching up and pressing his cheeks between my hands, staring into his gorgeous blue eyes. "That's - that's not going to happen again -"

"The psychopath that hurt you the first time is out there right now coming for us with weapons!"

"Paintball guns! Dulled knives!"

Ariel," Jackson's hand tightens on my arm as

not delicate," I snap, offended, dropping my hands from his face and glaring

breath, closing his eyes and working hard to find his words. "Wright is nearly as good as Rafe and me - he has been since we were Candidates. And I know you have come so far in your training - but it is still so dangerous for you

wrapping my hands in his shirt and tugging him closer, making him open his eyes and look into mine. "Jacks, I get that you want to protect me but

think not even wanting to give me a

most powerful Alpha on this battlefield - are wasted just sitting up here next to me like a mother

a waste," he snaps. "Keeping you safe

I whisper, "I would agree. But you're just

shakes his head once, letting me know that

hard on

things out. We sit in silence for a long few minutes, my mind turning, before I speak again. "So, you're up here and Rafe's

I haven't just given in to his plan to hang out with me all

you to go

"I'm not going -"