The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0710

Jackson has to pull me back into my seat when I try to jump up before the truck even stops. I scowl at him but he just smirks at me.

As soon as the truck pulls to a stop, though, he lets me go and I move swiftly for the back. Something in the back of my mind registers all of the other Cadets likewise sitting still as I pass them, and jump down from the back of the vehicle, and stride right for my father, who wraps me up in a tight hug. I burst instantly into tears, tired and overwhelmed and finally feeling safe enough to do it. Dad tucks my head against his chest though and turns away with me, not letting my schoolmates see.

"All right, trouble," he murmurs, his voice low and sad to see me this way. "It's all right."

Footsteps approach and I sense my mates as well as my brother and cousin. When they're close, dad turns me gently away and we all walk to the large tent before us - the one set up for dad and Uncle Roger for rest as well as meetings.

As soon as we step inside dad scoops me up into his arms, one beneath my knee and the other behind my back. He walks me steadily to the back of the tent to a lonely little cot away from the action. He sits down there with me in his lap, holding me close to his chest. I glance over at the rest of the room where I see my boys mingling, talking with Roger and some other aids, Luca and Jackson glancing over at me every few moments.

But I sigh, exhausted, and close my eyes, resting my head against my dad.

He lets me sit in peace for a long moment, just holding me tight, and the quiet does wonders for my poor beaten soul.

I mean, being here in my dad's arms doesn't fix anything but I just...I mean, I love my dad. It's impossible to not feel better, warmer, safer when he's around.

"We're so proud of you, Ariel," dad murmurs, taking my cap off my head and setting it gently on the bed before pressing a kiss to my braided hair. "So terribly proud." I nod, knowing he means it.

"I don't think you know how important it was, what you did," he continues, his voice soft, his words just for me. "We weren't expecting them to attack that part of the line - it's why we put you there. Strategically, it was a bad choice for them - unless they had something planned which we didn't see. That must have been it."

going for me," I say quietly. "I don't know how they'd know it, but I think

broken through the

and giving him a dubious look. "Those helicopters were

his handsome smile as he looks down at me. "Not everyone's a sharp-shooter like

I say, screwing up my face with

says, resting his forehead against mine. "You're not

can do..."

again. "We have to think about putting me in

we

me to rest my head

deep breath, listening to the slow and steady sound of

I know I

Not without knowing.

"Dad?" I whisper.

with grief. "Don't ask me now.

my head. "I

open my eyes, looking up into his. But

drawn. "We lost him a few hours ago. I'm