The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0714

I press a hand to his cheek and lift my chin to kiss him softly - not something I usually do in front of my brother and my cousin. But everyone lets it pass today.

"What is it?" I sigh, feeling stronger with Jackson's support as I look over at Rafe and Jesse in the afternoon light that streams through the window.

Rafe sighs. "We have to go meet with the captain," he says, gesturing between himself and Jacks.

"Why?" My mouth turns down in a frown because...well, because I wanted to keep them close by today.

"He wants reports on how the Cadets performed during the battle," Jackson murmurs.

"Piss poor," I say, nodding firmly, my eyes narrowing. "They didn't land a single damn shot with those guns -"

"Ari!" Jesse says, his face breaking into a smile to see a bit more spirit come into me. "It's harder than it looks -"

like hitting the side of a barn with a big fat tomato! Honestly, you should have just let

says, leaning back in his chair, a little smile coming to his lips. "We didn't need

eyebrow at him and snuggling back against Jackson, who tightens his arms around

to leave something for the rest of us. We can't just sit around looking

I say with a sigh. And for the first

little sliver of happiness immediately - because how dare I be laughing with my brother when Tony is dead and will never laugh again? I sigh, hanging my head

couple of hours, Ari," Rafe says, seeing my sadness, his

that might be...nice."

It will be good to see her. My friends - they're more precious to me

also leaving our little bubble," Jackson murmurs, pressing his cheek to my hair. "Which means we have to... let

wicked and sharp-toothed. More news - and clearly bad news. God, I'm not

the only Cadet

Rafe says, meeting my eyes evenly clearly wanting to tell me as fast as possible to alleviate my dread. "Others were hit with Atalaxian bullets when those first choppers got close, before you took them down.

bit cold, staring at