The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0916

"All right, who's in!?" Jesse asks, beaming around at our little circle with a laugh.

"Absolutely not," Midnight says, slowly shaking her head and looking around at all her collected cake like she has no reason at all to leave. "Abandon this to go drink demon juice? With the ruffians and the whores? No thank you."

Jesse laughs and narrows his eyes at her. "You don't have ID anyway. And no one will believe you're older than twelve."

She nods sharply like it's decided, quite pleased.

"Well, if Midnight isn't coming then I'm calling it a boy's night," Rafe says, quite grave.

I gasp and turn to him, appalled.

"You'll be the only girl, Ari," Jesse says, screwing his face to the side. "It's very clearly becoming a boys' support club – a healing evening of debauchery with the ruffians and the whores. You'd hate it anyway - all whiskey, no wine. That's a rule."

“This is sexist and horrible,” I snarl, crossing my arms over my chest even as I realize that honestly, I'm not sure I want to go anyway. My wolf nudges me, urging me to get in touch with Daphne and to spend a little more time with Pippa if I can - my friends who I really shouldn't abandon for a day of drinking. Even Maryam, if she'll see me, could probably use someone to talk to.

Besides, I don't need a day of debauchery to run away from my problems. My life is...kind of coming together right now.

"I'm out too," Elias says on a sigh, screwing his mouth to the side. "I've got a baby on the way, no leaving the palace for me."

Jesse and Rafe nod to him, understanding and supportive, and then turn their eyes to Ben. Ben looks at Elias with a grimace.

shove on the shoulder. "You deserve it. Besides I think..." he glances around the tent and laughs a little. "I think you have kind

asks, looking around at all of us, trying to figure out what the

"All right, I'm in.

Jackson says, sitting

says, grinning

with Ariel," Jackson says, pulling me first against and then slightly in front of him, almost like

I say, laughing and turning a bit to look up

asks, going tense. He glances around, bringing his mouth close to my ear. "Ariel,

cupping his hands unnecessarily to his mouth. "Happy relationships are lame! Come

-" Jesse says, looking at him

use that

says, narrowing his eyes at my cousin, making me laugh. "I'm starting to think you get more out of being my best friend

BUMS

me buy you twelve glasses of whiskey, my guy,"

in his smile. "Besides, you're

true, Jacks," I say, pointing over at

brother?" Jacks asks, screwing up his face a little and turning to look at Rafe, who nods

and I'm sad. I need

groans, letting his

and wrapping my arms around Jackson's neck, pulling myself close and giving him a few kisses on the cheek.