The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0961

But my grin falls when I turn my head to look up at Mark, because that

devastation...it persists.

"Mark," I say quietly, leaning towards him, wanting very much to play the big sister right now.

"Still not yet, Ari," Mark says on a sigh, glancing down at me. He gives his best attempt at a smile, but it fails.

"Okay, then let me get you a drink, little boy," I say, resting my cheek against his

arm.

Ben laughs a little. "He's not a little boy at all, Ari," he says, shaking his head. "He's gigantic - nearly as tall as Rafe and Jacks -"

"Incorrect, Benny," I say, spinning my head to grin at him. "He's just teeny tiny, like me. Come on, both of you - drinks all round."

of drinks and handing them round, but we're a quiet little group tonight. None of us feels particularly chatty, each of us instead lost

that.....if what I suspect about Markie is true, then he and Ben have a great deal more in common than I ever thought they would. Privately I wish that they would just talk to one another, thinking that they could really be a help to each other. But, not wanting to push it, I just sigh and leave

to the surprising new developments of my life. To Jacks, and sweet little Marigold, and how she fits into our world. Because while it's clear that she slips into the family quiet easily

go back to Alpha Academy for our second and final year? How do we manage to balance Marigold's needs with our own responsibilities and ambitions? What am I supposed to do, like, carry

it, when my eye suddenly catches on movement in our courtyard below. My attention immediately shifts, something in my

At me.

into a smile,

know, instantly, precisely who

of my glass of

Mark

sel

already moving, heading for the door, my wolf prowling restlessly in my soul. As hurry down the steps to the first floor, heading for the door that leads directly to that courtyard, I send a pulse down my bond to Jackson, careful to keep it cheerfuPand

good? Jackson asks, interested but not

doorknob. Just going outside