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."

Mark, and I head into the family apartments, which are empty, suggesting that the meeting about the Community is still going on. I do as I promised, fetching us a couple of drinks and handing them round, but we're a quiet little group tonight. None of

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 them to their

developments of my life. To Jacks, and sweet little Marigold, and how she fits into our world. Because while it's clear

own responsibilities and ambitions? What am I supposed to do, like, carry her up into the sniper's blind in a sling on my back or

thought, thinking that Jackson would completely flip about it, when my eye suddenly catches on movement in our courtyard below. My attention immediately shifts,

At me.

quietly into a smile, because even if the figure

precisely who

minute," I murmur, swallowing the rest of my glass of wine down in a single gulp and leaving the glass on the

and Mark mumble

sel

in my soul. As hurry down the steps to the first floor, heading for the door that

good? Jackson asks, interested

say, reaching for the doorknob. Just going outside for a bit of fresh air -