The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 13

I sigh and drop my head back on my pillow as I finish my sandwich, curling up tight and pressing my eyes shut, going over every moment of my conversation with Luca in my

head.

Thinking about his handsome face, the way his eyes fell to my mouth, the ran down his spine —

The fact that I did that to him…

This is…

I sigh, feeling suddenly overwhelmed.

Because this is getting into some dangerous grounds, isn’t it?

way

the shiver

Some wonderful grounds, my wolf corrects, curling into a little crescent and tucking her nose warmly beneath the edge of her tail. Sneak back over – let’s see if we can make him go all shivery again!

No, I growl inwardly, shaking my head. Because as much as I’m completely distracted and fascinated by my new connections, I have to resist the urge to explore them right now. There’s far too much at stake –

If I let Luca or Jackson in too much, I could get caught and then I risk losing my shot at trying myself in the Academy and I’ll risk having to go home and fulfill my promise to marry Prince Edward. As much as I’m intrigued…

I have to keep my distance. Which means doing my best to avoid my mates during the two weeks of candidacy.

I can do that, right? Mates are forever – I will have time to explore my connections with them later, and right now I need to turn my mind to other things.

I can do this, I tell myself with a steady nod, my eyes still pressed shut.

No you can’t, my wolf sighs sleepily, closing her eyes.

But I just ignore her, determined, and steady my breathing, willing myself to fall asleep.

When a hand shakes my arm the next morning, I gasp awake out of a much–needed deep.

in

Chapter 13

dreamless sleep.

down at me from his perch on the

the candidates getting ready at once. I sit up and look around, realizing that everyone’s still in bed.

hopping silently down from the side of the bed. “We’re going for a walk and a chat.”

and hop down softly, taking note of the single finger pressed to Jesse’s lips as he glances towards the still–sleeping Rafe. I grimace, realizing that if we’re going without my brother…

thing we’re going to be talking about.

quietly to the bathroom for our morning ablutions and then out the door of the barracks. As we pass my bunk I smile at

big crazy family there wasn’t much choice but to be able to sleep

around my shoulders as we walk out into the dawn light, the fresh

guards?” I ask, confused. “Like, why are we able to just walk in

happily at the pretty morning as we start out on a dirt track that leads towards the hills. “Candidates are all here voluntarily and they’re all determined to hold themselves to the rules. Because the school is going to cut the bottom 20% anyway, there’s no reason to stop candidates who want to take themselves out

we can just come and go at will?” I

shrugs. “Some cadets like to go for an early morning run. Which is what we’re doing.” He gives me a wink and a little squeeze around the shoulders

open before I scowl

me and starting off on the track at a gentle jog. “Come on! You

groan, desperately wishing I at least had some coffee before this, and then I hurry to catch up with my cousin, who I know is

paces, making me stay by his side until I’m panting for air while he, infuriatingly, barely breaks a sweat. When we get

so much fitter than me,” I gasp, glaring at

at me and laughs a little. “You have hobbies, Ari. Dad and Uncle Dom have been prepping Rafe and I for this since we were kids.” He takes a deep breath, looking out over the gorgeous, hazy countryside with a smile. I follow his gaze as my breathing comes easier, likewise admiring the way that the hills

bastions of athletic prowess and

says gently, letting me have my bitterness while still pointing out the truth. “That was all you. Mom was pissed as hell when Aunt

I ask, my

that guy was not your mate – so why the hell would we let you go into a marriage that we

head to stare at him, baffled by this. “So, you knew the whole time too? And

laughs a little and runs his hand through his hair. “I

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a little bit.”

as I do. Jesse – he’s

that way, but the fact that your mate is here? Training for the Academy at the same time you are?” he shrugs and grins at me, a little baffled. “Honestly, I think it sounds a little bit like fate – like you’re meant

“It feels like…grandma has

head a little at our inside

use my full name in such

you what to do, and that you’ve already got an overprotective big brother to play this role. But…” he hesitates and I step closer, wanting to hear what he has to say. “Just…maybe give this whole mate thing a little

ask, a little

mate – he hasn’t figured out who you