The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 14

Unfortunately, my determination to take a little space from my mate and concentrate on raising my rank is immediately foiled when Luca comes sauntering over to our table with a tray full of food.

“Hey,” he says, grinning at Rafe and Jesse with the trademark stunning smile that flares his dimples. “I come with a peace offering.”

Rafe raises his eyebrow as Luca takes a plate off his tray, sliding it onto the table. I take a sharp breath as I focus on the pair of little raspberry pastries Luca brought us – the tray was completely empty by the time Jesse and I got through in line and it broke my heart –

But Luca? Luca got two.

“What for?” Rafe asks, smacking my hand when I immediately reach for one. I hiss, more in surprise than pain, and pull my hand back.

“I didn’t mean anything when I took Shrimp over to my bunk last night for a chat,” Luca says, his face more serious now as he gives a little shrug. “I didn’t realize it would piss you off. I was just trying to offer my support – I know he’s low on the rankings, and I’ve soft spot for the underdogs.”

got a

I narrow my eyes at Luca now, because he’s blatantly lying – but he’s also protecting my secret. Luca’s eyes flash to mine and the corner of his mouth quirks up in a grin.

“Ari is ours to protect,” Rafe says, looking Luca over from head to foot before picking up the plate and holding it out to him. Luca blinks in surprise and turns his eyes back to Rafe. I don’t think he’s used to rejection – not with that face and his fame.

“Ari,” I break in, rankling a little at the possession in Rafe’s voice, “is a full person who can make friends with whoever he wants,” I say, rolling my eyes at my brother and snatching the plate of pastries out of his hand. “This was nice, Luca – thanks. No harm done.”

Rafe grumbles a little next to me but I elbow him, trying to remind him silently that I still have to fit in here. It won’t do us any good to make an enemy of Luca Grant by offending him.

Plus, I want pastries. And for my mate to stay close at my side for a few more moments – damn but his scent is amazing, almost better than these flaky little Danishes –

–

“Want to sit?” Jesse asks, smiling at Luca and gesturing to the seat next to him. I pale a little

– because, I mean, accepting a peace offering is one thing –

But Luca, having breakfast with us? That’s starting to cross a dangerous line.

Unfortunately, before I can think of a reason to protest, Luca cheerfully takes the seat and raises his eyes to mine, smiling at me a little deviously.

Shit. This was his plan. He still has questions for me, and he knows that he has to get on Rafe and Jesse’s good side if he wants to ask them.

Clever boy.

I scowl at him and take a big bite of the pastry. Unfortunately for me it’s delicious, which makes it very hard to be mad and wary of my st*pid mate, who’s sitting across the table from me, smirking at his victory.

know who each other are. Jesse ropes Rafe into the conversation too, though my brother

works for a while, until he ropes me into the conversation

your plan?” Luca asks.

I ask, my nose scrunching a little as I glare

says, grinning at me. “I think you’re funny. It’s good

but I look away, not wanting Jesse to get suspicious about the connection between us. Frankly, I’m shocked Jesse hasn’t figured it out already –

help?” Rafe asks, his voice low and derisive, clearly suggesting

his arms, studying me like

a last minute addition to the roster,” Jesse says, his

up straighter and looking between them. “Wait, what’s today? What

at me. “It affects the rankings. One–on–one, though, not bracket style this time.”

you know this shit,” I breathe, shaking my head as I stare

made the school, Ari,” Jesse says, rolling his eyes at me. “They told us. Nepotism

of oatmeal. “There are all kinds of forums online where previous cadets spill the school’s secrets, if you know where to find them. Anyone who did any kind of prep at all to be here knows the schedule of candidate exams.”

do that essential research, but duh

am I gonna get through this?” I ask, looking a little frantically between my brother and my cousin.

worry about it, Ari,” Rafe says, taking a calm drink of his coffee. “They pit lowest against the

does that help me? I can’t beat you’re a gorilla

you

GMS

a little. “You just have to

I breathe, shocked.

his eyes wide as he stares at Rafe. “You’re going to give up the number one

and turns back to his tray, finishing off his food.

cousins that much,” Luca says, glancing up at the clock. “Shit,

26

his shoulder. “You can’t do that – we have to

up. “It’s not like it will

way. It’s worth

I protest, standing up with

and away from Rafe. “You have to let him do this, Ari. It’s the only way.”

bell sounds, signaling the end of breakfast and the start of training. But inwardly, my mind whirs – because there has to be something that I can do that doesn’t put Rafe’s spot at the Academy at risk just to save

obstacle course twice as some kind of

the the results of that would be – would

do? And who the hell would agree to that,

course, which just…really feels like a kick in the face. My time improves, but I’m still dead last. When we’re finished the run, we’re lined up in our ranking order and lead into a sparring gym next door, which has mats already laid out ready for our bouts. We’re spread out at even distances and each handed a long wooden staff before we’re taught a series of moves that it takes hours to perfect.

have no idea what’s going on, and I’m anxious as well as exhausted.

people are proficient in staff work anymore. Today’s examination tests not only your physical prowess, but your ability to learn