The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy



Jackson's aware that I'm holding something back - I shut down the bond a little bit so he doesn't hear my thoughts or feel my feelings as I speak - but he doesn't say anything about it, giving me my peace and my privacy.

"That's an interesting assignment," he murmurs, letting his hand travel idly up and down my back. "Though...I don't know why Faiza wants you to train so hard as a spy. I'm not...I mean, Ariel, I'm not going to let you go into situations like that without me."

I bite my lip and nod, because I agree - I have no intention of doing anything dangerous without Jackson by my side. We've already made that clear to each other and to the Captain.

"She's still my teacher, though." I murmur. "I...still want to learn."

Jacks nods his understanding and takes my hand in his, raising it to brush a kiss over my fingers. "I hope you'll think about bringing me some time in the future," he murmurs, keeping his words light, I think so I won't feel pressured. "I want to see you in action. And keep you safe."

"You just want to see me as a redhead," I whisper, grinning at him.

He snarls a little bit at this and shakes his head, vehement. "You're the perfect blonde," he murmurs, his eyes moving to my hair. "Besides – it's already...pinkish orange."

I gasp a little, laughing and smacking him on the arm. "The proper term is rose-gold."

He laughs along with me, nodding. "Yes," he says, letting his eyes drift shut. "My perfect little rose-gold wolf. I remember.”

The curtain to our bed suddenly rips open and I squeak in surprise as Jackson turns to glare at Jesse, who stands there rubbing one eye, looking like he's been run over by a truck.

"Jacks," Jesse croaks. "I need the energy. I need it bad."

"I told you," Jackson growls, pointing a finger at him. "Not to get addicted."

"Help," Jesse says, flopping down at the end of the bed and reaching out to wrap a hand around my ankle. "I've got the contact. Give Ariel the juice. I'll never ask again."

"Yes he will," I sigh, even as I flop my hand out to Jacks and he rolls his eyes, settling his hand in mind and starting to pass energy to me.

"It's your fault,” Rafe calls, and I peek over Jackson to see my brother frowning and moving towards the bathroom. "Why the hell were you out till five anyway, Jess?"

"I was being broody," Jesse calls. "Looking at the stars, contemplating existence."

Rafe just stares at our cousin for a second like his choices of pastimes are a complète mystery. But then shrugs. Whatever. Get your energy set - you have to take Ariel for her run while Jackson and I draft"

UMS

Rafe heads into the bathroom without another word as I gasp, sitting straight up, having totally forgotten about the draft today.

"If you were up brooding all alone,” Jackson murmurs, smirking as he looks down at Jesse, still passing both of us his magical energy. "Why do you smell head to toe of Daphne this morning?"

I gasp again, spinning to look at Jesse.

Jesse glares hard at Jacks. "You keep your god damn mouth shut, you traitor."

"Jesse!" I whisper-shriek, my hands flying to my chest. "What - how did you - what -"noveldrama

"Ariel, I am too tired and you are too naked for this conversation," Jesse mutters, closing his eyes and looking away. "I confess nothing. Your boyfriend's stupid snout is mistaken."

"No, it's not," Jackson says, dry.

"How can you smell her on him?" I whisper, leaning over towards Jesse and sniffing but I get nothing.

"My sense of smell is better than yours," Jackson murmurs, casual. I scowl at him, jealous, which just makes him burst into a grin.

"You're telling me everything," I

growl, turning back to my cousin and kicking my foot out at Jesse - an act of violence that does nothing, since he just tightens his grip on my ankle and absorbs the blow.

“No, I'm not,” Jesse replies, sighing and looking up between Jackson and I. "There's nothing to tell. Now let's go!"

Jesse smacks my ankle and then jumps out of bed, looking utterly refreshed.

"God, I love my cousin's mate's powers," he calls, stretching his arms over his head and whooping as he moves for the dresser and a fresh set of clothes.

"I just love the mate," I say,

snuggling down next to Jackson for another moment. He gets all snarly, just the way I like him, making me laugh as he again rolls me in the sheets, kissing me for all that he's worth.

cont