The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy
Chapter 0497

"With weapons," Jesse growls, his eyes lighting a bit devilishly.

"No weapons," Jacks snaps and Jesse's face drops into a scowl. "We don't need them, and we're not giving him any reason to disintegrate us on the spot. Alvez is powerful - don't forget that. We don't want him to feel so threatened that he acts out." "Fine, just a couple of weapons," Jesse says, spreading out his hands like it's a great concession. "Small ones."

"After that," Rafe says, looking at me evenly and ignoring Jesse's antics. "He's gone. Okay?"

"Okay," I say, nodding and breathing out a sharp breath, pressing my hands together on top of my knees. "That will be...good. And then for magic class..."

"The school can figure that out," Jackson murmurs, placing a hand on my back and rubbing it up and down comfortingly. "That's not our problem."

"True," I sigh, and then I smile a little as I look around at everyone. "Thanks, guys," I whisper. "For having my back."

"Anytime, Ari," Jesse says, beaming at me.

"Yeah, we love you," Rafe says, getting to his feet, heaving a yawn and stretching his arms above his head. "Though if you could arrange for me to have your back at a more reasonable hour next time, sis, that would be great."

I laugh a little, jumping to my feet and wrapping my arms tight around Rafe's waist while he's otherwise distracted. Rafe laughs, looking down at me and dropping his arms to give me a little hug.

"All right, go away," Rafe murmurs, laughing a little and shoving me gently towards Jackson, who scoops me up in his arms and carries me away towards the nook. Jesse likewise gives us a sleepy little wave, heading for his own bed. "Come on, tiny," Jacks murmurs, sitting down hard on the bed and curling me up against him as he lays down. "Let's go to sleep."

"Okay," I say, sighing happily and letting my eyes drift shut as Jackson strokes his hand softly over my hair and down my back, again and again. "See you cliffside in a little bit."

""Can't wait."

During the run the next morning, Rafe sets one hell of a pace, and every single one of them can tell that it's not because he's eager to exercise for the joy of it. Nope, it's very clear to everyone that Rafe's trying to outrun his emotions. Jackson keeps up with him, going stride for stride, his steady face giving no indication of flagging. But Ariel has no chance of keeping up.

Jackson glances over his shoulder for her, concerned, but when Jesse waves a hand and slows down, indicating that he'll keep pace with her, Jackson turns his attention back to the run.

Jackson and Rafe go further than they have before - out into the wilds around the Academy, so far that the Castle disappears from sight behind them. It's only when Rafe's own footsteps begin to slow as they crest a hill that Jackson's do too. The pair slacken, and then slow, and then come to a stop at the top of the hill, Rafe bending over a little with his hands on his waist, panting.

"Why," Rafe says in between big breaths, looking up at Jackson a little. "Are you so fucking fit? I can outrun everyone - literally everyone - I've ever met except for you. And I'm beat now and you're not even breathing hard."

Jackson just looks at Rafe evenly, frowning a little, wiping some sweat off his brow. "I'm...a little out of breath," he says, even though he is patently not.

The prince just stares at his sister's mate, waiting for an answer, until Jackson sighs and heaves a little shrug. "I have limitless energy," he says casually, like it's no big deal.

Rafe just rolls his eyes, turning away a bit, annoyed by the joke instead of the explanation.

"No, Rafe," Jackson says, reaching for his arm and pulling Rafe back. "I mean... that's my power - that's my magic, all right? Ariel already knows. I just...never run out of energy. I don't really need to sleep or eat unless I want to - at least, not for a long time." "Whoa," Rafe says, straightening up and staring at his friend, kind of shocked.