The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 410

I grimace as I slip through the dining room door to dinner, because I am well aware that I am both late and underdressed.

But I laugh as I try to quietly press the door shut behind me, because a huge cheer goes up from my gathered family at my arrival, letting me know that I was a complete fool for thinking that I could just…quietly sneak into the room and pretend that I was here the whole time.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” I protest, putting my hands up, a little envelope held tight in one of them. “I’m very rude and the worst child of the year.”

“Oh, you’re forgiven, baby,” mom says, holding her arms out to me as the rest of my extended family – including Jackson and Jesse’s whole pack – turn back to their conversations and their food. Grinning, I move swiftly to my mom’s side and let her wrap me in a big hug. “All okay?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I say, grinning down at her and her gorgeous silver gown. “Nice dress, mom! You look great!”

“Nice sweater and muddy jeans!” she returns, grinning at me, impish.

I laugh, blushing and look down at my simple clothes – because of course, the rest of my family dressed for a formal dinner, and here I am in jeans smelling of bonfire. “Should I go get changed? I didn’t want to be even later –“

“No, baby,” dad says, his voice rumbling, drawing my eyes to him and his broad smile. “Just relax, enjoy the night – no one cares what you’re wearing.” He eyes the envelope in my hands. “Is that for me?”

I narrow my eyes a bit, even as I smile and hold it out to him. “How did you know? What’s in it? Why won’t anyone tell me?”

“In due time,” dad murmurs, taking the envelope from me and tucking it into the inner pocket of his suit coat. Then he cheerfully turns back to his conversation with my grandpa, waving me off towards the empty seat I see at Jackson’s side. I beam at my dad, dropping a kiss on his cheek as I scurry off towards my mate, who I’m desperately pleased to see sitting quietly next to Juniper at the end of the table.

“Let me see!” I hear mom say behind me, and I glance over my shoulder to see her fishing into dad’s coat, trying to get the mysterious envelope out.