The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 429

“I am not!” Mom says with a sigh and a dismissive wave of her hand, clearly done with this argument. “It just made sense. Now if we can please get on our way, beloved daughter?”

I scowl and storm away, not looking back over my shoulder, pissed as hell.

Ella moves to follow Ariel, but Rafe reaches out, tugging on her sleeve and making her hang back. Surprised, Ella looks up into Rafe’s face.

“You are playing favorites, you know,” he says, smirking down at her.

Ella’s mouth drops open, appalled, but when Rafe just raises an eyebrow at her she gives up the act, a sly grin shaping her lips.

Rafe laughs and shakes his head as the two of them start off towards the helicopter. “You’re not being fair, mom. You always play favorites.”

“A game from which you benefit deeply, my little meatball,” Ella says, wrapping an arm around her eldest son’s waist and pulling him close to her side.

Rafe slows his steps. “So, you really like Jackson better?” he asks quietly, glancing towards the helicopter where Ariel sits curled at Jackson’s side, fastening her seatbelt.

“Oh, come on,” Ella says, dry, and Rafe looks down into his mother’s beautiful face. “You want me to choose between the guy who made millions publicizing the fact that he’s mated to my daughter and the guy who carried her for hours across a battlefield and then sobbed for thirty minutes straight while I worked to heal her?”

Rafe bursts into a smile. “I didn’t know you saw that.”

“I see everything, Meatball,” Ella says, tugging him towards the helicopter. “It’s really not a contest. But…don’t tell Ariel I have favorites, okay? Luca’s family too now, and I do love him. Jackson’s just…special to me.”

“Secret’s safe with me,” Rafe murmurs, climbing into the helicopter and then holding out a hand to help his mother up.