The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 498

Jacks just stands and looks back at Rafe, a little awkward, waiting for him to react to the secret he just told.

“That’s really cool,” Rafe whispers.

“So, you probably are fitter than me,” Jacks says with a shrug. “Just…not magically powered. Why the hell did we run so far today?”

“I don’t know,” Rafe says, sighing and turning away from Jackson a little, looking out over the distance. “I just…wanted to run. And then I was pissed at you for keeping up with me, so I tried to wear you out. Which…obviously backfired.”

Jacks smirks a little, standing close at Rafe’s side and likewise looking out over the countryside. The two are quiet for a minute before Jackson, uncharacteristically, breaks the silence. “Jesse said,” he murmurs, “that…when your friends are upset you just…be there for them. Just stay by their side, even if they don’t want to talk. That’s what I was trying to do. I’m sorry if it pissed you off even more – if I’d have known, I’d have let you beat me.”

Rafe sighs, glancing over at his friend, kind of cursing the fact that he’s such a great guy. Because it would be a hell of a lot easier to be pissed at him, and the rest of the world, if he wasn’t. And right now, Rafe’s feeling like he’s not yet finished being angry.

“How’d you know I was pissed?” he asks, crossing his arms and sighing, guessing that he probably has to give it up sometime.

“You’re all…quiet and moody,” Jackson sighs, still looking out over the landscape. “I mean, you’re sometimes quiet, but you’re never moody. You’re the most even-tempered guy I’ve ever met.”

“You’re more perceptive than I thought you were,” Rafe murmurs, turning to study Jacks a little.

Jackson doesn’t look back at him, not bothered by being studied by the crown prince. “I mean, I know you guys think I grew up in a box or something, Rafe, but I did have friends in the Community. Best friends. I know how to read emotions, especially in guys who usually tuck them away.”

Rafe smirks a little and shakes his head, sighing, surprised again by the group’s adopted Alpha foundling.

“Fine,” Rafe sighs, crossing his arms and looking away, not wanting to make eye contact while he talks about it. “It’s Daphne.”

Jackson hums noncommittally, not pushing, letting Rafe take control of the conversation.