The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 500

“Oh, put me down,” I sigh, defeated, going limp and smacking at Jackson’s back as Jesse and Rafe likewise step aside, checking in on each other, speaking softly. “I’m shamed enough by my lack of athleticism, you don’t have to rub it in.”

“You did very good today,” Jacks lies, setting me back down on my feet and slipping his hands into his pockets, I think to avoid the urge to touch me more, to pull me in tight against him like I very much want him to.

My wolf howls sharply at being so denied and I sigh, grinning at my mate. But then I glance at my brother, deep in conversation with my cousin, and step closer to Jackson. “So, what was that about?”

“Rafe was in a mood,” Jacks says casually, glancing over at him. “We talked it out.”

“Well?” I press, stepping even closer and peering up at him eagerly. “What did he say?”

“Um, he said it’s a bro secret,” Jacks says, his face breaking into a brilliant grin. “And that I don’t have to tell you everything. And that he and I are allowed to have privacy, because we’re friends, without you butting in.”

I scoff, aghast, even as – secretly, inwardly – I’m thrilled to see the pair of them growing closer. But still – the great sin of denying me gossip deserves immediate punishment. I pitch forward, giving Jacks a hearty shove that, as usual, doesn’t make him budge at all. “Jacks! That’s so unfair! I tell you everything!”

“Which is your choice, Clark,” Jacks says, smirking at me as he works hard to keep his hands in his pockets, knowing that public displays of affection are forbidden. Even though I can tell that it’s killing him a little bit right now.

“You’ll pay for this.” I growl, leaning forward with my hands on my hips, glaring up into his face.

“Can’t wait,” he counters, leaning forward until our faces are quite close. Much closer than they should be. My breath hitches a little in my chest.

“If you two are done being…weird,” Jesse calls over to us, and we both turn towards him with guilty smiles. “Then shall we go to class? We’re running late, since two of the four of us decided to go on an emotional journey.”

Rafe laughs but smacks Jesse on the shoulder, heading inside. I grin, glad to see my brother in a better mood – because we all knew something was up this morning. I turn my smile on Jackson as we follow the pair of them into the castle, glad that he was there for my brother, glad that he apparently helped.