The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 725

Jackson empties his stomach onto the corridor floor, one hand flat against the wall as he presses his eyes shut, his whole body trembling. Because – it can’t be –

What he saw can’t be true –

But then why is he reacting like this? He gasps in a breath, turning back towards the figure in the Prince’s arms. He sees it again, though – his eyes moving instantly to the mark high on her neck, still dripping blood – and her strange shifting scent – it hits him like a damn truck.

Jackson gags again, turning away, working hard to keep from retching.

“Clear this hall!” Rafe roars at the handful of cadets standing in the hall and peeking around the edges of their doors, staring fascinated at the tiny figure in his arms. Ben, standing with him, likewise snarls at the crowd. “All of you - either get in your room or go find Jesse Sinclair! Fucking now!”

Jackson’s shoulders shake as he pushes himself up from the wall and he takes a deep breath. He turns towards Rafe but he can’t – he just can’t fucking look at her. Not like that – not marked. By him.

Ariel – she’s his mate. His girl. His fucking…everything.

Claimed by Luca Grant.

“Jackson,” Rafe snaps, stepping closer as the hallway clears of frightened cadets who either slip back into their rooms or go running. “We have to get her –“

But Jackson just groans and steps away, shaking his head – holding his hand out flat towards Rafe – his shaking shoulders begging the Prince not to come closer.

“Jacks,” Ben gasps, his eyes going wide. “You can’t –“

“I – I need a minute,” Jackson murmurs, devastated, ashamed of himself, his eyes falling to the ground. Because he knows what he has to do – what he should do – that he should take Ariel in his arms and hold her close and ensure that she’s all right. But his wolf is howling within him, so full of grief, in real pain at what they now know.

At what they’ve lost.

He can’t – he can’t hear anything – can’t concentrate –

If he takes her, he’ll drop her. Or just collapse to the ground with her in his arms, sobbing.

“Jackson!” Rafe snaps, appalled and ashamed. “Get your shit together! She needs –“

“Please,” Jackson begs, taking another step away and putting both hands up now. “I’m – I –“

“No,” Jackson growls, working hard to take deep breaths in through his nose. “No, I’m not all right, I’m –“

But then Jackson’s head snaps to the side, and his lips peel back, his fangs flashing.

“Jacks?” Ben whispers, yanking his hand back.

Jackson just snarls, lifting his nose in the air, sniffing again.

And yes, there it is – the scent of that fucking traitor, who marked her and then hurt her and then ran. Ran – he doesn’t know why – Jackson doesn’t understand any of what happened. But one thing he does know for sure.

“Jacks!” Ben gasps, realizing at last what’s happening and grabbing for Jackson’s arm, even if he risks his own safety by doing it.

Jackson wrenches his arm from Ben’s hand and turns away. “I’m going to kill him,” Jackson snarls to himself as much as to his friend. And then he shifts into his wolf and pounds down the hall, chasing Luca’s scent.

“Fucking mates,” Rafe grumbles as he storms up the final set of stairs toward their room. “I fucking hate mates. Want some magic? No, you need a mate! Want a nice calm educational experience while you’re at school? No! Here’s your fucking ridiculous sister, and her two insane mates!”