The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 851

Delighted, I drop Gabriel’s hand and leap to my feet, dashing for the side of the cage where Jacks stands.

But then I stop in my tracks, stumbling over my feet, my lips turning down in a harsh frown. “Jackson,” I growl, standing straight and putting one hand on a hip, using the other to point to the small girl – young woman? – held up high in my place on Jackson’s arm. “What is that?”

“Sorry, that’s mine,” Jesse says, peering out from behind Jackson and grinning at me before turning to frown up at Jacks. “Though I agree, Jackson. You can put her down now, please.”

I gasp, relief and shock running through me as I dash for the bars, reaching for my cousin. “Jesse!”

Ben gasps and rushes with me to the side of the cage.

“No!” groans the girl, shaking her head. “I don’t want to be put down! It’s so nice up high!”

“Hey, Ari,” Jesse says, laughing and reaching for me through the bars. “Hey Ben!”

I grab my cousin’s hand, yanking him close and pulling him into a hug even as he shouts at the rough treatment, banging against the bars.

“Are you okay!?” I gasp, desperately afraid for him. “Are you –“ I pull back, looking him over again and again, “you’re safe!? And how did – what –“

I frantically look between Jesse and Jacks and the girl, baffled, as Ben likewise reaches for Jesse, pulling him into a hug and looking fascinatedly at Jacks. I know he, like me, is wondering where on earth they came from.

“It’s a long story,” Jackson says, bending to put the girl down on her feet despite her protests. “But I imagine what’s going on in this cage is more important.”

I see Jackson’s teeth flash as he looks in at the Prince laying poisoned on the ground.

“What the fuckkk is going on here,” Jesse whispers, looking with wide eyes into the cage.

“Hi, I’m…Elias…” Elias says, giving an awkward little wave.

“What’s up, man,” Jesse says, giving Elias a tiny wave and the universal bro greeting of a sharply lifted chin.