The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 187

“What!” I shriek, scrambling to my knees and knocking the fruit and bread out of my lap.

“Shh!” Jackson hisses, turning back towards me and holding out a hand, looking at me like I’m crazy. “Don’t be an idiot, Ari! If we’re waiting for dawn to move into the ravine, others are too! And they will come for us! Just…be quiet, all right!?”

“Jackson!” I whisper, full of rage, ignoring his words and getting to my feet, striding towards him, “you are not leaving me here!”

He huffs a little laugh, clearly implying that I couldn’t stop him if I tried. “Yeah, Ari, I am.”

“You are not!” I put my hands on his chest and shove, angry.

“I’ll be back!” he says, not budging an inch. “I promise, all right? I’m not abandoning you – I’ll be back at dawn, I’ll help you. I just…”

And I go still as I see his head turn again, back the way we came, back to where…

Well, back to where he imagines she is.

His mate, alone.

His mate, frightened in the wilderness, needing his help.

And then even though I assured him that she’s safe, that there’s nothing wrong, he can’t leave it.

“Jackson,” I beg, wrapping my fists in his shirt and staring up at him. “Please, please don’t do this.”