The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 228

I was similarly frantic that night in the dream state with Luca. He clasped me in his arms, desperate to hear my story, to know that I was safe. I told him, briefly, what happened, and then begged him to let me go, to sleep, because I absolutely could not turn my mind away from the Chemistry test I knew was waiting for me the next day.

Luca kissed me so softly, so sweetly, and said of course – that he’s rooting for me, and he can’t wait to see how well I do. And then we ended the dream with him wishing me the best of luck, though he assured me I didn’t need it.

So, of course, I woke up just riddled with guilt. Because Luca – he’s been so, so sweet to me, and I am keeping a very real secret from him now. Somehow it was different when Jackson was just a mate – a vague, unreal connection. But now that Jackson knows, and that we’ve acknowledged each other, and we’ve bonded?

God, but it’s different.

All of these thoughts and memories weigh me down as I head down the hallway to my door, as I twist the handle and push my way inside.

Both Rafe and Jesse cheer the moment I step into the room, but their cheers fade awkwardly when they see how wrecked I am.

“Oh, jeeze,” Jesse says, striding across the room and immediately shutting the door and wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Honestly, Ariel, you looked better post-examination when you were all covered in blood.”

“That’s because I had hope,” I moan, letting him lead me over to the couch, where Rafe is waiting with my favorite green blanket. As soon as I sit down he lays it over me, tucking it in at the sides. I smile up at my big brother, loving him.

“Was it that bad?” Rafe asks, anxious, looking down as he stands next to me. “Did you fail?”

“I don’t know,” I sigh, shaking my head. Because it certainly feels like I did. The test was…insane. But what happened before it?