The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 243

“We got your back, Ariel,” Rafe murmurs, patting my knee. And then we spend the next few hours talking softly, letting our thoughts wander, none of us really making a move to go to bed. Instead, slowly – perhaps simultaneously – we all fall asleep curled up next to each other like we used to do when we were kids. A puppy pile, mom used to call it.

And I think of that, of my mom, and my family, and how much I love the rich warmth of them as I fall asleep next to my two best friends.

Because I get to see the rest of them tomorrow.

And I can barely wait.

I gasp awake when the door flies open behind me, spinning and blinking and trying to figure out if I’m about to die –

“I did it!” Ben shouts, giving a whoop of excited joy as Rafe leaps to his feet, his chest heaving with anxiety. Jesse just groans, turning over on the couch and burying his face in his pillow as I clasp a hand to my throat, trying to figure out if I had a heart attack. “I passed my finals! I get to stay!”

“Too bad you’re going to die in like four seconds, Ben!” Rafe snaps, scowling and striding over to Ben to snatch the piece of paper out of his hand. Ben ignores Rafe, dancing around the room as he pumps his fist in the air.

“I get to stay in school! I passed – I’m an Ambassador now, for real! Or at least, on my way to it!”

“That’s amazing, Ben, I’m very happy for you,” Jesse murmurs into his pillow. “Now shut up. Go away.”

I smile as I watch Rafe collect himself and smile at our friend, reaching out to grab Ben and wrap him into a big hug as he murmurs his congratulations. I grin at Ben, who peers at me over Rafe’s shoulder, watching him take a surreptitious sniff of Rafe’s scent as they break their quick hug.

I push myself to my feet as well, wincing as my stiff muscles unfold. God, sleeping on the floor – what a stupid idea –

“Congrats, Ben,” I say, holding open my arms as I cross the room to him. Rafe lets him go and Ben steps to me, wrapping me in a hug and rocking me back and forth. “I’m so happy for you!”