The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 280

“I think so,” I say, giving a little shrug. “That’s what she called it when mom and Cora talked to her, after all. A ‘gift.’ She said all of her grandchildren would be likewise gifted. Do you know where yours comes from?”

Slowly he shakes his head. “No idea.”

“Well, maybe it’s also a gift,” I say, considering it as I stare up into his blue eyes, his dark head framed against the night sky. “After all, she clearly knows about you, if she picked you out as my mate.”

“That’s so weird,” he whispers, his eyes going a little distant, “to think that the Goddess…knows about me. I’ve always felt so…anonymous and inconsequential my whole life. I never in a million years would have thought the Goddess had an eye on me.”

“Of course she does,” I say, lifting a hand to idly stroke his chest. “You’re like…really good looking, Jacks. And she’s a woman after all.”

“Don’t be creepy,” he murmurs, his eyes focusing on me as he smirks. “That’s your grandmother.”

I burst out laughing, shaking my head at him. “I don’t like you thinking of yourself as inconsequential, Jacks,” I say with a sigh, nuzzling closer. “You’re everything.”

Jackson smiles at me, I think touched, and strokes my face with his thumb. “The city makes me feel more inconsequential, I think,” he says, lifting his head to peer around, though we can’t see the city around us from this part of the roof. “Though…being around these trees helps.” I nod, understanding. Mom was very careful in selecting the placement of our little roof garden – it feels very secluded up here – like our own little bit of nature. And I’m well aware that Jacks feels more comfortable in natural spaces than surrounded by stone.

I tilt my head to the side, wondering if I’d subconsciously considered that when I decided to bring him up here tonight. There’s a whole Palace’s worth of rooms to hang out in, after all. And I picked the roof.

“Do you hate it? The city?” I ask quietly, genuinely wanting to know. Because, I mean, for better or for worse the city is my home, and if I’m going to be a part of this royal family at least part of my time will be spent here. If Jackson hates it…well, that will make things difficult, won’t it?

“I hated it at first,” he murmurs, thoughtful. “It’s better with you here.”