The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 641

“We’re going on a field trip today,” Cora says, grinning around at all of us. I’m the only one who gasps with excitement, sitting up in my chair. Cora’s smile deepens and she gives me a week.

“And we wanted Luca to come too,” mom says, gesturing towards him, “since Ariel’s magic seems to be so closely tied to her bonds – both those with her mates and her siblings. So,” she shrugs, perfectly casual. “We want to see what happens when we add Luca to the mix.”

“Cool!” I say, grinning, glad for the distraction from the Games and the chance to leave this Castle where I’m suddenly the center of attention. “Where are we going?”

“Just a short walk,” Cora says with a shrug, gesturing for us all to get to our feet. “Not far.”

“I hope this walk is long enough,” Rafe says, moving to mom’s side and frowning down at her. “I want to talk to you about the Games – see if you can intercede.”

“Intercede?” mom asks, going a little pale and wrapping an arm around me as I come to step close to her.

“Yes,” Rafe says, his eyes moving to me and then to my mates who come to stand behind me. “The plea with the Captain…did not go well. We’re going to try again tonight but I want to see if we can go over his head to dad.”

“Oh geeze,” mom says on a sigh, looking around at all of us and then tugging me towards the door. “Walk and talk, meatball. Clearly, we’ve got a lot to cover this afternoon.”

We all troop outside together and then into the hills – away from Newtown this time, not towards it. As we walk Rafe and Jesse fill mom and Cora in on the drama from this morning. Jacks walks with them, listening closely and adding details where needed, glancing back at me every minute or two to ensure that I’m fine. I smirk while I watch him do it, knowing it’s some Alpha instinct nudging him to ensure that I’m okay.

Luca and Tony walk on either side of me behind the larger group, both of them silent. But I just let them do it, not in the mood to intercede and try to get them to be buddies. I don’t get their drama but honestly – now isn’t the time to dig into it.

When we crest a hill, I’m surprised to see a big pile of wood gathered in an open space that’s been cleared of debris, even grass.