The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 801

“You disgust me,” Elias snarls, hauling Gabriel with him towards the door. “I’m taking you out of here and you will not return until Ariel invites you. If she ever does.” I watch in shock, because Elias is both the younger and the smaller brother. How…how does he have this kind of authority? Why is Gabriel listening to him?

Elias glances once at Pippa, who gives him a steady nod, but then Elias and Gabriel gone, the door closing hard behind them.

Pippa holds me for a long few minutes, stroking my fur and telling me that it’s all right. When I finally feel strong enough I shift back into my girl body, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Oh, Ariel,” Pippa murmurs, taking my face in her hands. “I’m so sorry. That was so horrible.”

“Why – why did he do that?” I whisper, shaking my head, still terrified. I glance at the door, scared he’ll come back. Because even if Blaze did teach me some things, I know I can’t win against Gabriel, not really. He – like most Alphas – is just so much bigger than me.

“I don’t know why he did it,” Pippa whispers, softly stroking my cheek. “But it won’t happen again, darling. The doors – they have locks – all of our maiden chambers do. None of them can be opened except from the inside if you will it. I promise.”

A little tension goes out of me at this and I nod to her, hoping that’s true.

“And I’ll stay with you,” she murmurs, nodding seriously. “I’ll stay all night, and Elias will stay with Gabriel and talk some sense into him –“

“Why…” I say, my voice still shaking, “why does Gabriel listen to Elias? He’s…he’s bigger? And older?”

Pippa twists her lips a bit to the side as she drops her hands from my face, giving a shrug. “Gabriel…when he took the oath to the God of Darkness, he also…lost some concept of right and wrong. He’s a creature of impulse now, pursuing what he wants, giving into strong emotions like rage and lust and insecurity. Elias – for all that he sees Gabriel’s faults – he loves him.” She sighs, almost apologetic. “Some part of Gabriel trusts him still, knows that he will not steer him wrong.”

I stare at Pippa, not quite getting it.

And Pippa smiles. “Do you not have a big tough older brother?” she says, whispering a little and leaning forward towards me. “Who you have a bit tied around your finger as well?”