The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 857

“Gabe,” my mate says, shaking his head at me and working hard to sit up. “Please, call me Gabe.”

He groans, though, and falls back.

“Easy, easy,” I say, glancing up at Ben, who nods to me – letting me know that he finished administering the antidote via IV and that it all went well. “Your body is still recovering from…well, from when I poisoned you.” I grimace. “Sorry about that.”

“I’m not sorry about it,” Gabriel sighs, turning his head to me and shaking it. “I’m so grateful to you, Ariel. I was completely lost to that darkness – me and my wolf both. And I’m so, so sorry.” His eyes take on a true, deep sadness and guilt as he looks over my face, his eyes lingering on the bruise on my jaw.

“Gabe?” Elias asks, hesitant, coming to kneel by my side, Pippa following. “Is it…I mean, is it you?”

“It was always me,” Gabriel says, shifting his eyes to his brother. “As shameful as it is, I can’t pretend I was body snatched or something. It was me, grasping and jealous and hungry for power. But everything just looked so…different, from inside the darkness.” He shakes his head, tears starting in his eyes. “I’m so sorry. Pippa – I,” he sighs as she reaches out and takes his hand. “Pippa, I was so horrible to you.”

“You were a real brat,” she says, laughing a little, her voice thick with tears. “But I forgive you, Gabey-baby. I’m just glad to have you back.”

Gabe laughs at what is clearly an old nickname, his eyes fluttering shut in relief and exhaustion.

“Are you…sure he’s fixed?” Jesse murmurs, looking anxiously between Jacks and I, Midnight still tucked protectively behind him. “He’s not just faking it?”