Ch. 741..745: The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 741-745

Chapter 0741

"And is - is his face all bruised?" Ariel asks, looking closer at a rare picture in which he's not wearing sunglasses. "Do we have any idea where that came from?"

"We don't," Ella sighs, looking steadily at her daughter, watching her reaction. "But I don't have to make a ton of guesses, considering your line of supporters who would leap at the chance to give him a good punch.'

"And why is he all...wet all the time?" Ariel asks, frowning, leaning closer. "No one else is..." "That...might be me," Cora says, quite innocent.

The other three go silent and then turn to her, shocked.

"What, I'm your godmother," she says, shrugging, fighting a smug smile. "If you didn't want me to have a tiny rain cloud chasing your douchebag ex around the city wherever he goes, you should have said so in the first place."

Ariel lets out a sputtering little laugh as Ella and Daphne look at her anxiously. But when Ariel's shock fades and it turns into real, true laughter, everyone joins in to the point where they're all wiping tears from their cheeks, leaning against each other for support.

"Cora," Ariel laughs, hugging her aunt and resting her head on her shoulder. "Please take it away - it's so mean -"

"No way," Cora sighs, pressing a kiss to her niece's head. "He gets at least a few more days of that. Luca pissed off the wrong girl's family - he's paying for it -"

"All right," Ariel sighs. "But no lightening."

"No more lightening, you mean," Cora coos, grinning. "What!?"

"Oh, come on," she sighs. "I had to zap his ass a few times to send a message. Don't mess with the Sinclairs - we'll make your life miserable.

Ariel doesn't say anything else, just looks around the room at the three women who are her family now, grateful to the depths of herself to have them on her side. "You guys are the best," she whispers, breaking into tears again and moving to Daphne to hug next.

"Oh geeze," Daphne says, wrapping her friend up in a hug. "Who knew, all we had to do was zap Luca with a little magical lightening and you'd feel better. It would have saved us a great deal of expense in spa treatments if we'd known that little secret from the start."

"No, I want more spa treatments too," Ariel murmurs into Daphne's shoulder. "Also, ice cream."

"Well, that we can do, trouble," Ella says with a happy smile, moving for the freezer. "That we can do."

A few hours later, massaged so that

my muscles feel like butter and filled to the brim with every single desert that room service could think to create, trest curled up at my mom's side while Cora and Daphne sing karaoke in front of the TV, matching glasses of wine in their hands.

I smile, so pleased to be here but...knowing that the time is nearly up. That this has given me enough strength to face my life.

Mom and I spent a long time this

afternoon going over it all. I tell her everything what the Goddess said about needing all of my mates' marks, and me deciding not to tell Luca and Jacks so the marks could be freely given. And about sleeping with Jackson first and how right it felt, and how sorry I was when he didn't mark me, but how much sense it made when he explained it. And then what it felt like to lose Tony, and how good Luca was to save me.

And then how everything happened in his room, with the wine and the whiskey and the sex the mark the rejection, all so fast. How it all feels like it was my fault, and how if I'd just managed it all a little differently, it would all be...fine.

"You have to forgive yourself, angel,"

mom murmurs, curled up at my side, as I sniff again, going over it all

in my head for the thousandth time. She presses a kiss to my hair. "You're very young and you've never done any of this before. I'm not sure anyone has. You tried, you may have made mistakes, but you can learn from them. That's how it works. But forgiveness first - the regrets...they help us grow. But you can't live with them on your shoulders. Too heavy.”

I nod, hearing her, truly listening. And honestly, I do feel lighter seeing it from that perspective. She's right. I do like to be perfect, I hate to do things wrong. And I did a lot of things wrong. But there's no changing it now - only moving forward.

"I think I want to go back to school tomorrow, ma," I whisper, resting my head on her shoulder, my own wine glass balanced in my hand.

"Are you sure, baby?" she asks, turning to me slightly, going a bit rigid. "We can stay longer - we can -" "No, I'm sure," I say on a sigh. "I...I miss Jackson. And I need to talk to him."

 

Chapter 0742

Mom hears the worry in my voice and snuggles down next to me. "The boys say Jackson's fine, Ari. Worried but fine. I wish you wouldn't worry so much. But, I do understand."

"They didn't say he's fine," I say on a sigh. "They said he's been prowling around as his wolf, all full of woe, snapping at anyone who gets too close. And that he doesn't sleep and just goes and wolfishly gazes at the moon.'

"Because it reminds him of youuu," mom coos, laughing a little and snuggling closer to me. "And me. Because we're elegant moon goddesses."

"Yes, I understood," I say, rolling my eyes but unable to keep the little smile on my face.

But still, my poor wounded wolf lifts her tired head and gives me another nudge in my soul, even as Cora

and Daphne continue to sing, messing up the words and tripping over their own feet, laughing hysterically as they do.

"Will you keep a special eye on Junie at home, mom?" I whisper.

Mom turns to me, curious and concerned. "Of course, if you think I need to. But why?"

I shake my head, not knowing how or why I'm feeling this way. "Just...something about her knowing Redman Blythe and him being dead. She lost someone too, though I don't know what he meant to her. Still - it's too mysterious for my liking. Will you check in, for me?"

"I will," mom promises. "It's good of you to think of our little June-pipes."

"And tell her I'm sorry I missed her birthday," I whisper, closing my eyes against the guilt. "I'll make it up to her soon."

"She knows you will, baby," mom whispers back. "Don't worry about Junie. You'll see her soon."

Jesse sighs as, for the third night in a row, he lopes after Jackson in wolf form in the fields and forests that surround the Castle. And Jesse gets it - he really does. His boy Jackson is going through a very difficult time, it's just...

God, why does he have such athletic best friends?

Why can't Ariel have the kind of mate who wants to drown his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey while sitting before the fire? Jesse would be great at that.

But, this is what Jackson wants to do.

And because Jackson is his best

friend, this is what Jesse is doing. About ten feet behind at all times, just in case Jacks needs him. And even though Jackson hasn't once turned around, or stopped to speak with him, or done more than acknowledge his presence. Jesse knows that Jackson feels him here. Feels Jesse's love, and his support, and his unshakeable willingness to just be there for Jacks in whatever way he needs.

It comes as a great shock to Jesse when at around one in the morning on the third night, Jackson shifts on the cliffside outside the Castle. Jesse comes to rather a hard stop to avoid slamming into the huge guy before him who stands with his hands in his pocketstaring at the moon.

avoid

"Whoa," Jesse says as he shifts into his human body, running a hand through his rumpled hair and panting a little. "Sorry man. I almost...knocked you off the cliff."

"No you didn't," Jacks murmurs, only glancing at him.

Jesse smirks, standing at Jackson's side and turning his own face up to the moon.

"You don't have to be here, man,” Jackson says quietly. "I know you're not getting any sleep and that you're paying for it. I'm not going to like get in any trouble or anything, if yout leave my side."

"No, I know that," Jesse murmurs. "I'm not playing guard dog. I'm just...hanging out."

"Hanging out?" Jackson asks, dry, turning his head to Jesse, dubious.

"Yeah, this is my favorite!" Jesse says, grinning and throwing his hands out to the side. "I love long night

runs! In the cold! And staring at the moon with agony in my eyes, this is the best!"

Jackson huffs a single laugh and looks away, shaking his head. "Is that what it looks like to you?"

Chapter 0743"Nah, man, I'm just trying to make you laugh," Jesse says softly, stepping closer and clasping a hand to Jackson's shoulder. "It looks like you're...figuring things out. I just want to be here for you. I know you're going through it."

"Thank you," Jackson whispers, his voice breaking a little.

Jesse just nods and stands silent with his friend.

"How do you think you're going to handle it?" Jesse asks quietly a few minutes later. "When she comes back tomorrow?"

Their mother had texted a few hours back to let them know Ariel's plans. It had been the thing that sent Jackson into a panic, made him shift and go for his run. Rafe had offered to come too, but Jesse told him to stay back with the phone just in case they got any further updates.

"I don't know," Jacks replies, his voice grave. "I mean, I love her. I just...had a very bodily reaction last time I saw her. I just honestly don't know how I'm going to respond - I think it's out of my control."

"Well, you'd better be nice to her," Jesse snaps, a little defensive, turning to glare at his friend.

"Obviously, Jesse," Jackson growls, meeting his friend's eyes. "I'm going to do everything in my power to be nice to her. I'm just being honest. I have no idea what it's going to be like until I see her." "Are you jealous?"

"Of course I'm jealous!" Jackson bites out, tossing his hands to the side. "Do you have any idea what it's like to see your mate with another man's mark on her neck?"

Jesse's heart sinks to the pit of his stomach at the thought of Daphne... Daphne marked.

"I think I'd die," he says, quite honest, meeting Jackson's eyes. "I don't know how you're alive right now. I'm not exaggerating.

"I'm not sure it's out of the realm of possibility," Jackson murmurs, turning away to again look up at the moon. "I've been...trying to pray for strength. It's not easy. Also, I'm not sure I'm good at prayers."

"Eh, the Goddess is a family friend," Jesse says with a shrug. "I think she's less concerned about form as opposed to content."

They're quite for another long few moments.

"Ariel's going to be really sad," Jesse whispers. "Are you going to be able to handle that? Watching her cry over Luca, because he's gone?"

Jackson remains tense and silent.

"I don't think I could do it," Jesse says quietly, shaking his head. "Holding my mate while she cried over another man? I don't know if I'm strong enough to be that guy."

"I don't know if I am either,” Jackson murmurs, crossing his arms over his chest. "And I don't know if that's what she wants. Have you considered that? As a possibility?"

en

Jesse turns to him, confused.

"That she wanted it?" Jackson continues, such devastation in his blue eyes as he turns his head to Jesse. "That she...she picked him after he saved her? And was going to reject me? And then they had some kind of fight, and it turned?"

-

He shakes his head, hating it - all of it.

"That can't be what happened, man," Jesse says, tightening his hand on Jackson's shoulder. "She loves you. She loves you so much."

Jackson grits his teeth, his head bowing, turning towards Jesse.

And Jesse responds to the silent

request in that, action, wrapping his arms around his friend and holding him close. "You guys are going to e figure it out, man," Jesse whispers, rubbing a hand up and down.

Jackson's back. "Just - if you don't know where to start, let her take the lead. You'll find the way. We'll help."

Jackson sniffs hard but nods and doesn't pull away from the hug for a long time.

"Come on, man," Jesse says. "Let's get to you to bed. Morning comes faster if you're asleep."

For the first time, Jackson consents to be lead inside before dawn.

Chapter 0744

The room is quiet when I get back in the morning, dressed again in Cadet black with Rafe's cap on my head. I look around and frown as Jesse and Rafe escort me in, doggedly close to my heels and my side. Very sweet in thought. Very annoying in practicality.

"Where's Jacks?" I ask, turning towards them when I realize that he's not here, as I assumed he would be. "He went to class, Ari," Rafe says, quietly shutting the door and watching me carefully.

"Well, why aren't you in class?" I ask, putting my hands on my waist and glaring at my brother and my cousin.

"Because we're not letting you out of our sight ever again, you idiot," Jesse says, cheerful, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and leading me over to the couch where very gently forces me to sit down and then spreads a blanket over my lap. I scowl at him and his over-protective Alpha bullshit.

But then my fears catch up with me as Rafe crosses to his chair and sighs, plopping down into it. "But..." I bite my lip, looking between them as Jesse sits too. "Jackson...is letting me out of his sight?" "It's not like that, Ariel," Rafe says, sighing and resting his head against his fingertips. "We didn't know what you wanted - if you wanted to see him immediately. We still don't know how you're feeling or where your heart is. What you're ready for."

"Oh, but you rashly assumed I was ready for you?" I say, glaring a little.

"She's healed!" Jesse says, grinning and casting a hand out in my direction. "Look at that! Saucy and cruel, just how we like her!"

"We did what we thought was right, Ariel," Rafe says, ignoring Jesse and concentrating on frowning at me. "He'll come later. If you want him to. He's...been having a really hard time. Let's all just take it easy, okay? One step at a time."

"Okay," I sigh, looking down at my hands pressed tight against my blanket.

"Are you hungry?" Rafe asks.

"No."

"Are you going to fight us when we try to force food down your throat?" Jesse asks this time.

I sigh and look up at them. "Is it going to be healthy?"

"No," Rafe murmurs, a small smile coming to his lips

"Then no."

Jesse grins as he gets up to walk to the dumbwaiter and order something up. I take the moment to look Rafe seriously in the eye, knowing he won't lie.

"Does Jackson hate me?" The question is barely a whisper.

"Ariel," Rafe says, leaning forward and holding my gaze. "I promise you - he loves you very, very much. Just...let him take his time with it too, okay? It's hard."

I nod and look back down with my hands. Then I sigh and stand, moving for the nook. "I think I'm going to take a nap."

Rafe watches me go, worried.

I turn towards him. "Will you wake me? If Jackson comes?"

He nods.

I smile softly at my brother and then climb into my bed, shutting the curtain after me.

Even as I cuddle into my pillows I hear Rafe's worried sigh.

And I smile a little, glad to have a brother who worries about me. Even if he does go a little overboard with those worries...it's good to feel loved.

I close my eyes on a sigh of my own, praying desperately that Jackson will be here when I wake up.

I bolt straight up in bed a few hours later, instantly aware that he's near.

My wolf is on her feet, her nails scratching at my soul, howling for Jackson's wolf.

And even though he's trying so hard to be cool and calm, I can feel Jackson's wolf anxiously shifting from foot to foot, turning towards Jacks, begging for permission to run to her. But he's - he's being held back -

I drag in a shaky breath and scuttle off my bed, ripping open the curtain and staring around my room, frantic.

"Whoa," Jesse says, freezing and staring at me from his chair. "Bad dream?"

"What's wrong?" Rafe asks, jumping to his feet.

"Where is he?" I ask, desperate, looking all around.

But god - fuck - he's not there.

"Who?" Rafe barks out.

"Jacks!" I bark back, storming around the room like I'm going to find him somewhere - even though - god, where could he hide? - he's gigantic -

"Ari!" Jesse says, starting to get freaked out. "What are you -"

But then I turn, hearing something shift at the door. I sniff deeply and suddenly know precisely where he

is.

Ignoring my brother and my cousin, I stride towards the door and yank it open.

Jackson sprawls backwards into the room and gasps as his head smacks the floor. Ljust gape down at him while he looks sheepishly up at me, moving a hand to cradle the back of his head where I can feel pain can feet it radiating down our band.

And even though it's pain I feel coming through a little sob breaks from my throat - because it's there, our bond, shining and true and

strong. And I can feel him all along it - every bit of my Jacks, still the

same.

Chapter 0745

I fall to my knees at his side, my shoulders shaking. "What the hell were you doing outside?" My question is tremulous, a whisper.

"Um," he says, glancing backwards at Jesse and Rafe. "I was just...being close. Because it was hard to be far. And Jesse said I should let you take charge? And wait until you asked for me, in case you...didn't want to see me?"

Jesse groans. "That's not what I said!"

"Why are you listening to Jesse?" I ask, shaking my head as tears well in my eyes. "He's the worst at emotions.

"Hey!"

"I don't know, Ariel," Jackson murmurs, sitting up and reaching for me the moment he sees me starting to cry. "You're right - that was dumb - I'm so sorry -"

I groan in relief the moment Jackson wraps me up in his arms, pulling me into his lap and cradling me against his chest, pressing as much of my body to him as he can manage. He murmurs again and again

his apologies, and I whisper back for him to stop - that he doesn't need to- that I need to -

And then I just cry, and Jackson just holds me, and his wolf moves fast across the bond to mine. She shies at first, wary after Luca's wolf's attack, but Jackson's wolf skids to a stop and lets out an

encouraging yip, waiting for her to come to him. And when she does, finally pressing herself warm to his side, a fierce and possessive grumble echoes in his chest.

Both Jackson and the wolf.

"Cool, well, we'll let you...have a minute..." Jesse murmurs, stepping over us and heading out of the

room.

"We'll be back in half an hour," Rafe says, his voice anxious. I glance up at him to see him looking worriedly down at me, like I can ask him to stay if I want him to.

I sit up straighter, holding my brother's pretty green gaze. "It's fine, Rafe," I say, my voice croaking. "Thank you. It's fine we'll be fine."

Jackson grumbles his agreement and the door shuts behind us. I turn in Jackson's lap, taking his face in my hands, tears slipping down my cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Jacks," I whisper, shaking my head at him.

"Ariel, you didn't do anything -"

"No, I mean - didn't I?" I shake my head, confused, not remembering correctly - just so...so so filled with grief, and yet so deeply happy to be here with him, to feel him, to smell him.

But then I go rigid, wondering if my scent has changed. I mean, my mom said that it hadn't - not that she could tell. But she's not an Alpha. And she's not my mate.

"Jacks," I whisper, gulping and looking at him seriously. "I'm not blameless in any of this. I had a lot of time to think about it - and Luca - he was very bad to me, but he...he wasn't totally wrong - I was bad too -"

Jackson snarls at the very idea of this and I can feel down our bond his line of thinking and the flashes of memory that come along with it that any attempt to excuse Luca's rejection of me, the fact that he stormed away from the Castle and left me naked and sobbing in his room -

"Please," I whisper, shaking my head, shaking all over. "I - I can't talk about that right now - I can't think about it."

Jackson groans, guilty, and wraps me up closer in his arms.

"I'm just really sorry, Jacks," I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I know the last three days were really really hard for you. And it's not going to be...you know, cake. Going forward."

"Cake?" he asks, pulling back confused. "There's...cake?"

I laugh a little, the sound sputtering as I shake my head. "It's an expression," I whisper. "Like, it's not all going to be easy."

He frowns at me. "I didn't know cake was easy," he whispers. "I thought it was...hard to make."

I laugh a little harder now, shaking my head, taking his face in my hands, loving him so terribly, incredibly much. "It's not important."

Jackson growls his agreement and leans closer to me, brushing his nose against mine, leaning his forehead close as he takes a deep breath. "Ariel. How are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm a lot better," I whisper, meaning it. "Mom and Cora and Daphne took good care of me. It was what I needed."

"Good," he murmurs, breathing a long sigh of relief. "I mean, I know you're not...fixed, or whatever. That things have changed. But...good. I'm so glad you're better."

I go a little still at his words and take

a deep breath, moving slightly away from him so that I'm sitting across from him on the floor. He looks seriously down at me as I sit before him, my shoulders hunched, my eyes wide.

"Have things changed, Jacks?" I whisper, gazing up at him, not sure if I want the answer. "Between us?"