Ch. 861..865: The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 861-865

Chapter 0861

Jackson, Gabriel, and I immediately focus on the bedroom door, which is roughly splintered now, just moments from being ripped from it hinges. I squeeze their hands, suddenly thinking that my decision to come back here might be a little rash

Who is on the other side of that door?

What are their orders?

Gabriel groans, his legs buckling beneath him in his weakened state, falling back against the bed.

"Oh, for heaven's sake," Jackson growls, storming for him and ducking one shoulder beneath Gabriel's arm, standing again and propping my other mate up. "When they come through that door, you need to be a cruel Prince again. Can you manage that?"

Gabriel growls a bit, glaring at Jackson, even as he nods. "Ariel," he says, gesturing to his side, begging me to come there. "They need to believe you're on my side."

I nod and immediately move there, tucking my hands behind my back and attempting to look as innocent as I can, like I didn't just poison their Prince.

Almost the instant that I take my spot the door shatters, pieces of it coming slamming down.

Soldiers shout as they flood into the room, but they stutter to an awkward stop as they see the Prince standing before them, a nasty sneer on his face, apparently quite well - even if he does have his arm around a sneering Alpha that they don't recognize.

"Is this how you enter my Luna's chambers?" Gabriel snarls, and I snap my head to him, a bit surprised at how easily he falls into his old persona.

"Sir!” the soldier in front says, dipping into a quick bow. "We thought you were in danger! We -"

"Danger?" Gabriel sneers, laughing low. "At my Luna's hand!? You fool. I'll have your head for this."

The soldiers look awkwardly at Jackson, still not getting it, but Gabriel's authority is absolute. "Be gone!" he snaps, waving a hand at them. "If I wished to be disturbed I would have answered the door, you idiots -"

Still not understanding the soldiers begin to back away.

They start to move a lot faster when Jackson takes an aggressive step towards them, snarling low, letting his canines extend to fangs.

"The ambassadors," I whisper, glancing at the door at the soldiers retreating backs as they scurry away - probably to report to the King. "Where will they be?"

"Across the Castle," Gabriel says, slumping a little against Jackson as he turns his head to me. "They'll be close to their quarters, but confined. I think I know where, Ariel, but I - I don't think I can walk - I'll have to give you directions -"

Jackson rolls his eyes at this, apparently finding Gabriel's weakness distasteful, and bends low, scooping Gabriel up in his arms. Gabriel gasps and then snaps his head to snarl at Jackson, his displeasure clear.

"Okay, both of you need to let it go," I snap, one hand on my hip, the other pointing a finger at both of their faces in turn. "Jacks, he was just poisoned, it's not his fault that he's weak And Gabriel, he's helping. I'm not going to be able to follow directions. So, let's go."

Both snarl unhappily but follow my lead as I stride for the door. Jackson comes to my side as we stride down the hall and then quickly outstrips me so that i have to trot fast -

nearly running to keep up with net

-

him. Gabriel gives confident

ve

directions at each turn, guiding us through, and Jackson's ready snarl and general size and power stop any protest that anyone might have at the sight of the Crown Prince being carried through the halls by a strange man.

Still, my heart pounds as we go, because Pippa was right – the castle is absolute chaos right now, and the shouts increase as we hurry through the halls, people apparently figuring out that we're here and spreading the word.

"There," Gabriel says finally, pointing towards a heavily guarded door. "They'll be in there."

Jackson nods and strides forward so fast that I have to run to catch up.

The guards at the door hesitate at Gabriel's command to step aside, but when Jackson again places my mate on his feet and the Prince takes a few unsteady steps forward, snarling at them to obey their monarch and fall back if the value their lives, they obey. The guards scatter as we open the door.

“Hi, hi!” I say, frantic and fast, bursting into the room. All of our Moon Valley ambassadors turn to me with wide-eyed surprise and fear, though their terror abates slightly when they see Jackson at my side. I scowl a bit, not liking that he instills relieved confidence when I do not.

"Okay, everyone join hands, please!"

"What?" the oldest Ambassador says, stepping forward. "Princess, we have to -"

"Hold. Fucking. Hands," Jackson growls, the Alpha command heavy in his voice as he steps aggressively towards my father's men, the implication that he'll tear them apart if they don't clear in his violent snarl.

 

Chapter 0862

"Damn," Gabriel says under his breath, watching Jacksons, clearly impressed.

The Ambassadors snap into action, each holding hands in a long train.

"Thank you!" I say, light and cheerful in my Princess Cupcake voice, taking the hand of the eldest Ambassador, who looks down at me in wonder. "Now, when we get there, if everyone can please continue to hold hands -"

"Get where?" the Ambassador asks, his eyes going wide.

"No time for questions!" I say, quite light, turning my head back to Jackson and opening my mouth.

"But Benjamin Ternicki!" the Ambassador says, shaking his head, vehemently.

"Interrupt her again," Jackson snarls, storming forward to loom over the smaller man. "Just once more. And watch what happens."

The ambassador goes very, very pale.

"Thank you sweetie," I say, patting Jackson on the chest. "I'll be back in just two minutes -"

"Wait, what?" Jackson gasps.

But too late, I vanish away with all of the ambassadors in tow.

As one, they gasp and shout as they appear in the Land of Darkness,

overwhelmed and frightened by the onslaught of magic, and the disappearance of

the Atalaxian palace, and the appearance of the new world.

I grimace, but there's no time for explanations or pity as I stride forward, seeking Jesse and Midnight as well as the soldiers.

What's left of the soldiers - certainly not as many as there were dashing for us before - are luckily clustered on the other side of the castle-wide cage, peering at the egg that still holds the God of Darkness, probably wondering what the hell it is.

"Please keep hold of the hands, please!" I call out to the Ambassadors, stepping forward, peering around, looking for two figures -

And there -

"Midnight!" I shout out into the air, cupping my hands to my mouth. "Jesse!"

The little figure's head snaps towards me and I smile.

They vanish and a moment later appear at my side.

“Hi,” Jesse says, giving me a warm grin as Midnight looks up at me with wide, frightened eyes. She, too, glances over at the shadow encasement that holds the God of Darkness, worried.

"The others, did you get them out?" I ask, anxious.

"We brought them to the yurt," Jesse

says, his tones frustrated as he

glances down at Midnight.

"She... we're having trouble

convincing Midnight that Moon

Valley is safe."

"Full of ruffians," she murmurs, wrapping her arms around herself. "And whores."

My eyes go wide but Jesse shakes his head at me, clearly letting me know not to question it.

"Jesse," I whisper, shaking my own head in turn. "You have to get them back -"

"Look, just give me time," he murmurs, glancing at the ambassadors. "We're back at the yurt for now. What do you want me to do?"

"Take them," I say, gesturing towards the Ambassadors, who all still stand quiet and still, holding hands like a line of kindergarteners. I can't help but smile at the sight of them.

en

"Ariel," Jesse snaps, putting a hand on my shoulder that draws my attention back

to him. "What are you going to do?"

"Don't worry about me," I say, shaking my head and giving him a confident smile.

"Of course I'm worried about you -"

"I have Jacks," I say, giving a happy little shrug.

Jesse grins at me. And then nods. "You want us to come to come back for you?"

"I think you need to focus on getting your crew back to Moon Valley, Jesse," I say, my hands reaching up to anxiously in my hair. "And get in touch with dad and Roger - tell them what's going on. Don't worry about me and Jacks we can

―

handle it. Do you - do you think you

need me?"

I glance down at Midnight, who still looks towards the egg, wondering if she can truly be trusted to save Pippa and Elias and Ben and all of these ambassadors -

"Hey,” Jesse says, patting my shoulder. I blink and look back at him. "You trust me, I trust you, yeah? Let's just...each do our jobs."

I smile and throw my arm around him in quick impulse. My cousin hugs me back

for a moment, giving me a tight squeeze before letting me go.

"I'll see you at the palace, right?" I say, pointing a finger at his face, meaning it much more as a command than a question.

"You got it, Princess," Jesse says, laughing and taking Midnight's hand, leading her over to the line of ambassadors. "And when you do? We're having drinks. Big ones."

I laugh and nod my agreement before I shift again, back to the room where I left Jackson and Gabriel.

My eyes go wide at the sight that greets me there.

Chapter 0863

“I should have killed you on that battlefield,” the King of Atalaxia snarls, his eyes focused on me, "instead of listening to this foolish boy when he said he could

control you."

The King moves slowly across the room, black lightening flickering in his hands as he approaches. I take a gasping step back, reaching for Jackson, who I know is there. I can feel his fury as he presses me to his chest for a single instant before moving me gently to the side, starting to tuck me behind his back.

"She is my luna," Gabriel snarls. "I do control her!" He does his best to stand alone on shaky legs, though I can tell by his gasping breaths that he's in no position to be standing, let alone fighting. Guilt sweeps through me because this is my fault - the poison has made him so weak -

"You have control?" the King snaps, his lightening flashing out behind him to slam the door shut in the faces of the dozen soldiers who stand there, wide-eyed. "Such control that our protective barrier has fallen? Such control that Moon Valley jets are on their way now to drop their bombs on us?"

I go pale at this, because - would my father do that? Bomb a palace full of innocents, just to kill this King?

"I am in charge here," Gabriel growls, glancing over at me. Down our bond I feel our first communication – stilted and unsteady - but a clear request to play along.

I nod to him, subtle, and pass the communication to Jacks.

Jacks gives his answer back instantly. No.

"You are a fool," the King growls, reaching out a hand towards Gabriel, the black lightening swarming there. "A fool and a murderer - you took my son, you ceded your control to this bitch – and for that you will die –“

The lightening flashes out all through the room and I scream -

But to my shock it does not burn, instead binding me - binding me to my place in the room, to the floor, each of my limbs locked so that I cannot move. My eyes were already turned towards Gabriel so I can see that he is the same - locked in place, completely at this King's mercy -

I try to cry out, but no sound emerges -

I try to tilt, to go to the Dark realm, to escape - but nothing -

Terror sweeps though me as the King advances on Gabriel, pulling a knife from his belt, clearly intent on delivering death to his heir.

But a sudden roar fills the room and behind me I feel Jackson move - feel him shift -

His wolf's form bounds past me in an instant, completely unbound and aiming right for the king, his fangs bared. If I could gasp or scream in shock I would, but all I can do is watch from the corner of my eye as the King spins towards my mate, raising his dagger high in the air as he emits a terrified scream -

But it's too late.

Jackson's knife-tipped paws hit the King's shoulders, taking him fast to the ground. And then Jackson's teeth are in the King's neck.

I know the moment it is done, when the magic releases me and I stumble forward.

Gabriel falls hard to his knees with a groan and I dash to him, though my eyes are on Jackson as he snarls down at the King, at the ragged hole in his neck, at his dead eyes, royal blood dripping from my mate's fangs.

"Oh...oh my god," Gabriel whispers as Jackson shifts back, his chest heaving with breath and adrenaline, turning towards us with blood dripping down his chin and over his shirt.

Jackson snarts, more wolf than man just now as he strides for me, even though he's in his human form. He holds a hand out, a demand, and take it He pulls me to my feet, looking me over, a snarl still slipping through his teeth.

A pulse of emotion comes down the bond - a question - needing to know that I'm

all right.

I nod to him, shaken and afraid but fine.

"Let's go," he orders, low and grim.

"We can't leave him," I whisper, gesturing down at Gabriel.

"He is a King now," Jackson snaps, glaring down at Gabriel, a sneer on his lips.

"Let him face his own people and whatever retribution they have for him."

I hesitate only a second before I nod, looking back down at Gabriel. "I have to go,"

I say, taking another step towards Jackson.

Gabriel gapes at me, his heart clearly breaking. Because our bond - it is intact. And even if I am thoroughly irrevocably dedicated to Jackson now to Jackson alone - my wolf

still owls at the thought of leaving him.

"Please," Gabriel says, shaking his head, begging. "Please, don't go -" Jackson snarls and pulls me closer to his side.

I sigh and reach up for Jackson's face. He flinches away at first, still feeling very murderous - not at all in the mood to be cosseted - but he checks himself a moment later and ducks his head, submitting to my caress.

Chapter 0864

"Jacks," I say quietly, stroking a thumb over his bloody beard, loving him a great deal. "I need a minute with Gabriel alone."

His eyes flash, accompanied by a rough snarl. Gabriel flinches back, but I just

smile.

"No," Jackson growls, pulling me closer.

I laugh a little and shake my head. "It wasn't a request, baby."

He takes a deep angry breath in through his nose, clearly mulling it over in his mind. When he exhales, his breath carries a heavy growl. "I am not leaving you," he says, shaking his head.

But I just sigh and vanish us away to the Dark world, where we stand alone. "I'm going to take two minutes, Jacks. And then I'm coming back here."

"Ariel," Jackson snarls, shaking his head, not letting go of me.

But I step away, gently twisting my wrist in a request that he let me go. Not forcing him but...letting him know that I wish to be free.

"Two minutes, Jacks," I say, looking him clear in the eyes. "And then the rest of our lives. Me and you. Okay?"

He huffs out a sigh, putting his hands on his hips, and then he hangs his head and nods, I think unable to turn down that offer.

"I love you," I say, beaming at him.

"Any sign of danger, Ariel," he snarls, lifting livid eyes to mine. "And you cut that two minutes short."

"I promise,” I say, pressing my hands to my chest. And then I vanish back to Atalaxia to say goodbye to my Prince.

When I appear back in the room with the Prince and the corpse of the King, I find Gabriel looking very pale.

"What am I going to do?" he murmurs, shaking his head. "How will I explain this?"

"Tell them the truth," I say, kneeling next to him and looking a bit sorrowfully at the dead King. I mean, he was a horrible man, but the end of a life...it is always a weighty thing, always significant. "Tell them Jackson did it. Or that I did. Blame Moon Valley, we'll be happy to take the credit."

Gabriel looks at me, his eyes full of wonder and a bit of fear. "I'm King."

"You're King," I say, reaching out to stroke a hand over his hair. "Can I trust you to rule well? Or do I have to kill you too?"

Gabriel laughs for a second but then stills when he realizes that I mean it.

"I want to work with you, Gabriel," I say quietly. "But Atalaxia needs to change. No more enslaving humans. No more keeping women illiterate and confining them when they get their period."

Slowly he nods. "It will take time. But we can do it."

"Moon Valley will give you whatever aid we can if that's truly your goal," I say. "But

if we get any information that it is not, we will destroy you. And the next time I

come here, it will be with a knife at your throat."

"God damn it, Ariel," he says, laughing a little in shock, shaking his head. "I did not expect...you are a surprise."

"Yes," I murmur, smirking a bit. "You underestimated me. It was to my advantage."

"Please," he begs, shaking his head, lifting a hand to caress my face. "Please stay, Ariel. Stay with me. Be my Luna and my Queen - this world needs you - we could be so good together, and could truly change Atalaxia...”

But his words fade as I just look at him with a bit of pity in my eyes.

Gabriel sighs, his shoulders slumping. "You love that other one, don't you?"

I grin a bit. "You know his name."

Gabriel narrows his eyes. "Yes. I do. I know all about him, Ariel, and the Community.too - probably more than you do. I also know that McClintock isn't even a real

surname. You'd pick a nameless

brute over a Prince? Over being Queen?"

"Your prejudice is showing, highness," I say with a smirk, my wolf growling warning in my soul. "Besides you forget that my mother was an orphan too, that she was also nameless. But she's a Sinclair now. And she's made a magnificent Queen. I think Jacks and will do quite well as a Sinclair."

Gabriel blushes and looks away, rueful. "I can't live up to him in your eyes, can I?"

"If it helps," I whisper, truly feeling sorry. "No one can."

"I still think I'm better looking," Gabriel grumbles, discontent.

I just settle back my shoulders a little and smile. Because he is getting dumped,

after all. I don't need to rub it in by telling him that he's wrong.

"Anyway, Gabe," I say quietly, rolling up my sleeve and extending my arm to him.

"I have to go. But I want your mark, if you'll give it to me."

He turns to me, his eyes wide. "What?"

"Your mark, please," I say quietly, nodding down at my wrist. "Granny's orders."

Chapter 0865

Gabriel laughs, low and pretty, and takes my wrist in his warm hand, tracing his fingers lovingly over my skin. A shiver passes through me and lovely sparks bloom in the air all around us, making us smile.

"Big demand to make of a King," Gabriel murmurs, looking down at the soft flesh of my inner arm. "With nothing to offer in return."

I laugh a little. "I already cleared you of Darkness today," I say quietly. "What else do you want?"

"A kiss,” he answers, turning his pretty blue eyes back to me. My breath catches and my wolf yips excitedly in my soul, urging me forward.

Traitor, I growl at her, laughing inwardly.

He's our mate too, she says, trotting around with her tail held high. Do it! Kiss him!

I smile at Gabriel. "One kiss. After the mark." I nod decidedly at my arm.

He laughs again, throaty and sensual, and I have to admit...he is very sexy, when he's not all consumed by darkness.

Do it, do it, my wolf chants. I give her a little smack on the rump, other ignoring her.

"She drives a hard bargain, my mate," Gabriel murmurs, lowering his mouth to my arm. Gently, almost reverent, he presses a soft kiss there. And then he extends his fangs, and closes his eyes, and sinks them into my flesh, giving me his mark.

I groan, my head falling back on my neck - because it hurts like fucking hell - but it also – god, I can feel it, the bond ringing rich and true in our souls, the magic that floods over to me, his gift as much as my grandmother's. I pant a little, my eyes pressed tight against the intensity of it, and as I try to balance the new fullness of my soul with the flash of pain that consumes my entire arm.

When it's done, Gabriel lifts his face from my wrist and slips a hand behind my neck.

"The other half of the bargain now," he murmurs and pulls me close, pressing his mouth to mine.

I moan a little at this too, tasting my blood on his lips, my wolf howling for want of him. Because it's true I do - I want him. I want to explore things with my most challenging mate, the only one who has ever truly stood up to me. I want to stay, and to help him get better to help this entire land and all of it's people.

I want him. I want him badly.

But...not nearly as much as I want Jacks.

I run my hands through his hair once, cupping the back of his head in my palm,

and move my lips one last time against his before I pull away.

"Gabriel," I whisper, smiling softly at him, regretting it but knowing what needs to be done.

He just looks back at me, his eyes half-lidded and stunned.

"Gabriel, I reject you," I whisper, meaning it with every inch of my heart.

My wolf howls as she stands at the edge of the bridge between our souls, howling mournfully before she lowers her teeth to the edge of the bond and begins to tear it away.

Gabriel groans, reaching for me, his wolf howling horribly in pain as my

wolf continues to destroy our band. But even as pain races through me, even as I'm wracked with it, Chold on

Hold on to just...one little piece, just like Luca did, at the end of his bond with me. One tiny piece to unite us forever. Because I can't - I can't bear to let him go completely. He is mine, after all, as complicated as he iş, as horrible as he's been.

Gabriel - my Atalaxian Prince, my mate. He's mine.

He groans again, slumping against me as my wolf finishes, panting and in pain.

"I'm sorry," I murmur, stroking a hand over his hair. "I have to go."

A heavy, demanding knock comes at the door just as Jackson appears at my side

to loom over us, angry and worried.