The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy



"Nepotism," I say with a grin.

He laughs, short, and shakes his head. "You're very confident, Sinclair."

"It's what I tried to say last night, Jacks," I whisper, my face falling into more serious lines. "We're not just...students playing games anymore, not really. We're prepping for actual war - and considering what we can do when we're together, they shouldn't be training us separately. It's a waste of time. And if they won't listen to me when I say that - I'll make them listen."

"Bold little fire sprite," Jackson murmurs, gazing down at me, his support clear in his expression as well as down our bond. "I hope you're right." "You're in trouble too, you know," I say, grinning up at him. "You didn't have to leave. You could have shot me first - I'd have let you."noveldrama

"And turn down the opportunity to hang out with you all afternoon?" he says, raising an eyebrow at me. "As well as make a very bold statement to the authorities that my allegiances are to the Princess and her alone?"

I grin at Jackson and he shakes his head.

"No way, tiny," he murmurs, bending slightly to press a kiss to my forehead. "I wasn't missing this."

I laugh and reach my arms up, emitting a little squeak of demand, and Jackson laughs, immediately picking me up and turning me in a circle as I wrap my arms around his neck, burying my face against his shoulder and hugging him quite tight. And even as he holds me close and I let warmth and happiness flood me, I know that it's short-lived.

Jackson is right - that I've got a storm of trouble coming my way quite soon. Still, until it does? I'm going to enjoy every bit of rest and relaxation that I've got.

"Come on," Jackson says with a little sigh, carrying me to the couch and then putting me down on my feet when we get there. "Are you hungry? You should eat – and then we have work to do. We've got to plan out what you're going to say to the Captain, because he's going to walk in here in a complete rage and -"

"Oh, I've already done all that," I say with a little yawn, stretching my arms over my head.

He goes a bit still, frowning at me. "When did you do that?"

“Last night,” I say, waving a hand at him, dismissing the point. Honestly, I've got all of that planned. “I think I have other priorities this afternoon.”

Jackson just stares at me like I'm

insane again but I just smile and

fold my hands behind el.

turning sharply on my heel and

heading for the bathroom.

"Okay," Jackson sighs, sitting down on the couch. "I'll be out here when you're ready."

I don't say anything. Instead I just quietly go into the bathroom and step to the side, leaving the door open. I turn on the shower to a nice steamy setting and unbraid my hair. Then strip off all of my clothes, starting with my boots and leaving everything in a piled heap in the corner.

Taking a deep, happy breath in anticipation of the way the water is going to feel against my skin, I step beneath the rainfall shower head and tilt my head back, instantly drenched and loving the feel of it on my face.

As I do that, I send a little pulse of want down the bond to Jacks. Just a tiny thing. A nudge. An invitation.

A few moments later, I hear his footsteps at the door and I turn around.

I step forward a little so that the water only hits my back, taking a moment to wipe my face so that I can see him standing there, staring at me, a little shocked.

I take a moment then as my heart begins to pound and I bite my lip. "Well?" I say, the word soft as I give a little shrug. "Are you coming in?"

My mate growls, the sound resonant and possessive in his chest.

And then he steps into the room and starts to strip off his clothes in turn.