The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy



"Don't get too excited," I say, grinning at the suggestive little pulse that Luca sends down our bond. "I want to go visit Daphne."

"Daphne," Luca says, his eyebrows going up. "Yeah, sure, sounds fun. But why do you want to visit Daphne?"

“Because,” I say, slumping against him and letting him take my weight a little. "She just had a breakup too, and we've all been so busy and supportive of Rafe, but I'm worried that she feels a little alone. I mean, I know she dumped him but," I shrug, "I don't think it means she's happy."

"I think it's a great idea," Luca says, drifting his thumb over my cheekbone and then dipping his head to give me a sweet kiss. "Besides, I like Daphne. She's fun to hang out with."

"Is she?" I ask, grinning up at him curiously.

"What, you don't think so?" he asks, grinning back.

"No, I do, I'm just...curious what made you say that," I say, giving a shrug.

"She's cool," Luca says, dropping one arm and using the other still around my waist to escort me to the door. "Daphne's funny and a good time, plus hanging out with her is really low-pressure. I've never met a girl like that before."

I burst out laughing as I bend down to pick up our bags, handing Luca his. “Luca,” I say, shaking my head at him. “I bet you've met a thousand girls like that."

"What?" he says, turning his head at me, confused. "No I haven't, all the -"noveldrama

"Have you ever tried just being friends with a girl before?" I ask, slipping my bookbag over my head and looking at him quizzically.

Luca goes still, staring at me.

"Hmmm?" I say, leaning closer to him, grinning up into his face because I already know what the answer is.

"All right, fine, no," Luca says, his face breaking into that million-dollar playboy smile as he slips his arm back around my shoulders. "But that doesn't mean Daphne isn't particularly cool."

My smile deepens as we head out of the gym and down the hall. "Daphne is particularly cool - but could it be that you think Daphne is chill and cool because you're not wrapped up in a romantic drama with her? That she's just a pal, like anyone else?"

"What, you want me to try my new line on her?" Luca asks, giving me a too-charming wink that makes my stomach flip. "See if I can imbue some drama into the relationship?"

"You try that line with any level of seriousness and I'll kick your ass," I growl, giving him a solid little rabbit punch in the belly that makes him burst into laughter and tug me, closer to his side. "Besides, Daphne would never fall for it. She's my

friend first and would never betray me."

"Yes, true," Luca says with a sigh as we begin to climb the stairs to Daphne's level. "Besides, I'm totally gone on blondes now. Redheads hold no interest for me."

"Good," I murmur, tightening my arm

around his waist, for the second time today throwing caution to the wind regarding whether or not I'll be seen walking the hallways like this with my mate. But after the had?

swny I've

I don't know. I just...want them close, and keeping my secret in this school seems to pale in comparison to the rather cosmic news that the Goddess gave us.

Luckily, we don't run into anyone by the time we reach Daphne's door and I deliver a soft little rap.

The sewing machine inside goes quiet and Luca drops his arm from my shoulders as we hear footsteps moving towards the door.

It cracks open and Daphne goes a bit still when she sees Luca and me standing there, but then her eyes instantly fill with tears.

"Hey, guys," she says, giving us a wobbly smile as she pulls the door open and leans against the frame.

"Daph!" I gasp, instantly reaching for her and grabbing her in a tight hug, pulling her with me into the room. "What's wrong!?" "Nothing!" she says, laughing, hugging me back with one arm while she raises the other hand to her cheek, wiping at the few tears that spill over her long dark lashes. "I just - I'm glad to see you!"

"Oh, Daphne!" I cry out, hugging her tight and feeling incredibly guilty that I let it go so long before reaching out like this. "I'm so sorry -"

"No, it's totally cool," she says, breaking away from me and giving Luca a little hug after he shuts the door. "I get it - Rafe was so upset, and you had to take care of him -"