The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 159

The rest of the meeting falls along more predictable lines. Alvez leans back in his chair, asking me about how it feels to access my magic, giving me suggestions about new things to try. And, honestly, the suggestions are actually helpful – he suggests that since sun is the signet to which I’m largely aligned, I should concentrate on manifesting heat in different forms.

When he shifts his attention to Jackson, though, asking about how physical touch with Jackson changed or amplified my magic, I play as dumb as I can. I don’t deny that Jackson’s presence was helpful, but don’t add any more detail.

Eventually, Alvez sighs, looking at me beneath lowered brows, clearly frustrated. “All right, cadet, it doesn’t seem like we’re getting any further with this,” he snaps. “Continue the good work, and please come to class prepared to demonstrate what you can do for the others.”

“What?” I ask, a little surprised by the request.

“As you and Tony are the only ones who admit to manifestations of your gifts,” Alvez says, deliberately flicking his eyes to Jackson here, “I’d like you to show the others in the hope that it will…inspire or awaken them. Tony will be asked to do the same.”

“Okay,” I say, hopping down from the desk and trying to decide how I feel about that. Because, I mean, I don’t think I’m going to be able to do anything without holding Jackson’s hand – and I don’t know how he’s going to feel about that.

Luckily, it looks like I’m going to get a chance to talk to him about it as he pushes himself up from the wall.

“Have you remembered your question, McClintock?” Alvez snaps, spinning his chair towards my mate.

“Seems to have just flown away today,” Jackson sighs, smirking a little and drifting a hand through the air like a bird flying. “Sorry about that – hope it wasn’t an inconvenience.”

“Stick to your appointment times,” Alvez murmurs. “It isn’t fair to take up another student’s work space.”

“Oh, I don’t mind,” I say, breezy as Jackson comes to my side and we head together for the door. “Thank you, professor! I’ll work on your suggestions!”

He doesn’t say anything or look our way as we leave, clearly still pissed at Jackson’s deliberate interruption. Jackson, likewise still displeased, slams the office door shut behind us.

The moment he does, I impulsively throw my arms around his waist, hugging him tight and pressing my cheek to his chest. “Thank you,” I breathe.

Jackson freezes, his arms out by his side, and I look up into his shocked face.

He doesn’t say a word, just staring down at me unmoving, and I can’t help the smile that stretches over my face. “What?” I ask, loosening my arms and tilting my head back. “I can’t say thank you?”

“I – um –“ he blushes, of all things, and then looks to the side, using one hand to give me a soft, brief pat on the shoulder as he clears his throat. “Yes, that’s fine. Should we get you back to your rooms?”

Grinning, not knowing precisely what just happened by kind of tickled by it anyway, I unlock my arms from around his waist and tuck my hands behind my back. “Sure,” I say, still grinning at him.

Jackson looks back at me, the faint blush still on his cheeks, and to my delight he scowls more and sets off down the hall. But I don’t miss the fact that he shortens his stride so that I have no trouble keeping up with him.

I sigh, content to have my big, brutal, interrupting-office-hours mate walking by my side. Because, honestly, I’m starting to figure out that he’s…kind of a sweetheart, deep down.