The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 19

“What are the chances,” Luca says, ignoring my question, “that you and my mate would be outside at the same time? Just…coincidentally.”

100% chance, I think to myself wryly, my eyelids lowering a little at the irony of his question.

“My cousins are going to be pissed when they find out you kidnapped me,” I say, not bothering to answer, even as my body settles back against his pillow a little. Because as much as my mind knows I’ve got to get back to my bed? My body…wants to stay right here. Being lightly interrogated by my gorgeous mate.

My wolf yips in agreement.

“What did she look like?” he asks, ignoring my comment and speaking swiftly, all pretense gone.

“She’s really ugly,” I snap in reply, something in me wanting to piss him off.

He bursts out laughing. “No, she’s not,” he says, shaking his head. “Come on, tell me.”

“I don’t know,” I lie. “I didn’t get a good look at her.”

“Why did you say she went north, and then when I pointed south, you confirmed that that was her direction?”

“What?” I breathe, confused.

“I was testing you - you sent McClintock in one direction and me in another,” he says, leaning forward. “Why?”

“I don’t know –“ I spit out, frustrated with myself for not catching that. I remember, suddenly, the moment he’s talking about – after Jackson ran and Luca stayed crouched by the pool. I didn’t look where he pointed, I just said yes to whatever direction he was indicating. I just wanted him to go –

“Why won’t you just tell me?” Luca asks, his tone suddenly changing as he leans forward further, studying my face. “Seriously, Shrimp – why are you holding out? Is she…is she in trouble or something? What bad thing would happen if you just told me why you were out there – “

“I’m not lying –“ I protest.

“You are lying,” he says to me, stating a simple fact that’s frustrating because it’s true. It’s bizarre – like he can already read me or something. “You know something, Shrimp, and I can’t figure out why you won’t spill.”

“If she ran from you,” I say quietly. “Maybe she doesn’t want to be found.”

“Why wouldn’t someone want to meet their mate?” Luca asks, leaning forward, staring at my face.

I go silent for a long moment, torn. Because on one hand I am the girl he’s talking about – the one who’s running from him, trying to keep our bond a secret. And on the other hand…I’m sitting here in his bed. And I could shout for Rafe, or just get up and run.

But instead I’m sitting right here, and we’re staring at each other in silence, and I know that there’s absolutely no place I’d rather be in this moment.

Except…well, except maybe a little closer to him…

Shit, I think, shaking my head a little. I am…I am in trouble here.

And Luca, even though he doesn’t know what I know, he stares right back at me and the silence between us grows warm and comfortable. He turns his head a little in curiosity as he studies me and his eyes narrow, like he can’t…can’t quite see me or something. I watch, fascinated, at how his chest rises and falls as his breathing starts to deepen –

Some silent impulse comes over me – I don’t know what – and as he watches I slowly run my tongue over my lower lip before pressing my lips together, wetting them. And then I leave my mouth slightly parted so that my breath rushes out over my lips as I exhale a deep breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Luca’s eyes drop subtly then, fastening on my mouth –