The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Mom hears the worry in my voice and snuggles down next to me. "The boys say Jackson's fine, Ari. Worried but fine. I wish you wouldn't worry so much. But, I do understand."

"They didn't say he's fine," I say on a sigh. "They said he's been prowling around as his wolf, all full of woe, snapping at anyone who gets too close. And that he doesn't sleep and just goes and wolfishly gazes at the moon.'

"Because it reminds him of youuu," mom coos, laughing a little and snuggling closer to me. "And me. Because we're elegant moon goddesses."

"Yes, I understood," I say, rolling my eyes but unable to keep the little smile on my face.

But still, my poor wounded wolf lifts her tired head and gives me another nudge in my soul, even as Cora

and Daphne continue to sing, messing up the words and tripping over their own feet, laughing hysterically as they do.

"Will you keep a special eye on Junie at home, mom?" I whisper.

Mom turns to me, curious and concerned. "Of course, if you think I need to. But why?"

I shake my head, not knowing how or why I'm feeling this way. "Just...something about her knowing Redman Blythe and him being dead. She lost someone too, though I don't know what he meant to her. Still - it's too mysterious for my liking. Will you check in, for me?"

"I will," mom promises. "It's good of you to think of our little June-pipes."

"And tell her I'm sorry I missed her birthday," I whisper, closing my eyes against the guilt. "I'll make it up to her soon."

"She knows you will, baby," mom whispers back. "Don't worry about Junie. You'll see her soon."

Jesse sighs as, for the third night in a row, he lopes after Jackson in wolf form in the fields and forests that surround the Castle. And Jesse gets it - he really does. His boy Jackson is going through a very difficult time, it's just...

God, why does he have such athletic best friends?

Why can't Ariel have the kind of mate who wants to drown his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey while sitting before the fire? Jesse would be great at that.

But, this is what Jackson wants to do.

And because Jackson is his best

friend, this is what Jesse is doing. About ten feet behind at all times, just in case Jacks needs him. And even though Jackson hasn't once turned around, or stopped to speak with him, or done more than acknowledge his presence. Jesse knows that Jackson feels him here. Feels Jesse's love, and his support, and his unshakeable willingness to just be there for Jacks in whatever way he needs.

It comes as a great shock to Jesse when at around one in the morning on the third night, Jackson shifts on the cliffside outside the Castle. Jesse comes to rather a hard stop to avoid slamming into the huge guy before him who stands with his hands in his pocketstaring at the moon.

avoid

"Whoa," Jesse says as he shifts into his human body, running a hand through his rumpled hair and panting a little. "Sorry man. I almost...knocked you off the cliff."

"No you didn't," Jacks murmurs, only glancing at him.

Jesse smirks, standing at Jackson's side and turning his own face up to the moon.noveldrama

"You don't have to be here, man,” Jackson says quietly. "I know you're not getting any sleep and that you're paying for it. I'm not going to like get in any trouble or anything, if yout leave my side."

"No, I know that," Jesse murmurs. "I'm not playing guard dog. I'm just...hanging out."

"Hanging out?" Jackson asks, dry, turning his head to Jesse, dubious.

"Yeah, this is my favorite!" Jesse says, grinning and throwing his hands out to the side. "I love long night

runs! In the cold! And staring at the moon with agony in my eyes, this is the best!"

Jackson huffs a single laugh and looks away, shaking his head. "Is that what it looks like to you?"