The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy
Chapter 0184

Chapter 0184

I oblige, taking a quick sip from the canteen as Jackson holds one map in each hand looking themover. He gives a swift nod, handing one back to me.

“Thanks, by the way,” I say, taking my attention from the path for a moment as I hand his canteenback to him. “For…rescuing me. Again.”

Jackson doesn’t say anything, just shoots me a little look and nods like it was the obvious thing todo. But guilt wells in me, because I know that even though his mate and I are one in the same, thathe wasn’t actually trying to save the me he knows, Ari Clark – he was trying to save someanonymous girl.

And a little jealousy suddenly wells in me…

But I scowl and brush away.

Because honestly, am I wasting time in this Examination being jealous of myself!? My wolf huffs atme, giving my soul a nip, telling me to pay attention. So I do, pushing myself forward along the ridgeas fast as I can, which is slower than I’d like it to be. The terrain has changed now, moving fromsmooth forest to rocky terrain that slows my steps, even as night falls.

After about two hours, Jackson sighs, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Stop,” he says, and I turn tosee him shaking his head as he looks up at the sky. “We need a plan.”

I stop, turning to him as he again pulls out his map, taking advantage of the last gasps of light toreview it. I come to his side, standing on my tiptoes so that I can see it as well.

“The bridge is a trap,” I murmur, frustrated.

“It wouldn’t be,” he replies, his voice chagrined, “if we were faster.”

I scowl, because I know that’s my fault. If it weren’t for me, Jackson would be halfway up themountain by now.

“The Examination is testing a lot of things,” Jackson says, speaking his thoughts aloud as hestudies the map. “How fast we can move, how we deal with our apparent enemies, whether or notwe can change plans on a dime. Eventually, it will test our ability to handle rough terrain,” he says,pointing towards the land closest to the Final Destination, which I noted early is mostly cliffs thatwe’ll have to scale.

I study the map alongside him. “Cadets are going to gather at the bridge,” I sigh, shaking my head.“Make it hell for anyone to cross.”

“Yup,” he agrees, nodding. “It’s not a bad plan – anyone who is strong and fast enough will havealready crossed anyway and made it to the mountain by tonight. But for anyone who is a littleslower or doesn’t have the ability to shift, it will be worth it to take the time and knock out fastercandidates as they try to cross. I mean, I can take them, but…” he glances down at me, not needingto finish the sentence.

I ignore the fact that I cannot, looking up into his face and frowning. “Would it even be worth it,though? I mean, even if you could take them and do some damage, you risk getting hurt.”

“They can’t hurt me,” Jackson mutters, his eyes roving over the map for a plan.

“Jacks,” I sigh, suddenly pissed and a little sick at the idea of him barreling through a gauntlet ofcadets at the bridge. “You’re not invulnerable, you’re just big. Stop being so cavalier.”

Jackson takes a second to study me with a frown, I think surprised that someone is worried abouthim. But then he just shrugs. “It doesn’t change anything,” he says. “We still have to get youacross.”

I bite my lip, staring up at my mate’s perfect face, suddenly horribly guilty at all he’s giving up bydragging my tiny little self along in his wake. “Jacks,” I say softly. “Just…go on without me. Leaveme behind.”

Slowly, Jackson turns to stare at me like I’ve said the craziest thing he’s ever heard.