The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Jackson's eyes go wide for a second with worry as my dad focuses singularly on him and takes one single, dangerous step in his direction.

"Dominic!" my mother snaps, and then she's moving quickly between my dad and my mate, turning and holding a hand up in front of my father's face. "Think about what you're doing right now, let alone the impression you're making!"

The growl dies in my father's throat as he blinks, hard and refocuses on my mom. "The...the impression? Ella, this man's scent is all over our child, he's claiming her as his mate, and you want me to worry about first impressions!?"

"Dominic," mom murmurs, stepping closer and shocking me by laughing a little bit. Slowly she stands on her tiptoes and takes his face in her hands. "Don't you get it? He didn't claim her as his mate – the Goddess fated them. And if I know my daughter as well as I think I do, then I'd be willing to bet a lot of money that Ariel had more to do with this than poor Jackson did."

Dad stares at mom for a long moment before turning to look at me. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

I just shrug, feeling awkward and...well, old. Because my entire life I've been dad's little girl, and now here I am...introducing him to my mate.

with tears. "Yeah," I say, shrugging again, not knowing what to do.

stares at me, shocked, and I can't help the tears that start to slip down my cheeks. I also don't miss the three steps forward

him, dad," I squeak out. "He's...he's really

with his hands and tilting his head back towards the ceiling. Aunt Cora scooches closer to me, giving me a quick hug and then

her, understanding, but still feeling overwhelmed. I keep my eyes on the four people

he's going to do next. Mom steps close to dad, wrapping an arm around his waist and waiting

Ella," he murmurs, glancing back at

got the meatball," she murmurs, pointing at Rafe. I laugh, unable to help it, as Rafe scowls. He hates his nickname. "He hasn't left us yet. And Markie and Juniper. Or Ariel - not really." She smiles at him. "Kids grow. It's what they do." She stands

presses a kiss to her mouth and then nods once, sighing again. "A good day." Then he turns to me and holds a hand out. Cora helps me stand and then I wheel my little IV over to my dad's side, slipping my hand in his as the three of us turn to face Jackson, who suddenly

to take on my dad when dad was about to slash him to pieces.

murmurs, his voice grumbling as he squeezes my hand