The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0322

"What's wrong with Jacks?" I ask, a little frantic, turning to look her in the face.

"See?" mom says, sitting up with a grin and pointing her finger at me, poking me in the chest. "The fact that you keep assuming something is wrong with him tells me that you know something is up too."

"That's not a ridiculous assumption to make when someone says they want to talk about someone, mom," I say, glaring at her a little and slumping back against the pillows, taking the last sip of my coffee and putting the cup on my bedstand.

"I know, but you did it at breakfast when he wasn't there, too. He's a big, powerful Alpha, Ariel - why do you assume he can't take care of himself?"

I sigh, pressing my hands together and screwing my mouth to the side as I consider my mom, who is so pretty, and considerate, and kind. But I know that she's asking for a reason, and I don't know how much Jackson told her, or how much he'd want me to reveal. "Well, Jackson's kind of..." I hesitate, not knowing what to say.

"He's precious, isn't he?" Mom says with a little smile, staring at me with a whole heap of love in her eyes.

forward a bit. She nods. "He's so...you're right, mom, he's so powerful, but he's so delicate too -like he totally doesn't understand this world, and he doesn't know how to move around in it, and he's so hungry for someone to love him - but I don't even think he knows that. I just

to pat

I miss it?" I say, a little

people just assume that what's inside matches the outside." She pauses a minute, considering. "He told me a little bit about where he comes

you?" I ask, fascinated and curious, glad she knows

of it came out when

too, and I can just imagine how funny, awkward, and sweet my mate was

know he's like...never chosen

I say quietly, resting my head back against the pillow, a little awed

a bit far-off. "His entire life Jackson's just worn whatever was provided to him - a tradition we continued at the Academy. When I gave him his new wardrobe, he asked which piece he should wear next, and I said whatever you want, and he looked at me like I was

outfit today?" I whisper,

him some hints about how to put together colors, and I left him with some fashion