The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0894

When Jackson and I come out of my room a little while later, in fresh soft clothes and all cleaned up, the party is in full swing. I laugh to see my family so heartily celebrating my homecoming, and my newly mated status, and Jackson's addition to the family, and the end of the war.

But still, my wolf howls a little when it becomes immediately apparent that one little thunder cloud isn't here, lurking in the corner and glaring around at everyone, pretending not to have any fun at all.

I sigh, leaning against Jacks and taking a long sip of my wine. He tightens his arm around my shoulder, looking down at me. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I say on a soft sigh, my eyes still moving over my wonderful, happy family. "Just...missing Junie. Wishing she was here."

He hums his understanding and tightens his arm, sending a great deal of warmth and love and support down the bond. I smile up at him, truly appreciating that he doesn't try to convince me not to be sad or worried for her. He just hears me, and understands, and wants to comfort in whatever way he can.

"Hey, I love you," I say softly, my face breaking into a smile as I gaze up at him.

His own face breaks instantly from serious repose to happiness, such a drastic change that shifts his whole face from...well, frankly from terrifying to lovely. He grins at me, stroking a hand long over my still-damp hair.

happy sigh. "Very much. Now come on, let's go tell everyone the King of Atalaxia is

think they know?" I ask, my

murmurs, ushering me into the room. "Who knows what the hell is going on. Let's go find

surprise to me. I give Elias and Benny warm hugs and kisses, asking after Pippa - who truly is

laughing a little as I stand on my toes to hug the doctor, who is

smile. "I'm so, so glad you were able to return safe." He steps

certainly brings Juniper's thunder-cloud energy, if perhaps with

my daughter, Yes?

laughing and rushing

step, hesitating before giving me a very slight hug in return and patting me on my back. "Enthusiastic as ever, Ariel. It's nice

pulling away, a bit confused about this taciturn greeting from my childhood friend but...well, we haven't seen each other

Maryam sure did grow up well, didn't she? She was always a bit of a plain kid,- but now? With that tall, willowy figure that somehow also manages to have curves, and those dark, heavy-lashed eyes, and all that gorgeous hair flowing halfway down her back? Damn, is she a model now? I feel like I should be seeing her on the

says, dry, giving a shrug. "Here under duress and