The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0924

"Markie, I need you to go downstairs," Ella says, speaking swiftly and softly, her voice calm and cheerful. "Make all of the chefs leave the kitchen, no questions. And then start to pull out everything that's good."

Mark nods and jumps up, disappearing out the door on his task.

"What are...we going to do?" Rafe asks, gesturing between the three adults left.

"That depends," Ella says, shifting her gaze to Jackson now. "On whether or not Jackson wants you to go get Ariel? Or if he would like to take...a little bit of time to adjust to this so that he can get his mind in order before telling his mate about this incredible new development in his life."

Jackson raises his eyes to Ellas for a moment and then nods, clearing his throat. "Maybe...maybe some time? To get my mind in order?"

Ella nods seriously back to him, giving him a little smile.

"Is that...horrible?" Jackson whispers, looking back down at Marigold. "She - Ariel deserves to know...maybe we should go get her..."

"You can take an hour, Jacks," Ella says, reaching out to pat him on the knee. "You've had a shock. You can take some time. She will understand."

"She will," Rafe says, nodding and putting a supportive hand on Jackson's shoulder.

"So, are we just going to...sit here?" Jackson whispers, still staring at Marigold, who stares back at him from her spot curled up in Ella's lap. "And let me process this?"

"We've got a hungry

know she's hungry?" Jackson asks, leaning closer,

little muffin, and it's nighttime, and kids always want to eat. What do you say,

at the word and her

that sound good?

scrunches

taco is," Jackson murmurs. "Maybe...some apple?" he tries. The little girl's head spins eagerly to him.

wide and she nods, just

laughing and getting to her feet and hoisting the little girl with her, settling her on her hip. "I knew she was a girl with good taste. I love cheese too. Come

door with the little girl bundled in her arms. Baffled but pleased to have someone to lead the way,

Jackson and Ella, ensuring that the way is clear, that there are no prying eyes to spread the news throughout the halls. Ella talks quietly to Marigold, explaining all the different parts of the palace they walk through and where they're going, but Jackson just stares

now that his panic has subsided slightly - the

making its presence

or snapping into place, or accepting

real, between him

this little

has it....has it always

there?