The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0927

"Dad instincts, kicking in on day one," Mark says, laughing a little, leaning back in his chair and popping a mint cookie in his mouth.

Jackson sighs, thinking he's getting a bit too much credit for that. He turns his eyes back to Ella. "How do I do this?"

"Oh, it's not so bad when they're little like this," Ella says with a sigh, leaning forward to study Marigold. "She's what...four?"

Marigold's eyes flick up and she gives Ella a single steady nod before returning her gaze to her noodles, eating with gusto.

As one, all of the adults at the table break into a smile at that.

"God, she's like...a teeny tiny Jacks," Mark murmurs, leaning closer. Marigold ignores him but Rafe nods in agreement.

"So serious," Rafe says, laughing a little. "And intent on her food."

Jacks smirks, studying the girl, realizing that that's at least a little true, and thinking again that...well, that she looks like him. Sweeter, and softer, and - obviously tiny. But the stern set of her mouth, and her broad forehead onto which her hair flops, all dark and messy...

God, but she's...his little mini.

never, ever knew before how...damned cute that

Jackson alongside the girl. "They're potty-trained, so you don't have to deal with any of that mess. And they can talk and tell you what they need, beyond

words fade but Jackson lifts his head and gives her a single nod. She smiles softly, trying very

Keep her clean, feed her, educate her. Talk to her, make sure she's loved and engaged and getting a good

surprise at this offer. Mark nods eagerly too,

will, Jacks," Rafe says, popping a cracker in his mouth before patting his friend on the back. "You're my brother now, right? Which makes this little one my niece." He grins, leaning over on the table and bending low so that his eyes are even

still unsure about this big man grinning at her like that, even as she continues to eat her supper.

Ella says with a

as she studies the little girl. "Regarding the niece question, I think a great deal of that depends on

depends on me?" a cheerful voice calls

goes still, his eyes opening wide as he panics. Ella,

turning towards the

on?"

upstairs with a bunch of bags, he

the little girl, who continues to

a little, moving

"Who is thi-"