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.

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

with any of that mess. And they can talk and tell you what they need, beyond

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

job is to just...care for her, Jacks. Keep her clean, feed her, educate her. Talk to her, make sure she's loved and

looks up at Ella in surprise at this offer. Mark nods eagerly too, already on board,

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 with Marigold's. "I always wondered when I'd get one of those. Never thought this is how it would

man grinning at her like that, even as she continues to eat her supper. Rafe bursts out

Ella says with

the little girl. "Regarding the niece question, I think a great

me?" a cheerful voice calls from

his eyes opening wide as he panics. Ella, Mark, and

go rigid, turning towards the

on?"

the room as she steps in. "I've been looking for you guys everywhere - Jesse's upstairs with a bunch of bags, he can't find you either, and he won't

little girl, who continues to concentrate on

laughs a little, moving

"Who is thi-"