The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0948

When Jesse, Mark, and I arrive back in the living room, I give my father a steady nod of acknowledgement before I move immediately for Jacks.

He reaches for me with one arm, the other stretched out next to Marigold, holding a handful of beads up for her and Seraphina as they sit on the couch, stringing necklaces for each other. I spare a happy little glance at the two of them before tucking myself in close on Jackson's side, wrapping an arm around his waist and looking up into his face.

"Hi," I whisper. “Jacks, I'm so sorry I left like that -"

"It's fine, Ariel," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my hair and pulling me in close against him. A great swell of warmth and love grows in my chest, passed down the bond from Jackson. "You were upset, you needed a minute. It's always fine. Where did you go?"

"To the yurt," I say, looking up at him, still a bit guilty. "I think Midnight is my therapist now."

He laughs, warm and lovely and rumbling. "She's going to charge you an arm and a leg."

"Yes, once Midnight learns about the concept of money, I think we're all screwed," I say on a sigh. "How was it down here?"

he says, giving a shrug, I think going far too easy on me because he loves me. "There was some...debate. I

to his. “You don't just have to be grateful. You

his hand over my hair. “Like we said last

whisper, nodding, determined to give him all the time

my father says, coming over, his hands deep in his pockets. I look up to see him looking at me quiet seriously, a frown on his

a little sigh, patting first Jackson's arm and then Marigold's head as I stand up. The little girl gives me a happy smile before turning her head back to her task, clearly delighted both with

with him there, crossing my arms across my chest. He opens his mouth on a

sorry, dad," I say, hunching my shoulders a bit. Dad pauses and

-

do bring Marigold along. But..." I glance over at him. "I failed to ask what he wants. And I wish I had taken the time to express myself better. More... patiently." I grimace as I end kind

over my hair. "Apology accepted, Ariel. And I apologize, too, for giving a blanket 'no' without thinking on it. I haven't made any decisions yet,

I

twenty years ago simply

way to manage a school, let alone a

and giving him a big hug. He laughs in surprise before putting his arms around me in turn, tucking me close