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?"

I think going far too easy on me because he

have to be grateful. You can tell people what you want." I frown a bit, studying him. "But, do you know what you

hand over my hair. “Like we said last night, I need.....a bit of time to think it

give him all the time

look up to see him looking at

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 her new toys and her

towards the windows and I go and stand with him there, crossing my arms across

Dad pauses and

-

think you should let Jackson and I stay enrolled in Alpha Academy even if we 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 of lamely, looking up at my dad, hoping he

I apologize, too, for giving a blanket 'no' without thinking on it. I haven't made any decisions yet, and I need to consider all angles,

I

twenty years ago simply

a flawed way to manage

I pitch forward, wrapping my arms around my dad and giving him a big hug. He laughs in surprise before putting his arms