The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0979

"Yeah," I say, petting his hair softly, smiling at him. "We can do it. We've got this. We've already got one to practice on for a couple of months - we'll be totally prepared by the time these two come along."

"Totally prepared," he murmurs, nodding slowly, clinging to the hope.

We stare at each other for a long moment before he groans again, tugging me close, cradling me against him in that way I really, really love. He snarls a little, protective and possessive, and a great deal of happiness spreads all throughout me. We take a few more minutes there, together, checking in with each other and adjusting to this wild new reality.

"God, I can't believe it," Jackson whispers, shaking his head and running a hand across my stomach. "I - I'm not ready for this."

"But you will be," I whisper, biting my lip a bit, hoping that...that it's just shock. That he's going to be happy about this soon, that he might even...like it.

He looks up at me, sensing my emotions.

I just stay very still, not wanting him to feel pressured to like it if he doesn't.

"Ariel, of course I like it," he whispers, shaking his head at me. "I'm...fucking terrified, and I definitely need a computer as soon as possible - I have so much research to do – but the idea of having a little kid? Two of them? That's...me and you, both?"

He shakes his head, holding my gaze...I think a bit lost for words.

"You like it?" I whisper, raising my hand and pressing it to his cheek.

people you're related to have long sold me on the concept of family," he whispers. "If we

really

He asks,

immediately

know," he says, leaning forward and laughing a little, winding his arms around me, pulling me closer. "You don't know what they'll

I do!" I snap. "They're going to look like

"I don't know, Ariel, you'd better hope that these

to my heart and leaning away. "We are a beautiful

all right,"

at me, holding

roar with laughter. He haul me closer to press kiss after kiss to my cheeks and mouth. "I'm kidding. They're going to be gorgeous. Of

right," I grumble, letting myself relax

laughter," mom says, peering in. "Which suggests the great trauma is over. Which means you need

I say, starting to stand up. "We get it, mom, you can't even let me

into his arms, making me gasp a little at the suddenness with which I have reached dizzying new heights. I whip my

not be carrying me because it's too dangerous

I love you,” Jackson says, very seriously, looking down into my face as mom grins and pushes the door open fully. "But yes, also because