The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Jackson grins.

"Are you ready for all of this?" Dominic asks, his eyebrows knitting together with worry.

Jackson's smile falls. “Ready for what?"

"For...this," Dominic says, waving around to the ridiculous closet and all that it implies. "Fatherhood to three kids. A life as a member of the Royal family, a national figure, a political entity unto yourself. The Princess's consort. As the father to Princes and Princesses. It is...not a simple life, Jackson."

Jackson clenches his jaw and looks down into his drink, truly considering it. Inwardly Dominic's powerful wolf shakes out his fur, quite pleased with his new son-in-law, pleased that he takes the time to consider the question instead of just blurting out whatever it is he thinks Dominic wants to hear.

"I'm ready for it," Jackson says quietly. "Or, if there are ways that I'm not...I know she'll help me. If this is what life with Ariel and these children is, then I'm ready for it."

"Good man," Dominic says, putting his drink down and opening his arms to Jackson. Jackson goes a bit still, not knowing what to do, which just makes Dominic laugh as he steps forward and wraps Jackson up in a hug.

Jackson's eyes fly wide as Dominic presses a kiss to the side of his head because...he's never, ever had a mark of affection like that from another man. From a father figure, at that.

of my grandchildren," Dominic murmurs, stepping back and keeping a hand cupped around the back of Jackson's head. "We love you, kid. I love you. We're so pleased to have you as part of

at once incredibly

back. "Come on, let's go back out there," he says on a sigh, guiding Jackson back towards the door. "Ella's probably torturing Ariel. Making

Jackson murmurs,

it," Dominic says

I groan, holding a hand up and leaning away from her. "I

of pineapple stabbed on the end of a fork. Isnarl and push her hand

off the stem and winding back his arm. Rafe and Marigold laugh, Goldie

down and go a bit still as the bedroom door opens again, turning our worried eyes on Jackson and dad as

bends down and scoops the little girl high up into his arms. She laughs and pats at his face with her hands, grinning at

you're in one piece, Jacks," Rafe says, leaning

eyes to me, his gaze warm and loving and proud and happy. My face breaks into a

I've waited long

says, waving

over her