The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"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.noveldrama

"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.

And he never, ever knew before how...damned cute that could be.

"Four-year-olds are easy," Ella says quietly, studying Jackson alongside the girl. "They're potty-trained, so you don't have to deal with any of that mess. And they can talk and tell you what they need, beyond using the bond. Is your bond..."

Ella's words fade but Jackson lifts his head and gives her a single nod. She smiles softly, trying very hard to keep the fluttering joy in her heart from showing on her face.

"Well, really, then your job is to just...care for her, Jacks. Keep her clean, feed her, educate her. Talk to her, make sure she's loved and engaged and getting a good start in life. And we'll help you," she says, giving a simple shrug.

Jackson looks up at Ella in surprise at this offer. Mark nods eagerly too, already on board, spooning some more macaroni and cheese into Marigold's bowl.

"Of course we will, Jacks," Rafe 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 happen."

Marigold narrows her eyes a bit at Rafe, still unsure about this big man grinning at her like that, even as she continues to eat her supper. Rafe bursts out laughing, sitting up straight, utterly charmed.

"Well," Ella says with a sigh, crossing

her arms over her chest as she studies the little girl. "Regarding the niece question, I think a great deal of that depends on Ariel."

"What depends on me?" a cheerful voice calls from the door.

Jackson goes still, his eyes opening wide as he panics. Ella, Mark, and Rafe

likewise go rigid, turning towards the door.

"What's going on?" Ariel asks,

smiling around 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 tell me what's going on."

Her eyes finally settle on the little girl, who continues to concentrate on her food,

and Ariel laughs a little, moving towards her.

"Who is thi-"

But then the child's scent hits her.

And Ariel stops in her tracks, her mouth falling open as she stares down at the top of the little girl's head.

The little girl whose genetic lineage is...undeniable.

The room goes very silent, Ariel staring at Marigold, everyone else staring at the Princess, at her bloodless face, at the absolute horror in her expression.

Marigold puts her spoon down and turns, frowning up at the beautiful woman whose lovely rose-gold hair spills over her shoulders. Marigold swallows hard, glancing around, not

knowing why everyone is being so quiet.

Then, not knowing what else to do, she lifts her hand and again points to her

chest, looking up into the Princess's eyes.

"Marigold," the little girl whispers.

Ariel stays perfectly still, just staring at her mate's daughter.

Unable to move or think or feel anything but shock.