The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 948

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?”

“Fine,” he says, giving a shrug, I think going far too easy on me because he loves me. “There was some…debate. I didn’t participate much.”

“You can, you know,” I say, raising my eyes to his. “You don’t just have to be grateful. You can tell people what you want.” I frown a bit, studying him. “But, do you know what you want?”

“I do not, love,” Jackson says with a soft smile, stroking his hand over my hair. “Like we said last night, I need…a bit of time to think it through.”

“Okay,” I whisper, nodding, determined to give him all the time and support he needs.

“Ariel?” 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 lips. “A moment, please?”