Ch. 921..925: The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 921-925

Chapter 0921

"I'm going back -" Cristof shouts, throwing a hand out towards the North. "I can't just leave them, Jackson -"

"You can't - you can't -" Jackson looks frantically down at his sobbing daughter and then back at his friend. "You're just leaving me like this!?"

"It's what you did," Cristof says, bitter, his lips turning down in a horrible frown.

Jackson's face falls, devastated, and he just stares at his friend, knowing that he's right.

"I'm sorry," Cristof says, dropping his gaze to the ground. "I - I love you, Jackson, and I missed you, and I wanted you to be there. We're all alone, and it's so crazy, and I – I think I hated you? For getting a better life and not even thinking of us?”

"I thought about you every day," Jackson whispers, shaking his head.

"I know," Cristof says, nodding, still looking down. "I just...I was jealous, all right? But - she's going to have a better life here." He points to the little girl, his head flashing up. "You'd better give her a good life, Jackson! She's...she's a good kid! She's really cute, and she tries, and she's good. And... Tasha tried really hard to get her out! So you get her out, all right? For Tasha and for Marigold! And for me!"

"Stay," Jackson begs, stepping closer to Cristof, his voice breaking alongside his heart. "Just stay, Cristof - we can help you, you can have a good life too -"

"I gotta go back for Zachary," Cristof murmurs, looking again to the north. "I can't...leave him there."

"We'll send for him -"

"I gotta go," Cristof says, sitting down hard in the driver's seat. Marigold wails anew, seeing her friend leaving, realizing that she's being abandoned here with strangers.

"Cristof!" Jackson barks out, grabbing the door, trying to hold it open, desperate for his friend to stay.

"God damn it, Jackson," Cristof says, starting the car and glaring hard at the bigger Alpha. "You let me go now, or I'll run you the fuck over. I have to go - if they find out I'm here, if there are - are pictures of me in one of your magazines - they watch the media, man! If they know what I did they'll - they'll kill Zachary - they'll -"

"Cristof!" Jackson barks out, seeing that it's happening – that his friend really is going

-

But Cristof just snarls and grabs the door, yanking it, trying hard to pull it shut. Jackson gasps, pulled off balance by his grip on the door, and he only flashes his hand out of the way at the last moment before his fingers get slammed between the metal.

"I love you," Cristof says, between his teeth, glaring at Jackson from inside the car, his hands gripping the wheel. "You give that girl a good fife. And fucking don't come back, Jacks - they'll suck you back in. Just...live a good life."

He turns then, slamming his foot on the gas pedal and peeling away.

Jackson stares after his friend as guards rush down the palace steps, sensing the disturbance.

"Highness!" one of the guards calls out. "What's happening!? Do you want that car pursued?"

Rafe holds up a hand, stopping the guards in their tracks, and Jackson slowly turns his head to face the Prince. He shakes it, ever so subtly, as the little girl continues to scream in his arms.

“No,” Rafe says, turning to the guard, Alpha authority in his voice. "Let him go. It's...just let him go, okay? Don't tell anyone about this. No report. This is an internal matter that we have to address as a family."

"As you wish, sir," the guard says, bowing slightly and looking anxiously at

Jackson and the little girl before moving back up the steps.

Everyone - except Marigold - is incredibly quiet for a long few moments, just... staring at each other.

Rafe and Jesse watch Jackson

—

closely watch the shock pass

again and again over his face, watch his eyes glaze over as he panics, trying to come up with a plan. Watch as he blinks back to the moment, and raises his eyes to his friends.

Watch as he swallows hard, moving his eyes again to the little girl wailing in his

arms.

“Um," Jackson says, quiet, still looking at the girl – at his daughter. “I think...I think we need... Ella."

"Yeah," Rafe says on a whisper. And then he shakes himself, moving close to Jackson's side. "Yeah, let's...let's go get mom. She'll know what to do."

The other boys move as Rafe slips an arm around Jackson's shoulders and turns him towards the palace entrance Jesse moves to Jackson's other side while Ben moves ahead towards the door. Mark falls behind, looking around for any surprises, his wolf instincts on high alert.

As a group, the five Alphas escort the sobbing little girl into the place, held high on

her father's arm.

 

Chapter 0922

Ella's ears perk and her head snaps up, her eyes immediately moving towards the door of her cozy little office because...

That's a child crying somewhere down the hall.

She tilts her head to the side, assessing, realizing that...

That she doesn't know this one. She knows the sounds of all her nieces and nephews crying. This one young older than an infant but not yet a proper kid - and the only child she knows of that age is Seraphina. But Sera - that's not her...

Ella stands quickly, heading for her door, her ears collecting more information as she goes. That the child isn't in pain, but is instead scared - freaked out, really. And that with every moment, the child is coming closer. Ella whips open the door, her eyes already wide and going wider when she sees the group of boys standing just outside.

Her boys - Rafe and Jesse, and Jackson at their center, and Mark and Ben flanking on either side -

And held in Jackson's arms, a tiny little girl, her head tilted back as she screams to the ceiling.

"Help," Jackson says, looking between the girl and Ella in panic. "Please - please I need your help -"

Ella gasps and waves all of the boys into her office, glancing down the hall with a snarled warning at anyone who might be coming close. But there's no one there, so she slams the door shut and spins back towards the room, her eyes moving immediately for the crying child.

"What..." Ella whispers, taking a few steps closer before pausing in her shock in her confusion. "What - who..."

But then she stills as she looks between Jackson and the little girl, the connection between them immediately obvious. Because even if the little girl's face is red with emotion and covered in tears...

That dark hair, and her coloring, and that strong turn to her jaw? And her scent, piney and crisp?

God, but it's obvious. Immediately it's obvious who her father is - unquestionable.

"Well,” Ella breathes, putting her hands on her hips, unable to help the little smile that comes to her mouth. "This is...this is a surprise, isn't it?"

All of the young men just stare at her, completely freaked out.

"Oh, come on," Ella says, flashing a hand out at Rafe and Jesse. "You're both big brothers who a whole hoard of children, and you're going to let that little girl cry like that?"

Both Jesse and Rafe spin their heads to stare at Marigold, shame taking its rightful place on their features.

"All right, let's get this sorted," Ella says, joy flashing through her alongside her worry and her surprise and quite a bit of panic.

But Ella tucks all of that panic away, her motherly instincts kicking in as she moves quickly towards Jackson, reaching for the little girl. Because even if his life just got complicated as hell, a child is always a isn't it?

snessing,

"Oh, my goodness, young lady," Ella says, laughing a bit and smiling at the girl.

"You are making a racket!"

Marigold pauses for a second,

surprised, turning towards Ella's

calm and sweet voice. But when she sees Ella's hands reaching for her she shrieks, scrabbling, her hands grabbing at Jackson's shirt as she tucks her face close against him. Ella's heart absolutely swells as she moves her eyes to Jackson's face, sees his heart break in a moment to see the little girl scared and clinging to him - either because her instincts are telling her to trust him because of their genetic connection, or because he's just been the only one carrying her and she doesn't want or trust anyone new.

“All right,” Ella says, gesturing towards the floor. "Down, please. Everyone sit down. We're all far too tense."

Jackson hesitates for a second but when the rest of the boys obey and sit on the floor in a semicircle around him and Ella, he bends too, taking Marigold along with him.

"Ella, she won't stop crying," Jackson says, his voice shaking.

"Well, I don't blame her, it seems like she's had a tough night," Ella says, moving close to Jacks to stroke a warm and loving hand over the girl's head and then her back. "What's her name?"

"Marigold," Jackson whispers, sounding like his heart breaks as he says it.

"Marigold," Ella repeats, beaming at Jackson, doing her very best to keep all sadness out of her face. Because she intuits it all – remembers his stories of his time in the

Community. Remembers Hank net

theories about how very much that horrible place would have valued Jackson's physical prowess and his magic, would have wanted to see them passed on to more children.

Jackson just looks back at Ella, his face grim, a little terrified.

 

Chapter 0923

Ella shifts her hand, stroking her palm down Jackson's cheek, loving him a great deal. "It's all going to be okay, Jackson," she whispers.

Jackson's face crumples at these words, his eyes pressing shut, his mouth trembling like he can't believe that that's true – like it's not possible that anything will be all right again.

"One step at a time," Ella says, calm and patient, taking control of the situation and looking around at all of the boys, who are all so clearly freaked out. "First of which is... Marigold?" she pitches her voice higher here, authority coming into it.

Marigold, surprised to hear her name on this strange woman's lips, quiets slightly and turns towards her, her eyes wide.

"You're very scared, Marigold," Ella murmurs, shifting her hand again to stroke over the little girl's hair. "And probably tired and confused. I understand. But you're hurting my ears. Do you think you could be a little quieter?"

To Jackson's surprise the little girl calms, still crying, hiccupping softly in his arms as she leans her head against his chest and just stares at the queen.

"See, that's already better," Ella coos, continuing to stroke the little girl's hair. "I bet you were getting tired of shouting, too."

Marigold just continues to stare, quieting further, still frightened but not screaming her head off anymore in shock and terror.

Jackson looks with surprise between the little girl and the queen like he can't believe how easily she accomplished that - like it may very well have been magic.

"I know you like your daddy, Marigold," Ella says quietly, smiling at the little girl and leaning close like it's a secret. "But his arms are getting tired. Do you think you'd like to come to me?" she opens her arms up for a hug and gives the girl the most beautiful, friendly smile.

Marigold hesitates for a second, looking up into Jackson's face, and then returns her gaze to Ella. After a moment, quite subtly she nods.

"Oh, what a nice little girl," Ella says with a little laugh, reaching for her. "I think we're going to be really good friends."

To Jackson's shock, Marigold loosens her grip on him and goes right into Ella's arms, curling up in her lap and resting her head on Ella's breast as the queen gives her a big hug and a squeeze.

"We're going to take such good care of you, Marigold," Ella says, beaming down at the little girl like she already loves her a great deal. "You don't have to worry about a thing. We're going to keep you warm and cozy, all right?"

Marigold nods once, hesitant, and then starts to look around the room, starting with all the big Alphas surrounding her like she's memorizing their faces.

"Mom, are you like...a kid wizard, or something...?" Rafe murmurs, looking between Ella and Marigold, baffled at the incredible change she made in the little girl's in less than a minute.

"No, I just like babies a lot," Ella says,

sighing with happiness and

continuing to rock the little girl. She

beams at her son. "You were a

crybaby too, where do you think I learned all these methods?"

Ella grins at Rafe, who rolls his eyes.

"Now," Ella says, looking around the room, "we have a great deal to do, and I

need you all to help me. You'll all help me, right?"

She smirks a little, realizing that she's speaking to all of these big men like they're toddlers, but considering the shock and fear on their faces....well, it feels apt, doesn't it? Eagerly, all of the young men nod, except for Jackson, who just stares at his little girl.

"All right," Ella says on a happy sigh. "Jesse, I need you to go to your house and get a couple of bags of Seraphina's things. Clothes,

pajamas, toys, blankets - anythinet

that seems nice. And don't forget underwear, okay? Socks and shoes too soft, comfortable things. Maybe Ben can go with you to help?"

Ben and Jesse nod eagerly, getting to their feet and heading for the door.

Jackson watches them go, his body and his mind emptying of emotion, completely baffled about what is happening and what is going to happen next.

All he knows now is that Ella is in charge.

And that he trusts her, completely, to help him sort this out.

This...this new life that fate has thrust into his hands.

He turns his head to stare at Marigold in Ella's lap, trying to force himself to adjust

to the sight of her, the reality of this little girl.

His daughter.

Which means that he's...a father.

And that nothing is ever, ever going to be the same ever again.

Chapter 0924

"Markie, I need you to go downstairs," Ella says, speaking swiftly and softly, her voice calm and cheerful. "Make all of the chefs leave the kitchen, no questions. And then start to pull out everything that's good."

Mark nods and jumps up, disappearing out the door on his task.

"What are...we going to do?" Rafe asks, gesturing between the three adults left.

"That depends," Ella says, shifting her gaze to Jackson now. "On whether or not Jackson wants you to go get Ariel? Or if he would like to take...a little bit of time to adjust to this so that he can get his mind in order before telling his mate about this incredible new development in his life."

Jackson raises his eyes to Ellas for a moment and then nods, clearing his throat. "Maybe...maybe some time? To get my mind in order?"

Ella nods seriously back to him, giving him a little smile.

"Is that...horrible?" Jackson whispers, looking back down at Marigold. "She - Ariel deserves to know...maybe we should go get her..."

"You can take an hour, Jacks," Ella says, reaching out to pat him on the knee. "You've had a shock. You can take some time. She will understand."

"She will," Rafe says, nodding and putting a supportive hand on Jackson's shoulder.

"So, are we just going to...sit here?" Jackson whispers, still staring at Marigold, who stares back at him from her spot curled up in Ella's lap. "And let me process this?"

"Oh no," Ella says, beaming down at the little girl. "We've got a hungry child on our hands! That's my catnip."

"How do you know she's hungry?" Jackson asks, leaning closer, studying the girl like there will be some physical sign.

"Because she's a skinny little muffin, and it's nighttime, and kids always want to eat. What do you say, little Goldie Girl? Want to get some supper?"

Marigold's head snaps up at the word and her eyes flash.

Ella laughs. "Does that sound good? Do you want a taco?"

Marigold's face scrunches in confusion.

"She...won't know what a taco is," Jackson murmurs. "Maybe...some apple?" he tries. The little girl's head spins eagerly to him. "And some cheese?"

Her eyes go wide and she nods, just barely, just once.

"Cheese!" Ella says, laughing and getting to her feet and hoisting the little girl with her, settling her on her hip. "I knew she was a girl with good taste. I love cheese too. Come on, everyone. Let's go down to the kitchen and get some cheese."

Heaving a little happy sigh, Ella heads for the door with the little girl bundled in her arms. Baffled but pleased to have someone to lead the way, Rafe and Jackson follow in silence.

Outside the office, Rafe remembers himself and strides down the hall ahead of Jackson and Ella, ensuring that the way is clear, that there are no prying eyes to spread the news throughout the halls. Ella talks quietly to Marigold, explaining all the different parts of the palace they walk through and where they're going, but Jackson just stares at the little girl, who stares right back at him.

Because he can feel it now that his panic has subsided slightly - the bond between them. He doesn't

remember it making its presence et

known, or snapping into place, or accepting it. It's just there - vivid

and real, between him and

this little

gil. God has it....has it always been

there?

Was it there the moment she was born, or earlier? And he just never noticed?

Or...

He shakes his head, not understanding, as the little girl peers at him.

Jackson forgets to breathe and blink, his feet carrying him alongside Ella without him truly intending them to. Instead, his entire concentration is fixed on this little girl, on Marigold, his little daughter.

Because god - she's so...she's so cute -

With that little tiny adorable face, and those big blue eyes -

—

But she's also so thin - skinny in the way that Midnight is, in a way that speaks of years of deprivation. And her little torn dress, which he now realizes is just a man's shirt with the sleeves torn off, a scrap of fabric sinching it together at her waist. Jackson's eyes dart down and he clenches his teeth at the sight of her shoes, which are covered in holes.

The sole of one shoe flaps open at the front, and he can actually see her little toes hanging out.

Jackson inhales sharply, pressing his eyes shut against the guilt and the sadness

that runs through him because...

He should have been there. He should have known about her - he should have been there to help her, to take care of her -

Chapter 0925

Jackson nearly trips over his own feet when he feels it.

"Are you all right?" Ella asks, pausing in her steps to turn and look up at Jackson, frowning slightly.

He just goes still, ignoring Ella, staring at the little girl because...

Was that...a question? He felt? Down...down the bond?

The little girl shrinks away from him, her mouth pulling into a thin line, and he groans a little - realizing that he's frightening her, just staring at her with the ferocity and intensity of a lion. Jackson immediately turns to the bond, very carefully passing assurance and calm down it, hoping that it's...right. That it's okay. That she can feel it and it's... normal to do that.

The little girl goes still for a second and then perks up, smiling at her father.

Smiling.

Jackson groans aloud, his heart breaking at the sight of his little girl smiling at him for the first time. He reaches out a hand and strokes it over her dark hair,

marveling at the silky softness of it.

His little girl. His. Absolutely his.

And she smiles.

Jackson reaches for Marigold as she reaches for him, and suddenly she's up in his arms, clasped tight against his chest, and he closes his eyes, tucking his head down next to hers.

"There," Ella says with a happy sigh. "That's better. That's nice, isn't it?"

Jackson opens his eyes a little to peek at Ella, a tiny smile on his lips.

Ella beams at him, her hands clasped beneath her chin. "Daughters are amazing," she whispers.

Jackson nods once and then starts forward again, eager to keep going, to get Marigold something to eat. Because he can feel it now, down the bond, the gnawing hunger that is perhaps so ever-constant that she doesn't know any different.

Jackson sends a mental image of cheese down the bond and feels her respond with eager happiness. His face bursts into a smile.

Ella laughs and hurries to keep up. When they reach the kitchen Rafe smiles at the three of them and pushes open the door. "Supper awaits!"

They step inside and Rafe laughs a bit to see that Mark did his job - that the big industrial kitchen is empty of people, and that the simple wood table in the corner is absolutely covered in food.

"Um, I got everything I thought was good," Mark says, gesturing towards it and anxiously running a hand through his hair as he stands at the stove with an apron tied around his waist. "And I'm making macaroni and cheese. Do you think it will be enough?"

Ella laughs as she looks over at Marigold, who stares wide-eyed at the incredible amount of food on the table.

"Oh, I think it will be enough, Markie," Ella says, laughing and going to a closet, pulling out a booster seat for Marigold. "You did good!"

Things come together almost simply then, the entire group falling into the familiar routines of mealtime. Jackson settles Marigold onto the chair and ensures that she's comfortable as Mark and Rafe begin sorting through all the food,

wondering quietly about onel

what

Marigold might like. Ella finds some cheese and begins to slice it along with an apple, murmuring to Mark that he might want to check on his steaming pot of pasta. Mark gasps and rushes over to it.

Jackson watches, fascinated, as Ella slides the plate of apple and cheese before Marigold, who looks at it in shock like she's never been offered so much food in her life. She stares at it, and then looks around in wonder.

"Go ahead, Goldie," Ella says, smiling at her and cutting herself a piece of cheese. “That's all for you. And you can have more if you want it, or something else. Whatever you'd like, baby."

Marigold's face bursts into a smile as she grabs at the food with both hands, starting eagerly to eat.

Jackson's heart breaks again, for about the thousandth time in the past hour as he realizes that she...probably never has had a plate like this, all to herself. He sits back hard in his chair, just...watching his daughter eat. Fascinated and devastated all at once.

"So, what are you going to do now, Jackie?" Ella asks quietly, nibbling on a piece

of cheese.

Rafe opens a pack of crackers and sets a stack on Marigold's plate, quietly

pretending that he's not paying rapt attention.

"What do you mean?" Jackson asks, turning to Ella in surprise.

"Well, are you keeping her?"

Jackson stiffens at the question. "What?"