Ch. 951..955: The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy Chapter 951-955

Chapter 0951

“Let me take this little rabbit," Maryam says, quite gentle and friendly, reaching for Marigold. Jackson tilts the little girl towards her friend and Marigold laughs, going happily and easily to Maryam, who takes her over to the window to look outside.

"I'm so sorry, Jackson," Hank says, coming close and looking up into my mate's eyes. “I...I should have put it together before."

"It's not your fault," Jackson says with an easy shrug, and down the bond I can tell that he truly holds nothing against this man who is clearly doing so much to help so many people. "As you say, Tasha was likely hiding her identity and going her best not to be found. It's not your job to see through that kind of subterfuge."

"Please," I say, stepping close to Jacks and clasping my hands around his arm, wanting him to feel my support. "Is there anything you can tell us, Hank? About Marigold's...history?"

Hank sighs and looks over to where his daughter is standing with Marigold, pointing out towards the park that abuts the palace, maybe chatting about some of the animals that live there. “What I know is brief and largely medical. Our little pop-up clinics served...hundreds, maybe thousands of people in need and still barely scratched the surface of what needs to be done up there." Hank hangs his head, pressing the bridge of his nose between his fingers. "But...that little girl and her mother made an impact. They were hard to forget."

Jackson tenses next to me and I look up at him, worried. But he simply clenches his jaw and steels himself, wanting to know.

"She wouldn't tell me much," Hank says, dropping his hand and lifting his head to again meet Jackson's eyes. "She was...very proud, wasn't she?"

"She was willful, yes," Jackson replies, his voice soft.

Hank nods, his eyes shifting to his daughter and Marigold. "But they were starving. She came for the food at first, not the medical treatment. She didn't trust us but she was willing to risk it for her daughter. But the second time they came we learned more. We learned that Asha - or, sorry, Tasha, as you call her - was determined to never go back to where she came from, that she'd never let them touch her child. I encouraged her to go South, even to the capital where she could get more aid, but...like so many from the North, her ideas of what happens here in the South were...skewed. She refused, thinking it too dangerous."

I look up at Jackson and he nods, looking down at me. "We were told that horrible things happen down here. That to go South would result in the worst kinds of death. It makes sense that she wouldn't want to go - she had no reason to trust that any sort of help would come."

My heart breaks at this because my mother has worked so hard to establish aid in our cities, to ensure that people get the help they need My stomach turns at the idea that the Community poisons the mind of their people so completely that they fear the places where they actually could actually get help.

fet

"She told me they lived in a cabin," Hank says on a sigh, clearly coming to the end of his knowledge. He shrugs. "It was likely a hut. I knew they were starving, I gave thema much food as I could. But...our aid program was mobile and had to move on to a new place. What help we gave was clearly not enough."

"We should have done more," I whisper, hanging my head.

Jackson hums his agreement, guilt rushing through him too. Because he got out, of course. But so, so many got left behind.

Including his daughter.

But even as he feels all of that, I pass support down our bond. Because even if we're too late to help Tasha - there has to be so much we can do now. So many more people who we can help.

Inwardly I set my heart to the task, determined to do it.

Chapter 0952

"Has Ella looked her over?" Hank asks, his professional demeanor returning now as he studies Marigold from a few feet away. Maryam turns, hearing the shift in her father's voice and bringing Marigold back over. "Is she healthy, besides being malnourished?"

"Oh, she's fine," mom says, clearly overhearing her name and coming over. "I did a scan last night after we fed her. As you say, Hank, she's malnourished and going to need some feeding up - but I cleared up some bumps and bruises and a little viral bug she was carrying. But beyond that she's a perfectly healthy little four-year-old girl."

"She's not four," Maryam says, laughing a little and coming close.

Marigold whips her head to Maryam with a frown. "Four!" she says, quite definitive, holding up four fingers.

"What?" Mom asks, confused, looking between the pair.

"Oh, little baby liar," Maryam says, laughing and wrinkling her nose at Marigold, who blushes, caught. My mouth falls open in surprise.

"She - she knows how to lie?" Jackson whispers, his eyes wide. "I didn't know... they could do that..."

"Well, apparently this is a crafty, clever little rabbit," Maryam says on a laugh, turning to grin at the rest of us. "Food was distributed according to age, with children 1-3 allotted a slightly smaller amount than the 4-8 year olds. This one has been telling me that she's four since she was barely big enough to walk into my aid tent."

"Four," Marigold growls, her brow lowering, quite definitive.

We all laugh, imagining the hungry little girl making her bold bluff for more food. Jackson grins, sensing an affinity with his daughter and reaching for her. Maryam laughs and hands her over to her dad.

"It's true," Jackson says with a sigh. "Timeline-wise, she's closer to three and a half. I guess you could round up to four, if it makes you happy, Marigold."

She nods, sharp and definitive. "Four," she says, resting her head on her dad's shoulder.

We all grin and nod, giving into it.

"Is there any way to know her birthday?" Mom asks, excited, turning to Hank. I smile at her, knowing immediately the direction of her thoughts. Mom loves birthdays.

But suddenly I frown, snapping my face up to Jackson. "When's your birthday?"

He just shrugs, looking down at me, clearly at a loss. My mouth drops open, appalled.

"No way of knowing," Hank says, shrugging. "You'll just have to pick a date."

"Is this really our best use of time?" Rafe asks, frowning as he comes over, Jesse

at his side. I look around for Mark but see that he's already gone. "Planning Marigold's birthday party?"

"Yes!" Mom says, quite appalled at her son for suggesting that it's not.

“Rafe's just pissed his birthday go skipped this year,” Jesse says with a shrug and

a wicked little grin. "Since me and Juniper and Ariel were all kidnapped."

I gasp as I realize that Jesse's right, that we completely skipped his birthday. And I didn't even realize it!

Twice! Twice now, this year, I've forgotten my sibling's birthdays!

“Rafe!” I gasp, stumbling a few steps towards him, apology and horror all over my face.

"I'll never forgive you," he says, quite loftly, raising his face to the ceiling in mock tragedy.

I squeak in agony, feeling like the absolutely worst sister on earth, wrapping my arms around his waist and giving him a squeeze. "I'm so sorry, Rafe, I'll get you any present you want what do you want? Anything -"

Rafe just laughs, low and deep, giving me a hug in return. "I want you to stop squeezing me so hard, Ari, for heaven's sake - I don't need a girdle -"

"You sure about that?" Jesse asks, dry, looking Rafe consideringly up and down.

Rafe snarls at our cousin and I laugh, stepping away. To my surprise, Maryam just watches us with a considering expression, like we are.. not at all what she expected us to be. I turn my head a little to the side, wondering what the surprise is here. After all, she knew us as kids. And I honestly don't think we've changed at all.

Still, she studies us, clearly curious and confused.

"All right," dad says, coming over with Roger and Cora, his face stern and business-like. We all straighten, turning towards him, responding immediately to his authority and his need for our attention.

Well, Maryam turns slightly slower than the rest of us and emits a huffy little sigh. But I just grin, liking her all the more for it.

"I've managed to call in enough of the Committee for an emergency forum," dad says, looking around at all of us, quite serious. "Anyone here would be welcome to attend and give your perspective. Hank, will you be able to delay your travel?

"Yes," Hank says, glancing at Maryam before giving a definitive nod. "We can take

a later train."

"Good," dad says, taking a deep breath, getting ready to give more orders.

"If I may,” Hank says, crossing his arms over his chest and looking seriously at his King, his voice grim.

Dad pauses for a moment and then turns to the smaller man, deferring to him. I grin at this too, loving my dad very much for his willingness to listen.

 

Chapter 0953

"Whatever assault on the Community you're planning should seek to provide as much humanitarian aid as it does military force,” Hank says, sure and clear. “The goal should not merely to be to defeat whoever is in charge but to bring help to those who are suffering. I will only participate in this council if those are joint goals - otherwise, I will aim my time and efforts elsewhere."

Dad pauses for a moment, considering this, and then turns to my mother, deferring to her in turn. "Ella? Are we prepared to offer that kind of aid?"

"Oh, yes," she says, nodding eagerly, tucking her hands under her chin, her eyes wide and bright. "Cora and I have been working on our ability to expand quickly - we've got some resources in place. I mean, we'll need a minute to requisition supplies and personnel but...yes, Dominic, I think we're ready."

"Good," dad says, turning back to Hank, giving him a nod that signifies his agreement to the plan. Hank works hard to keep a smile from his face but Maryam doesn't bother, well pleased to see their priorities go forward.

"But the military will be the ones directing the missions and the aid," dad continues, looking to Roger for confirmation. He nods, agreeing to the plan. "We will need a significant tactical force as well as our Espionage and Scouting units to go in first and give us the information we need to plan our engagement."

To my surprise and delight, dad shifts his eyes to me here.

"This suggests significant commitment from Alpha Academy, as many of our actual spies are currently...missing. Or otherwise engaged in Atalaxia. So, we'll have to go to the recruits."

My wolf howls with excitement, because am I mistaking it? Or is dad asking me to put my Espionage skills to the test!? I bite my lip, excited at the prospect, and do my best to contain my excitement, just giving a little nod.

"I'm in," Rafe says, crossing his arms solidly over his chest. "I'm sure many Cadets from the academy will be as well." Jesse raises his hand slightly, showing his support. "I can -"

"I'm going to help too," Maryam says, raising her chin, her voice ringing out. "On the humanitarian side, of course, as it's far more important."

We all turn to her in surprise and after a beat she frowns around at all of us.

"What?" Maryam bites out. "I have medical experience. I know these people way better than most of you. I'll be an asset!"

"Maryam," Rafe growls, slowly shaking his head in absolute refusal. "It is far too dangerous for you -"

"You're letting blondie go!" She shouts, pointing directly at me. A smile bursts onto my face.

"Ariel is a trained spy," Rafe snaps, leaning forward towards Maryam, anger rising in him like a quick tide. "She knows how to handle herself in -"

"Oh whatever, Maryam says, giving what I'm coming to understand as her habitual dismissive eye roll. "Just try to stop me, you big brute With that she strides for the door, clearly intent on heading to the meeting whether or not he wants her to.

"Maryam!" Rafe shouts, enraged, storming after her towards the door.

"Don't you pick me up again!"

Maryam shouts back, her voice

echoing back into the room as she

starts to stride down the hall. Yust

because you're bigger than me doesn't mean that you -!"

"God damn it, Maryam! Would you listen to sense!?"

"All right," Dad says, fighting a little smile as he turns his eyes back to the rest of us, clearly letting Maryam and Rafe handle their own business. Hank sighs and closes his eyes, already exhausted by the drama. "Everyone take a few minutes to gather what you need - we'll meet in the Conference room in five

minutes."

Everyone bustles around, getting things sorted before the meeting, and I turn, slipping my hand into Jackson's and looking up at him. "You want to go to that meeting?"

"Yes," he says on a sigh, looking down at me. "I really, really do."

"Okay, give me the baby," I say, quite happy, reaching for her.

"What?" he breathes. "Ariel, no, you have to come too -"

"Oh, you can fill me in," I say, laughing a little as I take a very happy little Marigold into my arms. "Me and Goldie are gonna go sample some candy, aren't we?"

Marigold laughs and nods to me, probably not understanding what I mean but happy to be on board with the plan.

“Um, actually,” a voice says from the door. I turn, surprised to see Elias there. "Actually could...could I ask some of you to come with me? Cora, Ella? Ariel?"

I gasp a little, realizing that his face is pale and anxious for a reason.

He locks eyes with me as mom and Cora likewise turn towards him with concern. "Yes," he says, swallowing, giving me an anxious nod. "Yes, please come - she's asking for you. It's time."

Chapter 0954

"Okay!" I say, cheerful and excited, looking down at my mate's little girl. "Change of plans, Goldie! We're going to welcome a new baby into the world!"

Marigold looks up at me with a little frown on her rosebud lips, clearly still not understanding and not particularly liking the face that candy has apparently disappeared from the schedule.

Jesse laughs, stepping closer to me, reaching out for Marigold. "Come on, hand her over. I'll take it from here."

"What?" I ask, willingly handing over Marigold to my cousin but frowning between Jesse and Jacks. "What's happening?"

"She'll be bored to tears waiting for a baby to be born," Jesse says, beaming at Marigold, who smiles at him and whispers his name. "I'll take Golds and Fifs up to Midnight, see if we can't break into the cake stash."

"Jesse, that's too much," Jackson says, stepping forward with a frown. "You'll want to be in on these conversations as well -"

"Oh, you will all just fill me in later!" Jesse says, waving a hand at Jacks as Seraphina comes running over to wrap herself around Jesse's leg, grinning wickedly up at him. "Besides, you know I'm just a grunt, here to take orders."

I laugh at my cousin, knowing he doesn't mean that. But he just shrugs, happy to do the childcare if it frees up our attention.

“Okay,” Jackson says, looking anxiously at Marigold, clearly not wanting to be separated from her even if he fully trusts Jesse to take very good care of his little girl. “Um, is there anything that you -"

"I've been raising kids since I was a child, Jacks!" Jesse says, turning and waving over his shoulder. "I've got this!"

"It's true," I whisper, looking up at my mate. "He's got this."

"Ariel!" mom calls from the door, impatient to go help Pippa.

But even as I start to move I look down, realizing that Seraphina is still there where Jesse apparently left her, looking up at Jackson with interest. “Sera?” I say, crouching down and looking after Jesse, who heads for the door without having noticed his little sister's absence. "You okay, baby?"

Characteristically, Seraphina ignores me, continuing to stare up at Jacks. "Is that your baby?" she asks, pointing a finger after Marigold.

Jackson smirks a little, crouching down in front of our littlest Sinclair. "Yes," he replies, simple and calm.

Seraphina narrows her eyes. "Who gave you a baby?"

Jackson's smirk spreads into a wide grin. "It's a long story."

"But you're just a puppy,” Seraphina whispers, looking him over, trying to put the pieces together. "Puppies don't have pups..."

"I don't know what to tell you, kid," Jackson says, heaving a big shrug. "She's mine."

"Okay," Seraphina snaps, narrowing her eyes again and pointing to her chest, "but she's my best friend."

I burst out laughing, delighted. Jackson just grins too, not really getting it, glancing at me.

“Sera, I think Marigold can be both," I say gently, wrinkling my nose at my little cousin. "Jackson's pup and your best friend."

"Okay,” Sera says, backing away a step and half turning towards the door, her eyes still narrowed at us like she's not sure that it's true and she's ready to fight for her claim if it's not.

"Fifs!" Jesse barks from the door, Marigold still perched on his arm, frowning in after his sister who he probably just realized wasn't with him. "Hop to it, kid!" He points at the ground next to him, his command clear.

Seraphina laughs like a wild thing, dashing off towards her brother, who grins and pretends to give her a kick on the rear as she runs past him. I taugh and stand, glancing at mom, who grins after Sera but is clearly still waiting for me.

“You good?” I ask Jacks, slipping my hands behind my back and looking up at him

as he, too, stands.

"Don't look at me all worried like that,

me

tiny," Jackson says, stroking a hand over my hair and smirking down

Lat

me. "I'm good. Keep in touch?" he

says, tapping his temple, a little

request for me to send him updates if anything changes.

"Yes, baby,” I say, standing on my toes, begging for a kiss.

My mate sweetly complies, pressing his lips quickly to mine before we go our separate ways. I give a little skip of excitement as I dash towards my mom at the door. "Come on!" I say, darting past her. "Let's go see a baby!"

 

Chapter 0955"How dare you, Jesse Sinclair," Midnight says, standing with her feet wide apart in front of her yurt, hands on her hips, glaring hard up at her mate. "You know the

rules. No! Pups!"

"Oh, come on, Mids," Jesse says, grinning and gesturing towards Marigold, who is still perched on his arm. "She's starving. She wants some cake!"

"Cake," Marigold whispers, nodding slowly. Jesse grins, appreciating that Marigold is on his side despite the fact that she probably doesn't know what that word

means.

Midnight narrows her eyes at the new little girl like she appreciates the cake argument. But then she shakes her head. "No way. That one," she says, pointing to Marigold, "seems quite calm. But that one," she says, shifting her finger to Seraphina standing next to Jesse, "is a terror!"

Seraphina smiles wickedly, showing all her teeth, confirming Midnight's assessment.

"No way!" Midnight says, slicing her hand hard through the air.

"Midnight," Jesse says, his voice even. "We'll go if you want. But I'll be disappointed in you if you turn this little girl away. She's brand new," he says, gesturing up at Marigold's adorable little face. "And she's hungry!"

Midnight sighs, finally persuaded. She has a good heart, after all, and

understands the ills of hunger. She stalks three steps forward, standing on her toes so that her eyes are nearly level with Marigold's. "Are you going to mess with my stuff?"

Marigold's eyes go wide and, surprised, she quickly shakes her head.

Satisfied, Midnight lowers her heels and turns to glare at Seraphina. "Are you!?” "No Miss Midnight," Seraphina says, tucking her hands behind her back in her best impression of a sweet and obedient child. "I'll be good."

Midnight sighs, narrowing her eyes again and Sera and putting her hands back on her hips. "Fine," she snaps. "You can come in. But I reserve the right to kill you -"

"Midnight!" Jesse snaps.

"Fine!" Midnight sighs. "Kick you out! If you are bad!"

Seraphina screeches with delight at being finally allowed into the forbidden yurt

and darts inside, gasping in delight when she sees how cool it is.

"Not so fast!" Midnight shouts, darting in after her. "No running!"

A crash sounds from inside.

"Oh dear,” Jesse says, grimacing and looking at Marigold. "Shall we join them?"

Marigold laughs and smacks Jesse eagerly on the chest, nodding. He grins at the little girl, wondering how it's possible for Jackson's features to be so cute on a little

three-year-old, and ducks into the yurt

He laughs immediately, putting Marigold down, watching as Midnight tries to snatch at all her books, holding them out of Seraphina's grasp. Sera laughs with delight, jumping up, trying to get at them.

"Jesse!" Midnight growls between her teeth, glancing over at him. "Contain this beast you call a sister!"

"Sera, be cool," Jesse calls, sitting himself down and leaning back on his hands. "Marigold told me she wants to play dress-up with Midnight's clothes - can you show her how?"

Sera's eyes light with delight and she waves to Marigold, darting over to corner of the yurt where all of Midnights new clothes spill out of several trunks. Marigold dashes over with her, delighted.

Midnight starts to protest, chasing after them, but Jesse grabs her wrist, tugging her back, laughing.

"Let them, Mids, they can't hurt yo clothes and you keep them all in a heap anyway so it's not like

they'll

get out of order. They only want to

play - they're just little girls."

"Little demons," Midnight snarls, glaring over at Seraphina and Marigold as they sort through all her stuff.

"Sure, little demons, but very ineffectual at tearing garments. Come on, just relax."

Midnight sighs but does as she's

bid, sinking down to the floor next to

Jesse and wrapping her arms

around her legs, resting her chin on

her knees. She keeps her eyes on

the girls. “Jackson's pup looks a lot like him."

"Doesn't she?" Jesse says, grinning and looking over at the pair. "She's really sweet."

Midnight hums consideringly, glancing up at Jesse. "And you don't find them annoying?"

Jesse grins at his mate. "I'm used to the chaos, Mids. I think they're funny. But it's fine if you find them annoying - plenty of people aren't crazy about kids."

Midnight hums again, turning her face back, clearly putting her thoughts together.

Jesse watches her quietly, wondering if she'll ever truly change her mind about wanting kids.

Wondering if he wants her to.