The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"I'm like barely with child! Oh, come on, a sip in celebration isn't going to hurt them!"

"Mommy wants her liquor," Jesse whispers to Marigold, his eyes wide with pretend worry. Goldie's mouth circles into an anxious little 'o' as she turns her gaze to me.

"Nope!" mom says, absurdly cheerful. "None! And no caffeine either - you've got to be healthy, Ari -"

"No coffee!?" I squeak, horrified. Rafe grins at me, delighting in my agony as I slump dramatically back against my chair. "I'll never make it. I'm not prepared for this."

"You'll be fine, cupcake," mom coos, petting my hair back from my forehead. "We'll get you some nice herbal tea."

I groan and then hold my glass out towards Marigold. "Here, Goldie, this is for you. You like apple juice, right?"

Her eyes flare with interest and Marigold hops off the couch, trotting over to me, her hands reaching for the glass. We all watch with interest as she takes her first sip of the drink, her eyes opening wide with joy as the liquid hits her tongue.

I laugh, gathering my little girl up into my lap for a cuddle as she takes sip after sip of the drink, clearly enjoying it even though she doesn't quite know what to do about the bubbles.

"When you going to break it to her that she's going to get some siblings?" Rafe asks, grinning, leaning forward to peer at his new niece.

"I think you just did you idiot," I say, laughing a little and petting Goldie's hair even

as I glare at my brother. "She's right here. She listens to everything."

"Oh, she doesn't know what siblings means," Rafe says, waving a dismissive hand and taking a drink of his champagne.noveldrama

"Siblings," Marigold murmurs between sips, smiling down at the glass, proving us both right. I grin, watching her.

"I guess Jacks and I will do our best to break it to her whenever he gets out of there," I sigh, turning to look at the door to my parents' bedroom, anxiety running through me. I mean, I know that dad isn't going to do anything horrible, but still... Jacks has been through a lot lately. I just hope dad goes easy on him with whatever it is he wants to say.

"Oh, he'll be fine," mom says on a happy sigh. "And in the meantime, I get my baby girl all to myself without Jackson being all Alpha and possessive. Come on, trouble, let's do that health scan so I can ensure you're fit to carry my grandchildren."

"Okay," I say, shifting in my seat to lean closer to my mom, smiling a little as her warm lavender light begins to spill all over me.

Jackson walks to the center of the large bedroom before he turns toward the Alpha King, straightening his shoulders and slipping his hands into his pockets. His wolf stands steady in his soul, his snout low to the ground, watching, wary.

Because as much as Jackson's pretty sure the King means him no harm... Jackson is well aware that he did just accidentally impregnate the nation's eldest Princess. Second in line to the throne. And that...ţ there might be consequences for that.

"Well?" Dominic Sinclair asks, prowling after Jackson and stopping about three feet away, the two Alphas squaring off, power and dominance radiating from each of them. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Jackson goes

bit still, dread coiling in him. Because...god damn it, Dominic wants words? Words are the thing he's least good at. Jackson narrows his eyes, a little confused. "Sir...should I have something to say?"

Dominic stares at Jackson for a

second before his face breaks into a

e'

smile. "Nah, it's okay, Jackson. You can relax. I'm just putting you through your paces a bit for fun. It's not every day that your daughter gets pregnant and you get the opportunity to scare the living daylights out of her mate."

Jackson exhales a long sigh, letting his shoulders relax, his head hang a bit.

Dominic laughs, stepping forward to clap a hand on his shoulder.

"Consider me paced, sir," Jackson murmurs, raising a hand to rub at the bridge of his nose for a moment. Then he drops his hand and raises his head, meeting the King's eyes. "You're not angry with us? With...me?"

"You're a good kid, Jackson,"

Dominic says, giving his shoulder a squeeze. "I'm not angry with you. You've demonstrated yourself to be a strong and faithful mate to my daughter, dedicated to her

Rel

happiness and safety. And beyond that, you're a good addition to the family. I can't ask for more than that. There's nothing wrong, ever, with two people who are so clearly dedicated to each other bringing a child into the world."

Jackson nods slowly, a little frown taking his mouth because... "Well, then why the private chat?"

"Because," Dominic says, patting his shoulder once more before dropping his hand to his side. "You're good to Ariel, and good for her. But I want to see you do right by her."

Jackson raises his eyebrows, honestly surprised. "Am I...not doing right by her?" Dominic smirks at Jackson, waiting for him to put the pieces together.