The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy novel Chapter 572

Jesse gives me a little glare, clearly wanting to be in on the mini conference, but I just grin at him and flick my fingers towards the door, telling him to go away. Cora laughs and gathers up my brother and my cousin, escorting them out of the room and shutting the door behind her so that mom, me, and Jacks are quite suddenly alone.

Jackson sighs, letting me slip down to the floor, even though I can tell he doesn’t want to.

Mom keeps her eyes on the door until it snicks shut and then whips her head back to the two of us. “Did Rafe and Daphne break up? What’s going on there?”

“Mom, I called this private conference to talk about me,” I say, pressing my fingers delicately to my heart. “Not your precious meatball.”

“But he is a precious little meatball!” mom says, gathering her fists tight below her chin and looking at me with shining eyes. “Just a sad, precious little heartbroken meatball!”

I laugh, shaking my head at her but heaving a little sigh. And then as mom slips into Rafe’s desk chair and I take my seat again, Jackson pulling his chair over to sit between us, I quickly fill my mom in on Rafe’s romantic drama. And even though I can tell she has a thousand questions, I smile my gratitude when mom tucks them all away and leans towards me.

“Okay. Thanks for telling me that – but I’m sure he’ll be okay. But what’s up with you, baby? Are you all right?” She leans forward, putting a warm hand on my knee, her eyes bright and loving and defensive, like she’s ready to call the Goddess back and give her a piece of her mind if she’s truly upset me.

My lip starts to tremble at the concern in her voice, the way she so clearly offers to take my troubles from me and solve all my problems.

“Can you stay, mom?” I croak, suddenly wanting her near very, very much. So, so much has changed so fast and I just…want my mom. “Just for like, one more night?”

A sudden rush of worry and love comes flooding down my bond with Jackson as he sees how upset I am, but I’m still looking at mom even as he reaches out a hand and places it warm on my back.