Page 29 of The Alpha's Mates

Jackson stood with Bell on the front porch of her sorority house as Christoph drove away. His parents had called moments before, demanding he come to their hotel, and after the scene they caused, he knew it couldn’t be good. Yet, Christoph refused to let them join him.Stubborn cat.

Wrapping his arm around Bell’s shoulder, he led her up the stairs onto the porch before opening the front door. He knew somewhere inside the house sat her father. And, with them arriving sans Christoph, he’d have tons of questions. Ones Jackson didn’t want to answer for fear of upsetting Bell more than she already had been. Her lithe body sagged against Jackson’s when they stepped inside. “Sit. I’ll make you some tea, and we’ll figure out what to do next.”

She gave a weary nod and proceeded to sit in her favorite chair. Heavy footsteps pounded on the stairs coming down to the main floor of the house. When a man came around the corner, Jackson breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn’t be her father. He looked too young.

“Hey, man, what’s up?” Jackson continued to the kitchen, not sparing the guy another look.

“Daddy?”

Jackson stilled. Every inch of him vibrated with awareness, shocked by Bell’s voice.Shit.Not the best way to make a first impression. Pivoting, he returned to the living room. The man she affectionately called Daddy had placed her on his lap, while she cried.Fucking hell.The desire to fix everything flowed through Jackson, but, at the moment, he didn’t know how. Christoph had to be the one to confront his parents and resolve their issues. He thought the lion had, especially after his little speech. Yet, by the way the guy ran home with his tail tucked between his legs, maybe not.

“What happened?” Her father pinned him with a glare. If he’d been a lesser beast, he’d have cowered.

“Christoph’s parents are assholes. They treated Bell horribly.” His gaze never wavered from Bell’s father. “Worse than assholes to be honest.”

“They treated all of us terribly, Jackson.” She sniffed and buried her face into her father’s chest. “They’re so mean. I’ve never met anyone like them with the exception of one person.”

“I’ve dealt with worse,” Jackson replied. “Believe it or not, most dragons aren’t known for their manners.”

“And you’d be?” Her father wrapped his arms around his daughter in a protective gesture.

“Jackson Dalco. From the house Dalco.” He closed the space between them and held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. Just wish it was on better terms.”

He eyed Jackson’s hand then shook it. “You’re the one Christoph told me about earlier?”

Jackson glanced at Bell, who’d gone completely still in her father’s arms. “I’m her mate, yes.”

“He said as much.” Rapier exhaled.

“Daddy.” She sat up and narrowed her eyes. If the situation hadn’t been so serious, he’d have laughed. “Don’t do this. I’ve had a rotten night because Christoph’s parents couldn’t accept us, don’t do the same thing.”

He stared at her. “Fine, princess. Later, we’ll talk about why you felt the need to lie to me.”

“She didn’t lie, sir.” The need to protect and defend her pushed at him. “She withheld the information because she knew it would upset you.”

The man visibly deflated in the chair. He cupped her cheek. “Bell, I’ve always told you to be honest with me, no matter how I may react. Why, all the sudden, are you hiding?”

She shrugged. The heady scent of shame wafted from her when she turned away. Bell was the softest, most kind person Jackson knew. He wondered if they hadn’t broached the subject at the gala, if she would have even acknowledged they were her mates.

“If I may be of some assistance.” He edged over to the couch and took a seat. “Things haven’t been the most—settled around here.”

“Not by a long shot.” She grunted.

“Between Hayden mating Nico and having to deal with some really ugly girls, our mating isn’t on the front burner. Plus—”

Rapier growled. “What girls? When did Hayden finally man up and mate Nico?”

“We haven’t had time to talk.” She glared at Jackson, who didn’t flinch.

“Sir, she has been under a considerable amount of stress. This bullsh—” He cleared his throat. “This crap with Christoph is just the tip of the iceberg.” Her father had a right to know what happened with his daughter. “Add in the issues with the house...”

Bell gapped at him. “You knew?”

“Christoph told me.” Jackson shrugged.

“Fuck them.” Rapier grabbed both of Bell’s arms and she turned to face him. “Are you happy with both men?”

She bit her lip. “Well….”

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