Chapter 940

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 andnoveldrama

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.