I kept my head held high and proud as I stepped out onto the walkway. I could hear people’s exclamations of surprise and gasps as they saw me, but I kept my gaze forward, looking at David as I walked steadily down the aisle.Amanda was standing to the side of the altar in a place of honor, wearing a
The wedding ceremony went just as planned. I felt cold as David slipped the ring onto my finger and made his vows, but I smiled with tears in my eyes.David’s possesive words during the ceremony unsettled me, but I couldn’t dwell on it. He hadn’t been so forward in the original timeline.He must
"I’m glad things worked out the way they did," I said. "This dress is the perfect choice for me.""I agree," my mother said happily.I continued to chat with my mother as I ate my food, but soon dinner was over. People were beginning to drink, dance, and socialize.David went off to talk to a couple
Elizabeth and I talked for a while, and I found that we really hit it off far more than I ever could have expected. It was nice to have a normal conversation with someone, especially after everything I had been through in the last few weeks.She was intelligent, brave, and confident—everything I hop
“It’s stunning,” I said as I looked at the image of a large wolf standing silhouetted against a full moon.“Yes, it’s nice,” David agreed, trying to hide his disappointment.“Is this hand-carved?” I asked, reaching my fingers out and delicately running them over the lines of the image. “It must have
David was embarrassed that the gift Alexander had presented to me was so much nicer than the ring he had used during our wedding ceremony, but he was hiding it well. He was good at pretending, after all.That was how he had hidden his true intentions from me for so long in the original timeline. He
Once all of the alphas and lunas had left the wedding, all that remained were young, drunk people ready to cut loose and party. The bar was still busy, although I was told that some of the alcohol had begun to run out and they would have to announce last call soon.It was already nearing 11:00 p.m.
David put his hands up, ready to catch me, and I allowed myself to fall forward into his arms.He caught me and held me firmly against his chest, laughing slightly.“You see, you are drunk,” he said. “I told you.”“You must be right,” I replied, avoiding his eyes so that he wouldn’t see my own amuse
“Michael’s far more mature than you are,” Alexander shot back. “As if he had a choice,” Fiona quipped. “What does that mean?” I asked, curiosity piqued. “With a mother like Diana, it’s not like he had the luxury of a normal childhood,” Fiona said casually, her tone light but her words weighted.
Ella POV “How did Fiona trick you into coming out with her tonight?” Alexander asked, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips as we settled into a dimly lit booth at the warm cocktail bar up the street. Fiona kicked him under the table. Alexander winced and hissed in pain. I laughed, unable to help m
“Fiona!” I called out. She turned, her emerald-green dress shimmering under the chandelier light. The long bell sleeves and silver jewelry made her look effortlessly elegant. She smiled warmly as she approached us, a tall, broad-shouldered man with light brown hair at her side. “I didn’t expect to
Ella POV The story unfolding on the stage below was utterly entrancing. I couldn’t tear my eyes away as the scene shifted to a beautiful young woman being pursued by her raving mother. The villain’s aria was both mesmerizing and terrifying, her powerful voice weaving between anguish and fury as t
Ella POV The rest of the week was a whirlwind. News outlets hounded Alexander for comments about the king's rumored retirement, speculating wildly about his next move. Meanwhile, the hunt for Dr. McIntyre weighed heavily on my mind, especially since there seemed to be no progress. Alexander’s late
I laughed softly at my father’s teasing. “I can work hard too, you know. I just prefer balance.” “As you should,” he replied with a small smile. August smiled slightly as well, then stood and stepped away from the desk. “I’m going to give Alexander a call. He wanted an update as soon as possible.”
Ella POV The next evening, I found myself back in my home pack’s territory, sitting in my father’s office. It felt strange being here after so long, especially given the change in circumstances, but there was something comforting about it. Alexander had been unable to attend the meeting due to an
Ella POV “You’re back,” Alexander said as I walked into the apartment, his voice warm but tinged with curiosity. “Yes, sorry I’m late for lunch,” I replied, setting my bag down. “My coffee outing ran long. I ran into Fiona at the café, and we got to talking.” “That’s good,” Alexander said, watchi
A small, irrational part of me wanted to turn around and walk out, but that would be ridiculous. Instead, I stepped up to the counter and focused on placing my order: the usual drinks for James and me. I’d hoped Fiona wouldn’t notice me. No such luck. “Ella!” she called out, her voice bright with