Ella POVMy hand trembled slightly as I took the pen from Alexander. The weight of the moment pressed down on me as I stared at the long contract in front of me, its fine print blurring as my pulse pounded in my ears. I sat down slowly, trying to focus on the words, but my mind was spinning. This co
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I demanded. “I could have defended you more forcefully! It’s going to be harder to win people back to your side now because of the delay.“Will it?” he asked, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. “I think if I had rushed out to make a statement immediately, it would’v
Ella POVI barely touched the tea in my hands. My nerves were too frayed to enjoy it. The idea of standing beside Alexander while he made his statement to the press felt overwhelming.Even though I wouldn’t be speaking, I knew people would be staring at me, judging my every expression and my body la
At that comment, I squeezed his hand reassuringly, and he glanced at me with a tight smile before turning back toward the reporters."But I understand why people have felt the need to speak out," he continued. "I made a lot of mistakes in my younger days. I was arrogant and brash, and I didn’t alway
Ella POVAlexander and I left his pack's headquarters through the back entrance, slipping directly into his car. He had the curious habit of driving himself around, which I found oddly endearing. With so many staff members constantly surrounding him, driving was probably one of the few moments he co
“I have to admit, I’m concerned,” my mother said, her voice sharp with worry."You really don't have anything to worry about," I replied, trying to keep my tone steady."Don't take this the wrong way, sweetheart," she pressed, "but I’m afraid you haven’t shown the best judgment recently. Are you cer
Ella POVI had been spending so much time in the capital lately that my father had offered to get me an apartment. The upper levels of our family’s small pack building had bedrooms, and one could easily be converted into a space for me. I had declined, though I knew it might be useful in the future.
Ella POV“You're delusional!” The fifth woman, a short redhead, finally pushed her way to the front of the group, her eyes blazing with rage as she locked onto me. “You're either completely delusional or you know the truth about Alexander and don't care. Is that it? Are you just trying to help him h
“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