"Yes," I said, dipping my fingers into the warm water. "I’m also doing some occupational therapy, and I’m hoping the combination will help me recover my wolf more quickly." Her eyes softened with genuine curiosity. "Do you feel it’s making a difference? Have you noticed anything yet?" I hesitate
Ella POV Alexander knew exactly what he was doing to me—the closeness of his body, the heat radiating from his workout, and the effortless way he carried himself. There was no way my reaction was unexpected, and I refused to let him see just how much he was affecting me. Without overthinking, I
Whether or not he believed me, I wouldn’t be able to keep it to myself. The anxiety I felt at the prospect of spending time with Diana wasn’t entirely tied to her attitude toward Alexander—or at least, that was all I could be certain of. There was no other reason I should feel uneasy around her… was
Ella POV The castle was even more incredible than I had imagined. Alexander and I arrived early Saturday morning, just as planned. Though it was only a twenty-minute drive from his office in the capital, it felt like we had been transported to another world. Surrounded by dense forest and perfec
“The dress will be a surprise,” I said, keeping my smile intact. “That’s the tradition, after all.” “Are you always so traditional?” he asked, his voice turning suggestive as he looked at me in a way that made my skin prickle. Alexander immediately stepped closer, sliding his arm around me prote
Ella POV The memory of Alexander's lips against mine lingered even the next morning as I stepped into the bridal boutique. I tried to push the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand as my mother and I entered the boutique where Diana was already waiting for us. This was a place I’d only eve
"Well, I want to try something a bit different this time," I said thoughtfully. "What can you show me in a princess cut?" The man’s eyes lit up. "Princess gowns? Excellent choice!" He turned to my mother and Diana, gesturing for them to follow him. "Ladies," he said with a flourish, "if you’ll com
Ella POV When I reached the end of the hallway, Diana came into view. She noticed me immediately, and a guilty look flickered across her face. “What are you gossiping about?” I asked, my tone sharp as I fixed her with a steady gaze. Diana straightened her posture and gave a tight smile. “Oh, n
“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