“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
I knew it wasn’t going to happen again. The kidnapping had most likely been Amanda’s doing, even though I’d never been able to prove it. This time, there was no betrayal lurking among us. My mother had arranged everything, and we were perfectly safe. But logic couldn’t stop the fear that gripped
Ella POV By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I felt almost sick with anxiety over the conversation I’d have to have with Alexander. I couldn’t even imagine one of my parents speaking about me with the level of suspicion that Diana showed toward Alexander. The thought alone was enough to le
It had been a situation I couldn’t easily escape, nothing more. My mother knew that, and so did Alexander, so Diana’s remark didn’t sting as she probably intended. Still, Alexander’s jaw tightened slightly as he turned back to me, and I gave him a reassuring smile. This was one battle I wasn’t abo
Ella POV Our goodbyes with Diana were polite, but the relief on my mother’s face was palpable the moment the car pulled away from the curb. Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression that made my stomach twist uneasily. Just yesterday, she had seemed so fond of Alexander, and now it felt
Alexander POVWedding planning was far more complicated than I’d ever imagined. How anyone managed to do this on their own was beyond me.Ella had mentioned, after I asked, that David had been no help at all with planning her first wedding. I wasn’t surprised to hear it, but I was annoyed nonetheles
The Briar Rose Pack was well-respected and prominent, and there was no reason for the Alpha King to disapprove of Damian’s interest in Elizabeth. But politics had a way of complicating even the simplest matters of the heart, and Elizabeth’s world was nothing if not political.Love, unfortunately, wa
Ella POV“The castle,” Elizabeth said for at least the third time in the last five minutes, her voice full of awe. “I can’t believe I’m actually going to get to visit.”“I can’t believe you haven’t already,” I admitted, glancing at her with a smirk. Elizabeth, the only daughter of the Alpha King, ha
Ella POV I didn’t know how long I cried as my mother rubbed my back and whispered comforting words, but it must have been a while. By the time I managed to pull myself together, we were already home. My emotions still felt raw, but I excused myself and went upstairs to my room. Sadness gave way
“He certainly would,” I agreed. A text notification chimed on my phone, and Alexander’s name lit up the screen. I opened the message immediately. Alexander: She had fun. Thank you. Me: You’re welcome. Alexander: Do you really love the dress you chose today? Me: It’s very nice. Alexander:
Ella POV Our goodbyes with Diana were polite, but the relief on my mother’s face was palpable the moment the car pulled away from the curb. Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression that made my stomach twist uneasily. Just yesterday, she had seemed so fond of Alexander, and now it felt
It had been a situation I couldn’t easily escape, nothing more. My mother knew that, and so did Alexander, so Diana’s remark didn’t sting as she probably intended. Still, Alexander’s jaw tightened slightly as he turned back to me, and I gave him a reassuring smile. This was one battle I wasn’t abo
Ella POV By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I felt almost sick with anxiety over the conversation I’d have to have with Alexander. I couldn’t even imagine one of my parents speaking about me with the level of suspicion that Diana showed toward Alexander. The thought alone was enough to le
I knew it wasn’t going to happen again. The kidnapping had most likely been Amanda’s doing, even though I’d never been able to prove it. This time, there was no betrayal lurking among us. My mother had arranged everything, and we were perfectly safe. But logic couldn’t stop the fear that gripped