Ella POV Alexander’s mood was noticeably brighter than it had been all week. His team had won the race, and as we made our way toward the car, there was a lightness in his step and an irrepressible grin on his face. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy," I teased. "I can’t remember the
Alexander placed his hand over mine on the table, his touch firm but reassuring. His warning look was unmistakable, and I steeled myself, realizing who was walking toward us. "Alpha Lake," Alexander greeted evenly as the man reached our table. "Good evening, Alpha Black," Derrick replied. "I hop
Ella POV Alexander and Derrick Lake stared at each other as our waiter returned to the table, bringing our desserts. That’s when Lily Lake spoke, breaking the tension. "Excuse me," she said, addressing the waiter. "If you don't mind, could you bring a bottle of nice dessert champagne?" "Ma’am?
Why should I be embarrassed? Alexander was my husband. This was exactly the kind of behavior expected of newlyweds, wasn’t it? Drunk, giggling, and falling all over each other—even in public. I couldn’t have planned it better if I tried. But this wasn’t a stunt. This was genuine. We’d had a wonder
Alexander POV I stared at Ella. The look on her face was teasing, but her eyes told a different story. They were dark, intent—appraising. She wasn’t just joking. At least, I didn’t think so. Her confidence when she said I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference wasn’t misplaced. It unsettled me.
Ella POV Alexander moved the moment the words left my mouth. His lips were on mine and his hand gripped my hips firmly. It was far from our first kiss, but it made my heart race and my skin tingle plesantly anyway. I wrapped my arms around his neck, returning the kiss eagerly. I hadn’t been ly
Ella POV The trip upstairs to the apartment was mostly silent. I couldn't speak for Alexander, but I was feeling strangely sober after what had just passed between us. I didn’t regret it exactly, but I knew it had been a mistake—a mistake I had insisted upon making. Alexander seemed composed, bu
Ella POV The rest of the evening with Alexander was quiet. We were both tired from the long day, and each seemed lost in our own thoughts. The next morning wasn’t much different. Alexander, to my surprise, seemed more hungover than either of us had anticipated and decided to sleep in—a rarity fo
He had to know that if he exposed my ties to the Roguelands I would do the same to him. Was that the plan? If he was going down anyway, did he intend to take me with him?But he had been released from custody. The king didn’t have anything on him that could stick. It would be self destructive of him
Alexander POVThe headlines the next morning were dominated by Archer’s announcement. Any attention or goodwill we had hoped to gain from the party was completely overshadowed—exactly as he had intended.It was a calculated move, and I couldn’t deny its brilliance.Ella was shaken. Of course, she wa
And if she was careless enough to speak openly about it—where a servant could overhear—My head spun, nausea creeping up my throat.Michael stepped toward me, concern etched into his features, but before he could say anything, a knock sounded at the door.It opened without waiting for a response.Au
Alexander POVI reached the lobby and was nearly out the door when a familiar voice called my name.I froze, turning in confusion to find Michael rushing toward me.“What are you doing here?” I asked as my younger brother practically barreled into me.I grabbed him by the elbows, scanning his face.
“Can I ask why not?” I asked, causing Alexander to glance at me in surprise.“It’s just that we don’t know who else may run,” the Luna of Pine Forest replied. “At this point, Alexander is unopposed, and while he is, of course, a fantastic option, I’m not willing to make a decision until I know all o
Ella POVIn all the chaos and confusion of the last few days, I had completely forgotten that Alexander and I were supposed to be hosting a party to celebrate the beginning of construction on the solar farm.It was an unnecessary PR move—an opportunity for people to speak with Alexander and be remin
“Talk to your father,” I pleaded. “Ask him. Ask the servants if anyone new has been frequenting the house, if he’s been meeting with anyone. Someone is swaying his decisions.”Elizabeth hesitated before responding. “Okay. I’ll do what I can.”“Thank you,” I said, hoping she could hear the sincerity
Ella POVI woke up with my head pressed against Alexander’s chest, his arms wrapped securely around me. The warmth of his embrace should have been comforting, but it did nothing to calm the chaos of my waking.Both our phones were ringing, and someone was pounding on the apartment door.Alexander pr
Ella POV“If someone is targeting me to get to you,” I said softly, “then could Michael and Diana be in danger too?”Alexander shrugged half-heartedly. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But it’s probably best if I let them know the situation—just in case.”“They don’t know anything about…” I hesitated,