Chapter 102

Ella POV

Occupational therapy wasn’t exactly what I expected—though, in hindsight, that was probably my fault for doing no research before agreeing to it. The prospect of regaining my wolf had been so exciting that I didn’t even think to question how the process would work.

Most of the appointment had been spent on paperwork and answering a seemingly endless list of questions from the doctor. The rest of the time was focused on small breathing exercises that, according to my therapist, were meant to help me through the eventual shift.

It seemed almost funny, considering my wolf had been dormant for so long.

Still, I remembered what Alexander’s doctor had said about strengthening my body to make my wolf stronger. Maybe preparing myself mentally and physically for the shift would make it easier when the time came.

As I left the therapy office, I pulled out my phone and called Alexander immediately.

He answered on the second ring, his voice carrying a hint of relief. “Hello. How did your appointment go?”

“Fine, I think,” I said, though my tone betrayed my uncertainty. “I’m not really sure what to expect from this. I’m afraid I might have gotten my hopes up too much.”

“Don’t be discouraged,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “These things take time.”

“You’re right,” I admitted with a slight sigh, though doubt still lingered. Then, deciding to shift the conversation, I added, “But I’m guessing you didn’t ask me to call just to talk about my appointment. What’s on your mind?”

“Wedding planning,” Alexander said without missing a beat. “We have a lot to do, and considering our desire to remain relevant in the public eye, I suggest we start making more of an effort to be seen doing the right things."

“Of course,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips as I thought about spending more time with him. “That only makes sense.”

“I think it would be best if we make a final decision about the flowers,” Alexander said, his tone measured and thoughtful. “From there, we can begin choosing the table décor. Of course, we’ll want everything to complement your dress, so we should start looking for that soon as well. I’d also like to take you to look at jewelry if you’d like.”

“You’ve really thought this through,” I said, surprised by his level of care.

“I have a checklist,” he replied. “I’ve done my research, and I want to make sure we don’t miss a single detail. Everything needs to be perfect.”

“I appreciate it,” I said sincerely. “The last time around, I had very little help with the planning.”

“Well, this time you’ve got me,” Alexander said confidently. “I already have an idea of the type of dress that would suit you after seeing your trying them on the first time around, but I think I’ll need your help in choosing what I’m going to wear.”

“I’d be honored,” I replied, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

"I'm glad to hear it," Alexander said smoothly. "I know exactly where we need to go."

"Is that right?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," he replied. "David has been seen frequenting all the most expensive places, but expensive does not equal quality. It's a mistake only someone unaccustomed to true wealth would make."

"So, you know the truly quality places we should go?" I asked, intrigued.

"That's right," he said with confidence in his voice. "And I’m certain the comparison won’t be lost on the media or the public. We just need to ensure we're seen at the right places, and the rumor mill will do the rest for us."

"And that's all we need to do to handle David right now?" I asked, a note of suspicion creeping into my voice.

"It's not all," Alexander admitted, his tone cooling slightly. "The rest will be handled by my people."

"Of course," I muttered.

"You sound uncertain," he observed, his tone cautious.

"It's not that I don't trust your judgment," I said hesitantly. "I'm just... uneasy about all of this."

“We can meet in person,” Alexander offered. “It might be easier to discuss our plans that way.”

“I’d love to,” I replied, “but I promised my father I’d help him with some pack matters today.”

“I see,” Alexander said, his tone calm. “It’s just as well. I have a few meetings I can’t put off. I also wanted to ask you about the David situation.”

I reached the end of the sidewalk and slid into the back seat of the car waiting to take me home. I leaned my head against the seat and sighed. Social media was buzzing about David again, and it was maddening.

After everything, he was still a thorn in my side. I wished he’d just disappear, but deep down, I knew that was never going to happen.

“Yes,” I said after a pause. “That’s something we need to address. I agree, though I’m not sure what the best approach is. I was hoping you might have an idea.”

“Does that mean I have your permission to handle the situation on my own?” Alexander asked.

His words gave me pause. There was a subtle edge to his tone, a quiet implication that he already had a plan in mind—one he didn’t seem inclined to explain. Honestly, the thought of not being directly involved was a relief.

“Of course,” I said quietly. “I think you’re better equipped to handle this than I am.”

“I appreciate your trust,” Alexander said, his voice almost too casual. “I’ll spare you the long-winded explanation—just know I’m arranging for his financial records to be leaked to a few choice media outlets. It’ll all be out to the public by this afternoon.”

I considered his words, a small frown tugging at my lips. “He doesn’t handle embarrassment well,” I said thoughtfully. “Who knows what this could drive him to?”

"I've already increased security and spoken to your father," Alexander answered.

“You’ve spoken to my father?” I asked, surprised. “When did you do that?”

“This morning,” he replied. “I warned him that David’s activities seemed suspicious and that I was concerned he might be planning something new. Security on your packlands will be increased as well.”

“I’m not sure how I feel about that,” I said, uncertainty creeping into my voice. “I suppose it’s a good thing that you get along with my father, but I can’t help wondering if I should be concerned that the two of you are talking without my knowledge.”

“There’s nothing to be concerned about at all,” Alexander assured me. “Isn’t it a good thing that your future husband and your father get along? I would think that would be reassuring.”

“It is a good thing,” I agreed. “Of course, I want you and my parents to get along. Getting on my father’s good side is a great start. I even think my mother is starting to warm up to you, despite her earlier concerns.”

“Then why do you sound so concerned?” Alexander asked, his tone curious.

“Well, it’s just that knowing you’re speaking to my parents outside of my presence makes me realize—I’ve yet to meet any member of your family.”

I heard Alexander inhale sharply, but he didn’t say anything in response.

“It’s just… we’re getting married,” I continued carefully, “and I haven’t met your mother or your brother yet. Doesn’t that seem odd? We should probably arrange for that so it doesn’t seem suspicious.”

There was still no response. A sinking feeling came over me. Was something wrong? It wasn’t like Alexander to be nervous or quiet like this. Was he hiding something from me? But why this? And why now?

The silence stretched between us, heavy and unsettling. My thoughts began to spiral. Was this whole plan going to fall apart after we’d already put so much into it?