Chapter 105

Ella POV

Alexander's family home was nothing like what I had imagined. His apartment was so sleek and high-end that I had expected his family residence to be a sprawling modern mansion equipped with the latest technology.

Instead, it was an old manor house—updated, yes—but still radiating a timeless, antiquated charm. The preserved details hinted at a deliberate effort to maintain the family’s ancestral legacy. The solid oak floors, antique furniture, and subtle touches of history spoke volumes.

As we stepped inside, I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander, taking in the craftsmanship of the space. A short, middle-aged woman opened the door for us and immediately stepped aside, bowing reverently.

“Welcome home, Alpha Black,” she said politely.

“There’s no need to be so formal, Hazel,” Alexander replied kindly, a hint of fondness in his tone. He turned to me with a smile. “Ella, this is Hazel. She’s the head maid, though really, she runs the household and has for quite some time.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Hazel,” I said, returning her polite smile. “I’m Ella—”

“Ella Rowanwood,” she interrupted, her tone warming with excitement. “The pleasure is mine! I was beginning to wonder when we might have the honor of your presence.”

Alexander sighed lightly. “I know, I took my time. I wanted to be certain of things.”

“And yet,” Hazel said, a playful reprimand lacing her words, “it is customary to introduce your girlfriend to your mother before proposing.”

Alexander smiled at her fondly, unbothered by the scolding. “Thank you for the reminder,” he said with amusement. “Is Mother in?”

“She is,” Hazel replied, her tone shifting back to professionalism. “But Michael hasn’t returned yet. I expect he’ll be back after dinner if that’s not too—”

Alexander waved off her concern before she could finish. “It’s fine. I know he’s busy. Please let Mother know we’re here.”

“Of course, sir,” Hazel said with a nod. “Please, make yourselves at home in the meantime.”

As Hazel departed, I looked at Alexander curiously. “Michael?”

“My younger brother,” he said, leading me further into the house.

“Oh, of course,” I said, shaking my head at my own oversight.

I’d only ever seen Alexander’s brother referred to as Mikey Black in old news reports. Of course he wouldn’t use the childish nickname now.

I realized it had been years since I’d heard his name in the media. It was clear that Michael, like their mother, preferred the quiet privacy of their packlands.

“He keeps himself busy, so I’m not surprised at all that he won’t be joining us for dinner,” Alexander said casually. “But don’t worry—you’ll still get the chance to meet him. He’ll probably be excited to have a new sister. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s asking you for advice before the night is over.”

“Advice?” I asked, frowning slightly.

“About girls,” Alexander said with a slight grin. “Michael’s never been the most charming, and I’m sure he’ll want your insight.”

“Why wouldn’t he ask you for advice about those kinds of things? You’re good with the ladies.”

“No, I’m not,” Alexander muttered under his breath, his tone unexpectedly self-deprecating.

Before I could ask what he meant, a breathy female voice called out to us.

“Welcome.”

I turned to see a tall, slim blonde woman approaching. She wore a beautifully tailored dress, and her expertly done makeup highlighted her elegant features. At first glance, I wouldn’t have guessed she was Alexander’s mother—she seemed far too youthful.

“Ella, this is my mother, Diana,” Alexander said, introducing her with a polite but restrained tone. “Mother, this is my fiancée.”

Diana walked toward me with her arms outstretched, clearly seeking a hug. I awkwardly obliged as she pulled me into a tight embrace.

“It’s so good to finally meet you,” she said kindly, stepping back and giving me a thorough once-over. “You’re very beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling a little embarrassed by the sudden compliment. “I’m sorry it took so long for us to meet.”

“Think nothing of it,” Diana said dismissively, her smile warm but practiced. “I never expected Alexander to settle down at all.” She paused, her tone shifting just slightly, “Hearing about your engagement was a very happy surprise, I assure you.”

Despite her pleasant words and light tone, I couldn’t shake the tension in the room. I glanced at Alexander and noticed that his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Perhaps this was just polite civility masking deeper feelings, something they had already discussed privately. That seemed the most likely explanation.

I reminded myself to be grateful. Diana was greeting me kindly, and a difficult relationship with his family would only complicate things for us. For now, I should focus on making a good impression and not overthink the subtle unease lingering beneath the surface.

“Come on into the dining room,” Diana said, gesturing gracefully. “Everything is set for us.”

Alexander placed his hand on the small of my back as we followed her, a simple gesture that sent a slight shiver through me. The dining room was large and elegant, centered around a long wooden table adorned with crystal glasses and fine china.

Alexander pulled out a chair for me, and I settled into it gratefully. He took the seat beside me while Diana positioned herself across from us.

“It’s a long trip from the Rowanwood pack all the way up here,” Diana began, her tone light but scrutinizing. “I hope it wasn’t too much for you.”

“Oh, not at all,” I replied with a polite smile. “I spent last night in the capital to make the journey less taxing.”

“I see,” Diana said, her eyes flicking to Alexander. “So, the two of you are spending the night together already?”

“Oh, no!” I said quickly, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “No, I stayed in a small property owned by my father.”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed,” Diana said with a light laugh. “I’m not some prude. I assume that the two of you have—”

“Mother, this is not appropriate,” Alexander interrupted in a low, firm tone.

I glanced at him in surprise. While Diana’s comment was prying, it felt strange to hear him address his mother so directly.

“Oh, lighten up,” Diana replied dismissively as a staff member entered to pour wine into our glasses.

Diana took a sip of hers before turning her attention back to me. “I have to tell you, I was quite shocked when I heard that you and Alexander were together,” she said, her words measured. “I knew he’d make a good match someday. The Rowanwood pack, the only child of Roman Rowan himself—it’s quite the catch. Your family is quite wealthy, aren’t they?”

“No more so than yours,” I said, keeping my tone steady and choosing my words carefully.

“Well, for a pack of your size,” Diana continued, smiling tightly. “Very impressive. Your father must be quite the leader.”

“He is,” I agreed. “He’s very dedicated to the pack.”

Diana took another, larger sip of her wine, setting the glass down with a forced smile. “Alexander couldn’t have done better,” she said. Yet, her tone lacked pride, instead carrying an undercurrent of something I couldn’t quite place—annoyance, perhaps.

I kept my own smile firmly in place, doing my best to remain composed despite the growing discomfort.

Was I imagining things? Or was Diana’s behavior intentionally confrontational? Her questions were invasive and bordered on rude, and she had to know it. Yet, the polished way she spoke made it impossible to call her out without seeming impolite myself.

Still, I couldn’t shake the sense that I was being tested—and that this test wasn’t one I could afford to fail.

Diana looked directly into my eyes, her tight smile unwavering. “So,” she began, her tone deceptively light. “I wonder how it is that someone as upstanding and proper as a Rowanwood would end up in your situation.”

“Excuse me?” I asked, frowning in confusion.

“How did you end up with Alexander?” she asked bluntly. “I hope you aren’t with him just to make David jealous.”

My heart froze, the air in the room thickening around me. I stared at her in disbelief, my breath caught in my throat. The mention of David's name felt like a slap—unexpected and disorienting.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. My mind raced, trying to comprehend her question, her intent, and what she could possibly know.