Chapter 165

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 unexpected issue, so August sat beside me instead.

He was stiff, clearly out of his comfort zone, but his demeanor shifted the moment my father unrolled the charts and maps outlining the solar farm project. August leaned forward, his interest piqued as he studied the plans.

“Security is going to be the top concern,” August said, his gaze fixed on the details. “The plans are wonderful—almost flawless, I dare say—but we cannot trust the Lake Pack.”

“Exactly,” my father agreed, steepling his fingers beneath his chin as he regarded August thoughtfully. “This was the same concern Alexander’s team of scientists raised when we worked on the plans together. I’ve been collaborating with the Lake Pack’s lawyers and Alpha Derrick to finalize the border adjustments, but that does nothing to guarantee David won’t act childishly again in an attempt to cost us money and time.”

“There’s no way to guarantee that,” I said, my irritation with David’s antics bubbling to the surface. “The last time I spoke with Alpha Derrick, it was clear he didn’t care about the damage David’s actions had caused—only about the impact on the pack’s reputation.”

“That’s always been the best way to get through to him,” my father said with a rueful shake of his head. “Derrick’s morals may be lacking, but his pride certainly isn’t. Bad publicity cuts him deeply, and he’s had more than his fair share of it in the past year.”

“How do we use that to our advantage?” August asked, glancing between us with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

“We make it seem like it’s Alpha Derrick’s idea,” I suggested. “Like it or not, we’ll have to involve them. The solar farm’s planning, execution, and credit will belong to our packs, but if we let Derrick feel like he has a small measure of ownership, he’ll be more inclined to protect the border.”

“I see your point,” August said, though his tone remained cautious. “But how exactly do we manage that?”

“I’ll set up a meeting with Derrick,” my father said, his tone making it clear he wasn’t thrilled at the prospect. “We’ll make it clear that border security will be staffed by members of both our packs, but he’ll ultimately be responsible for protecting the plant. If anything goes wrong, it’ll fall squarely on his shoulders. However, if the project succeeds, as we expect it will, he’ll be credited for facilitating its success.”

“But won’t it be obvious that the only thing it needs protecting from is the Lake Pack?” August asked, his skepticism clear.

I shook my head. “No. The Lake Pack is far enough north that there’s been some rogue activity in the area. It’s minimal, but it provides a convenient excuse for the upgraded security. It’s something the media will latch onto.”

August nodded slowly. “I suppose you’re right. Still, we’ll need Alexander’s sign-off on this.”

“Of course,” I agreed. “I’d hoped he’d join us today so we could finalize everything, but you know how he is. He took one evening off work, and now he feels like he has to do double time to make up for it.”

“You’ll get used to it,” August said, though I could tell by his tone that he didn’t believe his own words. He knew as well as I did how much Alexander’s refusal to rest bothered me.

“A good work ethic is important,” my father added, his voice calm and measured. “But burning out before you’re forty will undo all the work you’ve accomplished. Alexander will learn to loosen up—I’m sure Ella will insist upon it.”

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.”

“Of course,” my father said. “You can stay in the office. You won’t be overheard here—we’ll give you some privacy.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” August said with a polite nod.

I stood and followed my father out of the room. Once the door closed behind us, we made our way to the living room.

“Other than Alexander overworking himself, how’s married life treating you?” my father asked once we were seated on the couch.

I shrugged, unsure how to respond. I hated lying to my father, but it wasn’t as though things were bad—they just weren’t good, either. Then again, what did I expect from a fake marriage?

“We’re settling in,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “There are a lot of adjustments to make.”

“I remember what that was like,” my father said with a fond smile. “Your mother and I were very different people when we first married. Getting used to each other’s particularities took time, but in the end, we discovered we were more compatible than we initially realized. I’m sure you’ll find the same.”

“You’re right,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “But part of me feels like things have just changed too quickly. It’s like, overnight, everything’s different, and I’m not sure I know what my place is anymore.”

My father placed his hand over mine, and I glanced at him reluctantly, unsure of the expression I’d find on his face.

To my surprise, it wasn’t one of worry or disappointment, but that same proud smile I’d seen before.

“Ella,” he said, his tone steady and resolute. “There was a time when I worried about what your place would be—when I wasn’t sure of your dedication, your willingness to push yourself to grow. I don’t have those concerns anymore. You’ve been through so much this past year alone, and you’ve come out the other side stronger, more focused, and more compassionate. These are the qualities of a true leader, qualities that few possess.”

My eyes welled with tears at his words. A part of me wanted to argue, to tell him it was all an act, that I wasn’t as strong as he believed—but I couldn’t.

“I’m proud of you,” he said firmly, leaving no room for doubt. “Always remember that.”

“I will,” I replied, my voice trembling.

“It’s normal to feel the way you do right now,” he added. “You’re newly married, and soon you’ll be taking on Luna responsibilities. It’s a major role, one that demands your heart and mind be fully committed. It’s a lot to ask of anyone—but I know you’re capable.”

“I’ll do my best,” I promised, meaning every word. “I won’t let you down.”

My father shook his head gently. “The only way you could let me down,” he said, “is if you stop listening to your instincts or doubt yourself. Trust what’s in your heart. And remember—your mother and I are always here for you. No matter how old you get, you’ll always be our little princess.”

I couldn’t help but laugh through my tears. The sentiment was sweet, if not a little embarrassing. Leaning against his side, I let him pull me into a tight hug.

He was right. I had to trust my instincts—they hadn’t failed me yet. This second chance I’d been given wasn’t something to take lightly. I had to trust that it was meant for a reason.