Chapter 211

Ella POV

In 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 reminded of the good he was doing for the kingdom in the lead-up to the election.

In light of Archer’s release the other day, the party had become even more important. We had to put up a strong front, to show that we weren’t intimidated or swayed into changing our plans over a little tension.

I wished more than anything that we didn’t have to do this, but it wasn’t avoidable. I couldn’t leave Alexander to handle it alone, forcing him to make excuses for me—though he had offered.

The event was being hosted in the office building, which apparently had a very nice event space I had yet to see. At the very least, if I truly needed to slip away, I was just one elevator ride from the apartment.

Alexander was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, while I wore a soft blue dress that fell just below my knees, paired with the diamond jewelry set he had given me as a gift at my wedding to David.

I knew we looked incredible together—the photos from the event would be striking, casting us in the best possible light. But that did little to ease my tension.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Alexander asked, studying me closely. “I can tell everyone you’re feeling unwell.”

“That will just start pregnancy rumors,” I joked.

To my surprise, a faint flush crept up Alexander’s cheeks, and he quickly averted his gaze.

I smiled but refrained from teasing him. He was already stressed enough—I wasn’t about to add to it.

“I’m sure that I want to come,” I said, stepping forward and taking his hand in mine.

Alexander smiled, lacing his fingers with mine. “All right,” he said. “I won’t ask again.”

“Good,” I replied. “Then let’s get down there—people are already arriving.”

Hand in hand, we left the apartment and made our way down to the event space. It was beautifully decorated, with a quartet playing soft music. Some of our guests had already arrived, milling about, greeting each other, and sipping colorful cocktails that the staff were serving from a bar near the entrance.

I saw Alexander glance at it briefly, but he refrained, and we continued inside.

The first Alpha and Luna we greeted just happened to be Damien’s parents.

“It’s nice to see you again,” I said with a bright smile.

The last time we had spoken to them had been at David’s wedding announcement, when Alexander and I had reminded him of the land he owed me.

Danica beamed and pulled me in for a warm hug, which I happily returned, while Alistair clasped Alexander’s hand in a firm greeting.

“So glad to see this project moving forward,” Alistair said. “It’s a brilliant move.”

“It was all Ella’s idea,” Alexander replied, nodding toward me.

“My father put in most of the work,” I admitted. “Unfortunately, he couldn’t join us tonight—it’s my mother’s birthday.”

“Good man,” Danica said approvingly. “He’s got his priorities straight.”

“Family should always come first,” Alexander agreed.

“Please, enjoy yourselves,” I added. “We’ve got to make the rounds, but I’m sure we’ll get a chance to speak again before the night is over.”

“Of course,” Alistair said with a nod.

Alexander and I moved through the room, greeting each Alpha and Luna as they arrived, thanking them for coming, and inviting them to enjoy the drinks and food.

The conversations followed a familiar rhythm—enthusiasm for the solar project, questions about expansion if it proved successful, and discussions on how it could benefit more packs over time.

But inevitably, the topic shifted to the election. Alexander had announced his candidacy, and while most people expressed their support, a few admitted they hadn’t yet made up their minds.

“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 of my choices.”

“That’s fair enough,” Alexander said smoothly. “And I appreciate you considering me.”

Her answer was logical, of course, but something about it unsettled me. Alexander was running unopposed because everyone else who had posed a threat had been arrested.

I couldn’t think of a single Alpha with the experience and popularity to stand against him—at least, not one that hadn’t already been eliminated from the playing field.

Then again, so much had changed from the original timeline. It was hard to predict anything anymore.

“Don’t frown,” Alexander murmured, leaning down to kiss my cheek. “Though I appreciate that you seem offended on my behalf.”

“Of course,” I said lightly. “I support my husband, after all.”

He smiled, brushing a quick kiss over my lips. “Are you having fun?” he asked.

I smirked. “You and I both know this isn’t about fun for us. But still, I’m glad I didn’t stay upstairs.”

“So am I,” he said. “I always feel a little more confident with you by my side.”

Before I could respond to Alexander's compliment, the door opened to admit another guest. We both began to move toward it but froze mid-step as we recognized the person.

He stepped in, removed his coat, and handed it to the attendant before turning to the room with a wide, confident grin.

My breath caught in my chest, and for a moment, I felt like I was choking.

I tightened my grip on Alexander’s hand, unsure how he might react.

"What is he doing here?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

"He’s got some nerve," Alexander replied. I felt him roll his shoulders, forcing himself to relax.

Together, we stepped forward to greet our unintended guest. Archer Gray smiled broadly and extended his hand toward Alexander.

"Sorry I’m late," he said, his voice louder than necessary.

"Nonsense," Alexander said smoothly. "It’s an open invitation—guests arrive whenever they’re ready."

"I do appreciate that it’s not too formal," Archer said. "So many of the Alphas in our generation try to mimic their parents' strict social rules, but we’ve moved past all of that, haven’t we?"

"We certainly have," Alexander replied, his tone icy.

Archer turned to me with a smile. "It’s good to see you again, Ella."

My stomach twisted. Once, I would have considered him family—my best friend’s older brother.

I remembered him sneaking us drinks at parties and patching me up when I fell as a child. When had he changed? When had the kind, older boy I trusted gotten involved in crime?

"It’s good to see you too, Archer," I said carefully. "I hope you’re doing well."

"Oh, I’m doing much better now," he said, his grin spreading into something less than friendly. "It’s been a busy couple of days."

"I’m sure it has," Alexander said. His tone was devoid of interest—if anything, he sounded almost bored.

"I have been successful in my endeavors," Archer continued, "in fact, I just left a meeting with my people. I’m preparing for quite a busy week."

"Oh?" Alexander asked, arching a brow.

"Yes," Archer said. "I’m holding a press conference tomorrow."

"Why is that?" I asked, wondering if he intended to address his recent arrest. How could he possibly explain everything that had happened?

He shook his head slightly, as if he could read my thoughts, then smiled.

"I plan to announce my candidacy in the election for Alpha King."