Chapter 232

Ella POV

The warm glow of the restaurant’s chandeliers cast a golden hue over the elegantly set tables.

I sat beside Alexander, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of my wine glass as I watched Lexie beam with pure delight. The little girl twirled in her chair, the soft pink dress Alexander had bought her fluttering as she turned.

“I look like a magic princess!” Lexie declared for what must have been the tenth time, her blue eyes wide with joy.

“You do,” Alexander said warmly, leaning toward her with a smile that made my heart swell. “The most magical princess I’ve ever seen.”

I couldn’t help but admire the way he looked at Lexie, the way he was so effortlessly falling into the role of her father despite the unexpected circumstances. It was clear to me that he loved his daughter already, and I could see how much Lexie adored him in return.

Just as I was about to reach for my drink, I spotted movement near the entrance of the restaurant.

My heart quickened when I recognized my parents stepping inside. My father carried himself with his usual strong, authoritative presence, while my mother scanned the restaurant with a warm but curious expression.

I stood immediately, moving toward them with open arms. “Mom, Dad! I’m so glad you’re here.”

My mother embraced me tightly before stepping back to examine my face. “You look exhausted, sweetheart.”

My father gave me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. “We’re so happy to see you. It’s been too long.”

As we approached the table, I saw her mother’s gaze land on the little girl sitting beside Alexander. Lexie, oblivious to their arrival, was still admiring the silky fabric of her dress. Next to her sat Sabrina, who watched their approach carefully.

My mother smiled at the child before looking at me in question. “And who is this beautiful young lady?”

Before I could answer, Alexander stood, his voice calm and steady. “Luna Rowan, Alpha Rowan, this is my daughter, Lexie.”

A heavy silence fell over the table as my parents took in his words. I could see the shock in their expressions, their gazes shifting from Lexie to Alexander, and finally landing on me.

My father was the first to recover, clearing his throat. “I see.”

“Sabrina and I were together when we were young,” he said, motioning towards Sabrina. “She had Lexie after our relationship ended. We only recently learned that she’s my daughter,” he said.

He was twisting the truth a bit, but I wasn’t surprised. He wanted to spare Sabrina any embarrassment.

“We’re deciding the best way to handle this news with the public. I want to make sure that Sabrina and Lexie are protected from the media. You know how they can be, especially with the campaign going on.”

Alexander spoke with practiced ease, but it was clear that he was anxious about the situation. I could tell by the look on my mother’s face that she sensed it too.

“Where are they staying now?” my mother asked.

“We’re–” Sabrina glanced down nervously. “We’ve been living in a hotel for a few months.”

Before any of us could say more, my father spoke. “Then you’ll come stay with us in the packhouse.”

I blinked in surprise. “What?” I couldn’t believe that he was actually suggesting exactly what we intended to ask him for.

“We have the resources to keep them safe,” he continued. “If the media and political chaos become too much, they’ll have a secure place to stay.”

“I don’t want to be a burden, Alpha Rowan,” Sabrina said softly. “This is a lot to ask of someone that I’ve never met before.”

“You aren’t asking, I’m offering,” my father said kindly. “It’s your decision. The offer is there if you’ll take it.”

“I–” Sabrina looked at Lexie and sighed softly. “I’m very grateful. We’d be happy to stay with you until we’re able to find a safe place of our own.”

My father smiled brightly. “Wonderful. We’ll be very happy to have you.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude, I reached for his hand. “Dad…thank you. I didn’t expect you to be so—”

“Supportive?” He smirked slightly, his gruff exterior softening as he turned his gaze to Lexie. “She’s my granddaughter.”

Lexie perked up at the word. “I never had a grandfather before!” she said excitedly. “Do I have a grandmother too?”

My mother’s eyes shimmered with unexpected emotion as she leaned closer to Lexie. “Oh, sweetheart, you can call me Nana if you’d like.”

Lexie gasped in delight, clapping her hands together. “I love that!”

I felt my throat tighten with emotion. This wasn’t how I expected things to go, but I was beyond grateful that my parents were willing to embrace Lexie so openly.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely.

“Of course,” my father said with a laugh. “The whole way here we were preparing ourselves for you to make a pregnancy announcement. I guess this isn’t too far off.”

“Given everything that’s happening around the election right now, it’s only natural that you come stay with us. That is, if that’s what you want,” my mother said, turning her shap eyes to Sabrina.

“I–” she hesitated. “It’s so much to ask. I can’t pay you back…”

“If Lexie is our granddaughter, that makes you family too,” my father said firmly, leaving no room for argument. “And we don’t leave our family to fend for themselves.”

Sabrina’s eyes welled with tears and she nodded in thanks, apparently unable to speak.

After we finished our meal, Alexander stood, stretching his arms before offering Lexie his hand. “What do you say we go for a little walk? Get some energy out before dessert?”

Lexie giggled, taking his hand without hesitation. “Okay!”

I watched as they stepped outside, warmth filling my chest. But the moment they were out of earshot, the atmosphere at the table shifted.

My mother’s voice was softer now, but serious. “Are you both sure about this arrangement?”

Sabrina straightened slightly, her expression guarded. “I don’t really have a choice,” she admitted. “I’m being blackmailed. The truth is going to come out whether we want it to or not.”

My mother’s face darkened with outrage. “Blackmailed? By who?”

I answered before Sabrina could. “Diana.”

My father’s expression hardened instantly. “So that’s why you asked me to look into her.”

I nodded. “Something’s not right. She’s plotting something, I can feel it. And I think she’s planning to challenge Alexander for control of the pack.”

My father let out a slow, measured breath, his fingers drumming against the table. “Then we need to act fast.”

“I don’t want to involve you more than necessary,” I admitted. “But we could really use your help.”

“You have it,” he said without hesitation. “Alexander has the full support of our pack.”

I felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. The weight of everything I’ve been carrying—the fear, the uncertainty—suddenly felt a little lighter. “Thank you,” I whispered.

It wasn’t surprising really. My parents had always doted on me, but part of me thought that would change when I moved out. I worried that maybe the distance would change our relationship, but that wasn’t the case.

My mother reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “We’ll get through this, sweetheart. Together.”

I nodded, taking a shaky breath. I wasn’t sure what the future held, but at least I knew I wouldn’t have to face it alone.