Chapter 75

Ella POV

Alexander quietly led me into his office building, away from the crowds on the busy streets. I was wearing my skirt and Alexander’s suit coat, since my own shirt had been destroyed. Alexander had made a few phone calls, then helped me dress and ushered me out of the hotel as quickly and calmly as possible.

It wasn’t until we stepped into the elevator in his building and the doors closed behind us that I felt the tears begin to fall.

In an instant, Alexander’s arm was around me, pulling me close. I let my head fall against his chest and cried. I made no attempt to calm myself down—in that moment, I wasn’t sure I could have even if I’d wanted to. It felt like every wall I’d built to protect myself was crumbling.

I was raw and miserable, sobbing uncontrollably as Alexander held me upright. The reality of everything that had just happened began to sink in—anger, fear, and misery swirling within me.

Every time I started to let down my guard, something terrible happened. No matter how careful I was, I would never truly be safe as long as David and Amanda were still out there.

I never expected something like this from him. He cared so much about his reputation, so how could he possibly think this wouldn’t come back on him?

How were my parents going to react? They were already so concerned, hesitant to let me out of their sight. After this, they’d probably never let me leave the house again.

And then there was Alexander. Being connected to me was supposed to be good for his reputation, something that would strengthen both of our standings. Instead, I was only bringing more drama and strife.

I had no idea how long I had been crying, but the only thing that broke through my sobs was the soft ding of the elevator as we reached our floor. I allowed Alexander to guide me out, though I immediately noticed that we weren’t on the floor where his office was located.

In fact, I didn’t recognize this place at all. I glanced up at him, my confusion unspoken.

“We’re going to my apartment,” he explained, responding to the question in my eyes. “You need somewhere more private to rest. I’ve already called for a doctor, he should arrive shortly.”

I nodded, wanting to thank him, but unsure if my voice would even work. I felt like I had embarrassed myself enough for one day.

I hadn’t known Alexander had an apartment on the upper floor of his pack's building, but it made sense. Many alphas had living quarters within the capital. There was an immediate sense of relief in knowing I’d have more privacy and an added layer of security.

We walked down a long hallway to a plain white door. To the side, there was a security panel. Alexander quickly punched in a code, then scanned his thumb before the door unlocked and opened.

As we stepped inside, my eyes widened. I had expected something nice, of course, but this… this was beyond what I could have imagined.

Everything was sleek, elegant, and state-of-the-art, like stepping into a movie star’s home. Whatever I had imagined Alexander’s apartment to be, it wasn’t this.

I felt out of place immediately and wrapped my arms around myself in a small attempt at comfort. Alexander led me over to a black leather couch, and I sat down reluctantly. The leather was surprisingly warm and soft, offering more comfort than I had expected.

There was a young woman standing near the couch. She had a calm, sympathetic look on her face. “I’m Doctor Willow,” she said in greeting. “With your permission, I’m going to do a quick physical and make sure you’re okay.”

I nodded my head reluctantly. “Okay.”

“I’ll step out,” Alexander said gently. His voice was quiet, soothing. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. I’m going to call your father and let him know what’s going on.”

“I should be the one to talk to him,” I protested, though my voice came out weak and shaky.

“It’s all right,” he reassured me. “I’ll explain everything and let him know you’re safe.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself not to argue further. Alexander was right—if my father heard me sounding like this, it would only make him worry more. I’d leave it to Alexander to handle.

Alexander turned and left the room. As he did, the doctor stepped close to me. “I’m going to start by taking your temperature,” she explained. I focused my attention on her the best that I could. Everything in my head was still foggy and I felt so hot that it was difficult to think.

It felt like I was burning up, and I was becoming desperate for something to take the feeling away. My only hope was that this doctor could do something for me. David had to be wrong about the drug, there must be an antidote that I could take to end this… at least, I hoped there was.

Alexander POV

Every instinct in me was on fire. The need to act, to do something about David, was overwhelming. His horrifying confession about Ella’s wolf during the fight haunted me. The fact that I couldn’t act on it immediately was driving me to the brink of madness, fueled by the sheer intensity of my anger.

I wanted to throttle him—force him to tell me exactly what he meant when he claimed to have poisoned Ella before, and how he had harmed her wolf. I wouldn’t put it past that bastard to be responsible for Ella’s wolf becoming dormant.

After all, it only benefited him for her to be unable to find her fated mate. David had intended to strip Ella of everything—her inheritance, her status, her money. He never cared about her, not truly.

I had known that. His years of cheating were evidence enough. But to hear that he had done something so cruel, so deeply malicious... it made my blood boil.

David was lucky I allowed him to run this time. But luck wouldn’t protect him for long. I’d make sure of that. I’d never allow him to get close to Ella again.

For now, though, I had to reel in my rage. I couldn’t let on how much his words had affected me. Ella was in a terrible state, and she needed me to be calm, to be strong for her.

I’d have to call Alpha Roman, of course. He would want to know what had happened. I couldn’t hide it from him, even if I wanted to. Something like this was far too important, and he would have to take action to deal with the attack on his daughter. There was only so much I could do without his blessing.

But if he heard how weak and miserable she sounded, it would only make things worse. I would be the one to call him.

I knew he’d agree that Ella should stay with me tonight, given the circumstances. She needed rest, and a long trip back to his home wouldn’t be good for her in her current state. Truth be told, I didn’t want to let her out of my sight.

I felt guilty—guilty that she had been hurt under my watch. Even though I had taken every precaution, there had been no reason to suspect that David would resort to something as depraved as this.

Clearly, there was more I needed to learn about David. I wouldn’t be caught off guard again. Not with Ella’s safety on the line.