Chapter 76

Ella POV

The fog over my mind was distracting, but even with it, one thought kept replaying in my head: I had never seen Alexander like that. He was always so calm, so in control—teasing, sure, laid-back occasionally—but never like that.

It wasn’t just anger that I saw. No, the word didn't even feel adequate to describe what had unfolded in front of me. The way he looked at David during their fight, with that steely calmness, sent a shiver down my spine.

And then... when David made that remark about my wolf, for a brief moment, I truly believed Alexander was going to kill him.

It was hard to hear everything over the pounding in my head, but I could’ve sworn I heard Alexander growl. Not a sound of frustration, not the irritated grumble I’d heard from others before—it was something much darker. A warning.

It was as if he was telling David to prepare for what was coming, a promise of danger if he pushed any further. But Alexander didn’t act on it. He just stood there, glaring at David like he was something vile beneath his feet, while David, grinning like a madman, taunted him.

Alexander’s face grew more still, more stone-like with every passing second, and that terrified me more than anything.

No one reacts like that over a mere business partner. No one gets that protective over an acquaintance. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, the fight between Alexander and David wasn’t just about defending my honor.

It was proof that our arrangement had become something much deeper than I had ever intended it to be. And the worst part? I wasn’t the only one who had become too invested.

Alexander cared about me. I could see it now, clear as day. And I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

I didn't want to drag Alexander any deeper into a situation I had no control over. It was becoming painfully clear that since my second chance began, I had affected David more than I’d realized. He had become unhinged, and while I had always known he was dangerous, I could no longer predict how he would react.

I had no idea how far he would go, and the thought of Alexander getting hurt because of me was unbearable. I didn't want anyone else to be hurt because of me.

The doctor hardly said a word to me through the examination. I could tell that she was very concerned by the stony look on her face. When she was finished, she smiled tightly at me and left the room, going in the direction that Alexander had gone.

Several minutes later, Alexander walked back into the room and sat beside me on the couch, his presence grounding me in the chaos swirling inside my head.

"I spoke to your father," he said. "He's going to be in contact with the king’s guards to discuss what to do about David."

"Was he okay?" I asked, biting my lip. "He wasn’t too worried, was he?"

"He was angry," Alexander replied, his voice calm but edged with understanding. "But that’s to be expected. As for being worried… well, he agreed it would be best for you to stay here tonight. Travel will only make things worse and could slow down your recovery."

I smiled weakly, shaking my head. "I appreciate that, but I think it would be better if I went home. I'm already feeling much better, and I really don’t want to be in your way."

Alexander’s eyes softened as he tilted his head slightly, his gaze steady on mine. "I know you’re not feeling better. Besides that, you’re not in my way. What gave you that impression?"

I hesitated, unsure if I could explain the guilt that had been building up inside me—the feeling that I was only adding to the mess surrounding both of our lives.

"Ella, let me explain something to you." Alexander's voice remained calm and even, as if he had carefully weighed each word before speaking. There was no trace of irritation or deception in his tone, only steady conviction.

"I don't suffer fools lightly," he continued, his bright, serious gaze locked on mine. I felt strangely small under his stare, but I couldn’t look away. "And I don't spend time with people I don’t want to spend time with. This arrangement we have—" he paused, as if searching for the right words, "—would not be enough to make me go out of my way for you."

My breath hitched. His words, so matter-of-fact, caught me off guard. The truth was, I hadn’t been entirely sure why Alexander had continued to involve himself in my increasingly chaotic life. But as he spoke, the certainty in his voice made me question everything I had assumed.

"Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking you’re manipulating me," he said firmly, and for a moment, I almost flinched. "I don’t act out of pity or concern. I do what I want to do. And right now, what I want is to make sure you’re all right. Do you understand?"

I nodded slowly, though I wasn’t sure I truly did understand. His actions and words seemed contradictory to me. Why would he care so much? What was driving him to stay by my side, to protect me?

I knew there was more to Alexander than I had seen so far, but despite all the time we had spent together, I realized how little I actually knew about him.

I had no real ground to stand on if I wanted to challenge what he was saying. So instead, I accepted his words for now, even if they left me feeling more confused than before.

"So you'll be staying the night, then?" Alexander raised an eyebrow, his question hanging in the air.

"If you insist," I replied, feeling uncertain but resigned.

Alexander smiled, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. "I do. Don't worry, the doctor tells me that you’re going to be just fine. You simply need to reach climax in order to dissipate the fever. You’ll recover after that."

"That can’t be right," I said softly, my voice betraying how embarrassed I was by his words.

He smiled again, but this time, there was an amused glint in his eyes.

"What's so funny?" I asked, confused by the look on his face.

"You," he replied, leaning in a little closer. "My pretty puzzle. You're so strong and confident most of the time, but when the topic turns to sex, you become shy. Why is that?"

I shrugged, feeling self-conscious. "I'm not shy," I protested half-heartedly. "I just don’t think it’s a topic we should engage in… there must be something else I can do."

"I’m afraid that’s the only option. You’ll only feel more sick until you take care of your desires. Besides, you don’t need to worry about embarrassing yourself in front of me, so there’s no reason to avoid the topic."

Heat crept up my neck and into my cheeks, and I couldn’t tell if he was being sincere or teasing me. His eyes were too intense, too focused.

"Well, that’s good," I muttered, looking away, "I’d hate to be a nuisance."

"If you ever become a nuisance, I’ll be sure to tell you," he teased, his voice playful but his eyes locked on mine with a seriousness that made my heart race.

There was something in the way he was looking at me that made my blush deepen. His gaze held an intensity that left me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Then, in a swift movement, Alexander leaned forward. This time, I recognized what was happening—it wasn't the first time. And instead of waiting hesitantly to see if he’d change his mind, I moved to meet him halfway.

And we kissed.