Chapter 100: Chapter 101

Chapter 0101 Chapter 0101 Ella POV I stepped through the doors of the restaurant hesitantly..

The last time I had been here was the night I’d used the drug in Amanda’s drink to expose her and David as fated mates. That night had been complicated–everything had gone exactly according to plan, and yet, it had been painful to see the truth with my own eyes.

Now, I was wearing the beautiful red gown Alexander had gifted me. He was waiting for me at a table in the back, far from prying eyes but close enough that we’d still be noticed together.

The past few days had been strange. My parents were navigating the treacherous political minefield of confronting Alpha Derrick about David’s trespassing on our packlands. It had been extremely stressful, hadn’t had a chance to see Alexander. We’d only spoken over video chat.

and 1 My father had been reluctant to let me attend this date, considering the danger lurking behind every shadow, but I had insisted. I wasn’t going to allow David to control me anymore. I wouldn’t let that happen again.

Eventually, my father agreed, though reluctantly, and arranged for me to be driven to the restaurant.

I saw the moment Alexander noticed me walking toward him. His eyes widened just slightly, and his gaze slowly traveled down my figure. He was unabashed about the way he looked at me, and it always brought color to my cheeks when he would inevitably tease me about it.

I found myself grinning slightly as Alexander stood and pulled out my chair for me.

“You look gorgeous,” he said, his gaze warm. “That color suits you.”

“Well, you bought me this dress,” I pointed out with a playful smile. “So it makes sense that you’d compliment “All the dress does is showcase your beauty,” he replied, pushing my chair in before returning to his own. “I’m glad you were able to join me tonight. I’ve missed you.”

11 “I’ve missed you too,” I responded softly, the admission more true than I wanted to admit.

“I know you’ve been going through a lot lately,” he said gently. “Has anything else happened since the letter?” “No,” I said with a slight shrug. “My father is looking into it. Obviously, there must be a gap in our security.” The look on Alexander’s face was stern as he nodded. “I have no doubt that Alpha Roman will handle it,” he said confidently, I smiled at the compliment. I did trust my father to handle the situation. Still, I knew that there was more to the situation than was immediately obvious. It wouldn’t be easy for my father to get to the bottom of it.

I did believe that alpha Derrick being confronted about the issue of David’s continued harassment would at least buy me some time. The only thing alpha Derrick hated more than bad press was being disobeyed, and there was no he had approved of David’s games.

way “But let’s not talk about that tonight. I want to focus on enjoying my time with you.”

Alexander smiled, but before he could reply, our server approached the table, carrying a bottle of wine. Alexander must have arranged for it to be brought as soon as we both arrived.

I smiled and thanked the server as he filled my glass. Alexander did the same, Once the server left, I looked at him curiously.

“Have you already ordered?”

+25 BONUS Chapter 0101 “I’ve arranged everything,” he said with a smile. “All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the evening.” “How do you know you’ve chosen something I’ll like?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I think you’ll find,” Alexander said, his eyes gleaming, “know more about you than you realize.”

“I shouldn’t be surprised,” I said with a smile. “You always manage to impress me on these dates.”

“Well, I hope I can keep exceeding your expectations,” Alexander replied with a chuckle. “Though I hope you’re not just comparing me to a certain ex. There’s no way I could fail to pass him.”

“That’s true enough,” I agreed, taking a sip of my wine. It was a light gold color and tasted sweet.

“You know,” Alexander began, “I asked you to dinner tonight because I missed you, but also because I felt I owed you a proper thank you.”

“For what?” I asked, surprised.

“You’ve done more for me through this media ordeal than you can possibly understand,” he said, leaning forward slightly and locking eyes with me. “It would have been easy for you to turn your back on me, despite the agreements we made. It would have been understandable if you’d wanted to distance yourself from the negative press, especially considering everything you’ve already been through.”

“I made a commitment to you,” I said softly. “And I’m a woman of my word.”

“You are,” Alexander said warmly. “You’ve proven that again and again. Your intelligence, your shrewdness, your dedication.

Those traits are admirable on their own, but considering your beauty and grace, I truly can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have by my side.”

His words caught me off guard, and a flutter stirred in my stomach as I met his steady gaze.

“Thank you,” I whispered softly.

I felt a bit awkward under the weight of Alexander’s sincere praise, my face warm with the intensity of his words.

“Ella, I know we’ve only been dating for a short time, but I feel like we’ve gotten to know each other deeply. More than that, I’ve never felt such a natural and immediate draw to someone. It’s like I’ve known you my whole life.”

“I’ve had similar thoughts,” I admitted, the truth slipping out easily. “I wish we’d met earlier. Things might have been different for both of us if we’d had each other to rely on.”

“I appreciate how much you’ve defended me,” Alexander said, his voice sincere. “James told me what you said to those women in the food court. It means a lot that you spoke up for me.”

“What else could I do?” I asked, shaking my head. “The way they were talking about you couldn’t just let it go. You may have been like that in the past, but we’ve spent enough time together now for me to see that you’ve changed. I felt I had to defend you.”

“There are so few people who trust their instincts and have the grace and composure to speak up under pressure, “Alexander said, admiration in his tone. “You always seem to handle adversity so gracefully.”

“Surely these compliments are too much,” I said, turning slightly to hide my blushing face from him. “I appreciate that you’re trying to express your gratitude, but you don’t have to go so far. I’m happy to stand up for you. I’m proud to be by your side.”

“I hope you feel the same way I do,” Alexander said as he stood and stepped around the table, moving toward me. “Even though we haven’t been together long, I know this is the right decision. So, I don’t think we should waste any more time.

+25 BONUS Chapter 0101 “Let’s make our deal official.” This time, he whispered.

My heart pounded against my ribs as I realized what was happening. A whirlwind of happiness and panic surged through me. I opened my mouth to say something–anything–but my throat felt dry, and the words wouldn’t come.

Alexander smiled, his expression full of warmth and certainty, and then he dropped down to one knee.

Chapter 0102