Chapter 121: Chapter 122

Chapter 0122 Ella POV +25 BONUS The drive back to my family home was awkward, to say the least. I couldn’t seem to shake the blush from my cheeks as I thought about facing my parents after everything that had just happened–not just David’s attack, but also the way I’d spent the night with Alexander, while they’d likely been up all night worrying about me.

The memory left me with a strange sense of guilt.

Physically, I was feeling much better, especially since Alexander had insisted I eat before we left his place. I’d argued, embarrassed and anxious, with little appetite to speak of, but he was persistent. I ended up having some fresh fruit and yogurt, which was, of course, delicious and did wonders to restore my strength.

By the time we pulled up to my parents‘ house, the lingering effects of the drug David had given me were gone.

Alexander parked the car, shut off the engine, and looked over at me with a questioning expression. He didn’t say a word, but I understood exactly what he wanted to ask.

“I want you to come in with me,” I assured him. “Last night doesn’t change anything about our arrangement, and my parents want to speak with you. They’d think it was strange if you didn’t come in, and that might complicate things.”

He studied me for a moment. “You seem uncomfortable,” he noted, his voice gentle. “I just want to be sure that it’s not because of me.”

I smiled slightly and shook my head. “You don’t make me uncomfortable,” I said softly.

It might have been my imagination, but Alexander seemed relieved by my words. Without further argument, he got out of the car, walked around to open my door, and offered me his hand. I took it, letting him help me out, and without releasing my hand, we made our way into the house together.

My parents were seated in the living room, waiting for us. It wasn’t until my mother stood and approached to shake Alexander’s hand that I realized this was the first time my parents had actually seen him since our engagement.

This moment should have been a happy one, but, thanks to David, it was overshadowed.

Alexander shook my mother’s hand and then my father’s. “It’s good to see you both,” he said. “I only wish it were under better circumstances.”

“As do we,” my father replied. “Please, have a seat.”

Alexander let me lead the way to the couch, where we sat close together. My mother took the seat on my other side, while my father settled into a chair across from us so he could look directly at Alexander.

“Thank you for protecting my daughter,” my father said seriously.

Alexander shook his head slightly. “There’s no need to thank me. It never should have gone as far as it did.”

“David’s actions were... unhinged,” my father replied, his voice tight. “It’s clear that he’s willing to go to lengths that normal men wouldn’t even consider.”

I felt Alexander’s shoulders tense ever so slightly, the change so subtle that I noticed only because we were sitting so close.

“I trust the medical team’s conclusions, of course,” my mother said, her gaze shifting to me, “but I just want to make sure that you’re truly all right. You’re feeling better now, aren’t you?“, 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0122 “Yes, I’m fine,” I replied. “The drug is out of my system.

”

My father’s face darkened. “Do you know what drug was used?”

I looked to Alexander, unsure of how to respond. To my surprise, he hesitated, his mouth slightly open, before clearing his throat and averting his eyes from my father’s.

In a calm, professional tone, he said, “The drug was designed to induce Ella’s wolf into heat.”

I watched my parents‘ faces as they absorbed Alexander’s words, understanding the implications. Considering what the drug was designed to do, there were only a few ways I could have avoided experiencing its full effects.