Chapter 0166 Ella POV Michael had just returned from a trip with friends to a neighboring packâs land for some casual camping. From the way he spoke about it, the outing had been uneventful, making Dianaâs exuberant welcome feel even more out of place.
Of course, I wouldnât comment on it; the tension in the air was palpable enough, at least to me. Michael, however, seemed completely oblivious.
He kept trying to steer the conversation away from his motherâs hovering remarks, shifting his focus to Alexander instead.
Finally, one of the staff members entered the room to inform Diana that she had a phone call. She hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave, but eventually excused herself, leaving the three of us alone.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Michael turned to Alexander with a wide grin, his entire demeanor brightening. It was obvious that Michael admired his older brother deeply. The way he looked at Alexander, with a mix of respect and eagerness, tugged at something in my chest.
I didnât have siblings myself, so I couldnât fully understand their dynamic, but it was endearing to witness the bond between them, even if it seemed complicated.
âHow long are you in town for?â Michael asked, leaning forward slightly.
âJust for the night,â Alexander replied, his tone casual. âThough Iâll be back again soon.â
âFor wedding stuff?â Michael guessed.
âYes,â Alexander said with a faint chuckle. âWedding stuff âAnything I can help with?â Michael offered, his enthusiasm unmistakable.
I expected Alexander to brush off the suggestion outright, but instead, he paused, looking genuinely thoughtful.
âIâm not sure off the top of my head,â he admitted. âBut Iâll think about it if youâre serious.â
âOf course, Iâm serious!â Michael said, his earnestness shining through. âItâs not every day my big brother gets married.â
âI should hope not,â I teased with a laugh.
Alexander smiled, his gaze softening as it met mine. âNo,â he agreed, âI intend for it to only be the one time. Itâs far too much work to go through it again.â
The warmth in his voice, coupled with the weight of his words, sent a gentle flutter through my chest. Michaelâs grin widened, and I could see how much he cherished moments like this with his brother.
For a brief moment, the room felt lighter, the tension left behind by Dianaâs presence fading into the background. It was just the three of us, sharing a simple, heartfelt exchange. It all felt so normal that I almost forgot that none of it was real.
âNow that I think of it, there are a few things I could use your help with,â Alexander said, his tone measured, but it would mean youâd have to come to the capital.â
Michaelâs face fell slightly. âOh,â he said, his earlier excitement dimming.
âIs that a problem?â I asked, confused by his reaction.
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+25 BONUS Chapter 0166 âNot really,â Michael replied, but his voice lacked conviction. âItâs just... youâve seen how my mother gets when I leave home.â
âSheâs overbearing,â Alexander said plainly, his expression sharpening. âBut youâre an adult, Michael, and you can make your own decisions. If you want to come to the capital, I can arrange for it.â
âHave you never been to the capital?â I asked, my confusion growing.
Michael shook his head slowly, and I blinked in surprise.
It was oddâmore than odd, really. Michael was a highâranking member of one of the most powerful packs in the kingdom, yet heâd never stepped foot in the capital city? That didnât seem right.
I wanted to press further, to ask why, but a glance at Alexanderâs carefully neutral expression stopped me. Whatever the reason, it was clearly not a topic they wanted to discuss, and I didnât want to risk stirring up any tension.
Still, my mind churned. Perhaps Dianaâs favoritism was part of the explanation. Maybe she was too protective to let her youngest son venture far from home.
Or perhaps it was a security concern. Having both of the packâs highestâranking men away at the same time could pose risks if something went wrong.
Todayâs Bonus Offer X GET IT NOW Chapter 0167