Chapter 0324 Ella POV Alexander lay on the couch with my head resting on his chest, his fingers moving lightly through my hair.
Weâd spent most of the night tangled up together, and when he took the unprecedented step of calling off work this morning, I was shocked.
But instead of worrying about it, we spent the entire day like thisâcuddling, holding each other, kissing lazily, and occasionally making our way back to the bedroom.
It was as if something had finally clicked into place. There was no more need to hide how we felt, not from ourselves or each other.
At some point, Alexander had ordered dinner to be delivered, which gave us even less reason to move. So we didnât.
I listened to the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear, a small, contented smile tugging at my lips. It felt like both of us needed thisânot just a break from the chaos that had been shadowing us, but a moment to truly be together without fear or distraction.
I couldnât remember the last time Iâd felt so content.
âI know youâre going stirâcrazy, being stuck in the apartment all the time,â Alexander said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.
I craned my head up to look at him. He wasnât looking at me, though; his gaze was distant, thoughtful. âThatâs true,â I admitted.
âNot that thereâs anything wrong with the apartment, but...â
âItâs not a good use of your time,â he finished for me, his voice soft but firm. âI think itâs time for you to start taking over some of the Luna tasks from my mother.â
I frowned. âI donât think Diana is going to take that very well.â
âProbably not,â he agreed, finally looking down at me with a reassuring smile. âBut itâs your role, and youâre right as my wife.â His expression softened with something deeperâpride, maybe. âBesides, now that I know you were the Luna Queen in a past life, Iâm confident you can handle it.â
A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. âYes,â I said, nodding. âI think I can.â
âWe havenât discussed the future at all,â Alexander said thoughtfully.
âNo, we havenât,â I agreed, my voice soft. âBecause we didnât plan on having a future together.
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âI think that plan has changed, hasnât it?â His eyes searched mine, hopeful and open in a way that made my ache.
I smiled, brushing my fingers lightly over his hand. âOf course it has.â
heart âGood.â He let out a breath, as if a weight had been lifted off his chest. âMaybe itâs time we talk about what that future looks like.â
âWhat do you want to talk about?â I asked curiously, leaning in just a little closer.
âI assume youâll want to live here, in the capital?â
âYes,â I said without hesitation. âEven in the original timeline, I loved it here. Thereâs so much to do, so many people... And since itâs a central point for most of the pack lands, it just makes sense. Itâs easier to meet with delegations here.â
1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0324 Alexander nodded thoughtfully. âGood. I feel the same.â
âWhat duties would you like me to take over as Luna? Is there anything besides the basics?â
âIâd like you to be more involved than is typical,â he admitted. âYouâve got a sharp mind and unconventional ideas that could be incredibly useful. If itâs not too much to ask, Iâd like you to join me for the monthly debriefs. I value your input.â
Pride swelled in my chest, and I couldnât help but smile. â be honored.â
âWe could start on Monday,â he offered. âIf youâre ready to take on that responsibility so soon.â
âI think we should have a conversation with Diana first,â I said cautiously. âI donât want her to feel blindsided. Sheâs already... not the biggest fan of me.â
âItâs not you,â Alexander replied, his voice low and steady. She wouldnât be happy with any woman I chose.â
Something about his tone made me pause. It wasnât frustration or irritationâit was resignation. Pain, maybe. Can I ask about that?â I said hesitantly.