Chapter 0131
+25 BONUS
Still, the idea lingered–just a faint hint of suspicion that I couldn’t ignore. I’d have to look more closely into her and see what I could learn.
In the meantime, though, I focused on the task at hand. I did genuinely want to surprise Alexander, and these butterscotch cookies were going to be delicious.
“Keep stirring,” Bethany instructed, patting my shoulder. You want everything to be well mixed.”
I tried to focus on Bethany’s instructions, but my mind kept drifting back to the unsettling possibility that someone had been poisoning my food.
There was one night in particular that stood out–the last time I’d truly felt connected to my wolf. I remember getting violently sick after a dinner party at my home, where David and Amanda had been guests. It was possible that one of them had slipped something into my meal.
Or perhaps David had bribed someone to do it, just as he’d paid the barista to poison my coffee a few days ago.
The memory of that night sent a chill through me. I’d been so sick afterward, barely able to get out of bed for days. My weakened state had masked the gradual fading of my wolf, so it never occurred to me then that the illness might be connected. But now, it felt all too obvious.
I glanced at Bethany as she moved around the kitchen. She navigated the space instinctively, putting together delicious–looking appetizers for dinner tonight. I couldn’t help but consider the idea of asking my father to bring her back to work for us.
I trusted Bethany, and having someone by my side–someone who would notice and alert me to anything suspicious–would be invaluable.
Watching her, it was clear that she missed this place. Asking her to return might bring her joy, and I could probably arrange for her to work independently from the head chef. My parents rarely denied me anything, so I felt confident they’d allow me a private cook if I requested it.
I slid the cookie tray into the oven, already feeling a flutter of anticipation as I thought of Alexander’s arrival. He’d said he’d barely make it in time for dinner due to a meeting, yet just the thought of him being here made my pulse quicken, pushing all other worries into the background.
Ever since that night with him, I found myself reacting to even the briefest thought of him in ways I couldn’t control. Tonight was sure to be… challenging. Not only would I have to face my mother’s skeptical gaze on our engagement, but I’d also have to mask my own embarrassment around him.
Still, Alexander was my fiancé–I couldn’t afford to let anyone think there was anything less than steady ground between us.
“I didn’t know you could cook.”
I whirled around, startled, to see Alexander leaning against the doorway, his lips curving into that familiar smirk. In one hand, he held a bouquet of fresh flowers; several elegant gift bags hung from his other arm.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, still processing his presence.
“My meeting ended early,” he said, stepping forward and extending the bouquet to me. “I thought I’d surprise
you.”
My fingers closed around the delicate stems as I took the flowers from him, their fragrance wrapping around me. You’ve certainly succeeded,” I murmured, feeling warmth rise to my cheeks as I brought the bouquet to my chest.
((
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0131
Alexander’s smile brought a wave of calm over me, easing the tight knot of anxiety that had been building in my chest. With him here, the evening suddenly felt manageable.
I could do this–I could find the answers about my wolf, uncover the truth hidden in shadows, and take back control of my life.
I just had to be patient, steady, and relentless. Alexander would help me find what I needed, and together, we would face whatever came next.
X
Today’s Bonus Offer
