Chapter 0166
Ella POV
Michael had just returned from a trip with friends to a neighboring pack’s land for some casual camping. From the way he spoke about it, the outing had been uneventful, making Diana’s exuberant welcome feel even more out of place.
Of course, I wouldn’t 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 mother’s 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 didn’t have siblings myself, so I couldn’t fully understand their dynamic, but it was endearing to witness the bond between them, even if it seemed complicated.
“How long are you in town for?” Michael asked, leaning forward slightly.
“Just for the night,” Alexander replied, his tone casual. “Though I’ll be back again soon.”
“For wedding stuff?” Michael guessed.
“Yes,” Alexander said with a faint chuckle. “Wedding stuff
“Anything I can help with?” Michael offered, his enthusiasm unmistakable.
I expected Alexander to brush off the suggestion outright, but instead, he paused, looking genuinely thoughtful.
“I’m not sure off the top of my head,” he admitted. “But I’ll think about it if you’re serious.”
“Of course, I’m serious!” Michael said, his earnestness shining through. “It’s not every day my big brother gets married.”
“I should hope not,” I teased with a laugh.
Alexander smiled, his gaze softening as it met mine. “No,” he agreed, “I intend for it to only be the one time. It’s far too much work to go through it again.”
The warmth in his voice, coupled with the weight of his words, sent a gentle flutter through my chest. Michael’s 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 Diana’s 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.
“Now that I think of it, there are a few things I could use your help with,” Alexander said, his tone measured, but it would mean you’d have to come to the capital.”
Michael’s face fell slightly. “Oh,” he said, his earlier excitement dimming.
“Is that a problem?” I asked, confused by his reaction.
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Chapter 0166
“Not really,” Michael replied, but his voice lacked conviction. “It’s just… you’ve seen how my mother gets when I leave home.”
“She’s overbearing,” Alexander said plainly, his expression sharpening. “But you’re an adult, Michael, and you can make your own decisions. If you want to come to the capital, I can arrange for it.”
“Have you never been to the capital?” I asked, my confusion growing.
Michael shook his head slowly, and I blinked in surprise.
It was odd–more than odd, really. Michael was a high–ranking member of one of the most powerful packs in the kingdom, yet he’d never stepped foot in the capital city? That didn’t seem right.
I wanted to press further, to ask why, but a glance at Alexander’s carefully neutral expression stopped me. Whatever the reason, it was clearly not a topic they wanted to discuss, and I didn’t want to risk stirring up any tension.
Still, my mind churned. Perhaps Diana’s 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 pack’s highest–ranking men away at the same time could pose risks if something went wrong.
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Chapter 0167
