Chapter 0045
+25 BONUS
“It’s stunning,” I said as 1 looked at the image of a large wolf standing silhouetted against a full moon.
“Yes, it’s nice,” David agreed, trying to hide lais disappointment.
“Is this hand–carved?” I asked, reaching my fingers out and delicately running thern over the lines of the image.” It must have taken hours, and the wood is such a beautiful color. Is it stained, or is it naturally like that?”
“It’s natural red oak,” the Alpha King responded, and I’m pleased that you like it. “I made it myself.”
I looked at him in shock. “I had no idea you had such artistic talent.”
“I don’t often get a chance to show it off,” he said dismissively. “It’s a She Wolf,” he explained. “I hope that the image might be some inspiration to help your own wolf reawaken.”
I was touched by the thoughtfulness of his gift.
“Thank you so much,” 1 said. “We’ll find a place of honor to display it.”
The King seemed pleased with this response. David was silent. I wasn’t sure if he was embarrassed by how underwhelmed he seemed by such a thoughtful gift or if he was just afraid of saying something else to offend the King.
I took the plaque from David and carefully handed it to my father, who placed it gently on the table. When I turned back to the guests in front of us, I saw Alexander making his way forward, a small box in his hands.
“Oh, great,” David grumbled under his breath. “Him again. Who invited him?”
“I did,” I replied. “I thought we agreed to invite all of the Alphas and Lunas.”
“I didn’t think that would include him,” David said, looking at me with irritation. “I thought I made it clear how I feel about him.”
“You should have been more specific,” I replied dismissively.
I turned my attention back to Alexander and smiled brightly at him.
“Congratulations on your wedding,” he said, stepping towards me and placing the small, turquoise–colored box gently into my hands.
“You’ve already given us many gifts,” I pointed out.
“And yet I found one more,” he replied coolly. “And since it seems you’ve gotten so many extravagant gifts for yourself already, David, I’m sure you won’t mind that this one is specifically for Ella.”
“Why should I mind that?” David replied snappily.
I ignored him and opened the box. I couldn’t contain a gaspas I looked at the contents.
“This is too much,” I said softly.
Inside the box was a beautiful white gold diamond–studded necklace, bracelet, earrings, and a ring,
“That can’t be real,” David said.
“It’s very real,” Alexander replied.
David’s mother gasped in shock as she looked at the gift. t can’t be,” she said softly. “Did you purchase those from the estate auction of the luna of Silver Lake?” she asked.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0045
“I did,” Alexander confirmed.
But those cost a small fortune!” David’s father declared.
Alexander waved his hand dismissively. “They weren’t cheap, but it was hardly what I would consider a fortune.” I could hear the people around us whispering as they tried to get a look at the contents of the gift box.
I had heard of the Silver Lake pack. They were once the most wealthy pack in the kingdom, but they had fallen on hard times and were forced to sell of some of their most prized posessions
Alexander made a point of looking at my left hand, where the small diamond that David had put on my finger during the ceremony sat. He made a slight face, then looked at the box.
“Perhaps your style is more simple,” he said, “but I hope that you’ll enjoy the jewels I chose for you anyway.”
“I’m sure I’ll find the perfect occasion to wear them,” I responded. “Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift.‘
“You’re very welcome,” Alexander said, smirking slightly a David before he turned to walk away.
“Arrogant,” David muttered under his breath.
But I ignored him. My eyes were fixed on Alexander as he disappeared into the crowd.
