Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0132 Chapter 0132 Now that Alexander and I were spending more time together , I sometimes forgot just how effortlessly charming he could be .

Watching him interact with the members of my pack , reminded me why he was such a strong contender for Alpha King .

His confidence , his warmth , and the way he could make anyone feel seen and valued it all came so naturally to him , and tonight , he was in rare form .

Alexander hadnt come empty handed , either .

For my mother , he presented a stunning sapphire necklace , its stones catching the light like fire and ice .

My mothers eyes widened as he placed it in her hands , and I could see the subtle shift in her demeanor .

For my father , Alexander had chosen a set of sapphire cufflinks that matched the necklace , their craftsmanship as fine as any royal emblem .

When my father raised a brow , questioning the lavishness of the gifts , Alexander simply said , Theyre for the wedding .

Youll both look your best .

He hadnt forgotten the others, either ; hed brought boxes of fine chocolates enough for every person in the pack house to leave with one .

It was clear that word of Alexanders visit had spread as people filed into the dining room , all dressed in their finest attire .

They clearly wanted to make a good impression ; after all , soon enough , our packs would be united , and no one wanted to appear dismissive of Alexanders status .

Only my fathers beta , Andrew , seemed unfazed by the occasion , dressed in his usual business casual suit , his polite yet distant smile never wavering .

When Andrew greeted Alexander , it was with a brief nod and little more .

Alexander seemed almost relieved , as if being treated like any other dinner guest was all he had hoped for .

We took our seats at the table , and Alexander began to make polite conversation , mostly small talk with those seated nearby .

As everyone settled in and the food was brought out , the atmosphere shifted to something a bit calmer , though there was still a buzz of nervous excitement around the room .

The pack members , it seemed , shared some of my mothers concern over how quickly Id gotten engaged again .

Across the table , my mother sat , her gaze firmly fixed on Alexander , scrutinizing him as he spoke amiably about the new shopping center and the upcoming holiday season .

I could tell she was listening to every word , looking for any sign of weakness or insincerity in his tone .

Alexander , however , remained relaxed , his confidence evident , as he navigated the conversation with ease .

Ella , when do you think youll be getting married ? Andrew asked suddenly , drawing everyones attention to me .

We havent chosen a date yet , I replied , offering a nervous smile .

Its a little soon to decide that .

I think a Christmas wedding would be nice , Alexander said smoothly , glancing my way .

But Im open to whatever Ella would like .

I looked at him in surprise .

A winter wedding hadnt even crossed my mind .

It was still the end of summer , which wouldnt leave us much time to prepare.

Then again , keeping ourselves in the public eye could be essential , and a winter wedding would certainly keep the attention positive Ive always enjoyed winter weddings , my mother chimed in .

I glanced at her , noting the critical way she studied Alexander .

She wore a polite smile , but anyone who knew her well , like my father or me , could detect the faint hint of judgment in her gaze .

Is there a particular reason you prefer Christmas ? New Years would be just as fitting , Alexander replied coolly , meeting her gaze without flinching .

Winters 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0132 simply my favorite time of year .

But as I said , Id defer to Ellas preference .

My mother nodded approvingly at that , and I got the distinct sense that Alexander had just passed some sort of test -one I didnt fully understand .

The conversation turned back to lighter topics , and Alexander continued to charm everyone present .

Once dinner was finished , and wed enjoyed cookies and other sweets Id helped Bethany prepare , people began to say their goodbyes , and the food was packed up as the crowd trickled out .

When one of the kitchen staff started packing up the desserts , Alexander stopped her .

The butterscotch cookies , he said , smiling .

Could you pack some of those up for me to go ? Theyre delicious , and Id like to have a few .

You dont have to do that , I said , feeling a bit flustered .

You made them for me , didnt you ? Alexander replied , a playful glint in his eye .

I dont want them to go to waste .

Its no trouble at all , the young woman assured him , casting a knowing smile my way before turning to package up the cookies .

You must be someone special , my mother said teasingly I cant remember the last time Ella cooked .

It hasnt been that long , I replied , trying to defend myself .

Its been at least a few years , my father chimed in .

Theres no need for everyone to tease me at once , I huffed , crossing my arms .

Alexander chuckled .

Theres no shame in not cooking often , he said supportively .

Thats why you have a kitchen staff , right ? And the fact that you know how to cook at all puts you above many of the other Alphas children I know .

I shot him a grateful smile as he subtly defended me .

A moment later , the staff member returned with a bag of the cookies neatly packed , handing them to Alexander .

Thank you , he said warmly .

Should we have your car prepared ? I asked , glancing at him .

I dont have to leave just yet , Alexander said , his gaze holding steady as he leaned slightly closer .

Well , theres no reason for the two of you to remain down here entertaining us , my father interjected , a hint of amusement in his tone .

Why dont you head up to Ellas room? Get a little time to talk in private .

I felt my cheeks flush at his suggestion , especially as he gave me a playful nudge .

That sounds nice , Alexander replied smoothly , his eyes sparking with mischief .

Yes , I managed , trying to steady my voice .

I glanced around , aware of my mothers watchful eyes .

It would look odd if I rushed him out the door .

Good night , Alexander , my mother said , stepping forward to shake his hand .

Im glad we had a chance to get to know you a little better .

As am I , Alexander responded , shaking her hand warmly Its clear where Ella gets so much of her strength .

I appreciate the flattery , she said with a half smile , her eyes narrowing playfully .

But dont think its enough to win me over completely .

Im still keeping my eye on you 2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0132 I would have it no other way , he replied , his smile genuine .

My mothers gaze softened just slightly before she looped her arm through my fathers , and the two of them left , casting one last look back before disappearing down the hallway , leaving Alexander and I alone .

I smiled awkwardly at him .

My room is upstairs , I said .

Lead the way , he replied , with an amused smile .

My heart fluttered uncomfortably at the thought of being alone with Alexander in my bedroom , but I forced the nerves aside .

This wasnt a real date , I reminded myself .

But I couldnt stop the excited fluttering of my heart as Alexander followed me to the staircase .