Another Chance for the Luna Queen

"Can I ask why not?" I asked, causing Alexander to glance at me in surprise.

"It's just that we don't know who else may run," the Luna of Pine Forest replied. "At this point, Alexander is unopposed, and while he is, of course, a fantastic option, I'm not willing to make a decision until I know all of my choices."

"That's fair enough," Alexander said smoothly. "And I appreciate you considering me."

Her answer was logical, of course, but something about it unsettled me. Alexander was running unopposed because everyone else who had posed a threat had been arrested.

I couldn't think of a single Alpha with the experience and popularity to stand against him—at least, not one that hadn't already been eliminated from the playing field.

Then again, so much had changed from the original timeline. It was hard to predict anything anymore.

"Don't frown," Alexander murmured, leaning down to kiss my cheek. "Though I appreciate that you seem offended on my behalf."

"Of course," I said lightly. "I support my husband, after all."

He smiled, brushing a quick kiss over my lips. "Are you having fun?" he asked.

I smirked. "You and I both know this isn't about fun for us. But still, I'm glad I didn't stay upstairs."

"So am I," he said. "I always feel a little more confident with you by my side."

Before I could respond to Alexander's compliment, the door opened to admit another guest. We both began to move toward it but froze mid-step as we recognized the person.

He stepped in, removed his coat, and handed it to the attendant before turning to the room with a wide, confident grin.

My breath caught in my chest, and for a moment, I felt like was choking.

I tightened my grip on Alexander's hand, unsure how he might react.

"What is he doing here?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

"He's got some nerve," Alexander replied. I felt him roll his shoulders, forcing himself to relax.

Together, we stepped forward to greet our unintended guest. Archer Gray smiled broadly and extended his hand toward Alexander.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice louder than necessary.

"Nonsense," Alexander said smoothly. "It's an open invitation-guests arrivenoveldrama

whenever they're ready."

"I do appreciate that it's not too formal," Archer said. "So many of the Alphas in our generation try to mimic their parents' strict social rules, but we've moved past all of that haven't we?"

"We certainly have," Alexander replied, his tone icy.

Archer turned to me with a smile. "It's good to see you again, Ella.”

My stomach twisted. Once, I would have considered him family-my best friend's older brother.

I remembered him sneaking us drinks at parties and patching me up when I fell as

a child. When had he changed?

When had the kind, older boy I trusted gotten involved in crime?

"It's good to see you too, Archer," I said carefully, "I hope you're doing well."

"Oh, I'm doing much better now," he said, his grin spreading into something less than friendly. "It's been a busy couple of days."

"I'm sure it has," Alexander said. His tone was devoid of interest-if anything, he sounded almost bored.

"I have been successful in my endeavors," Archer continue, "in fact, I just left a meeting with my people. I'm preparing for quite a busy week."

"Oh?" Alexander asked, arching a brow.

"Yes," Archer said. "I'm holding a press conference tomorrow."

"Why is that?" I asked, wondering if he intended to address his recent arrest. How

could he possibly explain everything that had happened?

He shook his head slightly, as if he could read my thoughts, then smiled.

"I plan to announce my candidacy in the election for Alpha King." Chapter 0340