CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Bella

My footsteps slowed as I approached Harry's office. The servant's words echoed in my mind.

"The Alpha would like to see you in his office."

I couldn't remember a single time Harry had sent for me. Not since our marriage. Taking a quiet breath, I raised my hand and knocked.

Come in.

I opened the door.

Harry sat behind his desk, reading through a stack of documents.

He didn't look up immediately.

You wanted to see me, Alpha?

Only then did he lift his eyes.

Come in.

Bella stepped inside and quietly closed the door behind her.

For a moment neither of them spoke.

Harry picked up another document before sliding it across the desk toward her.

The council's recommendations.

Bella looked at the papers.

I want you to review them.

She blinked in surprise.

Me?

You've been handling the household well.

He spoke matter of factly, as though he were assigning another duty.

There are a few matters concerning the Alpha House.

Bella carefully accepted the documents.

I'll read them.

If you notice anything that needs attention, let me know.

She nodded.

I understand.

Again, silence settled between them.

Bella waited politely.

When Harry said nothing else, she assumed the meeting was over.

If there's nothing more, I'll excuse myself.

She turned toward the door.

Bella.

She stopped.

Yes, Alpha?

Harry hesitated.

The words seemed unusually difficult to say.

The elders spoke highly of you today.

Bella looked at him.

They were simply being kind.

No.

Harry shook his head once.

They meant it.

Bella lowered her eyes.

I was only doing my duty.

Harry studied her quietly.

Not once had she smiled proudly. Not once had she acted as though she deserved praise. She accepted the compliment. Then set it aside as if it meant nothing.

You may go.

Bella bowed her head slightly.

Thank you.

She left the office, gently closing the door behind her.

Harry remained seated long after Bella had gone. His eyes drifted toward the closed door. Something about today's meeting refused to leave his mind.

The elders had respected Bella. The servants had begun respecting Bella. Even Lucas had mentioned how efficiently she handled the Alpha House.

He leaned back in his chair.

She wasn't trying to impress anyone.

She was simply doing her best.

Harry frowned.

Why was he thinking about this?

None of it changed anything.

Their marriage was still an obligation.

Nothing more.

Bella returned to her room and placed the documents on the small desk near the window. She sat down and began reading. Most of the recommendations concerned the Alpha House, future gatherings, and household management.

She made small notes in the margins wherever she believed improvements could be made.

Time passed unnoticed.

A soft knock interrupted her concentration.

Come in.

Ciara stepped inside with a bright smile.

I heard the council meeting went well.

Bella smiled faintly.

It did.

I also heard the elders couldn't stop praising you.

Bella laughed quietly.

News travels fast.

It always does.

Ciara walked over and sat beside her.

I'm proud of you.

Bella looked down at the papers.

I don't know if I've done anything worth being proud of.

You have.

Ciara reached over and squeezed her hand.

You've remained yourself.

Bella smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

I just hope that's enough.

That evening, The Alpha House grew quiet once again.

Bella finished reviewing the last document before arranging the papers neatly into a folder.

She stood and walked toward Harry's office.

The hallway was empty.

When she reached the door, she lifted her hand to knock.

Before her knuckles touched the wood She heard voices inside. One belonged to Harry.

The other...

Bella recognised it instantly.

Brianna.

Bella froze where she stood.

Her hand slowly dropped back to her side. The folder suddenly felt much heavier in her hands. She hadn't expected Brianna to return so soon. And from the sound of their conversation She had arrived just moments before Bella.