CHAPTER TWELVE

Bella

Good morning, Bella.

Brianna’s smile was warm.

Too warm.

Bella returned the greeting with a polite nod.

Good morning.

For a brief moment, neither woman spoke. The silence between them wasn’t awkward. It was careful. Measured.

Brianna was the first to break it.

I hope I didn’t surprise you.

A little.

I arrived yesterday evening.”

I know.

Bella’s answer was calm.

She didn’t ask why Brianna had come.

She already knew.

Brianna studied her for a moment before smiling again.

I wanted to congratulate you.

Bella looked at her.

Congratulations on your marriage.

The words sounded sincere.

Yet Bella couldn’t ignore the strange feeling settling in her chest.

Thank you.

I suppose becoming Luna comes with many responsibilities.

It does.

And you’re adjusting well?

I’m trying.

Brianna laughed softly.

I’m sure you are.

Before Bella could reply, footsteps echoed behind them.

Harry entered the dining room. His gaze landed on Bella first. Then on Brianna.

You’re both awake early.

Brianna walked over to him naturally.

I thought I’d have breakfast before leaving.

Harry nodded once.

If that’s what you want.

Bella quietly pulled out a chair at the opposite end of the table. She had no intention of interrupting them.

Breakfast was served in silence.

The servants moved around the table carefully, sensing the tension that lingered beneath the surface.

Brianna spoke from time to time, telling Harry about small matters around the pack.

Harry answered briefly.

Bella remained focused on her meal. She neither joined the conversation nor reacted to it. She simply ate.

When she finished, she gently placed her napkin beside her plate.

Excuse me.

Harry looked up.

You’re leaving already?

I still have work to do.

Without waiting for another response, Bella stood and left the dining room. She didn’t notice Harry watching her until she disappeared into the hallway.

Harry looked down at his untouched coffee.

She’s quiet.

Brianna smiled.

Maybe she’s shy.

No.

He answered without thinking.

She wasn’t like this before.

The words slipped out so naturally that even he paused.

Brianna noticed.

What was she like?

Harry frowned slightly.

He searched for an answer.

Before the marriage Bella had looked at him with hope. She had always found a reason to be near him. Even when he ignored her, but now she barely looked at him.

He picked up his cup.

It doesn’t matter.

Brianna forced a smile.

No

She said softly.

I suppose it doesn’t.

But deep inside She knew something had changed.Harry simply hadn’t admitted it yet.

Bella spent the rest of the morning reviewing the household supplies. The work helped clear her mind.Numbers were easier to understand than people.

The housekeeper approached with another ledger.

My Lady.

Bella looked up.

Yes?

The Alpha asked me to inform you that the Pack Council will be coming tomorrow.”

Bella nodded.

I’ll make the necessary arrangements.

They’ll also be meeting the Luna.

Bella froze for the slightest moment.

Me?

Yes.

The older woman smiled kindly.

It’s tradition.

Bella lowered her eyes to the ledger.

I understand.

After the housekeeper left, Bella remained seated for a long time. Meeting the council wasn’t what frightened her. It was the thought of standing beside Harry Pretending to be the happy Luna everyone expected.

She wasn’t sure she could do it.

Late that afternoon Harry returned to his office after finishing several meetings. He had barely sat down when a servant knocked on the door.

My Lord.

What is it?

The preparations for tomorrow’s council meeting have begun.

Harry nodded absentmindedly.

The Luna has personally overseen everything.”

Harry’s hand paused over the document he was reading.

She has?

Yes, Alpha.

The servants said Lady Bella has been working since morning to ensure everything is ready.

Harry dismissed the servant without another word.

The room fell silent. His eyes drifted toward the window. For reasons he couldn’t explain, he suddenly wondered whether Bella had remembered to eat lunch.

He frowned at the thought.

Then immediately returned his attention to the papers before him.

Tomorrow would be a long day.And neither of them knew that the council meeting was about to place them in a situation they couldn’t avoid.