Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0279

Alexander POV

I hadn't expected Ella to still be awake when I returned to je apartment. I'd been gone less than an hour, but as upset as she'd been-and as late as it was-l figured she'd have given up waiting and gone to bed.

Instead, she was standing in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with wide, startled eyes fixed on the door as I walked in. I must have surprised her.

"Are you all right?" I asked, stepping toward her.

She nodded emphatically and shrugged one shoulder-a response so unconvincing it was almost comical. It was clear she was still upset, and I couldn't blame her.

This situation was unnerving, to say the least.

To me, it seemed obvious the messages were coming from Dr. McIntyre. August's quick search had turned up enough evidence to confirm it. That didn't rule out a connection to David, but I was doubtful.

Ella, however, seemed convinced David was somehow involved.

I felt a pang of guilt as I remembered how I'd handled her emotions before leaving. It was natural for her to be frightened and upset, but instead of offering her comfort or understanding, I'd scolded her and rushed off.

I wasn't proud of my behavior, but at the time, I'd been so focused on finding answers that I hadn't considered what she actually needed from me.

slowly,

certainly Dr. McIntyre," I said

course," she replied tightly. "You're

the retort that sprang to mind and instead asked, How

me, as if trying to decipher

to handle it?" she asked. "Wouldn't it be better just to go with whatever plan you and your people have come

she's contacting. This is about you,

words. Then she sighed, her shoulders

whole situation has me so off-kilter and frightened. I don't mean to take it

to handle," I said

her voice tinged with guilt. "I'm not being fair

I admitted. "But we can talk about that later. Right now,

to come up with

at her cheek

want to confront her," she said, her voice suddenly firm. "I'm not going to

1/2

Chapter 0279

me. I won't let her

escalate things," I

least we can fight it out and