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, choosing my words

Dr. McIntyre," I

course," she replied tightly.

sprang to mind and instead asked, How would you like to handle

as she studied me, as if trying to decipher my

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

is about you, and you should decide how

my words. Then she sighed, her shoulders sagging as

the right thing to do is. This whole situation has me so off-kilter and frightened.

lot to handle," I said

voice tinged with guilt. "I'm not being

admitted. "But we can talk about that later.

time-sensitive situation. We need to come up with a plan

nodded, chewing at her cheek as

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

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Chapter 0279

won't let her think she has power over

her could escalate things,"

fierce. "Then at least we can fight it out