The sickened luna’s last chance

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Ella POV

“Shut up,” Alexander whispered.

I halted my steps abruptly, furrowing my brow. “What?”

Alexander shook his head, almost as if he hadn’t intended to say the words out loud. “Nothing,” he said. Beside him, Gabriel’s face reddened again. Alexander frowned. “Why did you pick that dress? You should change.”

I bristled involuntarily at his words. Maybe the old version of me would have scurried away and changed into something more suitable-who was I kidding, I would have never worn this to begin with-but not anymore.

“Oh, don’t be a prude,” I bit out. “I can wear what I want and you have no right to control me.”

With that, I brushed past him, moving to enter the banquet hall.

Alexander’s hand shot out, grabbing my arm. He pulled me back before I could reach the grand double doors.

I whirled on him, prepared to tell him where he could shove his comments about my outfit, but found myself surprised when he simply looped my arm through his elbow.

“You can’t go alone. We’re supposed to walk in together.”

Right. We did enter these sorts of events arm-in-arm every time.

But I knew that the moment we entered the banquet hall, Sophia would show up and cling to Alexander. And I knew he would keep his distance from me for the entire party, just like he always did, leaving me to mingle on my own and become a wallflower while all the other couples danced.

He wasn’t insisting on going in together because he actually cared about being by my side. This was just for appearances, like it always was, and I would be cast aside the moment I had served my purpose.

I abruptly pulled my arm away. “I don’t think that’s necessary. Everyone knows you hate me, anyway. What does it matter if we’re holding hands when we enter?”

Alexander’s green eyes shifted, a look of something that almost looked like pain flickering through them for the briefest of moments. It was gone so quickly I wasn’t sure if I had actually seen it, but it did leave me wondering…

Could it be that he was actually being insincere earlier and actually preferred when I was being more flirtatious?

will be guests from the Alpha Council Supervisory Board in attendance,” he said firmly, taking my hand and placing it on his arm again. I tried not to think about the sight of his bare muscles from earlier as I felt his bicep shift under my palm. “They’ll be inspecting the pack for at least a

his composure, chimed in from behind Alexander. “Trying to ruin your Alpha’s chances at

Alexander and Gabriel glance at

course not,” I said smoothly. “I think Alexander would make an

he controls

obvious jab, I did oblige and tighten my grip around Alexander’s arm. Gabriel opened the doors and we strode inside, where the

Chapter 6

lively tune. Candles flickered on every table, casting the room in a golden glow, and the air smelled like alcohol, cigar smoke, and

a bit chaotic without my guidance-I would have put smaller centerpieces on the tables so guests could see each other better during conversation and I would have placed the dance floor closer to the

Sophia’s nitpicking this time. Gabriel could deal with

our way through the sea of guests, I gestured to a nearby waiter, who hurried over. His eyes briefly flicked over my dress, a look of surprise crossing his face, but he bowed and said respectfully, “What can I get

you, Luna?”

so as not to make the guests

I wanted something

like a dry martini,

to prepare my drink. When I glanced at Alexander, I

“What?” I asked.

don’t get

about that.” I took the drink from the waiter when he returned and immediately took a long sip, never looking away from

sporting an expensive suit that was likely purchased

My father.

for months, but he didn’t hug me or smile like a normal father might do. Rather, he took my wrist and pulled

jacket to cover me up, I held my hand up to stop him. “I’m fine. I can wear

come over you?” He then gestured to the drink in my hand. “And you should know better than to drink alcohol when you’re actively trying to get

I used to do everything in my power to make Alexander

gown that was perfectly tasteful with just a touch of sexiness, her brunette hair pulled back into an intricate updo. “Well, I suppose Luna

of my father. But when Gabriel stepped forward and reached for my drink, saying,

a child,” I

Gabriel, and Sophia went

(+13)

Chapter 6

expected me to snap like that-not even me. It was so far afield from my usual