The sickened luna’s last chance

Chapter 26

Ella

The following morning, I woke to the sound of water running. I cracked one eye open first, then the other, and realized that Alexander was nå lenger sleeping beside me.

Yesterday’s memories, still too fresh for comfort, washed over me. The kiss, the bitterness, the awful things we’d said to each other before bed. But pushed the negative feelings down and sat up, rubbing sleep from my eyes as the shower shut off in the other rooms.

A moment later, the bathroom door opened, and Alexander stepped out with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets clung to his chest, sliding down the planes of his muscles before disappearing beneath the towel.

I quickly looked away, cursing my body for responding to the sight. For five years I had yearned to share a bed with this man, and now I couldn’t wait for this phase to end if only because it was a constant reminder just how instinctively my body reacted whenever i was close to him.

“Morning,” Alexander said, crossing to his closet. “Sophia and her parents are coming by today.”

I stiffened slightly. “What? Why?”

“To discuss the bonfire incident and the contract leak.”

“Oh. When are they getting here?”

“About an hour.”

I was a little chagrined that he hadn’t told me sooner, but nodded and slipped out of bed, hurrying past Alexander while his back was turned.

By the time I emerged from the shower a little while later, he was gone. I picked out a simple blouse and a skirt, then made my way downstairs with a little time to spare—just enough time for a cup of coffee.

But to my surprise, voices were already drifting from the sitting room.

I entered to find Sophia perched on the sofa. On either side of her sat her parents, Alpha John and Luna Helen Oxford of Moonshine pack.

Alpha John was a tall, distinguished man with salt–and–pepper hair and a neatly trimmed mustache that curled up on the ends. Luna Helen was slim and elegant, with the same brunette hair as her daughter, although hers was shot through with silver.

None of them looked at me as I entered.

Alexander was standing by the fireplace. Gabriel leaned against the windowsill, his arms folded across his chest.

I took a seat in an armchair across from them, keeping my expression neutral. I knew exactly how this would go. Sophia was their precious, perfect daughter. They’d spoiled her rotten her entire life, indulging her every whim and excusing her worst behavior.

They wouldn’t believe she was capable of anything truly malicious.

“Now that we’re all here, let’s get started,” Alexander began, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a delicate necklace with a single pearl on it and held

“This was found at the bonfire site, near where the rogue appeared. There’s rogue blood

the sight of the necklace. Luna Helen gasped,

necklace Alexander was

She wore

suggesting?” Alpha John

Chapter 20

that Sophia was involved with

silent. Sephia’s eyes filled with tears, her lower lip trembling. It was a performance I’d seen many times before

defense. Alpha John turned to his daughter incredulously, “Sophiat is the

supposed to be a prank,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean for anyone

help

eyes turned to me. Alpha John’s gaze was particularly sharp. “Something to add, Luna

I said, folding my hands in my lap to keep from strangling Sophia. All I could think about was that little girl who had almost been mauled. The little girl who would have been mauled had I not distracted the rogue. “A prank, Sophia? Really? You expect us to believe that? That

didn’t you? Everyone’s

a very dangerous and stupid prank, Sophia. You’re lucky I even let you set foot in

began to flutter anew. I just whipped my head toward Alexander, completely

ever stood on my

again. “Apologize to Luna Ella. And to Alpha

was foolish and dangerous, and! take full responsibility.” She bowed her head and

I thought she was fucking lying. I didn’t think she was sorry at all, nor did I think it was

wanted to see someone get hurt. And that

parents prepared to jump

Alpha John slapped his knees and stood. “Now that that’s settled, I

said, “we’re not

exchanged glances. Alexander took a deep breath. “As you know, there was

Helen said with a shake of her head. “How awful. A

couple came to the news agency to leak the information. Oddly enough, the couple allegedly sounded just

ten degrees. Alpha John’s face hardened, while Luna Helen’s hand flew to the pearl necklace at

Alexander?” Alpha John asked softly. There was something dangerous in that low, gravelly

stating what was reported to

Helen snapped, her high voice rising another octave, “We would never betray you like that. Moonshine has been allied with Ashclaw for generations. Our families have been friends since before you were

and our daughter have been friends since childhood.

Chapter 26

had to ask. Surely you linderstand

but you know us, Alex. We would never do

diapers when you were young!” Helen clicked her tongue. “Alex, dear, you mustn’t blame us for them, or the late help you find out who leaked that information, but we can assure you, it