The sickened luna’s last chance

Chapter 30

Alexander

“You’re all over the internet,” Gabriel said, sliding his phone across my desk. “The happy couple out for lunch.”

I didn’t need to look at the photos. I’d lived through it just hours ago. Ella had fed me a pickle off her fork–a pickle and I had to eat it just to appease the fucking paparazzi, because if I didn’t, they would never believe our farce.

I didn’t even like pickles.

Instead of answering right away, I took another sip of bourbon, letting it burn a hot path down my throat. Gabriel and I were sitting in my office with only the fire to light the room and a half–empty bottle between us. It had been a long day.

“At least the stunt worked,” I said, refilling my glass. “The press seems to be buying it. And the people around us were giggling like a bunch of schoolchildren.”

Gabriel snorted. “It seems to be working a little too well, if you ask me. #AlphaLove Birds is trending.” He scrolled through more photos. “You do look… convincing, though.”

“That’s the point.”

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me. “Just remember it’s all for show, Alex. You can’t afford to get caught up in this performanc

My jaw clenched. “I know what I’m doing.”

“I’m just saying, I’ve known you for a long time, and I’ve never seen you look at that Stormhollow bitch the way you did in these photos.”

My wolf surged forward so violently I nearly dropped my glass.

“Don’t call her that,” I blurted out, my teeth clenched so tight I thought I might shatter them.

Gabriel blinked, clearly taken aback. “What?”

use my Alpha voice, not yet, but the urge was buzzing

least for

was likely involved in your parents‘ death. Since when do you care what I

“Just watch yourself.”

long moment. Then, shaking his head, he mused, “I see. You’re getting too

saying you should show some respect

his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry for disrespecting Luna Ella. It won’t

as we drank in silence for a while, but could

Beta, but also my friend. And we had known each other long enough that he’d unfortunately developed an uncanny ability to see right through me sometimes. It was

but I calmed him. Gabriel

her, and the act we were putting on was getting a little too cozy. It was bad enough that we were sharing a room, and now all I could think about was the sight of her hiking beside me earlier, the sheen on her brow, the tears shimmering in her eyes as she watched those bear cubs

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08:37 Tue, 19 Aug

Chapter 30

I finally said, shoving aside those images before they could take root, “I have no intention of falling for Ella. This is all for show, just like agreed. In nine months, we’ll go our

“Because if Stormhollow was behind your parents‘ murder, and you end up falling

“I made a vow all those years ago. I don’t intend to break it

another moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Alright.” He downed the rest of his drink and stood. “It’s been a long day. should

alone, I poured myself another glass of bourbon and held it up, turning it in my fingers in

her face there, smiling at

see her everywhere, I reminded myself, setting aside the glass without taking a sip.

the thoughts away and stood, my head slightly fuzzy from the bourbon. It was late, and I needed sleep. I’d spent the afternoon patrolling the eastern border, then been dragged to that cafe

me overthink things, and alcohol was making me stupid and

quietly made my way through the dark halls. Ella would already be asleep by now, just like everyone else in this house. And indeed, when I reached the door, there was no sliver of light spilling out from beneath. A blessing, to not have to talk to

a brick wall the moment I stepped inside my bedroom. Cherry blossoms and vanilla, sweet and intoxicating, filling every corner

getting stronger

clawing at the inside of my skin like he’d gone feral. He wanted me to mark her. To claim her.