The sickened luna’s last chance

Alexander & Sophia

Alexander

I adjusted my tie one last time, checking my reflection in the mirror. The black suit I’d chosen for the evening was impeccable, tailored to perfection because it had to be.

After all, this wasn’t just any party. This was our first time visiting Stormhollow as a couple since the wedding. I needed to look my best, especially with all the rumors flying around.

And with Ella in that dress… I tried not to think about it. Tried not to think about how I’d have to keep my arm around her all night to prevent other males from looking.

Tried not to think about how my wolf bristled with excitement at the very thought of spending the entire evening glued to my mate’s side.

Just then, my phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I pulled it from my pocket, frowning when I saw John Oxford’s name on the screen.

“John,” I answered. “This isn’t a good time. I’m about to-

“Alexander, thank the Goddess!” John’s voice was frantic, bordering on hysterical. I’d never heard him like that before. “It’s Sophia. She’s gone completely off the rails!”

My stomach dropped. “What do you mean?”

“She’s locked herself in the bathroom. She’s threatening to… Please, Alexander, she’s not listening to reason. She’ll only talk to you.”

“John, I’m about to leave for an important event with Ella. Can’t you-”

“She’s saying she’ll slit her wrists if you don’t come right now.” John’s voice cracked. “Please, Alexander. I know we’ve had our differences lately, but this is Sophia we’re talking about. Your oldest friend.”

Fuck. This was the last thing I needed tonight. But if Sophia was truly threatening to harm herself…

“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” I said, already moving toward the door., “Try to keep her calm until then.”

I hung up and grabbed my car keys from the dresser. There wasn’t time to explain everything to Ella; Gabriel would have to take her to the party, and I’d meet them there once 1 dealt with Sophia.

John was waiting outside the sprawling Oxford manor when I pulled up, pacing frantically on the front steps. He practically yanked me from the car before I even had a chance to pull the key out of the ignition.

“Thank the Goddess you’re here, Alex,” he said, pulling me toward the house. “She’s upstairs. Helen’s been trying to talk her down, but she’s not having any of it.”

I followed him through the familiar halls of the Oxford home and up the grand staircase to Sophia’s wing–yes, she had a whole wing to herself that was practically a separate home in its own right. Helen was standing outside the bathroom door with tears streaming down her face.

“Sophia, darling, please,” she was saying over the sound of rushing water within. “Alex is here now. Please come out.”

the door, motioning for Helen to step aside. “Sophia,” I called

herself into my arms, soaking wet and sobbing. She slammed into me so hard that I

she cried, burying her face in my

08:38 Tue, 19 Aug

Chapter 37

CGAT

as I held her, something fell off. I couldn’t explain it maybe it was the perfectly overflowing bathtub in the background, or the sheer white nightgown that was clinging

acting, wasn’t

embrace and

we need

sniffled, wiping at her eyes. “Yes, of course. Mommy, Daddy,

exchanged a glance before nodding and retreating down the hall. Once they were gone, I fixed Sophia with a hard

hell do you think you’re

“What do you mean? I was

You’re fishing for attention like a teenager with a crush, and you even terrorized your poor parents

I’ve been so distraught since you accused me of all those horrible things. You’ve

tried to hurt my mate,” I growled. The word ‘mate‘ slipped out before I could stop it. “Because you fucking endangered innocent people

“I would never-

silencing her. “I don’t want to hear it. I came here tonight because, despite everything, you’re still my friend and I didn’t want to see you hurt.

lower lip trembled. “What do you

I won’t take this anymore. Either you get your emotions in check and start behaving like the adult you’re

gasped. “You don’t

If I left now, I might still make it to the party in time to join Ella. Hopefully my suit would dry on the way there.

once, she seemed to have no words. Maybe that was

I said, turning on my heel. “I

didn’t wait for her response, nor did I pause to think about how satisfying it felt to refer to Ella as my mate and wife

Sophia

hear the front door slamming, then the sound of

was leaving. Actually leaving. To go to

her, to realize how much she needed him. Instead, he’d seen right through her act and threatened to

08:38 Tue, 19 Aug

Chapter 37

As if that was

There was a moment of silence. Sophia sank down onto the edge of her bed and dragged her hands through

said with a grunt of disapproval.