The sickened luna’s last chance

Chapter 46

Ella

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The karaoke was over but the night wasn’t. Not by a long shot. My blood was thrumming, my body loose and warm in a way I’d never experienced before. I was alive. I was free. And for a few blissful hours, I’d forgotten all about Alexander and all my problems.

Until he walked in and ruined everything.

I’d spotted him the moment he stepped through the door, his red hair and impeccable frame impossible to miss even in the dim light. But I quickly turned away, pretending I hadn’t seen him at all.

For the next hour, I pointedly kept my back to Alexander, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me look his way. Instead, I focused on Molly, on her stories, on the way she made my sides stitch from laughter.

By my fifth Blue Hawaiian, the room was spinning pleasantly, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this good. This free. Maybe never.

“Hey,” Molly said, leaning in close so I could hear her over the music, “want to get some air? It’s getting stuffy in here.”

I nodded, grateful for the suggestion. The bar had gotten crowded, and the heat of all those bodies pressed together was making me feel a bit claustrophobic. Plus, maybe outside I wouldn’t feel Alexander’s gaze burning into my back.

Because I knew he was watching me. I could feel it.

Molly stood and held out her hand to me. I took it without hesitation, letting her lead me through the crowd toward the exit. I didn’t look back. I didn’t

need to see Alexander’s face. I didn’t care.

At least, that was what I told myself.

The cool night air was a welcome change from the stuffy heat of the bar. Molly didn’t let go of my hand as she led me around the corner into a small alley beside the building. The music inside faded to a dull thump–thump–thump.

Molly reached into her pocket and pulled out a carton of cigarettes. She offered me one, but I shook my head and just leaned back against the brick wall, shutting my eyes. I heard a lighter click, then the smell of a cigarette made my nose wrinkle.

We stood in silence for a few moments, side–by–side, as Molly smoked. I inhaled deeply through my nose, soothed by the cool air. But when I finally opened my eyes, I found that Molly had moved to stand in front of me, and one of her hands was pressing into the brick wall beside my head.

eyes widened

“I didn’t just happen to be working at that diner when you and

“What

knew you were married to the Alpha of Ashclaw. I’ve been keeping tabs

put her cigarette out on the bricks on the other side of my head, then dropped the butt on the ground and pressed her hand there so she was fully caging me in now. “I always had a crush on you, even when we were kids. But back

Was she saying what I thought she was

“Molly, I-”

had feelings for you. Even after all these years apart, I still think about you.

process what she was saying, Molly

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Chapter 46

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mouth tasted like strawberry lipgloss and

fully process what was happening. I just stood there, frozen, my back against

his face twisted with rage and his green eyes glowing

with Liam.

you think

eyes widened with fear as she realized who had caught her.

out of here,”

need to be told twice. She shot me one last apologetic look before turning and running out of the alley, disappearing into

hell, Ella? Is this what you do now? Sneak off to bars

was quickly replaced by anger at Alexander’s

snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. “And even if it was, it’s none of your

course it’s my business when you’re out

Alexander! And it’s not like you ever want to spend time with me. You’re always working or locked in your office or hanging out with Gabriel. When was

laughed bitterly. “I’m an Alpha, Ella. I have responsibilities. I don’t

derlaub Hand der vrionst

Be the perfect, obedient Luna while you go off and do whatever you want? Fuck that!” The alcohol had loosened my tongue, making me bolder than ever before. “I’m twenty–two years old, Alexander. Do you know how many experiences I’ve

you’re just being reckless to piss me off? Is that it?” Alexander stepped closer, looming over me. “Going out every night, drinking with strangers, kissing women in alleys–you’re doing all this just

I’m doing this for me. Because I’ve never gotten to live my life the way I wanted to. I’ve never been to a bar before tonight. Never sang karaoke. Never had a favorite drink.

long moment, and his gaze was so intense I could feel my pulse