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 slightly.

said, leaning in closer. “I didn’t just happen to be working at that diner when you and Liam

frowned. “What

of Ashclaw. I’ve been keeping tabs on you

the ground and pressed her hand there so she was fully caging me in now. “I always had a crush on you,

she saying what I thought she

“Molly, I-”

said, cutting me off. And I’ve always had feelings for you. Even after all these years apart, I still think about you. That’s why I came to

I could process what she was saying, Molly

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Chapter 46

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tasted like strawberry lipgloss and

Too drunk to fully process what was happening. I just stood there, frozen, my back against the brick wall, as

between us, his face twisted with rage and his green

with Liam.

you think

widened with fear as she realized who had caught her. “I–I’m

here,”

me one last apologetic look before turning and running out of the alley, disappearing

hell, Ella? Is this what you do now? Sneak

kiss was quickly replaced by anger at Alexander’s tone. Who was he to judge me? To accuse

“And even if it was, it’s none of your business what

my business?” Alexander’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re my mate. My Luna. Of course it’s my business when

with me. You’re always working or locked in your office or hanging

about? You’re acting out because I don’t take you on dates?” Alexander laughed bitterly. “I’m an Alpha, Ella. I have responsibilities. I

derlaub Hand der vrionst

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

“Going out every night, drinking with strangers, kissing women in alleys–you’re

to. I’ve never been to a bar before tonight. Never sang karaoke. Never had a favorite drink. I’ve never even had

a long moment, and his gaze was so intense I could feel my pulse jumping in the vein on the