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.

widened

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

“What

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

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

saying what I thought

“Molly, I-”

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

what she was saying, Molly leaned in and pressed her lips

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Chapter 46

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mouth tasted like

process what was happening. I just stood there,

with rage and his green eyes

with Liam.

do you think

caught her. “I–I’m

of here,”

need to be told twice. She shot me one last apologetic look before

as she was gone, Alexander rounded on me. “What the hell, Ella? Is this what you do now? Sneak off

anger at Alexander’s tone. Who was he to

“And even if it

course it’s my business when you’re out getting drunk and letting

handle myself, 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 the last time you invited me

take you on dates?” Alexander laughed

derlaub Hand der vrionst

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

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

the way I wanted to. I’ve

the moment those words slipped out. Alexander stared at me for a long moment, and his gaze