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 slightly.

said, leaning in closer. “I didn’t just happen to

“What do

the Alpha of Ashclaw. I’ve been keeping tabs

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 then, I didn’t understand what it meant. I just knew I wanted to

breath caught. Was she saying what

“Molly, I-”

a lesbian, Ella,” she 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 Ashclaw. To find

process what she was saying, Molly leaned in and

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Chapter 46

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tasted like strawberry

was just too stunned to react. Too drunk to fully process what was

was yanked away from me. Alexander placed himself between us, his face twisted with rage and his

with Liam.

you think you’re doing?” he snarled

caught her. “I–I’m sorry,” she stammered, backing away. “I didn’t

of here,”

She shot me one last apologetic look before turning and running out

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

was quickly replaced by anger at Alexander’s tone. Who was he to judge

that,” I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. “And even if it was, it’s none of your business what I do in my spare

mate. My Luna. Of course it’s my business

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

what this is 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 don’t have

derlaub Hand der vrionst

tongue, making me bolder

Alexander stepped closer, looming over me. “Going out every night, drinking with strangers, kissing women in

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

his gaze was so intense I could feel my pulse jumping in the