The sickened luna’s last chance

Chapter 180

Ella

The day of the picnic dawned bright and clear, with just enough of a breeze to keep the summer heat from being unbearable.

I stood at the entrance to the picnic, where there was a large archway set up with a welcome sign, my hand resting on top of the small bump that now protruded from beneath the blue sundress I was wearing. The dress had an empire waist, ensuring that my belly was on more prominent display than usual.

Had to ensure everyone knew that the Ashclaw Alpha and Luna were expecting an heir, after all. But I wasn’t complaining. Not today.

Five and a half months pregnant, and I was finally starting to show properly. The sight of my rounded belly still caught me off guard sometimes, but in a good way.

“There you are.” Alexander appeared at my side, looking devastatingly handsome in dark jeans and a casual button–down shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and he’d skipped the tie for once. Ready?”

”

I nodded and took his extended arm, plastering that practiced smile on my face as we made our way into the main event space.

We’d done this dance so many times now that slipping into our public roles felt like putting on a well- worn pair of shoes.

Over the next few hours, I smiled until my cheeks ached, answered questions about the baby’s due date at least fifty times, and let what felt like half the territory touch my belly for good luck. Alexander stayed close, his hand never straying far from my back or my arm, playing the devoted mate to perfection.

But there were moments–brief flashes when he thought no one was looking–where his concern felt genuine. The way he steered me toward a chair when I’d been standing for a little too long, or how he made sure I had water and something to eat every hour on the hour.

reminded me of the kitchen two nights ago, of how he’d looked at me, how he’d

before Gabriel

me, even casually, I remembered the feeling of his hands in

tongue.

just wanted to bury it. If he wasn’t going to bring it up, then I wasn’t going to humiliate myself

1/4

Chapter 180

+15 BONUS

Gabriel’s amplified voice cut through my wandering thoughts. He was standing on a small platform near the center of the festivities, holding a microphone. “We have a special

felt my pulse quicken. I hadn’t played capture the flag since I was a teenager, back before I

into two teams,” Gabriel continued. “And our team captains will be Alpha Alexander and

pulled my shoulders back, assuming that

Wilkes, captain of

to Alexander with raised eyebrows. “What

“You’re pregnant.”

help but laugh. “I’m not about to pop right now. Besides, the game only allows shifted wolves. I’ll be perfectly

I strode up to Gabriel and took the microphone away. “Change of plans,” I said, ignoring the way both Alexander and Gabriel put their heads in their hands. “I will be taking Miranda’s place.” I grinned and patted my belly. “Although I’m not sure if I should count for one player or

handed the microphone back to Gabriel, who looked ready to burst. Alexander, however, seemed to be hiding the faintest of smiles as I made my way back

he muttered.

thought I was going to die five months ago. A game of capture the flag is

for the rest of