The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

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Chapter 16

Alexander looked pleased. I avoided everyone’s gazes, busying myself instead with pouring a cup of coffee. I picked out some ripe strawberries and fresh melon slices, then reached for the plate of toast and butter in the center of the table

The plate was a little far, and Liam, who was closer, handed it to me. Our fingers brushed as I took it, and I smiled up at my friend. “Thank you

Beside me, I heard a bang. I jumped and looked over to see that Alexander had hit his knee on the underside of the table, causing some of his coffee to slosh out over the rim of his mug.

“Ouch. Are you alright, Alpha?” Liam asked.

Alexander merely grunted in response. I noticed that the rest of the Board was staring at us now-Liam and I still holding the same plate, Alexander morosely sipping his coffee, and Sophia blushing furiously at the other end of the table.

Not wanting to raise any eyebrows, I took the plate, giggled, and said airily, “My husband didn’t sleep well last night. He gets so clumsy when he’s tired, don’t you, dear?”

Alexander straightened somewhat and shot me a sidelong glance. I was glad that my tease had annoyed him just the right amount while also seeming to ease the tension at the table. Liam and the rest of the board chuckled, although Sophia just shook her head and began angrily cutting her omelet.

“Yes,” Alexander went on, reaching over to grasp my free hand, “well, my wife keeps me up late running her mouth.”

I resisted the urge to point out that it was actually quite the opposite, if only because our little show of marital bliss seemed to have pleased the Board-and if I wanted to gain my freedom sooner, I couldn’t risk upsetting them.

So instead, I said warmly, addressing the Board now, “We were actually up late discussing pack affairs. Recently, Ashclaw has been gifted a parcel of land from Stormhollow that has the perfect soil for growing wheat. This will allow us to grow more grain. Within six months, we’re hoping to roll out a program providing free bread to every pack member-ensuring everyone, regardless of financial status, gets to eat.”

Alexander stiffened, likely surprised that I even knew about that. Despite what he thought of me, I was a diligent Luna who paid attention to everything that went on. During the meetings he invited me to just for appearances, I was always taking notes.

“How would that work?” one of the Board members asked.

“Every bakery in Ashclaw would receive a certain amount of flour from the grain each month,” I replied. “The bakeries would then give out free loaves made from the flour, and if they met their quota, they would receive a small stipend to compensate.”

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Chapter 16

+25 BONUS

The Alphas all looked at each other, nodding and murmuring their praise. Liam grinned. That’s the Ella I remember! This is an excellent idea, and I’m sure it will help your people immensely.”

((

I smiled, looking at Alexander. He still looked a little shocked, as if he hadn’t expected me to know so much about the program, but nodded encouragingly. Something about the gesture made my chest warm.

Just then, Sophia cleared her throat.

“Well, I hate to cut this short, but the Spring Market Celebration is today,” she said, pushing her chair back and standing. “Alex and I usually go together-are you ready to go?”

I’d almost forgotten that every year, Sophia and Alexander went to the Spring Market Celebration together-the annual celebration of the arrival of spring, held in the neutral forest territory between packs.

Many packs would set up stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit to handmade wares. At night, there would be a bonfire and dancing on the sacred ground as a show of camaraderie between packs.

Sophia and Alexander never invited me.

“Of course,” Alexander said. “We’ll go soon.”

Liam, always sharp, snapped his gaze to me. “You’re not going, Ella?”

I quickly replied, “Oh, I’m not really interested in it. I don’t usually go.”

Liam blinked. “Well, you should come with me. I’ve never been, but it sounds fun.”

I was just about to reply when Alexander’s hand suddenly shot out, wrapping around mine with such force I almost winced. “I’ll take you, Ella.” He glanced at Liam. “We can meet Liam there.”

For a moment, Alexander and Liam just stared at each other. Liam seemed to be scrutinizing Alexander, but Alexander just held his gaze calmly, seemingly unbothered despite the tension in the air.

Just then, the dining room doors opened, and Gabriel entered, looking slightly out of breath as if he had run here.

“Alpha Alexander,” he said quickly, “a pack of rogues has been spotted at the border.’

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