The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

+25 BONUS

“And you’re sure you’ll feel comfortable cutting that close? What if things don’t go perfectly his way and he pulls out of the contract or betrays you at the very end, leaving you with only three months to figure something else out?”

“Alexander, for all his flaws, takes a contract very seriously,” I replied. “He spent five years following our marriage contract to a fault. He won’t pull out of this one.”

Lilith didn’t seem convinced, but she didn’t have a chance to say anything else, because a sudden gust of wind knocked over a large pitcher of iced tea, soaking the tablecloth and the nearby finger sandwiches.

“Oh, confound it!” she muttered, hurrying away to clean up the mess.

I was just about to follow her and help when Lian approached. “Mind if I join you?” he asked, gesturing to the tree I was sitting under.

I nodded and moved aside so he could sit down beside me. The grass was cool and soft beneath ús, and Liam tilted his head back against the tree shutting his eyes for a moment and just enjoying the breeze.

For a few minutes, we just sat like that, neither of us speaking. I felt like we were kids again, just enjoying each other’s company without the need for words. It was nice.

Suddenly, I asked, “Do you still have it?”

Liam cracked one blue eye open. “Have what?”

“The necklace I gave you. The one with the paper airplane charm.”

I half expected him not to even remember, but when he grinned conspiratorially and reached into his shirt, pulling out a familiar silver charm I almost cried out with glee. “You did keep it,” I breathed, reaching out to touch the little pendant. It still looked brand new, not even a little tarnished.

“How could I not?” he asked, slipping it back into his shirt before the others could see. “It’s the one thing I hold dear.”

My heart softened at his words. I desperately wanted to know what happened at that camp. ” Liam, what-”

“Tell me what’s going on between you and Alexander.”

I blinked, surprised. Liam steadily held my stare, hat knowing gaze in his eyes. My throat bobbed. “Nothing. I don’t know-”

“Ella. I spent every day for the past twelve years hinking about your smile. Something is different about it now-you’re not being genuine”

1/3

Chapter 20

+25 BONUS

His observance should have comforted me. But all I felt was overwhelmed; if I told him the truth, would he give Ashclaw a bad review? Would Alexander not be able to campaign? Would he find a way to pull out of the contract if that happened, just like Lilith said?

“Everything is fine, Liam. Really.”

“You have to tell me, Ella. If you need help-”

“I said I’m fine.” I stood abruptly, surprising both of us. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Liam was always sharp, but this… it felt different.

“Ella-”

“I’ll be right back,” I said, already moving away. “Wait here.’

Liam stood, calling after me, but I hurried away without looking back. I wasn’t sure where I was going-I just needed to get away.

Suddenly, Sophia unexpectedly appeared at my side. “Need some air?”

“Something like that.”

“How about the barn? I could use a moment to myself, too.”

I hesitated, wanting to tell her to leave me alone. But the barn was nearby, and it wasn’t a bad idea; the smell of the hay always soothed me, and I enjoyed hearing the rhythmic munching of the cows as they chewed on their grain.

With a nod, I allowed Sophia to lead me to the barn. The light dimmed significantly as we stepped inside, and without my wolf, my eyes had to take a moment to adjust. When they did, I saw Sophia climbing the ladder to the hayloft.

I followed her, finding her standing near the open hay door on the second floor. The breeze was rustling through her brunette hair as she stood there, eyes closed. I joined her and did the

same.

“This does feel nice,” I muttered, and I meant it.

“Yeah. It sure does.”

Suddenly, I felt something shove against my lower back. I screamed, and before I had the chance to catch myself, I was falling out of the barn. The ground rushed toward me, and I braced myself for impact.

But the impact never came. A pair of warm arms caught me just moments before I hit the ground, and we fell backwards into a pile of hay, golden needles flying up around us.

Gasping, I looked up to see a pair of blue eyes staring down at me in shock.

“Liam,” I whispered, “you caught me-

2/3

Chapter 20

+25 BONUS

Suddenly, another pair of hands grabbed me and pulled me out of Liam’s grip. Someone lifted me off the ground, and the smell of sweat, blood, leather, bourbon, and woodfire smoke filled my nostrils.

Alexander.