The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

+25 BONUS

Chapter 48

Ella

Thirty minutes later, we were walking into a quaint cafe in town that I’d been frequenting with Lilith for the past couple of years.

The place was cozy, with warm wooden tables, hanging plants, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. On nice days like today, they would open the front to let in the spring breeze. It was already packed for lunch, but the hostess beamed as soon as she saw me coming.

“Luna Ella!” she exclaimed, running over. “It’s been weeks! We missed you! Where have you been?”

“I’ve been busy,” I replied, which wasn’t technically untrue. I was sure she had seen the news.

The hostess’s eyes widened slightly when she saw my companion walk in behind me. Not Lilith, who I normally enjoyed coming here with, but Alexander.

He had never come here with me in all the years I had been dining here.

In fact, he had never eaten a meal with me at all-in a restaurant or at home.

“Alpha Alexander,” the hostess said, bowing her head respectfully as he approached. “It’s an honor to have you at our establishment.”

Alexander nodded in response, then looked around. “Is there going to be a wait time? It looks like you’re all full.”

Shaking her head, the hostess led us to a table on the street, which was my favorite place to sit in the nice weather. A little “reserved” card was sitting on top of it.

“We always keep your table reserved for you, just in case,” the hostess said, gesturing to the little wrought iron table with two seats and an umbrella.

Alexander blinked, looking surprised. I smiled and thanked the hostess. Alexander pulled my seat out for me, but I knew it was more for the sake of those watching us than the fact that he actually wanted to.

We took our seats and the space between us fell silent for a while. Alexander picked his menu up and studied it without a word.

“The turkey club is good,” I offered, trying to break the silence. “Or the Cobb salad.”

Alexander nodded without looking up. “Okay. Thanks.”

More silence. I sipped my water, glancing around the cafe. It was busier than usual for a weekday, probably because of the nice weather. Several young couples were sitting at nearby tables, talking and laughing, some holding hands across the table.

1/2

Chapter 48

+25 BONUS

I’d seen them before well, not these specific couples, but ones just like them. Every time I came here with Lilith, I would watch them.

The way they leaned toward each other, the casual touches, the shared laughter… all the things I’d always wanted, but never got to experience with Alexander.

I’d imagined it, though. Goddess knew I’d spent enough time during the early days of our marriage daydreaming about what it would be like if Alexander took me out like this.

If we sat across from each other at a sunny cafe table, talking about our days, making plans for the weekend, just… being together. Like a normal happy couple.

It was pathetic of me to daydream like that, really. But I couldn’t help it. All I had ever wanted was for my fated mate to finally treat me like his mate and not a stranger.

Finally, the waiter came over to take our orders. “Luna Ella,” he said, smiling warmly as he approached, “it’s wonderful to see you. Will you be having your usual?”

I nodded. “Yes, please. The turkey club and a latte”

The waiter beamed. “I’ll make sure you get extra avocado this time.”

“You know me so well.”

After that, Alexander ordered a salad and a water. When the waiter left, we lapsed back into silence for several long minutes.

“They seem to know you well,” he finally said. His voice was so low I almost didn’t hear it.

“Well, I’ve been coming here at least once a week for a couple of years now.”

Alexander’s brow furrowed slightly. “Oh. I didn’t realize.”

I almost laughed at that. Of course he didn’t. Why would he? He’d never asked where I went during the day, what I did with my time, who I spoke to. For all he knew, I just sat in my room all day, staring at the walls. Maybe he would have preferred that.