Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

X Chapter 0322 Chapter 0322 Ella POV James stood beside me , his posture tense and alert .

I felt a pang of guilt for asking him to join me for a walk after everything that had just happened , but he had agreed easily enough .

He didnt try to chat with me like he normally would , and the silence hung heavy between us .

It didnt bother though I needed time to clear my head and sort through my thoughts .

I knew I owed James an apology , and I would make sure he got it … eventually .

But not today .

me , Too much had happened in the past few days .

Part of me wondered if this was all some crazy , twisted dream .

The truth about Alexander … the kidnapping … It all felt surreal .

But the bruises on my body were real enough , and the ache in my bones with every step reminded me that I wasnt dreaming .

The stares from passersby as they noticed my bruises and my slight limp were real enough too .

What do you think of Alexander ? I asked suddenly , breaking the silence .

James looked at me , confusion clear on his face .

What ? 2 Not as your Alpha .

Just as a person .

What do you think of him ? I pressed , searching his expression .

James was down to earth , and I trusted his opinion .

Maybe I was too blinded by my feelings for Alexander to think clearly .

Maybe I shouldnt be giving him the benefit of the doubt after everything hed confessed .

I needed a second opinion , but it wasnt as if I could tell anyone what I knew .

I felt lost and unsure of what to do , and asking James seemed like the only option .

What do I think of Alexander … as a person ? James repeated , his tone thoughtful .

Yeah , like … do you think youd be friends under different circumstances ? I struggled to find the right words , trying to explain what I meant .

James was silent for a long moment before he finally spoke .

I honestly dont know how to answer that .

I dont know if wed be friends , but … I think my respect for him would still be there .

Truth is , I dont have much in common with him , but … I think he means well , if that makes sense .

I nodded slowly .

I think I understand what you mean , I said .

Why are you asking all of a sudden ? James asked , his brows knitting together.

Did something happen between you two ? I shook my head .

No … Its just … Im doubting myself , I admitted .

I dont trust my own judgment sometimes .

It makes me wonder if the choices Ive made were really the right ones .

>> For what its worth , James said , his voice earnest , Im glad you and Alexander are together .

You seem like a good fit .

And frankly , his attitude has improved drastically since you moved in .

Really ? I asked , my disbelief evident .

James nodded , a hint of amusement in his expression .

Hes less … touchy , you know ? Hes got more patience when people screw up , and he even works a little less .

Which is nice for everyone , because when hes burnt out and stressed , he can be a lot .

I smiled .

Is he really working less ? Thats hard to believe .

And yet its true , James said with a laugh .

173 Im glad Ive been a good influence … at least a little , I said softly .

You shouldnt doubt yourself so much , James said , his tone sincere .

Its easy to make mistakes , but when you trust your gut , things usually turn out okay .

I looked down at my feet as we continued walking .

Trust my gut … People usually told me to trust my instincts or trust my wolf , which always rubbed me the wrong way since , until recently , my wolf had been out of my reach .

But trusting my gut ? For some reason , those words were comforting .

My gut told me that everything Alexander had said was true and that his feelings for me were real , just as mine were for him .

My gut told me that I was exactly where I needed to be .

I looked up at James and smiled .

Thank you .

You have no idea how much that helps .

Im glad I can help , he said , his cheeks tinged pink as he looked away , clearly embarrassed .

I smiled and turned to look down the sidewalk again .

It was a beautiful day and I was finally feeling the warmth of the sun .

Alexander had told me who he really was , but it changed nothing .

I love him and that was what mattered most of all .

Third Person POV Amanda felt numb as she stared at the phone .

Her contact had called with news that the kidnapping had failed .

Alexander had shown up out of nowhere and rescued Ella at the last second .

She gritted her teeth , imagining how happy Ella must have been when her knight in shining armor arrived .

Every attempt Amanda made to get back at Ella only seemed to make her stronger , gain more positive attention , and make people like her more .

It was infuriating , and it filled Amanda with disgust .

So how do we proceed ? the woman on the other end of the line asked .

Amanda ground her teeth together .

There was a long pause before the woman spoke again , her voice careful .

I have a suggestion , if youre open to it .

11 What ? Amanda demanded , barely containing her irritation .

I understand your desire to kidnap Ella and control the situation , but clearly that isnt working .

Amanda grunted in response , unwilling to admit that the woman was right , even though she knew it was true .

So my suggestion is , we make it look like an accident .

What ? Amandas voice sharpened .

You want Ella dead , dont you ? the woman said , her tone shifting to something darker , a strange joy lacing her words .

I know thats what I want .

Yes , thats what I want , Amanda agreed , her voice flat .

Whats your point ? Why does it matter to you how she dies ? the woman asked , her tone casual , almost playful .

Amanda thought for a long moment .

It was true she had wanted control over how Ella suffered .

She wanted Ella to feel fear , to know she was being punished .

But maybe that didnt matter anymore .

Maybe her 2/3 Chapter 0322 own emotions were clouding her judgment .

Maybe her need for control was what had been holding her back from getting rid of Ella altogether .

What are you saying ? she asked , her voice laced with skepticism .

revenge Let me handle it , the woman said with confidence .

Ill do it my way , and itll get done .

Youll have the you wanted , but youll be the only one who knows it was at your command .

Can you handle that ? Amanda wanted to argue , but she knew it was irrational .

Getting Ella out of the picture was all that mattered now .

David was in prison , and so was Archer .

The Alpha King was going to judge them , and Ellas testimony would be the most damning of all .

She had to get rid of Ella before she had a chance to speak to the King and condemn Amandas brother and her husband .

Fine , she said , feeling defeated .

Just make sure it doesnt fail this time .

She could practically hear the woman smiling on the other end of the line .

Dont worry .

This time , Ella Rowan is going to get exactly whats been coming to her .