A Warrior's Second Chance (Faye and Alexander) novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235

FAYE

I liked the mornings best.

They were quieter, calmer–before the territory fully woke up, before responsibilities and eyes and expectations settled on my shoulders like a mantle I couldn’t take off.

The air was cool against my skin, the kind that filled my lungs cleanly and made each breath feel intentional. I had chosen a simple workout today. Nothing strenuous. Just a walk along one of the inner paths of the territory.

Alexander would have preferred I stayed closer to the pack house. He always did. But this path was safe too. Well–patrolled, and familiar. And I needed the movement, needed to feel my body working with me instead of feeling like something that needed constant guarding.

My pace was unhurried, measured, the way Helen had taught me–move as though you are listening to yourself.

Footsteps sounded behind me.

At first, I assumed it was one of the early patrol guards or maybe a random pack member out on a run. The rhythm was light, even… Jogging. It wasn’t until the scent reached me–sharp, familiar in a way I didn’t like–that my shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly…. Diana.

I

I didn’t turn immediately, because I didn’t need to. I knew she was coming close to me already.

“Good morning,” she called out, breathless, as she slowed to match my pace.

I turned then, schooling my expression into something neutral, polite. She was dressed for a run- fitted leggings, a light tank, hair pulled back. She looked… good. Effortlessly so. There was a confidence in the way she carried herself.

“Good morning,” I replied calmly.

She smiled, the kind that looked friendly enough on the surface. “I didn’t realize you were up already. Guess I should’ve expected it.”

I nodded slightly. “Mornings are good for walks. I had to take advantage of it.”

Her gaze flicked briefly to my stomach, then back to my face. “Walking,” she echoed. “That makes sense.”

There it was… Subtle, light. Almost innocent.

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She jogged a few steps, then fell back into place beside me, as if we were two women coincidentally sharing a path rather than complicated history.

“I don’t think we really got to introduce ourselves the other day, she said after a moment. Everything was… busy.”

“That it was,” I agreed.

She tilted her head, studying me. “Though I suppose you already know who I am.”

I met her gaze evenly. “I do.”

Her lips curved, satisfaction flickering briefly before she masked it. “Right. Alexander’s first mate.” She paused deliberately. “The Luna that would’ve been.”

She glanced at me then, as if gauging my reaction. “No offense,” she added lightly. “Life happens. And fate obviously had other plans.”

I almost laughed.

Not because it amused me–but because I saw exactly what she was doing. She wanted to unsettle me. To remind me of a past that wasn’t even mine, to claim space she no longer

occupied.

I didn’t give her the satisfaction.

“None taken,” I said simply. “Life does happen.”

She waited, clearly expecting more. A stumble, a reaction. Something sharp.

Instead, I smiled at her.

“I’ve always believed things end the way they’re meant to,” I continued. “And begin the same way.” She didn’t miss it. I saw the flicker in her eyes, the tightening of her jaw before she relaxed again. “Right.”

”

I adjusted my pace subtly, angling toward a bend in the path where I could easily excuse myself. It’s actually nice to finally meet you properly,” I added, tone warm. “The woman who willingly let me have such an amazing man.”

That did it.

Diana slowed half a step, but she didn’t say anything.

“I mean,” I went on, still smiling, still calm, “especially as Alexander’s fated mate. I can’t imagine how difficult it must’ve been to let him go.”

Chapter 235

There it was the sting. Quick, sharp, unmistakable.

Her expression didn’t crack completely, but I saw it in the way her eyes hardened for a second, in the way her breathing faltered before she smoothed it out. She recovered quickly, though. She’s

good.

“Well,” she said lightly, forcing a laugh, “things don’t always work out the way we think they will.”

“No,” I agreed. “They don’t.”

Silence stretched between us for a moment, heavy but contained. Then she cleared her throat and shifted gears.

“I’m only around for a short while,” she said. “I came to visit some family. Thought I’d go for a little

workout while I’m here.” She gestured vaguely ahead. “Saw you walking and figured I should at

least say hello to the Luna.”

The title rolled off her tongue easily. Too easily.

I inclined my head. “That was thoughtful of you.”

She searched my face again, probably hoping to find resentment, jealousy, anything she could

latch onto.

I’m sure she found none.

“Nice to meet you, Faye,” she said, extending the sentiment at last.

“Nice to meet you too, Diana,” I replied.

We walked in silence for a few more steps before I slowed, turning slightly toward another path.

“Faye,” Diana called out.

I slowed.

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