A Warrior’s Second Chance novel Chapter 295

FAYE

I stepped out of the shower, wrapped a towel securely around my body and reached for another to blot the water from my hair.

My skin was warm, loose with that brief sense of calm that only came from hot water and isolation…those few minutes where the world couldn’t reach me, where I didn’t have to be Luna or leader or problem–solver. Just a woman alone with her thoughts.

I leaned closer to the mirror, tilting my head slightly as I worked the towel through my damp curls. My reflection stared back at me–eyes alert despite the early hour, shoulders already tight with responsibility. I looked rested, but not relaxed. Not really.

Three days…

The thought pressed at the back of my mind.

The bedroom door opened behind me.

I didn’t need to turn around to know it was Alexander.

Then I caught his reflection in the mirror as he walked closer, already dressed, posture composed in that way that told me he’d come straight from something official.

An early meeting.

Of course.

His eyes met mine through the mirror, and I saw it–the softening, the warmth that never quite made it into public spaces. A small smile touched his face, as if seeing me was the best part of his morning.

“Good morning,” I said lightly, my voice calm, casual, as if my thoughts weren’t already running three steps ahead.

He didn’t answer in words.

Instead, he crossed the room silently and came up behind me, close enough that I felt the warmth of him before his arms settled around my waist. He pulled me back against his chest with a gentleness that belied his strength, his chin dipping briefly toward my shoulder as he inhaled.

I felt it when he did–the quiet pause, the subtle sigh.

I smiled despite myself.

He held me still, one hand resting at my side, the other sliding slowly along my arm.

My body responded before my mind could stop it.

Heat bloomed low in my stomach, that instinctive pull toward him, toward comfort, toward the ease of something known and trusted. I closed my eyes for a second, letting myself exist in thatspace–wrapped in his arms.

His fingers traced a line along my hip, barely there, and I felt my resolve wobble.

Almost.

I shifted, a small laugh escaping me as I gently wiggled out of his hold before he could pull me fully. under.

“Good morning,” I repeated, this time turning slightly so I could meet his eyes properly.

He looked amused. “Good morning.”

“How was the meeting?” I asked, reaching again for the towel to continue drying my hair, deliberately focusing on the mundane.

“Fine,” he said, but the word lacked detail–dismissive in the way only he could manage.

Then, before I could respond, his arms were around me again–firmer this time, his grip secure as he pulled me back to him like he hadn’t quite finished what he’d started.

“Alexander,” I warned softly, though there was no real edge to it.

He smiled against my shoulder. “You’re in a hurry.”

“I am,” I said, trying–and failing–not to lean into him.

“Why?” he asked, his voice low, teasing. “It’s early.”

Because the clock is ticking. Because there’s a boy in a clinic who doesn’t know who he is.

Because I put my reputation–and yours–on the line.

Instead, I sighed and tilted my head back slightly so I could look at him.

“You gave me an ultimatum,” I reminded him gently. “Three days. Something tangible. Or he leaves.

His expression shifted–not defensive, not regretful, but thoughtful. A beat passed before he exhaled.

“So you’re punishing me for that right now,” he said, tone dry, eyes warm.

Maybe I was.

I turned fully this time, facing him. Our bodies brushed, my hands resting lightly against his chest. ” I’m just… following your orders, Alpha.”

I blinked. “His name?”

“Yes,” she said, smiling. “Roman.”

“Roman,” I repeated softly, testing how it sounded out loud. A strange warmth spread through my chest–relief mixed with cautious optimism. A name wasn’t everything, but it was something. A foothold. Proof that whatever had been taken from him hadn’t taken everything.

“That’s… that’s really good,” I said.

“It is,” Dr. Adams agreed. “Memory recovery doesn’t always follow a straight line, but moments like this are encouraging.”

I nodded, already feeling the pull of the next question before I voiced it. “Can I see him now?”

Her smile widened slightly. “Of course.”

Then she added, almost casually, “He actually asked to see you. That’s why I was going to send for you.”

I paused.

“He asked for me?”

“Yes,” she said. “Specifically. He asked about the lady who came to see him yesterday.”

I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but knowing he remembered me–wanted to see me–made the whole situation feel more real. More immediate.

“I’ll take you to him whenever you’re ready,” Dr. Adams said.

“I’m ready now,” I replied without hesitation.

She nodded, satisfied. “All right, then.”

I turned toward the door, my hand resting briefly on the handle.

As I stepped out of the office, my thoughts moved faster than my feet. Roman. I wondered how

the name had surfaced for him…whether it came with anything else, or if it came alone.