HannahI was in my room, trying to distract myself with a book, when I heard the crunch of tires on gravel.My heart leapt as I immediately recognized the red car pulling up the sunlit driveway. Viona.Without thinking, I tossed the book aside and raced down the stairs, nearly tripping over my own f
HannahThat gaudy ring flashing on Zoe’s finger felt like an insult.And it was. Noah had gotten engaged to her mere days after our own divorce had gone through. Three days—that was all it had been since I collapsed in the foyer of my childhood home. Three days since I had keened and dug gouges into
“I want lots of red and gold,” I told my father. “And I want a banner with a phoenix on it.”My ceremonial gown was the real star of the show. Bright red and gold skirts that glittered when I moved, made of the finest silk that pooled around my legs like liquid fire. The neckline was off the shoulde
HannahThe scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the perfumes and colognes of the attendees. My new crown, though light, felt heavy and unfamiliar around my head as I took my seat.My throne overlooked the feast reveling below me. Guests swirled around
Suddenly, I stood and dropped to one knee before her. “The honor is mine. I pledge my loyalty to you.”The Luna Queen laughed. “Rise, Hannah. There’s no need to kneel. We’re friends.”Friends. I never thought I would hear the Luna Queen herself refer to me as such a thing, but it made my heart soar.
HannahMy stomach dropped as I read that message over and over.“Hey, Alpha. Long time no chat.”WhiteRabbit had returned. Somehow, and for reasons I didn’t yet understand, that elusive internet vendor who had once sold me contraceptive-laced diet pills had returned.“What do you want?” I typed back
Part of me felt a twisted sense of satisfaction at this news, the ember of hurt still glowing faintly in my chest.But I pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the needs of my own pack—and my baby’s upcoming birth. He never attended any meetings with me, anyway. I never saw or heard from h
HannahI read the words on that card over and over again as if they were gospel.“You are cordially invited to the wedding of Alpha Noah and Zoe of Nightcrest Pack…”“‘A joyous occasion,” I read in a wry tone, tossing the invitation aside. My hand shook, but I quickly hid it beneath the desk. As if
“Almost done…” she murmured, leaning in with a touch of gloss for my lips. I couldn’t help but laugh at how serious she looked, as if I were some delicate art piece she was trying to perfect. Finally, she stepped back with a smile. “There. Now, the dress.” Amber was already at my side, helping m
Hannah The next morning, I woke with a flutter in my stomach that had nothing to do with morning sickness. Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I blinked up at the ceiling, letting that first realization sink in. It was the day of our wedding. In le
Hannah Mornings had gotten louder since Melody learned to walk. And she wasn’t just walking—she was trying to run, arms flapping and her chubby legs barely holding her up as she went. This morning, she seemed to be hell bent on dashing down the hallway as Noah tried to brush his teeth and I hunted
I laughed, hoping it sounded more natural than I felt. “Hey, I can spoil you once in a while if I want. Just because it’s a Thursday doesn’t mean I can’t surprise you.” We chatted about our day as we ate, filling each other in on all the usual things. But every so often, his eyes would flicker to
Hannah My hands shook a little as I straightened the delicate flower crown over Melody’s soft hair, adjusting it so the petals framed her tiny face just right. She blinked up at me with those wide, innocent eyes, slapping her hands contentedly on the top of her high chair. I smiled as I ran my f
Hannah By the time we stepped out of the ring, it felt as if my entire body was on fire. Every muscle seemed to be taut, every heartbeat one thump away from shifting. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to run circles around the building or maybe tear up the walls like a caged animal. What was wrong wit
Hannah For what felt like the hundredth time that morning, I sidestepped Drake’s punch with ease, narrowly dodging his hook. Training with him had become an obsession of mine lately. He’d pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected, helping me learn how to use my speed and endurance instead of relying on
Noah pushed himself harder, letting out a playful howl as he gained on her, the hunt pulsing through his veins like a drug. She glanced back, her ears twitching, and he saw her eyes flash with excitement before she put on an extra burst of speed. It became a game of cat and mouse, each of them pus
Noah For the millionth time that morning, Noah’s gaze drifted from the stack of papers on his desk to the stretch of forest that was visible through the office window. The afternoon light filtered through the trees, casting that familiar, deep green hue over the landscape. Just seeing the expans