“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
“Perhaps I need that satisfaction,” I admitted. “But it’s not to try and win him back, if that’s what you’re thinking.”“I’d certainly hope not.”I nodded. “By the time the wedding comes around, it’ll be ancient history. I’m a different person now, stronger. So I’ll go. It’ll be fine.”After a momen
Hannah“Oh, Goddess. Are you sure?”“I think I can tell, Lily,” I said, clutching my back and wincing as another jolt of pain worked through me. “Look at the mattress.”Lily, dressed in her nightgown with her robe flowing loosely on top, rushed past me and pulled the blankets back. Indeed, the mattr