Ava “Care to join me for the party?” I couldn’t help but return Chris’s smile, although I felt my heart fluttering at the sight of him standing there in the dimly lit doorway—which, of course, I would never admit. “I’d love to,” I replied, rising from the window seat and smoothing my hands ove
Chris laughed, a sweet and melodic sound that would have been lost amongst the music had we not been pressed so close. For those fleeting moments, it was as if the rest of the world blurred, leaving only Chris and me in our own little bubble as we twirled on the dance floor. His face was flushed,
Ava “You do know how much I hate surprises, don’t you?” Chris walked behind me, his hand still clasped in mine. The further we walked, the more the sounds of the party faded into the distance, replaced instead by the sounds of the forest. I could never decide which was louder: the sound of music
Seeming to sense my hesitation, Chris’s expression softened. “I’ll turn around,” he said gently. I wavered for a moment longer before finally giving in with a curt nod. “Fine,” I replied, tilting my chin up at him. “But no peeking, you hear me?” Chris simply grinned, spinning around in the water
Ava “This is why I’m proposing a five-step plan,” Chris announced, standing at the head of the meeting table. “Five steps to help integrate the Omegas into society without upending our entire pack.” The Elders, seated around the large oaken table, glanced at each other wordlessly. I could sense
But somehow, it felt… empty. Chris had said those words so suddenly the other day as we were drying ourselves off in the cavern: “So I suppose it won’t be a problem if I move into the Packhouse now?” I had blinked up at him in the glowing light of the cavern, shocked by his sudden words—they had
Chris Leaning back in my chair, I ran a hand through my hair and rubbed my weary eyes. A quick glance at the clock told me that it was well past midnight, and I should have gone to bed hours ago. But I couldn’t. With the Elders breathing down my neck and no Beta just yet, this five-step Omega in
For a long time, the two of us just drank in companionable silence, silence which was filled only by the sound of the music crackling through the stereo and the crickets chirping. Before I knew it, that warm, fuzzy feeling was starting to take over me—along with the desire to dance. Without a word
Chris shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Unbelievable,” he hissed as I smirked with satisfaction.The trip to the clinic went by a lot faster on wheels than on foot. Chris remained glued to my side, his hair falling into his eyes as he repeatedly checked on me. I simply smiled in the backseat, and w
Epilogue — Part IIAvaAs the balloon hit me square in the face, I stumbled back, nearly losing my balance. Chris’s strong arm caught me, steadying me as a chorus of “Surprise!” filled the air.Our living room had been transformed, covered with balloons and streamers in shades of blue and silver. A
Her imprisonment in New Moon was coming to an end, and soon she would be returning to Moonstone on parole. The thought filled me with a mixture of apprehension and hope, as it did all of us.But that was not coming for another month.As the Elders filed out, I leaned back in my chair, unable to keep
Before I could comment, the Elders finally filed in, their usual robes swishing around them as they moved. Fatima was now the Eldest since Elise was gone, and so she took the end of the table opposite Chris.Claire hobbled in after her; she had been leaning on a cane lately due to a sudden onset of
Epilogue — Part IAvaMy hand rested on my belly as I waddled through the doors, half-ignoring Chris’s presence. He sighed, letting the door fall shut behind me.“What’s wrong?” he asked, following me to the circular council table in the center of the room.“Nothing.”That was a lie.It was my 40th
For a moment, Chris was silent, his gaze intense as he searched my face. Then, without warning, he dropped to his knees, burying his face in my skirt. His arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close.“Goddess, I can’t wait to marry you,” he murmured, his voice muffled by the fabric.I smiled, run
AvaI found Chris on a balcony overlooking the golden sunset of New Moon mountain. The sky was ablaze with vibrant oranges and pinks, casting a warm glow over the snow-capped peaks. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and distant earth from far below, the scent of autumn.Back in Moonst
“As you should, Alpha Edward,” Chris said, clasping the Alpha’s forearm. “As you should.”It was heartwarming to see how everyone seemed to be thriving. The bonds between the packs were stronger than ever, and there was a palpable sense of hope in the air.Finally, it was time for the meeting to beg
AvaGolden sunlight streamed through the enormous windows, shafts of warmth spreading across the large meeting hall. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and a long oak table had been placed at the center of the room. Soft piano music played from a human-made record player in the corner, and counc