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
Ava I awoke to the feeling of two sensations: the warm sun filtering through the sheer curtains and hitting my pillow, and the worst pounding in my head that I had experienced in a very, very long time. With a soft groan, I cracked my eyes open to find that I had somehow managed to make it back
I had already been mated before. I could never be his Luna, and I certainly wasn’t about to leave my homeland to live amongst the humans. Once I was clean and dressed, I headed out to my garden to check on today’s harvest. I grabbed a small basket and got to work, a small smile playing on my lips.
Ava I couldn’t believe it at first. Olivia hesitated, looking between Chris and the orange that was laying on the floor with an incredulous expression on her face. Clearly, she thought her brother was bluffing—that he would never actually make her, his own flesh and blood, get down on her knees
Ava I hadn’t expected to see Leonard here, of all people. As he turned to face us, that familiar stoic expression on his face, a rush of gratitude washed over me. “Leonard,” I breathed, taking a step forward. “It’s so nice to see you. I didn’t realize you were the one Chris had chosen as his Bet
Ava With Chris’s departure, an awkward silence settled over Leonard and me as we stood there in the warm afternoon sun. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, a little unsure of what to say now that it was just the two of us. It wasn’t like me to feel tongue-tied, especially not around
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