“Mm, much better,” I sighed contentedly, still chewing the sharp cheese. “You were right, my wine is worlds better than that bottled stuff.” “I’ll say.” Chris took a drink as well, smacking his lips appreciatively. “You’ll have to show me more about the whole winemaking process sometime. Like, wit
Ava I smoothed my shirt down in front of the mirror, biting my lower lip in anticipation. Even now, standing in my own bedroom with no one else in sight, I couldn’t help but feel a red tinge creep into my cheeks. Normally, I opted for a more bohemian style: long, flowy skirts and dresses, tops s
Ava Chris pulled the car into a small parking area on the side of the road and put it in park. He turned to me, pulling the keys out of the ignition at the same time. “We’re here,” he said. I looked out through the car windows at the sprawling pine forest towering over us and saw no trailhead.
“You know,” Chris murmured beside me, “if we’re really going to have a proper date, then maybe we could share some secrets. Get to know each other a little better.” I shot him a sidelong glance. “What did you have in mind?” He shrugged one shoulder lazily. “I don’t know. Something small, just to
Chris I tensed as the doe stamped her hoof again, her ears pinned back in a clear warning. My instincts screamed at me to shift, to bare my teeth and snarl back—to make myself as big and threatening as possible to scare this potential threat away from Ava. It was known, in the human world, that a
The two regarded each other for a long, weighted moment, their eyes locked in some sort of understanding that was far beyond my comprehension. Then, with a knowing look in her eyes, the doe dipped her head in Ava’s direction in what could only be seen as a gesture of gratitude. Huffing out one mor
Ava My heart felt lighter than air as Chris and I made our way back toward the car, our fingers brushing occasionally. My lips still burned with the sensation of our kiss, the kiss that I had initiated. And even though I knew it was wrong, I couldn’t help but smile. There was no stopping the c
I frowned. Surprises? Visitors? This was unprecedented. “What’s all this for?” Chris asked, taking a step forward. “You never mentioned any visitors.” Elise let out a sigh. “Like I said, it was meant to be a surprise. We were planning on greeting them tomorrow afternoon, and we had a luncheon pr
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