Ava “Ava? Where did you go?” Chris’s voice rang out through the hallway, beckoning me back to the party. Meanwhile, Olivia’s lips curled into a cruel smirk as she leaned closer. “Go on,” she hissed. “Your Alpha is calling you.” With that parting remark, she brushed past me. I wanted nothing mo
Chris I watched through the window of my office as Ava stepped out into the courtyard, her arm looped through Leonard’s in that familiar, casual way. A pang of something sharp and unpleasant twisted in my gut as I observed the two of them together, their heads bent close in what seemed to be an in
Elise’s eyes flashed. “Chris—” But Degas was already holding up a withered hand, his expression grave as he surveyed me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. “Let us take the Alpha’s wishes into consideration,” he said, glancing at the other Elders before turning to me once more. “All we ask
Ava “That was quite the dinner party,” Leonard said, breaking the silence between us. “I can’t remember the last time the Elders surprised the pack in such a way.” I hummed in agreement, watching my feet as we walked to avoid meeting his warm gray eyes. “Yes, it was rather unprecedented,” I said
The market was already bustling by the time I arrived, dressed in my usual flowy dress and sandals with my hair pulled back into a high bun. I perused the stalls, picking up dry and canned goods that I didn’t already have at home. “Looks like it’s going to be a hot one today,” a small voice said b
Ava “Can we talk, Ava?” Even now, seeing Chris’s green eyes reflecting the sunlight and his hair tousled by the wind, it hurt. Maybe it hurt even more, seeing him like this. “Of course,” I finally managed, somehow keeping my voice steady despite the fact that I almost felt sick just looking at
“We can’t. You know we can’t,” I said, my voice shaking despite my best efforts. I drew in a few calming breaths before continuing. “Chris, I was thinking last night, and… I made a decision.” Confusion flickered across his face. “A decision.” Meeting his eyes again, I tried to ignore how my hear
Chris Lily glided into the foyer of my Packhouse apartment, looking beautiful in a sky blue dress with a string of pearls around her neck. She was a stunning girl, truly—but I wasn’t here because I wanted to be. I had invited her here only at Ava’s request; she, along with the Elders, had been a
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