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
“It’s alright,” she said. “I understand.” I swallowed. “I want you to know that you’re very beautiful, and wonderful company,” I said, reaching across the table to touch her hand. “But yes. You’re right. And I’m sorry it has to be this way, but I don’t know if I could marry anyone while I’m still
Chris I stood frozen in the hallway, watching Lily’s retreating form as the echo of her sobs faded into silence. Only then did my actions finally settle in. What had I done? In my anger and confusion over Ava’s involvement with the Elders, I had lashed out—unfairly taking out my hurt and betraya
Lily stopped beside the fountain, looking up at the ornate statue. “This is a beautiful garden,” she said softly. “These gardens have been tended by our finest botanists for centuries,” I replied. “I’ll admit, though, I don’t come here often.” “Why not?” she asked, casting me a sidelong glance.
Ava The sun was still low in the sky, barely even cresting the horizon as I wandered along the path. It was still early morning, but I couldn’t sleep; I couldn’t stop thinking about… well, everything. I had decided to go on a walk to get some fresh air and clear my head, without any real destina
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