I trailed off, feeling myself choke up with the tears that burned at the backs of my eyes and the bottom of my throat. My palms began to itch, and I clamped my fingers even tighter around the chair as if that would somehow help. Slowly, Chris turned back to face me. His anger was still there, but
Ava My lips were still tingling from the searing intensity of Chris’s kiss when the harsh sound of the door creaking open shattered the blissful haze surrounding us. We broke apart with wide eyes, our heads swiveling in unison toward the figure now standing frozen in the open doorway. Olivia. He
Ava I stumbled through the front door of my cottage, slamming it shut behind me with a resounding thud that reverberated through the walls. Tears stung my eyes and streamed freely down my cheeks, searing hot trails of shame and humiliation that showed no signs of stopping anytime soon. Repulsive
We sat in silence like that for several long moments, the air between us thick. I opened my mouth to ask why she had wanted to speak with me, but then Elise cleared her throat and fixed me with a pointed look over the rim of her mug. “I didn’t just come here to enjoy a cup of tea, as you well know
Chris Watching Ava run away with tears in her eyes made my blood boil. And what made my blood boil even more was knowing that my sister’s vile words and actions were the reason for it. “Was that really necessary?”I bit out through gritted teeth, struggling to keep my voice level. “Have you lost
“Well. I certainly hope he has a good reason,” Elise said from the kitchen. “That marriage with Lily should not only have unified our packs, but also kept Chris here in Moonstone.” There was a long pause before Ava timidly answered: “I hope he has a good reason, too.” A good reason? Ava was my r
Ava A few days had passed since Olivia’s tirade. My scalp healed, but her words continued to cut—even though Chris’s kind words had helped soften the blows. He had confined her to her chambers once more, this time threatening banishment if she didn’t behave. The pack fell back into peace again.
“Alpha. Acting Luna.” Elise took her seat on the left side of the table, momentarily glancing at our positions, but said nothing. Once all of the Elders had taken their seats, Chris stood. “Thank you all for coming,” he said. “It’s about time we begin discussing the Alpha selection process.” “I
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