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
Ava The room fell into silence after I had spoken. I could feel the weight of the Elders’ incredulous gazes on me, but I didn’t back down. Instead, I looked to Chris, trying to gauge his reaction to my suggestion. Elise cleared her throat. “Chris, this is highly atypical. Something like this is
Straightening my shoulders, I lifted my chin defiantly. “Then so be it,” I said, hoping my voice sounded more confident than I felt. “I cannot, in good conscience, deliberately hold Chris back from what he wishes… No matter how much I may disagree with his choices. It’s not right.” Degas’ wizene
Ava “Chris, I…” I began, taking a deep breath to steel my nerves before continuing. “I never actually agreed to move to the human continent with you. You know that, right?” His brow furrowed in confusion, and for a few moments, Chris was silent. “What do you mean?” he finally asked, folding his
My cheeks flushed hotly and I averted my gaze. Was I really considering uprooting my whole life for a man? One who was ten years my junior, no less? And so soon after my own divorce? And yet, the thought didn’t fill me with as much dread as I expected. In fact, a tiny spark of excitement flickered
Ava That night, Chris took me on what was perhaps one of the best dates I had ever been on. First, we went to one of the finest restaurants in the city. Chandeliers dripping with crystals hung from the vaulted ceilings, casting the entire establishment in a warm, golden, intimate sort of glow. W
Once again, Chris’s mere presence secured us the finest table, our drinks regularly refreshed without so much as having to ask. I tried not to stare too hard at the staff scrambling to fulfill our every whim—or consider how their meager wages might pay for our indulgences. However, as the night
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