ChrisI stepped back from the mirror, straightening the starched collar of my crisp white dress shirt. The ceremonial attire of the Alpha of Moonstone pack always felt a bit stifling compared to the casual human clothing I had become accustomed to wearing in recent years.“Dammit…”With a frown, I t
AvaAva“Let the first trial begin.”The village square had been converted overnight into a makeshift arena, with barriers all around the center area and crowds gathered in all corners. The large metal braziers had been lit at all four corners, and lines had been painted in the dirt in preparation f
AvaThe council chamber felt stifling, the heavy oak table and dim lighting only serving to amplify the tension simmering between us all. For hours now, the eight of us had been locked in heated debate over the three finalists, our tempers slowly fraying the longer we failed to reach a consensus.“I
I grinned and pulled one of the loaves out, placing it on a cutting board and slicing a few pieces off. Next, I pulled the wheel of brie that I had been baking out of the oven, and prepared a board for us along with jam and some apple slices.“Are these from Leonard’s orchard?” Chris asked, inspecti
AvaSteam wafted through the council chamber as I carefully poured steaming coffee into the waiting ceramic mugs. One by one, I arranged them on the long oak table alongside a platter of fresh pastries I had picked up from the village bakery that morning.It had been my idea to provide some small re
Chris cleared his throat. “Shall we get started, then? Let’s bring in Allen first.”A few minutes later, Allen stepped into the room and warily approached the table. Chris gestured to the seat at the other end. “Please, take a seat.”Allen did as he was told, and Chris explained the test. A map of t
AvaWe all watched with bated breath as Dedrick strode into the chamber, his movements calm and poised as ever—not a hair on his head seemed bristled by this impromptu fourth trial, almost as though he already saw it coming.He took his seat at the end of the table without hesitation, offering me a
AvaAfter Dedrick strode out of the council chamber, a heavy silence blanketed the room.I shifted in my seat, pinching the bridge of my nose. A headache had begun to set in while Dedrick was giving his speech, and it was worsening now. Squeezing my eyes shut for a brief moment, I tried to will the
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