AvaI managed to get up on shaky legs, blinking hard to try and clear the dizzying swirl of stars clouding my vision. My entire body throbbed, and I could feel the sticky warmth of blood matting my hair to the side of my face.But none of that mattered. All I could focus on was the crumpled form lyi
“No—No—Chris!” I begged, shaking him.But then, something happened; movement in the corner of my eye. I whipped my head around, opening my mouth to scream out for help, only to feel the words die on my lips.A soft, ethereal glow pierced through the shadows at the edge of the treeline, filtering tow
ChrisThe medic tended to my wounds—or at least, whatever minor wounds were left—as the orange light of the fire flickered in the fireplace. Here, finally having returned to the Packhouse, I felt like I could breathe.The Elders, watching from the sidelines, shifted uncomfortably where they stood.“
Before she could reach her chair, I looped my arms around her hips and pulled her onto my own lap. Her cheeks flushed hotly, but she didn’t resist.“I thought you’d be happy,” I teased. “That little miracle may just be the thing that will cause your precious prophecy to be fulfilled. And more import
AvaThe warm rays of the early morning sun filtered in through the sheer curtains, casting the room in a soft golden glow. I blinked my eyes open slowly, squinting against the bright light until my vision adjusted.That was when it hit me—this wasn’t my room.A flush crept up my neck as the events o
“Eat,” he said. “You need it.”I didn’t need to be told twice. Snatching up a plump strawberry, I slipped it between my lips, unable to suppress a soft moan of appreciation at the burst of tart sweetness that flooded my tongue.“Mm,” I said, taking the offered plate and mug and sitting down at the l
AvaI stepped out of the front door of my cottage, feeling much better after a shower and changing into some clean clothes. Chris, who had been waiting for me in the garden, met my gaze as I approached and shot me one of his signature roguish smirks.“You look hot.”“Not in public,” I teased, swatti
I felt a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth. Leave it to Chris to reduce something like this down to its most simplistic form. “More or less, I suppose,” I conceded with a slightly bashful laugh. “Although personally, I subscribe to the idea that maybe all versions of a given deity are equally real
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