Anything to avoid looking Chris in the eye. He was going to such lengths to spoil me yet again, and… “Ava?” Chris’s voice suddenly snapped me out of my deep train of thought. Wincing a bit, I whipped my gaze up to meet his green eyes staring at me over the rim of his glass. “Hmm?” “Is everythi
Ava The cool fabric slid easily up my body as I slipped into the dress, my silhouette in the mirror all black elegance and old vintage glamor. I felt my breath hitch in my throat when I finally zipped it up and turned to look at myself fully. I couldn’t believe it. I felt like some kind of old H
After all, who knew how many— Enough, I thought to myself as my gloved fingers left a blazing trail up the back of his neck. Just enjoy it. Just for now. Nothing else. When our lips finally pulled apart with a wet smack, we pressed our foreheads together and allowed ourselves to share the same b
Ava The first thing that I noticed was the bright white light of the cameras: it was practically blinding as Chris and I stepped out of the car. Next, the sounds of hurried voices met my ears, people shouting frantically as though they were in competition for our attention. “Chris! Over here!”
“It’s how we get through events like this,” Ophelia explained. “A sip here, a sip there—next thing you know, you’re hardly noticing how your behind hurts from sitting in those god-awful folding chairs.” Nearly snorting into my martini, I simply shook my head and scanned the room for Chris. He was
Chris For a moment, it felt as if my blood had run cold and all of the air had been sucked out of the room. I blinked almost dazedly at the reporter from across the audience, trying to wrap my head around how the hell he knew about the moonstone. No one should have known. We had taken the utmost
Ava Goddess, the last thing I wanted to do was spend more than three seconds with that awful man—and even three seconds was too much. But my years growing up and living in the werewolf world had made it nearly impossible for me to be impolite to people, especially my elders. And so, no matter ho
I felt my fingers tighten around my glass of their own accord. Blinking, I stared down at the amber liquid inside. My mind grappled with various biting retorts—but before I could voice any of them, Ophelia was standing and shoving Princess into my arms. I didn’t expect what happened next. Suddenly
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