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
Ava Chris turned to me with a tired expression on his face. “Let’s head back to the hotel,” he said, nodding his head toward our waiting town car. “And have a decent drink that’s not overpriced whiskey.” I nodded, letting him take my arm as we walked down the steps. For the entire ride back to t
Furrowing my brow, I said, “Then what do you suggest? We can import more goods, sure, but… Is that really necessary right now? What with everything going on?” He shook his head. “No, that’s not what I’m thinking. But I have been thinking about the blight, and how maybe there are more ways to handl
Ava Chris was silent for some time. He was silent for so long, in fact, that I was worried he might not speak at all. He sat so still, too, that I began to wonder if he had even turned to stone. Finally, he moved—but only to gently pull our hands apart and turn back to face the bar. I watched fo
Another sigh escaped my lips. “I know, I know. It shouldn’t matter.” “It doesn’t matter.” “Okay,” I acquiesced. “It doesn’t. But that one tiny detail doesn’t change the fact that we need to be wise about our decisions. You’re the Alpha of Moonstone. I’m the Acting Luna. The good of the pack shou
Ava I awoke the next morning to the sound of rain and the bustling city below. Rolling over in my large hotel bed, I saw the long streaks of fat raindrops running down the window panes in a silent race. Normally, I loved when it rained—especially in Moonstone, where the air smelled like fresh ea
I furrowed my brow and recoiled a bit. “No, but—” “Then there’s nothing to talk about,” he said. “It’s over between us.” “Yes, but…” I frowned, still gripping his arm. I stared down at where my fingers connected with the sleeve of his jacket and tried not to think about how warm he felt even thr
AvaThe bags slipped from Chris’s fingers as he saw the picture on the screen. I felt like my legs might give out underneath me; there, on the phone screen, was a photograph of us kissing in front of the hotel.And then, just below it, was a picture from the press event looking awfully cozy.“What t
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