Ava“—never happen,” the woman's hushed voice echoed down the hallway. “The Acting Luna doesn’t stand a chance with Alpha Chris. She’s too old for him anyway…”I felt my heart leap into my throat as I pressed myself against the corner. The voices down the hall, oblivious to my pain, continued.“Yes,
In my drunken, emotionally vulnerable state, I didn’t immediately pull away. Some distant part of me craved the comfort of being held, of being wanted. But just as Patrick’s lips brushed against mine, the image of Chris’s face flashed through my mind—and with it, a painful ache that reminded me how
AvaIt was just after two in the morning when the nurse came in to gently inform us that visiting hours were over. Chris and I had been keeping a silent vigil by Degas’s bedside for hours, neither of us willing to leave the frail Elder’s side—but neither of us able to speak to each other, either.“I
“Luna Ava,” she said, dipping her head politely. “It’s good to see you.”“Acting Lu—Nevermind.” I crossed the room, unable to stop myself from pulling the shorter woman into a hug. “I’m so sorry about your friend,” I murmured into her hair. “I know you two were close.”The girl stiffened momentarily
AvaI nearly dropped the coffee cups I was holding when I saw it. There, sitting up in the middle of the hospital bed, was Degas—his eyes open and alert as he talked animatedly with Chris.“Degas,” I breathed as I ripped the curtain open. “You’re awake!”The Elder turned to me with a weary smile. “I
AvaI awoke to the sensation of the bright sun filtering in through the window and a distinct ache in my head. For a moment I just laid there, squinting my eyes against the brightness—and then the events of the night before hit me like a freight train.The ball. The bachelorettes. Chris’s proposal.
“Me, too,” I said with a grin.Soon enough, the picnic was laid out beneath a large oak tree—homemade loaves of bread, wedges of sharp cheddar cheese, glistening berries spilling out of a large ceramic bowl, a bottle of fruit wine, and even an array of cold cut meats that made my mouth water just lo
Ava“You’re lucky; all of you. This could have been ten times worse.”The lead scientist pulled his latex gloves off with a snap, shaking his head. I bit my lip and let my gaze wander behind him—toward the group of other scientists in hazmat suits who were probing the patch of glossy black fungus wi
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