AvaThe council chamber was thick with tension, and the hot air seeping in through the open window did nothing to dissipate it as we filed in and took our seats. I caught Elise’s narrowed eyes boring holes into my head, causing me to shift uncomfortably in my chair.Chris, noticing this, reached ove
“That’s enough,” Chris cut her off, his voice hardly more than a growl. “Ava did not insert herself anywhere. I was there when he spoke those words, and she repeated them verbatim—unless you’re implying that I’m a liar, too?”Elise’s mouth snapped shut, her eyes flashing dangerously. An uneasy murmu
AvaThe sound of Chris rummaging around the kitchen stirred me from my sleep. I blinked open my bleary eyes, taking a moment to get my bearings in the unfamiliar surroundings of the Packhouse apartment. Soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the white sheets.With
AvaThe sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon as we made our way back from the beach, our cheeks flushed and our hair still damp from the ocean water. Chris and Leonard were walking together at the front, and Ophelia and I lingered in the back, our arms looped around each other’s shoulders
Chris huffed, causing me to snap my gaze up to meet his. He was staring at me with an intensity that could be seen even in the dim light of the Packhouse corridor.“Don’t you dare listen to a word that woman says,” he stated. “You’re mine, Ava—end of story. Where I go, you go.” He paused then, compo
AvaAs we approached the grand gates of Moonrise, I couldn’t help but gape in awe at the sprawling expanse of pristine cottages and gardens lined up in front of us. The neighboring pack’s territory had always been renowned for its lavish beauty and wealth, but seeing it again after so many years sti
AvaAs Chris and I approached Alpha Edward at his seat at the head of the long dining table, I couldn’t help but feel a nervous lump swell in my throat—momentarily making me forget about everything else.Alpha Edward was an imposing figure, at least six-foot-two with broad shoulders and a neatly tri
Lily giggled. “Ever since Mama passed, I’m afraid that my father has stopped trying to learn how to cook more than buttered toast.”“Hey!” Edward chided. “I’ll have you know that I also know how to prepare sunny side up eggs.”The meal progressed pleasantly enough, with easy conversation and laughte
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