AvaI woke up feeling more refreshed than I had in weeks—maybe even longer—despite the hard floor beneath me. The warmth of the fire had faded, but Chris’s arms were still wrapped tightly around me. As I stirred, he opened his eyes, a slow smile spreading across his face.“Morning,” he murmured, his
After dinner, we moved to the backyard. Leonard set up the horseshoes while Ophelia and I prepared the fire pit.“I can’t remember the last time I did this,” I admitted as I skewered a marshmallow.Ophelia grinned and handed a piece of graham cracker to Princess, who ate it daintily in her lap. “The
AvaThe journey back to Moonstone was tense and silent. Dedrick sat hunched in the boat, his wrists bound behind his back, while Leonard and the scout kept a watchful eye on him. The moonstone hung around Chris’s neck as he drove the boat back to the docks, its soft blue glow a stark contrast to the
Chris scoffed. “And you believed her?”“I had nothing left to lose,” Dedrick shrugged. “It was all I wanted from the beginning.”“What were you doing here tonight?” I asked.“Spying. Waiting for a chance to slip in and take Chris out.”I felt my blood run cold at that: take Chris out. As in… kill hi
Chris“Thank you so much, James. I really appreciate everything you’ve done to help us out.”“No problem, man. You know I’m always here if you ever need anything. Sometimes these older human execs are… well, stuffy and outdated. It’s about time someone stands up to them.”I leaned back in my office
But nothing was ever that simple.Sighing, I returned my attention to the folder in my hand. As I flipped through the pages of Ava’s work, I marveled at the thought and care she had put into every aspect of the trip. From scheduling meetings with each pack’s leadership to arranging cultural exchange
AvaThe methodical back and forth of the brush against the floor was strangely meditative for me. With each small stain and scuff that came away clean, it felt like another little part of my mind came away clean as well.When I wiped away the stubborn smudge of tomato sauce under the kitchen table,
“What are you saying?” I asked.“I’m saying… That maybe I’m not the great Alpha you think I am. Maybe I’m too brazen with my ideas, and my usual habit of charming people into doing what I want isn’t going to work her. And honestly, without that ability to charm…”“You feel useless,” I finished for h
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