Chris nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Always trying to save the day, aren’t you?”“That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”…Later that evening, we made our way downstairs to the banquet hall. The room was elegantly decorated, but I couldn’t help but notice the lack of floral arrangements that
ChrisI made my way through the crowded banquet hall, scanning the room for Patricia. The air was thick with the scent of perfume and the low hum of conversation, making it difficult to concentrate. I had been searching for her for the better part of half an hour, and I was no closer to finding her—
Finally, we came to a clearing. In the center stood an enormous tree stump, easily ten feet in diameter. Even in the dim light, I could see the pain in Patricia’s eyes as she approached it.“This redwood has been cultivated by generations of men in our family,” she explained, running her fingers alo
AvaThe banquet was in full swing, the air filled with the soft melodies of a string quartet and the gentle clinking of champagne glasses. Chris and I swayed gently to the music on the dance floor, his hand warm on my lower back as we moved.“You really do look beautiful tonight,” Chris murmured for
With that, he turned and strode away, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the dance floor. My chest felt tight, and I could feel the sting of tears threatening to fall. The music continued around me, but I felt frozen in place, Bernard’s words echoing in my mind.Charm him… That wasn’t what w
Ava“Rise and shine…”I was awoken by the gentle sensation of light kisses along my neck and collar bone. Soft lips grazed over my skin, eyelashes fluttering against my cheek. Before even opening my eyes, a small smile tugged at my lips.“Five more minutes…?” I murmured, feeling Chris nuzzle into th
“That must have been devastating,” I said softly, glancing over at Clara, who nodded sadly from behind her coffee cup.“It was. Is. I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself,” Patricia said with a sigh. “Those trees were more than just plants to me, you know? They were like old friends. I’m sure you un
ChrisBernard stormed out of the dining room, leaving a deafening silence in his wake. The seed that I had had Leonard send to us with an overnight courier sat in the middle of the table, unappreciated.Slowly, I turned to see Ava, Patricia, and Clara looking at me; Ava had shock and dismay written
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