AvaChris kicked the door open, sending it banging against the wall with a loud crash. I couldn’t help but giggle and smack him playfully on the arm as he carried me into the bedroom.“Hey,” I laughed, “watch it. You’d better not leave a hole in my wall.”Chris merely smirked, setting me down on the
AvaI lay with my head on Chris’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The stress and fear of the past few days seemed to melt away in the comfort of our bed, replaced by a deep sense of contentment. Chris’s fingers lazily traced patterns on my bare shoulder, sending pleasant shiv
Chris grinned. “Well, for starters, I think we should take you to the clinic for a checkup as soon as we can. Get some advice on having a healthy pregnancy at your age. Maybe start you on some prenatal vitamins.”I couldn’t help but laugh. “Look at you, all prepared. I like this attentive side of yo
AvaThe harsh plasticky crinkle of the hazmat suit was the only sound that filled my ears as we stepped into the deathly-silent Packhouse. The familiar scent of wood and pack life was overwhelmed by the acrid smell of decay and chemicals, even through the plastic shield covering my face.My eyes wid
…A little while later, the eight of us—the five Elders, me, Chris, and Leonard—were seated around my kitchen table, a tray of steaming tea placed in the center. Only Elder Bradley had taken his cup, sipping calmly amidst the silence. Other than that, the only sound was that of the clock ticking on
Chris“What’s on your mind?”I shut the bedroom door behind us and turned to see Leonard already standing by the window.The warm afternoon sun spilled across Ava’s white comforter—a strange place to hold a private chat, but without my Packhouse office at my disposal, it was all I had in this little
“It does if I say it does,” I growled as I pulled away. “You’re going to the human world. We’ll get you the best treatment money can buy. Ophelia won’t leave your side.”But Leonard was already shaking his head. “I won’t go, Chris. My place is here. If my time is coming, then I’ll accept it. I’ll go
AvaThe door closed behind Leonard, leaving a deafening silence in its wake. Chris turned without a word and stalked away, his shoulders tense.I stood there for a moment, watching him walk upstairs, torn between following him and giving him space. In the end, I decided to let him process this on hi
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