ChrisAnd so, there we were, huddled around a small television in Ava’s wine cellar on the night of our dear friend’s funeral.“Look at that,” Ava whispered, pointing at the screen. “Even Elise looks heartbroken as you light the pyre.”“She’s a mighty good actor,” Leonard growled.News headlines fla
I pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. “That’s the point. The element of surprise is our greatest weapon right now. And as for Elise, well... she made her choice. She’ll have to live with the consequences.”Ava sneered. “I’d rather dole out the consequences myself.”Smirking, I lifted my
Chris“Chris! Wake up! Chris!”My eyes fluttered open at the sound of my sister’s voice. Overhead, the leaves swayed gently in the summer breeze, little dappled pools of sunlight swimming across the lush grass. I had been dozing, and the dream I’d had was so… strange.A moondeer. Blood. So much bloo
There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and I cursed myself inwardly for temporarily losing my temper.“You’ve seen the havoc the artifact is causing,” I continued, a bit calmer now. “I know you want to take over Moonstone as the Alpha. But there won’t be a Moonstone left if you don’t s
Ava“Are you sure you’re okay with doing this, Ava?”“Of course. You know I’ll always help you.”Leonard huffed softly. “Thanks. I’d do it myself if I could reach the spot.”Shaking my head, I carefully measured out the dosage of Leonard’s medicine, double-checking the amount before preparing the in
“You’re right,” I finally said, nodding. “I promise I’ll get checked out as soon as I can.”Just then, we heard footsteps thundering down the cellar stairs. Chris burst into the room a moment later, his face lit up with an almost manic grin.“You’re not going to believe what just happened,” he said,
AvaThe morning air was crisp as I made my way to the market, my basket swinging lightly at my side. The streets of Moonstone were quieter than usual, the pack still somber in the wake of Leonard’s ‘death.’I expected the market to be a bit more lively. But as I approached the market stalls, it was
Elise merely stared at me, her mouth pressed into a severe line.“I didn’t think so,” I growled when she remained silent after several moments, turning on my heel to walk away.But as I strode down the street, Elise’s voice called out behind me. “I don’t need to remedy my mistakes, because I don’t m
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