AvaThe Packhouse’s main hall felt like an entirely different world. The flickering candles and braziers cast dancing shadows on the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of spiced wine and perfume. Streamers hung from the ceilings, swaying in the breeze created by the dancing throng.But most
And then, just like that, he released me and disappeared into the crowd. I watched him go, my heart aching, before turning to find Ophelia.She appeared at my side moments later, her grip on my hand almost painfully tight. “Shall we do this, darling?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.“Just l
AvaI awoke to an eerie silence, my head throbbing and tender from where I had been struck. The once lively party had now come to a deathly silent standstill, and I found myself being roughly thrown at Olivia’s feet.As my vision cleared, I saw Chris, Leonard, and Ophelia kneeling beside me, their w
Killed him. She had killed him. She had brought a human-made gun to our world, and Patrick had never called for backup, and she was going to kill us all, and—“Calm,” Chris sent through our mate bond. “We can get out of this. Breathe, Ava. Breathe.”I sucked in a shuddering breath, a pitiful attempt
“Olivia, stop! Please! She’s pregnant!”Olivia didn’t falter. If anything, Chris’s words just fueled her. The heat of the fire seared my skin, my hair, my dress, and I closed my eyes, a sob escaping my throat. I was going to die here, and my child—our child—would never even have a chance at life.Bu
AvaChris and I stumbled out of the burning Packhouse, coughing and sputtering as we were engulfed by the surging crowd of panicked pack members. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the intense heat we had just escaped, but it offered little relief as smoke continued to billow around us.I tu
Chris, however, tensed beside me. “And Olivia? Elise?” he asked, his voice tight.The Elders exchanged nervous glances, their faces falling. Finally, Elder Paul shook his head. “We have searched the crowd for them, but there is no sign of them.”“If they made it out of the building,” Fatima said qui
AvaThe morning sun cast long shadows over the ruins of the Packhouse as Chris and I picked our way through the debris. The acrid smell of smoke still hung heavy in the air, making my eyes water and my throat itch. Charred wood crunched beneath our feet, and here and there, small wisps of smoke stil
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