Chapter 68: CrownChad"Obviously not. Enjoy the celebrations, please." They dispersed when the throng engulfed them. My jaw hurt from clenching so tightly as I peered after them. Seeing Avy on another man's arm was like taking a punch to the body. "Chad?" Right at my elbow was Alison. "The coronation is about to happen. Must we not? "Not right now," I said, a little more sternly than intended. Her face flashed with pain as she fell back. My voice became softer. "I need a little time. I'll locate you quickly. I moved past her, perplexed, and pushed through the throng. How far away were they? I noticed brief moments - a glimpse of Avy's attire, Davis's shadowy head leaned near hers. Never quite within grasp. As the night went on, faces and conversations became a haze. I did my share by grinning and extending a handshake. However, I never stopped looking. Jade's vivid hair caught my attention among the throng. Our gazes locked, and I witnessed her recognition of me. Avy turned as she
Chapter 71: Knocking HeadsAvyaane With the world whirling around me, I stood motionless. I could still hear Chad's incredible, earth-shattering remarks. The whispers of the audience subsided into a faint roar. All that was visible to me was Chad's waiting, extending hand. "I, Chad Blackwood, Alpha of the pack, declare Avyaane as my mate and Luna." His tone was firm and confident. "Please accept." My mouth became parched. This cannot be taking place. Not after everything. Not after he'd rejected me, selected Alison. But look at him, his eyes beseeching, wearing a suit that was an exact match for my clothing. The yacht's deck felt like it was wobbling under my feet. Perhaps it was simply me, shaky in the face of this impossibility. A golden haze formed as the fairy lights hung overhead blurred. The crowd's faces blended together into a sea of gaping mouths and astonished looks. There was a light squeeze on my arm. Jade stood next to me, her worried eyes wide. "Avy," she murmured. "Y
Chapter 72: Secrets Avyanne pov "What do you think you're doing?" Just loud enough for me to hear, Logan hissed. It was hard to tell how quiet Chad's reaction was. Logan's expression grew serious as his eyes flashed with what appeared to be nearly betrayal. He spit out, "You can't just hoard her." All of us are her mates. You are aware of that. My heart felt icy. What topic was he discussing? Chad shot a sidelong glance at me, his face reserved. His voice came through loud and clear across the deck as he spoke again. "She is now my Luna. That is all that is important. Logan's sour laugh pierced the nocturnal atmosphere. Do you believe that makes a difference? You think-" However, I never found out Logan's thoughts. A hand caught my arm and threw me in such a way that the crown came off. Alison stood there, enraged, her eyes ringed with red. Her hair had fallen out of its flawless curls, making her look frenzied and frantic. She growled, "How could you?" Sharp pinpricks of pain pen
Chapter 71" Broken CrownsAvyanne pov The yacht's deck steadily empty. Guests left, leaving behind confetti and half-empty champagne flutes. The fairy lights overhead created long shadows, making the night seem darker than usual. As my world spun out of control, I stood at the railing, the cool metal bringing me back down. The water lapped gently against the yacht's hull, a rhythmic sound that should have been relaxing. Instead, it felt like a countdown, with each wave pushing me closer to a moment I simultaneously desired and feared. I fingered the dainty crown set on my head, still not believing it was there. The metal was warm now, having absorbed my body heat during the long hours of the ceremony. It felt strange, like if it belonged to someone else. Someone deserving. Chad arrived with thundering footsteps on the wooden boards. The crown rested askew on his head, a reminder of what had happened that night. He came to a stop beside me, near enough for me to smell his scent but no
Chapter 72" RumorsAvyanne pov My mind raced, attempting to make sense of her statements. Rumors? Lies? A pit formed in my gut as things began to fall into place. "What are you talking about?" Alison's chuckle was nasty and bordered on hysterical. "Oh, don't act dumb. What's the story about you sleeping with half the pack? That was me. I made it clear to everyone that you were a tiny whore. The room whirled around me. I felt nauseous remembering the whispers and looks. The way Chad had withdrawn from me. The pack had treated me as if I were something nasty, something to avoid. "You... you did that?" "Of course I did!" Alison's eyes shone with a frenzied spark. Her words tumbled out quickly, it was as if she had been keeping them back for too long. "I needed to preserve what was mine. And it worked, right? Chad despised you. He was about to make me Luna. "Until you ruined everything!" I stood there paralyzed, as the reality washed over me in waves. The lies, the manipulation, the ang
# Chapter 75: EvesdroppingChad When I close my eyes, the memory of yesterday's events hits me like a punch in the belly. I had been traversing the pack grounds, avoiding my brothers. The tension between us could be severed with a knife. I could not face them. Not yet. That's when I overheard it. Voices. Angry. Coming from Avy's room. I should not have stopped. Should not have listened. But I did. "You think you've won, don't you?" Alison's voice was filled with hatred. "Wearing that crown like you deserve it." "I didn't ask for this," Avy replied. Her voice was quiet. Tired. Alison laughed. It was an unpleasant sound. Oh, please. Don't act innocent. We both understand who you are. I should've gone away. However, my feet remained firmly planted. ""What are you talking about?" Avy asked. "The rumors," Alison stated. "About you sleeping with half your bag. That was me. I made it clear to everyone that you were a tiny whore. The words struck me like a physical blow. I felt nauseous. "Yo
Chad pov "What would you do?" I inquired, disliking how thin my voice sounded. Killian sighed and ran his palm across his face. "I do not know, Chad. But I do know this: you cannot make judgments solely on emotions. "Not when it affects the whole pack." I nodded, the weight of duty descending around me like a cloud. "The elders wish to meet. They're not happy that Avy is Luna." "Can you blame them?" Killian asked. "She is wolfless, Chad. "How can she lead a pack?" The query hung in the air, unanswered. I did not have an answer. How could I explain why, in that moment, crowning Avy seemed right? That, despite everything, a part of me recognized her as my genuine love? "I should go," I said, standing up. The room swayed slightly as the whiskey made its presence felt. Killian nodded. "You need me there?" I shake my head. "No. "This is something I must face on my own." Killian's voice interrupted my walk to the door. "Chad?" I turned back. "Yeah?" His eyes were sad, but he spoke with gri
Chapter 76: Ashes and AmbitionAlison povThe mirror did not lie. It exposed all flaws and weaknesses. I looked at my reflection, at the girl who had lost everything in 48 hours. My eyes were red-rimmed and puffy. Evidence of tears that I would never admit to spilling. Luna-to-be was revered by a common beta's daughter. The fall should've broken me. It did not. I reached for my makeup bag with steady hands. The eyeliner was thick and black, resembling war paint. I applied it carefully, precisely. Each stroke a declaration. I wasn't finished. Not by a long shot. I put on my lipstick. Blood red. A warning. Downstairs, Mom was waiting. Her eyes were full of worry she couldn't hide. She wasn't as good at masking her emotions as I was. Nobody was. "Alison," she said, Her voice was quiet and thoughtful. Like I was made of glass. "Are you certain about this?" The pack will talk. Perhaps it's best to stay in for a few days and let everything calm down." I smirked. The expression felt fantast
Chapter 111: Eternal LoveAvyaane pov As I stood on the balcony, looking out over the vast expanse of the pack lands, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of thankfulness and astonishment. The sun was just starting to set, painting the sky in a stunning array of reds and golds, and the gentle breeze carried the familiar scents of home - the earthy richness of the forest, the sweet fragrance of the blooming wildflowers, the faint hint of pine that had always been a comforting presence in my life. I felt completely at peace in moments like these, when the world appeared to slow down and all of the noise and commotion of daily life faded away. This area, this pack, and this family. It was where I belonged, where I had discovered the unconditional love and acceptance I had sought for so long. A gentle giggle from behind me grabbed my attention, and I turned to see Chad stroll out onto the balcony, a playful grin on his lovely face. "Penny for your thoughts, my love?" He muttered, throwi
Chapter 110: Family Avyaane povAnd we were. In the weeks and months that followed, the darkness of Allison's breakdown vanished, giving way to the dazzling, unshakeable joy that filled our lives. The triplets thrived, becoming more beautiful and lively with each passing day, and Chad's commitment to them - and to me - appeared to grow stronger every time. The rest of our family took note of the transformation as well. Logan, Killian, and Blair, who had previously viewed Allison's presence in Chad's life with a mixture of wariness and hatred, Now she welcomed our growing family with open arms, adoring the babies with a zeal that touched my heart. "Look at you, all grown up and starting a family of your own," Killian had taunted one day as he cradled our daughter. "I never thought I'd see the day." Chad had chuckled, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. "Yeah, well, don't get too comfortable," he had said. "You three are next in line, you know." The accompanying laughing and frie
Chapter 109: Closure and New LifeAvyaane pov Finally, the day came. As I held our baby daughter in my arms, the intensity of my love and appreciation threatened to overwhelm me. Her tiny, flawless features—the button nose, the delicate rosebud lips, the thick, dark lashes that fanned across her plump cheeks—filled me with a sensation of astonishment that I had never felt before. When I looked up, Chad's eyes were filled with tears of joy, his gaze riveted on the small infant cradled in my embrace. He reached out and carefully touched the curve of our daughter's cheek, his touch gentle and reverent. "She's... she's perfect, Avy," he said softly, his voice full with emotion. "Absolutely perfect." I felt a flood of pride and love wash over me, so I leaned into his touch, enjoying the warmth and comfort of his presence. After all of our hardships and tribulations to get to this point, finally having our family together and whole was more than I could have asked for. My heart swelled as
Chapter 108 :HomecomingAvyaane pov "I'm glad you're here, Avy," he muttered. "We all are." I nodded and moved my gaze over to where Chad was standing, watching the reunion with a soft, almost reverent face. Our eyes connected, and I knew I'd made the proper decision. This was where I belonged, with him and his family—my family. As time passed, it became evident that this return was not without difficulties. Allison, Chad's on-and-off-again girlfriend, was not pleased with my homecoming and made no secret of it. "I can't believe you're just letting her waltz back in here, after everything she's done," she snapped one evening, her eyes narrowing with anger as she stared at Chad. Chad, to his credit: stayed calm, his voice steady as he responded. "Avyaane is my dear companion, Allison. She and our child belong here, alongside me. I will not turn my back on them again." Allison's lips tightened into an angry line, but she said nothing more and walked away with a huff. I watched her leav
Chapter 107: Second Chance Avyaane pov The subtle click of the church door shutting behind me echoed in my ears, drowning out the quiet murmuring of the guests inside. My heart hammered in my chest as I stood there, grasping the fabric of my dress, torn between the life I had chosen and the one offered to me. Just moments earlier, I had been standing at the altar, ready to devote my life to Ethan, to start a new future with him. A future that was secure, straightforward, and free of the complexities that had plagued my past. A future that, while not what I had hoped for, seemed like it could bring me happiness. And now, in only a few heartbeats, That well planned future had been turned on its head. Because standing in front of me, with desperation and hope engraved into every line of his face, was the man I had loved with every fiber of my being - and still loved, if I was honest with myself. Chad. The sight of him storming through the church doors and yelling to halt the wedding ha
# Chapter 106: Last-Minute RescueChad pov The road stretched out before Chad, a ribbon of tarmac cutting across the thick jungle. His hands held the steering wheel so firmly that his knuckles became white, and his gaze was locked on the horizon, as if he could will his destination into view with sheer willpower. Avyaane was getting married. The words rang in his thoughts like a constant drumbeat, matching the pounding of his heart. Married. To somebody else. To a human who will never completely understand her or offer her the life she deserves. Chad's jaw clinched as he imagined this unknown man - Ethan - holding Avyaane, petting her, and nurturing the child he should have had. Their child. He had no idea the youngster existed until only a few hours before.Guilt and regret rushed over him in waves. How had he let things get this far? How had he allowed Avyaane slip away, making her believe she had to face this alone? "I should have fought for her," Chad mumbled, barely audible abov
Avyaane pov Blair's face was lighted by the gentle glow of the computer screen in his darkened room. His fingers paused over the keyboard, hesitating for a little minute before he began typing: *Hello, Avy. * *How do you feel? Is the small one causing you any problems? Blair pushed send and leaned back in his chair, running his hand through his unkempt hair. It was late (or early, depending on your perspective), but he knew Avyaane would be up. She reported in her last email that the baby had been really active at night. Sure enough, a response came in almost immediately: *Blair! I'm fine, just sleepy. Your niece or nephew appears to believe my ribs is a soccer ball. *How are things doing on your end? Blair's lips curved into a faint smile. Even through the impersonal medium of email, he could hear Avyaane's voice and imagine the sarcastic twist of her lips as she complained about the baby's antics. *Same old, same old," he texted back. *Logan is still on his redemption trip, Killian
Chapter 103: New BeginningsAyvyaane povWillow Creek, a small town, was not at all like the pack areas I had left behind. Nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills, it was a community where everyone knew everything about everyone else, and outsiders were received with equal parts curiosity and distrust. It had been three months since I left the quadruplets and my previous life behind. Three months spent creating a new identity and learning to navigate the human world on my own. And after three months of watching my body transform, the small life inside me becomes stronger by the day. I had found work at the neighborhood bookstore, a little business that smelled of old paper and possibilities. The owner, a kind-hearted woman named Margaret, had taken one look at me: alone, pregnant, and plainly out of my element, and gave me not only a job, but also a home in the small apartment above the business. It wasn't a lot, but it was mine. A location where I could start over, where I c
Avyaane povKillian's gaze became gentler. "I am aware that you have," he mentioned. "And perhaps you are correct. However, Avy, at what price? To what extent are you prepared to give up part of yourself in the hope that Logan might transform?"His words had a strong impact on me, leading me to face the questions I had been ignoring. To what extent was I ready to sacrifice? Was it right to make Killian wait while I sorted it out?"I confessed, barely whispering, "I'm not sure." "I simply understand that I must make an attempt."Killian nodded, his face adorned with a melancholic smile. "I comprehend," he responded. "And I'll be here, Avy. No matter what happens, I'll be here."As he pulled me into a hug, I felt a wave of gratitude and love wash over me. Whatever happened with Logan, I knew Killian would always be my rock.The next day, I sought out Chad. Of all the quadruplets, he was the one I knew least. He'd always been on the periphery, quiet and watchful. I found him in the train