LOGINChris 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
In my drunken, emotionally vulnerable state, I didn’t immediately pull away. Some distant part of me craved the comfort of being held, of being wanted. But just as Patrick’s lips brushed against mine, the image of Chris’s face flashed through my mind—and with it, a painful ache that reminded me how
Ava“—never happen,” the woman's hushed voice echoed down the hallway. “The Acting Luna doesn’t stand a chance with Alpha Chris. She’s too old for him anyway…”I felt my heart leap into my throat as I pressed myself against the corner. The voices down the hall, oblivious to my pain, continued.“Yes,
ChrisI hung my head at the bar and nursed my drink, feeling like a complete and utter fool. The hour had grown late and the ball around me had erupted into an all-out party, but I couldn’t seem to enjoy myself.How could I have even suggested such an absurd idea to Ava? She was right—it would have
Ophelia let out a low groan. “Did Chris tell you this?” she hissed, rising. “I swear, I’ll ring that boy’s neck—”“No!” I whirled around and grabbed her arm, pulling her back toward me, refusing to let her go. “No, he didn’t say that. He would never.”“But Ava—”“I just need to think tonight, that’s







