MasukChris 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
His face crumpled, and he buried it in my lap, his fingers bunching up around my skirt.Sighing, I stroked his hair gently and leaned back to look up at the stars. It was a clear night, all things considered; cool and comfortable, with a slight breeze, and not a single cloud in the sky. The occasion
“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
…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
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







